 | The Fool Would be a Favourit : Or, the Discreet Lover |  |
Actus secundus.
Enter Agenor and Philanthus.Phil.
Sir, you have bound me to you by so many favours,
That you do give me cause to hope, that this
Ag.
Come, leave this ceremony, it does not fit our loves.
If you do love my sister, the friendship I have vow'd,
Ties me to aid you, although I know it may much
Prejudice me in my Father's love, should he know't;
For he so doats upon my sister, that he believes
None but a god is worthy of her.
Phil.
'Tis true, shee's full of all that can be excellent
In women, yet so far do I prize you above mine own desires or hopes,
That could your sister recompence me with a love equall to mine,
And yet that love, purchast by you, prove prejudiciall to you
I rather would give o're the thought of love for ever,
At least in silence rather pine and die.
No, far bee't from my friendship, to build my happiness,
Though ne're so great, upon your smallest discontent.
Ag.
You wrong my love in this, and undervalue me;
For, you do seem to say, I fear to hazzard my fathers frown,
Though I could purchase for you what you so desire:
Now, by the gods, 'twas a most unkinde thought;
Nay, from a man lesse honest, 'twould appear
Hypocrisie; or, do you think my youth hath not yet taught me,
What 'tis to be a friend? Know, Philanthus,
The few years I have past, have been employed,
To make me something capable of those parts,
Which most enobles us; and I have found
Friendship to be the soul and essence of a man.
Therefore, believe me, since for your merits I have chose you
For a friend, your discontents, dangers, and happiness,
Are all mine; no, friend, I say, your growing love
She loves, but would not have you too assured on't,
Lest it should make you lesse esteem the purchase.
Phil.
Sir, you in this assurance of your friendship,
And her love, transport me with a double joy,
Not to be exprest in words. I should fall down,
And worship such a god-like friend, that thus
Bestowes his favours on a desertlesse person,
Made onely worthy by his love.
Age.
Still you forget our friendship, heaping your thanks
And praise on me, a burthen my weak deserving
Cannot bear without much shame; let it suffice,
My love makes me a servant to your wishes;
If they do take effect, 'tis your own merits,
Whom the gods cannot refuse, that's the cause of it.
My friendship onely a willing instrument,
Strives to bring their divine wills to passe.
But Oh! friend.
Phil.
Why sigh you, Sir?
Age.
I have long lik'd, and now I fear I love,
And therefore think, friendship obliges me
To tell you, yet with the reservation of her name:
For shee's so cruell, so proud, if't be no sacriledge
In me a Lover, to give that attribute.
I say, shee's so disdainfull, and there's so little hope,
Nay rather such a certain impossibility,
That she will never love me, that I am asham'd
To name the Tiger, that will in time, I know,
Consume my heart.
Phil.
Tell me her name, and send me to her, and I shall quickly
Make her know, shee's cruell to her self.
Age.
Oh friend, I do not wish to lose you,
'Twere the ready way to make you false; such a faith as yours
But should you often see her, and converse, you'd soon
Break faith with me and all the world, to gain
One smile from her; yet, even that smile were death,
Except you might enjoy them often: the deprivation
Of a good possest, being our greatest misery.
Phil.
Sir, may I not know this wonder, for such I must believe her,
From your love; but more, that you believe she could
Taint my faith. Venture to name her.
Age.
If you urge it as a duty, belonging to our friendship,
I must tell you; otherwaies I would for some
Respects conceal it.
Phil.
Except you mean to imploy me to serve you,
'Twill be to no advantage.
Age.
If you will, I'le tell you.
Phil.
Faith, Sir, I shall not take it ill, if you conceal her;
May be, 'tis her will because her cruell usage
Of you, if known, would be thought folly.
Age.
'Tis her will indeed; yet, friend, she hath more wit then all her sex.
Phil.
Sir, were I not a Lover too, I should believe you.
Age,
I dare not let you see her, so to approve it;
Shee'l quickly finde your worth to exceed mine.
Now is my friendship from least taint most free:
If she knew both, there might grow jealousie.
Exeunt.
Enter old Gudgen, young Gudgen, 1. Courtier, and Man.
