 | The Cardinall |  |
ACT V.
Enter two Lords.1 Lord.
Columbo 's death doth much aflict the King.
2 Lo.
I thought the Cardinal would have lost his wits
At first, for's nephew, it drownes all the talk
Of the other that were slain.
1
We are friends.
I do suspect Hernando had some interest
And knew how their wounds came.
2
His flight confirms it,
For whom the Cardinal has spread his nets.
1
He is not so weak to trust himself at home
To his Enemies gripe.
2
All strikes not me so much,
As that the Dutchess, most oppressed Lady,
Should be distracted, and before Columbo
Was slain.
1
But that the Cardinal should be made
Her Guardian, is to me above that wonder.
2
So it pleas'd the King, and she, with that small stock
Of reason left her, is so kind, and smooth
Upon him.
1
She's turn'd a child agen; a madness,
That would ha' made her brain and blood boil high
53
2
Had been to purpose.
1
The Cardinal is cunning, and how e'r
His brow does smile, he does suspect Hernando
Took fire from her, and waits a time to punish it.
2
But what a subject of disgrace, and mirth,
Hath poor Celinda made herself by pride,
In her belief Columbo was her servant.
Her head hath stoop'd much since he died, and she
Almost ridiculous at Court.
Enter Cardinal, Antonelli, Servant.
1.
The Cardinal
Is come into the Garden, now—
Car.
Walk off,
It troubles me the Dutchess by her loss
Of brain is now beneath my great revenge,
She is not capable to feel my anger,
Which like to unregarded thunder spent
In woods, and lightning aim'd at senseless trees,
Must idly fall, and hurt her not, not to
That sense her guilt deserves a fatall stroke,
Without the knowledg for what crime to fright her,
When she takes leave, and make her tug with death,
Untill her soul sweat, is a Pidgeons torment,
And she is sent a babe to the other World,
Columbo's death will not be satisfied,
And I but wound her with a two edg'd feather;
I must do more, I have all opportunity,
(She by the King now made my charge) but she's
So much a turtle I shall lose by killing her,
Perhaps do her a pleasure, and preferment;
That must not be.
Enter Celinda with a Parchment.
Anto.
Is not this she, that would be thought to have been
54
And would not be disturb'd, you may displease him.
Cel.
What will your worship wager that he shall
Be pleas'd again before we part.
Ant.
I'l lay this Diamond Madam, 'gainst a kiss,
And trust your self to keep the stakes.
Cel.
'Tis done.
Ant.
I have long had an appetite to this Lady,
But the Lords keep her up so high—this toy
May bring her on.
Car.
This interruption tasts not of good manners.
Cel.
But where necessity my Lord compells,
The boldness may meet pardon, and when you
Have found my purpose, I may less appear
Unmannerly.
Car.
To th'business.
Cel.
It did please
Your Nephew, Sir, before his death to credit me
With so much honorable favour, I
Am come to tender to his neer'st of blood,
Your self, what does remain a debt to him.
Not to delay your Grace with circumstance,
That deed, if you accept, makes you my heir
Of no contemptible estate—this way
[He reads.
Is only left to ty up scurrile tongues,
And saucy men, that since Columbo's death
Venture to Libell on my pride, and folly;
His greatness, and this gift which I enjoy,
Still for my life, beyond which term; a Kingdom's,
Nothing, will curb the giddy spleens of men
That live on impudent rime, and railing at
Each wandering fame they catch.
Car.
Madam, this bounty
Will bind my gratitude and care to serve you.
Cel.
I am your Graces Servant.
Car.
Antonelli,
[Whisper.
55
Let her not wait.
Cel.
What think you my Officious, Sir; his grace
Is pleas'd, you may conjecture? I may keep
Your Gem, the kiss was never yours.
Ant.
Sweet Madam—
Cel.
Talk if you dare, you know I must not wait,
And so farewell for this time.
Car.
'Tis in my brain already, and it formes
Apace, good, excellent revenge, and pleasant!
She's now within my talons, 'tis too cheap
A satisfaction for Columbo's death,
Only to kill her by soft charm or force,
I'l rifle first her darling chastity,
'Twill be after time enough to poyson her,
And she to th'world be thought her own destroyer.
