 | The Maides Revenge |  |
Actus. 3.
Scæna 1.
Enter Sebastiano, Berinthia, Ansilva, Diego meetes them.Seb.
VVelcome honest Diego, your Master Antonio is in
health I hope.
Die.
He commanded me, remember his service to you, I
have obtaind his leave for a small absence to perfect a suite I
lately commenc'd in this Court.
Seb.
You follow it close me thinks Berinthia, I see this cloud
Vanish already, be not dejected, soone
Ile know the depth ont, should the world forsake thee,
Thou shalt not want a brother deere Berinthia.
Exit
Secretly gives her a Letter.
Die.
This is my Lady Berinthia, prethee let me shew
Some manners, Madam my Master Antonio speakes his
Service to you in this paper: alas Madam, I was but
Halfe at home, and I am returnd to see if I can recover
Complement.
Ber.
Antonio, he's constant J perceive.
Exit
Die.
So, we are alone, sweet Mistresse Ansilva, J am bold
To renue my suite, which least it should either
Fall or depend too long having past my declaration,
I shall desire to come to a judgement.
My cause craves nothing but justice,
That is, that you would be mine; and now since
Your selfe is judge also, I beseech you be not partiall
In your owne cause, but give sentence for the plaintiffe, and
I will discharge the fees of the Court on this fashion.
Enter Berinthia.
Ber.
Here is a haven yet to rest my soule on,
In midst of all unhappinesse, which I looke on,
With the same comfort a distressed Sea man
A farre off, viewes the coast he would enjoy,
When yet the Seas doe tosse his reeling barke,
Twixt hope and danger, thou shalt be conceald.
She mistaking as she moved put up the Letter, it fals downe.
Ans.
Heres my Lady Berinthia.
Die.
What care I for my Lady Berinthia, and she thinkes
Much, would she had one to stoppe her mouth.
Ans.
But I must observe her, upon her fathers displeasure,
She is committed to my Ladies custody, who hath made
Me her keeper, she must be lockt up.
Die.
Ha lockt up.
Ans.
Madam, it is now time you would retire to your owne
Chamber.
Ber.
Yes, prethee doe Ansilva in this gallery,
I breathe but too much aire, oh Diego youle have
An answer I perceive, ere you returne.
Die.
My journey were to no purpose else Madam, I apprehend
her, ile waite an opportunity, alas poore Lady, is my
sweete heart become a jaylor, there's hope of an office without
money.
Enter Ansilva hastily.
Ans.
Diego I spy my Lady Catalina comming this way, pray
shrowd your selfe behinde this cloth, I would be loath shee
Enter Catalina.
Cata.
Ansilva.
Ans.
Madam.
Cata.
Who's with you?
Ans.
No body Madam.
Cata.
Was not Diego with you, Antonioes man?
Ans.
He went from me Madam halfe an houre agoe,
To visit friends ith' City.
Cat.
He hath not seene Berinthia I hope.
Ans.
Vnlesse he can pierce stone walls Madam, I am sure.
Cat.
Direct Don Valasco hither by the backe staires,
I expect him.
Ans.
I shall Madam.
Cat.
Ha, whats this? a Letter to Berinthia, from whom
Subscrib'd? Antonio, what devill brought this hither?
Furies torment me not, ha, while I am Antonio expect
Not I can be other then thy servant, all my thoughts
Are made sacred with thy remembrance, whose hope
Sustaines my life, oh I drink poyson from these fatall accents,
Be thy soule blacker then the inke that staines
The cursed paper, would each droppe had falne
From both your hearts, and every Character
Beene tex'd with blood, I would have tir'd mine eyes
To have read you both dead here, upon my life
Diego hath beene the cunning Mercury
In this conveyance, J suspect his love
Is but a property to advance this suite.
But I will crosse um all;
Enter Ualasco.
Don Valasco, you are seasonably arriv'd,
I have a Letter for you.
Val.
For me?
Cata.
It does concerne you.
Ual.
Ha.
Cata.
How doe you like it sir?
Val.
As I should a Punyard sticking here, how came
You by it?
Cata.
I found it here by accident oth' ground,
I am sure it did not grow there, I suppose
Diego, the servant of Antonio
Who colourably pretends affection
Now the designe appeares, day is not more conspicuous
Then this cunning.
Ual.
I am resolv'd,
Cat.
For what?
Val.
