 | The Very Woman, or the Prince of Tarent |  |
76
Act. 5.
Scæn. 1.
Enter Sea-Pirate, one Slave, and Sailors.Pirate.
Sold for a slave, saist thou?
Slave.
'Twas not so well:
Though I am bad enough, I personated
Such base behavior, barbarism of manners,
With other pranks, that might deter the buyer;
That the market yeelded not one man that would
Vouchsafe to own me.
Pir.
What was thy end in't?
Slav.
To be giv'n away for nothing, as I was
To the Vice-roys Doctor; with him I have continued
In such contempt, a slave unto his slaves;
His horse, and dog of more esteem, and from
That villainous carriage of my self, as if
I had been a lump of flesh, without a soul;
I drew such scorn upon me, that I pass'd,
And pride in every place without observance.
For which, if you desire to be made men,
And by one undertaking, and that easie,
Ye are bound to Sacrifice unto my suffrings.
The seed I sow'd, and from which you shall reap
A plentiful harvest.
Pir.
To the point, I like not
These castles built in the air.
Slav.
I'll make 'em real,
And you the Neptunes of the Sea, you shall
No more be Sea-rats.
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Art not mad?
Slav.
Ye have seen
The star of Sicilie, the fair Almira,
The Vice-roys daughter, and the beauteous Ward
Of the Duke of Messina?
Pir.
Madam Leonora.
Slav.
What will you say, if both these Princesses
This very night, for I will not delay you,
Be put in your possession?
Pir.
Now I dare swear
Thou hast Magots in thy brains, thou wouldst not else
Talk of impossibilities.
Slav.
Be still
Incredulous.
Pir.
Why canst thou think we are able
To force the Court?
Slav.
Are we able to force two women,
And a poor Turkish slave, where lies your Pinnace?
Pir.
In a Creek not half a league hence.
Slav.
Can you fetch Ladders
To mount a Garden wall?
1. Sail.
They shall be ready.
Slav.
No more words then, but follow me, and if
I do not make this good, let my throat pay for't.
Pir.
What heaps of Gold, these beauties would bring to us
From the great Turk, if it were possible
That this could be effected.
Slav.
If it be not
I know the price on't.
Pir.
And be sure to pay it.
Exeunt.
Enter Don John with a Letter in his hand.
John.
Her fair hand threw this from the window to me,
And as I took it up, she said, Peruse it,
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What may the inside speak—for satisfaction.
Breaks it open, and reads.
If the contempt I shew'd Don John Anthonio,
Whose name thou bear'st, and, in that dearer to me,
I do profess I love thee. How! 'tis so,
I love thee, this night wait me i'th' Garden,
There thou shalt know more, subscrib'd
Thy Almira—
Can it be possible such levitie
Should wait on her perfections? when I was
My self, set off withal the grace of greatness,
Pomp, bravery, circumstance, she hated me,
And did profess it openly; yet now
Being a slave, a thing she should in reason
Disdain to look upon. In this base shape,
And since I wore it, never did her service,
To dote thus fondly? And yet I should glory
In her revolt from constancy, not accuse it,
Since it makes for me. But ere I go further,
Or make discovery of my self, I'll put her
To th'utmost tryal, i'th' Garden. Well,
There I shall learn more. Women! Giddy women,
In her the blemish of your sex, you prove
There is no reason for your hate or love.
Exit.
Enter Almira, Leonora, and two Women.
Leon.
At this unseasonable time to be thus brave,
No visitants expected? you amaze me.
Al.
Are these Jewels set forth to the best advantage
To take the eye?
1. Wom.
With our best care.
2. Wom.
We never
Better discharge our duties.
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In my sorrows,
A Princess name (I could perceive it) strook
A kinde of reverence in him, and my beauty
As then neglected, forc'd him to look on me
With some sparks of affection; but now
When I would fan them to a glorious flame,
I cannot be too curious. I wonder
He stays so long.
Leon.
These are strange fancies.
Al.
Go
Intreat, I do forget my self, command
My Governess, Gentleman, her Slave, I should say,
To wait me instantly; and yet already
[Ex. Wom.
He's here. His figure graven on my heart,
Never to be raz'd out.
Enter Slave, Pirate, and Sailors.
Slav.
There is the prize,
Is it so rich, that you dare not seise upon it?
