 | The Guardian |  |
Act. 3.
Scæn. 1.
Enter Durazzo, Caldoro, Servant.Dur.
Walk the Horses down the Hill, I have a little
To speak in private.
37
Good Sir, no more anger.
Duraz.
Love do you call it? Madness, wilful Madness;
And since I cannot cure it, I would have you
Exactly mad. You are a lover already,
Be a drunkard too, and after turn small Poet,
And then you are mad Katexikene, the Madman.
Cald.
Such as are safe on shore, may smile at tempests,
But I that am embarqu'd, and every minute
Expect a shipwrack, rellish not your mirthe;
To me it is unseasonable.
Duraz.
Pleasing Viands, are made sharp by sick palats. I affect
A handsom Mistress in my grey Beard, as well
As any Boy of you all; and on good terms
Will venture as far i'th' fire, so she be willing
To entertain me; but ere I would dote
As you do, where there is no flattering hope
Ever t'enjoy her, I would forswear Wine,
And kill this letcherous Itch with drinking Water,
Or live like a Carthusian on Poor-John,
Then bathe my self, night by night, in marble dew,
And use no Soap but Camphir-Balls.
Cald.
You may (and I must suffer it) like a rough Surgeon,
Apply these burning costicks to my wounds
Already gangreen'd, when soft unguents would
Better express an Uncle, with some feeling
Of his Nephews torments.
Duraz.
I shall melt, and cannot
Hold out if he whimper. O that this yong fellow,
Who on my knowledge is able to beat a man,
Should be baffel'd by this blinde imagin'd-Boy,
Or fear his Bird-bolts.
Cald.
Y'have put your self already
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Now if you please, with your good wishes leave me
To my hard fortunes.
Dur.
I'll forsake my self first.
Leave thee? I cannot, will not; thou shalt have
No cause to be weary of my company,
For I'll be useful, and ere I see thee perish,
Dispensing with my dignity and candor,
I will do something for thee, though it savour
Of the old Squire of Troy. As we ride, we will
Consult of the means: Bear up.
Cal.
I cannot sink,
Having your noble aids to buoy me up;
There was never such such a Guardian.
Dur.
How's this? stale complements to me? when my work's done,
Commend th'artificer, and then be thankful.
Exeunt.
Enter Caliste (richly habited) and Mirtilla (in her first gown.)
Cal.
How doest thou like my gown?
Mirt.
'Tis rich and Courtlike.
Cal.
The dressings too are suitable?
Mir.
I must say so, or you might blame my want of care.
Cal.
My mother
Little dreams of my intended flight, or that
These are my nuptial ornaments.
Mir.
I hope so.
Cal.
How dully thou repliest! thou dost not envy
Adorio's noble change, or the good fortune
That it brings to me?
Mir.
My endeavours that way can answer for me.
Cal.
True, you have discharged
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By me rewarded like a liberal Mistress:
I speak it not to upbraid you with my bounties,
Though they deserve more thanks and ceremony
Then you have yet express'd.
Mir.
The miseries which from your happiness I am sure to suffer,
Restrain my forward tongue; and gentle Madam,
Excuse my weakness, though I do appear
A little daunted with the heavy burthen
I am to undergo: when you are safe,
My dangers like to roaring torrents will
Gush in upon me; yet I would endure
Your mothers cruelty; but how to bear
Your absence, in the very thought confounds me:
Since we were children, I have lov'd and serv'd you;
I willingly learn'd to obey, as you
Grew up to knowledg, that yo' might command me;
And now to be divorc'd from all my comforts,
Can this be borne with patience?
Cal.
The necessity of my strange fate commands it; but I vow
By my Adorio's love, I pitty thee.
Cal.
Pitty me, Madam! a cold charity;
You must do more, and help me.
Cal.
Ha! what said you?
I must? is this fit language for a servant?
Mir.
