 | The Widdovves Teares |  |
Actus Quinti.
Scœna Prima.
Enter Tharsalio, Lycus.Lyc.
Tis such an obstinacie in you Sir,
As neuer was conceipted, to runne on
With an opinion against all the world,
And what your eies may witnes; to aduēture
The famishment for griefe of such a woman
As all mens merits met in any one,
Could not deserue.
Thar.
I must confesse it Lycus,
Weele therefore now preuent it if we may,
And that our curious triall hath not dwelt
Too long on this unnecessarie hant:
Griefe, and all want of foode; not hauing wrought
Too mortally on her diuine disposure.
Lyc.
I feare they haue, and shee is past our cure.
Thar.
I must confesse with feare and shame as much.
Lyc.
And that shee will not trust in any thing
What you perswade her to.
Thar.
Then thou shalt hast
And call my brother from his secret shroude,
Where he appointed thee to come and tell him
How all thinges haue succeeded.
Lyc.
This is well.
If (as I say) the ill be not so growne,
That all help is denied her. But I feare
The matchlesse Deme is famishe.
Thar. looks into the tomb.
Thar.
Slight, whose here?
A Souldier with my sister? wipe, wipe, see
Lyc.
What? is shee well Sir?
Thar.
O no, shee is famisht;
Shee's past our comfort, shee lies drawing on.
Lyc.
The Gods forbid.
Thar.
Looke thou, shee's drawing on.
How saist thou?
Lyc.
Drawing on? Illustrious witchcrafts.
Thar.
Lies shee not drawing on?
Lyc.
Shee drawes on fairely.
Our sister Sir? This shee? can this be shee?
Thar.
She, she, she, and none but she.
He dances & sings.
Shee only Queene of loue, and chastitie,
O chastitie; This women be.
Lyc.
Slight tis prodigious.
Thar.
Horse, horse, horse,
Foure Chariot Horses of the Thracian breede,
Come, bring me brother. O the happiest euening,
That euer drew her vaile before the Sunne.
Who is't canst tell?
Lyc.
The Souldier Sir that watches
The bodies crucified in this hallow'd place.
Of which to lose one, it is death to him,
And yet the lustfull knaue is at his Venerie,
While one might steale one.
Thar.
What a slaue was I
That held not out my windes strength constantly,
That shee would proue thus? O incredible?
A poore eight-pennie Souldier? Shee that lately
Was at such height of interiection,
Stoope now to such a base coniunction?
By heauen I wonder now I see't in act,
My braine could euer dreame of such a thought.
And yet, tis true: Rare, pereles, is't not Lycus?
Lyc.
I know not what it is; Nor what to say.
Thar.
O had I held out (villaine that I was,)
My blessed confidence but one minute longer,
I should haue beene eternis'd. Gods my fortune,
O eies Ile sacrifice to your deare sense.
And consecrate a Phane to Confidence.
Lyc.
But this you must at no hand tell your brother.
Twill make him mad: For he that was before
So scurg'd but only with bare iealousie.
What would he be, if he should come to know it?
Thar.
He would be lesse mad: for your only way
To cleare his iealousie, is to let him know it.
When knowledge comes suspicion vanishes.
The Sunne-beames breaking forth swallow the mists.
But as for you Sir Gallant: howsoeuer
Your banquet seemes sweet in your lycorous pallat,
It shall be sure to turne gall in your maw.
Thy hand a little Lycus here without.
Lyc.
To what?
Thar.
No bootie serue you sir Soldado
But my poore sister? Come, lend me thy shoulder,
Ile climbe the crosse; it will be such a cooler
To my Venerean Gentlemans hot liuer,
When he shall finde one of his crucified bodies
Stolne downe, and he to be forth with made fast
In place thereof, for the signe
Of the lost Sentinell. Come glorifie
Firme Confidence in great Inconstancie.
And this beleeue (for all prou'd knowledge sweares)
He that beleeues in errour, neuer errs.
Exeunt.
The Tomb opens, Lysander, Cynthia, Ero.
Lys.
Tis late; I must away.
Cyn.
Not yet sweet loue.
Lys.
Tempt not my stay, tis dangerous. The law is strict,
and not to bee dispenst with. If any Sentinell be too late
in's watch, or that by his neglect one of the crucified bodies
should be stollen from the crosse, his life buyes it.
Cyn.
A little stay will not endanger them.
The daies proclaimer has not yet giuen warning.
