 | The Traytor |  |
Actvs Qvartvs.
Enter Lorenzo.My plots thrive not, my Engines all deceive me,
And in the very point of their discharge
No faithfull villaines left in nature? all
Turn'd honest? man nor spirit aide Lorenzo,
Who hath not patience to expect his fate:
But must compell it? how Sciarrha plaid
The dog-bolt wo'me; and had not J provided
Jn wisedome for him, that distresse had ruin'd me,
His frozen Sister Amidea too
Hath halfe converted him; but J must set
New wheeles in motion, to make him yet
More hatefull, and then cut him from his stalke,
Ripe for my vengeance: Jle not trust the rabble
Confusion on the giddy multitude,
That but two minutes ere the Duke came at'em,
Bellow'd out libertie, shooke the Cittie with
Their throates, no sooner saw him but they melted
With the hot apprehension of a gallowes:
And when a pardon was proclaimd, (a fine
State-snaffle for such Mules) they turnd their cry
To acclamations, and deaf'd Heaven to beg
His long and prosperous reigne, a suddaine rot
Consume this base heard, and the divell want,
Any Cattle for his owne teeth, these are for him.
Enter a Servant.
Ser.
Sciarrha, my Lord desires to speake with you.
Lo.
Sciarrha, come neere—you understand, admit him.
Exit. Ser.
Welcome my noble Lord,
Enter Sciarrha.
You were not wont to visite me.
Sci.
Nor meane ever to doot agen.
Lo.
You bring frownes,
J can be sullon too: what is your pleasure?
Sci.
You have abus'd me.
Lo.
You have injur'd me.
Sci.
Jn what?
Lo.
Betraid me basely to the Duke.
Sci.
You deny'd then, you were a Traitor.
Lo.
Yes, J was no foole to runne my neck upon
The Axe, and give you such a cause of triumph,
Were it agen in question—
Sci.
Y'are a villaine sir.
To shew the Duke.
Lo.
You shall be humbled to
Confesse the contrary, nay subscribe
That I am honest, and desire my pardon;
Looke, I have a sword, and arme, and vigour
Dare fight with thee, didst ride upon a whirle-winde,
Provoke me on a rocke, in waves, in fire?
And kill thee without scruple, such a strength
Is innocence.
Sci.
Innocence? dost not feare a thunder-bolt?
I shall be charitable to the world, and I
Cut thee in peeces; and yet then I feare
Thou wo't come together againe: the divell does
Acknowledge thee on earth the greater mischiefe,
And has a feare when thou art dead, he sha'not
Be safe in hell: thou wot conspire with some
Of his blacke fiends, and get his kingdome from him:
Didst not thou raile vpon the Duke?
Lo.
I grant it.
Sci.
Call him a Tyrant?
Lo.
More I doe confesse,
I did exasperate you, to kill or murder him;
Give it what name you please, with joy I brought him
Under the colour of your guest, to be
The common sacrifice: all this I remember;
But is heavens stocke of mercy spent already,
That sinnes though great and horrid, may not be
Forgiven, to the heart that groanes with penitence?
Are the eternall fountaines quite seal'd up?
I was a Villaine, Traitor, Murderer,
In my consenting to his death, but hope
Those staines are now washt off.
Sci.
Hast thou repented?
Lo.
Trust me, I have.
Sci.
The divell is turn'd religious, augment not thy dānation.
Lo.
As he was
A lustfull Duke, a Tyrant, I had lost him
In his returne to piety: he commanded
My prayers, and fresh obedience to waite on him;
Sci.
This is but cunning to save your life.
Enter divers gentlemen arm'd.
Lo.
My life? within there, ha? welcome.
1
My gracious Lord.
2
Wilt please your honour
Command my service?
3
Or me?
4
Or any?
5
Our swords and lives are yours.
Sci.
Perhaps your Lordship hath some businesse
With these Gentlemen, Ile take some other time.
Lo.
By no meanes good Sciarrha:
You visite seldome, those are dayly with me,
Men that expect imployment, that weare swords,
And carry spirits, both to be engag'd,
If I but name a cause: Gentlemen, draw.
Sci.
My providence has betrayd me.
Lo.