Y. Gud.
Passe not beyond this score, I charge thee,
Father, upon thy allegiance; we are now within the
verge of the Court. Away, make haste, to turn those
durty acres into crowns, to buy the place you wote of.
Well son, e'en god be with thee.
Y. G.
Weep not, I say, but get you home, and remember
my blessing to the old woman, your wife; bid
her not be proud of me, though she have reason: Many
a sweet-fac'd youth, like my selfe, hath miscarried at
Court, comming to be a Favourite; but I'le buy't,
and make sure work, I.
O. G.
Well, well.
Y. G.
What, not gone yet, I think I shall be troubled
with you. Sure I was a bastard, I could not be
his son, hee's such a coxcomb.
1.
Like enough.
Y. G.
There have been Courtiers in our town, I and
my mother was worth the whistling after, I can tell yee.
1.
I doubt it not.
Y. G.
But come, how do you like me?
1.
Believe me, Sir, yee'r wondrous well accoutred.
Y. G.
Well accoutred, is that a courtly phrase?
1.
Yes.
Y. G.
I have heard some word neer it in the Country.
And how do you like my vassail?
1.
Very proper.
Enter a ragged Courtier.
Y. G.
Is he not well accoutred? What's he, what's
he, Sir?
1.
Some poor sleight fellow, you must be surly to
such, and look big.
Y. G.
Nay, Sir, I can look big, I learnt that of my father's Bull,
He comes towards me.
R. C.
Noble Sir, I shall be wondrous proud of your acquaintance.
Y. G.
Then you shall never have it.
R. C.
Why, Sir?
Y. G.
Pride is a deadly vertue, humility a sin, that will
better become your clothes. Look I not big? Ha! stay,
what's he, what's he.
1.
Some great man, by those that sue to him: you
must abase your garb, and with an obsequious look
salute him.
Y. G.
Sir, I professe my self the vassail to your Dog;
if you keep none, I am a most devout and obsequious
servant to your Cat.
Man.
I shall desire to have the providing of her Mice.
2.
Sir, I am full of employments, excuse me, I must
suddenly give his Grace an account.
Y. G.
A great man certainly, 'tis well if I can come
to speak with him this two hours.
1.
Sir, may I intreat to know, what place you hold
in Court? this Gentleman, I can assure you, is worthy
your acquaintance.
Y. G.
No, no, Sir; alas, I'm an ignorant, and know
nothing, wondrous simple, believe it: a week hence
will be fair, I'le wait your leasure. But what's your
place, Sir, I beseech you honour me, Sir.
1.
Pray, Sir, satisfie him.
2.
Sir, I'me a favourite to his Grace.
1.
What luck have you, Sir.
Y. G.
I, is't not good luck? Why, Sir, I come to buy
a Favourites place, and think I am as fit for't as another
man, and will give as much mony too.
2.
Believe it, Sir, you must pay well for't, 'tis a
place of great advantage.
Y. G.
I know't, Sir, but one may ha't for mony, I
am assur'd on't.
2.
Yes, you shall have mine on good conditions.
Y. G.
Good or ill conditions, I care not, that's all
one, I'l ha't.
Sir, you know not yet the duties, nor the priviledges
of the place.
Y. G.
That's true, pray what are they?
2.
First, you may be alwaies next the Duke, and so
advance, or else keep back suites, as you favour or dislike
the person.
Y. G.
Nay, I'le dislike all suites, that are not like
mine own.
Man.
or mine.
Y. G.
I, or thine.
2.
The great men will give thee the first good-morrow,
perhaps shew more respect, they are very courteous
in this age: The Ladies, thei'l observe yee too, it may
be, more then their husbands.
Y. G.
That's brave ifaith.
1.
Sir, hark yee, you must not seem so desirous of it.
Let me alone to talk with him, and make the bargain;
let's go to the next Tavern.
Y. G.
Sir, I do not greatly care for this Favourites
place of yours, I hear, a man shall never live in peace,
my eares will alwaies be glowing; they'l do nothing
but talk of me, and they'l be hang'd before they speak
any good.
1.
Though you deserve ne're so much. Come, let's go.
2.
Nay, that's certain, they'l misinterpret every
action, if it prosper not; their faith in that is like to
Turks.