The Cock yet has not beate his third alarme.
What? shall we euer dwell here amongst th'Antipodes?
Shall I not enioy the honour of my fortune in publique? sit in
Lysanders chaire? Raigne in his wealth?
Cyn.
Thou shalt, thou shalt; though my loue to thee
Hath prou'd thus sodaine and for hast lept ouer
The complement of wooing, Yet only for the worlds opinion.
Lys.
Marke that againe.
Cyn.
I must maintaine a forme in parting hence.
Lys.
Out vpon't, Opinion the blind Goddesse of Fooles, Foe
to the vertuous; and only friend to vndeseruing persons, contemne
it. Thou know'st thou hast done vertuously; thou hast
strangly sorrow'd for thy husband, follow'd him to death; further
thou could'st not, thou hast buried thy selfe quick. (O that
'twere true) spent more teares ouer his carcase, then would
serue a whole Citie of saddest widdowes in a plague time;
besides sighings, and swownings, not to be credited.
Cyn.
True; but those complements might haue their time for
fashion sake.
Lys.
Right, Opinion and Fashion. Sfoot what call you time?
t'hast wept these foure whole daies.
Ero.
Nay berladie almost fiue.
Lys.
Looke you there; nere vpon fiue whole daies.
Cyn.
Well goe and see; Returne, weele goe home.
Lys.
Hell be thy home, Huge Monsters damne yee, and your
whole creation, O yee Gods; in the height of her mourning
in a Tomb, within sight of so many deaths! her husbands beleeu'd
bodie in her eie. He dead, a few daies before; this mirrour
of Nuptiall chastitie; this Votresse of widdow-constancie:
to change her faith; exchange kisses, embraces, with a
stranger; and but my shame with-stood, to giue the vtmost
earnest of her loue, to an eight-pennie Sentinell: in effect, to
prostitute her selfe vpon her husbands Coffin! Lust, impietie,
hell, womanhood it selfe, adde if you can one step to this.
Enter Captaine with two or three Souldiers.
Cap.
One of the crucified bodies taken downe!
Lys.
Enough.
(slincks away.)
Cap.
And the Sentinell not to be heard off?
1.
No sir.
Make out; hast, search about for him; does none of you
know him? nor his name?
2.
Hee's but a stranger here of some foure daies standing; and
we neuer set eie on him, but at setting the watch.
Cap.
For whom serues he? you looke well to your watch masters.
1.
For Seigneur Stratio, and whence he is, tis ignorant to vs;
we are not correspondent for any, but our owne places.
Cap.
Y'are eloquent. Abroad I say, let me haue him.
This negligence will by the Gouernour be wholly cast on me,
he hereby will suggest to the Viceroy, that the Citie guards are
very caresly attended. He loues mee not I know; because of
late I knew him but of meane condition; but now by fortunes
iniudiciovs hand, guided by bribing Courtiers, hee is rais'd to
this high seate of honour. Nor blushes he, to see him selfe aduanc't
ouer the heads of ten times higher worths; but takes it
all forsooth, to his merits; and lookes (as all vpstarts doe) for
most huge obseruance. Well, my mind must stoope to his high
place, and learne within it selfe to seuer him from that, and
to adore Authoritie the Goddesse, how euer borne by an vnworthie
beast; and let the Beasts dull apprehension take the
honour done to Isis, done to himselfe. I must sit fast, and bee
sure to giue no hold to these fault-hunting enemies.
Exit.
Tomb opens, and Lysander within lies along, Cynthia and Ero.
Lys.
Pray thee disturbe me not; put out the lights.
Ero.
Faith Ile take a nap againe.
Cyn.
Thou shalt not rest before I be resolu'd
What happy winde hath driuen thee back to harbour?
Was it my loue?
Lys.
No.
Cyn.
Yet say so (sweet) that with the thought thereof I may
enioy all that I wish in earth.
Lys.
I am sought for. A crucified body is stolne while I loiter'd
here; and I must die for't,
Cyn.
Die? All the Gods forbid; O this affright torments me
ten parts more then the sad losse of my deare husband.
Lys.
(Damnation) I beleeue thee.
Yet heare a womans wit,
Take counsaile of Necessitie and it.
I haue a bodie here which once I lou'd
And honour'd aboue all; but that time's past.
Lys.
It is, reuenge it heauen.
Cyn.
That shall svpply at so extrem a need the vacant Gibbet.
Lys.
Canero. What? thy husbands bodie?
