 | The Cardinall |  |
ACT IV.
Enter two Lords, Hernando.1 Lord.
This is the age of wonders.
2 Lo.
Wonderous mischiefs.
Her.
Among those guards which some call Tutelar Angels,
Whose office is to govern Provinces,
Is there not one will undertake Navarre?
Hath heaven forsook us quite?
1
Columbo at large?
2
And grac'd now more than ever.
1
He was not pardon'd,
That word was prejudiciall to his fame.
37
But as the murder done had been a dream
Vanish'd to memory, he's courted as
Preserver of his Country; with what chains
Of Magick does this Cardinal hold the King?
2
What will you say my Lord if they inchant
The Dutchess now; and by some impudent art,
Advance a Mariage to Columbo yet?
Her.
Say? I'l say no woman can be sav'd, nor is't
Fit, indeed, any should pretend to Heaven
After one such impiety in their sex,
And yet my faith has been so stager'd, since
The King restor'd Columbo, I'l be now
Of no Religion.
1
'Tis not possible
She can forgive the murder, I observ'd
Her tears.
Her.
Why so did I, my Lord,
And if they be not honest, 'tis to be
Half damn'd to look upon a woman weeping.
When do you think the Cardinal said his prayers?
2
I know not.
Her.
Heaven forgive my want of charity
But if I were to kill him, he should have
No time to pray, his life could be no sacrifice,
Unless his soul went too.
1
That were too much.
Her.
When you mean to dispatch him, you may give
Time for Confession, they have injur'd me
After another rate.
2
You are too passionate Cozen.
Enter Columbo, Colonels, Alfonso, Courtiers, (they pass over the Stage.)
Her.
How the gay men do flutter to congratulate
His Goal delivery? ther's one honest man,
What pity 'tis a gallant fellow should
38
1
Except this cruelty upon Alvarez,
Columbo has no mighty stain upon him;
But for his Uncle—
Her.
If I had a Son
Of twelve years old, that would not fight with him,
And stake his soul against his Cardinals Cap,
I would dis-inherit him; Time has took a lease
But for three lives I hope, a fourth may see
Honesty walk without a crutch.
2
This is
But Air and Wildness.
Her.
I'l see the Dutchess,
You may do well to comfort her,
1
We must attend the King.
Her.
your pleasures.
Exit Her.
Enter King and Cardinal.
1
A Man of a brave soul.
2
The less his safety;
The King and Cardinal in consult.
K.
Commend us to the Dutchess, and imploy
What language you think fit, and powerfull
To reconcile her to some peace. My Lords.
Car.
Sir, I possess all for your sacred uses.
Exeunt Severally.
Enter Secretary and Celinda.
Sec.
Madam, you are the welcom'st Lady living.
Cel.
To whom, Mr. Secretary?
Sec.
If you have mercy
To pardon so much boldness, I durst say,
To me—I am a Gentleman.
Cel.
And handsome.
Sec.
But my Lady has much wanted you.
Cel.
Why Mr. Secretary?
39
You are the prettiest,
Cel.
So.
Sec.
The witiest,
Cel.
So.
Sec.
The merriest Lady i'th' Court.
Cel.
And I was wish'd to make the Dutchess pleasant.
Sec.
She never had so deep a cause of sorrow,
Her Chamber's but a Coffin of a larger
Volume, wherein she walks so like a Ghost,
T'would make you pale to see her.
Cel.
Tell her Grace I attend here.
Sec.
I shall most willingly.
A spirited Lady, would I had her in my closet,
She is excellent company among the Lords,
Sure she has an admirable treble—Madam.
Exit.
Cel.
I do suspect this fellow would be nibling
Like some whose narrow fortunes will not rise
To wear things when the inventions rare, and new,
But treading on the heel of pride, they hunt
The fashion when tis crippled, like fell tyrants;
I hope I am not old yet, I had the honour
To be saluted by our Cardinals Nephew
This Morning, ther's a man!
Enter Secretary.
Sec.
I have prevail'd,
Sweet Madam use what Eloquence you can
Upon her, and if ever I be usefull
To your Ladiships service, your least breath commands me.