Y. G.
Sir, I would have you know, I care not ijd.
for your place; but if you'l go to the next Tavern, he
shall agree with you for it.
1.
Fie, Sir, you'l spoyle all.
2.
But is there nothing the Duke may except against,
in your friend?
Y. G.
Except against me? 'tis impossible, he ne're
saw me in's life: why should he except against me then,
am not I as fit for a favourite, as another man?
'Tis but a needfull objection.
Y. G.
Except against me?
2.
Pacifie your selfe.
Y. G.
I tell you Sir, if he should but think of excepting
against me, I would return into the Country presently,
as wife as I came.
1.
Nay, good Sir, 'tis impossible.
Y. G.
And he were ten Dukes, I'de send him to seek
a Favourit, I warrant you. Except against me? what
me?
1.
Nay, Sir.
Y. G.
I tell you, Sir, should the Duke use me so,
His Dukeship does not a right Gudgen know.
Exeunt.
Enter Adrastus and Philanthus.
Adr.
Believe me, noble Philanthus, there's nothing
That in the passages of life hath more contented me,
Then the happinesse of your friendship. The advantages of which,
You have now had, at this and all other exercises,
In the person of any other, would have given me cause
Of griefe and envy; but since 'twas my beloved
Philanthus, that rob'd me of the glory,
The theft was so far from displeasing,
That with the prise you won my heart too.
Phi.
Your friendship, Sir, does make you attribute
To merit, that which was due unto my fortune only,
Or rather to your policy, who by permitting
Me to win this prize, thinks to encourage me
Against some others, weaker then your selfe;
And when I am growen something rich, by little victories o're them,
You'l shew, you onely let me grow to this,
That with more ease at once, you might increase your store.
Adr.
In this you overcome me too, but sure in love
Your friendship, I nere should think of marriage:
For to say true, how can there be, in vain
Phantastick women, halfe that contentment found,
That's in a perfect friend.
Phil.
'Tis certain, in vain Phantastick women, there no content.
But, Sir, excuse me, if I say, y'are in an errour,
If you hold all women so.
Adr.
This moves him, I'le try him farther. Are you infected with that errour,
To think, there can be any other good in women,
Than onely, that they do increase mankinde?
Phil.
Certainly they'r good for something else.
Adr.
Yes, to set debate 'twixt the dearest friends,
To ruine husbands in their states and honours,
Nay, Kingdomes, Empires; in a word, for certain,
As they bring men into the world, so certain
Do they ruine all our joyes.
Phil.
You speak from malice, friend, I fear, not from judgment;
For you must give your opinion the lie, when you consider,
That our Prince that governs us had a mother,
Who, whilst she lived, did govern him.
Adr.
It works. She was a Queen ordained by heaven and so
Indeed, that she partaks none of her sexe's
Ill, nor weaknesses. Name another.
Phil.
Shee's easily seen, did not your malice blind you;
The Princesse Aurelia.
Adr.
As shee's a part of her divine Mother, I grant her excellent;
But that laid by, shee's but a woman.
Phil.
But a woman, would you have her a monster, would yee?
I must close with him, I am satisfied.
How his blood stirs at naming her.
Sir, I'le admit those two to have some worth.
Phil.
You had a mother Sir, and you have now a sister,
Most perfect as I hear; will you bar them
From all that's worthy?
Enter a Servant.
Ser.
The Duke calls for you, he thinks your Lordships well
On your journey by this time.
Phil.
Pray let him know no other.
Adr.
Dear friend, your pardon.
[Exe. Adr. & Ser.]
Phil.
I do not like this carriage of Adrastus,
He makes a greater shew of love to me
Then usuall, pretending a strange hatred
Against the nobler sex of women; noble, because
Dearest Aurelia's one. How blest am I,
Though I dare onely whisper to my selfe, I am beloved by her.
My plot was prosperous, & shee one of my best assistants,
To whose dear care I owe my happinesse,
For by thy means, I did receive the first hope,
That I was beloved above what she made shew of.
Enter Miranthe.
Mir.
And from me you must receive assurance of the contrary.
Phil.
Ha! that Aurelia loves me not.
Mir.
