 | The Changeling |  |
ACTUS TERTIUS.
Enter Alonzo and Deflores.(In the Act time Deflores hides a naked Rapier.)
Def.
Yes, here are all the keys, I was afraid my Lord,
I'de wanted for the postern, this is it.
Ive all, I've all, my Lord: this for the Sconce.
Alon.
'Tis a most spacious and impregnable Fort.
Def.
You'l tell me more my Lord: this discent
Is somwhat narrow, we shall never pass
Well with our weapons, they'l but trouble us.
Alon.
Thou sayst true.
Def.
Pray let me help your Lordship.
Alon.
'Tis done. Thanks kind Deflores.
Def.
Here are hooks my Lord, to hang such things on purpose.
Alon.
Lead, Il'e follow thee.
Ex. at one door & enter at the other.
Def.
All this is nothing, you shall see anon a place you little dream on
Alon.
I am glad I have this leasure: all your masters house
Imagine I ha' taken a Gondela.
Def.
All but my self, sir, which makes up my safety,
My Lord, I'le place you at a Casement here,
Will shew you the full strength of all the Castle.
Look, spend your eye a while upon that object.
Alon.
Here's rich variety Deflores.
Def.
Yes, sir.
Alon.
Goodly munition.
Def.
I, there's Ordnance sir, no bastard metall, will ring you a peal
take speciall notice of that Sconce before you, there you may dwell
a-while.
Alon.
I am upon't.
Def.
And so am I.
Alon:
Deflores, oh Deflores, whose malice hast thou put on?
Def:
Doe you question a work of secresie? I must silence you.
Alon.
Oh, oh, oh.
Def.
I must silence you.
So, here's an undertaking wel accomplish'd.
This vault serves to good use now—Ha! what's that
Threw sparkles in my eye?—Oh 'tis a Diamond
He wears upon his finger: it was well found,
This will approve the work. What, so fast on?
Not part in death? I'le take a speedy course then,
Finger and all shall off. So, now I'le clear
The passages from all suspect or fear.
Exit with Body,
Enter Isabella and Lollio.
Isa:
Why sirrah? Whence have you commission
To fetter the doors against me? If you
Keep me in a Cage, pray whistle to me,
Let me be doing somthing.
Lol:
You shall be doing, if it please you, I'le whistle to you if you'l pipe after.
Isa.
Is it your Masters pleasure, or your own,
To keep me in this Pinfold?
Lol:
'Tis for my masters pleasure, lest being taken in another mans
Corn, you might be pounded in another place.
Isa.
'Tis very well, and he'l prove very wise.
Lol:
He says you have company enough in the house, if you please
to be sociable, of all sorts of people.
Isa:
Of all sorts? Why here's none but fools and mad-men.
Lol:
Very well: And where will you find any other, if you should
goe abroad? There's my master and I to boot too:
Isa.
Of either sort one, a mad-man and a fool.
Lol.
I would ev'n participate of both then if I were as you, I know
y'are half mad already; be half foolish too.
Isa:
Y'are a brave sawcy Rascall, come on sir,
Afford me then the pleasure of your Bedlam;
You were commending once to day to me,
Your last come lunatique, what a proper
And what a pittifull delight appear'd
In that defect, as if your wisdom had found
A mirth in madness; pray sir let me partake
If there be such a pleasure.
Lol.
If I doe not shew
You the handsomest, discreetest mad-man, one that I may
Call, the understanding mad-man; then say I am a fool.
Isa.
Well, a match, I will say so.
Lol.
When you have a tast of the mad-man, you shal (if you please)
see Fools Colledge, o'th side, I seldome lock there, 'tis but shooting a
bolt or two, and you are amongst em.
Come on sir, let me see how handsomly you'l behave your self now.
Enter Loll: Franciscus.
Fran.
How sweetly she looks! Oh but there's a wrinkle in her
brow as deep as Philosophy, Anacreon drink to my Mistress health,
I'le pledge it: Stay, stay, there's a Spider in the cup: No, tis but a
Grape-stone, swallow it, fear nothing Poet; so, so, lift higher.
Isa.
Alack, alack, tis too full of pitty
To be laught at; how fell he mad? Canst thou tell?
Lol.
For love, Mistress,
He was a pretty Poet too, and that set him forwards first;
The Muses then forsook him, he ran mad for a Chambermaid,
Yet she was but a dwarf neither.
Fran.
Hail bright Titania, why standst thou idle on these flowry
banks? Oberon is dancing with his Dryades, I'le gather dazies, primrosse,
violets, and bind them in a verse of Poesie.
Lol.
