 | The Maid in the Mill |  |
Scæna Secunda.
Enter Antonio and Martine.Mar.
Why, how now (Friend) thou art not lost agen?
Ant.
Not lost? why, all the world's a wildernesse:
Some places peopled more by braver beasts
Then others are: But faces, faces (man)
May a man be caught with faces?
Mar.
Without wonder.
'Tis odds against him: May not a good face
Lead a man about by the nose? 'las,
The nose is but a part against the whole.
Ant.
But is it possible that two faces
Should be so twin'd in form, complexion,
Figure, aspect? that neither wen, nor mole,
The table of the brow, the eyes lustre,
The lips cherry; neither the blush nor smile
Should give the one distinction from the other?
Do's Nature work in molds?
Mar.
Altogether.
We are all one mold, one dust.
Ant.
Thy reason's moldie.
I speak from the Form, thou the Matter.
Why? was't not ever one of Natures Glories,
Nay, her great peece of wonder, that amongst
So many millions millons of her works
Shee left the eye distinction, to cull out
The one from other; yet all one name, the face?
Mar.
You must compare 'em by some other part
Of the body, if the face cannot do't.
Ant.
Didst ask her name?
Mar.
Yes, and who gave it her,
And what they promis'd more, besides a spoon,
And what Apostles picture; she is christend too,
In token wherefore she is call'd Isabella,
The daughter of a Country plow-swain by:
If this be not true, shee lyes.
Ant.
She cannot;
It would be seen a blister on her lip,
Should falshod touch it, it is so tender:
Had her name held, 't had been Ismenia,
And not another of her name.
Mar.
Shall I speak?
Ant.
Yes, if thou'lt speak truth: Is she not wondrous like?
Mar.
As two garments of the same fashion,
Cut from the same piece: yet if any excell,
This has the first; and in my judgement 'tis so.
Ant.
'Tis my opinion.
Mar.
Were it the face
Where mine eye should dwell, I would please both
With this, as soon as one with the other.
Ant.
And yet the other is the case of this.
Had I not look'd upon Ismenia,
I nere had staid beyond good-morrows time
7
Mar.
Would I could leave him here,
'Twere a free passage to Ismenia:
I must now blow, as to put out the fire
Yet kindle't more. You not consider Sir,
The great disparitie is in their bloods,
Estate and fortunes: there's the rich beauty
Which this poor homelinesse is not endow'd with;
There's difference enough.
Ant.
The least of all.
Equalitie is no rule in Loves Grammar:
That sole unhappinesse is left to Princes
To marry blood: we are free dsposers,
And have the power to equalize their bloods
Up to our own; wee cannot keep it back,
'Tis a due debt from us.
Mar.
I Sir, had you
No Father nor Unkle, nor such hinderers,
You might do with your self at your pleasure;
But as it is.
Ant.
As it is; 'tis nothing:
Their powers will come too late, to give me back
The yesterday I lost.
Mar.
Indeed, to say sooth,
Your opposition from the other part
Is of more force; there you run the hazzard
Of every hour a life, had you supply;
You meet your deerest enemy in love
With all his hate about him: 'T will be more hard
For your Ismenia to come home to you,
Then you to go to Country Isabell.
Enter Julio.
Ant.
Tush; 'tis not fear removes me.
Mar.
No more: your Unkle.
Jul.
Oh, the good hour upon you Gentlemen:
Welcome Nephew; Speak it to your friend Sir,
It may be happier receiv'd from you,
In his acceptance.
Ant.
I made bold, Uncle,
To do it before; and I think he beleeves it.
Mar.
'Twas never doubted, Sir.
Jul.
Here are sports (Dons)
That you must look on with a loving eye,
And without Censure, 'lesse it be giving
My country neighbours loves their yeerly offrings
That must not be refus'd; though 't be more pain
To the Spectator, then the painfull Actor,
'Twill abide no more test then the tinsell
Wee clad our Masks in for an hours wearing,
Or the Livory lace sometimes on the cloaks
Of a great Dons Followers: I speak no further
Then our own Country, Sir.
Mar.
For my part, Sir,
The more absurd, 't shalbe the better welcom.
Jul.
You'll find the guest you look for: I heard Cousen,
You were at Toledo th'other day.
Ant.
Not late, Sir.
Jul.
O fie! must I be plainer? You chang'd the point
With Tirso and Lisauro, two of the Stock
Of our Antagonists, the Belides.
Ant.