Here I begin:
Al.
Help Villain:
Pir.
You are mine.
Sail.
Though somewhat course, you'll serve after a storm,
To bid fair wether welcome.
Leon.
Ravisher,
Defend me Heaven.
Al.
No aid neer?
Wom.
Help.
Slav.
Dispatch.
No glory, nor handkercher to stop their mouths?
Their cries will reach the guard, and then we are lost.
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John.
What shrieks are these? from whence? O blessed Saints!
What sacrilege to beauty? Do I talk,
When 'tis almost too late to do. Take that.
Forces a sword.
Slave.
All set upon him.
Pyrate.
Kill him.
John.
You shall buy
My life at a dear rate, you Rogues.
Enter Pedro, Cuculo, Borachia, and Guard.
Cuc.
Down with 'em.
Ped.
Unheard of treason.
Bor.
Make in Loggerhead;
My son Slave fights like a dragon: Take my bottle,
Drink courage out on't.
John.
Madam, you are free.
Ped.
Take comfort, dearest Mistress.
Cuc.
O you Micher,
Have you a hand in this?
Slave.
My aims were high,
Fortune's my enemy: To dy's the worst,
And that I look for.
Pyr.
Vengeance on your plots.
Ped.
The rack at better leisure shall force from 'em
A full discovery: Away with 'em.
Cuc.
Load 'em with irons.
Bor.
Let 'em have no wine
The Guard take the Pyrate and the rest.
To comfort their cold heart.
Ped.
Thou man of men.
Leon.
A second Hercules.
Al.
An Angel thus disguis'd.
Ped.
What thanks?
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What service?
Bor.
He shall serve me by your leave, no service else.
John.
I have done nothing but my duty, Madam;
And if the little you have seen exceed it,
The thank due for it pay my watchful Master,
And this my sober Mistress.
Bor.
He speaks truth, Madam,
I am very sober.
Ped.
Far beyond thy hopes
Expect reward.
Al.
We'll straight to Court, and there
It is resolv'd what I will say and do.
I am faint, support me.
Ped.
This strange accident
Will be heard with astonishment. Come friend,
You have made your self a fortune, and deserve it.
Exeunt.
Enter Viceroy, Messina, Doctor.
Mess.
Perfectly cur'd?
Doct.
As such I will present him,
The thanks be given to Heaven.
Mess.
Thrice reverend man,
What thanks but will come short of thy desert?
Or bounty, though all we possess were given thee,
Can pay thy merit? I will have thy Statue
Set up in Brass.
Vice.
Thy name made the sweet subject
Of our best Poems; thy unequall'd Cures
Recorded to posterity.
Doct.
Such false glories
(Though the desire of fame be the last weakness
Wise men put off) are not the marks I shoot at:
But if I have done any thing that may challenge
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That for the good of such as shall succeed me,
A Colledge for Physitians may be
With care and cost erected, in which no man
May be admitted to a Fellowship,
But such as by their vigilant studies shall
Deserve a place there; this magnificence,
Posterity shall thank you for.
Vice.
Rest assur'd
In this, or any boon you please to ask,
You shall have no repulse:
Doct.
My humblest service
Shall ne'r be wanting. Now if you so please,
I'll fetch my Princely Patient, and present him.
Exit Doctor.
Mess.
Do, and imagine in what I may serve you,
And by my honor with a willing hand
I will subscribe to't.
Enter Pedro, Almira, Leonora, Don John, Cuculo, Borachia.
Cuc.
Make way there:
Vice.
My daughter!
How's this? a Slave crown'd with a Civick garland!
The mysterie of this?
Ped.
It will deserve
Your hearing and attention. Such a truth
Needs not rhetorical flourishes, and therefore
With all the brevity and plainness that
I can, I will deliver it. If the old Romans,
When of most power and wisdom, did decree
A Wreath like this to any common Soldier
That sav'd a Citizens life, the bravery
And valor of this man may justly challenge
Triumphant Laurel. This last night a crew
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With violent rudeness, ceasing on my sister,
And my fair Mistress, both were in their power,
And ready to be forc'd hence; when this man
Unarm'd, came to their rescue, but his courage
Soon furnish'd him with weapons: In a word,
The lives and liberties of these sweet Ladies,
You ow him, for the Rovers are in hold,
And ready when you please for punishment.
