University of Virginia Library

Act. 2.

Scæn. 1.

Enter Matilda, Beatrix, and two Women.

No matter for the Ring I ask'd you for:
The Boy not to be found?

Bea.
Nor heard of, Madam.

1 Wo.
He hath been sought and searcht for, house by house,
Nay, every nook of the City, but to no purpose.

2 Wo.
And how he should escape hence, the Lord Manfroy
Being so vigilant ore the guards, appears
A thing impossible.

Mat.
I never saw him
Since he swouned in the presence, when my Father
Gave audience to the Ambassador: but I feel
A sad miss of him; on any slight occasion
He would find out such pretty arguments
To make me sport, and with such witty sweetness
Deliver his opinion, that I must
Ingeniously confess his harmless mirth,
When I was most opprest with care, wrought more
In the removing of it, then musick on me.

Bea.
An't please your Excellence, I have observ'd him
Waggishly witty; yet sometimes on the sudden
He would be very pensive, and then talk
So feelingly of love, as if he had
Tasted the bitter sweets of't.

1 Wo.
He would tell too a pretty tale of a sister that had been
Deceiv'd by her Sweetheart; and then weeping swear
He wonder'd how men could be false.

2 Wo.
And that when he was a Knight, he would be the Ladies Champion,
And travel ore the world to kill such Lovers
As durst play false with their Mistresses.

Mat.
I am sure I want his company.
Enter Manfroy (with a Letter.)
There are Letters, Madam,
In post come from the Duke; but I am charg'd
By the careful bringer, not to open them
But in your presence.

Mat.
Heaven preserve my Father!
Good news, an't be thy will!

Manf.
Patience must arm you against what's ill.

Mat.
I'll hear 'em in my Cabinet.

Exeunt.
Enter Galeazo and Ascanio (with a Ring.)
Gal.
Why have you left the safety of the City
And service of the Princess, to partake
The dangers of the Camp? and at a time too
When the Armies are in view, and every minute
The dreadful charge expected.

Asc.
You appear so far beyond your self, as you are now
Arm'd like a soldier, (though I grant your presence
Was ever gracious) that I grow enamour'd
Of the profession, in the horror of it
There is a kind of majesty.

Gal.
But too heavy to sit on thy soft shoulders, Youth; retire
To the Dukes tent that's guarded.

Asc.
Sir, I come
To serve you: Knights adventurers are allow'd
Their Pages; and I bring a will that shall
Supply my want of power.

Gal.
To serve me, boy! I wish (believe it) that 'twere in my nerves
To do thee any service; and thou shalt
If I survive the fortune of this day,
Be satisfied I am serious.

Asc.
I am not
To be put off so, sir: since you do neglect
My offer'd duty, I must use the power
I bring along with me, that may command you:
You have seen this Ring.

Gal.
Made rich by being worne upon the Princess finger.

Asc.
'Tis a favour
To you, by me sent from her: view it better;
But why coy to receive it?

Gal.
I am unworthy
Of such a blessing, I have done nothing yet
That may deserve it; no Commanders blood
Of th'adverse party hath yet dy'd my sword
Drawn out in her defence. I must not take it.
This were a triumph for me when I had
Made Florence Duke my prisoner, and compell'd him
To kneel for mercy at her feet.

Asc.
'Twas sent, sir,
To put you in mind whose cause it is you fight for;
And as I am her creature, to revenge
A wrong to me done.

Gal.
By what man?

Asc.
Alonzo.

Gal.
Th'Ambassador?

Asc.
The same.

Gal.
Let it suffice, I know him by his armor and his horse;
And if we meet—I am cut off, the Alarum
Commands me hence: sweet Youth, fall off.

Asc.
I must not; you are too noble to receive a wound
Upon your back; and following close behind you,
I am secure, though I could wish my bosom
Were your defence.

Gal.
Thy kindness will undo thee.

Exeunt.
Enter Lorenzo, Alonzo, Pisano, Martino.
Lor.
We'll charge the main Battalia, fall you
Upon the Van, preserve your Troops intire
To force the Rear: he dies that breaks his ranks,
Till all be ours and sure.

Pisa.
'Tis so proclaim'd.

Exeunt.
Enter Galeazzo, Ascanio, and Alonzo.
Gal.
'Tis he, Ascanio: Stand!

Alon.
I never shunn'd
A single opposition; but tell me
Why in the battel, of all men, thou hast
Made choice of me?

Gal.
Look on this Youth; his cause
Sits on my sword.

Alon.
I know him not.

