 | The Changeling |  |
ACTUS QUINTUS.
Enter Beatrice. A Clock strikes one.Bea:
One struck, and yet she lies by't—Oh my fears,
This strumpet serves her own ends, 'tis apparent now,
And never minds my honor or my peace,
Makes havock of my right; but she payes dearly for't,
No trusting of her life with such a secret,
That cannot rule her blood, to keep her promise.
Beside, I have some suspition of her faith to me,
Because I was suspected of my Lord,
And it must come from her—Heark by my horrors,
Another clock strikes two.
Strike two.
Enter Deflores.
Def:
Pist, where are you?
Bea.
Deflores!
Def.
I—Is she not come from him yet?
Bea.
As I am a living soul not.
Def.
Sure the Devill
Hath sow'd his itch within her, who'd trust a waiting-woman?
Bea.
I must trust some body.
Def.
Push, they are Tarmagants.
Especially when they fall upon their Masters
And have their Ladies first fruits, th'are mad whelps,
You cannot stave 'em off from game Royall, then
You are so harsh and hardy ask no counsell
And I could have helpt you to a Apothecaries daughter
Would have faln off before eleven, and thank you too.
Bea:
O me, not yet, this whore forgets her self
Def.
The Rascal fares so well, look y'are undone,
The Day-star by this hand, see Bosphorus plain yonder.
Bea.
Advise me now to fall upon some ruine,
There is no counsell safe else.
Def.
Peace, I ha't now,
For we must force a rising, there's no remedy.
Bea.
How? take heed of that.
Def.
Tush, be you quiet, or else give over all.
Bea.
Prithee I ha' done then.
Def.
This is my reach, Il'e set some part a-fire of Diaphanta's chamber.
Bea.
How? fire sir, that may endanger the whole house.
Def.
You talk of danger when your fame's on fire.
Bea.
That's true, do what thou wilt now.
Def.
Push, I aim at a most rich success, strikes all dead sure,
Of the least danger in her chamber only,
If Diaphanta should be met by chance then,
Far from her lodging, which is now suspitious,
It would be thought her fears and affrights then,
Drove her to seek for succour, if not seen
Or met at all, as that's the likeliest,
For her own shame she'l hasten towards her lodging,
I will be ready with a piece high-charg'd,
As 'twere to cleanse the chimney: there 'tis proper now,
But she shall be the mark.
Bea.
I'me forc'd to love thee now,
Cause thou provid'st so carefully for my honor.
Def:
'Slid it concerns the safety of us both,
Our pleasure and continuance.
Bea.
One word now prithee how for the servants.
Def:
I'le dispatch them some one way some another in the hurry,
For Buckets, Hooks, Ladders; fear not you;
The deed shall find it's time, and I've thought since
Upon a safe conveyance for the body too.
How this fire purifies wit! Watch you your minute.
Bea.
Fear keeps my soul upon't, I cannot stray from't.
Enter Alonzo Ghost.
Def:
Ha! What art thou that tak'st away the light
'Twixt that starr and me? I dread thee not,
'Twas but a mist of conscience—All's clear agen.
Exit.
Bea:
Who's that, Deflores? Blesse me! it slides by,
Some ill thing haunts the house, t'has left behind it,
A shivering sweat upon me; I'me afraid now
This night hath been so tedious; Oh this strumpet!
Had she a thousand lives, he should not leave her
Till he had destroyd the last—List oh my terrors,
Three struck by St Sebastians.
Struck 3 a clock
Within:
Fire, fire, fire.
Bea:
Already! How rare is that mans speed!
How heartily he serves me! his face loathes one,
But look upon his care, who would not love him?
The East is not more beauteous then his service.
Within.
Fire, fire, fire.
Enter Deflores servants: passe over, ring a Bell.
Away, dispatch, hooks, buckets, ladders; thats well said,
The fire bell rings, the chimney works, my charge;
The piece is ready,
Exit:
Enter Diaphanta.
Bea:
Here's a man worth loving—oh y'are a jewel.
Dia.
Pardon frailty, Madam,
In troth I was so well, I ev'n forgot my self.
Bea:
Y'have made trim work.
Dia:
What?
Bea:
Hie quickly to your chamber, your reward follows you.
Dia.
I never made so sweet a bargain.
Exit
Enter Alsemero.