For one that would continue your poor servant,
And cannot live that day in which she is
Deni'd to be so: Can Mirtilla sit
Mourning alone, imagining those pleasures
Which you this blessed Hymeneal night
Enjoy in the embraces of your Lord,
And my Lord too in being yours, (already
As such I love and honor him) shall a stranger
Sew you in a sheet to guard that maidenhead
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Shall another do those bridal offices
Which time will not permit me to remember,
And I pine here with envy? Pardon me,
I must and will be pardon'd, for my passions
Are in extreams, and use some speedy means
That I may go along with you, and share
In those delights, but with becoming distance;
Or by his life, which as a Saint you swear by,
I will discover all.
Calist.
Thou canst not be
So treacherous and cruel, in destroying
The building thou hast rais'd.
Mirt.
Pray you do not tempt me, for 'tis resolv'd.
Calist.
I know not what to think of't.
In the discovery of my secrets to her,
I have made my slave my Mistress, I must sooth her,
There's no evasion else. Prethee Mirtilla,
Be not so violent, I am strangely taken
With thy affection to me, 'twas my purpose
To have thee sent for.
Mirt.
When?
Calist.
This very night, and I vow deeply I shall be no sooner
In the desir'd possession of my Lord;
But by some of his servants I will have thee
Convey'd unto us.
Mirt.
Should you break?
Calist.
I dare not:
Come, clear thy looks, for instantly we'll prepare
For our departure.
Mirt.
Pray you forgive my boldness,
Growing from my excess of zeal to serve you.
Calist.
I thank thee for't.
Mirt.
You'll keep your word.
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Still doubtful?
Mirt.
'Twas this I aim'd at, and leave the rest to Fortune.
Exeunt.
Enter Adorio, Camillo, Lentulo, Donato, Cario, Servants.
Ador.
Haste you unto my Villa, and take all
Provision along with you; and for use,
And ornament, the shortness of the time
Can furnish you; let my best Plate be set out,
And costliest Hangings, and if't be possible
With a merry dance to entertain the Bride,
Provide an Epithalamium.
Car.
Trust me for belly timber, and for a song I have
A Paper blurrer; who on all occasions,
For all times, and all seasons, hath such trinckets
Ready i'th' deck. It is but altering
The names, and they will serve for any Bride,
Or Bridegroom in the Kingdom.
Ador.
But for the dance?
Car.
I will make one my self, and foot it finely,
And summoning your Tenants at my Dresser,
Which is indeed my Drum. Make a rare choice
Of th'able youth, such as shall sweat sufficiently,
And smell too, but not of Amber, which you know is
The grace of the Country-hall.
Ador.
About it Cario, and look you be careful.
Car.
For mine own credit Sir.
Exit.
Ador.
Now noble friends confirm your loves, and think not
Of the penalty of the Law, that does forbid
The stealing away an Heir. I will secure you,
And pay the breach of't.
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Tell us what we shall do, we'll talk of that hereafter.
Ador.
Pray you be carefull
To keep the West-gate of the City open,
That our passage may be free, and bribe the Watch
With any sum; this is all.
Don.
A dangerous business.
Cam.
I'll make the Constable, Watch, and Porter drunk,
Under a Crown.
Lent.
And then you may pass while they snore,
Though you had done a murther.
Cam.
Get but your Mistress,
And leave the rest to us.
Ador.
You much engage me,
But I forget my self.
Cam.
Pray you in what, Sir?
Ador.
Yielding too much to my affection,
Though lawful now, my wounded reputation
And honor suffer: The disgrace in taking
A blow in publike from Caldoro, branded
With the infamous mark of Coward, in delaying
To right my self, upon my cheek grows fresher,
That's first to be consider'd.
Cam.
If you dare
Trust my opinion, (yet I have had
Some practice and experience in duels)
You are too tender that way: Can you answer
The debt you owe your honor, till you meet
Your Enemy from whom you may exact it?
