 | The Imposture |  |
ACT. V.
Enter Volterino, Hortensio, Pandolpho (with a Towell.) A Table set out and stooles.Volt.
Such Wine as Ganimede doth skink to Iove
When he invites the Gods to feast with him
On Iunos wedding-day.
Pandol.
Jove never drank so brisk a Nectar as I'l draw.
But does Signior Bertoldi come?
Hort.
What else? my Alderman o'th' Cellar.
Volt.
He is our Hilas; shall we not ha Musick?
Hort.
By all means, and the Mermaids.
Pand.
You shall have any thing;
But if Signior Bertoldi come, I have
A boon to beg, I have a pretty plot
To make you laugh.
Volt.
What is't?
Pand.
As you are Gentlemen, do not deny me;
I have been your up-and-down-stairs-man to draw
The best blood o'th' Grape these ten years,
Troy held out no longer, I have a device
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Will give me leave to shift, and help a jeast.
He is a Coward still, under the Rose?
Hort.
As any lives under the Sun, be confident.
Volt.
The same senseless peece of timber,
You may cut him into a Bed-staff.
Pand.
I'l send you Wine, say I am valiant,
Let me alone with the Catastrophe.
Exit
Hort.
What will he do?
Volt.
I know not, he were best make us laugh,
I shall expound the matter else.
Enter Bertoldi, and Drawer (with Wine.)
Bert.
My Mother remembers her service Gentlemen,
I left my Mistris to come to you; and how?
Shall we drink like Fishes? Tolle roll lolly, &c.
Volt.
Sit, sit, a health to the Lady you kist last.
Bert.
Let it come, I'l pledge it,
And it were the Gulf of Venice.
Hort.
And who's your Mistris?
Bert.
Faith I do not know her name, nor ever kist any
thing but her Glove in my life.
Volt:
But you have told her your mind?
Bert.
Not I by this Wine—but thats all one,
She is a Lady, well bred, and companion
To the Princess, that's enough.
Here Signior—would we had some Wenches here.
Hort.
Some bouncing bona robas, hang this dul City
there's no musick in't, no silken Musick.
Vol.
Oh for a Wench could spit fire now, that could
whizze like a Rocket, and fall into a 100 blasing stars,
such a Fire-drake would be warm company in a close
room, Signior.
Hort.
And it were in a Cellar under the Alpes, it
would make Hercules melt in the back.
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But for all that, I do not like a sinner of such
a fiery constitution.
Hort.
You would not venture upon the golden Fleece
then, which is but the morall of a Maidenhead.
Bert.
I never heard that afore.
Hort.
So say the learned, first for the difficulty to obtain
it, being watch'd by a Dragon, and then for the
Rarity, there being but one in all the World.
Bert.
But one Maidenhead?
Volt.
And that some hold as doubtfull as the Phœnix
or Unicorn, such things are in History, but the man's
not alive that will take his Oath in what climat they
are visible. Here's to the Swan that broke her heart
with singing last.
Hort.
And to the Dolphin that was in love with a
Fidlers Boy of Thebes, who carryed him cross the Seas
on her bak a fishing, while he sung the siedge of Troy to
the Tune of Green-sleeves, and caught a Whale with an
angling rod.
Bert.
I'l pledge 'em both; they are very fine healths.
Are these your Mistresses names Gentlemen?
Enter Pandolfo like a Soldier.
Volt.
Mysticall, Mysticall.
Bert.
I Understand they are mysticall—who's this?
Pand.
Save you Gentlemen.
Volt.
Tis the Drawer.
Pand.
I do not like the odor of your Wine
He throws it in Bert. face.
Bert.
Was it a health? let it go round Gent.
I am troubled with sore eyes, & this Signior
has wash'd 'em for me, I hope I shall see to thank him.
Hort.
Cry mercy Signior, you are like a noble Gent.
I saw at Rome, you are the very same, to whom his Holiness
gave a pension, for killing 6 great Turks in Transilvania,
whose heads were boyl'd, and brought home
in a Portmantua.
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It was but 5 sir and a Sarasens.
Hort.
You are the man?
Volt.
Pray give me leave to honor you.
Bert.
I desire to be your poor admirer too,
My eyes are clear to see your worth, my name
Is Bertoldi at your service.
Pand.
To you Signior, a health to Julius Cæsar, Prester John,
And the grand Cham of Tartaria.
