 | The Great Dvke of Florence |  |
Actus secundi
Scæna prima.
Fiorinda. Calaminta.Fiorinda.
How does this dressing show?
Calaminta.
'Tis of it selfe
As it does from your Grace, that daines to weare it,
Incomparable.
Fiorinda.
Thou flatter'st me.
Calaminta.
I cannot,
Your Excellence is above it.
Fiorinda.
Were we lesse perfect,
Yet being as we are an absolute Princesse,
We of necessity must be chast, wise, faire,
By our prerogative. Yet all these faile
To move where I would have them. How receiv'd
Count Sanazarro the rich Scarfe I sent him
For his last Visit?
Calaminta.
With much reverence,
I dare not say affection. He express'd
More ceremonie in his humble thanks
Then feeling of the favour; and appear'd
Wilfully ignorant in my opinion
Of what it did invite him to.
Fiorinda.
No matter,
He's blinde with too much light. Have you not heard
Of any private Mistresse he's ingag'd to?
Calaminta.
Not any, and this does amaze me Madame,
That he, a Souldier, one that drinks rich wines,
Feedes high, and promises as much as Venus
Could wish to finde from Mars, should in his manners
Be so averse to women.
Fiorinda.
Troth I know not,
He's man enough, and if he has a haunt,
He preyes farre off like a subtill Fox.
Calaminta.
And that way
I doe suspect him. For I learnt last night
(When the great Duke went to rest) attended by
One private follower, he tooke horse, but whither
He's rid, or to what end I cannot guesse at,
But I will finde it out.
Fiorinda.
Doe faithfull servant.
Enter Calandrino.
We would not be abus'd. Who have we here?
How the foole stares?
Fiorinda.
And lookes as if he were
Conning his neck-verse.
Calandrino.
If I now proove perfect
In my A. B. C. of Courtship, Calandrino
Is made for ever, I am sent; let me see,
On a how doe you, as they call't.
Calaminta.
What would'st thou say?
Calan.
Let me see thy notes. These are her lodgings. Well.
Calaminta.
Art thou an Asse?
Caland.
Peace, thou art a Court wagtaile
Calandrino still looking on his instructions.
To interrupt me.
Fiorinda.
He has giv'n it you.
Calandrino.
And then say to th'illustrious Fi. o. rin. da.
I have it. VVhich is she?
Calaminta.
VVhy this; Fopdoodle.
Calan.
Leave chattering Bulfinch: you would put me out,
But 'twill not doe. Then after you have made
Your three obeysances to her, kneele and kisse
The skirt of Gowne. I am glad it is no worse.
Calaminta.
And why so sir?
Calandrino.
Because I was afraid
That after the Italian garbe I should
Have kiss'd her backward.
Calaminta.
This is sport unlook'd for.
Calandrino.
Are you the Princesse?
Fiorinda.
Yes sir.
Calandrino.
Then stand faire
(For I am cholerick) and doe not nip
A hopefull blosome. Out againe. Three low
Reades.
Obeysances.
Fiorinda.
I am ready.
Calandrino.
I come on then.
Calaminta.
With much formality.
Makes Antique curtesies.
Calandrino.
Umph. One. two. three.
Thus farre I am right. Now for the last. O rare!
Shee is perfum'd all over! Sure great women
Instead of little dogges are priviledg'd
Fiorinda.
Now the ceremony
Is pass'd, what is the substance?
Calandrino.
I'll peruse
My instructions, and then tell you: Her skirt kiss'd,
Informe her Highnesse, that your Lord,
Calaminta.
Who's that?
Calandrino.
Prince Giovanni, who entreates your Grace,
That he with your good favour may have leave
To present his service to you. I think I have nick'd it
For a Courtier of the first forme.
Fiorinda.
To my wonder:
Enter Giovanni and a Gentleman.
Returne unto the Prince: but he prevents
My answer. Calaminta take him off,
And for the neate delivery of his message
Give him ten Duccats, such rare parts as yours
Are to cherish'd.
Calandrino.
We will share. I know
It is the custome of the Court; when ten
Are promis'd, five is faire. Fie, fie, the Princesse
Shall never know it, so you dispatch me quickly,
And bid me not come to morrow.
Calaminta.
Very good sir.
Exeunt Calandrino and Calaminta.
Giovanni.
Pray you friend
Informe the Duke I am putting into act
What he commanded.
Gentleman.
I am proud to be imploy'd sir.
Exit Gentlemaā They salute.
Giovan.
