 | The Knight of Malta |  |
71
Actus Primus
Scæna Prima.
Enter Mountferrat.Mount.
Dares she despise me thus? me that with spoile
And hazardous exploits, full sixteene yeeres
Have led (as hand-maides) Fortune, Victory
Whom the Maltezi call my servitors?
Tempests I have subdude, and fought 'em calme,
Out-lightened lightning in my Chilvalry;
Rid (tame as patience) billowes that kick'd heaven,
Whistl'd enraged Boreas till his gusts
Were growne so gentle, that he seem'd to sigh,
Because he could not show the ayr my keele,
And yet I cannot conquer her bright eyes,
Which though they blaze both comfort, and invite
Neither by force, nor fraud passe through her eare
(Whose guard is onely blushing Innocence)
To take the least possession of her heart,
Did I attempt her with a thred-bare name-unnapt with meritorious actions,
She might with colour dis-allow my suit:
But by the honour of this Christian crosse
(In blood of Infidels so often dyde)
Which mine own soul and sword hath fixed here
And neither favour, nor births priviledge
Oriana shall confesse, although she be
Valettas Sister our Grand-Master, here
The wages of scorn'd Love is banefull hate,
Enter Rocca.
And if I rule not her, i'le rule her fate.
Rocca, my trusty Servant, welcome.
Rocca.
Sir,
I wish my newes deserv'd it: haplesse I
That being lov'd, and trusted, faile to bring
The loving answer that you doe expect.
Mount.
Why speak'st thou from me: thy pleas'd eyes send forth
Beames brighter then the star that ushers day,
Thy smiles, restore sick expectation.
Roc.
I bring you Sir, her smiles, not mine.
Mount.
Her smiles?
Why they are presents for Kings eldest Sonnes,
Great Solyman that wearies his hot eyes,
But to peruse his deck'd Ceraglio,
When from the number of his Concubines
He chooseth one for that night, in his pride
Of them, wives, wealth, is not so rich as I
In this one smile, from Oriana sent.
Roc.
Sir, fare ye well.
Mount.
Oh Rocca! thou art wise,
And would'st not have the torrent of my joy
Ruin me headlong; aptly thou conceiv'st
If one reviving smile can raise me thus,
What trances will the sweet words which thou bring'st
Cast me into? I felt (my dearest friend,
No more my Servant) when I employ'd thee
That knew'st to look, and speak as Lovers should,
And carry faithfully thy Masters sighes,
That it must worke some heat in her cold heart,
And all my labours now come fraughted home
With ten fold prize.
Roc.
Will you yet heare me?
Mount.
Yes,
But take heed (gentle Rocca,) that thou do'st
Tenderly by degrees assault mine eares
With her consent, now to embrace my love,
For thou well know'st I have been so plundg'd, so torne
With her resolv'd reject, and neglect:
That to report her soft acceptance now,
Will stupifie sence in me, if not kill:
Why shew'st thou this distemper?
Roc.
Draw your sword,
And when I with my breath have blasted you,
Kill me with it:
I bring you smiles of pitty, not affection:
For such she sent.
Mount.
Oh! can she pitty me?
Of all the pathes lead to a womans love,
Pittie's the streightest.
Roc.
Waken Sir, and know
That her contempt (if you can name it so)
Continues still: she bids you throw your Pearle
Into strong streames, and hope to turn them so,
Ere her to foule dishonour; write your plaints
In rocks of Corall grow'n above the Sea,
Them hope to soften to compassion,
Or change their modest blush to love-sick pale,
Ere worke her to your impious requests;
All your loose thoughts she chides you home againe,
But with such calme behaviour, and milde lookes,
She gentlier denies then others grant,
For just as others love, so doth she hate:
She sayes, that by your order you are bound
From marrying ever, and much marvels then
You would thus violate her and your own faith,
That being the virgin you should now protect,
Hitherto she professes she has conceal'd
Your lustfull Batteries, but the next she vowes,
(In open Hall, before the honour'd crosse
And her great brother) she will quite disclose
Calling for justice, to your utter shame.
Mount.
Hence find the Blackamore that waits upon her,
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And I must her now, at least seeme to do:
Cupid, thy brands that glow thus in my veines,
I will with blood extinguish-ar't not gone?