A meer proffer, Sir; the prevention
Was quick with us: we had done somewhat else:
This Gentleman was ingag'd in't.
Jul.
I am
The enemie to his foe for it: that wild-fire
Will crave more then fair water, to quench it
I suspect. Whence it will come I know not.
Enter two or three Gentlemen.
Ant.
I was about a gentle reconcilement,
But I do fear I shall goe back agen.
Jul.
Come, come; The Sports are coming on us:
Nay, I have more guests to grace it: Welcome
Don Gostanco, Giraldo, Philippo: Seat, seat all.
Musick. Enter a Cupid.
Cup.
Love is little, and therefore I present him,
Love is a fire, therefore you may lament him.
Mar.
Alas poor Love, who are they that can quench him?
Jul.
He's not without those members, fear him not.
Cup.
Love shoots, therefore I bear his bow about.
And Love is blind, therefore my eyes are out.
Ma.
I never heard Love give reason for what he did before.
Enter Bustofa (for Paris.)
Cup.
Let such as can see, see such as cannot: behold,
Our goddesses all three strive for the ball of gold:
And here fair Paris comes, the hopefull youth of Troy,
Queen Hecub's darling-son, King Priams onely joy.
Mart.
Is this Paris? I should have taken him for Hector rather.
Bust.
Paris at this time: Pray you hold your prating.
Ant.
Paris can be angry.
Jul.
Oh, at this time
You must pardon him; he comes as a Judge.
Mar.
—Mercy on all that looks upon him, say I.
Bust.
The thundring seas whose watry fire washes the whiting-Mops,
The gentle Whale, whose feet so fell, flies ore the mountain tops.
No roares so fierce, no throats so deep, no howls can bring such fears
As Paris can, if Garden from he call his Dogs and Bears.
Mar.
I, those they were that I feard all this while.
Bust.
Yes Jack-an-Apes.
Mar.
I thank you, good Paris.
Bust.
You may hold your peace, and stand further out o'th' way then:
The lines will fall where they light,
Yes Jack-an-Apes, he hath to sports, and faces make like mirth,
Whilst bellowing buls, the horned beasts, do tosse from ground to earth:
Bloud Bear there is, as Cupid blind.
Ant.
That Bear would be whip'd for losing of his eyes.
Bust.
Be whipped man may see,
But we present no such content, but Nimps such as they be.
Ant.
These are long lines.
Mar.
Can you blame him, leading Buls & Bears in 'em?
Enter Shepherd singing, with Ismena, Aminta, Florimell, (as Juno, Pallas, Venus,) and 3 Nymphs attending.
Bust.
Go Cupid blind, conduct the dumb, for Ladies must not speak here:
Let shepherds sing with dancing feet, and cords of musick break here.
Song.
Now Ladies fight, with heels so light, by lot your luck must fall,
Where Paris please, to do you ease, and give the golden Ball.
Dance.
Mar.
If you plaid Paris now Antonio, where would you bestow it?
Ant.
I prethee, Friend,
Take the full freedome of thought, but no words.
Mar.
'Protest there's a third, which by her habit
Should personate Venus, and by consequence
Of the Story, receive the honours prize:
And were I a Paris, there it should be.
Doe you note her?
Ant.
No; mine eye is so fixed,
I cannot move it.
Cup.
The dance is ended; Now to judgment Paris.
8
Here Juno, here: but stay, I do espy
A pretty gleeke comming from Pallas eye:
Here Pallas, here: yet stay agen: methinks
I see the eye of lovely Venus winks:
Oh close them both: shut in those golden eyne,
And I will kisse those sweet blind cheeks of thine.
Juno is angry: yes, and Pallas frowns,
Would Paris now were gone from Ida's-downs.
They both are fair, but Venus has the Mole,
The fairest hair, and sweetest dimple hole:
To her, or her, or her, or her, or neither;
Can one man please three Ladies altogether?
No, take it Venus, tosse it at thy pleasure,
Thou art the lovers friend beyond his measure.
Jul.
Paris has done what man can do, pleas'd one,
Who can do more?
Enter Gerasto, (as Mars)
Mar.
Stay, here's another person.
Ger.
Come lovely Venus, leave this lower Orbe,
And mount with Mars, up to his glorious Spheare.
Bust.
How now, what's he:
Flor.
I'm ignorant what to do, Sir.
Ger.
Thy silver-yoke of Doves are in the Team,
And thou shalt fly through Apollo's Beam:
I'le see thee seated in thy golden Throne,
And hold with Mars a sweet conjunction.