As I will frame the circumstance, this night
All may be finished; for the Colonel,
Her agent in my Nephewes death (whom I
Disturb'd at Counsell with her) I may reach him
Hereafter, and be Master of his fate.
We starve our Conscience when we thrive in State.
Exeunt.
Enter Secretary, and Placentia.
Sec.
Placentia, We two are only left
Of my Ladies Servants, let us be true
To her, and one another, and be sure
When we are at prayers, to curse the Cardinal.
Pla.
I pity my sweet Lady.
Sec.
I pity her too, but am a little angry;
She might have found another time to lose
Her wits.
Pla.
That I were a man?
Sec.
What would'st thou do Placentia?
Pla.
I would revenge my Lady.
56
'Tis better being a woman, thou mayst do
Things that may prosper better, and the fruit
Be thy own another day.
Pla.
Your wit still loves
To play the wanton.
Sec.
'Tis a sad time Placentia,
Some pleasure would do well, the truth is, I
Am weary of my life, and I would have
One fit of mirth before I leave the world.
Pla.
Do not you blush to talk thus wildly?
Sec.
'Tis good manners
To be a little mad after my Lady;
But I ha' done; who is with her now?
Pla.
Madam Valeria.
Sec.
Not Celinda? Ther's a Lady for my humour,
A pretty book of flesh and blood, and well
Bound up, in a fair letter too; would I
Had her with all the Errata.
Pla.
She has not
An honorable Fame.
Sec.
Her Fame? that's nothing.
A littie stain, her wealth will fetch again
The colour, and bring honour into her cheeks
As fresh; if she were mine, and I had her
Exchequer. I know the way to make her honest,
Honest to th'touch, the test, and the last tryall.
Pla.
How Prethee?
Sec.
Why, first I would marry her, that's a verb Materiall;
Then I would Print her with an Index
Expurgatorius, a table drawn
Of her Court Heresies, and when she's read
Cum Privilegio, who dares call her Whore?
Pla.
I'l leave you, if you talk thus.
Sec.
I ha' done,
Placentia, thou may'st be better company
After another progress; and now tell me,
57
As my Lady is possest with? she has rav'd
But twice; and she would fright the Cardinall,
Or at a supper if she did but poyson him,
It were a phrensy I could bear withall;
She calls him her dear Governour—
Enter Hernando disguised having a Letter.
Pla.
Who is this?
Her.
Her Secretary? Sir,
Here is a Letter if it may have so
Much happiness to kiss her Graces hand.
Sec.
From whom?
Her.
That's not in your Commission Sir
To ask, or mine to satisfie, she will want
No understanding when she reads.
Sec.
Alas,
Under your favour Sir, you are mistaken,
Her Grace did never more want understanding.
Her.
How?
Sec.
Have you not heard, her scull is broken Sir
And many pieces taken out, she's mad.
Her.
The sad fame of her distraction
Has two much truth it seems.
Pla.
If please you Sir
To expect a while, I will present the Letter.
Her.
Pray do
Exit Placen.
How long has she been thus Distemper'd Sir?
Sec.
Before the Cardinal came to govern here,
Who for that reason by the King was made
Her Guardian, we are now at his devotion.
Her.
A Lamb given up to a Tyger! may diseases
Soon eat him through his heart!
Sec.
Your pardon Sir,
I love that voice, I know it too, a little,
Are not you? be not angry noble Sir,
58
And think you are another man, but if
You be that valiant Gentleman they call—
Her.
Whom? What?
Sec.
That kill'd, I would not name him if I thought
You were not pleas'd to be that very Gentleman.
Her.
Am I betraid?
Sec.
The Devil sha'not
Betray you here, kill me, and I will take
My death you are the Noble Colonel;
We are all bound to you for the Generals death,
Valiant Hernando? when my Lady knows
You are here, I hope 'twil fetch her wits agen,
But do not talk too loud, we are not all
Honest i'th' house, some are the Cardinals creatures.
Her.
Thou wert faithfull to thy Lady, I am glad
'Tis night, but tell me how the Churchman uses
The Dutchess?