Enter Dutchess.
Dut.
Madam, I come to ask you but one question,
If you were in my State, my state of grief,
I mean an exile from all happiness,
Of this world, and almost of heaven, for my
Affliction is finding out despair,
40
Cel.
Madam?
Dut.
Whose Bloody hand wrought all this misery?
Would you not weep as I do? and wish rather
An everlasting spring of tears to drown
Your sight, than let your eys be curst to see
The murderer agen? and glorious?
So careless of his sin, that he is made
Fit for new Parricide, even while his soul
Is purpled o'r, and reeks with innocent blood.
But do not, do not answer me, I know
You have so great a spirit, (which I want,
The horrour of his fact surprising all
My faculties) you would not let him live:
But I, poor I, must suffer more, ther's not
One little star in Heaven will look on me,
Unless to choose me out the mark, on whom
It may shoot down some angry influence.
Enter Placentia.
Pla.
Madam, her's Don Columbo says he must
Speak with your Grace.
Dut.
But he must not, I charge you.
None else wait? Is this well done,
To triumph in his Tyranny? speak Madam,
Speak but your conscience.
Enter Columbo, and Secretary.
Sec.
Sir, you must not see her.
Col.
Not see her? were she cabled up above
The search of Bullet, or of Fire, were she
Within her Grave, and that the toughest Mine
That ever nature teem'd and groand withall,
I would force some way to see her; do not fear
I come to Court you Madam, y'are not worth
The humblest of my kinder thoughts, I come
41
And tell you what remains of my revenge.
Live, but never presume again to marry,
I'l kill the next at th'Altar, and quench all
The smiling tapers with his blood; if after
You dare provoke the Priest, and heaven so much,
To take another, in thy bed I'l cut him from
Thy warm embrace, and throw his heart to Ravens.
Cel.
This will appear an unexampled cruelty.
Col.
Your pardon Madam, rage, and my revenge
Not perfect, took away my eys, you are
A noble Lady, this, not worth your ey-beam,
One of so slight a making, and so thin,
An Autumn leaf is of too great a value
To play, which shall be soonest lost i'th' Air;
Be pleas'd to own me by some name, in your
Assurance, I despise to be receiv'd
There, let her witness that I call
You Mistress; honour me to make these Pearls
Your carkanet.
Cel.
My Lord, you are too humble in your thoughts.
Col.
Ther's no vexation too great to punish her.
Exit.
Enter Secretary.
Sec.
Now Nadam?
Cel.
Away you saucy fellow; Madam, I
Must be excus'd, if I do think more honourably
Than you have cause of this great Lord.
Dut.
Why is not
All woman kind concern'd to hate what's impious?
Cel.
For my part—
Dut.
Antonio, is this a woman?
Sec.
I know not whether she be man or woman,
I should be nimble to find out the Experiment,
She look'd with less state, when Columbo came.
42
Let me entreat your absence, I am cozen'd in her,
I took you for a modest, honest Lady.
Cel.
Madam, I scorn any accuser, and
Deducting the great title of a Dutchess,
I shall not need one grain of your dear honour
To make me full weight, if your Grace be jealous
I can remove.
Exit.
Sec.
She is gone.
Dut.
Prethee remove
My fears of her return,—she is not worth
Ex. Sec.
Considering, my anger's mounted higher;
He need not put in caution for my next
Mariage, Alvarez, I must come to thee,
Thy Virgin, Wife, and Widdow, but not till
I ha' paid those Tragick duties to thy Herse,
Become my piety and love, but how?
Who shall instruct a way?
Enter Placentia.
Pla.
Madam, Don
Hernando much desires to speak with you.
Dut.
Will not thy own discretion think I am
Unfit for visit.
Pla.
Please your Grace he brings
Something he says imports your ear, and love
Of the dead Lord Alvarez.
Dut.
Then admit him.
Enter Hernando:
Her.
I would speak, Madam, to your self.
Dut.
Your absence.
Her.
I know not how you Grace wil censure so
Much boldness, when you know the affairs I come for.
Dut.
My Servant has prepar'd me to receive it,
If it concern my dead Lord.
