 | The Doubtfull Heir |  |
ACT. IV.
Enter Rodriguez, Leandro, Ernesto.Ernest.
I know not what to think on't, but if I
Have any sense, there is some new state madness
Crept into Court.
Rodri.
Are we not all a sleep,
And these fine dreams perplex us?
Leand.
No 'tis waking.
Rod.
Shew me the tenth part of a reason why
The Queen did Marry him.
Lea.
'Twas destinie.
Ernest.
Why since should he be melancholy?
Rod.
Or she so humorus?
Ernest.
Not lie together? pray Heaven the Gentleman
Be found with no defective title in him.
Leand.
Observe her favours to that Boy, he was
His servant, now her minion. I like not
These violent wheels; the whole frame may be soon
Indanger'd, if these passions be not cur'd.
Rod.
New lodgings for him, neer her own, and he
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Leand.
'Tis naught
Or will be so, I pittie the good King;
Though she have rais'd him to the highest glorie
Her power extended too, yet to make this height
His precipice, and throw him into scorn,
Nay poyson the best hopes he had of honour,
And love from her, and in his sight to Court
A Boy, his servant? It would vex the best
Of all our tempers, if we felt the sting on't.
Enter Rosania and Violinda (passing over the Stage.)
Er.
He's here, that Lady is the Queens Cabinet.
Lean.
They are merry about the Mouth.
Er.
Another summons?
'Tis possible the Queen may Marry him too.
Lean.
There is some mysterie we cannot reach.
If we doe well remember, ther's a Law
Made by her self, as soon as she was Queen,
To keep Wifes Pulses temperat, and correct
The insolent Bloud of Women that had Husbands.
Er.
And Men were not exempted.
Leand.
I say no more.
But Heaven maintain the Law, and the Law-makers,
And conjure down that Devill,
'Tis the King and the smooth Boy, lets leave 'em.
Exeunt Lords.
Enter Ferdinand, and Rosania.
Ferd.
Was this the Ladies Message? does the Queen
Take thee into such favour?
Rosa.
I tell truth,
And though it sound but ill on the Queens part,
Because she thinks me what I seem my Lord,
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When you remember who I am, my fears
Are thick upon my Heart, how to secure
This shadow any longer.
Ferd.
That afflicts
Me most Rosania, for it pleases me
To hear she can affect thee; but what way
To keep her expectation high, and thee
(My dearest) safe? her passions may be violent.
Rosa.
They are already Sir, if I mistake not;
I wish to Heaven that you were reconcil'd
To do the office of a Husband to her,
That peace would keep her Bosom clear, and I
Should live to all the World except your self
A stranger still.
Ferd.
What language speaks Rosania?
Ther's death in every syllable, should I
Obey what thou desir'st, and do the office
Of a Husband, ha?
Rosa.
I'l wait upon you still,
And hope you will vouchsafe me now and then
A harmless smile; her beauty will deserve
Your whole heart, and ther's something in the memory
Of what she has advanc'd you to, will help
To make you kind.
Ferd.
Should I injoy the Queen?
Because the misery of my fate compeld
A ceremonious sin? shall I betray
The essence of my faith, and leave a curse,
When thou art known, upon my name for ever?
If thou hast taken new resolves against me,
Punish my heart some other way; had she
More ornament than ever met in woman,
Mistress of more perfection, than Poets
Invented for the Queen of love to this
Were the proud Empire of the World her own,
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It would not buy me to the pleasure of
One Nights embrace, my body shall not carry
My soul so far astray; the Man condemnd
To live in a perpetuall Snow, hath not
A purer Frost within his blood.
Rosa.
This but
Ingenders a new grief although it bind
Rosanias Heart there is yet one way left
And that ere I pronounce you must forgive;
There is a trembling in my tongue and I
Already feel such Winter in my breath,
My timorous Lips do wither.
Ferd.
Do not fright
My Soul too much, ther's something threatens me
So like a loss of these, that I am left
A peece of shaking Earth death cannot look
To make me tremble so; canst thou forsake me?
Ros.
Not in my Heart, but give my body leave
To seek some other place my Lord to dwell in.