Gal.
I'll help your memory.

[Fight]
Asc.
What have I done? I am doubtful
To whom to wish the victory; for still
My resolution wavering, I so love
The enemy that wrong'd me, that I cannot
Without repentance wish success to him
That seeks to do me right.—Alas he's faln.
Alonzo falls.
As you are gentle, hold sir! or if I want
Power to perswade so far, I conjure you
By her lov'd name I am sent from.

Gal.
'Tis a charm
Too strong to be resisted: He is yours.
Yet why should you make suit to save that life
Which you so late desir'd should be cut off
For injuries receiv'd, begets my wonder.

Asc.
Alas, we foolish spleenful boys would have
We know not what: I have some private reasons,
But now not to be told.

Gal.
Shall I take him prisoner?

Asc.
By no means, sir; I will not save his life
To rob him of his honor: when you give,
Give not by halves: One short word, and I follow.
Exit Galeazo.
My Lord Alonzo, if you have receiv'd
A benefit, and would know to whom you owe it,
Remember what your entertainment was
At old Octavio's house, one you call'd friend,
And how you did return it.

Exit.
Alon.
I remember I did not well; but it is now no time
To think upon't; my wounded honor calls
For reparation, I must quench my fury
For this disgrace in blood, and some shall smart for't.

Exit.
Enter Uberti, Farneze (wounded.)
Far.
O Prince Uberti, valour cannot save us;
The body of our Army's pierc'd and broken,
The wings are routed, and our scattered Troops
Not to be rallied up.

Uber.
'Tis yet some comfort,
The enemy must say we were not wanting
In courage or direction; and we may
Accuse the powers above us partial, when
A good cause, well defended too, must suffer
For want of fortune.

Far.
All is lost; the Duke
Too far engag'd, I fear, to be brought off:
Three times I did attempt his rescue, but
With odds was beaten back: Only the stranger
(I speak it to my shame) still follow'd him,
Cutting his way; but 'tis beyond my hopes
That either should return.

Uber.
That noble stranger,
Whom I in my proud vanity of greatness
As one unknown contemn'd, when I was thrown
Out of my saddle by the great Dukes lance,
Hors'd me again in spight of all that made
Resistance; and then whisper'd in mine ear,
Fight bravely Prince Uberti, there's no way else
To the fair Matilda's favour.

Far.
'Twas done nobly.

Uber.
In you, my bosom friend, I had call'd it noble:
But such a courtesie from a Rival, merits
The highest attribute.

Enter Galeazo and Gonzaga.
Far.
Stand on your guard, we are pursu'd.

Uber.
Preserv'd! wonder on wonder.

Far.
The Duke in safety?

Gon.
Pay your thanks, Farneze,
To this brave man, if I may call him so,
Whose acts were more then humane: if thou art
My better Angel, from my infancie
Design'd to guard me, like thy self appear,
For sure thou art more then mortal.

Gal.
No, great sir,
A weak and sinful man, though I have done you
Some prosperous service, that hath found your favour,
I am lost to my self; but lose not you
The offer'd opportunity to delude
The hot pursuing enemy: these woods
Nor the dark vail of night cannot conceal you,
If you dwell long here: You may rise again,
But I am faln for ever.

Far.
Rather borne up
To the supreme sphere of honor.

Uber.
I confess my life your gift.

Gon.
My liberty: You have snatch'd
The wreath of conquest from the Victors head,
And do alone in scorn of Lorenzo's fortune
Though we are slav'd, by true heroick valour
Deserve a triumph.

Uber.
From whence then proceeds this poor dejection?

Gal.
In one suit I'll tell you,
Which I beseech you grant:—I lov'd your daughter,
But how? as beggers in their wounded fancie
Hope to be Monarchs:
I long languish'd for her,
But did receive no Cordial, but what
Despair my rough Physitian prescrib'd me.
At length her goodness and compassion found it:
And whereas I expected, and with reason,
The distance and disparity consider'd
Between her birth and mine, she would contemn me,
The Princess gave me comfort.

Gon.
In what measure?

Gal.
She did admit me for her Knight and servant,
And spurr'd me to do something in this battel
Fought for her liberty, that might not blemish
So fair a favour.

Gonza.
This you hrve perform'd to th'height of admiration.

Uber.
I subscribe to't, that am your Rival.