Antonio or I must change our ayre,
This is beyond my patience sleepe in this
And never wake to honour, oh my fates,
He takes the freehold of my soule away,
Berinthia, and it, are but one creature,
I have beene a tame foole all this while,
Swallowed my poyson in a fruitelesse hope,
But my revenge, as heavy as Ioves wrath,
Wrapt in a thunderbolt is falling on him,
Cat.
Now you appeare all noblenesse, but collect
Draw up your passions to a narrow point
Of vengeance, like a burning glasse that fires
Surest ith smallest beame, he that would kill,
Spends not his idle fury to make wounds,
Farre from the heart of him he fights withall,
Looke where you most can danger, let his head
Bleed out his braines, or eyes, aime at that part
Is deerest to him, this once put to hazzard,
The rest will bleed to death.
Ual.
Apply this Madam.
Cat.
The time invites to action, ile be briefe,
Strike him through Berinthia.
Ual.
Ha.
Cat.
Mistake me not, I am her sister,
Shee is his heart, make her your owne, you have
A double victory, thus you may kill him
With most revenge, and give your owne desires,
A most confirm'd possession, fighting with him,
Can be no conquest to you, if you meane
To strike him dead, pursue Berinthia,
And kill him with the wounds he made at you,
It will appeare but justice, all this is
Within your fathom sir.
Val.
Tis some divinity hangs on your tongue.
Cat.
If you consent Berinthia shall not see,
Ual.
How deere Madam.
Cat.
Thus, you shall steale her away.
Val.
Oh when?
Cat.
Provide
Such trusty friends, but let it not be knowne
Vpon your honour, I assist you in't.
And after midnight when soft sleepe hath charm'd
All sences, enter the Garden gate.
Which shall be open for you, to know her chamber
A candle shall direct you in the Window,
Ansilva shall attend too, and provide
To give you entrance, thence take Berinthia,
And soone convey her to what place you thinke
Secure and most convenient, in small time
You may procure your owne conditions;
But sir you must engage your selfe to use her
With honourable respects, she is my sister,
Did not I thinke you noble, for the world
I would not runne that hazzard.
Ual.
Let heaven forsake me then, was ever mortall
So bound to womans care, my mothers was
Halfe paid her at my birth, but you have made me
An everlasting debtor.
Cat.
Select your friends, bethinke you of a place
You may transpose her.
Ual.
I am all wings.
Exit
Cat.
So, when gentle physicke will not serve, we must
Apply more active, but there is
Yet a receipt behind; Valascoes shallow,
And will be planet strucke, to see Berinthia
Dye in his armes: tis so, yet he himselfe
Shall carry the suspition, if art,
Or hell can furnish me with such a poyson,
Sleepe thy last sister, whilst thou livest I have,
No quiet in my selfe, my rest thy grave.
Exit
Diego comes from behinde the hangings.
Die.
Goe thy wayes, and the devill wants a breeder thou
Hell and it were unprovided; but I am glad I heard all,
I shall love hangings the better while I live:
I perceive some good may be done behind em,
But ile acquaint my Lady Berinthia,
Heres her chamber I observ'd: Madam, Madam
Berinthia.
Berinthia above.
Ber.
Whose there?
Die.
Tis I Diego, I am Diego.
Ber.
Honest Diego, what good newes,
Die.
Yare undone, undone lost, undone for ever: it is time
now to be serious.
Ber.
Ha,
Die.
Wheres my Master Antonioes Letter.
Ber.
Here, where, ha, alas, I feare I have lost it.
Die.
Alas you have undone your selfe, and your sister, my
Lady Catalina hath found it, and is mad with rage, and envy
against you; I overheard your destruction, she hath shewed
it to Don Valasco, and hath plotted that he shall steale you away
this night, the doores shall be left open the house after
twelve.
Ber.
You amaze me, tis impossible.
Die.
Doe not cast away your selfe, by incredulity, upon my
life your fate is cast, nay more, worse then that.
Ber.
Worse?
Die.
You must be poysoned too, oh shees a cunning devill,
and she will carry it so, that Ualasco shall bee suspected for
your death, what will you doe?
Ber.
I am overcome with amazement?
Die.
Madam remember with what noble love my Master
Antonio does honour you, and now both save your selfe, and
make him happy, how.
Ber.
I am lost man.
Die.