Cyn.
What hurt is't, being dead it saue the liuing?
Lys.
O heart hold in, check thy rebellious motion.
Cyn.
Vexe not thy selfe deare loue, nor vse delay.
Tempt not this danger, set thy handes to worke.
Lys.
I can not doo't; my heart will not permit
My handes to execute a second murther.
The truth is I am he that slew thy husband.
Cyn.
The Gods forbid.
Lys.
It was this hand that bath'd my recking sword
In his life bloud, while he cried out for mercie,
But I remorssesse, panch't him, cut his throat,
He with his last breath crying, Cynthia.
Cyn.
O thou hast told me newes that cleaues my heart,
Would I had neuer seene thee, or heard sooner
This bloudie storie; yet see, note my truth
Yet I must loue thee.
Lys.
Out vpon the Monster.
Goe, tell the Gouernour; Let me be brought
To die for that most famous villanie;
Not for this miching base transgression
Of tenant negligence.
Cyn.
I can not doo't.
Loue must salue any murther: I'le be iudge
Of thee deare loue, and these shall be thy paines
In steede of yron, to suffer these soft chaines.
Lys.
O I am infinitely oblig'd.
Cyn.
Arise I say, thou sauer of my life.
Doe not with vaine-affrighting conscience
Betray a life, that is not thine but mine:
Rise and preserue it.
Lys.
Ha? thy husbands bodie?
Hang't vp you say, in steede of that that's stolne;
Cyn.
It is my Loue.
Lys.
Thy loue amazes me,
The point is yet how we shall get it thither,
Ha? Tie a halter about's necke, and dragge him to the Gallowes:
shall I my loue?
Cyn.
So you may doe indeede,
Or if your owne strength will not serue, wee'le aide
Our handes to yours, and beare him to the place.
For heauens loue come, the night goes off apace.
Lys.
All the infernall plagues dwell in thy soule;
Ile setch a crow of yron to breake the coffin.
Cyn.
Doe loue, be speedie.
Lys.
As I wish thy damnation.
Shut the Tomb.
O I could teare my selfe into Atomes; off with this Antick,
the shirt that Hercules wore for his wife, was not more banefull.
Is't possible there should be such a latitude in the Sphere
of this sexe, to entertaine such an extention of mischiefe, and
not turne Deuill. What is a woman? what are the worst when
the best are so past naming? As men like this let them trie their
wiues againe. Put women to the test; discouer them; paint
them, paint them ten parts more then they doe themselues, rather
then looke on them as they are; Their wits are but painted
that dislike their painting. Thou foolish thirster after idle
secrets, And ill's abrode; looke home, and store & choke thee;
There sticks an Achelons horne of all, Copie enough.
Or loftie Ilea showes of shadie leaues.
Enter Tharsalio.
Who's that?
Thar.
I wonder Lycus failes me. Nor can I heare whats become
of him. Hee would not certaine ride to Dipolis to call
my brother back, without my knowledge.
Lys.
My brothers voice; what makes he here abouts so vntimely?
Ile slip him.
Exiturus.
Thar.
Who goes there?
Lys.
A friend.
Thar.
Deare friend, lets know you. A friend least look't for
but most welcome, and with many a long looke expected here.
What sir unbooted? haue you beene long arriu'd?
Lys.
Not long, some two houres before night.
Well brother, y'haue the most rare, admirable, vnmatchable
wife, that euer suffer'd for the sinne of a husband. I cannot
blame your confidence indeede now: 'tis built on such infallible
ground; Lycus I thinke be gone to call you to the rescue
of her life; why shee! O incomprehensible!
Lysan.
I haue heard all related since my arriuall, weele meet
to morrow.
Thar.
What hast brother? But was it related with what vntollerable
paines, I and my Mistris, her other friends, Matrones
and Magistrates, labour'd her diuersion from that course?
Lys.
Yes, yes.
Thar.
What streams of teares she powr'd out;
what tresses of her haire she tore land offer'd on your suppos'd
herse!
Lys.
I haue heard all.
Thar.
But aboue all; how since that time, her eies neuer harbour'd
winck of slumber, these sixe daies; no nor tasted the
least dramme of any sustenance.
Lys.
How is that assurd?
Thar.
Not a scruple.
Lys.
Are you sure there came no Souldier to her nor brought
her victualls?
Thar.
Souldier? what Souldier?
Lys.
