 | The Dvkes Mistris |  |
Actus Quartus.
Enter Horatio, and Fiametta, dancing a Coranto.Ho.
So, so, now let's releeve our lungs a while,
They'l tire, I nere met with such a dancing Divell,
My Destinies take me to your charge, 'twill give
Us breath, if the Musitians exercise
Their voice upon the song I made, come sit.
Fia.
You shall command me servant, now, the song.
Song.
Enter Servant.
Ser.
The Lady Aurelia, Madam, and Macrina
Are come agen to visit you.
Fia.
I am not
In tune for their discourse say, I am busie.
Ho.
By no meanes, she has a plot upon me.
Fia.
Then ile meet em.
Ho.
Do not feare but I am fortified;
Here were a purchase now, and pension with
A Mistresse, many a proper mans profession,
Nature meant she should pay for't, and maintaine
A man in fidlers, fooles, and running-horses,
Here were no feare of any Lords returne
From Tennis, no suspition at home,
To force her to a politicke pilgrimage
To trie the vertue of some well, no kinsmen,
With lookes to keepe the flesh in awe, no children
To cry, and fright the house, their mothers smother'd.
Enter Fiametta, Aurelia, Macrina.
They are here.
I wonder at Valerios stay.
Aur.
He wo'not be long absent, never feare madam.
Ho.
Ladies, I have no power to bid you welcome,
Or if I had you wod scarce thanke me for't,
You know my mind already.
Enter Scolopendra led by Valerio.
Aur.
See hee's come,
And his Beare with him.
Val.
Signior,
You see what care I have to provide for you,
There is not such another dapple-mare i'th Dukedome,
Unlesse this face content you, you may stay
Till the Cretan Lady goe to Bull againe,
Or Africke have more choice of Monsters for you.
Ho.
I am ravish'd.
Fia.
How's that servant, ha? a rivall.
Ho.
Pray whats her name?
Val.
Her name is Scolopendra.
Ho.
Scolopendra? I have read of her, what kinne is she
To the Serpent with a hundred legges?
Val.
I know not
But she is Cosen-germane to the Salamander
She was a Cooke-maide once, so inur'd to fire,
And tough, the flames of hell will hardly scortch her.
Ho.
An admirable Dragon, can she speake?
Will she not spit fire if I should salute her?
Ile venter.
Val.
He has preservative
Against the odor of her lungs.
Aur.
He had need
Of fortification for his eyes.
Ho.
Not all
The spices in Arabia are like
Her breath.
Val.
Oh Sir, beleev't, right Stix, most pure Avernus.
Sco.
Sir, J did never see a Gentleman
Whom I did wish more heartily my husband.
Val.
To beget Scorpions on her.
Thanke thee my pretious Scolopendra, but
I have a kind of feare thou wot be unconstant,
Shall noe man get thee from me, here's a face
Is worth my jealousie, and who lookes upon't,
But with my eyes will be as mad as I am.
Sco.
The needles not more constant to the North.
Ho.
But for all that, the needles wavering
I would be certaine.
Fia.
They conspir'd to wrong me,
I feare hee's taken with her more deformity,
Will you forsake me servant?
Ho.
Hum stand off,
And give my eyes play further yet, your shadowes
Are yet to neare—my judgment is confounded,
Consider one thing with another, they are both
Such matchles toads, I know not which to choose:
You have an excellent eye, but there's a pearle
In hers, noe Gold-smith knowes the value on't.
Fia.
Observe the colours in my eye.
Ho.
Y'are right Madam,
As many, and more bright then those i'th raine-bow
Delightfull as the Parrats plume, but then
Her for-head—
Va.
So like a promontory or—
Ho.
A Feild of Hony-suckles, and Poppy-flowers
Embroder'd with Dazies, and emboss'd
With Yellow-warts which like to Mole-hills swell,
Va.
Where many Emmets hunt, and sport themselves
I'th Sunne, till to her haire a quickset hedge
I'th evening they retire.
Ho.
But twixt her eyes
You may discerne a Forrest, some higher timber
Is so well growne, that fashion'd on the top
With scissers, and cut poynted like a pyramide,
The World will take her for an Unicorne.
Aur.
Good beetle-browes.
Sco.
Sir, you must be my champion.
Va.
Examine but this nose.
Sco.
I have a toter.
Which plac'd with symmetry is like a Fountaine
I'th middle of her face—distilling Rhewme,
And at two spouts doth water all her Garden.