When I am gone into some wilderness,
You will find ease at Heart, and love the Queen,
And perfect all; I'l pray you may live happy,
And hold Intelligence with some gentle Winds
That shall convey my wishes and return
What joys do follow you; the purling Rivers
I'l teach your name, and they which glide this way
Shall bring thee something Ferdinand of mine;
My tears I know will not be lost, which I
Will send thee daily by the courteous stream,
Clear pledges of my faith; consent my Lord
I may depart and you shall choose your way,
To every blessing here.
Ferd.
Not till we meet
With one embrace, and take our flight together;
And I have thought a way to perfect it,
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Thou sayst affects thee, cherish it, with all
The softness of her creature; if she allow,
Kiss her, and promise what young lovers doe,
Examine not, but by thy love to me
Be free in amorous language, if she have
Heat to a private meeting in her Chamber,
Obey, this shall secure our loves ambition.
Enquire not, but resolve, and let me know
The time.
Ros.
You will attempt no violence
Upon the Queen?
Ferd.
By this—
Kisses her.
Ros.
What if she have commanded me
This Night?
Ferd.
To meet?
Ros.
In her Bed-Chamber.
Ferd.
Ha! obey it.
Ros.
At a late hour.
Ferd.
It shall beget our comfort
If thou consent.
Rosa.
But shall I not expose
My self to danger, if her love persue
Immodest ends, since you advise I should
Apply my self to her desires?
Ferd.
If she
Take too much flame, by some soft art delay her,
Till I come to close all; keep still thy person
Secret, the least discovery will destroy
Us both; the Evening with much hast prepares
Thy visit and our happiness.
Rosa.
I'l obey,
But be you sure to come.
Ferd.
Lose thou no time
Now to indear thee to her, let us part
Love will find balm to cure the wounded Heart.
Exeunt severally.
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Que.
Was he not cheerfull when he promis'd thee?
Viol.
He was, and he was not.
Que.
I have a strange apprehension, and this doth feed it.
Viol.
I told him 'twas an honour worth his joyfull entertainment.
Que.
If it should prove successfull, my revenge
Were perfect, I'm resolute to persue—
Viol.
It makes well
For your contrivement that the King and you do
Lodge at distance—stay, I hear a tread.
Que.
I hope 'tis he.
Enter Leonario.
Viol.
Prince Leonario Madam.
Que.
What comes he for?
Leon.
Although I have small expectation
For my own sake, that you can pardon Madam
This bold access, and at so dark an hour,
Yet when you have heard my business, You will know
Your self so much concern'd, I'l not despair
To find your mercy.
Que.
You prepare me for
Something of consequence.
Leon.
Please you to dismiss
Your Ladie, I have something to deliver
Wo'not become her knowledge.
Que.
Leave us—now,
Ex. Violinda.
Our conference is free, your Graces pleasure?
It must be matter of much essence, that
Could not expect till morning, but y'ar welcome.
Leon.
This time and darkness Madam best becomes him,
Who for your sake blushes to see the Day,
But I came not to chide my wrongs have learn'd
A modest silence, my approach is not
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Discover what already is prepar'd
Against your peace and honour.
Que.
Is it treason?
Leon.
It is, but threatens not your life, you may
Live many years upon the wound.
Que.
You fright me.
Leon.
Lose not the beauty of your cheek so soon,
Hide not beneath that cold and killing Snow,
One Rosie blush, and yet that pale would shew
Like Innocence which you have lost; oh Madam
Had you not made a forfet of your truth
To me, no storm could shake you, but your soul
That made no change, could know no fear; I come
To tell you what just providence hath done
In my revenge, your breach of vow is punish'd
With loss of faith in him, to whom you gave
The Heart you promis'd me, the King, whose pride
You built on my dishonour, is as falses,
As you were.
Que.
This is passion but be
Not yet too rash in censuring him. Whom I
Have plac'd so neer, I must defend, nor will
He need my strength, to make their blood account
That dare traduce his honour; he has a Heart—
Leon.
A false one. I was born without a fear,
And dare upon his bosom (wear he worth
The manly contestation) write him perjur'd.
Que.
I would this were not envy; but admit
He be thus guiltie, 'tis a fault in him.
Leon.
No Madam, it is yours; that sin that poysond
The expectation of my joys in you,
Hath made him false and will excuse his storie,
When you are nam'd that broke your faith to me;
I can have no hope now to be repair'd,
But if it be worth memorie to know
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Shall say the Queen deserv'd to meet a scorn
Deep as her wrongs to me.
Que.