Vice.
As an induction of more to come,
Receive this favor.
Mes.
With my self, my son
Shall pay his real thanks. He comes, observe now
Their amorous meeting.
Enter Doctor, and Martina.
Mart.
I am glad you are well Lady:
Al.
I grieve not your recovery.
Vice.
So coldly.
Mes.
Why fall you off?
Mart.
To shun captivity sir
I was too long a slave, I'll now be free.
Al.
'Tis my desire you should. Sir my affection
To him was but a trifle, which I play'd with
I'th' childhood of my love; which now grown elder,
I cannot like of.
Vice.
Strange inconstancy!
Mart.
'Tis judgement sir in me, or a true debt
Tender'd to Justice rather. My first life
Loaden with all the follies of a man,
Or what could take addition from a woman,
Was by my head strong passions (which o'errul'd
My understanding (forfeited to death:
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Begun in serious contemplation of
What best becomes a perfect man, shall never
Sink under such weak frailties.
Mess.
Most unlook'd for.
Doct.
It does transcend all wonders.
Mar.
'Tis a blessing
I owe your wisdom, which I'll not abuse:
But if you envy your own gift, and will
Make me that wretched creature which I was,
You then again shall see me passionate,
A lover of poor trifles, confident
In mans deceiving strength, or falser fortune;
Jealous, revengeful, in unjust things daring,
Injurious, quarrelsom, stor'd with all diseases
The beastly part of man infects his soul with;
And to remember what's the worst, once more,
To love a woman, but till that time never.
Exit.
Vice.
Stand you affected so to men, Almira?
Al.
No Sir; if so, I could not well discharge
What I stand bound to pay you, and to nature.
Though Prince Martino does profess a hate
To womankind, 'twere a poor world for women
Were there no other choice, or all should follow
The example of this new Hippolitus:
There are men, Sir, that can love, and have lov'd truly;
Nor am I desperate but I may deserve
One that both can and will so.
Vice.
My allowance
Shall rank with your good liking, still provided
Your choice be worthy.
Alm.
In it I have us'd
The judgment of my mind, and that made clearer
With calling oft to heaven it might be so.
I have not sought a living comfort from
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Nor given my self to the meer name and titles
Of such a man, that being himself nothing,
Derives his substance from his Grandsires tomb:
For wealth, it is beneath my birth to think on't,
Since that must wait upon me, being your daughter.
No Sir, the man I love, though he wants all
The setting forth of fortune, gloss, and greatness,
Has in himself such true and real goodness,
His parts so far above his low condition,
That he will prove an ornament, not a blemish,
Both to your name and family.
Ped.
What strange creature
Hath she found out?
Leon.
I dare not ghess.
Alm.
To hold you
No longer in suspence, this matchless man
That sav'd my life and honor, is my husband,
Whom I will serve with duty.
Bor:
My son Slave!
Vice.
Have you your wits?
Bor.
I'll not part with him so.
Cuc.
This I foresaw too.
Vice.
Do not jest thy self
Into the danger of a Fathers anger.
Alm.
Jest, Sir? by all my hope of comfort in him
I am most serious. Good Sir look upon him,
But let it be with my eyes, and the care
You should owe to your daughters life and safety,
Of which without him she's uncapable,
And you'll approve him worthy.
Vice.
O thou shame
Of women! thy sad Fathers curse, and scandal:
With what an impious violence thou tak'st from him
His few short hours of breathing!
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Do not add, Sir,
Weight to your sorrow in th'ill bearing of it.
Vice.
From whom, degenerate Monster, flow these low
And base affections in thee? what strange philters
Hast thou receiv'd? what Witch with damned spels
Depriv'd thee of thy reason? Look on me,
(Since thou art lost unto thy self) and learn
From what I suffer for thee, what strange tortures
Thou do'st prepare thy self.
Mess.
Good Sir, take comfort;
The councel you bestow'd on me, make use of.
Doct.
This Villain, (for such practises in that Nation
Are very frequent) it may be hath forc'd
By cunning potions and by sorcerous charms
This phrensie in her.
Vice.
Sever 'em.
Alm.
I grow to him.
Vice.
Carry the Slave to torture, and wrest from him
By the most cruel means, a free confession
Of his impostures.