Ho.
But here's one soft as 'twere compos'd of wax.
Aur.
A nose of wax.
Mac.
It will melt presently.
Ho.
Not stubborne, but submits to any shape,
Sheele put upon't round, flat when she is pleas'd
She can extend, and hang it with such art
Over her mouth, that when she gapes into
The Sunne, and shewes her Teeth, you will imagine
You see a perfect Dyall in her Chaps,
To tell you what a clocke tis, then her Lips.
Va.
I see not so much red there, as will make
A Dominicall Letter, looke upon these Cheekes—
Sco.
I never painted, Sir.
Va.
Here's red enough.
Ho.
Which hideously dispos'd, and mixt with blacke,
The ground of her complexion will mortefie
The most unnaturall concupiscence,
While her cheekes represent in curious Land-schape.
Gomorrah, and her sister Sodome burning.
Va.
That comparison was home.
Ho.
But she has a breath,
A more preservative then Methridate
Va.
But with one kisse she will preserve you from
The infection, and with stronger force repell
The poyson of the Ayre.
Sco.
I thanke you sir,
I have a strong breath indeed
Va.
When she is moov'd
Sheele kill you with her phlegme, fowerscore point blancke,
The innocent part of it will staine a Marble,
Let me alone to commend thee.
Fia.
She carries not destruction like my tongue
Employd upon thy enemies Horatio.
The Bells rung backwards, or the Mandrakes cry,
Wolves howling at the Moone, the Scritch-owles dirge,
The Hiens voice, the groanes of parting soules,
To the eare is not more fatall then my tongue
When it is bent on mischeife, shall I blast
This Witch to begin withall?
Sco.
Blast me?
Va.
Belch back-wards,
And then shee's a dead woman.
Sco.
I'le teare your Snakes.
Fia.
Mine Hecate.
Va.
Well said Scolopendra.
Ho.
They wonot skirmish.
Va.
The Divells will runne at tilt.
Au.
Madam suffer this?
Fia.
Compare with me?
Va.
Sa, sa, sa, now sound a point of Warre.
Enter a servant.
Ser.
Madam the Duke.
Ua.
His grace has spoild the duell,
And we must sound retreat.
All goe forth but Fiam. Enter Duke, Silvio, Ascanio, Valerio returns, and falls in with the rest.
Du.
We trusted to your art about Ardelia,
She makes noe hast to our delight.
Fia.
And please
Your highnes I have had a strange hand with her,
And I must tell you she was prety comming
Untill the stranger came.
Du.
What stranger.
Fia.
Signior Bentivolio
Nay I know nothing by 'em, but he has
A most prevailing tongue upon a gentle-woman.
Du.
My feares! have I advanc'd him to supplant me?
Va.
Bentivolio so gracious with the Duke?
Sil.
Hee's courted next Ardelia.
Asc.
Tis for her
We may imagine the Duke graces him.
Ua.
Oh there is noe such instrument, beleeve it
As a Court-Lady to advance a gentleman,
Or any masculine busines, they are Sticklers
Du.
No more. Signior Bentivolio.
Fia.
Where's Horatio.
Va.
He was afraid you might kill one another,
And so hee's gon to hang himselfe.
Fia.
Better all
Thy generation were executed, but I must to my charge
Ben.
Your highnes powers
Such infinite graces on me I shall want
Life to expresse my pious duties, though
Time should assure me ages.
Du.
Thanke Ardelia,
Or if you would expresse your gratitude
To me.
employ your wit, and tongue, to gaine
That Lady to our close embrace, you have
A powerfull language, be it your first-service
We doe not place this confidence on all.
Ben.
You meane Ardelia.
Enter Strozzi.
Du.
That faire one, Strozzi.
Ua.
Well Signior Bentivolio, my quondam
Friend, and fellow traveller, you owe
To me a part of your Court exaltation,
And least you should forget, as few great men
Are guilty of good memories, I meane
To pay my selfe.
Ben.
I must not appeare troubled.
Va.
I congratulate your favor with the Duke,
And thinke it, not the least of my owne happines
That I was a poore instrument—
Ben.
You honour'd me,
And shall command my services: how sped
My friend Horatio?
Va.
He gave me thankes
I ha fitted him, you mist excellent sport.
I shall have time to enquire, and thanke you for
The Storie, you know how to excuse me friend,
If some engagements force me hence?
Exit.
Va.
Why so.