Madam, that without warrant I presume
To trench upon your Privacies, may argue
Rudenesse of manners. But the free accesse
Your Princely courtesie vouchsafes to all
That come to pay their services, gives me hope
To finde a gracious pardon.
Fiorinda.
If you please, not
To make that an offence in your construction,
Which I receive as a large favour from you,
There needes not this Apologie.
Giovanni.
You continue
Faire entertainment.
Fiorinda.
You are Sir the Master,
And in the Country have learnt to out-doe
All that in Court is practis'd. But why should we
Talke at such distance? You are welcome sir.
We have beene more familiar, and since
You wil impose the Province, you should governe,
Of boldnesse on me, give me leave to say
You are too punctuall. Sit sir, and discourse
As we were us'd.
Giovanni.
Your Excellence knowes so well
How to command, that I can never erre
When I obey you.
Fiorinda.
Nay, no more of this.
You shall o'recome; no more I pray you sir.
And what delights, Pray you be liberall
In your relation, hath the Country life
Afforded you?
Giovanni.
All pleasures gracious Madame,
But the happinesse to converse with your sweet vertues.
I had a grave Instructer, and my houres
Design'd to serious Studies yeelded me
Pleasure with profit in the knowledge of
What before I was ignorant in. The Signior
Carolo de Charomonte being skilfull
To guide me through the labyrinth of wilde passions,
That labour'd to imprison my free soule
A slave to vitious Sloath.
Fiorinda.
You speake him well.
Giovanni.
But short of his deserts. Then for the time
Of recreation I was allow'd
(Against the forme follow'd by jealous Parents
In Italy) full liberty to pertake
His daughters sweet society. She's a virgin
Happy in all endowments, which a Poet
Could fancie in his Mistresse: being her selfe
A Schoole of goodnesse, where chast Mayds may learne
By the example of her life and purenesse
To be as she is, excellent. I but give you
A briefe Epitome of her vertues, which
Dilated on at large, and to their merit,
Would make an ample Story.
Fiorinda.
Your whole age
So spent with such a Father, and a Daughter,
Could not be tedious to you.
Giovanni.
True great Princesse:
And now since you have pleas'd to grant the hearing
Of my times expence in the Conntry, give me leave
To entreate the favour, to be made acquainted
What service, or what objects in the Court
Have in your Excellence acceptance, prov'd
Most gracious to you?
Fiorinda.
I'll meete your demand,
And make a plaine discovery. The Dukes care
For my estate and person holds the first
And choycest place. Then the respect the Courtiers
Pay gladly to me, not to be contemn'd.
But that which rais'd in me the most delight
(For I am a friend to valour) was to heare
The noble actions truly reported
Of the brave Count Sanazarro. I professe
When it hath beene, and fervently deliver'd.
How boldly in the horror of a fight
Cover'd with fire and smoake, and as if nature
Had lent him wings, like lightning he hath falne
Upon the Turkish Gallies, I have heard it
With a kinde of pleasure, which hath whisper'd to me
This Worthy must be cherish'd.
Giovanni.
'Twas a bounty
You never can repent.
Fiorinda.
I glory in it.
And when he did returne (but still with conquest)
His Armour off not young Antinous
Appear'd more Courtly; all the Graces that
Like Pages wayting on him, and it does
VVorke strangely on me.
Giovanni.
To divert your thoughts
Though they are fixt upon a noble Subject,
I am a suitor to you.
Fiorinda.
You will aske
I doe presume, what I may grant, and then
It must not be deni'd.
Giovanni.
It is a favour
For which I hope your Excellence will thank me.
Fiorinda.
Nay, without circumstance.
Giovanni.
That you would please
To take occasion to move the Duke,
That you with his allowance may command
This matchlesse virgin Lidia (of whom
I cannot speake too much) to waite upon you.
She's such a one, upon the forfeit of
Your good opinion of me, that will not
Be a blemish to your trayne.
Fiorinda.
'Tis ranke! He loves her;
Aside.
But I will fit him with a suit. I pause not
As if it bred or doubt or scruple in me
To doe what you desire, for I'll effect it,
And make use of a faire and fit occasion.
Yet in returne I aske a boone of you,
And hope to finde you, in your grant to me
As I have beene to you.
Giovanni.
Command me Madame.
Fiorinda.
'Tis neere allyde to yours. That you would be
A Suitor to the Duke, not to expose
(After so many trialls of his faith)
The noble Sanazarro to all dangers,
As if he were a wall to stand the furie
Of a perpetuall batterie: but now
To grant him after his long labours, rest
And liberty to live in Court, his Armes
And his victorious sword and shield hung up
Giovan.