Why some Souldier of the watch, that attends the executed
bodies: well brother I am in hast; to morrow shall supply
this nights defect of conference; Adieu.
Thar.
A Souldier? of the watch? bring her victualls? Goe to
brother I haue you in the winde; hee's vnharnest of all his trauailing
accoutrements. I came directly from's house, no word
of him there; he knowes the whole relation; hee's passionate:
All collections speake he was the Souldier. What should be the
riddle of this? that he is stolne hether into a Souldiers disguise?
he should haue staid at Dipolis to receiue news from vs. Whether
he svspected our relation; or had not patience to expect it,
or whether that furious, frantique capricious Deuill iealousie
hath tost him hether on his hornes, I can not coniecture. But
the case is cleare, hee's the Souldier. Sister, looke to your fame,
your chastetie's vncouer'd. Are they here still? here beleeue it
both most wofully weeping ouer the bottle.
He knocks.
Ero.
Who's there.
Thar.
Tharsalio, open.
Ero.
Alas Sir, tis no boote to vexe your sister, and your selfe,
she is desperate, & will not heare perswasion, she's very weak.
Here's a true-bred chamber-maid. Alas, I am sorrie for't;
I haue brought her meat and Candian wine to strengthen her.
Ero.
O the very naming an't, will driue her into a swowne;
good Sir forbeare.
Thar.
Yet open sweet, that I may blesse mine eies with sight
of her faire shrine; and of thy sweetest selfe (her famous Pandresse)
open I say. Sister? you heare me well, paint not your
Tomb without; wee know too well what rotten carcases are
lodg'd within; open I say. Ero opens, and hee sees her head
layd on the coffin, &c. Sister I haue brought you tidings to
wake you out of this sleeping mummerie.
Ero.
Alas shee's faint, and speech is painefull to her.
Thar.
Well said frubber, was there no Souldier here lately?
Ero.
A Souldier? when?
Thar.
This night, last night, tother night; and I know not
how many nights and daies.
Cyn.
Whose there?
Ero.
Your brother Mistris, that asks if there were not a souldier
here.
Cyn.
Here was no souldier.
Ero.
Yes Mistris I thinke here was such a one though you
tooke no heede of him.
Thar.
Goe to sister; did not you
ioyne kisses, embraces, and plight indeede with him, the vtmost
pledge of Nuptiall loue with him. Deni't, deni't; but
first heare me a short storie. The Souldier was your disguis'd
hvsband, dispute it not. That you see yonder, is but a shadow,
an emptie chest containing nothing but aire. Stand not to
gaze at it, tis true. This was a proiect of his owne contriuing
to put your loialtie & constant vowes to the test; y'are warnd,
be arm'd.
Exit.
Ero.
O fie a these perils.
Cyn.
O Ero! we are undone.
Ero.
Nay, you'd nere be warn'd; I euer wisht you to withstand
the push of that Souldiers pike, and not enter him too deep into
your bosom, but to keep sacred your widowes vowes made
to Lysander.
Cyn.
Thou did'st, thou did'st.
Ero.
Now you may see th'euent. Well our safetie lies in our
speed: heele doe vs mischiefe, if we preuent not his comming.
Lets to your Mothers: and there cal out your mightiest friends
to guard you from his furie. Let them begin the quarrell with
him for practising, this villanie on your sexe to intrappe your
frailties.
Nay I resolue to sit out one brunt more; to trie to what
aime heele enforce his proiect: were he some other man, vnknowne
to me, his violence might awe me; but knowing him
as I doe, I feare him not. Do thou but second me, thy strength
and mine shall master his best force, if he should proue outragiovs.
Despaire they say makes cowardes turne couragious.
Shut up the Tomb.
Shut the Tomb.
Enter one of the Souldiers sent out before to seeke the Sentinell.
1.
All paines are lost in hunting out this Souldier; his fear (adding
wings to his heeles) out-goes vs as farre as the fresh Hare
the tir'd hounds. Who goes there?
Ent. 2. souldier another way
2.
A friend.
1.
O, your successe and mine touching this
Sentinell, tells, I suppose, one tale; hee's farre enough I vndertake
by this time.
2.
I blame him not: the law's seuere
(though iust and can not be dispenc'd.)
1.
Why should the lawes of Paphos, with more rigour, then
other Citie lawes pursue offenders? that not appeas'd with their
liues forfait, exact a iustice of them after death? And if a Souldier
in his watch forsooth lose one of the dead bodies, he must
die for't: It seems the State needed no souldiers when that was
made a law.