Feare not, I will engage my life for your safety,
Seeme not to have knowledge or suspicion, be carefull
What you receive, least you be poyson'd, leave the
Rest to me, I have a crotchet in my pate shall spoyle
Their musicke, and prevent all danger I warrant you,
A knave, your sisters a Traytor, my Master is your noble
Friend, I am your honest servant, and Ualasco shall
Shake his eares like an annimall.
Ber.
It is not to be hoped for.
Die.
Then cut of my eares, slit my nose, and make a devill
of me, shall I about it say, tis done.
Ber.
Any thing thou art honest, heaven be neare,
Still to my innocence, I am full of feare.
Die.
Spurre cut and away then.
Exeunt
Enter Signior Sharkino in his study furnished with glasses, viols, pictures of wax characters, wands, conjuring habit, Powders paintings, and Scarabeo.
Sh.
Scarabeo.
Sca.
Sir.
Sh.
Is the doore tongue tide, scrue your selfe halfe out at
one of the crevices, and give me notice what patient approaches
me.
Sca.
I can runne through the key hole sir.
Sh.
This fucus beares
A lively tincture, oh the cheeke must blush
That weares it, their deceiv'd that say
Art is the ape of nature.
Sca.
Sir.
Sh.
Who ist?
Sca.
My Ladies apron strings, Mistris Ansilva her chambermaide.
Sh.
Admit her.
Enter Ansilva.
Ans.
How now raw head and bloody bones, wheres the
Doctor Sharkino? oh here he is.
Sh.
How does your vertuous Ladie.
Ans.
In good health sir.
Wheres the Fucus, and the Powder.
Sh.
All is prepared here.
Ans.
To see what you can doe, many make legges, and you
make faces sir.
Sh.
Variety of faces is now in fashion, and all little enough
for some to set a good face on't, oh Ladies may now and then
commit a slip, and have some colour for't, but these are but
the outsides of our art, the things we can prescribe to be taken
Ans.
And kill too can you not?
Sh.
Oh any that will goe to the price.
Ans.
You have poysons I warrant you, how doe they looke,
pray lets see one.
Sh.
Oh naturall, and artificiall, Nessas blood was milke
To em, an extraction of Todes and Vipers, looke
Heres a parcell of Claudius Cæsars posset,
Given him by his wife Agrippina, here is some of
Hannibals medicine he carried alwaies in the
Pummell of his sword, for a dead lift, a very active
Poyson, which passing the Orifice, kindles
Straite a fire inflames the blood, and makes the marrow
Fry, have you occasion to apply one.
Ans.
Introth we are troubled with a rat in my Ladies
Chamber.
Sh.
A Rat, give him his bane, would you destroy a City, I
have probatinus of Italian Sallets, and our owne Country figs
shall doe it rarely, a Rat, I have scarse a poyson so base, the
worst is able to kill a man, I have all sorts, from a minute to
seven yeares in operation, and leave no markes behinde em, a
Rats a Rat.
Ans.
Pray let me see a remover at twelve houres, and I would
be loath to kill the poore thing presently.
Sh.
Here, you may cast it away upon't, but tis a disparagement
to the poyson.
Ans.
This will content you.
Sh.
Because it is for a Rat you shall pay no more, my service
to my Ladie, my poysons howsoever I give them, variety
of operations are all but one.
Honest Rats bane in severall shapes, their vertue is common,
and will not be long in killing; you were best looke it be a
Rat, Scarabeo.
Sca.
Sir heres a Gallant enquires for Doctor Sharkino,
Sh.
Vsher him in, it is some Don.
Enter Count de Monte Nigro.
Count.
Is your name Signior Sharkino the famous Doctor.
They call me Sharkino.
Count.
Doe you not know me?
Sh.
Your gracious pardon.
Count.
I am Count de Monte Nigro.
Sh.
Your honours sublimity doth illustrate this habitation
Is there any thing wherein Sharkino may expresse
His humble service? if ought within the circumference
Of a Medicinall or Mathematicall science,
May have acceptance with your celsitude,
It shall devolve it selfe.
Coun.
Devolve it selfe, that word is not in my Table bookes,
what are all these trinkets?
Sh.
Take heede I beseech your honour, they are dangerous,
this is the devils girdle.
Coun.
A pox oth devill, what have I doe with him,
Sh.
It is a dreadfull circle of conjuration, fortified
With sacred characters against the power
Of infernall spirits, within whose round I can tread
Safely, when hell burnes round about me.