Volt.
You sha'not pledge him.
Bert.
No.
Volt.
Make your exceptions, I'l justifie 'em.
Hort.
This Cavalier drank t'ee sir.
Bert.
I do remember, but I cannot pledge him.
Pand.
How sir?
Bert.
No sir, I'l pledge my friend Prester Jack,
But for Julius Cæsar and the grand Cham they are
Pagans, I ha' nothing to say to 'em.
Enter Servant.
Serv.
Here is a Gentleman, he seems of quality,
Enquiring for Signior Volterino and Hortensio.
Hort.
Admit him, and he be a Gentleman.
Enter Florelia like a Gentleman.
Flor.
You'l pardon if a stranger that has had
A long ambition to kiss your hands,
Rather intreat for his access, than lose
The happiness of your knowledge.
Volt.
Sir, y'are most welcome.
Hort.
If you will keep us company
You must be equally ingag'd.
Bert.
My humble service, Signior Hortensios Mistris.
Flor.
You honor me; would I were off agen.
Bert.
Excuse me Signior.
Flo.
Y'are too full of ceremony.
Pand.
Sir, is there any difference between you & Julius Cæsar,
You would not pledge his health?
Bert.
No difference in the world.
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How, no difference between you, and a Roman Emperor?
Flor.
Divide 'em, what's the matter?
Hort.
O for some Trumpets.
Bert.
Somebody hold my Sword, give me the Wine,
I'l drink it—
Pand.
So, we are friends.
Flor.
O shamefull!
Bert.
But I shall find a time—
Pand.
Find twenty thousand years, there's time enough.
Volt.
I'l be your stickler.
Bert.
I ha' not pledg'd the Cham yet, nor I wo'not,
come, I know you well enough.
Pand.
Know me, for what?
Bert.
For a brave fellow, and a man may believe thee
thou hast done things as well as the best on 'em, but
I know not where, nor I care not, tel me of Iulius Cæsar:
I am a Gentleman, and have seen fighting afore now,
here's a Cavalier knows it, I scorn to be baffel'd by any
Transilvanian Turk-killer in Christendom, I; thar't a Muftie.
Volt.
Well said, and a Sandiack.
Bert.
And a Sandiack, I defie the grand Cham, and
all his Tartars, y'are a stinking obstreperons fellow to
tell me of a Turd and a Fart, and I honor you with all
my heart.
Hort.
He call'd you Muftie.
Pand.
What's that?
Ho.
And a Sandiack, that is son of whor in 2 languages.
Pand.
How? in two languages? then my honor is
Concern'd, have I in 30 battells gainst the Turk
Stood the dire shock, when the Granadoes flew
Like Atomes in the Sun,
Have I kil'd 20 Bashawes, and a Musselman,
And took the Sultans Turbant Prisoner,
And shall I be affronted by a thing
Less than a Lancepresado?
Bert.
Will no body hold me?
Flor.
Gentlemen, this heat must needs be dangerous.
Pand.
Let me but speak with him
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No danger o' my life, let 'em go together:
And let us mind our business.
Pand.
Signior, I am your friend, and pitty you
Should lose so much your honor, be advis'd,
I'l show a way how to repair your fame,
Pand. & Bert. talk privately.
And without danger.
Hort.
To Volterinos Mistris.
Flor.
I receive it, I shall have my share, I now
Repent my curiosity to see
Their humors, and to hear what they would say
Of me—
Hort.
Let 'em alone—to Volterinos Mistris.
Volt.
Come, to my Whore.
Flor.
Your Whore Signior?
Volt.
Does that offend you?
Flor.
Not me—I ha done you right.
I am well enough rewarded & they beat me.
Ber.
I knovv not hovv to deserve this curtesie being a stranger,
But if you vvant a Wife noble sir, and vvill accept of my
Mother, you shall have her before any man in Italy.
Pand.
I thank you sir,
But be sure you hit me full o'th' head.
Bert.
Tis too much, a cut o'th' leg and please you.
Pand.
No, let it be o'th'head.
Bert.
You wo'not strike agen?
Pand.
Mine's but a foil.
Hort.
They measure and give back—
Pand.
Oh I am slain, a Surgeon.
Bertoldi strikes Pand.
Flor.
I'l take my leave.
Hort.