Not too neer, you see your danger.
Fran.
Oh hold thy hand great Diomed, thou feedst thy horses well,
they shall obey thee; Get up, Bucephalus kneels.
Lol.
You see how I aw my stock, a Shephard has not his dog at
more obedience.
Isa.
His conscience is unquiet, sure that was
The cause of this. A proper Gentleman.
Fran.
Come hither Esculapius, hide the poyson.
Lol.
Well, tis hid.
Fran
Didst thou never hear of one Tiresias a famous Poet?
Lol.
Yes, that kept tame wild-geese.
Fran.
That's he, I am the man.
Lol.
No.
Yes, but make no words on't, I was a man seven years agoe,
Lol.
A stripling I think you might.
Fra.
Now Im'e a woman, all feminine.
Lol.
I would I might see that.
Fra.
Juno struck me blind,
Lol.
I'le ne're beleeve that; for a woman they say, has an eye more
then a man.
Fra.
I say she struck me blind.
Lol.
And Luna made you mad, you have two trades to beg with.
Fra.
Luna is now big bellied, and there's room for both of us to
ride with Hecate; I'le drag thee up into her silver sphear, and there
we'l kick the Dog, and beat the bush that barks against the Witches
of the night, the swift Licanthropi that walks the round, we'l tear
their wolvish skins, and save the sheep.
Lol.
Is't come to this? nay then my poyson comes forth agen, mad
slave, indeed, abuse your Keeper!
Isa.
I prithee hence with him, now he grows dangerous.
Sing.
Fra.
Sweet love pitie me, give me leave to lye with thee.
Lol.
No, I'le see you wiser first: To your own kennell.
Fra.
No noyse she sleeps, draw all the Curtains round,
Let no soft sound molest the pretty soul,
But love, and love, creeps in at a mouse-hole.
Lol.
I wo'd you wod get into your hole.
Exit Fra.
Now Mistress I wil bring you another sort, you shal be fool'd another
while, Tony, come hither Tony, look who's yonder Tony.
Enter Antonio.
Ant.
Cousin, is it not my Ant?
Lol.
Yes, 'tis on of 'um Tony.
Ant.
He, he, how do you Uncle?
Lol.
Fear him not Mistress, 'tis a gentle nigget, you may play with
him, as safely with him as with his bawble.
Isa.
How long hast thou been a fool?
Ant.
Ever since I came hither, Cousin?
Isa.
Cousin, I'me none of thy Cousins fool.
Lol.
Oh mistress, fools have always so much wit as to claim their
kindred.
Madman
within.
Bounce, bounce, he falls, he falls.
Isa.
Heark you, your scholars in the upper room are out of order.
Lol.
Must I come amongst you there? Keep you the fool mistress,
I'le go up, & play left handed Orlando amongst the madmen.
Exit.
Well, Sir.
Ant.
'Tis opportuneful now, sweet Lady! nay,
Cast no amazing eye upon this change.
Isa.
Ha!
Ant.
This shape of Folly shrowds your dearest Love,
The truest servant to your powerful beauties,
Whose magick had this force thus to transform me.
Isa.
You are a fine Fool indeed.
Ant.
Oh 'tis not strange: Love has an intellect that runs through all
The scrutinous Sciences; and like
A cunning Poet, catches a quantity
Of every Knowledge, yet brings all home
Into one mysterie, into one secret
That he proceeds in.
Isa.
Y'are a parlous Fool.
Ant.
No danger in me: I bring nought but Love,
And his soft wounding shafts to strike you with:
Try but one arrow; if it hurt you,
I'le stand you twenty back in recompence.
Isa.
A forward Fool too.
Ant.
This was Love's teaching;
A thousand wayes she fashion'd out my way,
And this I found the safest and neerest
To tread the Gallaxia to my Star.
Isa.
Profound, withall certain: You dream'd of this;
Love never taught it waking.
Ant.
Take no acquaintance of these outward Follies; there is within
A Gentleman that loves you.
Isa.
When I see him, I'le speak with him; so in the mean time
Keep your habit, it becomes you well enough
As you are a Gentleman, I'le not discover you;
That's all the favour that you must expect:
When you are weary, you may leave the school,
For all this while you have but plaid the Fool.
Enter Lollio!
Ant.
And must agen; he, he, I thank you Cozen, I'le be your Valentine
To motrow morning.
Lol.
How do you like the Fool, Mistress?
Isa.
Passing well, Sir.
Lol.
Is he not witty, pretty well for a Fool?
If he hold on as he begins, he is like to come to something!
Lol.