Her.
Can you name
43
Without one word of your revenge? O Madam,
I come to chide you, and repent my great
Opinion of your virtue, that can walk,
And spend so many hours in naked Solitude,
As if you thought that no arrears were due
To his death, when you had paid his Funerall charges,
Made your eys red, and wept a handkercher;
I come to tell you that I saw him bleed,
I, that can challenge nothing in his name,
And honour, saw his murder'd body warm,
And panting with the labour of his spirits,
Till my amaz'd Soul shrunk and hid it self,
While barbarous Columbo grinning stood,
And mock'd the weeping wounds; it is too much
That you should keep your heart alive, so long
After this spectacle, and not revenge it.
Dut.
You do not know the business of my heart,
That censure me so rashly; yet I thank you,
And if you be Alvarez friend, dare tell
Your confidence, that I despise my life,
But know not how to use it in a service,
To speak me his revenger, this will need
No other proof, than that to you, who may
Be sent with cunning to betray me, I
Have made this bold confession, I so much
Desire to sacrifice to that hovering Ghost,
Columbo's life, that I am not ambitious
To keep my own two minutes after it.
Her.
If you will call me coward, which is equall
To think I am a Traytor, I forgive it,
For this brave resolution, which time
And all the Destinies must aid, I beg
That I may kiss your hand for this, and may
The soul of angry honour guide it.
Dut.
Whither?
44
To Don Columbo's heart.
Dut.
It is too weak I fear alone.
Her.
Alone? are you in earnest? why? will it not
Be a dishonour to your Justice, Madam,
Another arm should interpose? but that
It were a sawcy act to mingle with you,
I durst, nay I am bound in the revenge
Of him that's dead, (since the whole world has interest,
In every goodmans loss) to offer it;
Dare you command me, Madam?
Dut.
Not command,
But I should more than honour such a truth
In man, that durst against so mighty odds,
Appear Alvarez friend and mine; the Cardinal—
Her.
Is for the second course, Columbo must
Be first cut up, his Ghost must lead the dance.
Let him dy first.
Dut.
But how?
Her.
How? with a Sword, and if I undertake it,
I wo'not lose so much of my own honour,
To kill him basely.
Dut.
How shall I reward
This infinite service? 'tis not Modesty,
While now my husband groanes beneath his tomb,
And calls me to his marble bed, to promise
What this great act might well deserve, my self
If you survive the Victor, but if thus
Alvarez ashes be appeas'd it must
Deserve an honourable memory;
And though Columbo (as he had all power,
And grasp'd the fates) has vow'd to kill the man
That shall succeed Alvarez—
Her.
Tyranny.
Dut.
Yet if ever,
I entertain a thought of love hereafter,
Hernando from the world shall challenge it,
45
Her.
This is too mighty recompence.
Dut.
'Tis all just.
Her.
If I outlive Columbo I must not
Expect security at home.
Dut.
Thou canst
Not fly, where all my fortunes, and my love,
Shall not attend to guard thee.
Her.
If I dye—
Dut.
Thy memory
Shall have a shrine, the next within my heart
To my Alvarez.
Her.
Once again your hand,
Your cause is so religious you need
Not strengthen it with your prayers, trust it to me.
Enter Placentia, and Cardinal.
Pla.
Madam, the Cardinal.
Dut.
Will you appear?
Her.
And he had all the horror of the Devil
In's face, I would not balk him.
[He stares upon the Cardinal in his Exit.
Car.
What makes Hernando here? I do not like
They should consult, I'l take no note; the King
Fairly salutes your Grace, by whose command
I am to tell you, though his will and actions
Illimited, stoop not to satisfie
The Vulgar inquisition, he is
Yet willing to retain a just opinion,
With those that are plac'd neer him, and although
You look with Natures ey upon your self,
Which needs no perspective to reach, nor art
Of any optick to make greater, what
Your narrow sense applies an injury,
(Our selves still nearest to our selves) but ther's
46
In search of reason, and the weight of things,
With which if you look on him, you will find
His pardon to Columbo cannot be
So much against his justice, as your erring
Faith would perswade your anger.