Gal.
You are charitable:
But how short of my hopes, nay the assurance
Of those atchievements which my love and youth
Already held accomplish'd, this days fortune
Must sadly answer. What I did, she gave me
The strength to do; her piety preserv'd
Her Father; and her gratitude for the dangers
You threw your self into for her defence,
Protected you by me her instrument:
But when I came to strike in mine own cause,
And to do somthing so remarkable,
That should at my return command her thanks
And gracious entertainment, then alas
I fainted like a coward; I made a vow too
(And it is registred) ne'r to presume
To come into her presence, if I brought not
Her fears and dangers bound in fetters to her,
Which now's impossible.—Hark, the enemy
Makes his approaches: save your selves, this only
Deliver to her Sweetness; I have done
My poor endeavours, and pray her not repent
Her goodness to me: May you live to serve her,
This loss recover'd, with a happier fate,
And make use of this sword: Arms I abjure,
And conversation of men; I'll seek out
Some unfrequented cave, and die Loves martyr.

Exit.
Gonza.
Follow him.

Uber.
'Tis in vain; his nimble feet
Have born him from my sight.

Gonza.
I suffer for him.

Far.
We share in it, but must not sir forget
Your means of safety.

Uber.
In the war I have serv'd you,
And to the death will follow you.

Gonz.
'Tis not fit,
We must divide our selves.
My daughter, if I retain yet
A Soveraigns power ore thee, or friends with you,
Do, and dispute not; by my example change
Your habits: As I thus put off my purple,
Ambition dies; this garment of a shepherd
Left here by chance will serve; in lieu of it
I leave this to the owner. Raise new forces,
And meet me at S. Leo's Fort; my daughter,
As I commanded Manfroy, there will meet us.
The City cannot hold out, we must part,
Farewell, thy hand—

Far.
You still shall have my heart.

Exeunt.
Enter Lorenzo, Alonzo, Pisano, Martino, Captains, Soldiers.
Loren.
The day is ours, though it cost dear; yet 'tis not
Enough to get a victory, if we lose
The true use of it. We have hitherto
Held back your forward swords, and in our fear
Of ambushes, deferr'd the wish'd reward
Due to your bloody toil: But now give freedom,
Nay, licence to your fury and revenge;
Now glut your selves with prey, let not the night
Nor these thick woods give sanctuary to
The fear-struck Hares our Enemies: fire these trees,
And force the wretches to forsake their holes,
And offer their scorch'd bodies to your swords,
Or burn 'em as a sacrifice to your angers.
Who brings Gonzaga's head, or takes him prisoner,
(Which I incline to rather) that he may
Be sensible of those tortures, which I vow
T'inflict upon him, for denial of
His daughter to our bed) shall have a Blank
With our hand and signet made authentical,
In which he may write down himself, what wealth
Or honors lie desires.

Alon.
The great Dukes will shall be obeyed.

Pisa.
Put it in execution.

Mar.
Begirt the wood, and fire it.

Sold.
Exeunt.
Enter Farneze (with a Florentine soldiers coat.)
Enter Uberti.

Far.
My friends voice! I now
In part forgive thee, fortune.

Uber.
The wood flames,
The bloody sword devours all that it meets,
And death in several shapes rides here in triumph.
I am like a Stag clos'd in a toil; my life
As soon as found, the cruel Huntsmans prey:
Why fliest thou then what is inevitable?
Better to fall with manly wounds before
Thy cruel Enemy, then survive thine honor:
And yet to charge him, and die unreveng'd,
Meer desperation.

Far.
Heroick spirit!

Uber.
Mine own life I contemn, and would not save it
But for the future service of the Duke
And safety of his daughter; having means,
If I escape, to raise a second Army,
And what is nearest to me, to enjoy
My friend Farneze.

Far.
I am still his care:

Uber.
What shall I do? If I call loud, the foe
That hath begirt the wood, will hear the sound.
Shall I return by the same path? I cannot,
The darkness of the night conceals it from me:
Something I must resolve.

Far.
Let friendship rouze
Thy sleeping soul, Farneze: wilt thou suffer
Thy friend, a Prince, nay one that may set free
Thy captiv'd Country, perish, when 'tis in
Thy power with this disguise to save his life?
Thou hast liv'd too long, therefore resolve to die;
Thou hast seen thy Country ruin'd, and thy Master
Compell'd to shameful flight, the fields and woods
Straw'd ore with carkasses of thy fellow-soldiers:
The miseries thou art faln in, and before
Thy eyes the horror of this place, and thousand
Calamities to come; and after all these
Can any hope remain? shake off delays,
Dost thou doubt yet? To save a Citizen,
The conquering Roman in a General
Esteem'd the highest honor; can it be then
Inglorious to preserve a Prince? thy friend?
Uberti, Prince Uberti, use this means
Of thy escape; conceal'd in this thou maist
Pass through the enemies guards: the time denies
Longer discourse; thou hast a noble end,
Live therefore mindful of thy dyng friend:

