University of Virginia Library

Scæna Prima.

Enter Vitelli, Francisco.
Fran.
You are wondrous braue, and iocound.

Vitelli.
Welcome Father.
Should I spare cost, or not weare cheerefull lookes
Vpon my wedding day, it were omenous
And shew'd I did repent it, which I dare not,
It being a marriage, howsoeuer sad
In the first ceremonies that confirme it,
That will for euer arme me against feares,
Repentance, doubts, or iealousies, and bring
Perpetuall comforts, peace of minde, and quiet
To the glad couple.

Fran.
I well vnderstand you;
And my full ioy to see you so resolu'd
Weake words cannot expresse. What is the howre
Design'd for this solemnity?

Uitel.
The sixth,
Something before the setting of the Sun
We take our last leaue of his fading light,
And with our soules eies seeke for beames eternall,
Yet there's one scruple with which I am much
Perplex'd, and troubl'd, which I know you can
Resolue me of.

Fran.
What is't?

Uitelli.
This sir, my Bride
Whom I first courted, and then wonne (not with
Loose layes, poore flatteries, apish complements,
But Sacred, and Religious zeall) yet wants
The holy badge that should proclaime her fit
For these Celestiall Nuptialls; vvilling she is,
I know, to weare it, as the choicest iewell
On her fayre forehead; but to you, that well
Could doe that vvorke of Grace, I know the Viceroy
Will neuer grant accesse. Now in a case
Of this necessity, I vvould gladly learne,
Whether in me a layman, vvithout orders,
It may not be religious, and lawfull
As vve goe to our deaths to doe that office?

Fran.
A question in it selfe, vvith much ease answer'd;
Midwiues vpon necessity performe it,
And Knights that in the Holy-Land fought for
The freedome of Hierusalem, vvhen full
Of sweat, and enemies blood, haue made their Helmets
The fount, out of vvhich vvith their holy hands
They drew that heauenly liquor, 't vvas approu'd then
By the Holy Church, nor must I thinke it now
In you a vvorke lesse pious.

Vitel.
You confirme me,
I vvill find a way to doe it. In the meane time
Your holy vowes assist me.

Fran.
They shall euer
Be present vvith you.

Vitel.
You shall see me act
This last Scæne to the life.

Fran.
And though now fall,
Rise a bles'd Martyr.

Vitel.
That's my end, my all.

Exeunt.