 | The Siege |  |
ACT II.
SCENE I.
Enter Foscary, Colonel, Bertolina, Ranola.Foscary.
Long ere this time we did expect a Battery,
'Tis strange they are such quiet Neighbors.
Col.
The Outworks are made perfect, and our River
Guarded by a Sconce, no force of Cannon
Nor Humane courage, can indanger us,
Unless we betray our own strength.
Fosc.
Colonel, your reward will be immortal fame;
You have oblig'd your Countrey to hold your
Name precious; and 'tis my ill fate
To wear a title that grows too heavy
For my strength, I stagger beneath its weight.
Col.
Your own deserts, and popular love, made you
The Governor of Pisa.
Fosc.
How unsafe is it to keep that honor;
This Siege informs you
I'm made the mark, at which the Great Duke
Doth aim his fury; and howe'er 'tis noble
In a Soldier to presume on destiny,
And his own courage; yet it is wisdom
To suspect danger ere 'tis felt. See Bertolina
Already like a Captive, shews she hath
A melancholly look, she's no more my daughter,
But the child of fortune. O my lov'd Girl!
The Sybils faces do resemble thine,
Thy look doth prophesie, but yet not a
Kind fate.
Bert.
Sir, your Stars have a great predominance
O'er my Nature.
Fosc.
There is a cause that justifies this grief,
How would it hasten thy eternal absence
From this World, to see thy aged Father
Fetter'd with Chains, and thus
To be sent to Florence, there to beget nothing but
Scorn and laughter in the Duke.
Bert.
O Sir, do not mistrust your power with
Providence. When you speak thus,
I tremble like a tender Lamb,
In a cold Winter night.
Fosc.
'Las! Why should this beget thy fear? Though my
Offences expose me to this danger,
Angels will secure thee; but what,
My Bertolina, wouldst thou suffer to
Prevent this sorrow.
Bert.
The Rack, Famine, or Fire,
Or any torment Sir, to preserve you.
Col.
Had Portia ne'er been known in story, thy
Heroick vertue had wanted an example.
Fosc.
This joy on Earth, will tempt me to affect
Mortality. Shall we yield my Girl this
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And so procure thy safety?
Bert.
Never! Life affords no pleasure when once
We are depriv'd of Liberty. Though Men
Of low and humble Birth, account it no
Restraint or bondage, unless their Limbs are
Fetter'd, or circumscrib'd with Walls; yet such
As boast of high descent, esteem their honor
Wounded, when they lose but a little; which
Courage or resistance might have kept. This
Is a glorious cause! Women may fight
In this just War,
And not impeach their modesty.
Fosc.
O such a child was Nestor's fam'd receipt,
With which he did restore his youth, I shall
Out-live my memory, until I have
Forgot my name.
Enter Soldier.
Sold.
Noble Governor, the Senate are in
Council, and wait your presence.
Fosc.
I come: Colonel, yield not to a Parley,
We will endure this storm, and save the City.
Farewel my Bertolina.
Exeunt Foscari, Colonel, Soldier.
Ran.
Madam, must we then expect a Battery?
Bert.
I Ranola Will it not make rare Musick?
Ran.
These Cannon Pellets will bruise me shrewdly.
Bert.
They are curs'd i'th' Womb, whom the Cannon murders;
Therefore for the credit of your Stars, do not
Suspect a death so boisterous.
Ran.
When the Battery begins, I'll hide my self
I'th' Matted Closset, and shut the Wainscoat
Door close, then I am safe
Bert.
Thou may'st as well wrap thy self up in Silk,
And think it proof against a Musket Bullet.
I left a Picture in your charge, prethee
Bring it me down to the Gallery.
Ran.
I shall Madam.
Exeunt omnes.
Enter Ariotto, Lizaro, Bagola.
Ari.
Quick, good Bagola, our stomachs are so keen,
We shall need no Knives.
Bag.
I boyl no flesh, but what is wholsome.
Ari.
Good Camp Beef, if't be thy will.
Liza.
And that's Horse-flesh in the City.
Enter Soranzo.
Bag.
O Signior Soranzo! I have reserv'd
A morsel for your Paunch, will make it heave.
Sor.
Prethee hasten it hither, I chue my Cud already.
Ari.
Signior Soranzo, sure Fortune has
Received her eye-sight; is she so kind
To send you hither.
Sor.