Dut.
Good my Lord,
Your phrase has too much landschape and I cannot
Distinguish at this distance you present
The figure perfect, but indeed my eys
May pray your Lordship find excuse, for tears
Have almost made them blind.
Car.
Fair, peace restore 'em!
To bring the object nearer, the King says,
He could not be severe to Don Columbo
Without injustice to his other merits,
Which call more loud for their reward and honour,
Than you for your revenge; the Kingdom made
Happy by those; you only by the last
Uunfortunate, nor was it rationall,
I speak the Kings own Language, he should dy
For taking one mans breath, without whose valour
None now had been alive, without dishonour.
Dut.
In my poor understanding, 'tis the Crown
Of virtue to proceed in its own tract,
Not deviate from honour, if you acquit
A man of murder, 'cause he has done brave
Things in the War, you will bring down his valour
To a crime, nay to a baud, if it secure
A rape, and but teach those that deserve well
To sin with greater licence; but dispute
Is now too late, my Lord, 'tis done, and you,
By the good King, in tender of my sorrows,
Sent to perswade me, 'tis unreasonable
That Justice should repair me.
Car.
You mistake,
47
Live, the King had given him up to Law
Your bleeding Sacrifice; but when his life
Was but another treasure thrown away,
To obey a clamorous Statute, it was wisdom
To himself and common safety to take off
This killing edge of Law, and keep Columbo
To recompence the crime by noble acts,
And sorrow, that in time might draw your pity.
Dut.
This is a greater tyranny, than that
Columbo exercis'd, he kill'd my Lord,
And you not have the charity to let
Me think it worth a punishment,
Car.
To that
In my own name, I answer; I condemn
And urge the blody guilt against my Nephew,
'Twas violent, and cruell, a black deed,
A deed whose memory doth make me shudder,
An act that did betray a tyranous nature,
Which he took up in War, the school of vengeance;
And though the Kings compassion spare him here,
Unless his heart Weep it self out in penitent tears.
Dut.
This sounds
As you were now a good man.
Car.
Does your Grace
Think I have conscience to allow the murder?
Although when it was done, I did obey
The stream of nature, as he was my Kinsman,
To plead he might not pay his forfeit life,
Could I do less for one so near my bloud?
Consider Madam, and be charitable,
Let not this wild injustice, make me lose
The character I bear, and reverend habit.
To make you full acquainted with my innocence,
I challenge here my soul, and heaven to witness
48
My nephews plot, or person, when he came
Under the smooth pretence of friend to violate
Your hospitable laws, and do that act
Whose frequent mention drawes this tear, a whirlwind
Snatch me to endless flames.
Dut.
I must believe,
And ask your Graces pardon, I confess
I ha' not lov'd you since Alvarez death,
Though we were reconcil'd.
Car.
I do not blame
Your Jealousie, nor any zeal you had
To prosecute revenge against me, Madam,
As I then stood suspected, nor can yet
Implore your mercy to Columbo, all
I have to say is to retain my first
Opinion and credit with your Grace,
Which you may think I urge not out of fear
Or ends upon you, (since, I thank the King,
I stand firm on the base of royall favour)
But for your own sake, and to shew I have
Compassion of your sufferings.
Dut.
You have cleer'd
A doubt my Lord, and by this fair remonstrance,
Given my sorrow so much truce, to think
That we may meet agen, and yet be friends.
But be not angry, if I still remember
By whom Alvarez dyed, and weep, and wake
Another Iustice with my prayers,
Car.
All thoughts
That may advance a better peace, dwell with you.
Exit.
Dut.
How would this cozening Statesman bribe my Faith
With flatteries to think him innocent?
No, if his Nephew dy, this Cardinal must not
Be long-liv'd; all the prayers of a wrong'd Widow
49
Shall have some glory in the next revenge;
I will pretend my brain with grief distracted,
It may gain easy credit, and beside
The taking off examination
For great Columbo's death, it makes what act
I do in that believ'd want of my reason,
Appear no crime, but my defence; look down
Soul of my Lord, from thy eternall shade,
And unto all thy blest companions boast,
Thy Dutchess busie to revenge thy Ghost.