Now Sciarrha, you that with single valour dare come home
To affront me thus; know; but too late, thy heart
Is at the mercy of my breath: these swords
Can fetch it when I please, and to prevent
Your boast of this great daring: I beseech
As you doe love and honour your Lorenzo,
No hand advance a weapon, sheath agen,
And leave us; I owe service to your loves;
But must not so dishonour you.
All gentl.
We obey.
Exeunt Gentlemen.
Sci.
They're gone: this is some noblenesse.
Lo.
You see
I doe not feare your sword; alone I have
Too much advantage, yet you may imagine
How easily I could correct this rashnesse:
But in my feare to offend gracious Heaven
With a new crime, having so late obtain'd
My peace, I give you freedome.
Sci.
Doe I dreame?
Lo.
Pray chide me still, I will be patient
To heare my shame.
Sci.
Is this to be beleev'd?
Doth not Lorenzo counterfeit this vertue?
Lo.
Why tell me Sciarrha, and let us argue awhile
In cooler blood; did not you once resolve
To kill the Duke too?
Sci.
I confesse—
Lo.
To give him death with your owne hand?
Methinkes it should be the same parricide
In you, if not a greater; yet you chang
Your purpose, why did you not goe through
And murder him?
Sci.
He was converted.
Lo.
Good, that taught you mercy, & perhaps repētance
For your intent.
Sci.
It did.
Lo.
Why should not sir
The same conversion of the Duke possesse
My heart, with as much pietie to him
And sorrow for my selfe? if I should say
You are but cunning, is this shape of honesty,
And still suspect your soule to be a Traitor?
Might you not blame my want of charitie?
Sci.
He saies but right, we are
Both men, fraile things: tis not impossible.
Lo.
I am reconcild to heaven already, and the Duke, if you
Be still unsatisfied, I am readie sir.
Sci.
The circumstance considerd, I incline
To thinke this may be honest.
Lo.
Come Sciarrha,
We are both hastie: pardon my rash language
In the beginning, I will studie service
Shall make you love me: I ha bin too wicked,
Too full of passion, inexorable:
My nature is corrected, at this minute:
I'me friends with all the world, but in your love
Shall number many blessings.
Sci.
I am converted.
Enter Petruchio.
Lo.
Whats the newes?
Pet.
My Lord Depazzi prayes some conference
In the next chamber, we arrivd by chance
Together at your gate: I doe not like his talke sir.
Lo.
Hang him propertie, let him
Expect, thou art come i'the opportunitie:
Sci.
He waits upon Pisano,
Whose health I may enquire, I ha not seene him
Since he departed sick, a fit occasion.
Lo.
Married to Oriana: thou mistak'st,
Tis Amidea, Lord Sciarrha's sister.
Pet.
That contract's broken, and the old Lady
Morrossa is violent to have the marriage
Finished with her daughter.
Lo.
Sciarrha,
I'st true Pisano marries Oriana
The rich Morassa's daughter.
Sci.
Ha?
Lo.
Wee did expect to here your sister should
Have beene his bride: has he forsaken Amidea?
Sci.
Do not you serve Pisano?
Pet.
Yes my Lord.
Sci.
And dare you talke hee's to be married
To Oriana?
Pet.
If they live till to morrow:
Ther's great provision to my knowledge and—
Sci.
Take that, & learne to speake a truth hereafter.
Lo.
That blow shall cost his life,
It is not possible hee dares affront
You thus; the world takes notice of a contract,
Hee's much to blame if he should wrong so sweet
A Lady as Amidea, now by Hymen.
Tis not so honorable hee neede not scorne,
Such an alliance.
Pet.
I am not to give
Account for my Lords actions, let him answere
And justifie his honor: but my Lord
Since J am provoked, J must declare he has
Call'd back his vowes to Amidea, given
Her freedome, and does meane to use his owne,
And this he dares publish.
Lo.
What, disclaim'd a Lady of her birth and glorious merit?
Sci.
Th'art a villaine,
Lo.
My Lord he is not worth your anger, hee
Declares but what his master hath committed,
Tis none of his fault.
It becomes my dutie
To take correction my Lord, from you,
I am a servant, a poore gentleman.
Sci.
Shall I suspect the circumstance at his departure?
Lo.
It is strange you knew not this before.