It cannot be.
Leon.
Think so, and help to make the revenge greater,
Till the winds catch the black report, and multiply
The shame, by scattering it about the Kingdom,
Sit still, and careless of your fame, incourage
His private lust, his Mistress now in Court.
Que.
A Mistriss in the Court?
Leon.
Yes Madam, in the Court,
And may one day think any second place
Too narrow to contain her greatness, she—
Que.
As y'ar a Prince no more; I have done ill,
And find the penance here, It does agree
With his neglects, and addes new flame to my
Young jealousie; I feel a tempest rising;
By all your goodness leave me Sir; I cannot
Now right you more than mourn, and give belief to you.
No more I pray you, by all your love to honour.
Leon.
I ha' done,
And take my leave, my everlasting leave,
'Tis time; how like the day, that flatterd us
With cheerfull light, are my desires fled hence,
And left me here a prodigie of darkness,
A walking Herse, hung round about with night,
Whose wings must one day cover all? farewell.
If any Star look forth, it is to call
Me hence, and light me to another World.
Our Lips are never like to meet agen.
Kisses
Farewell, if I but stay, I shall forgive her.
Exit.
Que.
A Mistress in the Court? something is busie
About my Heart.
Enter Violinda.
Viol.
The Prince is gone.
Que.
No matter.
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Her name that rivals me; how this passion
Befools our understanding, and prevents
The knowledge, and the cure of what afflicts us!
The Morning will assure all, but shall this
Strike me to ashes? I may find a way
To my revenge.
Enter Violinda.
Viol.
Tiberio is come Madam.
Que.
Wait carefully.
Viol.
I know my dutie.
Enter Rosania: (Kneels and Kisses her Hand.)
Que.
Rise,
This meeting was not meant for ceremony,
Ther's something in this presence will deserve
We should put off all state, and speak like friends.
You must be cover'd too. I'l have it so.
We are private now.
Rosa.
These graces will
Undoe a youth, whose birth, and careless Stars
Ordain'd him to be humble, and with dutie
Wait on your meanest servant.
Que.
Thou shalt soon have cause
To think thy Stars are carefull of thee, if
Thou canst be wise.
Rosa.
Alas! my years are few.
Que.
Thy knowledge is not wanting to distinguish
Whose favours Court thee, and apply thy self
To understand, and thank the kind bestower;
'Tis in my power to make thee great.
Rosa.
You may
Advance this worthless walking shadow Madam,
And when you like the free and bounteous Sun
Have blest me with your rayes, it is but like
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Of rude and barren Earth, which takes not from
The lustre of your Beams, but shews more clearly,
By your own light, what poverty you shin'd on.
Quee.
This modesty becomes you not, look in
My eie, and read what's there.
Rosa.
Some thing like anger,
Enough to strike me dead.
Quee.
What now?
Rosa.
A smile,
And such attending sweetness—
Quee.
Thus it shall
Invite thee still to gaze, and love, Tiberio,
No frown shall point on thee; I finde my eyes
Were meant for thee, and all they grac'd before,
But objects of mistake. Here, here, O turn
Thy lovely face away, lest I be seen
To blush, my heart hath chose to place my love
And the reward; this would become thy tongue
A great deal better, Come sit down Tiberio.
What still an Infants understanding? Think
I am the man, and learn a little better,
What beauty dwells upon this hand, What softness,
How like the Snow, or Innocence it shews,
Yet fires my heart with every gentle touch.
Rosa.
Dear Madam; would the King would come.
Que.
This is a happiness that Kings should sue for,
And yet there are poor comforts in these Kisses;
Let hands preserve Societie with hands,
And with their change of whiteness, and of Balm,
Make wealthy one another: But let what
Was mean't for kisses meet, and finde out pleasure
By warm exchange of souls from our soft lips.
Kisses.
Madam, how like you this?
Rosa.
Madam.
Que.
I suppose you a Lady all this while,
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Will this instruct thee nothing?
Ros.
Gracious Madam.
Que.
And yet this recreation comes short,
Dear Lady, of what love might well allow us.
Admit you are a Queen, you are not bound
To thin your Royal Blood with frost, but as
Your power, your pleasure should exceed; nay graut
You have a man (a man said I) that can
Keep love alive, and warm a yielding bosom,
Yet where from the invitement of your eie,
And amorous choice, I am become your servant,
You may be a little kinder.