Death! Must I always meet with these Earwigs;
How they endanger my Brain.
Bag.
Here, devour a pace, I have no Vinegar.
Ari.
I ha'seen thee wash thy Aprons in this Bowl,
Why dost thou bring our Meat in't.
Bag.
By Jove they were my Smocks! feed
And be thankful, the Ram was somewhat tough
I kill'd to day, but you shall have it.
Exit Bagola.
Ari.
You shall share in our Mess.
Sor.
I shall be excus'd Sir, and thank you
Liza.
Ariotto, the Maiden-head of this flesh
Is thine; this day thou didst deserve it by
Feats of valor.
Ari.
Had I not seen thee engag'd against the
Other five, I had maintain'd the combat still
With those Seven Switzers, Pox o'their two handed
Sithes, it were easier for'em to cut down
An Oak then me, whilst I stood at this guard.
Liz.
Right, but t'was for the safety of my fame
To see you skirmish with twelve such,
And not employ my fortitude to weaken
Their assault. Can you accuse my fury?
For I beseech you, let us borrow your
Moderation.
Sor.
In what Sir?
Ari.
'Faith would a had seen thy magnanimous
Feats, Lizaro, he would have gain'd employment
For his Pen; and thanks from all posterity.
Liz.
Nay, nay, Troth thou dost abuse thy own merits.
Nine o'the twenty, ow their lives to thy
Mercy.
Sor.
This is new Court thrift; they are not able
To maintain flatterers, therefore belie
Each other, with their own praises.
Enter Meruole, Bagola.
Ari.
'Slight! There's Meruole, hide the Meat.
Mer.
What Food Bagola?
Bag.
I'll cram thy Maw with Beef of Roaring Bull.
Mer.
With Horses flesh, stew'd i'th' Water of a Ditch.
Bag.
Ancient thou beliest my hospitality.
Mer.
Prethee vanish, & fetch a morsel hither.
Bag.
What dost thou grumble.
Mer.
I say, a haunch of thee is more in season
In the Camp, then Venison in the Court.
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Your morcel shall be visible streight.
Exit.
Mer.
There's my subject, I smell an
Odoriferous steam.
Ari.
He has got the scent, we must speak to him.
Ancient, how does thy Lungs, thy Mid'rife, and
Thy Bladder, ha?
Mer.
Room for my eye-sight, nay, I must see it.
Ari.
Before a stranger. Ancient remember
Our Covenants.
Mer.
Sligh you are, Cannibals do lay
Meat there to affront my nose; but I can smell you.
Ari.
If you resolv'd to forfeit your Bond, yet
Let's feed together.
Mer.
Not so much as will choak a Wren.
Liza.
Part of it belongs to my disbursment,
And I'm Piracco's subject.
Mer.
I'll borrow of Piracco for this time.
Liza.
Tyranny, Tyranny!
Ari.
Death! Be not so loud; since we must suffer,
Let's disguise it from Soranzo. Welcome
'Ifaith Ancient, imploy thy Teeth until
Thy Gums are sore, it was provided for
Thy dirty Maw; thou shalt not leave the weight
Of an atome behind thee, devour it all.
Mer.
Devour it all! Subject are ye turn'd Traytor
Have you a plot to kill me with a surfeit.
Ari.
Nay, good Ancient, before a stranger!
Liza.
'Twas onely spoke to disguise our frailty.
Mer.
That breath cools my spleen.
Sor.
This is a rare Tyrant.
Ari.
Death, he observes us, give us leave to talk
For preservation of our honors. Eat
Good Ancient, 'tis a usual complement
With us, we'll expect the Relicks.
Liza.
If y'are destitute of a Knife, here is
A young Bilbo, 'tis neer a kin to old
Bilbo my Sword.
Mer.
I shall eat; bring some Wine hither.
Enter Bagola with Wine, Bread, and Mutton, &c.
Bago.
Here's your morcel Sir, it may be given
A Queen in Childbed, what are you furnish'd?
Ari.
Meruole is our guest, give him some Wine.
Mer.
Here Bagola! Here's t'th' prosperity
Of thy ravenous stomach!
Bago.
Thanks Man of War, I am call'd within: I am
Roasting of an old Cat.
Exit.
Ari.
Ancient feed on, we must retire, Marshal
Affairs deprive us of thy smooth looks; would
Cerberus were feeding on thy heart.
Liza.