Hath he not left the City, and in fear
Conceal'd himself, for ought I can imagine?
What would you more?
Ador.
I should do.
Cam.
Never think on't
Till fitter time and place invite you to it.
I have read Caranza, and find not in his Grammar
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To seek for reparation at an hour;
But may, and without loss, till he hath setled
More serious occasions that import him,
For a day or two defer it.
Ador.
You'll subscribe
Your hand to this?
Cam.
And justifie't with my life,
Presume upon't.
Ador.
On then, you shall overrule me.
Exeunt.
Enter Jolante and Calypso.
Jol.
I'll give thee a golden tongue, and have it hung up
Ore thy tomb for a monument.
Cal.
I am not prepar'd yet
To leave the world; there are many good pranks
I must dispatch in this kind before I die:
And I had rather, if your Honor please,
Have the crowns in my purse.
Jol.
Take that.
Cal.
Magnificent Lady!
May you live long, and every Moon love change,
That I may have fresh imployment. You know what
Remains to be done.
Jol.
Yes, yes, I will command
My daughter and Mirtilla to their chamber.
Cal.
And lock 'em up: Such liquorish Kitlings are not
To be trusted with our cream. Ere I go, I'll help you
To set forth the banquet, and place the candid Eringo's
Where he may be sure to taste 'em. Then undress you,
For these things are cumbersom, when you should be active:
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With your Pearl embroider'd Pantophles on your Feet,
And then you are arm'd for service; nay, no trifling,
We are alone, and you know 'tis a point of folly
To be coy to eat, when meat is set before you.
Exeunt:
Enter Adorio, and Servant.
Ador.
'Tis eleven by my Watch, the hour appointed.
Listen at the door; hears't thou any stirring?
Serv.
No Sir, all's silent here.
Ador.
Some cursed business keeps
Her mother up. I'll walk a little circle,
And shew where you shall wait us with the horses,
And then return. This short delay afflicts me,
And I presume, to her it is not pleasing.
Exeunt.
Enter Durazzo, Caldoro.
Dur.
What's now to be done? prethee let's to Bed, I am sleep.
And here's my hand on't without more ado,
By fair or foul play, we'll have her to morrow
In thy possession.
Cald.
Good Sir give me leave
To taste a little comfort in beholding
The place by her sweet presence sanctifi'd.
She may perhaps to take air, ope the Casement,
And looking out, a new Star to be gaz'd on
By me with adoration, bless these eyes.
Ne'er happy but when she is made the Object.
Dur.
Is not here fine fooling.
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Thou great Queen of Love,
Or real or imagin'd, be propitious
To me thy faithful Votary; and I vow
T'erect a statue to thee, equal to
Thy picture by Apelles skilful hand
Left as the great example of his art;
And on thy thigh I'll hang a golden Cupid,
His torches flaming, and his quiver full,
For further honour.
Dur.
End this waking dream, and let's away Mirtilla!
Enter Caliste and Mirtilla.
Cald.
'Tis her voice.
Cal.
You heard the horses footing.
Mirt.
Certainly.
Cal.
Speak low, my Lord Adorio:
Cald.
I am dumb.
Dur.
The darkness friend us too, most honour'd Madam,
Adorio your servant.
Cal.
As you are so, I do command your silence till we are
Further remov'd; and let this kiss assure you,
(I thank the sable night that hides my blushes)
I am wholly yours.
Dur.
Forward you micher.
Mirt.
Madam, think on Mirtilla.
[Goes in]
Dur.
I'll not now enquire
The mysterie of this, but bless kind Fortune
Favoring us beyond our hopes: yet now I think on't.
I had ever a lucky hand in such smock night-work.
Exeunt.
46
Ador.
This slowness does amaze me; she's not alter'd
In her late resolution.
[Within Jolant.]
Get you to bed,
And stir not on your life, till I command you.
Ador.
Her mothers voice! listen.
Serv.