Enter Antonelli.
Sec.
He carries Angels in his tongue, and face, but I
Suspect his heart, this is one of his spawns.
Signior Antonelli.
Ant.
Honest Antonio.
Sec.
And how, and how—a friend of mine, where is
The Cardinals Grace?
Her.
That will be never answered.
Ant.
He means to sup here with the Dutchess.
Sec.
Will he?
Ant.
We'l have the charming bottles at my chamber,
Bring that Gentleman, we'l be mighty merry.
Her.
I may disturb your jollity.
Ant.
Farewell sweet—
Sec.
Dear Antonelli—a round Pox confound you.
This is Court Retorick at the back stairs.
59
Pla.
Do you know this Gentleman?
Sec.
Not I.
Pla.
My Lady presently dismist Valeria,
And bad me bring him to her bed-chamber.
Sec.
The Gentleman has an honest face.
Pla.
Her words fell from her with some evenness & joy.
Her Grace desires your presence.
Her.
I'l attend her.
Exit.
Sec.
I would this Soldier had the Cardinal
Upon a promontory, with what a spring
The Churchman would leap down, it were a spectacle
Most rare to see him topple from the precipice,
And souse in the salt water with a noise
To stun the fishes; and if he fell into
A net, what wonder would the simple Sea-guls
Have, to draw up the o'rgrown Lobster,
So ready boild? he shall have my good wishes,
This Colonels coming may be lucky, I
Will be sure none shall interrupt 'em.
Enter Celinda.
Cel.
Is her Grace at opportunity?
Sec.
No sweet Madam,
She is a sleep, her Gentlewoman says.
Cel.
My business is but visit; I'l expect.
Sec.
That must not be, although I like your company.
Cel.
You are grown rich Mr. Secretary.
Sec.
I Madam, Alas!
Cel.
I hear you are upon another purchase.
Sec.
I upon a purchase?
Cel.
If you want any sum—
Sec.
If I could purchase your sweet favour Madam?
Cel.
You shall command me, and my fortune Sir.
Sec.
How's this?
60
I have observ'd you Sir a staid,
And prudent Gentleman—and I shall want—
Sec.
Not me?
Cel.
A Father for some Infant; he has credit
[Aside.
I'th' world; I am not the first cast Lady
Has married a Secretary.
Sec.
Shall I wait upon you?
Cel.
Whither?
Sec.
Any whither.
Cel.
I may chance lead you then—
Sec.
I shall be honour'd to obey, my blood
Is up, and in this humour I'm for any thing.
Cel.
Well Sir, I'l try your Manhood.
Sec.
'Tis my happiness,
You cannot please me better.
Cel.
This was struck
I'th' opportunity.
Sec.
I am made for ever.
Enter Hernando, and Dutchess.
Her.
Dear Madam, do not weep.
Dut.
Y'are very welcome,
I ha done, I wo'not shed a tear more
Till I meet Alvarez, then I'l weep for joy;
He was a fine young Gentleman, and sung sweetly,
And you had heard him but the night before
We were married, you would ha' sworn he had been
A Swan, and sung his own sad Epitaph;
But we'l talk o'the Cardinal.
Her.
Would his death
Might ransom your fair sense, he should not live
To triumph in the loss, beshrow my manhood;
But I begin to melt.
Dut.
I pray Sir tell me,
For I can understand, although they say
I have lost my wits; but they are safe enough,
61
Who had a Letter from his Nephew too
Since he was slain.
Her.
From whence?
Dut.
I know not where he is? but in some Bower
Within a Garden he is making Chaplets,
And means to send me one, but I'l not take it,
I have flowers enough I thank him while I live.
Her.
But do you love your Governour?
Dut.
Yes, but I'l never marry him, I am promis'd
Already.
Her.
To whom Madam?
Dut.
Do not you
Blush when you ask me that, must not you be
My Husband? I know why, but that's a secret;
Indeed if you believe me, I do love
No man alive so well as you, the Cardinal
Shall never know't, hee'l kill us both, and yet
He says he loves me dearly, and has promis'd
To make me well again, but I'm afraid,
One time or other he will give me poyson.
Her.