Sci.
I must examine if he dares—
Lo.
Be patient.
Sci.
Teach fooles and children patience,
The dogs eate up Sciarrha; let me live
The prodigie of sorrow, die a death
That may draw teares from Scithians, if Pisano
Leade o're his threshold, any soone wonne dame
To be my sisters shame: I am calme now;
One false, heaven why should thy altars save?
Tis just that Hymen light him to his grave.
Exit
Lo.
A thousand furies swell his rage, although
Pisano bleed, this is the safest killing;
Wisemen secure their fates and execute
Invisibly, like that most subtle flame
That burnes the heart, yet leaves no path or touch
Vpon the skinne to follow or suspect it:
Farewell dull passionate foole, how this doth feede me?
Kill and be lost thy selfe; or if his sword
Conclude thy life, both waies I am reveng'd.
Petruchio, thou didst hit my instructions rarely,
And I applaude thee: now send in Depazzi, and visit me anon.
Pet.
I shall my Lord.
Exit.
Lo.
Some Polititian
That is not wise, but by a president,
Would thinke me weake for using such an instrument,
As this Depazzi; but I know by proofe,
Such men whom feare and honour make our creatures,
Doe prove safe Engines, fooles will still obey,
When cunning knaves our confidence betray.
Enter Depazzy and Rogero.
Dep.
My Lord, I would speake a word or two in private.
Lo.
You may.
Dep.
Is no body within hearing? all cleere behind the arras?
Lo.
Make no doubt sir.
My Lord the truth is, I am very fearefull: is your Lordship
sure there are no eves droppers.
Lo.
What needs this circumstance? I pray come to the point.
Dep.
Tis not unknowne to your Lordship, that you have
bin my very good Lord, neither am I ignorant, that I am your
humble servant, you advanc'd mee, brought me into the number
of the nobles, and I brought you a reasonable number of
crownes: I am not the first wise Cittizen that hath bin converted
into a foolish Courtier, but my Lord, I beseech you pardon
mee: it will out.
Lo.
Whats the matter?
Dep.
I am ready to burst.
Lo.
With what?
Dep.
Treason, treason, now'ts out, and I feele my bodie the
lighter fort alreadie: the last plot did not take you see, and I
would humbly intreate your Lordship to excuse mee, and get
some body else hereafter to be your Traitor in my stead.
Lo.
How sir?
Dep.
If you did but know the tendernesse of my constitution,
or feele the pangs and convulsions that I suffer, you would
pittie mee; I fall awaie you see, I cannot sleepe for dreaming
of an axe, I have caus'd, my hangings of Holefernes to be taken
downe in my dining roome, because I dare not looke upon a
head that is cut off in it, something of my complexion: my
wisedome tels mee I am a foole to be so fearefull, but my conscience
tels me I am a greater foole if I ha not wit enough in my
pate to keepe my head on my shoulders, I beseech your Lordship
take mee into your consideration, I am but a mortall, though I
bee a Lord, every man hath not the like gift of impudence, I
have a weake stomacke, and treason is phisicke to mee, and although
I do not vomit up; your secrets they may out some
other waie.
Lo.
You wonot betraie mee.
Dep.
But alasse in such a case I may soone bewray my selfe,
and then your Lordship may soone be smelt out: to prevent
therefore some mischeefe that may happen, I desire to leave off
while I am well, and that your Lordship may know I meane
plainely: I ha brought you all your letters, I durst not trust any
other place with 'em for feare of state rats, I have unript my
sweare I have no hand with your Lordship.
Lo.
This is very strange.
Dep.
Mistake not my good Lord, J am still your creature,
but I have a great minde to bee honest a little while, among the
weaker sort of nobilitie: yet thus much perswade your selfe, I
will ne'er wrong your Lordship in a sillable, should you tell me
of a thousand treasons, and stratagems, J will never reveale any,
J scorne that, but your Lordship must pardon mee, J will be a
Traitor no longer, that's certaine, J will be honest, and the rather
because no body shall hit mee in the teeth after J am dead,
and say looke were Depazzi carries his head very high, and
my Lord the more to induce your Lordship to dismisse
mee.—Rogero.
Ro.
My Lord.
Dep.
Giue me the gold, I have brought 1500 crownes more.