Shee's so far from loving you now, that she
Doth hate her selfe, that e're she did
Phil.
Oh! I am wretched, from what a pitch of happinesse
Thou hast thrown me in an instant, 'twas unkindly done; yet,
By thy flatteries, in this thou hast disturbed,
More then inform'd my judgment.
Mir.
How?
Phil.
For, what care I for knowledge of that truth,
That brings a certain ruine?
Mir.
She did love you, and may again; crosses in love are ordinary.
Phil.
Shee'l hear me speak, that I may know the cause,
At least, of her displeasure.
Mir.
I know she will not, her heart's so swoln with some offences.
Phil.
I have no other comfort left me but my innocence
Each accident doth crosse me. To morrow I must
Leave the Court, to wait upon the Prince:
How shall I get an opportunity to speak to her,
The losse of time will ruine me, I must
By Letters make her know my innocence.
Mir.
When you are gone, if I can learn the cause
Of her displeasure, I'le write.
Phil.
Thou art all my comfort.
Exeunt.
Enter Lucinda and Linda.
Luc.
See, Linda, what I found too in my Cabinet,
Looking indeed for one of my dear brother,
Kinde Adrastus Letters.
Lind.
Believe me, Madam, the language of this Letter,
Considering the sweetnesse of the youth that sent it,
Would have moved pitty, if not procured love,
From any other, but your cruell selfe.
Luc.
Alas, good wench, I see thou hast a tender heart;
In truth I would it had been writ to thee.
Lind.
Well, Madam, you think none worthy but your brother Adrastus.
I do indeed believe so; who equalls him in worth?
And till I finde one something neer him, I shall not
Think of Marriage, I assure thee; for, my beauty,
Which gives place to none, will not permit me
To accept a servant, that is not equall to the best deserver.
Lind.
Madam, though naturall affection stop your ears,
Against all reports, that do not sound Adrastus praise;
Yet, I by others hear, Philanthus and the young Prince,
In all respects far prais'd above him.
Luc.
Philanthus!
Lin.
Why, Madam, speak you with so much scorn, hee's now
Accounted the glory of the Court, a man fram'd
Both for Love and Armes.
Luc.
Pish.
Lind.
You never saw him.
Luc.
Nor nere desire.
Lind.
Well, Madam, you are strangely averse, take heed
Love do not lay some punishment upon you,
Equall to your contempt of his great deity.
Luc.
Contempt of his great deity, had he a temple
Standing near, dedicated to him, and to his
Mother both, I would go in and yerk his little worship;
Or should she say, I were not fairer then her selfe,
And more to be adored, I'de break her Statue,
And those, whom by my beauty are captive made,
Should in th'stead of it, erect my Picture, frowning too,
That any should presume to love me; yet in those
Clouds, more powerfull to draw mens hearts to my devotion,
Florish.
Then she, with all her wanton blandishments.
Exeunt.
Duk.
Daughter, me thinks you'r sad, is't for your
Brothers absence—hee's now upon return.
Aur.
I am not sad, Sir, 'tis but your conjecture.
Duk.
Adrastus, are there no sports, no pleasures to delight her?
Florish.
Adr.
None, Sir, the Court is clouded in the absent of the Prince.
Duk.
What means this Trumpet? one go see.
Serv.
A stranger Knight Sir, one that desires to be
admitted to your presence.
Enter Herald.
Duk.
Wee'l hear what he demands: What would yee?
Her.
Great Duke, know, that this Knight is hither come,
To repair himselfe by Armes, of an injury
He hath received; nor can he fear, so just a Prince
As your selfe, will break an honourable custom,
That hath been so long us'd amongst your Ancestours.
Duk.
It cannot, nor it shall not be refus'd.
Her.
Is Adrastus in this company?
Adr.
Yes, I am the man.
Her.
Then, Sir, my Master will maintain with his life,
That you have belyed a Knight, equall to your selfe
In merit, in whose behalfe hee's come to prove,
That you have wickedly invented that,
Which you have said of him.
Adr.
Though I do not know your Master, which might excuse
A man of my birth; yet, confident in mine own: innocence,
As having wronged no man, I do accept the Combat.
There cannot be more noble witnesse.
Duk.