We must grow valiant, this tyranny is
Above humane suff'rance.
Ari.
Signior Soranzo, we wish you well.
A way, our cowardice is yet conceal'd.
Exeunt Ariotto and Lizaro.
Mer.
Whoreson Monkeys, shall they surfeit here, feed at
Nero's rate, whilst Men of merit dine with
The Camelion. I have
A politick nose—,'twill wind out a steam
From the Mogol's Kitchin, to the Turks Parlor.
A health to you Sir.
Sor.
Sir, I receive it as an honor.
Mer.
By this Light, you eat nimbly.
Sor.
I hope Sir, you do not number my Bits.
Mer.
No Sir; but if you continue at this rate, you
Are a rare Trencher-man.
A ha! This will comfort the Kidneys,
I would know your Countrey Sir.
Sor.
I'm a Florentine, Sir.
Mer.
Your name shall be most welcome to my ears.
Sor.
Sir, we lose time in pratle, this hour
Belongs to the stomach, not to the tongue.
Mer.
S'death he out eats me—Another health
Unto your person.
They both drink.
Sor.
I'll give you satisfaction Sir.
Mer.
I'll engage, if thou hast so good
A stomach to the Wars, as to thy Meat,
We shall need no Weapons but thy teeth; thou wilt
Eat up all our enemies.
Both rise.
Sor.
Sir, I shall do my poor endeavor, being
Encouraged by your example.
Mer.
He's a Voluntier, if I could make him pay me
Tribute, 'twere a good addition
To my revenue. I'm much taken
With thy person.
Sor.
I have cause to cherish it, since you find it
So deserving.
Mer.
Thou do'st so charm my eyes, I am not able
To resist my purpose. I must, spight of
My teeth, do thee a kindness.
Sor.
Pray Sir, believe it then,
You shall find me grateful.
Mer.
I have drunk fillers, he tempts me by
Conjuration, 'tis grown inevitable,
I must do it; go, go, be confident.
Sor.
Sir, I would gladly know your curtesie
Ere I receive it.
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Lend me thy ear—
I'll fight with thee.
Sor.
You merit my eternal service.
Shall I be bold, to think I may enjoy
This honor.
Mer.
'Heart do! I consume my breath,
Did not I say be confident.
Sor.
I, but the kindness is so eminent,
I fear a rival; some other man abler
In desert then I, may strive to gain it.
Mer.
Here is my gage to assure my promise. 'Tis not
My custome to oblige every stranger
With such indeerments.
Sor.
Nay Sir, I have certain Himns to sing ere night,
Unto my Stars in thanks of it.
Mer.
Dost hear, when I have flesht thee with this Mettal
Of Toledo, thou maist justle the General,
And spit in thy Colonels face, yet remain
As safe as in a Tower of Brass.
Sor.
Troth 'twill be a rare priviledge.
Mer.
Am not I Meruole? Who dares bestow
His wrath on him, whom I accept in Duel?
Sor.
Well Ancient, I shall presume.
Mer.
Go, go! Be proud, I'll do't, I like thy person.
Sor.
Heaven preserve ye Sir, I have just cause
T'insert you in my prayers.
Exit.
Mer.
I shall try his Mettal, if he be
Fit to be wrought on, I'll not stand idle,
He may make a subject too. Bagola.
Enter Bagola.
Bag.
What say'st thou Demogorgon?
Mer.
How do'st thou call this voluntier?
Bag.
Soranzo, the Imp is liberal,
He paid this Silver for his food.
Mer.
He must pay me tribute too. I am
His Soveraign, at our next meeting he takes
The Oath of Allegiance. Here give this t'Ariotto,
Tell him my Relicks should be sacred to
A Coward. 'Twere not superstitious
To eat 'em kneeling.
Bag.
But when shall I number my seven Duckets.
Mer.
Death! I must pawn him here: When he returns, say 'tis
My pleasure he remain thy prisoner
Till he have paid it.
Bag.
He pay your debts!
Mer.
I, do this, or increase your tally still;
Score up, and pay your self with your own
Chalk.
Exeunt.
Enter Castracagnio, Florello, Piracco.
Cast.
He numbers in this Letter three hundred
Waggons of Corn.
Flo.
Sir, the whole Convoy is cut off, and with small loss
Of our own Troops.
Cast.
Here's new intelligence much pertinent.
He gives us notice they expect relief
From Mantua. We command the River.