Als:
Oh my dear Joanna,
Alas, art thou risen too, I was coming,
My absolute treasure.
Bea:
When I mist you, I could not chuse but follow.
Als:
Th'art all sweetness, the fire is not so dangerous.
Bea:
Think you so sir?
Als:
I prithee tremble not: Believe me 'tis not.
Enter Vermandero, Jasperino.
Ver:
Oh bless my house and me.
Als:
My Lord your father.
Enter Deflores with a Piece.
Ver.
Knave, whither goes that piece?
Def:
To scour the chimney,
Exit.
Ver:
Oh well said, well said,
That fellow's good on all occasions.
Bea:
A wondrous necessary man, my Lord.
Ver:
He hath a ready wit, he's worth 'em all, sir,
Dog at a house of fire, I ha' seen him sindg'd ere now:
Ha, there he goes.
The piece goes off.
Bea:
'Tis done.
Als:
Come sweet to bad now; alas, thou wilt get cold.
Bea:
Alas, the fear keeps that out;
My heart will find no quiet till I hears
How Diaphanta my poor woman fares;
It is her chamber sir, her lodging chamber.
Ver:
How should the fire come these?
Bea:
As good a soul as ever Lady countenanc'd,
But in her chamber negligent and heavy.
Ver.
Twice?
Bea.
Strangely twice, sir.
Ver.
Those sleepy sluts are dangerous in a house,
And they be ne're so good.
Enter Deflores.
Def.
Oh poor virginity! thou hast paid dearly for't.
Ver.
Bless us! What's that?
Def.
A thing you all knew once, Diaphanta's burnt.
Bea.
My woman, oh my woman!
Def.
Now the flames are
Greedy of her, burnt, burnt, burnt to death sir.
Bea.
Oh my presaging soul!
Als.
Not a tear more, I charge you by the last embrace
I gave you in bed before this rais'd us.
Bea.
Now you tie me,
Were it my sister now she gets no more.
Ver.
How now?
Enter Servant.
Ser.
All danger's past, you may now take your rests, my Lords,
The fire is throughly quencht; ah poore Gentlewoman,
How soon was she stifled!
Bea.
Deflores, what is left of her interre,
And we as mourners all will follow her:
I will intreat that honour to my servant,
Ev'n of my Lord himself.
Als.
Command it sweetness.
Bea.
Which of you spied the fire first?
Def.
'Twas I, Madam.
Bea.
And took such pains in't too? a double goodness!
'Twere well he were rewarded.
Ver:
He shall be, Deflores, call upon me.
Als.
And upon me, sir.
Exeunt.
Def.
Rewarded? pretious, here's a trick beyond me;
I see in all bouts both of sport and wit,
Always a woman strives for the last hit.
Exit.
Enter Thomazo.
Tho.
I cannot taste the benefits of life
With the same relish I was wont to do.
A treacherous bloody friendship, and because
I am ignorant in whom my wrath should settle,
I must think all men villains; and the next
I meet, who ere he be, the murderer
Of my most worthy brother—Ha! What's he?
Enter Deflores, passes over the Stage.
Oh the fellow that some call honest Deflores;
But me thinks honesty was hard bested
To come there for a lodging, as if a Queen
Should make her Palace of a Pest-house,
I find a contrariety in nature
Betwixt that face and me, the least occasion
Would give me game upon him; yet he's so foul
One would scarce touch with a sword he loved,
And made account of, so most deadly venemous,
He would go ne're to poyson any weapon
That should draw blood on him, one must resolve
Never to use that sword again in fight.
In way of honest manhood, that strikes him;
Some river must devour't, 'twere not fit
That any man should find it.—What agen?
Enter Deflores.
He walks a purpose by, sure to choke me up,
To infect my blood.
Def.
My worthy noble Lord.
Tho.
Dost offer to come neer and breath upon me?
Def.
A blow.
Tho.
Yea, are you so prepar'd?
I'le rather like a souldier die by th'sword
Then like a Polititian by thy poyson.
Def.
Hold, my Lord, as you are honorable.
Tho.
All slaves that kill by poyson, are still cowards.
Def.
I cannot strike, I see his brothers wounds
Fresh bleeding in his eye, as in a Crystall,
I will not question this, I know y'are noble.
I take my injury with thanks given, Sir.