He has the tricke already, full of busines,
Court agitations, he is yet scarce warme,
How will he use us when his pride boyles over?
A nod will be a grace, while we stand bare,
And thanke him for the rufting of his countenance,
And discomposing his Court face, that's bound
Upon some State affaires, tis very well.
Du.
Give him accesse, thou hast shew'd diligence,
And trust me to reward it.
Str.
Tis my duty sir.
Exit Strozzi.
Va.
I have some intelligence wil be worth your hearing too.
Du.
Speake Signior Valerio.
Ua.
Doe you know the gentleman
Whom you have grac'd so lately.
Du.
Signior Bentivolio.
Va.
That's his name, but doe you know his nature?
Or his busines in these parts.
Du.
Prethee instruct me.
Va.
You doe but warme a Serpent in your bosome,
In short he loves your Mistres.
Du.
Ho's?
Va.
More is contracted,
And they both practise cunning, I ha' search'd
His heart—your eare—
Sil.
The Duke seemes moov'd,
Asc.
Most strangely!
Enter Strozzi, Pallante.
Du.
Expect a while.
Str.
Humbly your graces pleasure.
Ua.
Your highnes shall not wast a passion,
I am of counsell with his thoughts, and will
Present him ripe to your just anger, trust me
To manage things a while.
Honest Valerio.
Val.
Keepe your face smooth, least he interpret Sir,
I ha' betraid him, ere his head be readie
For the execution, it were necessary
J should examine her pulse too.
Duk.
Ardelia's?
Val.
Ile creepe into her soule to bring you all
The best intelligence.
Duk.
Precious Ualerio!
Endeare me by this service, thou hast my heart.
Val.
My dutie shall preserve it.
Duk.
Strozzi.
Str.
This is the gentleman, an't please
Your highnesse, can discover most strange things.
Pall.
To your private eare.
Enter Ardelia.
Duk.
Ardelia? my best health,
Deare as my soule, I cannot be long absent.
Exit.
Val.
So, how shall I begin now?
Madam, I have a suit to you.
Ard.
To me
Noble Valerio, be confident
For your owne worth, if any power of mine
Can serve your wish, you shall not finde me slow
To exercise it.
Val.
Yes, tis in your power.
Ard.
Presume tis finishd then.
Val.
In your free power,
Without the Duke, or other to confirme it.
Y'are flesh, and blood.
Ard.
What meane you?
Val.
No other than I say, nor wish it other,
A woman is a partner in the frailty
Of humane nature, and knowes how to excuse
The errors of our blood, and yet you shall
Have cause to give me thanks, when you consider
My sence, and your owne state, what dee' thinke
Ard.
For what?
Val.
For what you please to call it,
My persons not contemptible, though I be
No Duke, I can behave my selfe to please
Where I am accepted.
Ard.
Whats your purpose Signior?
Val.
You cannot sure be ignorant of my meaning,
Theres not a girle of seaven yeares old, but will
Expound it readily, here we sucke this language
And our milke together, I could have us'd
More circumstance, have prais'd you into folly,
And when I had put out both your eies with Metaphors,
Lead you to my desires, and to your pillow:
But 'twas about, I could have said I lov'd you,
Lookd sad, and squeez'd my eies, have sigh'd perhaps,
And sworne my selfe quite over breath, that I
Thought you a Saint, and my heart suffer'd more
Than the ten persecutions; hang't, time's precious,
I take the neerest way, which your discretion
Will like me for, yet I can love you too,
And would for thy embrace forget asmuch
Goodnesse, and tempt as many mischiefes as,
Another man, I hope you understand me.
Ard.
I am lost, and see a blacke conspiracie.
Val.
You shall see me naked. I ha' no conspiracies,
Carrie no private engines more then nature
Arm'd me withall, be wise and doe not tremble.
Ar.
How dare you be thus insolent? though my person
Move you to no regard, you shall finde one
Will teach you manners.
Val.
You would meane the Duke now.
Ar.
Has that name no more reverence owing to it?
Ual.
Yes, I desire no better judge, he'l heare
Us both, and equally determine all;
Let's to his highnesse streight.
Ar.
What meanes this rudenesse?
Ua.
You are the Dukes game-royall, or els should
Be the mistris of his thoughts, whose nod does make
Unles your sweete heart Bentivolio
Snap you before him.
Ar.
Ha?
Va.