Exit.
Bust.
Ha? what follows this? has carried away my sister Venus:
He never rehears'd his part with me before.
Jul.
What follows now Prince Paris?
Flor. within.—Help, help, help.
Bust.
Hue and cry, I think Sir this is Venus voice,
Mine owne sister Florinells.
Mar.
What is there some Tragick-Act behind?
Bust.
No, no, altogether Comical; Mars and Venus
Are in the old conjunction it seems.
Mar.
'Tis very improper then, for Venus
Never cryes out when she conjoynes with Mars.
Bust.
That's true indeed: they are out of their parts sure,
It may be 'tis the Book-holders fault: Ile go see.—
Exit.
Jul.
How like you our Countrey Revells, Gentlemen?
All Gent.
Oh, they commend themselves, Sir.
Ant.
Me-thinks now
Juno and Minerva should take revenge on Paris,
It cannot end without it.
Mar.
I did expect
Insteed of Mars, the Storm-Gaoler Eolus,
And Juno proffring her Deiopeia
As satisfaction to the blustring god,
To send his Tossers forth.
Jul.
It may so follow,
Lets not prejudicate the History.
Enter Bustofa.
Bust.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Jul.
So, here's a Passion towards.
Bust.
Help, help, if you be Gentlemen; my Sister,
My Venus; shee's stolne away.
Jul.
The story changes from our expectation,
Bust.
Help, my father the Miller will hang me els: god Mars
Is a bawdy Villain: he said she should ride upon Doves:
Shee's horss'd, shee's horss'd whether she will or no.
Mar.
Sure I think hee's serious.
Bust.
She's horss'd upon a double Gelding, and a Stone-horse in the breech
Of her: the poor wench cries help, and I cry help, & none
Of you will help.
Jul.
Speak, is it the show, or dost thou bawle?
Bust.
A pox on the Ball: my Sister bawls, and I bawl:
Either bridle horse and follow, or give me a halter
To hang my self: I cannot run so fast as a hogge.
Jul.
Wie follow me, I'le fill the Countrey with pursuit
But I will find the Thief: my House thus abus'd?
Bust.
'Tis my house that's abus'd, the Sister of my flesh and blood: oh, oh.
Exeunt.
1. Wench.
Tis time we all shift for our selves if this be serious.
2.
However I'le be gone.
3.
And I.
Exeunt.
Ant.
You need not fright your beauties pretty souls,
With the least pale complexion of a fear.
Mar.
Juno has better courage: and Minerva more discreet.
Ism.
Alas my courage was so counterfeit
It might have been struck from me with a feather,
Juno ne'er had so weak a presenter.
Am.
Sure I was ne'er the wiser for Minerva,
That I find yet about me.
Ism.
My dwelling, Sir?
'Tis a poor Yeomans roof, scarce a league off,
That never sham'd me yet.
Ant.
Your gentle pardon:
I vow my erring eyes had almost cast you
For one of the most mortal Enemies
That our Family has.
Ism.
I'me sorty Sir,
I am so like your foe: 'twere sit I hasted
From your offended sight.
Ant.
Oh, mistake not,
It was my error, and I do confesse it:
You'l not beleeve your welcome; nor can I speak it;
But there's my friend can tell you, pray hear him.
Mar.
Shall I tell her Sir? I'me glad of the employment.
Ant.
A kinswoman to that beauty:
Am.
A kin to her, Sir,
But nothing to her Beauty.
Ant.
Do not wrong it, 'tis not far behind her.
Am.
Her hinder parts are not far off, indeed, Sir.
Mar.
Let me but kisse you with his ardour now,
You shall feel how he loves you.
Ism.
Oh forbear:
'Tis not the fashion with us, but would you
Perswade me that he loves me?
Mar.
I'le warrant you
He dies in't: and that were witnes enough on't.
Ism.
Love me Sir? can you tell me for what reason?
Mar.
Fy, will ye ask me that which you have about you?
Ism.
I know nothing Sir.
Mar.
Let him find it then;
He constantly beleeves you have the thing
That he must love you for: much is apparent,
A sweet and lovely beauty.
Ism.
So Sir; Pray you
Show me one thing: Did he nere love before?
(I know you are his bosome-Counsellor)
Nay then I see your answer is not ready:
I'le not beleeve you if you study farther.
Mar.
Shall I speak truth to you?
Ism.
Or speak no more.
Mar.