I, thank a good Tutor: You may put him to't; he begins
To answer pretty hard questions. Tony, how many is
Five times six?
Ant.
Five times six, is six times five.
Lol.
What Arithmetician could have answerd better? how many is
One hundred and seven?
Ant.
One hundred and seven, is seven hundred and one, Cozen.
Lol.
This is no wit to speak on; Will you be rid of the Fool now?
Isa.
By no means, let him stay a little:
Mad-man
within.
Catch there, catch the last couple in hell.
Lol.
Agen, must I come amongst you? Would my Master were come home!
I am not able to govern both these Wards together.
Exit.
Ant.
Why should a minute of Loves hour be lost?
Isa.
Fie, out agen! I had rather you kept
Your other posture: you become not your tongue,
When you speak from your clothes.
Ant.
How can he freeze, lives neer so sweet a warmth? shall I alone
Walk through the orchard of the Hesperides.
And cowardly not dare to pull an apple?
This with the red cheeks I must venter for.
Enter Lol. above.
Isa:
Take heed, there's Gyants keep 'em.
Lol.
How now fool, are you good at that? have you read Lipsius?
He's past Ars Amandi; I believe I must put harder
Questions to him, I perceive that—
Isa.
You are bold without fear too.
Ant.
What should I fear, having all joyes about me? Do you smile,
And Love shall play the wanton on your lip,
Meet and retire, retire and meet agen:
Look you but cheerfully, and in your eyes
I shall behold mine own deformity,
And dresse my self up fairer; I know this shape
Becomes me not, but in those bright mirrors
I shall array me handsomly.
Lol.
Cuckow, Cuckow—
Exit.
Mad-men above, some as birds, others as beasts.
Ant.
What are these?
Isa.
Of fear enough to part us, yet are they but our schools of Lunatiques,
Suiting their present thoughts; if sad, they cry;
If mirth be their conceit, they laugh agen.
Sometimes they imitate the beasts and birds,
Singing, or howling, braying, barking; all
As their wilde fansies prompt 'um.
Enter Lollio.
Ant.
These are no fears.
Isa.
But here's a large one, my man.
Ant.
Ha, he, that's fine sport indeed, cousin:
Lol:
I would my master were come home, 'tis too much for one shepheard
to govern two of these flocks; nor can I beleeve that one
Churchman can instruct two benefices at once, there wil be some incurable
mad of the one side, and very fools on the other.
Ant.
Prithee cousin, let me stay here stil.
Lol.
No, you must to your Book now you have plaid sufficiently.
Isa.
Your fool is grown wondrous witty.
Lol.
Well, I'le say nothing; but I do not think but he will put you
down one of these dayes.
Exeunt Lol. and Ant.
Isa.
Here the restrained current might make breach,
Spite of the watchfull bankers, would a woman stray,
She need not gad abroad to seek her sin,
It would be brought home one wayes or other:
The Needles poynt will to the fixed North,
Such drawing Articks womens beauties are.
Enter Lollio.
Lol.
How dost thou sweet rogue?
Isa.
How now?
Lol.
Come, there are degrees, one fool may be better then another
Isa.
What's the matter?
Lol.
Nay, if thou giv'st thy mind to Fools-flesh, have at thee.
Isa.
You bold slave you.
Lol.
I could follow now as t'other fool did,
What should I fear, having all joys about me: do you but smile,
And love shall play the wanton on your lip,
Meet and retire, retire and meet agen:
Look you but cheerfully, and in your eyes,
I shall behold my own deformity,
And dress my self up fairer, I know this shape
Foolish way? Come sweet rogue, kiss me my little Lacedemonian.
Let me feel how thy pulses beat; Thou hast a thing
About thee, would doe a man pleasure, I'le lay my hand on't.
Isa.
Sirrah, no more I see you have discovered
This loves Knight arrant, who hath made adventure
For purchase of my love; be silent, mute,
Mute as a statue, or his injunction
For me enjoying, shall be to cut thy throat,
I'le do it, though for no other purpose,
And be sure hee'l not refuse it.
Lol.
My share, that's all, I'le have my fools part with you
Isa.
No more your master.
Enter Alibius.
Alib.
Sweet, how dost thou?
Isa.
Your bounden servant, sir.
Alib.
Fie, fie, sweet heart, no more of that.
Isa.
You were best lock me up.
Alib.