Alm.
I will follow him,
And with him take the Rack.
Bor.
No, hear me speak,
I can speak wisely: Hurt not my son slave,
But rack or hang my husband, and I care not;
For I'll be bound body to body with him:
He's very honest, that's his fault.
Vice.
Take hence
This drunken beast.
Bor.
Drunk! am I drunk? Bear witness.
Cuc.
She is indeed distemper'd.
Vice.
Hang 'em both,
If ere more they come near the Court.
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Good sir,
You can recover dead men; can you cure
A living drunkenness?
Doct.
'Tis the harder task;
Go home with her, I'll send you something that
Shall once again bring her to better temper,
Or make her sleep for ever.
Cuc.
Which you please, sir.
Exeunt Cuc. Bor.
Vice.
Why linger you? rack him first, and after break him
Upon the wheel.
Ped.
Sir, this is more then justice.
John.
Is't death in Sicily, to be lov'd
Of a fair Lady?
Leon.
Though he be a slave,
Remember yet he is a man.
Vice.
I am deaf
To all perswasions: Drag him hence.
The Guard take Don John off.
Alm.
Do Tyrant,
No more a Father; feast thy cruelty
Upon thy Daughter: but Hell's plagues fall on me,
If I inflict not on my self whatever
He can endure for me.
Vice.
Will none restrain her.
Alm.
Death hath a thousand dores to let out life,
I shall find one. If Portia's burning coals,
The Knife of Lucrece, Cleopatra's Aspicks,
Famine, deep waters have the power to free me
From a loath'd life, I'll not an hour outlive him.
Ped.
Sister.
Leon.
Dear Cousin.
Ex. Alm. Ped. Leon.
Vice.
Let her perish.
Doct.
Hear me;
Th'effects of violent love are desperate:
And therefore in the execution of
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When he was bought, and at that time my self
Made purchase of another. He that sold 'em
Said that they were companions of one Country.
Something may rise from this to ease your sorrows:
By circumstance I'll learn what's his condition,
I'th' mean time use all fair and gentle means
To pacifie the Lady.
Vice.
I'll endeavour
As far as grief and anger will give leave,
To do as you direct me.
Mess.
I'll assist you.
Exeunt.
Enter Pedro and Keeper.
Ped.
Hath he been visited already?
Keeper.
Yes sir,
Like one of better fortune; and t'increase
My wonder of it, such as repair to him,
In their behavior rather appear
Servants, then friends to comfort him.
Ped.
Go fetch him.
Exit Keeper.
I am bound in gratitude to do more then wish
The life and safety of a man that hath
So well deserv'd me.
Enter Keeper, Don John, Servant.
Keeper.
Here he is, my Lord.
Ped.
Who's here? thou art no Conjurer to raise
A spirit in the best shape man ere appear'd in.
My friend, the Prince of Tarent! doubts forsake me,
I must and will embrace him.
John:
Pedro holds
One that loves life for nothing, but to live
To do him service.
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You are he most certain,
Heaven ever make me thankful for this bounty:
Run to the Viceroy, let him know this rarity.
Ex. K.
But how you came here thus? yet since I have you,
Is't not enough I bless the prosperous means
That brought you hither?
John.
Dear friend, you shall know all;
And though in thankfulness I should begin
Where you deliver'd me—
Ped.
Pray you pass that over,
That's not worth the relation.
John.
You confirm
True friends love, to do courtesies, not to hear 'em.
But I'll obey you. In our tedious passage
Towards Malta, I may call it so, for hardly
We had lost the ken of Sicily, but we were
Becalm'd, and hull'd so up and down twelve hours,
When to our more misfortune we descri'd
Eight well mann'd Gallies making amain for us,
Of which th'Arch Turkish Pyrate cruel Dragut
Was Admiral. I'll not speak what I did
In our defence; but never man did more
Then the brave Captain that you sent forth with me,
All would not do; Courage opprest with number,
We were boarded, pillag'd to the skin, and after
Twice sold for slaves; by the Pyrate first, and after
By a Maltese to Signior Cuculo:
Which I repent not, since there 'twas my fortune
To be to you my best friend some ways useful.
I thought to cheer you up with this short story,
But you grow sad on't.
Ped.