Shall my desires, like beggars, waite at dore
Whil'st any others revell in her breast?
Sweat on my spirits: know thou trickt up toy,
My love's a violent flood, where thou art falne,
Enter Astorius and Castriot.
Playing with which tide thou'dst bin gently toss'd,
But crossing it, thou art o're whelm'd, and lost.
Cast.
Mounsieur, good day.
Ast.
Good morrow valiant Knight,
What, are you for this great solemnity
This morne intended?
Mount.
What solemnity?
Ast.
The investing of the Martiall Spaniard,
Peter Gomera, with our Christian Badge.
Cast.
And young Miranda, the Italian,
Both which with wondrous prowesse, and great luck
Have dar'd and done for Malta, such high feats,
That not one Fort in it, but rings their names
As loud as any mans.
Mount.
As any mans?
Why, we have fought for Malta.
Ast.
Yes Mountferrat.
No bold Knight ever past you: but we weare
The dignity of Christians on our breasts,
And have a long time triumph'd for our conquests;
These conquer'd a long time, not triumph'd yet;
Mount.
Astorius, you are a most indulgent Knight,
Detracting from your selfe, to adde to others,
You know this title is the period
To all our labours, the extremity
Of that tall pyramid, where honour hangs,
Which we with sweat and agony have reach'd,
And should not then so easily impart
So bright a wreath to every cheap desert.
Cast.
How is this French man chang'd Astorius?
Some sullen discontent possesses him,
That makes him envy, what he heretofore
Did most ingenuously but emulate.
Mount.
Oh furious denre, how like a whirle-wind
Thou hurriest me beyond mine honours point?
Out of my heart, base lust, or heart, I vow
Those flames that heat thee thus, I'le burne thee in.
Ast.
Do ye observe him?
Mount.
What newes of the Dane,
That valiant Captain Norandine?
Cast.
He fights still,
In view oth' Town; he playes the devill with 'em,
And they the Turkes with him.
Mount.
They'r well met then, twere sin to sever'em.
Pish—woman.—Memorie—
Would one of ye would leave me:
Ast.
Six fresh Gallies
I in St. Angelo from the promontory
This morne discride, making a Girdle for him,
But our great Master doth intend reliefe
This present meeting: will you walke along?
Mount.
Hunch—I have read Ladyes enjoy'd, have by
The gulphes of worthiest men, buried their names,
Their former valour, bountie, beauty, vertue,
And sent'em stinking to untimely graves.
I that cannot enjoy, by her disdaine,
Am like to prove as wretched; woman then
Checking or granting, is the grave of men.
Ast.
He's saying of his Prayers sure.
Cast.
Will you goe Sir?
Mount.
I cry you mercy: I am so transported
(Your pardon, noble Brothers) with a busines
That doth concerne all Malta, that I am
(Anon you'll heare't) almost blind, and deafe.
Lust neither sees nor heares ought but it selfe:
But I will follow instantly: your crosse.
Ast.
Not mine.
Cast.
Nor mine: 'tis yours.
Ast., Cast.
Good morrow brother.
Exeunt.
Mount.
White innocent signe, that do'st abhorre to dwell
So neer the dim thoughts of this troubled breast,
And grace these gracelesse projects of my heart.
Enter Zanthia alias Abdella. with 2 Letters.
Yet I must weare thee to protect my crimes,
If not for conscience, for hypocrisie,
Some Churchmen so wear Cassoks: Oh my Zan.
My Pearle, that scornes a staine! I much repent
All my neglects: Let me Ixion like,
Embrace my black cloud, since my Iuno is
So wrathfull, and averse; thou art more soft
And full of dalliance then the fairest flesh,
And farre more loving.
Zan.
I, you say so now,
But like a property, when I have serv'd
Your turnes, You'll, cast me off, or hang me up
For a signe, somewhere.
Mount.
May my life then forsake me
Of my expected blisse, be cast to hell.
Zan.
My tongue Sir, cannot lispe to meet you so,
Nor my black Cheeke put on a feigned blush,
To make me seeme more modest then I am.
This ground-worke, will not beare adulterate red,
Nor artificiall white, to cozen love.