Here comes the daughter.
Enter Mirtilla.
Mirt.
Whither shall I flie for succor?
Ador.
To these arms, your castle of defence, impregnable,
And not to be blown up. How your heart beats!
Take comfort, dear Caliste, you are now
In his protection that will nere forsake you,
Adorio: Your chang'd Adorio swears
By your best self, an oath he dares not break,
He loves you, loves you in a noble way,
His constancie firm as the poles of heaven.
I will urge no reply, silence becomes you,
And I'll defer the musick of your voice
Till we are in a place of safety.
Mirt.
O blest error!
Exeunt.
Enter Severino.
'Tis midnight: how my fears of certain death
Being surpris'd, combat with my strong hopes
Rais'd on my chaste wifes goodness! I am grown
A stranger in this City, and no wonder,
I have too long been so unto my self:
Grant me a little truce, my troubled soul,
I hear some footing, ha?
Enter Monteclaro and Calypso.
Calyp.
That is the house,
47
To entertain you: 'tis not fit I should
Stand gaping by while you bill: I have brought you on,
Charge home, and come off with honor.
Exit.
Sever.
It makes this way.
Mont.
I am much troubled, and know not what to think
Of this design.
Sever.
It still comes on.
Mont.
The Watch! I am betraid.
Sever.
Should I now appear fearful,
It would discover me; there is no retiring,
My confidence must protect me, I'll appear
As if I walk'd the round. Stand.
Mont.
I am lost.
Sever.
The word?
Mont.
Pray you forbear; I am a stranger,
And missing this dark stormy night my way
To my lodging, you shall do a courteous office
To guide me to't.
Sever.
Do you think I stand here for a page or a porter?
Mont.
Good sir grow not so high,
I can justifie my being abroad; I am
No pilfering vagabond, and what you are
Stands yet in supposition; and I charge you
If you are an Officer, bring me before your Captain;
For if you do assault me, though not in fear
Of what you can do alone, I will cry murther
And raise the streets.
Sever.
Before my Captain, ha?
And bring my head to the block. Would we were parted,
I have greater cause to fear the Watch then he.
Mont.
Will you do your duty?
Sever.
I must close with him:
Truth sir, whatere you are, (yet by your language
I ghess you a Gentleman) I'll not use the rigor
48
For your stay here will be dangerous, and good night.
Mont.
The like to you sir; I'll grope out my way
As well as I can. O damn'd Bawd! fare you well sir.
Exit Monteclaro.
Sever.
I am glad he's gone; there is a secret passage
Unknown to my wife, through which this key will guide me
To her desired imbraces, which must be,
My presence being beyond her hopes, most welcom.
Exit.
Enter Jolante (with a rich banquet, and tapers) (in a chair, behind a curtain.)
Jol.
I am full of perplexed thoughts: Imperious Blood,
Thou only art a tyrant; Judgment, Reason,
To whatsoever thy Edicts proclaim,
With vassal fear subscribe against themselves.
I am yet safe in the port, and see before me,
If I put off, a rough tempestuous sea,
The raging winds of infamy from all quarters
Assuring my destruction; yet my lust
Swelling the wanton sails, (my understanding
(Stow'd under hatches) like a desperate Pilot
Commands me to urge on: My pride, my pride,
Self-love, and over-value of my self
Are justly punish'd: I that did deny
My daughters youth allow'd and lawful pleasures,
And would not suffer in her those desires
She suck'd in with my milk, now in my waning
Am scorcht and burnt up with libidinous fire
That must consume my fame; yet still I throw
More fuel on it.
Enter Severino.
Sever.
'Tis her voice, poor Turtle;
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Her banished Mate: alas, that for my guilt
Her innocence should suffer! But I do
Commit a second sin in my deferring
The extasie of joy that will transport her
Beyond herself, when she flies to my lips,
And seals my welcom. Jolante!
Jol.
Ha? good Angels guard me.