2.
So we may chide the fire for burning vs; or
say the Bee's not good becavse she stings; Tis not the body the
law respects, but the souldiers neglect; when the watch (the
guard and safetie of the Citie) is left abandon'd to all hazards.
But let him goe; and tell me if your newes sort with mine, for
Lycius; apprehended they say, about Lysanders murther.
1.
Tis true; hee's at the Captaines lodge vnder guard, and tis
my charge in the morning to unclose the leaden coffin, and discouer
the bodie; The Captaine will assay an old conclusion often
approu'd; that at the murtherers sight the bloud reuiues
againe, and boiles a fresh; and euery wound has a condemning
voice to crie out guiltie gainst the murtherer.
2.
O world, if this be true; his dearest friend, his bed companion,
whom of all his friends he cull'd out for his bosome!
1.
Tush man, in this topsie turuy world, friendship and bosom
kindnes, are but made couers for mischief, meanes to compasse
il. Near-allied trust, is but a bridge for treson. The presumptions
tripping vp one another. He names a Town whether he
brought Lysander murther'd by Mountainers, thats false, some
of the dwellers haue been here, and all disclaim it. Besides, the
wounds he bears in show, are such as shrews closely giue their
husbands, that neuer bleede, and finde to be counterfait.
2.
O that iade falshood is neuer sound of all; but halts of one
legge still. Truth pace is all vpright; sound euery where.
And how is Lycus his bearing in this condition?
1.
Faith (as the manner of such desperate offenders is till it
come to the point) carelesse, & confident, laughing at all that
seeme to pittie him. But leaue it to th'euent. Night fellow
Souldier, youle not meet me in the morning at the Tomb, and
lend me your hand to the vnrigging of Lysanders herse.
2.
I care not if I do, to view heauens power in this vnbottomd
seller. Bloud, though it sleep a time, yet neuer dies.
The Gods on murtherers fixe reuengefull eies.
Exeunt
Lysander
solus with a crow of yron, and a halter which he laies downe and puts on his disguise againe.
Come by borrow'd disguise, let me once more
Be reconcild to thee, my trustiest friend;
Thou that in truest shape hast let me see
That which my truer selfe hath hid from me,
Helpe me to take reuenge on a disguise,
Ten times more false and counterfait then thou.
Thou, false in show, hast been most true to me;
The seeming true; hath prou'd more false then her.
Assist me to behold this act of lust,
Note with a Scene of strange impietie.
Her husbands murtherd corse! O more then horror!
Ile not beleeue't vntri'd; If shee but lift
A hand to act it; by the fates her braines flie out,
Since shee has madded me; let her beware my hornes.
For though by goring her, no hope be showne
To cure my selfe, yet Ile not bleede alone.
He knocks.
Ero.
Who knocks?
Lys.
The souldier; open.
she opēs & he enters
See sweet, here are the engines that must doo't,
I haue at last procur'd.
Shall we about this worke? I feare the morne
Wil ouer-take's; my stay hath been prolong'd
With hunting obscure nookes for these emploiments,
The night prepares away; Come, art resolu'd.
Cyn.
I, you shall finde me constant.
Lys.
I, so I haue, most prodigiously constant,
Here's a rare halter to hugge him with.
Ero.
Bettter you and I ioyne our handes and beare him thether,
you take his head.
Cyn.
I, for that was alwaies heauier then's whole bodie besides
Lys.
You can tell best that loded it.
Ero.
Ile be at the feet; I am able to beare against you I warrant
you.
Lys.
Hast thou prepar'd weake nature to digest
A sight so much distastful; hast ser'd thy heart
I bleede not at the bloudie spectacle?
Hast arm'd thy fearefull eies against th'affront
Of such a direfull obiect?
Thy murther'd husband ghastly staring on thee;
His wounds gaping to affright thee; his bodie soild with
Gore? fore heauen my heart shruggs at it.
Cyn.
So does not mine,
Loue's resolute; and stands not to consult
With pettie terrour; but in full carrier
Runnes blind-fold through an Armie of misdoubts,
And interposing feares; perhaps Ile weepe
Or so, make a forc't face and laugh againe.
Lys.
O most valiant loue!
I was thinking with my selfe as I came; how if this
Brake to light; his bodie knowne;
(As many notes might make it) would it not fixe
Vpon thy fame, an vnremoued Brand
Of shame, and hate; they that in former times
Ador'd thy vertue; would they not abhorre
Thy lothest memorie?