Flo.
And so guarded, 'twill prove of small
Advantage to their hopes.
Cast.
Then Florello, I still shall magnifie
Thy temperate soul; thou hast preserv'd Pisa
From falling into Ashes, each structure
There stands as a Piramid, to eternize
Thy noble mercy.
Flo.
Sir, I am ecclips'd by the glory of your
Merits. Virgins shall sing your praise, and the
Matrons of the City, commend your kindness
In their prayers to Heaven; they will now yield
Rather then suffer famine.
Pir.
So whilst they learn to fast, we learn to sleep.
This Discipline is new in War, Pox on't, 'twill be
A long Siege, I shall grow mangy.
Cast.
Piracco is a great enemy to his
Imposthumes, he would expose it to all
Unnecessary danger.
Flo.
It is his policy to use it ill;
For so he gives it no encouragement
To stay by him.
Pir.
When you have use of a Surgeon, you will grow
Less witty.
Enter Soranzo.
Flo.
Your attendance serves aptly now for your
Affair. My Lord, this is the Gentleman
I did commend unto your knowledge.
Cast.
You have made him a Captain in your own
Regiment. Sir, ask for your Commission
From my Secretary, it is already
Sign'd; and expect all other favor I
Can shew you.
Sor.
Your Excellence hath oblig'd my love more
Then my duty.
Enter a Gentleman.
Cast.
Ronaldo so soon return'd from Florence.
Gent.
The Great Duke salutes you kindly 'tis his
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Cast.
This directs it self to you. Follow me
And share i'th' knowledge of what mine imports.
Gives it Florello.
Exit.
Pir.
I must go seek my Subject.
This War affords no other pillage, but
His substance.
Exit.
Florello reads the Letter.
Flo.
Hah! You cannot seem cruel to this Faction,
'Tis our will you hasten your Battery
Against Pisa The Duke deprives me of
Immortal fame, I cannot now be merciful,
Pisa is proscrib'd for ruine.
Sor.
My noble Lord, would I could share in this
Your suff'rance, though't be unmannerly
To enquire your grief.
Flo.
O Soranzo, hast not perceiv'd of late
My eyes ecclips'd. Methinks my grief doth so
Exactly counterfeit decrepit age,
The Fates should think me old, and make this night
My last O 'twere a kind mistake.
Sor.
Sir, however you disguise your sorrow
With inforc'd mirth, from publick notice;
Yet friendship hath a subtler perspective,
I am more curious in discovery of
Your health, and find your thoughts perplex'd and scatter'd;
If the cause could find a remedy from
My assistance, I would beg to know't.
Flo.
'Twere guilt in thee to know't, thou art pure
As Chrystal, I shall stain thee with my breath.
Soranzo, I must hide my self.
Sor.
My noble Lord.
Flo.
My absence may beget a wonder,
Until the cause of it is known; but then
My name will infect our Language, blister
The tongue that speaks it, O! I shall be lost
To every good mans memory; this night I do begin
My Pilgrimage, I enter in a Path
Like that which leads to the habitation
Of the dead, from whence I never shall return.
Sor.
How, my Lord? You have left me guilty of
An ignorance that may indanger me for ever.
Where will you hide your self?
Flo.
In shades of night and darkness.
Sor.
You cannot hide your self from me, for as
The Diamond you are light unto your self.
This darkness makes you seem more bright to me.
Flo.
Your inquisition is too strict; leave me
To wander with the wind; if in my absence
My honor is accus'd, reserve thy charity
For a nobler use, then to defend what
Is so tainted.
Sor.
How can your honor (the pattern which I
Imitate, and think th'ambition lawful)
Deserve an accusation?
Flo.
Soranzo, thou art young, but newly known
To war, and glory; the way that leads to
Honor is intricate. O I must
Commit a sin that will indanger all
Those wreaths my Brow hath merited. Soranzo,
'Tis thy fate to undo me with thy friendship,
For thy help must hasten my perdition.
Sor.
My help! Dismiss me strait,
Forget you ever saw me, rather then
Reserve my friendship for a use so horrid!
Flo.
No more: Thou hast betray'd me with thy skill,
Obscurely crept into my Brest, and seen
My black thoughts. Be sure that you
Reveal it not to the Air,
What thou hast tempted from me, I impart
Not to thy ear or tongue, but to thy heart.
Exeunt.
| The Siege | |