By this hand, I'l drink his Mothers health first,
There's no danger & he were dead; a health to the Lady
Florelia, I drink it for his sake.
Volt.
Away, and get a Surgeon.
Bert.
Come, to my Lady Mother.
A man is not born to be a coward all his life.
Flor.
I can no more sir.
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You should ha' told me sir at first,
There is no remedy, tis to an honorable Lady.
Flor.
You must excuse me sir.
Bert.
Throw't in his eyes.
Hort.
At your request.
Hor. throwes the Wine.
Flor.
Y'are most uncivill.
Hort.
Y'are a mushrump.
strikes Flor.
Flor.
So sir, y'are a multitude, and in a Tavern,
I did believe you sir a Gentleman,
If you be, give me satisfaction nobly.
Hort.
With all my heart.
Flor.
Then thus—
Enter Servant.
Serv.
Signior Bertoldi flye, his wound is dangerous,
We fear he wil bleed to death before the Surgeon come.
Volt.
Out by the Postern.
Bert.
Pox, a conspiracie, I shall kill but one, I see that;
Would I were a Mite in a Holland Cheese now.
Exit.
Hort.
I wo'not fail you sir.
Serv.
He desires to speak with you before he dye.
Hort.
Is Bertoldi gone?
Volt.
Hortensio, I guess you may be ingag'd:
Leave me to these things, There may be danger.
Hort.
I know the private way.
Exeunt.
Enter Honorio.
Hon.
Virtue and honor, I allow you names,
You may give matter for dispute, and noise,
But you have lost your Essence, and that truth
We fondly have believ'd in human soules,
Is ceas'd to be, we are grown fantastick bodies,
Figures, and empty titles, and make hast
To our first nothing, he that will be honest,
Must quite throw off his cold decrepit nature,
And have a new creation—my poor Sister.
Enter Fioretta.
She has heard the Dukes resolve.
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Oh let me dye, upon thy bosom Brother,
I have liv'd
Too long; they say the Duke resolves to marry
With Juliana, so they call her now,
Whose sorcery hath won upon his soul;
I have walk'd too long in dark Clouds, and accuse
Too late my silence, I am quite undon,
There was some hope while he did love my name,
But that and all is banish'd; is't not in
The power of fancy to imagin this
A dream that hath perplext us all this while?
If it be reall, I will be reveng'd,
Tis but forgetting what I am, and then
I am not concern'd.
Honor.
Rather forget the Duke,
And live to triumph in a love more happy.
He is not worth a tear.
Enter Donabella.
Dona.
How's this? my heart!
Honor.
Come, I wil kiss these sorrows from thy cheek,
This Garden wants no watering, preserve
This rain, it is a wealth should ransom Queens,
As thou dost love me, chide thy saucie grief,
That will undo the spring here, and inforce
My heart to weep within me equall drops
Of blood for these.
Dona.
Oh my abus'd confidence,
Lauriana now I find hath but betraid me,
Instruct me rage and jealousie.
Fior.
I am resolv'd.
Exit Donab.
Honor.
Well said, take courage Fioretta,
Appear with thy own name and sufferings,
Thy sight will strike the proud Impostors from
Their Pyramids of glory.
Fior.
It were more revenge to dye.
Honor.
Not so deer Fioretta, somthing glides
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Despair not to be happy: Let's consult,
And form the aptest way for all our honor.
Exeunt.
Enter Flaviano.
Flav.
There's but one cloud in all our sky, were that
Remov'd, we were above the rage of storms:
That Claudio knows too much. I look upon
His life like a prodigious blazing Comet;
He palls my blood; if I but meet him hansomly,
I'l make him fixt as the North-star. I hear
No whisper of him yet; were but he dead,
Iuliana and her friend might revell here:
The Duke should have the name, but we would steer
The Helm of State, and govern all. I have
Gain'd much upon Leonato's easie faith,
Who thinks me innocent, and that only duty
Mislead my nature and my tongue to obey
The Duke of Mantua and the Prince, upon
Whose heads I have translated all my guilt,
Enter Leonato, Claudio.
And fram'd their jealousie at home my cause
Of flight for refuge hither—Ha, my eyes
Take in confusion! The Duke and Claudio!
'Tis doomsday in my soul.
Leon.
Can this be justified?
Claud.
I dare confirm this truth with my last blood.
Flav.