Cyn.
All this I know.
But yet my loue to thee
Can come against it.
Shame's but a feather ballanc't with thy loue.
Lys.
Neither feare nor shame? you are steele toth'
Proofe (but I shall yron you): Come then lets to worke.
Alas poore Corps how many martyrdomes
Must thou endure? mangl'd by me a villaine,
And now expos'd to foule shame of the Gibbet?
Fore, pietie, there is somewhat in me striues
Against the deede, my uery arme relents
To strike a stroke so inhumane,
To wound a hallow'd herse? Suppose twere mine,
Would not my Ghost start vp and flie vpon thee?
Cyn.
No, I'de mall it down againe with this.
She snatches vp the crow.
Lys.
How now?
He catches at her throat.
Cyn.
Nay, then Ile assay my strength; a Souldier and a raid
of a dead man? A soft-r'ode milk-sop? come Ile doot my selfe.
Lys.
And I looke on? giue me the yron.
Cyn.
No, Ile not lose the glorie ant. This hand, &c.
Lys.
Pray thee sweet, let it not bee said the sauage act was
thine; deliuer me the engine.
Cyn.
Content your selfe, tis in a fitter hand.
Lys.
Wilt thou first? art not thou the most.
Cyn.
Ill-destin'd wife of a transform'd monster;
Who to assure him selfe of what he knew,
Hath lost the shape of man.
Lys.
Ha? crosse-capers?
Cyn.
Poore Souldiers case; doe not we know you Sir?
But I haue giuen thee what thou cam'st to seeke.
Goe Satyre, runne affrighted with the noise
Of that harsh sounding horne thy selfe hast blowne,
Farewell; I leaue thee there my Hvsbands Corps,
Make much of that.
Exit. cum Er.
Lys.
What haue I done? O let me lie and grieue, and speake
no more.
Captaine, Lycus with a guard of three or foure Souldiers.
Cap.
Bring him away; you must haue patience Sir: If you
can say ought to quit you of those presumptions
braues, nor your affecting lookes can carrie it.
We must acquite our duties.
Lyc.
Y'are Captaine ath' watch Sir.
Cap.
You take me right.
Lys.
So were you best doe mee; see your presumptions bee
strong; or be assured that shall proue a deare presumption, to
brand me with the murther of my friend. But you haue beene
suborn'd by some close villaine to defame me.
Cap.
Twill not be so put off friend Lycus, I could wish your
soule as free from taint of this foule fact; as mine from any
such vunworthy practise.
Lyc.
Conduct mee to the Gouernour him selfe; to confront
before him your shallow accusations.
Cap.
First Sir, Ile beare you to Lysanders Tombe, to confront
the murther'd body; and see what euidence the wounds will
yeeld against you.
Lyc.
Y'are wise Captaine. But if the bodie should chance not
to speake; If the wounds should bee tongue-tied Captaine;
where's then your euidence Captaine? will you not be laught
at for an officious Captaine?
Cap.
Y'are gallant Sir.
Lyc.
Your Captainship commands my seruice no further.
Cap.
Well Sir, perhaps I may, if this conclusion take not;
weele trie what operation lies in torture; to pull confession
from you.
Lyc.
Say you so Captaine? but hearke you Captaine,
Might it not concurre with the qualitie of your office, ere this
matter grow to the height of a more threatning danger; to
winck a little at a by slip, or so?
Cap.
How's that?
Lyc.
To send a man abroad vnder guard of one of your silliest
shack-rags; that be may beate the knaue, and run's way.
I meane this on good termes Captaine; Ile be thankfull.
Cap.
Ile thinke ont hereafter. Meane time I haue other emploiment
for you.
Lyc.
Your place is worthily replenisht Captaine. My dutie
Sir; Hearke Captaine, there's a mutinie in your Armie; Ile go
raise the Gouernour.
Exiturus.
No hast Sir; heele soone be here without your summons.
Souldiers thrust vp Lysander from the Tomb.
1.
Bring forth the Knight ath' Tomb; haue we met with you
Sir?
Lys.
Pray thee souldier vse thine office with better temper.
2.
Come conuay him to the Lord Gouernour,
First afore the Captaine Sir. Haue the heauens nought else to
doe, but to stand still, and turne all their malignant
2.
Captaine here's the Sentinell wee sought for; hee's some
new prest Souldier, for none of vs know him.
Cap.