Exit.
Uber.
Farneze, stay thy hasty steps: Farneze!
Thy friend Uberti cals thee: 'tis in vain,
He's gone to death an Innocent, and makes life
The benefit he confers on me, my guilt.
Thou art too covetous of anothers safety,
Too prodigal, and careless of thine own:
'Tis a deceit in friendship to enjoin me
To put this garment on, and live, that he
May have alone the honor to die nobly.
O cruel piety, in our equal danger
To rob thy self of that thou givest thy friend!
It must not be, I will restore his gift
And die before him. How? where shall I find him?
Thou art orecome in friendship; yield Uberti
To the extremity of the time, and live:
A heavy ransom, but it must be paid.
I will put on this habit: pittying Heaven
As it loves goodness, may protect my friend,
And give me means to satisfie the debt
I stand engag'd for; if not, pale despair
I dare thy worst, thou canst but bid me die,
And so much I'll force from an enemie.

Exit.
Enter Alonzo, Pisano, Farneze (bound) Soldiers (with torches) Farneze's sword in one of the Soldiers hands.
Alon.
I know him, he's a man of ransom.

Pisa.
True, but if he live 'tis to be paid to me:

Alon.
I forc'd him to the woods.

Pisa.
But my art found him,
Nor will I brook a partner in the prey
My fortune gave me.

Alon.
Render him, or expect the point of this.

Pisa.
Wer't lightning, I would meet it
Rather then be outbrav'd.

Alon.
I thus decide the difference.

Pisa.
My sword shall plead my title.

[They fight]
Enter Lorenzo, Martino, two Captains.
Lor.
Ha! where learn'd you this discipline? my Commanders
Oppos'd 'gainst one another? what blind fury
Brings forth this brawl? Alonzo and Pisano
At bloody difference! hold, or I tilt
At both as enemies. Now speak, how grew
This strange division?

Pisa.
Against all right;
By force Alonzo strives to reap the harvest
Sown by my labour.

Alon.
Sir, this is my prisoner,
The purchase of my sword, which proud Pisano
That hath no interest in him, would take from me.

Pisa.
Did not the presence of the Duke forbid me,
I would say—

Alon.
What?

Pisa.
'Tis false.

Lor.
Before my face!
Keep 'em asunder. And was this the cause
Of such a mortal quarrel? this the base
To raise your fury on? the tyes of blood,
Of fellowship in arms, respect, obedience
To me your Prince and General, no more
Prevailing on you? this a price for which
You would betray our victory, or wound
Your reputation with mutinies?
Forgetful of your selves, allegiance, honor?
This is a course to throw us headlong down
From that proud height of empire, upon which
We were securely seated: shall division
Oreturn what concord built? If you desire
To bath your swords in blood, the enemy
Still flies before you: Would you have spoil? the Country
Lies open to you. O unheard of madness!
What greater mischief could Gonzaga wish us,
Then you pluck on our heads? no, my brave Leaders,
Let unity dwell in our tents, and discord
Be banish'd to our enemies

Alon.
Take the prisoner, I do give up my title.

Pisa.
I desire your friendship, and will buy it: He is yours.

[They embrace.]
Alon.
No man's a faithful Judg in his own cause;
Let the Duke determine of him, we are friends sir.

Lor.
Shew it in emulation to oretake
The flying foe; this cursed wretch dispos'd of,
With our whole strength we'll follow.

Exe. Alonz. and Pisa, embracing.
Far.
Death at length
Will set a period to calamity.
I see it in this Tyrants frowns haste to me.

Lor.
Thou machine of this mischief, look to feel
Enter Uberti like a soldier, and shuffles in among 'em.
Whate're the wrath of an incensed Prince
Can pour upon thee: With thy blood I'll quench
(But drawn forth slowly) the invisible flames
Of discord,—by thy charms first fetch'd from Hell,
Then forc'd into the breasts of my Commanders.
—Bring forth the tortures.

Uber.
Hear, victorious Duke,
The story of my miserable fortune,
Of which this Villain (by your sacred tongue
Condemn'd to die) was the immediate cause:
And if my humble suit have justice in it,
Vouchsafe to grant it.

Lor.
Soldier be brief; our anger can brook no long delay.