Lo.
Wherefore?
Dep.
That J may have my Lordships good will, to leave my
office before it be taken from mee, and preferd to a worse, tis
halfe the price J paid for't, J loue peace and a little honestie, J
know your honor will finde an able man for it, and it is fit J
should pay for my quietus.
Lo.
And what doe you resolve?
Dep.
To returne to the dunghill from whence J came, for
though J was borne in the Citie, J have some land in the countrie
durtie acres, and Mansion house, where J will be the miracle
of a courtier, and keepe good hospitalitie, love my neighbours,
and their wives, and consequently get their children,
bee admird amongst the Justices, sleepe vpon every
bench, keepe a Chaplaine in my owne house to be my Idolator,
and furnish me with jests; and when I have nothing else
to doe, I will thinke of the court, and how much I have bin oblig'd
to your Lordship: my Lord I may doe you service with a
leading voice in the countrie, the kennell will cry a my side if it
come to election, you or your friend shall carrie it, against the
Common wealth.
Lo.
Well sir, since you have express'd your selfe so freely, I
will not councell you against your disposition to stay at court,
you may goe when, and whither you please; and though at
these Crownes upon your servant.
Dep.
Thou shalt give 'em mee agen.
Ro.
Indeed my Lord J love a little honestie, tis his Lordships
bountie, it will bee a stocke to set mee up, for my selfe at Court,
when your Lordship is retir'd into the Countrie, I humbly thanke
your Lordship: and take my leave of yours.
Exit.
Enter a servant
Ser.
The Duke my Lord.
Exit servant.
Dep.
How the Duke?
Du.
Signior Depazzi.
Lo.
He has bin earnest with mee, and please your highnesse
To be his humble suitor, he may have
Freedome to leave the Court.
Du.
Hee shall be banisht
Dep.
How?
Lo.
What time will your grace allow to provide?
Du.
Two howers.
Dep.
I had rather loose my head at home, and save charges
Of travaile, I beseech your grace.
Du.
Well tis granted, let him not trouble us.
Lo.
Enjoy the countrie, and returne when the Duke sends for you.
Dep.
I hūbly thanke his highnes, and wilpray for your increase of grace.
Exit.
Du.
Lorenzo, are wee private?
Lo.
Yes my Lord.
Du.
I am very melancholie.
Lo.
J know the cause, tis Amidea.
Du.
Right.
Lo.
I doe not wish her dead.
Du.
It were a sinne.
Lo.
Not in heaven sir, yet
There be Ladies, that would thinke it a promotion.
Du.
It were pittie she should leave
The world, till she hath taught by her example
The neerest way
Lo.
I am very confident shee's yet honest.
Du.
Yet Lorenzo?
Lo.
I sir, but I'me not of opinion it is
Impossible to know a change.
Du.
Take heed.
Lo.
I must confesse shee has beene very valiant,
In making you remove your seige, and shewd
Prettie dexteritie at the ponyard,
See her selfe bleed: but this a mortall Virgin
Might doe, and not be adord for't: other weomen
Beene thrust upon the easie world: some say
There have bin creatures that have killd themselves,
To save their sullen chastities; but I
Have no strong faith that way, yet you were startled
To see her strike her arme, and grew compassionate.
Du.
I was not Marble, we breake Adamant
With blood, and could I be a man, and not
Be moov'd to see that hastie ebbe of life
For my sake?
Lo.
I have read some aged Stories:
What thinke you of Lucrece? shee is rememberd.
Du.
Chastities great example.
Lo.
How the world
Was cozend in her? shee knew of Tarquin first,
And then suspecting she should never meete
Agen the active Gentleman, having
Determin'd of his death, with well dissembled
Sorrow did stab her selfe, in hope to meete
The gamester in Elizium, Amidea,
You will allow beneath this Roman Dame.
Du.
Lorenzo had the burning ravisher,
Made this attempt on Amidea, shee
Would have compelld his penitence, to quench
His fire with holy teares. I had a body
Refin'd to aire, or I was borne up by
A thousand wings: methought I could have flowne
And kiss'd the cheeke of Cynthia, thence with ease
Have leapt to Uenus Starre, but I was wounded,
And the gay feathers, in whose pride I had
My confidence, serv'd now but with their waight
To hasten me to earth.