I dare not hear it. That I now could fling
My self upon the winds.—
Exit.
Claud.
And should be happy
Were Flaviano's life put into ballance
Against my own, to make it clear by his
Confession. To my shame I must acknowledge
I was the agent 'twixt 'em; he was pleas'd
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Poor Gentlemen at Court are forc'd to serve in,
To please luxurious greatness, younger brothers,
Who cannot live by fair and honest wayes,
Must not sterve sir.
Leon:
Flaviano's Whore?
Where can we hope to trust our faith, when such
White browes deceive us?
Enter Iuliana.
Iul.
I do not like
This Claudio's business here, the Duke is troubled;
My whole frame trembles.
Leon.
Madam Iuliana?
My excellent white Devil, you are welcome,
Where is your Catamountain Flaviano?
You are no Serpents spawn?
Iuli.
Oh hear me sir, by your own goodness.
Leon.
When didst thou kneel to Heaven?
Ivl.
I see my leprosie unveild, that sin
Which with my loss of honor first ingag'd
My miserie, is with a Sun-beam writ
Upon my guilty forehead, but I have not
(Excepting the concealment of my shame,
Which charity might privelege) offended
Above what I confest, and you have pardond.
Leon.
She hath a tongue would almost tempt a Saint
To unbeleeve Divinity, she learnd
Some accents from that first Apostate Angell
That mutin'd in Heaven; away,
I dare not trust my frailty; where's Flaviano?
Exit. Leon. and Claud.
Jul.
My soul doth apprehend strange shapes of horror.
Enter Fioretta.
Ha—tis the Princess Fioretta.
Fior.
Can you direct me Madam, how I may
Speak with the noble Lady Iuliana?
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I can instruct you Madam where to find
A miserable woman of that name.
Fior.
Where?
Jul.
Here.
Kneels.
Fior.
Do not deceive me,
I came to visit her whom the Dukes love
And confluence of glories must create
A Duchess, to whose greatness I must pay
My adoration.
Jul.
Do not mock her, Madam,
To whose undoing nothing wants but death;
Let not my sin, which cannot hope your pardon,
Make you forget your virtue; Princely natures,
As they are next to Forms Angelicall,
Shew the next acts of pitty, not derision,
When we are fall'n from Innocence.
Fior.
Do you know me?
Jul.
For the most injur'd Princess, Fioretta.
Fior.
You must know more, I come to take revenge
And kill thee.
Jul.
Thus I kneel to meet your wounds,
And shall account the drops my proud veines weep
Spent for my cure; oh Madam you are not cruell,
You have too soft, too mercifull a look;
When you see me, your countenance should wear
Upon it all the terrors that pale men
Can apprehend from the wild face of War,
A civill War, that wo' not spare the womb
That gron'd and gave it life, this would become you,
Or fancie meager Famine when she hunts
With hollow eyes, and teeth able to grind
A rock of Adamant to dust, or what
Complexion the devouring pest should have,
Were it to take a shape, and when you put
Their horrors in your visage, look on me.
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What hath prepar'd this bold resolve?
Jul.
A hope
To be your sacrifice; I was not before
Without a thought to wish my self thus layd,
And at your feet to beg you would destroy me.
Fior.
Can you so easily consent to dy,
And know not whither afterwards this guilt
Would fling thy wandring soul?
Iul.
Yes. I would pray
And ask your self, and the wrong'd world forgiveness.
Fior.
Why didst thou use me thus?
weeps.
Iul.
I could, if you
Durst hear me, say something perhaps would take
Your charity. Do you weep? gentle Madam?
And not one crimson drop from me, to wait
Upon those precious shewers? not to invite
Your patience upon the lost Iuliana,
But to call back your tears into their spring,
And stay the weeping stream, I can inform you,
The Duke looks on me now with eyes of anger;
I have no interest in a thought from him,
That is not arm'd with hate and scorn against me.
Fior.
This will undoe my pitty, and assure me
Thou hast all this while dissembled with my Justice.
Iul.
I would I might as soon invest my soul.
With my first purity, as clear this truth;
Or would the loss of him were all that sits
Heavy upon my heart; I cannot hope
For comfort in delayes of death, and dare
Attend you to him, though it more undo me.
Fior.
Rise, and obey me then.
Iul.
I follow, Madam;
My use of life is only meant to serve you.
Exeunt.