These dark locks, are not purchas'd, nor these teeth,
For every night, they are my bed-fellows;
No bath, no blanching water, smoothing oyles,
Doth mend me up; and yet Mountferrat, know,
I am as full of pleasure in the touch
As ere a white fac'd puppet of 'em all,
Juicy, and firme; unfledge 'em of their tyres,
Their wyres, their partlets, pins, and perriwigs,
And they appeare like bald cootes, in the nest;
I can as blithly work in my loves bed,
And deck thy faire neck, with these Jetty chains,
Sing thee asleep, being wearied, and refresh'd,
With the same organ, steale sleep off againe.
Mount.
Oh my black swan, silkner then Signets plush,
Sweeter then is the sweet of Pomander,
Breath'd like curl'd Zephyrus, cooling Lymon-trees,
Straight as young pines, or Cedars in the grove,
Quickly discend lovers best Canopie,
Still night, for Zanthia doth enamour me
Beyond all continuance; perpetrate (deere wench)
What thou hast promis'd, and I vow by heaven
Malta, I'le leave in it, my honours here,
And in some other Country (Zanthia) make
My wife, and my best fortune.
Zan.
From this hope,
Here is an answer to that Letter, which
I lately shew'd you sent from Tripoly,
By the great Basha, which importunes her
Love unto him, and treachery to the Island,
Which will she undertake, by Mahomet
The Turke there vowes, on his blest Alcharon,
Marriage unto her: this the Master knowes,
But is resolv'd of her integrity
(As well he may) sweet Lady yet for love,
For love of thee Mountferrat, (Oh! what Chaines
Of deity, or duty can hold love?)
73
As if it had bin moulded of: returning
The Bashas Letter safe into her pocket;
What you will do with it, your self best knowes,
Farwell, keep my true heart, keep true your vowes.
Exit Zan.
Mount.
Till I be dust, my Zanthia; be confirmd.
Sparrowes, and Doves, sit coupling twixt thy Lips,
It is not love, but strong Libidinous will
That triumphs o're me, and to satiat that,
What difference twixt this Moore, and her faire Dame?
Night makes their hews alike, their use is so,
Whose hand so subtile, he can colours name,
If he do winck, and touch 'em: lust being blind,
Never in women did distinction find.
Exit.
Scœna Secunda.
Enter two Gentlewomen.1.
But yfaith dost thou think my Lady was never in love?
2.
I rather think she was ever in love: in perfect charity.
1.
I meane, with all the world.
2.
A most christian answer I promise you: but I meane in
Love with a man.
2.
With a man? what els? wouldst have her in love with a beast?
1.
Yon are somewhat quick: but if she were, it were no
President; did, you never read of Europa the fair, that leapt
A bull, that lept the Sea, that swoom to land, and then leapt her?
2.
Oh heavens, a bull?
1.
Yes, a white bull.
2.
Lord, how could she sit him? where did she hold?
1.
Why, by the horn: since which time, no woman (almost) is
Contented, till she have a horne of her own, to hold by.
2.
Thou art very knavish.
1.
And thou very foolish: but sirah, why dost not thou marry?
1.
As how?
Oriana ready above
2.
As thus, there is no Wife, if she be good, and true,
will honour; and obey, but must reflect the true countenance
of her husband upon him; if he looke sad upon
her, shee must not looke merrily upon him: if he
looke merrily, shee must not sorrowfully, else she is a
false glasse, and fit for nothing but breaking; his anger
must be her discontent; his pleasure, her delight: if he
weep, she must cry: if he laugh, she must show her teeth;
if hee bee sick, shee must not bee in health; if
hee eate Cawdles, she must eate pottage, shee must have
no proper passion of her owne; and is not this a tyrany?
1.
Yes, yfaith, Marriage may well be called a yoak;
Wives then are but like superficiall lines in Geometry,
that have no proper motion of their own, but as their
bodies their husbands move; yet I know some Wives,
that are never freely merry, nor truly pleased, but when
they are farthest of their husbands.
2.
That's because the Moon governes 'em which hath
most light and shines brightest, the more remote it is
from the Sun; and contrary is more sullen, dim, and
showes least splendor, when it is neerest.