Lo.
Ascend agen,
And fixe in your lov'd orbe, he brings this comfort
That can assure it, if you have not lost
A heart to entertaine with love and pleasure
The beauteous Amidea.
Du.
Ha?
Lo.
You shall enjoy her.
Enjoy faire Amidea? doe not tempt,
Or rather mocke my frailtie with such a promise.
Lo.
Shake off your melancholie slumber, I
Have heere decreed you shall possesse her: she
Be sent submissive to your armes, and you
Be gracious to accept what she made coy of.
Du.
Is this in nature?
Lo.
Thus: Sciarrhas life
And fortunes are alreadie growing forfeit
These braines have plotted so: your mercy shall
Purchase what you can wish, for, in his Sister
And hee acknowledge rifling of her honour,
A faire and cheape redemption.
Du.
Doe this,
And Ile repent the folly of my penitence,
And take thee to my soule, a neerer pledge
Then blood or nature gave mee: I'me renewd,
I feele my naturall warmth returne, when, where,
Is this to be expected? I grow old,
While our embraces are deferd.
Lo.
J goe, to hasten your delight, prepare your blood
For amorous game: Sciarrhas fate is cast
Firmer then destinie.
Du.
Thou art my Prophet, Jle raise thee up an Altar.
Lo.
Trust these braines.
Du.
Thou mak'st my spirit caper in my veines.
Exit.
Cosmo and two Gentlemen above.
1 Gen.
This way they passe.
Cos.
J would not see 'em.
2 Gen.
Why?
1 Gen.
What melanchollie o'the suddaine? it is now past cure.
Cos.
J know it is, and therefore doe not
Desire to witnesse their solemnitie, should Oriana
See me to day.
2
What then?
Cos.
The object
J Feare would be too prodigious.
We dispute not those nice formalities.
Enter Alonzo, Piero, Pisano, Oriana, Morossa,
1
She has spied you already.
Cos.
I am sorry for't.
Oriana faints.
Mor.
How is't my childe?
Pis.
My dearest Oriana,
Shee faints, what griefe is so unmannerly
To interrupt thee now Oriana?
Mor.
Daughter!
Pis.
Will Heaven divorce vs ere the Priest have made
Our Marriage perfect? we in vaine hereafter
Shall heare him teach, that our Religion binds
To have the Churches ceremonie, she returnes.
Oria.
Why were you so unkinde to call me from
A pleasing slumber? Death has a fine dwelling.
Pie.
This shewes her heart's not yet consenting, tis
Her Mothers fierce command.
Ori.
Something spake to me from that window.
Pis.
There is nothing.
Ori.
Nothing now.
Pis.
Set forward.
Alon.
I doe not like this interruption: tis
Ominous.
Enter Amidea.
Am.
Not for my sake, but for your owne, go backe,
Or take some other way, this leads to death
My brother.
Pis.
What of him?
Am.
Transported with
The furie of revenge for my dishonour,
As he conceives; for tis against my will:
Hath vowd to kill you in your Nuptiall glory.
Alas I feare his haste, now good my Lord,
Have mercy on your selfe, I doe not begge
Your pittie upon me, I know too well
You cannot love me now, nor would I rob
This Virgin of your faith, since you have pleas'd
To throw me from your love: I doe not aske
One smile, nor one poore kisse, enrich this maide
Created for those blessings: but agen,
I would beseech you, cherish your owne life,
Though I be lost for ever.
It is worth
Your care my Lord, if there be any danger.
Pis.
Alas her griefe hath made her wilde poore Ladie:
J should not love Oriana to goe backe,
Set forward, Amidea, you may live
To be a happier Bride: Sciarrha is not
So irreligious to prophane these rites.
Am.
Will you not then beleeve me? pray perswade him,
You are his friends. Lady, it will concerne
You most of all indeede: feare youle weepe
To see him dead as well as J.
Pis.
No more,
Goe forward.
Am.
J have done, pray be not angry,
That still J wish you well, may heaven divert
All harmes that threaten you, full blessings crowne
Your Marriage: J hope there is no sinne in this;
Jndeed J cannot choose but pray for you,
This might have beene my wedding-day.