Like a wise Lawyer; and as a favour,
Will wear it for the worthy hand that gave it:
So strangely loving to me?
Oh but instinct is of a subtler strain,
Guilt must not walk so neer his lodge agen,
He came ne're me now.
Exit.
Tho.
All league with mankind I renounce for ever,
Till I find this murderer; Not so much
As common curtesie, but Il'e lock up:
For in the state of ignorance I live in,
A brother may salute his brothers murderer.
And wish good speed to'th villain in a greeting.
Enter Verman: Ali: and Isabella.
Ver:
Noble Piracquo.
Tho:
Pray keep on your way, sir,
I've nothing to say to you.
Ver:
Comforts bless you sir.
Tho:
I have forsworn complement, in troth I have, sir;
As you are meerly man, I have not left
A good wish for you, nor any here.
Ver:
Unless you be so far in love with grief,
You will not part from't upon any tearms,
We bring that news will make a welcome for us.
Tho.
What newes can that be?
Ver:
Throw no scornfull smile
Upon the zeal I bring you, tis worth more sir,
Two of the chiefest men I kept about me,
I hide not from the law, or your just vengeance.
Tho:
Ha!
Ver.
To give your peace more ample satisfaction,
Thank these discoverers.
Tho:
If you bring that calm,
Name but the manner I shall ask forgiveness in
For that contemptuous smile upon you:
I'le perfect it with reverence that belongs
Unto a sacred altar.
Ver:
Good sir rise,
Why now you over-doe as much a'this hand,
As you fell short a'tother. Speak Alibius;
Ali:
'Twas my wives fortune, as she is most lucky
Within our Hospital of Fools and mad-men,
Two counterfeits slipt into these disguises;
Their names Franciscus and Antonio.
Ver:
Both mine sir, and I ask no favour for 'em.
Alib.
Now that which draws suspition to their habits,
The time of their disguisings agrees justly
With the day of the murder.
Tho:
O blest revelation!
Ver.
Nay more, nay more sir, Ile not spare mine own
In way of justice; They both faign'd a journey
To Bramata, and so wrought out their leaves,
My love was so abus'd in't.
Tho:
Time's too pretious
To run in waste now; you have brought a peace
The riches of five kingdoms could not purchase,
Be my most happy conduct, I thirst for 'em,
Like subtile lightning will I wind about 'em,
And melt their marrow in 'em.
Exeunt.
Enter Alsemero and Jasperino
Jas:
Your confidence I'me sure, is now of proof.
The prospect from the Garden has shew'd
Enough for deep suspition.
Als:
The black masque
That so continually was worn upon't,
Condemnes the face for ugly ere't be seen,
Her despite to him, and so seeming bottomless.
Jas.
Touch it home then, 'tis not a shallow probe
Can search this ulcer soundly, I fear you'l find it
Full of corruption, 'tis fit I leave you,
She meets you opportunely from that walk
She took the back door at his parting with her.
Ex Jas.
Als.
Did my fate wait for this unhappy stroke
At my first sight of woman?—she's here.
Enter Beatrice.
Bea:
Alsemero!
Als.
How do you?
Bea.
How do I? Alas! how do you? you look not wel.
Als.
You read me well enough, I am not well.
Bea.
Not well sir? Is't in my power to better you?
Yes.
Bea.
Nay, then y'are cur'd again.
Als.
Pray resolve me one question, Lady.
Bea.
If I can.
Als.
None can so sure. Are you honest?
Bea.
Ha, ha, ha, that's a broad question, my Lord,
Als.
But that's not a modest answer, my Lady:
Do you laugh? My doubts are strong upon me
Bea.
'Tis innocence that smiles, and no rough brow
Can take away the dimple in her cheek.
Say I should strain a tear to fill the vault,
Which would you give the better faith to?
Als.
'Twere but hypocrisie of a sadder colour,
But the same stuff, neither your smiles nor tears
Shall move or flatter me from my belief,
You are a Whore.
Bea.
What a horrid sound it hath!
It blasts a beauty to deformity;
Upon what face soever that breath falls,
It strikes it ugly: oh you have ruin'd
What you can ne're repair agen.
Als.
I'le all demolish and seek out truth within you,
If there be any left, let your sweet tongue,
Prevent your hearts rifling; there Il'e ransack
And tear out my suspition.