Enter Hortensio.
Hort.
This is the place within the wood he promis'd
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That Father Cyprians cell, I hope my Gamster
Will think it fit, I should not walk and wait
Too long for him, these businesses of fighting
Should be dispatch'd as Doctors do prescribe
Physicall Pills, not to be chewd but swallow'd;
Time spent in the considering deads the appetite,
If I were not to fight now, I could pray;
These terms of honor have but little grace with 'em,
Like Oisters we do open one another
Without much preface; he that fights a duell
Like a blind man that falls but cares to keep
His staffe, provides with art to save his honor,
But trusts his soul to chance, tis an ill fashion.
Enter Frier.
Fri.
This is the Gentleman by her description
That comes to fight, another Champion?
Enter Flaviano.
Fla.
Do none persue me, what a timerous Hare
This guilty conscience is, I am not safe,
I had no time to think of a disguise,
And this can be no wilderness, the Duke
Would give his Pallace for my head.
Hor.
Say so?
Flav.
Oh for some Pegasus to mount! a Frier?
His habit will serve rarely, seeming holiness
Is a most excellent shrowd to cheat the world.
Good Father sanctity, I must be bold,
Or cut your throat, nay I can follow.
Fri.
Help, help.
Hort.
Thou sacrilegious Villain.
Flav.
I am caught already.
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My good Lord Flaviano. Father
You may come back, and help to bind the Gentleman
If I did understand him well, he said
The Duke has some affairs to use his head-peece;
I would not have him out o'th' way, when I
Return—to that tree—you were best be gentle.
Flav. is tied to a Tree.
Flav.
I can but dye.
Hort.
Oh yes, you may be damn'd
All in good time, and it is very likely.
Frier.
You have preserv'd my life Son.
Hort.
It was my happiness to be so near,
When virtue was distrest.
Frier.
You have not done sir,
As you are noble follow me, there is
Another enemy to meet, but I
Dare be your second and direct you.
Hort.
What means the Fryer?
I'l walk and see the worst on't.
Exeunt all but Flav.
Enter Bertoldi.
Bert.
Oh for a Tenement under ground to hide me,
This wood will hardly do't, if I can lurk
Here but till night; I am furnish'd well with ducats;
Your melancholy mole is happy now,
He fears no Officers, but walks invisible;
Would I were chamber-fellow to a worm,
The Rooks have princely lives that dwell upon
The tops of Trees, the Owls and Bats are Gentlemen,
They fly and fear no warrants, every Hare
Out-runs the Constable, only poor man
By nature slow and full of flegm, must stay,
And stand the cursed Law, I do not think
Tis so much Penance to be hang'd indeed,
As to be thus in fear on't.
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Sir, look this way.
Bert.
Oh! if I had but the heart of a womans Tailor,
I might run away now.
Flav.
I am rob'd and bound.
Bert.
Umh, are you bound? there's the less danger in you.
Flav.
For charity release me.
Bert.
You are surely bound—whats that?
I hear another whispering o' that side;
Now I sweat all over, I but think
If I were naked, how Maids might gather dew
From every part about me—Tis the wind
Among the leaves. I do not like the Trees
Should lay their heads together o' this fashion.
You are my fast friend still.
Flav.
Signior Bertoldi.
Bert.
Does he name me?
You and the Tree shall grow together now,
I came not hither to be known; some Thief,
Or sturdy rogue; I have heard of these devices
In woods before; should I unbind him now,
Hee'd cut my throat, or rob me for my charity.
Flav.
I am the man for your sake undertook
To kill the Prince your rivall.
Bert.
Did you so? I'l trust you ne'r the sooner;
Well remembred, I'me glad y'are not at leisure;
You that will kill your Prince, will make but little
Conscience to quarter me.
Flav.
But he is still alive.
Bert.
Is he so?
Why then I am the less beholding to you.
So, you shall cancell your own bonds your self.
Enter Hortensio, Florelia and Frier.
How now, more persecution?
Hort.
Here was a Duell quickly taken up,
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The Gentleman that challeng'd me to fight,
I thank your device Madam.
Flor.
Thank the blow you gave me sir,
I love a man dares strike.
Hort.
I'l please you better with my after striking.
Bert.
My Mother and Hortensio?
Enter Volterino and Officers.
Volt.