What fine netts you walke in,
You are noe Iugler, there has past noe contract
Betwixt you, and the gallant, no? and while,
The honest easie Duke, whose spirit raise not,
Doates on that face, humbled beneath a subject,
You have noe private meetings, change no kisses,
Nor hot carreers, alas hee's but a Stranger
Whom you respect but for the bare resemblance
Of a dead brother, there's noe fame in you
But what lights you to charity; I wast breath,
The Duke is yet that tame thing, you ha' left him,
His soule in a dreame, let not your folly,
And peevish opposition to receive
Me to your armes, wake him into a tempest,
The lightning cannot moove more nimbly, then
His rage to both your deaths, your Ganimede
Will find the Dukes revenge in his hot blood,
When his heart weeping the last drope shall have
Noe pity waite upon 'em, that durst feed
The rivall to a Prince, though common men
For want of power, and courage to revenge
Neglect their shame, wild Princes that know all things,
Beneath their feete but heaven, obey noe fate,
And but to be reveng'd will hazard that.
Ar.
I am undone for ever.
Va.
Not so Madam,
You shall lead destiny in cords of Silke,
And it shall follow tame, and to your pleasure,
The Duke knowes nothing yet, you shall seale up
My lip to eternall silence of your love,
If I may but injoy you, you shall rule
With the same sway his bosome, and possesse
Your wealth in Bentivolio too, I'me but
A friend or rather servant, that shall be
Proud of your smile, and now, and then admitted
Ar.
Who plac'd me on this precipice? sir, heare me,
Tis vaine to aske how you deriv'd the knowledge
Of what I thought conceal'd, you are a gentleman.
Va.
That does appeare by my desires.
Ar.
Have yet some mercy
On a distressed maid.
Va.
Maid? thanke you for that, I wo'd you were
Indeed, virginity is wiser then
Men take it for, and therefore we distinguish,
There is one virginity in the wedge, or bullion
As we may say, and this we call lunor maiden-head,
And there's another in the coine, the gold
Is not lesse gold for the impression,
Your maiden-head is currant in this sence.
And in this maiden-sence you may give Milke.
Ar.
By all the goodnes that I wish were in you,
Not Bentivolio, whom you thinke I most
Affect, hath more of me then virgin knowledge,
Not hath the Duke with all his flatteries
Wrong'd my first State, although I must confesse
He every day expects my fall from vertue,
Doe not you more sir, then the divell could,
Taking advantage of my wretched fortune,
Betray me to a shame will kill us both,
In fame, and soule.
Va.
In fame? who shall reveale it?
And tother may repeat.
Ar.
Sir, can you kill me?
Va.
No, no I sha'not hurt thee, women are not kil'd
That way, I meane to skirmish, come you may
Save all with little study, and lesse hazard.
What is the toy we talke of? eyther resolve
Or the Duke knowes all, and perhaps more.
Ar.
Stay sir.
Va.
Yes, yes Madam I can stay, and be till
To morrow for the sport, I am not so hot
But I can bath, and coole my selfe.
Ar.
Can you
And my friends safety at so deare a value.
Va.
I'le cut my tongue out e're reveale my tongue,
All my concupiscence, and the cause, I will
Submit to thy owne carving; feare not me,
I hate a blab worse then an honest woman,
Why so? this wisdome is becoming thee,
Noe blubbering, kisse me, and be confident,
A prety rogue, to morrow shall we meete?
Ar.
Woe is me to morrow.
Va.
No, thou shalt laugh to morrow,
I'le come to thy owne lodgings, that's but reason,
Far-well, another kisse, be comforted,
And safe, the Duke knowes nothing, all shall live,
And wee'le be very loving, mighty merry.
Ar.
I must doe something to prevent this Divell.
Exit Ardelia.
Va.
Why so, this bargaine was well made, and timely.
Enter Leonato.
Leo.
I have noe peace within me, till I heare
How bould Pallante thrives, oh love upon
What desperate actions dost thou engage us?
With scorne of opposition, like a fire
Which till it turne all that his flame can meete with
Into it selfe, expires not; faire Euphemia!
Bright in thy sorrowes, on whom every teare
Sits like a wealthy Diamond, and inherits
A Starry lustre from the eye that shed it,
The Duke must die—have I betray'd my selfe.
Va.
Hold, my Lord you know me.
Leo.
For Valerio.
But must hand-backe that secret, 'twas not ment
So early for thy knowledge, from thy bosome
I'le teare or drowne it in thy blood, past search
Of dangerous intelligence.