1.
But if I were to marry I would marry a faire
effeminate foole.
2.
Why?
1.
Because I would lead the blind whether I list.
2.
And I the wisest man I could get for money, because I had
rather follow the cleer-sighted: blesse me from a husband
That sales by his Wives compasse?
1.
Why?
2.
Why, tis ten to one but she breaks his head in her
youth, and when she is old shee'l never leave till she has
broke his back too—
But what scurvy Knight have you here in Malta,
&c.
Zan.
Hist, wenches: my Lady cals, she's entring
The Tarrasse, to see the show.
1.
Oh black pudding.
2.
My little labour in vaine.
1.
But what scurvy Knights have we here in Malta, that
when they are dubd take their oath of allegeance to live
poore, and chastly ever after?
2.
'Faith many Knights in other Nations (I have
heard) are as poore as ours: marry where one of 'em
has taken the Oath of chastity, we want a new Columbm
to find out.
Exeunt.
Scœna Tertia.
Enter (above) Oriana, Zanchia, two Gentlewomen, (beneath) Valetta, Mountferrat, Astorius, Castorot, Gomera, Miranda, Attendants of Knights, &c.Mount.
Are you there Lady?
Ori.
Thou art a naughty man,
Heaven mend thee.
Ual.
Our great meeting princely brothers,
Ye holy souldiers of the Christian Crosse,
Is to relieve our Captaine Norandine,
Now fighting for Valetta, with the Turke,
A vallant Gentleman, a noble Dane
As ere the Country bred, endangerd now
By fresh supply of head-bound Infidels.
Much means, much blood this warlike Dane hath spent
To advance our flag, above their horned moones,
And oft hath brought in profitable conquest:
We must not see him perish in our view:
How far off fight they?
Mir.
Sir, within a League.
Ual.
'Tis well: our next occasion of conventing
Are these too gentlemen, standing in your sight.
(Ye noble props of Malta) royally
Descended are they both, valiant as war,
Miranda, and Gomera, full ten years
They have serv'd this Island, perfected exploits
Matchles, and infinite, they are honest, wise,
Not empty of one ornament of man:
Most eminent agents were they in that slaughter
That great marvelous slaughter of the Turks,
Before St. Elme, where five and twenty thousand
Fell, for five thousand of our Christians:
These ripe considerations moving us
(Having had your allowance on their worthies)
Here we would call 'em to our Brotherhood;
If any therefore can their manners tax,
Their faith, their chastity, any part of life,
Let 'em speak now.
Ast.
None do's.
All.
None can, great Master.
Val.
The dignity then dignifie, by them
Is their reward: tender Miranda first
(Because he is to succour Norandine)
Our sacred Robe of Knight-hood, our white Crosse,
74
The sword, the spurrs.
Mir.
Grave, and most honord Master,
With humble duty, and my soules best thanks
To you, and all this famous Conventicle,
Let me, with modesty refuse acceptance
Of this high order: I (alas) am yet
Unworthy, and uncapable of such honour,
That merit, which with favour you enlarge
Is far, far short, of this propos'd reward.
Who take upon him such a charge as this,
Must come with pure thoughts, and a gatherd minde
That time, nor all occasions ever may
After disperse, or staine; did this title here
Of Knighthood, aske no other ornaments
Then other countries glittring show, poor pride,
A gingling spur, a feather, a white hand,
A frizled hayre, powder'd, perfumes, and lust,
Drinking sweet wines, surfeits, and ignorance,
Rashly, and easily should I venture on't,
But this requires an other kind of man.
Mount.
A staid, and mature judgement; speake on sir.
Mir.
May it please you then to allow me some small time
To rectifie my selfe, for that high seate,
Or give my reasons to the contrary.
Ith meane space, to dismisse me to the aid
Of Norandine: my Ships ride in the bay
Ready to disembogue, tackel'd, and mand
Even to my wishes.
Mount.
His request
Is faire, and honest.
Val.
At your pleasure go.
Mir.
I humbly take my leave of all: of you
My noble friend Mountferrat; gratious Mistris,
Oh that auspitious smile doth arme your souldier,
Who fights for those eyes, and this sacred Crosse,
Can neither meete sad accident, nor losse.