Bea.
You may sir, 'tis an easie passage, yet if you please.
Shew me the ground whereon you lost your love.
My spotlesse vertue may but tread on that
Before I perish.
Als.
Unanswerable,
A ground you cannot stand on, you fall down
Beneath all grace and goodness, when you set
Your ticklish heel on't; there was a vizor
O're that cunning face, and that became you,
Now Impudence in triumph rides upon't;
How comes this tender reconcilement else
'Twixt you and your despight, your rankerous loathing
Deflores? He that your eye was sore at sight of,
He's now become your arms supporter, your lips Saint.
Is there the cause?
Als.
Worse, your lusts Devill, your adultery.
Bea.
Would any but your self say that,
'Twould turn him to a villain.
Als.
'Twas witnest by the counsell of your bosome Diaphanta.
Bea.
Is your witness dead then?
Als.
'Tis to be fear'd,
It was the wages of her knowledge, poor soule,
She liv'd not long after the discovery
Bea.
Then hear a story of not much less horror,
Then this your false suspition is beguild with,
To your beds scandal, I stand up innocence,
Which even the guilt of one black other deed,
Will stand for proof of, your love has made me
A cruell murdress:
Als.
Ha.
Bea.
A bloody one.
I have kist poyson for't, stroakt a serpent,
That thing of hate, worthy in my esteem,
Of no better imployment, and him most worthy
To be so imployd; I caus'd to murder
That innocent Piracquo, having no
Better means then that worst, to assure
Your self to me.
Als.
Oh the place it self ere since
Has crying been for vengeance, the Temple
Where blood and beauty first unlawfully
Fir'd their devotion, and quencht the right one,
'Twas in my fears at first, 'twill have it now,
Oh thou art all deform'd.
Bea.
Forget not sir,
It (for your sake) was done, shall greater dangers
Make the less welcome?
Als.
Oh thou shouldst have gone
A thousand leagues about to have avoided
This dangerous bridge of blood, here we are lost.
Bea.
Remember I am true unto your bed.
Als.
The bed it selfe's a Charnell, the sheets shrowds
For murdered Karkasses, it must ask pawse
What I must do in this, mean time you shall
Exit Beatrice.
Ile be your Keeper yet; Oh in what part
Of this sad story shall I first begin?—Ha
This same fellow has put me in—Deflores.
Enter Deflores.
Def.
Noble Alsemero!
Als.
I can tell you newes sir, my wife has her commended to you
Def.
That's news indeed my Lord, I think she would
Commend me to the gallows if she could,
She ever lov'd me so well, I thank her.
Als.
What's this blood upon your band Deflores?
Def.
Blood? No sure, 'twas washt since.
Als.
Since when man?
Def.
Since to'ther day I got a knock
In a Sword and Dagger School; I think 'tis out.
Als.
Yes, 'tis almost out, but 'tis perceiv'd tho.
I had forgot my message; this it is,
What price goes murder?
Def.
How sir?
Als:
I ask you sir,
My wife's behind hand with you, she tells me,
For a brave bloody blow you gave for her sake
Upon Piracquo.
Def.
Upon? 'Twas quite through him sure,
Has she confest it?
Als.
As sure as death to both of you,
And much more then that:
Def.
It could not be much more,
'Twas but one thing, and that she's a Whore.
Als.
I could not chuse but follow, oh cunning Divels!
How should blind men know you from fair fac'd saints?
Bea.
within.
He lies, the villain does be-lye me.
Def.
Let me go to her, sir.
Als.
Nay, you shal to her.
Peace crying Crocodile, your sounds are heard,
Take your prey to you, get you into her sir.
Exit Def.
I'le be your pandor now, rehearse agen
Your Scene of lust, that you may be perfect
When you shall come to act it to the black audience
Where howls and gnashings shall be musick to you.
Will guide you to the Mare mortuum,
Where you shall sink to fadoms bottomless.
Enter Vermandero, Alibius, Isabella, Thomazo, Franciscus, and Antonio.
Ver.
Oh Alsemero. I have a wonder for you
Als.
No sir, 'tis I, I have a wonder for you
Ver.
I have suspition nere as proof it self
For Piracquo's murder.
Als.
Sir, I have proof
Beyond suspition, for Piracquo's murder.
Ver.