Umph. I'll embrace faire Princes
Enter Cozimo.
The soonest oportunity. The Duke!
Cozimo.
Nay, blush not; we smile on your privacie,
And come not to disturbe you. You are equalls,
And without prejudice to eithers Honors.
May make a mutuall change of love and Courtship,
Till you are made one, and with holy rites,
And we give suffrage to it.
Giovanni.
You are gracious.
Cozimo.
To our selfe in this. But now break off. Too much
Taken at once of the most curious viands
Dulls the sharp edge of appetite. We are now
For other sports, in which our pleasure is
That you shall keepe us company.
Fiorinda.
We attend you.
Exeunt.
Scæna secunda.
Bernardo. Caponi. Petruchio.Bernardo.
Is my Lord stirring?
Caponi.
No; He's fast.
Petruchio.
Let us take then
Our morning draught. Such as eate store of Beefe,
Mutton, and Capons, may preserve their healths
With that thin composition call'd small Beere,
As 'tis said they doe in England. But Italians
That think when they have sup'd upon an Olive,
A Root, or bunch of Raysins, 'tis a Feast,
Must kill those crudities, rising from cold hearbs,
With hot and lusty wines.
Caponi.
A happinesse
Those Tramontaines ne're casted.
Bernardo.
Have they not
Store of wine there?
Caponi.
Yes, and drink more in two houres
Then the Dutchmen, or the Dane in foure and twenty.
Petru.
But what is't? French trash, made of rotten grapes
A drench to kill a horse, but this pure Nectar
Being proper to our climate, is too fine
To brook the roughnesse of the Sea. The spirit
Of this begets in us quick apprehensions
And active executions, whereas their
Grosse feeding makes their understanding like it.
They can fight, and that's their all.
They drink.
Sanazarro.
Security
Enter Sanazarro. A servant.
Dwells about this house I think, the gate's wide open,
And not a servant stirring. See the horses
Set up, and cloath'd.
Servant.
I shall Sir.
Sanazarro.
I'll make bold
To presse a little further.
Bernardo.
Who is this,
Count Sanazarro?
Petruchio.
Yes, I know him. Quickly
Remove the Flaggon.
Sanazarro.
A good day to you friends.
Nay, doe not conceale your Physick, I approve it,
And if you please will be a Patient with you.
Petruchio.
My noble Lord.
Drinks.
Sanazarro.
A health to yours. Well done,
I see you love your selves. And I commend you
'Tis the best wisedome.
Petruchio.
May it please your Honour
To walk a turne in the Gallery, I'll acquaint
My Lord with your being here.
Exit Petruchio.
Sanazarro.
Tell him I come
For a Visit onely. 'Tis a hansome pile this.
Exit Sanazarro.
Caponi.
Why here is a brave fellow, and a right one,
Nor wealth, nor greatnesse makes him proud.
Bernar.
There are too few of them, for most of our new Courtiers
(Whose Fathers were familiar with the prices
Of oyle, and corne, with when and to where to vent 'em)
And left their heires rich from their knowledge that way)
Like gourds shot up in a night, disdains to speake
Ent. Car. Charom in a night-Gown, Petruchio following.
Carol.
Stand you prating, knaves,
When such a guest is under my roofe? See all
The roomes perfum'd. This is the man that carries
The sway, and swinge of the Court; and I had rather
Preserve him mine with honest offices, then.—
But I'll make no comparisons. Bid my daughter
Trim her selfe up to the height, I know this Courtier
Must have a smack at her, and perhaps by his place
Expects to wriggle further. If he does
I shall deceive his hopes, for I'll not taint
My Honour for the Dukedome. Which way went he?
Caponi.
To the round Gallerie.
Carolo.
I will entertaine him
As fits his worth, and quality, but no farther.
Exeunt:
Scæna tertia.
Sanazarro solus.Sanazarro.
I cannot apprehend, yet I have argu'd
All wayes I can imagine, for what reasons
The great Duke does imploy me hither, and
What does encrease the miracle, I must render
A strict and true account, at my returne
Of Lidia this Lords daughter, and describe
In what she's excellent, and where defective.
'Tis a hard task; he that will undergoe
To make a judgement of a womans beauty,
And see through all her plaistrings, and paintings,
Had neede of Linceus eyes, and with more ease
May looke like him through nine mud walls, then make
A true discovery of her. But th'intents
And secrets of my Princes heart must be
Serv'd and not search'd into.
Enter Carolo Charomonte.
Carolo.