Exit
Ori.
The mighty Master of that Livory,
Conduct thee safely to these eyes againe.
Mount.
Blowes the wind that way?
Val.
Equally belov'd,
Equally meriting, Gomera, you
Without excuse receive that dignity:
Which our provinciall chapter hath decreed you.
Gom.
Great Master of Jerusalems Hospitall,
From whence to Rhodes this blest Fraternity
Was driven, but now among the Maltois stands,
Long may it flourish, whilest Gomera serves it,
But dares not enter farther.
All.
This is strange.
Ual.
What do ye object?
Gom.
Nothing against it, but my self (faire Knights)
I may not wear this Roabe.
Val.
Expresse your reasons;
Doth any hid sin goare your conscience?
Ast.
Are you unsteadfast in Religion?
Cast.
Or do ye intend to forsake Malta now,
And visit your own Country, fruitfull Spaine.
Gom.
Never good sir.
Ual.
Then explicate your thoughts.
Gom.
This then: I should be perjurd to receive it,
Once in Malita, your next City here,
When I was younger, read I the decrees
Touching this point, being ambitious then
To approach it once, none but a Gentleman
Can be admitted.
Ual.
Thats no obstacle
In you.
Gom.
I should be sorry, that were it
No married man.
Mount.
You never felt that yoake.
Gom.
None, that hath bin contracted.
Cast.
Were you ever?
Gom.
Nor married, nor contracted, none that ever
Hath vowd his love to any woman kinde,
Or findes that secret fire within his thoughts:
Here I am cast, this Article my heart
Objects against the title of my fame,
I am in love; laugh not: though time hath set
Some wrinkles in this face, and these curld locks
Will shortly die into an other hew,
Yet, yet I am in love: (yfaith you smile)
What age, what sex, or what profession
Divine, or humane, from the man that cries
For armes in the high way, to him that sings
At the high Altar, and doth sacrifice,
Can truly say he knowes not what is Love?
Ual.
Tis honestly profest; with whom Gomera?
Name the Lady, that with all advantage
We may advance your suit.
Gom.
But will you sir?
Ual.
Now by our holy rock were it our sister:
Spaniard, I hold thee worthy, freely name her.
Gom.
Be master of your word: it is she sir,
The matchlesse Oriana.
Ual.
Come down Lady,
You have made her blush, let her consent, I wil
Make good my oath.
Mount.
Is't so? stay: I do love
So tenderly Gomera, your bright flame,
As not to suffer your perdition.
Gom.
What meanes Mountferrat?
Mount.
This whole auberge hath
En. Guard
(A Guard upon this Lady) wonder not,
'Tane publique notice of the Bassaes love
Of Tripoli unto her, and consented
Shee should returne this answer, as he writ
For her conversion, and betraying Malta,
She should advise him betray Tripoli,
And turning Christian, he should marry her.
All.
All this was so.
Mount.
How weakly do's this court then
Send Vessels forth to Sea, to guard the Land
Taking such speciall care to save one Bark,
Or strive to adde fam'd men unto our cloak,
When they lurke in our bosomes would subvert
This State, and us, presuming on their blood,
And partiall indulgence to their sex?
Ual.
Who can this be?
Mount.
Your Sister, great Ualetta,
Which thus I prove: demand the Bassa's Letter.
Ori.
Tis here, nor from this pocket hath bin mov'd
Nor answerd, nor perus'd by—
Mount.
Do not swear
Cast not away your faire soule, to your treason
Adde not foule perjury: is this your hand?
Ori.
Tis very like it.
Mount.
May it please the Master,
Confer these Letters, and then read her Answer,
Which I have intercepted; pardon me
Reverend Ualetta, that am made the meanes
To punish this most beauteous Treachery,
Even in your Sister, since in it I save
Malta from ruin: I am bolder in't,
Because it is so palpable, and withall
Know our great Master to this Country firme.
75
As deere a sister in the publique cause.
Ual.
I am amazd; attend me.
Reades the Letter.
Let you forces by the next even be ready, my brother
feasts, then; put in at St. Michaels, the ascent at that
Port is easiest; the Keyes of the Castle, you shall receive
at my hands: that possest, you are Lord of Malta, and
may soone destroy all by fire, then which I am better, till I
embrace you,
Farewell,
Your VVife,
Oriana.