Prevent him Madam, and take nothing from him.
Dut.
Why, do you think 'twil hurt me?
Her.
It will kill you.
Dut.
I shall but dye, and meet my dear lov'd Lord,
Whom when I have kist, I'l come again, and work
A bracelet of my hair for you to carry him,
When you are going to heaven, the poesy shall
Be my own name, in little tears, that I
Will weep next winter, which congeal'd i'th' frost
Will shew like seed-Pearl, you'l deliver it?
I know he'l love, and wear it for my sake.
Her.
She is quite lost.
Dut.
I pray give me Sir, your pardon,
I know I talk not wisely, but if you had
The burthen of my sorrow, you would miss
62
What will you do when the Cardinal comes?
He must not see you for the world.
Her.
He sha'not,
I'l take my leave before he come.
Dut.
Nay stay,
I shall have no friend left me when you go,
He will but sup, he sha'not stay to ly wi' me,
I have the picture of my Lord abed,
Three are to much this weather.
Enter Placentia.
Pla.
Madam, the Cardinal.
Her.
He shall sup with the Devil.
Dut.
I dare not stay,
The Red-cock will be angry, I'l come agen.
Exeunt.
Her.
This sorrow is no fable, now I find
My curiosity is sadly satisfied;
Ha? if the Dutchess in her stragled wits,
Let fall words to betray me to the Cardinal,
The Panther will not leap more fierce to meet
His prey, when a long want of food hath parch'd
His starved maw, than he to print his rage
And tear my heart-strings, every thing is fatall,
And yet she talk'd sometimes with chain of sense,
And said she lov'd me; ha, they come not yet;
I have a sword about me, and I left
My own security to visit death.
Yet I may pause a little, and consider
Which way does lead me to't most honorably;
Does not the Chamber that I walk in tremble?
What will become of her, and me, and all
The world in one small hour? I do not think
Ever to see the day agen, the wings
Of night spread o'r me like a sable Herse-cloath,
The Stars are all close mourners too; but I
Must not alone to the cold silent grave,
I must not; If thou canst Alvarez open
63
When the worlds justice fails shall right thy ashes,
And feed their thirst with blood, thy Dutchess is
Almost a Ghost already; and doth wear
Her body like a useless upper garment,
The trim and fashion of it lost. Ha?
Enter Placentia.
Pla.
You need not doubt me, Sir, My Lady prays
You would not think it long, she in my ear,
Commanded me to tell you, that when last
She drank, she had happy wishes to your health.
Her.
And did the Cardinal pledge it?
Pla.
He was not
Invited to't nor must he know you are here.
Her.
What do they talk of prethee?
Pla.
His Grace is very pleasant
[A Lute is heard.
And kind to her, but her returns are after
The sad condition of her sense, sometimes unjoynted.
Her.
They have Musick.
Pla.
A Lute only,
His Grace prepard, they say, the best of Italy
That waits upon my Lord.
Her.
He thinks the Dutchess
Is stung with a Tarantula.
Pla.
Your pardon.
My duty is expected.
Exit
Her.
Gentle Lady,—a voice too?
Song within.
S.
Come my Daphne, come away,
We do wast the Crystal day;
'Tis Strephon calls.
Da.
What says my love?
S.
Come follow to the Mirtle Grove,
Where Venus shall prepare
New Chaplets for thy hair.
D.
Were I shut up within a Tree,
I'd rend my bark to follow thee.
S.
My Shepherdess, make hast,
The minutes slide too fast:
64
In those cooler shades will I
Blind, as Cupid, kiss thine ey.
S.
In thy bosome then I'l stay,
In such warm Snow who would not lose his way.
Chor.
We'l laugh and leave the world behind,
And Gods themselves that see,
Shall envy thee, and me;
But never find
Such joys, when they embrace a Deity.
If at this distance I distinguish, 'tis not
Church musick, and the air's wanton, and no Anthem
Sung to't, but some strange Ode of love, and kisses,
What should this mean?—ha, he is coming hither,
I am betraid, he marches in her hand,
I'l trust a little more, mute as the Arras
My sword and I here.
[He observes
Enter Cardinal, Dutchess, Antonelli, and Attendants.