Most noble Sir
Excuse my age subject to ease, and Sloath,
That with no greaver speed I have presented
My service with your welcome.
'Tis more fit
That I should aske your pardon for disturbing
Your rest at this unseasonable houre.
But my occasions carrying me so neere
Your hospitable house, my stay being short to;
Your goodnesse, and the name of friend, which you
Are pleas'd to grace me with, gave me assurance
A Visit would not offend.
Carolo.
Offend my Lord?
I feele my selfe much younger for the favour.
How is it with our gracious Master?
Sanazarro.
He Sir
Holds still his wonted Greatnesse, and confesses
Himselfe your debtor, for your love, and care
To the Prince Giovanni, and had sent
Particular thanks by me, had his Grace knowne,
The quick dispatch of what I was design'd to
Would have licenc'd me to see you.
Carolo.
I am rich
In his acknowledgement.
Sanazarro.
Sir, I have heard
Your happinesse in a daughter.
Carolo.
Sits the winde there?
Sanazarro.
Fame gives her out for a rare master-peece.
Carolo.
'Tis a plaine Village Girle Sir, but obedient,
That's her best beauty Sir.
Sanazarro.
Let my desire
To see her, finde a faire construction from you,
I bring no loose thought with me.
Carolo.
You are that way
My Lord free from suspition. Her owne manners
(Without an imposition from me)
Enter Lidia and Petronella.
I hope will prompt her to it. As she is
She's come to make a tender of that service
Which she stands bound to pay.
Sanazarro.
With your faire leave
I make bold to salute you.
Lidia.
Sir, I, you have it.
I am her Gentlewoman, wil he not kisse me to?
This is course ifaith.
Carolo.
How he falls off!
Lidia.
My Lord, though silence best becomes a Mayde,
And to be curious to know but what concernes my selfe, and with becomming distance,
May argue me of boldnesse, I must borrow
So much of modesty as to enquire Prince Giovannies health?
Sanazar.
Hee cannot want, what you are pleas'd to wish him.
Lidia.
Would 'twere so,
And then there is no blessing that can make
A hopefull and a noble Prince compleat,
But should fall on him. O, he was our North star,
The light and pleasure of our eyes.
Sanazarro.
Where am I?
I feele my selfe another thing! Can charmes
Be writ on such pure Rubies? Her lips melt
Assoone as touch'd! not those smooth gales that glide
O're happy Arabie, or rich Sabæa,
Creating in their passage gummes and spices,
Can serve for a weake simile to expresse
The sweetnesse of her breath. Such a brave stature
Homer bestow'd on Pallas, every limbe
Proportion'd to it.
Carolo.
This is strange; my Lord.
Sanaza.
I crave your pardon, and yours, matchlesse Mayd,
For such I must report you.
Petronella.
There's no notice
Taken all this while of me.
Sanazarro.
And I must adde
If your discourse and reason parallel
The rarenesse of your more then humane forme,
You are a wonder.
Carolo.
Pray you my Lord make triall:
She can speak I can assure you, and that my presence
May not take from her freedome, I will leave you.
For know my Lord, my confidence dares trust her
Where, and with whom she pleases. If he be
A better match; and for false play I know
The tricks, and can discerne them. Petronella!
Petronella.
Yes my good Lord.
Carolo.
I have imployment for you.
Exeunt Carolo and Petronella.
Lidia.
What's your will Sir?
Sanazarro.
Madame, you are so large a theame to treat of,
And every Grace about you offers to me
Such copiousnesse of language, that I stand
Doubtfull which first to touch at. If I erre,
As in my choyce I may, let me entreat you
Before I doe offend, to signe my pardon,
Let this the Emblem of your innocence
Give me assurance.
Lidia.
My hand joyn'd to yours
Without this superstition confirmes it.
Nor neede I feare you will dwell long upon me,
The barrennesse of the subject yeelding nothing
That Rhetorick with all her tropes and figures
Can amplifie. Yet since you are resolv'd
To prove your selfe a Courtier in my praise,
As I am a woman (and you men affirme
Our sex loves to be flatter'd) I'll endure it.
Carolo above.
Now when you please begin.
Turnes from her.
Sanazarro.
Such Lædas paps were,
Down pillowes styl'd by Jove. And their pure whitenesse
Shames the Swans Down, or snow. No heat of lust
Swells up her Azure veines. And yet I feele
That this chast Ice but touch'd fans fire in me.
Lidia.
You neede not noble Sir be thus transported,
Or trouble your invention to expresse
Your thought of me: the plainest phrase and language
That you can use, will be too high a straine
For such an humble Theme.