In my arms and bosome, my sweet Isabella,
I'le lock thee up most neerly. Lollio,
We have imployment, we have task in hand,
At noble Vermonderos our Castle Captain,
There is a nuptiall to be solemniz'd,
Beatrice Joanna his fair daughter Bride,
For which the Gentleman hath bespoke our pains,
A mixture of our madmen and our fools,
To finish (as it were) and make the fagg
Of all the Revels, the third night from the first,
Onely an unexpected passage over,
To make a frightfull pleasure, that is all,
But not the all I aim at; could we so act it,
To teach it in a wild distracted measure,
Though out of form and figure, breaking times head,
It were no matter, 'twould be heald again
In one age or other, if not in this,
This, this Lollio, there's a good reward begun,
And will beget a bounty be it known.
Lol.
This is easie, sir, I'le warrant you: you have about you Fools
and Madmen that can dance very well, and 'tis no wonder, your best
Dancers are not the wisest men, the reason is, with often jumping
their heels then in their heads.
Alib.
Honest Lollio, though giv'st me a good reason,
And a comfort in it.
Isa.
Y'ave a fine trade on't, Mad-men and Fools are a staple-commodity.
Alib.
Oh wife, we must eat, weare clothes, and live,
Just at the Lawyers Haven we arrive,
By madmen and by fools we both do thrive.
Exeunt.
Enter Vermandero, Alsemero, Jasperino, and Beatrice.
Ver.
Valentia speaks so nobly of you, sir,
I wish I had a daughter now for you.
Als.
The fellow of this creature were a partner
For a Kings love.
Ver.
I had her fellow once, sir,
But heaven has married her to joyes eternall,
'Twere sin to wish her in this vale agen.
Come sir, your friend and you shall see the pleasures
Which my health chiefly joyes in.
Als.
I hear the beauty of this seat largely.
Ver.
It falls much short of that.
Exeunt. Manet Beatrice.
Bea.
So, here's one step
Into my fathers favour, time will fix him,
I have got him now the liberty of the House,
So wisdome by degrees works out her freedom;
And if that eye be darkned that offends me,
I wait but that Eclipse; this Gentleman
Shall soon shine glorious in my Fathers liking,
Through the refulgent vertue of my love.
Enter Deflores.
Def.
My thoughts are at a banquet for the deed,
I feel no weight in't, 'tis but light and cheap,
For the sweet recompence, that I set down for't.
Bea.
Deflores.
Def.
Lady.
Bea.
Thy looks promise cheerfully.
Def.
All things are answerable, time, circumstance,
Your wishes and my service.
Bea:
Is it done then.
Def.
Piracquo is no more.
My joyes start at mine eyes, our sweet'st delights
Are evermore born weeping.
Def.
I've a token for you.
Bea.
For me?
Def.
But it was sent somwhat unwillingly,
I could not get the Ring without the Finger.
Bea:
Bless me! what hast thou done?
Def:
Why is that more then killing the whole man? I cut his
heart strings.
In a mistake, hath had as much as this.
Bea.
'Tis the first token my father made me send him,
Def.
And I made him send it back agen
For his last token, I was loath to leave it,
And I'me sure dead men have no use of Jewels,
He was as loath to part with't, for it stuck,
As if the flesh and it were both one substance.
Bea:
At the Stags fall the Keeper has his fees:
'Tis soon apply'd, all dead mens fees are yours, Sir,
I pray bury the finger, but the stone
You may make use on shortly, the true value,
Tak't of my truth, is neer three hundred Duckets.
Def.
'Twil hardly buy a capcase for ones conscience tho
To keep it from the worm, as fine as 'tis.
Well, being my fees I'le take it,
Great men have taught me that, or else my merit
Would scorn the way on't.
Bea.
It might justly, sir: Why thou mistak'st Deflores, 'tis not given
in state of recompence.
Def.
No, I hope so, Lady, you should soon witness my contempt
too't then.
Bea.
Prithee, thou lookst as if thou wer't offended.
Def.
That were strange, Lady, tis not possible
My service should draw such a cause from you.
Offended? Coul'd you think so? That were much
For one of my performance, and so warm
Yet in my service.
Bea.
'Twere misery in me to give you cause, sir.
Def.
I know so much, it were so, misery
In her most sharp condition.
'Tis resolv'd then; look you sir, here's 3000. golden Florens,
I have not meanly thought upon thy merit.
Def.
What sallery? Now you move me.
Bea:
How Deflores?
Def:
Do you place me in the rank of verminous fellows,
To destroy things for wages? offer gold?
The life blood of man; Is any thing
Valued too pretious for my recompence?
Bea.
I understand thee not.
Def.
I could ha' hir'd a journey-man in murder at this rate,
And mine own conscience might have,
And have had the work brought home.
Bea.
I'me in a labyrinth;
What will content him? I would fain be rid of him.