Signior Bertoldi well met, lay hands on him
And bind him fast, he has a dangerous spirit
Bert.
Who I? you may as well say I have skil in the
Black art, Volterino, Gentlemen, there's my Mother.
Volt.
Your Son is valiant Madam now I hope,
As you can wish, he has kil'd his man; but I
Studious to gain your favor have procur'd?
His pardon from the Duke.
Hort.
Is the Drawer dead?
Volt.
Dead as the Wine he sometimes drew.
Hort.
Farewell he; will you salute my Lady Signior
And give us joy? yon Frier married us.
Bert.
Let me go, I have my pardon.
Volt.
Not yet; now you shall be hang'd agen,
Did not you swear I should have your Mother
Bert.
You shall have her yet.
Flor.
If it be so,
He shall be worth your suit, and compound fairly.
Volt.
No, I have thought of my revenge; because
I cannot have your Mother, d'ee observe,
If you expect the benefit of this pardon,
You shall marry mine.
Bert.
I'l marry any living soul,
Volt.
Shee's something old, till the last night I see her not
These forty years, since when shee's grown so ugly,
I dare not own her, and some think the reason
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Bert.
Alas good Gentlewoman.
Volt.
I mean she is a Witch her self,
And has two Cats they say,
Suck her by turnes, which some call her Familiars;
She has not had a tooth this thirty years;
And you must kiss her with a spung i'your mouth,
She is so full of flegm, else sheel go near
To strangle you, and yet they say she has
A most devouring appetite to mans flesh,
You may have a devill of your own to attend you,
And when y'are melancholy,
Sheel make you Ghosts and Goblins dance before you
Bring Bears and Bandogs with an o'r grown Ape
Playing upon the Gittern.
Hort.
Where is this creature? shall he not see her first?
Volt.
I left her in a Sive was bound for Scotland,
This morn to see some kindred, whence she was
Determin'd to take Eg-shell to Skeedam.
Enter Pandolpho disguis'd.
From thence when she has din'd she promis'd me
To ride post hither on a Distaff.
Bert.
How?
Volt.
Oh here she is, what think you of a Husband
Mother? can you love this Gentleman, hee's one
Will be a great comfort to you.
Pandol.
I like the stripling well,
He will serve to watch my pits, and see that none
Of my spirits boile over.
Bert.
Is this your Mother
Come I'l be hang'd, tis the more hansome destiny
Unless you will take composition—
Pandol.
Let me talk with the Gentleman.
Hort.
I am at leisure now to wait on you sir.
Unbind, and lead him to the Duke.
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Flaviano? you are the Gentleman his Higness
Gave strict command should be persu'd, I shall
Be proud to wait upon you to the Court.
Fla.
I wo'not lose my passion on such bloodhounds.
Bert.
We are agreed, hey, here's my pardon.
Pand.
Yes, I am satisfied, and can thank you Signior
In severall shapes—
Hort.
The Drawer.
Pand.
I did want a sum like this to set me up: I was
Provided gainst your Sword, a pretty night-cap,
And almost Pistoll proof, I shall be rich,
I thank your bounty, and so rid the Witch.
Exit.
Flor.
Here's none of the Dukes hand.
Volt.
It needs not Madam.
I know not yet by what device you came together thus.
Hort.
I'l tell you as we walk.
Bert.
Pay for a pardon and not kill my man?
The Duke shall hear o' this.
Exeunt.
Enter Leonato.
Leon.
No news of Flaviano yet? some furies
Have sure transported him.
Enter Petronio.
Petro.
A Gentleman with Letters sir from Mantua.
Enter Duke of Mantua.
Leon.
Ha! admit him—leave us, the Duke himself?
Du.
That comes to offer
A pledge for young Honorio, not in thought
Guilty of that unprincely entertainment
You had at Mantua, if my Son, as fame
Is busie in Ferrara, be expos'd
To your displeasure, change my fate with his,
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The practice of a Traitor Flaviano,
Who us'd my power to advance his own ambition
To your dishonour, and instead of my
Fioretta, whether now alive or dead
I know not, cheat your faith with Juliana,
To quit the noble safety your Sword brought us,
My life is troublesome in the loss of fame,
And Fioretta.
Leon.
Where is Flaviano?
Duke.