Sanazarro.
If the great Duke
Made this his end to try my constant temper,
Though I am vanquish'd, 'tis his fault, not mine.
For I am flesh and blood, and have affections
Or holy Altars, but the Objects worke
Devotion in him? And I may as well
Walke over burning iron with bare feet
And be unscorch'd, as looke upon this beauty
Without desire, and that desire pursu'd to,
Till it be quench'd with the enjoying those
Delights, which to atchieve danger is nothing,
And loyalty but a word.
Lidia.
I ne're was proud,
Nor can finde I am guilty of a thought
Deserving this neglect, and strangenesse from you,
Nor am I amorous.
Sanazarro.
Suppose his Greatnesse
Loves her himselfe, why makes he choyce of me
To be his agent? it is tyrannie
To call one pinch'd with hunger to a feast,
And at that instant cruelly deny him
To taste of what he sees. Alleageance
Tempted too farre, is like the triall of
A good sword on an Anvill; as that often
Flies in peeces without service to the owner;
So trust enforc'd too farre prooves treachery,
And is too late repented.
Lidia.
Pray you Sir,
Or licence me to leave you, or deliver
The reasons which invite you to command
My tedious wayting on you.
Carolo.
As I live
I know not what to think on't. Is't his pride,
Or his simplicity?
Sanazarro.
Whither have my thoughts
Carried me from my selfe? in this my dulnesse,
I have lost an oportunity.
He turnes to her.
Lidia.
'Tis true,
She falls off.
I was not bred in Court, not live a starre there,
Nor shine in rich embroderies, and pearle,
As they that are the Mistresses of great fortunes,
Sanazarro.
Will you vouchsafe
Your eare sweet Lady?
Lidia.
Yet I may be bold
For my integrity, and fame, to ranke
With such as are more glorious. Though I never
Did injurie, yet I am sensible
When I am contemn'd, and scorn'd.
Sanazarro.
Will you please to heare me?
Lidia.
O the difference of natures. Giovanni,
A Prince in expectation, when he liv'd here,
Stole courtesie from heaven, and would not to
The meanest servant in my Fathers house
Have kept such distance.
Sanazarro.
Pray you doe not think me
Unworthy of your eare, it was your beauty
That turn'd me statue, I can speake, faire Lady.
Lidia.
And I can heare. The harshnesse of your Courtship
Cannot corrupt my curtesie.
Sanazarro.
Will you heare me
If I speake of love?
Lidia.
Provided you be modest,
I were uncivill else.
Carolo descends.
Carolo.
They are come to parlee,
I must observe this neerer.
Sanazarro.
You are a rare one,
And such (but that my hast commands me hence)
I could converse with ever. Will you grace me
VVith leave to visit you againe.
Lidia.
So you
At your returne to Court, doe me the favour
To make a tender of my humble service
To the Prince Giovanni.
Sanazarro.
Ever touching
Upon that string? And will you give me hope
Of future happinesse?
Lidia.
That, as I shall finde you.
The Fort that's yeelded at the first assault,
Enter Carolo.
Carolo.
O, they are at it.
Sanazar.
She is a Magazine of all perfection,
And 'tis death to part from her, yet I must,
A parting kisse faire Maid.
Lidia.
That custome grants you.
Carolo.
A homely breakfast does attend your Lordship.
Such as the place affords.
Sanazarro.
No, I have feasted
Already here, my thanks, and so I leave you,
I will see you againe. Till this unhappy houre
I was never lost, and what to doe or say
I have not yet determin'd,
Exit Sanazarro.
Carolo.
Gone so abruptly?
'Tis very strange.
Lidia.
Under your favour Sir,
His comming hither was to little purpose
For any thing I heard from him.
Carolo.
Take heede Lidia!
I doe advise you with a Fathers love,
And tendernesse of your honour: as I would not
Have you course and harsh in giving entertainment,
So by no meanes be credulous. For great men
Till they have gain'd their ends are Giants in
Their promises, but those obtain'd, weake Pigmies
In their performance. And it is a maxime
Alow'd among them, so they may deceive
They may sweare any thing; for the Queen of love
As they hold constantly, does never punish,
But smile at Lovers perjuries. Yet be wise too,
And when you are su'd to in a noble way,
Be neither nice, nor scrupulous.
Lidia.
All you speake Sir
I heare as Oracles, nor will digresse
From your directions.
Carolo.
So shall you keepe
Your fame untainted.
Lidia.
As I would my life Sir.
Exeunt.
Finis Actus secundi.
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