Adrastus, I prise you too much, to suffer it.
Adr.
How, Sir? then may my arms rot off, if ever I
Lift them in your service; and yet my heart
Misgives me in this occasion, more
Then ever. Push is't not before divinest,
Aurelia? I shall do wonders.
Exit.
Aur.
What can this stranger be? or what can
Be the wrong, he now seekes right of from Adrastus,
Whose valour makes him famous through the world?
Enter young Gudgen and his man.
Y. G.
Save your refulgent grace.
Duk.
How now, who are you?
Y. G.
A poor favourit of you graces, that desires to be
better acquainted.
Duk.
A favourit of mine, how came you so?
Y. G.
Knowing my selfe fitly qualified, and well accoutred,
as they say, I made bold to venture a summe of
mony.
Duk.
Is this he?
2.
Yes, Sir.
Duk.
I am bound to you, it seemes you love me well,
that would buy my service, venturing in it my refusall
of yee too.
Y. G.
Yes, in good faith, I love yee very well; I have
heard in the Country a good report of you; besides,
y'are bound to love me too, by my place.
Duk.
Who swore you, your own imagination?
Y. G.
Swore me, why, do you misdoubt me? I warrant
yee, Sir, I'l execute it rarely—Stand by there,
the Duke is busie, another time hee'l hear you.
Duk.
We shall be troubled with this Asse.
Y. G.
Take away this fellow, you hear what the
Duke saies,
Take him away, this is not a time for fooling
I am serious.
Y. G.
Your grace is wise, 'tis true indeed. See the
Councill-Chamber made ready, 'tis a businesse of
great importance, worthy your fear. I would old
father were here, we two would advise you rarely
ifaith.
Duk.
Away, coxcomb.
Y. G.
He has a villanous head of his own, hee'l tell you
how many acres of land are in your Dukedome, and
never measure it.
Duke.
How?
Y. G.
Another shall measure it for him.
Cour.
Away with this fool.
[strikes up Gudgens heels.]
Y. G.
Slight! what do you use a young Gentleman
and a favourite thus, that comes out of his meer love
to Court?
2.
Hee's quite discouraged, that rude fellow hath
spoil'd all.
1.
Not a whit, if I do not raise him to a beliefe above
what he had, ne're trust my skill.
Y. G.
'Twas you Sir, that made me believe, I should
rise at Court.
1.
Why, so you do; but you are no ordinary Favourite,
they rise first, and fall after commonly; but
you shall rise after your fall.
Florish, Charge.
2.
'Tis not without example.
Exeunt.
Enter Adrastus and Philanthus.
Duk.
Are the Knights ready?
1.
Yes, Sir, see where they enter.
Duk.
Then let the justice of the injured's cause protect them
[they fight.]
1.
Was ever seen a braver Combat?
Duk.
'Twere pitty to lose such Knights, perhaps their quarrell,
Aur.
The stranger does appear the braver.
Duk.
I fear Adrastus. Sweet daughter, make tryall of your power,
To stay the Combat, 'tis an an office will become you.
Aur.
Most willingly. Sir, I beseech you hold.
She pulls him, and he turning suddenly, her fear makes her fall; he offering to help her, Adrastus comes behind; but he recovering himself, laies Adrastus at his feet.
Phil.
Traitor, this basenesse will expresse thee.
Aur.
Hold, Sir, I adjure you by her whom you
Best love, give me his life.
Phil.
Let him confesse the wrong he has basely
Done to me, and her whom you adjure me
By; and he shall live by your command,
Though far unworthy to be so obliged.
Adr.
I am dead else, I do, or any thing.
Phil.
Live then, to be more miserable then death could make thee.
Duk.
Be carefull of Adrastus, but see this stranger
Receive no injury, from any of Adrastus friends.
Though ye have fought with one that we love dearly,
Yet, I so much admire your courtesie
And valour, that I should think my Court
Much honoured by your stay.
Florish.
Adr.
Friends, if you love me or my fortunes, revenge me,
The way I leave to your discretion.
Friends.
Enough, wee'l die or doot',
Notwithstanding the Dukes command.
Ex. omnes
| The Fool Would be a Favourit : Or, the Discreet Lover | |