Rosa.
Madam, I know not
How with the safetie of my self, my dutie,
And your own name and power, to understand you,
(Yet this to some would need but little Comment)
Can you place such a value on a thing
That not deserves to breath your name? Or should
I hope these charms of Language you have spred
To catch my heart, which hath no wings, but where
It can believe; For you transcend so much
In wonder of your love, a willing Faith
Not easily can reach it. But dear Madam,
I know all this is but to try my duty,
And you have pleas'd to choose me forth, to make
These silent hours more grateful, by the mirth
My weak replies may raise you,
Que.
Miracle!
I but imagin'd thee a woman, now
I shall believe thee one indeed; this coldness
Becomes no masculine habit. Come, we'll in,
And change our Sexes; Thou shalt wear my clothes,
And I will put on these, help on with thine,
And I will dress thee handsomely, and then
We'll act again.
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Not for the world dear Madam. Not yet come?
Que.
The world? This confirms my jealousie.
I'll search you to the soul, Adonis come,
I'll call thee so, and court thee with more charm
Than Venus did, when in the Idalian Groves
To buy a kiss, she offer'd the proud Boy
Her flaming Chariot, and her Doves of Snow.
'Tis in thy power to make thy fate and heart
More happy by consent to meet with mine;
Tempt not the anger of a Queen despis'd,
Whose breath can like a whirl-wind snatch thee up,
And drop thee in a Wilderness, where with sorrow
For thy neglect, thou by degrees maist sigh
Thy self into a Mist, which no Sun-beam
Shall pitie or take up into a Cloud.
But love me, and compose thy heart to mine,
Wee'l live with more delight, than fancie can
Inrich Elizium with. The soft hours shall stay
Till we allow 'em Wings, and while we kiss
And on each others Lips breath Incense thus,
Wee'l have ten thousand Cupids for our guard,
Whose Bows shall awe the destinies, and we write
The King and Queen of Fate.
Enter Ferdinand, Leandro, Rodriguez, Ernesto, Captain, Guard.
Ferd.
Will this deserve your faith?
Leand.
We must believe.
Enter Violinda.
Viol.
We are undone, the King.
Que.
False Keys?
Rosa.
'Twas time to come.
Ferd.
Had I not cause, my Lords, to appear sad,
When I suspected this so great affront?
My melancholy all this while was but
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Into your selves, and make this suffering yours.
Viol.
Madam be rais'd again, I have an art
To fetch you off with honor, and the youth too.
I will perswade him there can be no cure
In this extream but to pretend himself
A woman; I will dress him in your Gown
Before they can be ware on't; they all know
This way he cannot flie, mean time put on
A confidence, and let them know you are
The Queen, not to be shaken with their power;
This will gain time.
Que.
Prosper in this.
Viol.
I will
Redeem my fault, or never sleep again.
Exit with Rosania.
Ferd.
She blushes not.
Were she not Queen, what names could we bestow
Upon this want of modesty?
Leand.
'Tis plain.
We came in time.
Ferd.
Most happily to prevent
Some further act of shame; can she look on us
Without a blush?
Que.
I see no such attraction
In your state faces that I should desire
Much to look on 'em. Who made you King I pray?
Ferd.
Your power, I dare not call it love, presuming
That I was fit to be your property,
Without a soul to see, or have a sense
Of these dishonors; This rank hear of blood,
Madam, what penitence can make this clear?
Admit your thoughts were wanton, and your flame,
Too great to be supprest, could you finde none
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That was my servant? my own hound devour me?
As if your lust had not enough of shame
And mischief to me, but your malice must
Appear in't too; with what securitie
Can I expect to live, when she begins
So soon to poyson me?
Leand.
We heard her say
They two would write themselves the King and Queen.
Rod.
So we did all.
Ferd.
You may consider these.
Leand.
'Tis impious
Madam with what grief do we
Remember now that Law you made
After your Corronation to preserve
The name of your sex chast which gave our Hearts
Hope of your blessed progress; you made it death
To stain the Marriage-bed; where shall we expect
The life of that good act, when you begin
A breach of chastitie by so black example?
If the King urge an Execution
Of what our vote confirm'd by yours impos'd
Upon the kingdom you should prove your self
More innocent or give us cause to mourn
This fall from virtue
Er.