Have I not just cause,
When I consider I could be so stupid
As not to see a friend through all disguises;
Or he so far to question my true love,
To keep himself conceal'd?
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'Twas fit to do so,
And not to grieve you with the knowledge of
What then I was; where now I appear to you,
Your sister loving me, and Martino safe,
Like to my self and birth.
Ped.
May you live long so.
How doest thou honest friend? your trustiest servant.
Give me thy hand. I now can ghess by whom
You are thus furnish'd.
John.
Troth he met with me
As I was sent to prison, and there brought me
Such things as I had use of.
Ped.
Let's to Court,
My father never saw a man so welcome,
As you'll be to him.
John.
May it prove so friend.
Exeunt:
Enter Viceroy, Messina, Martino, Doctor, Captain, Almira, Leonora, Waiting Women, Attendants.
Vice.
The slave chang'd to the Prince of Tarent, says he?
Capt.
Yes sir, and I the Captain of the Fort,
Worthy of your displeasure, and th'effect oft,
For my deceiving of that trust your Excellency
Repos'd in me.
Doct.
Yet since all hath faln out
Beyond your hopes, let me become a suiter,
And a prevailing one to get his pardon.
Al.
O dearest Leonora, with what forehead
Dare I look on him now? Too powerful love,
The best strength of thy unconfined Empire
Lies in weak womens hearts Thou art fain'd blinde,
And yet we borrow our best sight from thee.
Could it be else, the person still the same
Affection over me, such power should have
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Mart.
But art thou sure 'tis he?
Capt.
Most certain sir.
Mart.
Is he in health, strong, vigorous, and as able
As when he left me dead?
Capt.
Your own eyes sir
Shall make good my report.
Mart.
I am glad of it,
And take you comfort in it sir, there's hope,
Fair hope left for me, to repair mine honor.
Mes.
What's that?
Mart.
I will do something that shall speak me
Messina's son.
Mes.
I like not this one word sir.
Vice.
We'll prevent it.
Nay, look up my Almira, now I approve
Thy happy choice. I have forgot my anger,
I freely do forgive thee.
Al.
May I finde
Such easiness in the wrong'd Prince of Tarent,
I then were happy.
Leon.
Rest assur'd you shall.
Enter Don John, Pedro, Servant.
Vice.
We all with open arms hast to embrace you.
Mes.
Welcome, most welcome.
Mart.
Stay.
Mes.
'Twas this I fear'd.
Mart.
Sir, 'tis best known to you, on what strict terms
The reputation of mens fame, and honors
Depend in this so punctual age, in which,
A word that may receive a harsh construction,
Is answer'd, and defended by the sword.
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Be sensibly tender of anothers credit,
As you would guard your own.
John.
I were unjust else.
Mart.
I have received from your hands, wounds, and deep ones,
My honor in the general report
Tainted and soil'd, for which I will demand
This satisfaction, That you would forgive
My contumelious words, and blow, my rash
And unadvised wildness first threw on you.
Thus I would teach the world a better way,
For the recovery of a wounded honor,
Then with a savage fury, not true courage,
Still to run headlong on.
John.
Can this be serious?
Mart.
I'll adde this, He that does wrong, not alone,
Draws, but makes sharp his enemies sword against
His own life, and his honor. I have paid for't,
And wish that they, who dare most, would learn from me,
Not to maintain a wrong, but to repent it.
Doct.
Why this is like your self.
Mart.
For farther proof,
Here sir, with all my interest, I give up
This Lady to you.
Vice.
Which I make more strong,
With my free grant.
Al.
I bring mine own consent,
Which will not weaken it.
All.
All joy confirm it.
John.
Your unexpected courtesies amaze me,
Which I will study with all love and service
To appear worthy of.
Doct.
Pray you understand Sir,
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Would hear from you as much, as the pleas'd Viceroy
Hath said unto the Prince of Tarent.
Mes.
Take her,
Her dowry shall be answerable to
Her birth, and your desert.
Ped.
You make both happy.
John.
One onely suit remains, That you would please
To take again into your Highness favor
This honest Captain: Let him have your grace.
What's due to his much merit, shall from me
Meet liberal rewards.
Vice.
Have your desire.
John.
Now may all here that love, as they are friends
To our good fortunes, find like prosperous ends.
Exeunt.
| The Very Woman, or the Prince of Tarent | |