Sever.
What do I behold?
Some sudden flash of lightning strike me blind,
Or cleave the center of the earth, that I
May living find a sepulchre to swallow
Me and my shame together.
Jol.
Guilt and horror
Confound me in one instant; thus surpris'd,
The subtlety of all Wantons, though abstracted,
Can shew no seeming colour of excuse
To plead in my defence.
Sever.
Is this her mourning?
O killing object! the imprison'd vapours
Of rage and sorrow make an earthquake in me:
This little world, like to a tottering tower,
Not to be underpropp'd; yet in my fall
I'll crush thee with my ruines.
Draws a poniard, she kneels.
Jol.
Good sir, hold:
For, my defence unheard, you wrong your justice,
If you proceed to execution,
And will too late repent it.
Sever.
Thy defence? To move it, adds (could it receive addition)
Ugliness to the loathsom leprosie
That in thy being a Strumpet hath already
Infected every vein, and spreads it self
Over this carrion, which would poison
Vulturs and dogs, should they devour it. Yet to stamp
The seal of Reprobation on thy soul,
50
And prompted by the Devil thy tutor, Whore,
Then send thee to him. Speak.
Jol.
Your Gorgon looks
Turn me to stone, and a dead palsie seises
My silenc'd tongue.
Sever.
O fate, that the disease
Were general in women; what a calm
Should wretched men enjoy! Speak, and be brief,
Or thou shalt suddenly feel me.
Jol.
Be appeas'd sir,
Until I have deliver'd reasons for
This solemn preparation.
Sever.
On, I hear thee.
Jol.
With patience ask your memory; 'twill instruct you,
This very day of the moneth 17 years since
You married me.
Sever.
Grant it, what canst thou urge from this?
Jol.
That day since your proscription sir,
In the rembrance of it annually,
The garments of my sorrow laid aside,
I have with pomp observ'd.
Sever.
Alone!
Jol.
The thoughts of my felicity then, my misery now,
Were the invited guests; Imagination
Teaching me to believe that you were present
And a partner in it.
Sever.
Rare! this real banquet
To feast your fancie: Fiend, could Fancie drink off
These flagons to my health? or th'idol Thought
Like Baal devour these delicates? the room
Perfum'd to take his nostrils? this loose habit
Which Messalina would not wear, put on
To fire his lustful eyes? Wretch, am I grown
So weak in thy opinion, that it can
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May be foisted on me? Where's my daughter? where
The Bawd your woman? answer me, Caliste,
Mirtilla! they are dispos'd of, if not murther'd,
To make all sure; and yet methinks your neighbour,
Your whistle, agent, parasite Calypso,
Should be within: Call when you hem to usher in
The close Adulterer.
Jol.
What will you do?
Sever.
Not kill thee, do not hope it, I am not
So near to reconcilement. Ha! this scarf
Th'intended favor to your Stallion, now
Is useful: do not strive; thus bound expect
All studied tortures, my assurance, not
My jealousie thou art false, can pour upon thee.
In darkness howl thy mischiefs; and if rankness
Of thy imagination can conjure
The Ribaud, glut thy self with him:
I will cry aim, and in another room
Determine of my vengeance. Oh my heart-strings!
Exit (with tapers.)
Jol.
Most miserable woman! and yet sitting
A Judge in mine own cause upon my self,
I could not mitigate the heavy doom
My incens'd husband must pronounce upon me.
In my intents I am guilty, and for them
Must suffer the same punishment, as if
I had in fact offended.
[Calypso speaks at the door.]
Bore my eyes out
If you prove me faulty: I'll but tell my Lady
What caus'd your stay, and instantly present you.
How's this? no lights? what new device? will she play
At Blindman-buff Madam?
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Upon thy life speak in a lower key:
Calyp.
The mysterie
Of this sweet Lady; where are you?
Jol.
Here fast bound.
Calyp.
By whom?