Exit.
Enter Columbo, Hernando, Alfonso, Colonel.
Col.
Hernando, now I love thee, and do half
Repent the affront my passion threw upon thee.
Her.
You wo'not be too prodigall o' your penitence.
Colu.
This makes good thy Nobility of birth,
Thou mayst be worth my anger and my sword,
If thou dost execute as daringly,
As thou provok'st a quarrell, I did think
Thy soul a starveling, or a sleep.
Her.
You'l find it
Active enough to keep your spirit waking,
Which to exasperate, for yet I think
It is not high enough to meet my rage—
D'ee smile?
Col.
This noise is worth it, Gentlemen;
I'm sorry this great Soldier has engag'd
Your travel, all his business is to talk.
Her.
A little of your Lordships patience,
You shall have other sport, and swords that will
Be as nimble 'bout your heart, as you can wish,
'Tis pity more than our two single lives
Should be at stake.
Colon.
Make that no scruple Sir.
Her.
To him then that survives if fate allow
50
The World, I came not hither on slight anger,
But to revenge my honour stain'd, and trampled on
By this proud man, when General, he commanded
My absence from the field.
Colu.
I do remember,
And I'l give your Soul now a discharge.
Her.
I come to meet it, if your courage be so fortunate.
But there is more than my own injury
You must account for Sir, if my sword prosper,
Whose point and every edge is made more keen
With young Alvarez blood, in which I had
A Noble interest; does not that sin benum
Thy Arteries, and turn the guilty flowings,
To trembling gelly in thy veins? canst hear
Me name that murder, and thy spirits not
Struck into air, as thou wert shot by some
Engin from heaven?
Col.
You are the Dutchess Champion;
Thou hast given me a quarrell now; I grieve
It is determin'd all must fight, and I
Shall lose much honour in his fall.
Her.
That Dutchess
(Whom but to mention with thy breath, is sacrilege)
An Orphan of thy making, and condemn'd
By thee to eternall solitude, I come
To vindicate, and while I am killing thee,
By virtue of her prayers sent up for justice,
At the same time, in heaven I am pardon'd for't.
Col.
I cannot hear the Bravo.
Her.
Two words more
And take your chance, before you all I must
Pronounce that noble Lady, without knowledge,
Or thought of what I undertake for her.
Poor soul, Shees now at her Devotions,
Busie with heaven, and wearing out the earth
51
With treasures of her eys, to tell her Lord
How much she longs to see him; my attempt
Needs no commission from her, were I
A stranger in Navarre, the inborn right
Of every Gentleman to Alvarez loss,
Is reason to engage their swords, and lives,
Against the common enemy of virtue.
Colu.
Now have you finish'd? I have an instrument
Shall cure this noise, and fly up to thy tongue,
To murder all thy words.
Her.
One little knot
Of phlegm that clogs my stomach, and I ha' done;
You have an Uncle call'd a Cardinal
Would he were lurking now about thy heart,
That the same wounds might reach you both, and send
Your reeling souls together. Now have at you.
Alph.
We must not Sir be idle.
[They fight, Columbo's Second slain.
Her.
What think you now of praying?
Colu.
Time enough;
[He kills Hernando's Second.
Commend me to my friend; the scales are even,
I would be mercifull, and give you time,
Now to consider of the other World,
You'l find your soul benighted presently.
Her.
I'l find my way i'th' dark.
[They fight, and close, Columbo gets both the swords, and Hernando takes up the seconds weapon.
Colu.
A stumble's dangerous.
Now ask thy life—Ha?
Her.
I despise to wear it,
A gift from any but the first bestower.
Col.
I scorn a base advantage—ha.
[Columbo throwes away one of the swords. They fight, Hernando wounds Columbo.
Her.
I am now
Out of your debt.
Col.
Th'ast don't, and I forgive thee.
Give me thy hand, when shall we meet again?
52
Never, I hope.
Col.
I feel life ebb apace, yet I'l look upwards,
And shew my face to heaven.
Her.
The matters done.
I must not stay to bury him.
Exit.
| The Cardinall | |