Car.
Wait you in the first Chamber, and let none
Presume to interrupt us.
Ex. Serv.
She is pleasant; now for some art to poyson all her innocence.
Dut.
I do not like the Cardinals humour, he
Little suspects what guest is in my Chamber.
Car.
Now Madam you are safe.
Dut.
How means your Lordship?
Car.
Safe in my Arms, sweet Dutchess.
Dut.
Do not hurt me
Car.
Not for the treasures of the world, you are
My pretty charge, had I as many lives
As I have carefull thoughts, to do you service,
I should think all a happy forfeit to
Delight your Grace one minute; 'tis a heaven
To see you smile.
Dut.
What kindness call you this?
Car.
It cannot want a name while you preserve
So plentifull a sweetness, it is love.
65
Of me? how shall I know't my Lord?
Car.
By this, and this, swift Messengers to whisper
Our hearts to one another.
[Kisses.
Dut.
Pray do you come a wooing?
Car.
Yes sweet Madam,
You cannot be so cruell to deny me.
Dut.
What my Lord?
Car.
Another kiss.
Dut.
Can you
Dispense with this my Lord? Alas I fear
[Aside.
Hernando is asleep, or vanish'd from me.
Car.
I have mock'd my blood into a flame, and what
My angry soul had form'd for my revenge,
Is now the object of my amorous sense,
I have took a strong inchantment from her lips,
And fear I shall forgive Columbo's death
Is She consent to my embrace; come Madam.
Dut.
Whither my Lord?
Car.
But to your bed or couch,
Where if you will be kind, and but allow
Your self a knowledg, love whose shape and raptures
Wise Poets have but glorified in dreams,
Shall make your chamber his eternall Palace;
And with such active and essentiall streams
Of new delights glide o'r your bosome, you
Shall wonder to what unknown world you are
By some blest change translated; why d'e pause?
And look so wild? will you deny your Governour?
Dut.
How came you by that Cloven foot?
Car.
Your fancy
Would turn a traitour to your happiness;
I am your friend, you must be kind.
Dut.
Unhand me,
Or I'l cry out a rape.
Car.
You wo'not sure?
Dut.
I have been cozend with Hernando's shadow,
Here's none but heaven to hear me, help, a rape.
66
Are you so good at understanding then,
I must use other argument.
[He forces her.
Her.
Go to, Cardinal.
[Strikes him. Ex. Dut.
Car.
Hernando, Murder, Treason, help.
Her.
An army sha'not rescue thee, your blood
Is much inflam'd, I have brought a Lancet wi'me,
Shall open your hot veins, and cool your fever;
To vex thy parting Soul, it was the same
Engin that pinc'd Columbo's heart.
Car.
Help, Murder.
Enter Antonelli and Servants.
Anton.
Some ring the bell, 'twil raise the Court,
My Lord is murder'd, 'tis Hernando.
The bell rings.
Her.
I'l make you all some sport,—So, now we are even,
Where is the Dutchess, I would take my leave
Of her, and then bequeath my curse among you.
[Her. falls.
Enter King, Dutchess, Valeria, Lords, Guard.
K.
How come these bloody objects?
Her.
With a trick my sword found out, I hope he's paid.
1 Lo.
I hope so to; a Surgeon for my Lord Cardinal.
K.
Hernando?
Dut.
Iustice, Oh Iustice Sir, against a ravisher.
Her.
Sir I ha' done you service.
K.
A bloody service.
Her.
'Tis pure Scarlet.
Enter Surgeon.
Car.
After such care to perfect my revenge
Thus banded out o'th' world by a womans plot?
Her.
I have preserv'd the Dutchess from a rape,
Good-night to me and all the world for ever.
[Dies.
K.
So impious.
Dut.
'Tis most true, Alvarez blood
Is now reveng'd, I find my brain return,
And every stragling sense repairing home.
Car.
I have deserv'd you should turn from me Sir,
My life hath been prodigiously wicked,
67
I have abus'd your ear, your trust, your people,
And my own sacred Office, my conscience
Feels now the sting, oh shew your charity,
And with your pardon like a cool soft gale
Fan my poor sweating soul; that wanders through
Unhabitable climes, and parched deserts;
But I am lost, if the great World forgive me,
Unless I find your mercy for a crime
You know not Madam, yet against your life.