Uber.
I am the last
Of three sons, by one father got, and train'd up
With his best care for service in your wars:
My father dyed under his fatal hand,
And two of my poor brothers. Now I hear
Or fancie wounded by my grief, deludes me,
Their pale and mangled ghosts, crying for vengeance
On perjury and murther.
Thus the case stood.—
My father (on whose face he he durst not look
In equal mart) by his fraud circumvented,
Became his Captive: we his sons lamenting
Our old sires hard condition, freely offer'd
Our utmost for his ransom. That refus'd,
The subtile Tyrant for his cruel ends,
(Conceiving that our piety might insnare us)
Propos'd my Fathers head to be redeem'd,
If two of us would yield our selves his slaves.
We upon any terms resolv'd to save him,
Though with the loss of life which he gave to us;
With an undaunted constancie drew lots
(For each of us contented to be one)
Who should preserve our Father: I was exempted,
But to my more affliction; my brothers
Delivered up; the perjur'd Homicide
Laughing in scorn, and by his hoary locks
Pulling my wretched Father on his knees,
Said thus, Receive the Father you have ransom'd;
And instantly struck off his head.

Lor.
Most barbarous!

Far.
I never saw this man.

Lor.
One murmur more,
I'll have thy tongue pull'd out. Proceed.

Uber.
Conceive, sir,
How thunder-struck we stood, being made spectators
Of such an unexpected tragedy:
Yet this was a beginning, not an end
To his intended cruelty; for pursuing
Such a revenge, as no Hircanian tigress
Rob'd of her whelps durst aim at, in a moment
Treading upon my Fathers trunk, he cut off
My pious Brothers heads, and threw 'em at me.
Oh what a spectacle was this! what mountain
Of sorrow overwhelm'd me! My poor heartstrings
As tenter'd by his tyrannie, crack'd; my knees
Beating 'gainst one another, groans and tears
Blended together followed; not one passion
Calamity ever yet express'd, forgotten.
Now mighty sir, (bathing your feet with tears)
Your suppliants suit is, that he may have leave
With any cruelty revenge can fancie,
To sacrifice this Monster, to appease
My Fathers ghost and Brothers.

Lor.
Thou hast obtain'd it; choose any torture; let the memory
Of what thy Father and thy Brothers suffer'd
Make thee ingenious in it, such a one
As Phalaris would wish to be call'd his.
Martino, guarded with your soldiers, see
The execution done; but bring his head
On forfeiture of your own, to us: Our presence
Long since was elswhere look'd for.

Ex. cum suis.
Mar.
Soldier to work; take any way thou wilt for thy revenge,
Provided that he die: his body's thine,
But I must have his head.

Uber.
I have already
Concluded of the manner: O just heaven,
The instrument I wish'd for offer'd me!

Mar.
Why art thou rapp'd thus?

Uber.
In this soldiers hand
I see the murtherers own sword, I know it,
Yes, this is it by which my Father and
My brothers were beheaded: Noble Captain
Command it to my hand. Stand forth and tremble;
This weapon of late drunk with innocent blood
Shall now carouse thine own. Pray, if thou canst;
For though the world shall not redeem thy body,
I would not kill thy soul.

Far.
Canst thou believe
There is a heaven, or hell, or soul? thou hast none,
In death to rob me of my fame, my honor,
With such a forged lye? tell me thou hangman,
Where did I ever see thy face? or when
Murder'd thy sire or brothers? look on me
And make it good: thou dar'st not.

Uber.
Yes I will
[Unbinds his arms]
In one short whisper, and that told thou art dead.
I am Uberti; take thy sword, fight bravely,
We'll live or die together.

Mar.
We are betraid.

Mar. struck down, the soldiers run away.
Far.
And have I leave once more, brave Prince, to ease
My head on thy true bosom?

Uber.
I glory more
To be thy friend, then in the name of Prince
Or any higher title.

Far.
My preserver!

Uber.
The life you gave to me, I but return;
And pardon, dearest friend, the bitter language
Necessity made me use.

Far.
O sir, I am
Outdone in all; but comforted, that none
But you can wear the laurel.

Uber.
Here's no place
Or time to argue this; let us flie hence.

Far.
I follow.

Exeunt.
Mar.
A thousand Furies keep you company!
I was at the gate of—but now I feel
My wounds not mortal; I was but astonish'd,
And coming to my self, I find I am
Reserv'd for the gallows: there's no looking on
Th'enraged Duke, excuses will not serve,
I must do something that may get my pardon;
If not, I know the worst, a halter ends all.

Exit.