Coun.
Not unlikely.
Sh.
Will you see the devill sir?
Coun.
Ha, the devill? not at this time, I am in some hast,
Any thing but the devill I durst fight with all, harke
You Doctor, letting these things passe, hearing
Of your skill, I am come in my owne person, for
A fragment of your art, harke you, have you any
Receipts to procure love sir?
Sh.
All the degrees of it this is ordinary.
Coun.
Nay I would not have it too strong, the Lady I intend
it for, is pretty well taken already, an easing working
thing does it.
Sh.
Heres a powder whose ingrediences were fetch'd
From Arabia the happy, a sublimation of the Phœnix
Ashes, when she last burned her selfe, it beares the
Colour of sinamon, two or three scruples put into
A cup of wine, fetches up her heart she can scarse
Keepe it in, for running out of her mouth to you
My noble Lord.
That, let me have that, Doctor I know tis deare,
Will that gold buy it?
Sh.
Your honour is bountifull, there needs no circumstance,
Minister it by whom you please, your intention binds it to
operation.
Cout.
So, so Catalina, I will put your mornings draught
In my pocket—
Knocke at the doore
Sh.
Please you my Lord obscure your selfe behinde these
hangings then, till they be gone, Ile dispatch 'em the sooner;
or if your honour thinke fit, tis but clouding your person with
a simple cloake of mine, and you may at pleasure passe without
discovery, my Anotomy shall waite on you.
Enter three Servingmen.
1
Prethee come backe yet.
2
Oh by any meanes goe Iaynes.
1
Dost thou thinke it possible that any man can tell where
thy things are, but he that stole 'em, hee's but a jugling imposter,
a my conscience, come backe againe.
2
Nay now wee are at furthest, be not rul'd by him, I
know he is a cunning man, he told me my fortune once when
I was to goe a journey by water, that if I scapt drowning, I
should doe well enough, and I have liv'd ever since.
3.
Well I will try, I am resolv'd; stay, here hee is Pedro,
you are acquainted with him, breake the ice, he is alone.
2.
Blesse you Mr. Doctor; sir presuming on your Art, here
is a fellow of mine, indeede the Butler, for want of a better;
has lost a dozen of Dyaper spoones, and halfe a dozen of silver
Napkins yesterday, they were seene by all three of us in
the morning betweene sixe and seven set up, and what spirit
of the Buttery hath stollen 'em before eight, is invisible to our
understanding.
3
He hath delivered you the case right, I beseech you sir
doe what you can for a servant, that is like to be in a lamentable
case else, heres a gratuity.
1.
Now we shall see what the devill can do, hey, heres one
of his spirits I thinke.
Sh.
Betweene 7 and 8. the houre; the 1 Luna, the 2 Saturne,
7 Mercury, ha then it was stolne, Mercury is a thiefe, your
goods are stolne.
3
Was Mercury the thiefe, pray where dwells he?
Sh.
Mercury is above the Moone man.
3.
Alas sir tis a great way thither.
1.
Did not I tell you you would be gull'd.
Sh.
Well y'are a servant, Ile doe something for you;
What will you say, if I shew you the man that stole your
Spoones and Napkins presently, will that satisfie you.
3
Ile desire no more, oh good Mr. Doctor.
1
If he does that, ile beleve he has cunning.
Sh.
Goe to, heares a glasse.
2
Loe you there now.
Sh.
Stand your backes North, and stirre not till I bid you;
What see you there?
3
Heres nothing.
Sh.
Looke agen, and marke, stand yet more North.
3
Now I see somebody.
1
And I.
The Count comes from behind the Hangings and muffled in a cloake steales of the Stage.
Sh.
Marke this fellow muffled in the cloake, he hath stolne
your spoones and Napkins, does he not skulke.
1
Foote tis strange, he lookes like a theefe, this Doctor J
see is cunning.
3.
Oh rogue how shall's come by him, oh for an Officer,
Sh.
Yet stirre not,
3.
Oh hees gone, where is he?
Sh.
Be not too rash, my Art tells me there is danger in't,
you must be blinfold all, if you observe me not, all is to no
purpose, you must not see till you be forth a doores, shut your
eyes, and leade one another, when you are abroad open them,
and you shall see agen.
3.
The thiefe?
Sh.
The same, then use your pleasures, so, be sure you see
not, conduct them Scarabeo.