I'le double the sum, sir.
Def.
You take a course to double my vexation, that's the good you doe.
Bea.
Bless me! I am now in worse plight then I was,
I know not what will please him: for my fears sake
I prithee make away with all speed possible.
And if thou be'st so modest not to name
The sum that will content thee, paper blushes not,
Send thy demand in writing, it shall follow thee,
But prithee take thy flight.
Def.
You must flie too then.
Bea.
I?
Def.
I'le not stir a foot else.
Bea.
What's your meaning?
Def.
Why are not you as guilty, in I'me sure
As deep as I? and we should stick together.
Come, your fears counsell you but ill, my absence
Would draw suspect upon you instantly,
There were no rescue for you.
Bea.
He speaks home.
Def.
Nor is it fit we two ingag'd so joyntly,
Should part and live asunder.
Bea.
How now sir? This shews not well.
Def.
What makes your lip so strange? This must not be betwixt us.
Bea.
The man talks wildly.
Def.
Come kisse me with a zeal now.
Bea.
Heaven I doubt him.
I will not stand so long to beg'em shortly.
Bea.
Take heed Deflores of forgetfulness, 'twill soon betray us.
Def.
Take you heed first;
Faith y'are grown much forgetfull, y'are too blame in't.
Bea.
He's bold, and I am blam'd for't.
Def.
I have eas'd you of your trouble, think on't, I'me in pain,
And must be eas'd of you; 'tis a charity,
Justice invites your blood to understand me.
Bea.
I dare not.
Def.
Quickly.
Bea.
Oh I never shall, speak it yet further of that I may lose
What has been spoken, and no sound remain on't.
I would not hear so much offence again for such another deed.
Def.
Soft, Lady, soft; the last is not yet paid for, oh this act
Has put me into spirit; I was as greedy on't
As the parcht earth of moisture, when the clouds weep.
Did you not mark, I wrought my self into't.
Nay sued and kneel'd for't: Why was all that pains took?
You see I have thrown contempt upon your gold,
Not that I want it, for I doe piteously,
In order I will come unto't, and make use on't,
But 'twas not held so pretious to begin with;
For I place wealth after the heels of pleasure,
And were I not resolv d in my belief
That thy virginity were perfect in thee,
I should but take my recompence with grudging.
As if I had but halfe my hopes I agreed for.
Bea:
Why 'tis impossible thou canst be so wicked,
Or shelter such a cunning cruelty,
To make his death the murderer of my honor.
Thy language is so bold and vitious,
I cannot see which way I can forgive it with any modesty.
Def.
Push, you forget your selfe, a woman dipt in blood, and
talk of modesty.
Bea.
O misery of sin! would I had been bound
Perpetually unto my living hate
In that Piracquo, then to hear these words.
Think but upon the distance that Creation
Set 'twixt thy blood and mine, and keep thee there.
Def.
Look but into your conscience, read me there,
Push, flye not to your birth, but settle you
In what the act has made you, y'are no more now,
You must forget your parentage to me,
Y'are the deeds creature, by that name
You lost your first condition, and I challenge you,
As peace and innocency has turn'd you out,
And made you one with me.
Bea.
With thee, foul villain?
Def.
Yes, my fair murdress; Do you urge me?
Though thou writ'st maid, thou whore in thy affection,
'Twas chang'd from thy first love, and that's a kind
Of whoredome in thy heart, and he's chang'd now,
To bring thy second on thy Alsemero,
Whom (by all sweets that ever darkness tasted,
If I enjoy thee not) thou ne're enjoyst,
I'le blast the hopes and joyes of marriage,
I'le confess all, my life I rate at nothing.
Bea.
Deflores.
Def.
I shall rest from all lovers plagues then,
I live in pain now: that shooting eye
Will burn my heart to cinders.
Bea:
O sir, hear me.
Def.
She that in life and love refuses me,
In death and shame my partner she shall be.
Bea.
Stay, hear me once for all, I make thee master
Of all the wealth I have in gold and jewels,
Let me go poor unto my bed with honor,
And I am rich in all things.
Def.
Let this silence thee,
The wealth of all Valentia shall not buy my pleasure from me,
Can you weep Fate from its determin'd purpose?
So soon may weep me.
Bea.
Vengeance begins;
Murder I see is followed by more sins.
Was my creation in the womb so curst,
It must ingender with a Viper first?
Def.
Come, rise, and shrowd your blushes in my bosome,
Silence is one of pleasures best receipts:
Thy peace is wrought for ever in this yeelding.
What thou so fear'st, and faintst to venture on.
Exeunt:
| The Changeling | |