Ori.
Good Heaven
J would it were, my heart can tell, J take
No joy in being his bride, none in your praiers,
You shall have my consent to have him still:
J will resigne my place, and waite on you,
Jf you will marrie him.
Am.
Pray doe not mocke me,
But if you doe, J can forgive you too.
Ori.
Deare Amidea, doe not thinke J mocke
Your sorrow; by these teares that are not worne
By every Virgin on her wedding day;
J am compelld to give away my selfe:
Your hearts were promisd, but he ne're had mine:
Am not J wretched too?
Am.
Alas poore Maide,
We two keepe sorrow alive then, but J prithee
When thou art married, love him, prithee love him;
For he esteemes thee well, and once a day
Give him a kisse for me, but doe not tell him,
Twas my desire, perhaps 'twill fetch a sigh
But one word more, and heaven be with you all,
Since you have led the way, I hope my Lord
That I am free to marrie too.
Pis.
Thou art.
Am.
Let me beseech you then, to be so kinde
After your owne solemnities are done,
To grace my wedding, I shall bee married shortly.
Pis.
To whom?
Am.
To one whom you haue all heard talke of,
Your fathers knew him well: one, who will never
Give cause I should suspect him to forsake mee,
A constant lover, one whose lips though cold
Distill chast kisses, though our bridall bed
Be not adorn'd with roses, twill bee greene,
We shall have Virgin Laurell Cipresse, Ewe,
To make us garlands, though no Pine do burne,
Our nuptiall shall have torches, and our chamber
Shall be cut out of marble, where weele sleepe
Free from all care for ever: death my Lord
I hope shall be my husband, now farewell,
Although no kisse, accept my parting teare,
And give me leave to weare my willow here.
Exit.
Enter Sciarrha, Lorenzo, aloofe with a guard.
Al.
Sciarrha! then I prophesie—
Sci.
Pisano, wheres Pisano?
Pis.
Here, Sciarrha.
I should have answerd with lesse clamor.
Sci.
But I would not lose my voice, I must be heard,
And does concerne you, I professe no Augurie,
I have not quarterd out the heavens, to take
The flight of birds, nor by inspection
Of entrailes made a divination.
But I must tell you, tis not safe to marrie.
Pis.
Why?
Sci.
Twill be fatall, Hymen is gone abroad,
And Venus, Lady of your nativitie,
Is found by wise Astrologers this day
I'th house of death.
This must not fright me sir, set forward.
Sci.
One cold word you are a villaine,
I doe not flatter.
Pis.
I am patient:
This day I consecrate to love, not anger;
Weele meet some other time.
Sci.
Deride my furie?
Then to thy heart I send my owne revenge
Stabs him with a ponyard.
And Amideas.
Pis.
I am murderd.
Mor.
Help, murder gentlemen, oh my unhappines!
Enter Lorenzo with a gaurd.
Pis.
Bloody Sciarrha.
Lo.
Hold.
Sci.
Come all at once,
Yet let me tell you, my revenge is perfect,
And I would spare your blood, if you despise
My charitie—
Lo.
No man attempt his death,
Ile give yea reasons, this attempt deserves
An exemplarie justice.
Sci.
I am above
Your politicke reach, and glory in the wound
That punish'd our dishonor: is he dead?
I would not be so miserable, not to ha sped him
For the Empire.
Enter Cosmo.
Cos.
Oh my friend, poore Oriana.
Lo.
Disarme him:
Returne and comfort one another, some
Exeunt all but Lorenzo, Sciar. & guard.
Remoue Pisanos bodie, while I make it
My care Sciarrha scape not.
Sci.
None of all give mee a scrach?
Lo.
You have forc'd him with descretion.
Sci.
Now what must I expect?
Lo.
You are my prisoner.
Sci.
J am so.
Lo.
And be confident to finde that favour.
Sci.
Favor.
Lo.
Be at distance, more
My Lord, J am sorrie for your great misfortune
And if you can but studie how I may
Assist you, you shall soone descerne my love
Sci.
Ha, this honest?
Lo.
I would deserue your faith,
A freind but in affliction justifie
His heart and honor, I durst run some hazard,
Might I secure your fate, name something to me
That may declare my freindship.
Sci.