Exeunt.
Enter a Maid with an Urinall.
Ma.
Oh Mr. Doctor I have got this opportunity to come
Doctor, tell me, I am in great feare that I have lost—
Sh.
What?
Ma.
My maidenhead sir, you can tell by my water.
Sh.
Dost not thou know?
Ma.
Oh I doe somewhat doubt my selfe, for this morning
when I rose, I found a paire of breeches on my bed, and I
have had a great suspition ever since, it is an evill signe they
say, and one does not know what may be in those breeches
sometimes; sweete Mr. Doctor, am I a maid still or no, I
would be sorry to loose my maidenhead ere I were aware, I
feare I shall never be honest after it.
Sh.
Let me see Vrina meretrix; the colour is a strumpet,
but the contents deceive not, your maidenhead is gone.
Ma.
And is there no hope to finde it againe?
Sh.
You are not every body, by my Art, as in other things
that have beene stolne, he that hath stolne your maidenhead
shall bring it againe.
Ma.
Thanke you sweet Mr. Doctor, I am in your debt for
this good newes; oh sweet newes sweet Mr. Doctor.
Exit.
Enter Count beating before him the three Servingmen, they runne in.
1
Cry your honour mercy, good my Lord.
Count.
Out you slaves, oh my toes.
Sh.
What ayles your Lordship?
Count.
Doctor, I am out of breath, where be these wormes
crept, I was never so abused since I was swadled: harke you;
those 3. Rogues that were here even now, began to lay hold
of me, and told me I must give them their Spoones and Napkins;
they made a theefe of mee, but I thinke I have made
their flesh jelly with kickes and bastinadoes; oh I have no
mercy when I set on't, I have made e'm all poore Iohns, impudent
varlets; talke to me of Spoones and Napkins.
Sh.
Alas one of them was mad, and brought to me to cure
him.
Count.
Nay they were all mad, but I thinke I have madded
e'm; I feare J have kickt two or three out of their lives; alas
of beating & kicking when my footes in once: harke you
Doctor, is it not within the compasse of your physicke to take
downe a mans courage a thought lower; the truth is, I am
apt of my selfe to quarrell upon the least affront ith' world, J
cannot be kept in, chaines will not hold me: totherday for a
lesse matter than this, I kickt halfe a dozen of high Germans,
from one end of the streete to the other, for but offering to
shrinke betweene mee and the wall; not aday goes o're my
head but I hurt some body mortally; poxe a these rogues, I
am sorry at my heart I have hurt e'm so, but I cannot forbeare.
Sh.
This is strange.
Count.
How? I can scarce forbeare striking you now,
for saying it is strange; you would not thinke it: oh the
wounds J have given for a very looke; well harke you,
if it be not too late, I would be taken downe, but I feare tis
impossible, and then every one goes in danger of his life
by me.
Sh.
Take downe your spirit, looke you, dee see this inch
and a halfe, how tall a man doe you thinke he was? He was
twelve cubits high, and three yards compasse at the waste
when I tooke him in hand first, ile draw him through a ring
ere I have done with him: I keepe him now to breake my
poysons, to eate Spiders and Toades, which is the onely
dish his heart wishes for; a Capon destroyes him, and the
very sight of beefe or mutton makes him sicke; looke, you
shall see him eate his supper, come on your wayes, what say
you to this Spider? looke how he leapes.
Sca.
Oh dainty.
Sh.
Here, saw you that? how many legges now for the
hanch of a Toade.
Sca.
Twenty, and thanke you sir, oh sweete Toade, oh
admirable Toade.
Count.
This is very strange, I nere saw the like. I never
keew Spiders and Toades were such good meates before;
will he not burst now?
Sh.
It shall nere swell him, by to morrow hee shall be an
him and highten him at my pleasure; ile warrant ile take you
downe my Lord.
Count.
Nay but dee here, doe I looke like a Spider-catcher,
or Toade-earer.
Sh.
Farre be it from Sharkino, I have gentle pellets for your
Lordship, shall melt in your mouth, and take of your valour
insensibly; Lozenges that shall comfort your stomacke, and
but at a weeke restraine your fury two or three thoughts;
does your honour thinke I would forget my selfe, I shew you
by this Rat what I can doe by Art: your Lordship shall have
an easie composition, no hurt ith' world in't; here take
but halfe a dozen of these going to bed, e're morning; it shall
worke gently, and in the vertue appeare every day afterward.