Fled like a guilty villain from my Justice,
May hortor overtake him; let my Son
Live by some noble deeds to expiate
His Fathers forfeit, and disgrace; I come
Without a guard, and were it not a crime
To my eternity, cou'd sacrifice
My self without expecting your revenge,
Or nature to conclude my age.
Enter Donabella, Fioretta, Juliana.
Dona.
Let me have Justice.
Fior.
Give me Justice Prince.
Jul.
Let me have Justice too.
Leo.
Against whom Sister?
Dona.
Against this Lady.
She hath conspir'd to take away my life.
Fior.
My enemy is Duke Leonato sir,
Who hath conspir'd to take away himself,
A Treasure equall with my life.
Jul.
My Enemy is Iuliana sir, that hath conspir'd
To rob her self, both of her life and honor.
Du. Mant.
Tis she, my aged eyes take leave of seeing,
Expect no object after this so welcome.
My Daughter Fioretta.
Fior.
Deerest Father.
Dona.
How, Fioretta? she is then but Sister
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My feet have wings at this glad news.
Exit.
Leon.
Were you the Suffering Lady Fioretta?
How could you live so long within the Court,
And no good Angell all this while acquaint me?
Fior.
This joy is too too mighty, and I sha'not
Repent my exile to be thus rewarded.
Leon.
Confirm my happiness again, no treason
Shall now divide us.
Duke.
Your hearts grow together.
Leon.
I have receiv'd by Claudio the particular
Of Flavianos treason, he has guilt
Above your knowledge sir, Juliana findes it,
And is confest his strumpet.
Duke.
You amaze me.
Fior.
I bless now my suspition, when I was
Convaid from Mantua, which directed me
To leave Placentia secretly, and invite
Myself a stranger to this Court, where now
I meet as much joy as my soul can fancie.
Ju.
You have not all this while pronounc'd my doom,
I fear you hold intelligence with my soul,
And know what pains I feel while I am living,
You will not be so mercifull to kill me.
Enter Claudio, Volterino, Hortensio, Florelia, Bertoldi, Flaviano.
Claud.
Flaviano!
Hort.
I present you with a Gentleman,
I took rifling a Hermit in the Wood,
As it appears in hope to scape persute,
Hid in a Friers habit, who dispatch'd
After a matrimoniall betwixt
This Lady and myself.
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That old Gentleman should be Duke of Mantua
What think you sir?
Claud.
And that his Daughter Fioretta.
Bert.
She is my Mistris.
Claud.
She is like to prove the Duchess of Ferrara.
Bert.
His Grace will not use me so,
I will have Justice, Justice Gentle Duke.
Flor.
Are you mad.
Bert.
I'l be reveng'd o' somebody.
Enter Honorio, Donabella
Leon.
Honorio your son, to meet your blessing.
Don.
This was the life I feard to lose by her,
Whom I suppos'd my rivall, pardon Madam.
Duke.
Thus circled, I must faint beneath my happiness
Leon.
Forgive my passion, and receive a Brother.
Honor.
That name doth honor us, where is Flaviano?
Flav.
Whose witty brain must sentence me? let it
Be home and hansom, I shall else despise
And scorn your coarse inventions.
Fior.
Let me obtain, since providence hath wrought
This happy change, you would not stain our joyes
With any blood, let not their sins exceed our charity.
Leo.
Let him for ever then be banish'd both
Our Duke-doms.
Ho.
What shall become of Juliana?
Duke.
She (if your grace more fit to judge, consent)
Shall to a house of converts and strict penance,
Where Flaviano, as the price of her
Lest honor, shall pay her dowry to Religion;
What doth remain of his estate, shall be
Emploid toward the redeeming Christian Captives.
Jul.
I chearfully obey, and call it mercy.
Leon.
Tis a most pious Justice.
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Justice, thats my kue, Justice, Justice to Bertoldi
Against Signior Volterino, I am cheated.
Flor.
Will you be a fool upon record?
Leon.
You shall have Justice.
Volterino, we appoint you, till he learn
More wit, to be his Guardian, and at your
Discretion govern his estate, so leave us.
Volt.
I shall with my best study manage both.
Bert.
I am as good as begg'd for a fool.
Leon.
And thus we chain our hearts and provinces.
Madam I wish you joyes, to Fioretta
I give my self, my Sister to Honorio.
Treason is sick in her short reign, but when
Heaven sees his time, Truth takes her Throne agen.
Exeunt omnes.
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