Va.
Hold my Lord,
You shall not neede,
The World, and how to keepe a secret too,
Though treason be contain'd in't, I am not
So holy as you take me, my good Lord
For some ends of my owne, I wish the Duke
In another VVorld as heartely as your Lordship,
And will assist to his conveyance thither,
Though I be quarter'd for't, that's faire, and friendly,
You love Euphemia, why tis not amisse,
I love Ardelia, (I trust you my Lord)
You for the wife, I for the concubine,
How could the Duke being in heaven, hurt me now?
You are his kinsman, were his favourite.
Leo.
How's that?
Va.
Oh sir, there is a gentleman my rivall,
One Bentivolio got a round above you
In favour—
Leo.
He shall die.
Va.
No, let him live
A litle while, to kill his highnes first,
And take your owne time then to turne the ladder.
Enter Bentivolio.
Leo.
Thou talkst a mistery.
Va.
It shall be cleare,
Be advis'd, and second me my honor'd friend,
You, and my Lord be more familiar.
Leo.
Sir, I shall serve you.
Ben.
Make me happy
My Lord, by your commands.
Ua.
Ardelia
Your Mistris is in health—nay be not stirrd,
I have done you a curtesie by acquainting
My Lord how things stand, and introth he pities you,
We have had a counsell meerely concern'd you,
And the poore gentlewoman, whom the Duke has not
Yet lur'd to fist.
Ben.
I know not how to thanke you.
Hee's next heire to'th Dukedome, and has power
When his grace dies—imagine, a sweet soule
May I perish in my hopes, if his eyes did not
Melt when I told thy story, and how much
The innocent Lady suffered.
Ben.
I am bound
Much to his goodnes.
Leo.
Sir I would doe more
Then pity your just cause.
Va.
Nay we ha' cast it,
And so much above blood, and state, has vertue
Impression in his heart, he can forget,
And thinke the Duke a dead man.
Ben.
Excellent Lord!
Leo.
I am ashamed, and trust me have applied
What my poore learning could affect, to coole
His riotous blood, but hee's incorrigible,
And now more desperately bent then ever.
Ben.
To Violate her?
Leo.
I blush to say't, nor will
Your person be long safe.
Va.
Well interpos'd.
Ben.
He shines on me with bounteous smiles.
Leo.
They are dangerous,
And but engage you to a greater ruine.
You stand discover'd.
Va.
That's my wonder sir,
Dee thinke your friend Horatio has not wrong'd you
In's drinke perhaps—some men are such spongies,
A child may squeeze their soule out.
Ben.
You fright my sences
I doe now suspect, the Dukes command toward Ardelia confirmes it.
Ua.
Wisdome must prevent
I know thou hast a daring spirit, we
Are friends, tis clearely our opinion
You should by Steele or Poyson—you conceive me
For your owne safety, and your wives, I call her so
Whose life, and honour lies a bleeding, tis
Nothing to me, my Lord I told you, is
Leo.
Twere pity thou shouldst suffer more.
Ben.
But dare
Your Lordship meane this.
Leo.
Be confirm'd.
Ben.
Your counsells
Have met a spirit, apt in my revenge
To flie upon the world, I hope I shall
Be constru'd in his death, to have done your Lordship
Noe great discourtesie, being next heire,
Va.
Tis to be understood.
Leo.
The Dukedome made
Mine by his death, is nothing to the Crowne
Of faire Ardelias love, in whose free bosome
My pardon, and best wishes shall soone plant thee
Past the divorce of tirants.
Ben.
I am new
Create, and build my hopes upon your honour.
Exit.
Leo.
They are secur'd dost thinke hee's firme, and daring.
Va.
If he kill not the Duke—i'le cut his throate,
He sha'not scape howe're, if J have braines
I must have all his venison to my selfe,
I'le spare nor hanuch nor humbles, oh my Lord
Be confident if he meete the Duke, and time
Though it cost him a dayes Journey, hee'le goe thorough him
Tis his owne cause; he was wound up discreetely,
You doe not by this time repent your secret.
I can be wicked upon good occasion,
The divell sha'not part us now.
Leo.
Be constant,
And meete the truest friend,
Va.
Meete at a wench
Till then your humble servant.
Leo.
My fate smiles
Conscience steeres not ambition by what's good,
Who lookes at crownes or lust, must smile at blood.
Exit.
Finis Actus quarti.
| The Dvkes Mistris | |