Madam we grieve for you.
Que.
So, so, have your great wisdoms said all yet?
I laugh at you (poor things) and am so far
From trembling at your thunder, that I pitty you,
And first I'l let you know you selves, you are
I take it all my subjects, I will not
Exempt you Sir, since Marriage takes not off
My Interest, and Essence here, all strength
Flowing from me, and your Derivative shine
Extinct, when I frown you to darkness; by
What power dare you take an accompt of me?
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Me, as their Soul, and Dye when I forsake 'em?
But I will reason coolely, and admit
They live in force; 'gainst whom? are you so shallow,
To think we that created, and decreed 'em
For vulgar reformation, must be squard
And Levell'd by 'em, as we meant to lose
Our Character and distinction, and stoop
Toth' common file of subjects? this were policy!
I speak not this with sense of any guilt,
So to decline it, for I here defie you,
And bring an Innocence shall strike a blush
Upon your Souls; that sinn'd in my suspition.
Aside.
Ferd.
Where is the Boy? Ernesto take him to
Your custodie, and bid him not despair,
I have contriv'd the rest.
Enter Rosania (like a Woman) and Violinda.
Er.
He's here.
Viol.
Take it upon you, if it come to searching
Wee'l find a Jurie.
Capt.
You are deceiv'd my Lord, with your good pardon,
He is not here.
Er.
Who is not here?
Capt.
The he you do expect;
And your Officious Ladyship might well
Have spar'd your pains, to put on all this trim.
Ferd.
What means the fellow?
Capt.
'Tis no news to your Sir.
I could have told the Queen before and you
My honourable Lords, this was no Boy,
Though now he would but seem o'th' tother sex,
I knew her name.
Ros.
My name?
Capt.
Are not you call'd Rosania?
Ferd.
Ha! betraid?
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Yes indeed is she, you were present Sir
I'th' Garden when this fine Hermophrodite
Declar'd what sex was hid behind the Breeches,
And this I certified the Prince before.
Que.
Now 'tis clear.
Capt.
There are some tokens too I can remember,
As kisses, and excuse for marrying with
The Queen, a Virgin still, &c.
Omnes.
A Woman?
Viol.
But are you a Woman indeed?
Capt.
And now my Lords, if you have Hearts that are
Honest and daring, come about agen,
For this is but a cunning piece of treason,
Against your Faith, and the Queens honour.
Ferd.
We are both lost Rosania.
Capt.
'Tis truth, or take my Head off.
Que.
You do believe this transformation,
And know this Ladie, my good Lord, I did
Suspect before the cause of your neglects,
And meeting with some dark Intelligence
From the Prince, to perfect this discovery,
Did in my Chamber wooe with aptest forms
Of Love, to trie how long the sex would be
Conceal'd; you heard a part, and see us kiss,
And came in time with these wise Noblemen
To prevent further acts of shame.
Rodri.
I'st possible?
Rosa.
It was an ill contrivement to make me
Proof of the Queens dishonour.
Er.
An apparent Plot
Against the life and honour of the Queen,
Since he would urge that Law maliciously
Against her, knowing this to be a Woman,
And his close strumpet.
Rodri.
The same Law must be
Their tryall.
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What a change is here already?
Que.
You must not Lords deny me Justice.
Rodri.
'Tis insufferable
Against a common person.
Er.
Let his first
Treason, if you think good Madam, be urg'd
In accusation.
Leand.
So, so.
Que.
You did us service Captain.
Capt.
I am bound too't, heres more news for the Prince.
Que.
Use your pleasures.
Exit.
Rod.
What need we circūstance, let him dye to morrow.
Que.
Death will be mercie to so much ingratitude,
Command them both to severall custodies.
The morning shall behold 'em dead—
Ros.
Now more lost then ever.
Exeunt. Manent. Ferd: Ros. & Guard.
Ferd.
Pray lets take
Short leave of one another, 'tis in vain
To reason against providence, or say
We might ha' liv'd; though I must dye, and after
Be hid in my obscurest name, and shade,
I must declare whose blood they will profane
In bleeding thee; farewell, our last, last kiss.
My heart would fain come to thee, I will make it
My humble sute with my last breath it may
Be quickly sent thee.
Rosa.
We shall both meet, when
This dust falls off, and our souls kiss agen.
Exeunt.
| The Doubtfull Heir | |