Jol.
I'll whisper that into thine ear, and then farewell for ever.
Calyp.
How? my Lord,
I am in a fever: Horns upon horns grow on him.
Could he pick no hour but this to break a bargain
Almost made up?
Jol.
What shall we do?
Calyp.
Betray him; I'll instantly raise the Watch.
Jol.
And so make me for ever infamous.
Calyp.
The Gentleman, the rarest Gentleman is at the door,
Shall he lose his labour? since that you must perish,
'Twill shew a womans spleen in you to fall
Deservedly: give him his answer, Madam.
I have on the sudden in my head a strange whimsie,
But I will first unbind you.
Jol.
Now what follows?
Cal.
I will supply your place; and bound, give me
Your mantle, take my night-gown, send away
The Gentleman satisfied. I know my Lord
Wants power to hurt you: I perhaps may get
A kiss by the bargain, and all this may prove
But some neat love-trick: If he should grow furious
And question me, I am resolv'd to put on
An obstinate silence. Pray you dispatch the Gent.
His courage may cool.
Jol.
I'll speak with him; but if
To any base or lustful end, may mercy
At my last gasp forsake me.
Exit.
Calyp.
I was too rash,
And have done what I wish undone: say he should kill me,
53
The pickle I am in: 'las how I shudder
Still more and more! would I were a she-Priapus,
Stuck up in a garden to fright away the Crows,
So I were out of the house; she's at her pleasure
Whatere she said, and I must endure the torture.
He comes; I cannot pray, my fear will kill me.
Enter Severino (throwing open the doors violently) having a knife.
Sev.
It is a deed of darkness, and I need
No light to guide me: there is something tels me
I am too slow pac'd in my wreak, and trifle
In my revenge. All hush'd? no sigh nor groan
To witness her compunction? can guilt sleep,
And innocence be open-ey'd? Even now
Perhaps she dreams of the Adulterer,
And in her fancie hugs him: Wake thou strumpet,
And instantly give up unto my vengeance
The villain that defiles my bed; discover
Both what and where he is, and suddenly
That I may bind you face to face, then sew you
Into one sack, and from some steep rock hurl you
Into the sea together: Do not play with
The lightning of my rage; break stubborn silence,
And answer my demands, will it not be?
I'll talk no longer; thus I mark thee for
A common strumpet.
Calyp.
Oh!
Sever.
Thus stab these arms
That have stretch'd out themselves to grasp a stranger.
Calyp.
Oh!
Sever.
This is but an induction; I'll draw
The curtains of the Tragedy hereafter:
Howl on, 'tis musick to me.
Exit Severino.
54
He is gone,
A kiss and love-tricks; he hath villainous teeth,
May sublim'd Mercury draw 'em. If all dealers
In my profession were paid thus, there would be
A dearth of Cuckolds. Oh my nose! I had one,
My arms, my arms! I dare not cry for fear:
Cursed desire of gold, how art thou punish'd?
Enter Jolante.
Jol.
Till now I never truly knew my self,
Nor by all principles and lectures read
In Chastities cold school was so instructed
As by her contrary. How base and deform'd
Loose appetite is! as in a few short minutes
This stranger hath, and feelingly, deliver'd.
Oh that I could recall my bad intentions,
And be as I was yesterday untainted
In my desires, as I am still in fact
(I thank his temperance) I could look undanted
Upon my husbands rage, and smile at it;
So strong the guards, and sure defences are
Of armed Innocence; but I will endure
The penance of my sin, the onely means,
Is left to purge it. The day breaks, Calypso.
Calyp.
Here Madam, here:
Jol.
Hath my Lord visited thee?
Calyp.
Hell take such visits; these stab'd arms, and loss
Of my nose, you left fast on, may give you a rellish
What a night I have had of't, and what you had suffered,
Had I not supplied your place.
Jol.
I truly grieve for't; did not my husband speak to thee?