Where found you him?
1.
My truant was mich't Sir into a blind corner of the Tomb.
Cap.
Well said, guard him safe, but for the Corps.
1.
For the Corps Sir? bare misprision, there's no bodie, nothing.
A meere blandation; a deceptio visus. Vnlesse this souldier
for hunger haue eate vp Lysanders bodie.
Lyc.
Why, I could haue told you this before Captaine; The
body was borne away peece-meale by deuout Ladies of Uenus
order, for the man died one of Venus Martys. And yet I
heard since 'twas seene whole ath' other side the downes vppon
a Colestafe betwixt two huntsmen, to feede their dogges
withall. Which was a miracle Captaine.
Cap.
Mischiefe in this act hath a deepe bottom; and requires
more time to sound it. But you Sir, it seemes, are a Souldier of
the newest stamp. Know you what tis to forsake your stand?
There's one of the bodies in your charge stolne away; how
answere you that? See here comes the Gouernour.
Enter a Guard bare after the Gouernour: Tharsalio, Argus, Clinias, before Eudora, Cynthia, Laodice, Sthenio, Ianthe, Ero, &c.
Guard.
Stand aside there.
Cap.
Roome for a strange Gouernour. The perfect
draught of a most brainelesse, imperious vpstart. O desert!
where wert thou, when this woodden dagger was guilded ouer
with the Title of Gouernour?
Guard.
Peace Masters; heare my Lord.
Thar.
All wisedome be silent; Now speakes Authoritie.
Gouer.
I am come in person to discharge Iustice.
Of his office.
Gouer.
The cause you shall know hereafter; and it is this. A
villaine, whose very sight I abhorre; where is he? Let mee see
him.
Cap.
Is't Lycus you meane my Lord?
Gouer.
Goe to sirrha y'are too malipert; I haue heard of your
Sentinells escape; looke too't.
Cap.
My Lord, this is the Sentinell you speake of.
Gouer.
How now Sir? what time a day ist?
Arg.
I can not shew you precisely, ant please your Honour.
Gouer.
What? shall we haue replications? Reioinders?
Thar.
Such a creature, Foole is, when hee bestrides the back
of Authoritie.
Gouer.
Sirrha, stand you forth. It is supposed thou hast committted
a most inconuenient murther vpon the body of Lysander.
Lyc.
My good Lord, I haue not.
Gouer.
Peace uarlet; dost chop with me? I say it is imagined
thou hast murther'd Lysander. How it will be prou'd I know
not. Thou shalt therefore presently bee had to execution, as
iustice in such cases requireth. Souldiers take him away:
bring forth the Sentinell.
Lyc.
Your Lordship will first let my defence be heard.
Gouer.
Sirrha; Ile no sending nor prouing. For my part I am
satisfied, it is so: thats enough for thee. I had euer a Sympathy
in my minde against him.
Thar.
A most excellent apprehension. Hee's able yee see to
iudge of a cause at first sight, and heare but two parties. Here's
a second Solon.
Eud.
Heare him my Lord; presumptions oftentimes,
(Though likely grounded) reach not to the truth.
And Truth is oft abus'd by likelyhood.
Let him be heard my Lord.
Gouer.
Madam, content your selfe. I will doe iustice; I will
not heare him. Your late Lord, was my Honourable Predecessour;
But your Ladiship must pardon me. In matters of iustice
I am blinde.
That's true.
Gouer.
I know no persons. If a Court fauourite write to mee
in a case of iustice: I will pocket his letter, and proceede. If
a Suiter in a case of iustice thrusts a bribe into my hand, I will
pocket his bribe, and proceede. Therefore Madam, set your
heart at rest: I am seated in the Throne of iustice; and I will
doe iustice; I will not heare him.
End.
Not heare him my Lord?
Gouer.
No my Ladie: and moreouer put you in mind, in whose
presence you stand; if you Parrat to me long; goe to.
Thar.
Nay the Vice must snap his Authoritie at all he meetes,
how shalt else be knowne what part he plaies?
Gouer.
Your husband was a Noble Gentleman, but Alas hee
came short, hee was no Statesman. Hee has left a foule Citie
behinde him.
Thar.
I, and I can tell you twill trouble his Lordship and all
his Honorable assistants of Scauingers to sweepe it cleane.
Gouer.
It's full of vices, and great ones too.
Thar.
And thou none of the meanest.
Gouer.