Be still safe,
And teach the world repentance, for mistaking thee
I pittie not my selfe, but envy thy Heroick honors.
Lo.
I will impose no more
Restraint, then your owne house, you'r honorable:
You have many severe enemies, the Duke
Look'd gratiously upon Pisano, but—
Sci.
You shanot loose the smallest beame of favor,
To buy a man so desperate, I never
Thought death the monster, that weake men have fanci'd,
As foile to make us more in love with life,
The Divels picture may affright poore soules
Into their bodies palenesse, but the substance
Too resolute: man's a shadow, and cold sweat
Dare not approach his forehead, I am arm'd
To die, and give example of that fortitude
Shall shame the Lawes severitie: my sister
May now give backe Pisano his false vowes,
To line his coffin, one teare shed on mee's
Enough, the justice I ha done, shall make
My memorie belov'd.
Lo.
I ha thought a way.
To recover you, if you incline too't,
Dare you consent?
Sci.
To any thing that's noble,
Although I never fear'd to suffer; I
Am not so foolish to despise a life.
Lo.
There is no difficultie attends it, listen,
The time will not permit much circumstance:
The Duke you know did love your sister.
Sci.
Vitiously.
Lo.
Her Vertue did but coole him for the present,
As sprinklings on a flame, hee's now more passionate.
Sci.
Ha?
Lo.
If shee consent to meete
His soft embrace, with his first kisse, he seales
Your pardon, then the act upon Pisano
Appeares a true revenge, when none dares question it:
Beside addition of state and fortune,
To you and Amidea, waigh your danger,
And what a trifle shee gives up, to save
Your life, that never can be valued,
Lesse recompenc'd; the Duke may be so taken
With her returne to his delight, who knowes
But he may marrie her, and discharge his Dutchesse
With a quaint sallet, you doe apprehend mee.
Sci.
And repent more, I had one good thought of thee,
Then I had kild a thousand: save my life
And prostitute my sister, though I have
No weapon, I will looke thee dead, or breath
A dampe shall stifle thee, that I could vomit
Consuming flames, or stones like Ætna, make
The earth with motion of my feet shrinke lower,
And take thee in alive, oh that my voice
Could call a Serpent from corrupted Nile,
To make thee part of her accursed bowels,
Is this noble freindship? readinesse
To save my life? let malice reade all stories
Famous for crueltie, awake dead Tyrants,
Or be instructed by their ghosts with tortures,
Such as will make a damned furie weepe
Onely to see inflicted, I would beare 'em,
And wearie my tormentors, ere consent
In thought to thy temptation.
Lo.
I ha done,
And praise your heathen resolution
Of death, goe practice immortalitie,
And tell us when you can get leave to visit
This world agen, what fine things you enjoy
In hell, for thither these rash passions drive thee,
And ere thy body hath three daies inhabited,
A melancholly chamber in the earth,
Ere Amidea have told all her teares
Upon thy Marble, or the Epitaph
Belie thy soule, by saying it is fled
To Heaven: this Sister shall be ravish'd,
Mauger thy dust and Heraldry.
Sci.
Ha, ravish'd?
When I am dead, was't not so? oh my soule,
I feele it weepe within me, and the teares
Soften my flesh: Lorenzo, I repent my furie.
Lo.
I advis'd you the best way my wisedome could direct.
Sci.
I thanke you for't,
You have awak'd my reason, I am asham'd
I was no sooner sensible: does the Duke
Affect my Sister still say you?
Lo.
Most passionately.
Sci.
She shall obey him then, upon my life:
Thats it, my life; I know she loves me dearely.
I shall have much adoe to winne her too't,
But she shall come, Ile send her.
Lo.
Performe this?
Sci.
I wonot onely send her, but prepar'd
Not to be disobedient to his Highnesse:
He shall command her any thing.
Lo.
Doe this,
And be for ever happie, when these have
Onely for forme but waited on you home:
This disingages 'em.
Sci.
My humblest service
To the Duke I pray, and tell him, Amidea
This night shall be at his dispose, by this.
Lo.
I'me confident, farewell; attend Sciarrha.
Sci.
Pittie the Sea-man, that to avoide a shelfe,
Must strike upon a rocke to save himselfe.
Exeunt.
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