Calyp.
Yes, I heard him
55
But he knew not me; like a true bred Spartan Fox
With silence I endured it, he could not get
One syllable from me
Jol.
Something may be fashion'd
From this invention: Help me, I must be sudden,
Thou art free, exchange, quick, quick, now binde me sure,
And leave me to my fortune.
Calyp.
Pray you consider,
The loss of my nose; had I been but carted for you,
Though wash'd with Mire and Chamber-ly, I had
Examples to excuse me; but my nose, my nose dear Lady.
Exit.
Jol.
Get off, I'll send to thee.
If so, it may take; if it fail, I must
Suffer what ever follows.
Enter Severino (with a Taper.)
Sever.
I have searched
In every corner of the house, yet finde not
My daughter, nor her Maid, nor any print
Of a mans footing, which this wet night would
Be easily discern'd, the ground being soft,
At his coming in or going out.
Jol.
'Tis he, and I am within hearing; Heaven forgive this feigning,
I being forc'd to't to preserve my life,
To be better spent hereafter.
Sever.
I begin to stagger, and my love if it knew how,
Her piety heretofore, and fame remembred,
Would plead in her excuse.
56
You blessed Guardians
Of matrimonial faith, and just revengers
Of such as do in fact offend against
Your sacred rites and ceremonies; by all titles
And holy attributes you do vouchsafe
To be invok'd, look down with saving pitty
Upon my matchless sufferings.
Sever.
At her devotions, affliction makes her repent.
Jol.
Look down upon a wretched woman; and as I
Have kept the knot of wedlock, in the Temple
By the Priest fasten'd firm, (though in loose wishes
I yield I have offended) to strike blind
The eyes of Jealousie that see a crime
I never yet committed, and to free me
From the unjust suspition of my Lord,
Restore my martyr'd face and wounded arms
To their late strength and beauty.
Sever.
Does she hope to be cur'd by miracle?
Jol.
This minute I
Perceive with joy my orisons heard and granted:
You ministers of mercy, who unseen,
And by a supernatural means have done
This work of heavenly charity, be ever canoniz'd for't.
Sever.
I did not dream, I heard her,
And I have eyes too, they cannot deceive me.
If I have no belief in their assurance,
I must turn sceptick. Ha? this is the hand?
And this the fatal instrument? these drops
Of blood, that gush'd forth from her face and arms,
Still fresh upon the floor: This is something more
Then wonder or amazement, I profess I am astonish'd.
Jol.
Be incredulous still,
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By your false guide Suspition, have no faith
In my so long try'd loyalty, nor believe
That which you see; and for your satisfaction,
My doubted innocence cleared by miracle,
Proceed, these Veins have now new blood, if you
Resolve to let it out.
Sever.
I would not be fool'd
With easiness of belief, and faintly give
Aside.
Credit to this strange wonder? 'tis now thought on
In a fitter place and time, I'll sound this further.
Unties her.
How can I expect my sin? or hope,
Though now I write my self thy slave, the service
Of my whole life can win thee to pronounce
Despair'd of pardon? shall I kneel? that's poor,
Thy mercy must urge more in my defence,
Then I can fancy; wil't thou have revenge?
My heart lies open to thee.
Jol.
This is needless to me, who in the duty of a wife,
Know I must suffer.
Sever.
Thou art made up of goodness,
And from my confidence that I am alone,
The object of thy pleasures, until death
Divorce us, we will know no separation
Without inquiring why (as sure thou wilt not,
Such is thy meek obedience) thy Jewels
And choicest ornaments pack'd up, thou shalt
Along with me; and as a Queen be honor'd
By such a stile me Soveraign, already
My banishment is repeal'd, thou being present:
The Neapolitan Court a place of exile
When thou art absent; my stay here is mortal
Of which thou art to sensible, I perceive it.
Come dearest Jolante, with this breath
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Jol.
Be constant.
Exeunt.
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