I must confess, more than my black intents
Upon your honour, y'are already poyson'd.
K.
By whom?
Car.
By me,
In the revenge I ow'd Columbo's loss,
With your last meat was mixt a poyson that
By subtle, and by sure degrees must let in death.
K.
Look to the Dutchess, our Physicians?
Car.
Stay, I will deserve her mercy, though I cannot
Call back the deed, in proof of my repentance,
If the last breath of a now dying man
May gain your charity, and belief, receive
This Ivory box in it an antidote
'Bove that they boast the great magistrall medicine,
That pouder mixt with wine by a most rare
And quick access to the heart will fortifie it
Against the rage of the most nimble poyson,
I am not worthy to present her with it,
Oh take it and preserve her innocent life.
1. Lo.
Strange, he should have a good thing in such readyness.
Car.
This that which in my jealousie and state
Trusting to false predictions of my birth,
That I sh dy by poyson, I preserv'd
For my own safety, wonder not, I made,
That my companion was to be my refuge.
Enter Servant with a bowle of Wine.
1 Lo.
Her's some touch of grace.
68
in greater proof of my pure thoughts I take
This first, and with my dying breath confirm
My penitence, it may benefit her life,
But not my wounds; oh hasten to preserve her,
And though I merit not her pardon, let not
Her fair soul be divorc'd
K.
This is some charity, may it prosper Madam.
Valeria.
How does your grace?
Dut.
And must I owe my life to him whose death
Was my ambition? take this free acknowledgment,
I had intent this night with my own hand
To be Alvarez Iusticer.
K.
You were mad,
And thought past apprehension of revenge.
Dut.
That shape I did usurp, great Sir, to give
My Art more freedom and defence, but when
Hernando came to visit me, I thought
I might defer my execution,
Which his owe rage suppli'd without my guilt,
And when his lust grew high, met with his blood.
2 Lo.
The Cardial smiles.
Car.
Now my revenge has met
With you my nimble Dutchess, I have took
A shape to give my act more freedom too,
And now I am sure she's poyson'd, with that doze
I gave her last.
K.
Th'art not so horrid?
Dut.
Ha! some Cordiall.
Car.
Alas no preservative
Hath wings to overtake it, were her heart
Lock'd in a quarry, it would search, and kill
Before the aids can reach it; I am sure
You sha not now laugh at me.
K.
How came you by that poyson?
Car.
I prepar'd it,
Resolving when I had enjoy'd her, which
69
To make her take it, and by death conclude
My last revenge; you have the fatal Story.
K.
This is so great a wickedness, it will
Exceed belief.
Car.
I knew I could not live.
Surgeon.
Your wounds, Sir, were not desperate.
Car.
Not mortall? ha? were they not mortall?
Surg.
If I have skill in Surgery.
Car.
Then I have caught my self in my own Engin.
2 Lo.
It was your fate you said to dy by poyson.
Car.
That was my own prediction to abuse
Your faith, no humane art can now resist it,
I feel it knocking at the seat of life,
It must come in, I have wrackt all my own
To try your charities, now it would be rare,
If you but waft me with a little prayer,
My wings that flag may catch the wind, but 'tis
In vain, the mist is risen, and ther's none
To stear my wandring bark.
[Dyes.
1 Lo.
He's dead?
K.
With him
Dy all deceived trust.
2 Lo.
This was a strange impiety.
K.
When men
Of Gifts and sacred Function once decline
From virtue, their ill deeds transcend example.
Dut.
The minute's come that I must take my leave too.
Your hand great Sir, and though you be a King,
We may exchange forgiveness, heaven forgive,
And all the world. I come, I come Alvarez
[Dyes.
K.
Dispose their bodies for becoming funeral;
How much are Kings abus'd by those they take
To royall grace? whom when they cherish most
By nice indulgence, they doo often arm
Against themselves: from whence this maxim springs,
None have more need of Perspectives than Kings.
Exeunt.
| The Cardinall | |