Count.
But if I find my selfe breaking out into fury, I may
take e'm often; heres for your pellets of Lozenges, what
rare physicke is this? Ile put it in practise presently, farewell
Doctor.
Exit.
Sh.
Happinesse wait on your egregious Lordship, my physicke
Shall make your body soluble, but for working on your
spirit, beleeve it when you finde it; with any lies we must set
forth our simples and compositions to utter them: so this is a
good dayes worke; leane chaps lay up, and because you have
perform'd hamsomly, there is some silver for you, lay up my
properties: Tis night already, thus we knaves will thrive,
when honest plainnesse know not how to live.
Exeunt
Enter Catalina and Ansilva.
Cat.
Art sure she has tane it?
Ans.
As sure as I am alive? she never eate with
Such an appetite, for I found none left, I would
Be loath to have it so sure in my belly, it will worke
Rarely twelve houres hence.
Cata.
Thus we worke sure then, time runnes upon
Th'appointed houre, Valasco should rid me of all my
Him at his first approach, I am sicke till she
Be delivered; be secret as the night, ile to my
Chamber, be very carefull.
Enter Antonio, Villandras, Diego, vizzarded and arm'd.
Ant.
Art sure thou hast the time right.
Die.
Doubt not, yonder's her chamber, the light
speakes it; softly.
Ans.
Whose there? Uallasco?
Ant.
I.
Ans.
That way, make no noise, things are prepared, softly
So, so, this is good I hope and weight too, my Lady
Berinthia will be sure enough anon, I shall nere
Get more higher, I had much adoe to perswade her
To the spice, but I swore it was a cordiall my Lady
Vs'd her selfe, and poore foole she has swallowed it
Sure.
Enter Ant. with Berinthia, Villan. Diego.
Ant.
Madam feare not I am your friend.
Die.
Who are you?
Uill.
Stop her mouth, away.
Exeunt.
Enter Ansilva.
Ans.
So, so, they are gone, alas poore Ualasco I pitty thee,
But we creatures of polliticke Ladies must hold the
Same byas with our Mistresses, and tis some pollicy
To make them respect us the better, for feare our
Teeth be not strong enough to keepe in our tongues:
Now must I study out some tale by morning to salute
My old Lord withall.
Enter Valasco, a friend or two armed.
Val.
Ansilva?
Ans.
Some body calls me, who is it?
Val.
It is I Valasco
Ans.
What comes he backe for? I hope the poyson does
Not worke already, where have you dispos'd her.
Ual.
Dispos'd whom?
Ans.
My Lady Berinthia.
Val.
Let me alone to dispose her, prethee where's the light?
Shew us the way.
Ans.
What way?
Ual.
The way to her chamber? come, I know what
I possesse Berinthia.
Ans.
This is pretty, I hope my Lady is well.
Ual.
Well?
Ans.
My Lady Berinthia sir.
Ual.
Doe you mocke me?
Ans.
I mocke you?
Ual.
I shall grow angry, lead me to
Berinthias chamber, or—
Ans.
Why sir, were not you here even now, and hurried
Her away, I have your gold well fare all good tokens;
I have perform'd my duty already sir, and you had my
Lady.
Val.
I am abus'd you are a cunning Devill, I heare and had
Berinthia, tell me, or with this pistoll, I will soone
Reward thy treachery, wheres Berinthia?
Ans.
Oh I beseech you doe not fright me so, if you were
Not here even now, here was another that call'd
Himselfe Ualasco, to whom I gave accesse, and
He has carried her away.
Exit.
Ual.
Am I awake? or doe I dreame this horrour:
Where am I? who does know me, are you friends
Of Don Valasco?
1.
Doe you doubt us sir?
Val.
I doubt my selfe, who am I
2.
Our noble friend Valasco.
Val.
Tis so, I am Valasco, all the Furies
Circle me round, oh teach me to be mad,
I am abus'd, insufferably tormented,
My very soule is whipt, it had beene safer
For Catalina to have plaid with Serpents.
Enter Catalina and Ansilva.
Cat.
Thou talkest of wonders, where is Valasco?
Ans.
He was here even now.
Val.
Who nam'd Ualasco?
Cata.
Twas I, Catalina, here.
Ual.
Could you picke none out of the stocke of man
To mocke but me, so basely?