Beseech you hear me, these two have been disgui'd
E're since the deed was done.
Als.
I have two other
That were more close dsguis'd then your two could be,
E're since the deed was done.
Ver.
You'l hear me, these mine own servants.
Als.
Hear me, those nearer then your servants
That shall acquit them, and prove them guiltless.
Fran.
That may be done with easie truth, sir:
Tho.
How is my cause bandied through your delaies!
'Tis urgent in blood, and calls for hast;
Give me a brother alive or dead;
Alive, a wife with him, if dead for both.
A recompence for murder and adultery.
Bea.
within.
Oh, oh, oh.
Als.
Heark, 'tis comming to you.
Def.
within.
Nay, I'le along for company.
Bea
within.
Oh, oh.
Ver.
What horrid sounds are these?
Als.
Come forth you twins of mischief.
Enter Deflores bringing in Beatrice.
Def.
Here we are, if you have any more
To say to us, speak quickly, I shall not,
Give you the hearing else, I am so stout yet,
And so I think that broken rib of mankind.
Ver.
An Host of enemies entred my Citadell,
Could not amaze like this, Joanna, Beatrice, Joanna.
Bea.
O come not neer me sir, I shall defile you,
For your better health, look no more upon't,
But cast it to the ground regardlesly,
Let the common shewer take it, from distinction,
Beneath the starres, upon yon Meteor
Ever hang my fate, 'mongst things corruptible,
I ne're could pluck it from him, my loathing
Was Prophet to the rest, but ne're beleev'd
Mine honour fell with him, and now my life.
Alsemero, I am a stranger to your bed,
Your bed was coz'ned on the nuptiall night,
For which your false-bride died.
Als:
Diaphanta!
Def.
Yes, and the while I coupled with your mate
At barly-break; now we are left in hell.
Ver.
We are all there, it circumscribes here.
Def.
I lov'd this woman in spight of her heart,
Her love I earn'd out of Piracquos murder.
Tho.
Ha, my brothers murtherer.
Def.
Yes, and her honors prize
Was my reward, I thank life for nothing
But that pleasure, it was so sweet to me,
That I have drunk up all, left none behinde
For any man to pledge me.
Ver.
Horrid Villain!
Keep life in him for further tortures.
Def.
No, I can prevent you, here's my penknife still,
It is but one thread more,—and now 'tis cut.
Make haste Joanna by that token to thee.
Canst not forget so lately put in mind,
I would not goe to leave thee far behind.
Dyes.
Bea.
Forgive me Alsemero, all forgive,
'Tis time to die, when 'tis a shame to live.
Dyes.
Ver.
Oh my name is entred now in that record,
Where till this fatall hour 'twas never read.
Als.
Let it be blotted out, let your heart lose it,
And it can never look you in the face,
Nor tell a tale behind the back of life,
To your dishonor, justice hath so right
The guilty hit, that innocence is quit
Sir, you are sensible of what truth hath done,
'Tis the best comfort that your grief can find.
Tho.
Sir, I am satisfied, my injuries
Lie dead before me, I can exact no more,
Unless my soul were loose, and could ore-take
Those black fugitives, that are fled from thence
To take a second vengeance; but there are wraths
Deeper then mine (tis to be fear'd) about 'em.
Als.
What an opacous body had that moon:
That last chang'd on us? here's beauty chang'd
To ugly whoredom: here servant obedience
To a master-sin, imperious murder.
I a suppos'd husband chang'd embraces
With wantonness, but that was paid before;
Your change is come too, from an ignorant wrath
To knowing friendship. Are there any more on's?
Ant.
Yes sir, I was chang'd too, from a little Asse as I was, to a great
Fool as I am; and had like to ha' been chang'd to the gallows but
that you know my Innocence always excuses me.
Fran.
I was chang'd from a little wit to be stark mad,
Almost for the same purpose.
Isa.
Your change is still behind, but deserve best your transformation.
You are a jealous Coxcomb, keep Schools of Folly,
And teach your Scholars how to break your own head.
Alib.
I see all apparent wife, and will change now
Into a better husband, and never keep Scholars
That shall be wiser then my self.
Als.
Sir, you have yet a sons duty living,
Please you accept it, let that your sorrow
As it goes from your eye, goe from your heart,
Man and his sorrow at the grave must part.
| The Changeling | |