From this time let me never read againe.Gent. w.
Tis certaine her hand.
Ual.
This Letter too
So close kept by her self, could not be answered
To every period thus, but by her selfe.
Ori.
Sir, heare me.
Ual.
Peace, thou faire sweet banke of flowers,
Under whose beauty Scorpions lie, and kill;
VVert thou a kin to me, in some new name
Deerer then sister, mother, or all blood,
I would not hear thee speak: beare her to prison,
So grosse is this, it needs no formall course,
Prepare thy selfe, to morrow thou shalt die.
Ori.
I die a martyr then, and a poor maid,
Almost yfaith as inocent as borne,
Thou knowst thou art wicked, Frenchman, heaven forgive thee.
Ex.
All.
This scene is strangly turnd.
Ual.
Yet can nature be
So dead in me? I would my charge were off,
Mountferrat should perceive my sister had
A brother would not live to see her dye
Unfought for; since the statutes of our state
Allow (in case of accusations)
A Champion to defend a Ladies truth.
Peter Gomera, thou hast lost thy wife,
Death pleads a precontract.
Gom.
I have lost my Tongue,
My sence, my heart, and every faculty:
Mountferrat, go not up: with reverence
To our great master, and this consistory
(I have considered it, it cannot be)
Thou art a villaine, and a forger,
A blood-sucker of innocence, an hypocrite,
A most unworthy wearer of our Crosse;
To make which good take (if thou darst) that gage,
And armd at all points like a Gentleman
Meet me to morrow morning, where the master,
And this fraternity shall designe, where I
VVill cram this slander back into thy throat,
And with my swords point thrust it to thy heart,
The very nest where lust and slander breedes.
Pardon my passion: I will teare those spurrs
Off from thy heels, and stik'em in thy front
As a mark'd villain.
Mount.
This I lookd not for:
Ten times more villany, I return my gage,
And crave the Law of Armes.
Gom.
Tis that I crave.
All.
It cannot be denide.
Gom.
Do not I know
VVith thousand gifts, and importunacies
Thou often hast sollicited this Lady
(Contrary to thy oath of chastity)
VVho nere disclosing this thy hot reignd lust,
Yet tender to prevent a publique scandall,
That Christendom might justly have impos'd
Upon this holy institution.
Thou now hast drawn this practise 'gainst her life
To quit her charity.
Mount.
Spaniard, thou liest.
Ast.
No more Gomera, thou art granted combat,
And you Mountferrat must prepare against
To morrow morning in the vally here
Adjoyning to St. Georges Port: a Lady
In case of life 'gainst whom one witnesse comes
May have her champion.
Ual.
And who hath most right
Florish Exit
VVith, or against our sister, speed in fight.
Enter Rocca.
Mount.
Rocca, the first news of Miranda service
Let me have notice of.
Roc.
You shall: The Moore
VVaytes you without.
Mount.
Admit her, ha, ha, ha.
Oh, how my fancies run at tilt! Gomera
Loves Oriana; she, as I should ghesse,
Affects Miranda; these are two deer friends,
As firme, and full of fire, as steele and flint.
To make 'em so now, one against the other:
En. Zanthia
Stay, let me like it better, Zanthia;
First tell me this, did Don Gomera use
To give his visits to your Mistris?
Zan.
Yes, and Miranda too: but severally.
Mount.
VVhich did she most apply to?
Zan.
Faith to neither:
Yet infinitely I have heard her praise 'em both,
And in that manner, that were both one man
I thinke she was in love with't.
Mount.
Zanthia;
Another Letter you must frame for me
Instantly, in your Ladies Character,
To such a purpose as I'le tell thee strait,
Go in, and stay me: go my Tinder-box,
Crosse lines i'le crosse; so, so: my after-game
I must play better: woman, I will spread
My vengeance over Malta, for thy sake:
Spaniard, Italian, like my steele and stone,
I'le knock you thus together, were ye out
To light my dark deeds, whilst I seeme precise,
And winck to save the sparcles from mine eyes.
Exeunt
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