Ualasco be your selfe, resume your vertue,
My thoughts are cleare from your abuse, it is
No time to vent our passions, fruitlesse rages,
Some hath abus'd us both, but a revenge
As swift as lightning shall pursue their flight:
Oh I could feare my braines, as you respect
Your honoures safety, or Berinthias love;
Haste to your lodging, which being nere our house,
You shall be sent for; seeme to be rais'd up,
Let us alone to make a noise at home,
Fearefull as thunder; try the event, this cannot
Doe any hurt, you Ansilva shall
With clamors wake the houshold cunningly,
While I prepare my selfe.
Ual.
I will suspend awhile.
Exeunt.
Ans.
Helpe, helpe, theeves, villaines, murder my Lady:
Helpe oh my Lord, my Lady, murder theeves helpe.
Enter Sebastiano in his shirt with a Taper.
Seb.
What fearefull cry is this, where are you?
Ans.
Here oh I am almost kil'd.
Seb.
Ansilva where art hurt?
Ans.
All over sir, my Lady Berinthia is carried away
By Ruffians, that broke into her chamber, alas
Sees gone.
Seb.
Whether? which way?
Enter Uilarezo Catalina.
My sister Berinthia is violently tane out of her
Chamber, and heres Ansilva hurt, see looke about,
Berinthia sister.
Cat.
How Berin. gone? call up the servants,
Ansilva, how wast?
Ans.
Alas Madam, I have not my senses about me, I am so
Frighted, vizards, and swords, and pistols, but my
Lady Berinthia was quickly seiz'd upon, shees gone.
Uil.
What villaines durst attempt it?
Enter Count Monte de nigro with a torch.
I feare Ualasco guilty of this rape.
Cat.
Runne one to his lodging presently, it will appeare
I know he lov'd her, oh my Lord, my sister Berinthias lost,
Mont.
How? foote my physicke begins to worke, ile come
to you presently.
Wheres Diego? he is missing, runne one to his chamber,
heres Ualasco.
Enter Ualasco.
Seb.
It is apparant sir, Valascoes noble.
Cat.
Berinthias stolne away.
Val.
Ha?
Seb.
Her Chamber broken ope, and shee tane thence thit
night.
Ual.
Confusion stay the theefe.
Mount.
So, so, as you were saying, Berinthia was stolne away
by some body, and—
1. Ser.
Diego is not in his chamber.
Cat.
Didst breake ope the doore?
1. Ser.
I did, and found all empty.
Mount.
How, Diego gone? thats strange, oh it workes againe,
Ile come to you presently.
Exit
Cat.
I doe suspect—
This some plot of Antonio,
Diego, a subtle villaine,
Confirmes himselfe an instrument by this absence;
What thinkest Ansilva?
Ans.
Indeed I heard some of them name Antonio.
Uil., Seb., Cat.
Ha?
Uil.
Tis true upon my soule, oh false Antonio.
Cat.
Vnworthy Gentleman.
Ual.
Let none have the honour to revenge, but I the wrongd
Valasco, let me beg it sir.
Uil.
Antonio, boy up before the day,
Vpon my blessing I command thee post
To Eluas Castle, summon that false man
Enter Count.
To quit his shamefull action, bid him returne
Thy sister backe, whose honour will be lost
For ever in't, if he shall dare deny her,
Double thy Fathers spirit, call him to
A strickt account, and with thy sword enforce him,
Oh I could leape out of my age me thinkes,
And combat him my selfe: be thine the glory,
This staine will never wash off, I feele it settle
On all our blood, away, my curse pursue
This disobedience.
Exit
I had an interrest in Berinthia,
Why have not I commission, I have a sword.
Thirsteth to be acquainted with his veines;
It is too meane a satisfaction
To have her rendred, on his heart Ide write
A most just vengeance.
Seb.
Sir she is my sister, I have a sword dares tent
A wound as farre as any; spare your vallour.
Cat.
I have a tricke to be rid of this foole, my Lord
Doe you accompany my brother, you
I know are valiant.
Mount.
Any whither, Ile make me ready presently.
Exit
Seb.
My most unhappy sister.
Exit
Cat.
Oh I could surfet, I am confident
Antonio hath her, tis revenge beyond
My expectation, to close up the eyes
Of his Berinthia, dying in his armes,
Poyson'd maturely, mischiefe I shall prove
Thy constant friend, let weakenesse vertue love.
| The Maides Revenge | |