There was a smile thrown at him, from a Lady
Whose deserts might buy him treble, and lately
He receiv'd it, and I know where he lost it,
In this face of yours: I know his heart's within you.
Ism.
May I know her name?
Mar.
In your ear you may
With vow of silence.
Am.
Hee'l not give over Sir:
If he speak for you, hee'l sure speed for you.
Ant.
But that's not the answer to my question.
9
You are the first in my virgin-conscence
That ere spoke Love to her: oh, my heart!
Ant.
How doe you?
Am.
Nothing Sir: but would I had a better face.
How well yoor pulse beats.
Ant.
Healthfully, does it not?
Am.
It thumps prettily, me thinks.
Ism.
Alack, I hear it
With much pitie: how great is your fault too,
In wrong to the good Lady?
Mar.
You forget
The difficult passage hee has to her,
A hell of feud's between the Families.
Ism.
and that has often Love wrought by advantage
To peacefull reconcilement.
Mar.
There impossible.
Ism.
This way 'tis worser; 't may seed again in her
Unto another generation:
For where (poor Lady) is her satisfaction?
Mar.
It comes in me; to be truth, I love her
(I'll go no farther for comparison)
As deer as hee loves you.
Ism.
How if shee love not?
Mar.
Tush: be that my pains: You know not what art
I have those wayes.
Ism.
Beshrow you, you have practis'd upon me,
Well, speed me here, and you with your Ismenia.
Mar.
Go, the condition's drawn, ready dated,
There wants but your hand to 't.
Am.
Truly you have taken great pains, Sir.
Mar.
A friendly part, no more (sweet Beuty.)
Am.
They are happy, Sir, have such friends as you are.
But do you know you have done well in this?
How will his Allyes receive it? shee (though I say't)
Is of no better Blood then I am.
Mar.
There I leave it, I'm at farthest that way.
Ism.
You shall extend your vows no larger now.
My heart calls you mine own: and that's enough.
Reason, I know, would have all yet conceal'd.
I shall not leave you unsaluted long
Either by pen or person.
Ant.
You may discourse
With me, when you think y'are alone, I shall
Be present with you.
Ism.
Come Cosen, will you walk?
Am.
Alas, I was ready long since: in conscience
You would with better will yet stay behind.
Ism.
Oh Love, I never thought thou'dst bin so blind.
Mar.
You'll answer this Sir.
Exeunt.
Ant.
If ere't be spoke on:
Enter Julio
I purpose not to propound the question.
Jul.
'Tis true the poor knave said: some Ravisher,
Some of Lusts Blood-hounds have seiz'd upon her:
The Girle is hurried, as the divell were with 'em
And help'd their speed.
Mar.
It may be not so ill, Sir.
A well prepared Lover may do as much
In hot blood as this, and perform't honestly.
Jul.
What? steale away a virgin 'gainst her will?
Mar.
It may be any mans case; despise nothing:
And that's a thiefe of a good quality,
Most commonly hee brings his theft home again,
Though with a little shame.
Jul.
There's a charge by't
Faln upon mee: Paris (the Millers son)
Her brother, dares not venture home again
Till better tidings follow of his sister.
Ant.
Y'are the more beholding to the mischance, Sir:
Had I gone a Boot-haling, I should as soon
Have stolne him, as his sister: Marry then,
To render him back in the same plight he is
May be costly: his flesh is not maintain'd with little.
Jul.
I think the poor knave will pine away,
Hee cries all to be pitied yonder.
Mar.
Pray you Sir, let's go see him: I should laugh
To see him cry sure.
Jul.
Well, you are merry, Sir.
Antonio, keep this charge; I have fears
Move me to lay it on you: Pray forbear
The wayes of your enemies, the Bellides.
I have reason for my Injunction, Sir.
Exeunt.
Enter Aminta (as a Page with a Letter.)
Ant.
To me, Sir? from whom?
Am.
A friend, I dare vow, Sir.
Though on the enemies part: the Ladie Ismenia.
Mar.
Take heed: blush not too deep; let me advise you
In your Answer, 't must be done heedfully.
Ant.
I should not see a masculine in peace
Out of that house.
Am.
Alas: I' am a child, Sir,
Your hates cannot last till I wear a sword.
Ant.
Await me for your answer.
Mar.
Hee must see her,
To manifest his shame: 'tis my advantage;
While our blood's under us, wee keep above:
But then we fall when we do fall in love.
Exeunt.
| The Maid in the Mill | |