But Ile turne all topsie turuie; and set vp a new discipline
amongst you. Ile cut of all perisht members.
Thar.
Thats the Surgeons office.
Gouer.
Cast out these rotten stinking carcases for infecting the
whole Citie.
Arg.
Rotten they may be, but their wenches vse to pepper
them; and their Surgeons to perboile them; and that preserues
them from stinking, ant please your Honour.
Gouer.
Peace Sirrha, peace; and yet tis well said too. A good
pregnant fellow yfaith. But to proceede. I will spew drunkennesse
out ath' Citie.
Thar.
Into th'Countrie.
Gouer
Shifters shall cheate and sterue; And no man shall doe
good but where there is no neede. Braggarts shall liue at the
head; and the tumult that hant Tauernes. Asses shall beare
good qualities, and wise men shall vse them. I will whip lecherie
out ath' Citie, there shall be no more Cuckolds. They
that heretofore were errand Cornutos, shall now bee honest
shop-keepers, and iustice shall take place. I will hunt ielousie
Thar.
Doe heare Brother?
Gouer.
It shall be the only note of loue to the husband, to loue
the wife: And none shall be more kindly welcome to him then
he that cuckolds him.
Thar.
Beleeue it a wholsome reformation.
Gouer.
Ile haue no more Beggers. Fooles shall haue wealth,
and the learned shall liue by their wits. Ile haue no more
Banckrouts. They that owe money shall pay it at their best
leisure: And the rest shall make a vertue of imprisonment; and
their wiues shall helpe to pay their debts. Ile haue all yong
widdowes spaded for marrying againe. For the old and wither'd,
they shall be confiscate to unthriftie Gallants, and decai'd
Knights. If they bee poore they shall bee burnt to make
sope ashes, or giuen to Surgeons Hall, to bee stampt to salue
for the French mesells. To conclude, I will Cart pride out ath'
Towne.
Arg.
Ant please your Honour Pride ant be nere so beggarly
will looke for a Coch.
Gouer.
Well said a mine Honour. A good significant fellow
yfaith: What is he? he talkes much; does he follow your Ladiship?
Arg.
No ant please your Honour, I goe before her.
Gouer,
A good undertaking presence; A well-promising fore
head, your Gentleman Vsher Madam?
Eud.
Yours if you please my Lord.
Gouer.
Borne ith' Citie?
Arg.
I ant please your Honour, but begot ith' Court.
Gouer.
Tressellegg'd?
Arg.
I, ant please your Honour.
Gouer.
The better, it beares a bredth; makes roome a both
sides. Might I not see his pace?
Argvs stalkes.
Arg.
Yes ant please your Honour.
Gouer.
Tis well, tis uery well. Giue me thy hand: Madame I
will accept this propertie at your hand, and wil weare it thredbare
for your sake. Fall in there, sirrha. And for the matter
of Lycus Madam, I must tell you, you are shallow: there's a
State point in't? hearke you: The Viceroy has giuen him, and
man goes wrongfully out ath' world, there are hundreds to
one come wrongfully into th'world.
Eud.
Your Lordship will giue me but a word in priuate.
Thar.
Come brother; we know you well: what meanes this
habite? why staid you not at Dipolis as you resolu'd, to take
aduertisement for vs of your wiues bearing?
Lys.
O brother, this iealous phrensie has borne mee headlong
to ruine.
Thar.
Go to, be comforted; vncase your selfe; and discharge your friend.
Goer.
Is that Lysander say you? And is all his storie true?
Berladie Madam this iealousie will cost him deare: he vndertooke
the person of a Souldier; and as a Souldier must haue
iustice. Madam, his Altitude in this case can not dispence. Lycus,
this Souldier hath acquited you.
Thar.
And that acquitall Ile for him requite; the body lost, is
by this time restor'd to his place.
Soul.
It is my Lord.
Thar.
These are State-points, in which your Lordships time
has not yet train'd your Lordship; please your Lordship to
grace a Nuptiall we haue now in hand.
Twixt this yong Ladie and this Gentleman.
Your Lordship there shall I core the ample storie.
And how the asse wrapt in a Lyons skin
Fearefully rord, but his large eares appeard
And made him laught at, that before was feard.
Gouer.
Ile goe with you. For my part, I am at a non plus.
Eudora whispers with Cynthia.
Thar.
Come brother; Thanke the Countesse: shee hath swet
to make your peace. Sister giue me your hand.
And thinke you haue the only constant Wife.
Exeunt.
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