 | The Sisters |  |
ACT IIII.
Enter Frapolo, Longino, Strozzo, Pacheco, with the rest.Fr.
It was a fatall business to lose such
An opportunity.
Lo.
My Lady was wound up so rarely.
Str.
We were betraid for certain; 'twas high
Time to scud, and get into our Territories;
Now we are safe in our Grots, secure as
The Minotaur, and keep the clew of our
Own Labyrinths.
Pa.
We lost a rare design, but in my opinion,
Tis better scouting here with our heads on,
Than have 'em carryed in by Clowns at the Court rate.
Fr.
The ignorant Rogues would nere ha 'sold
Them to their worth.
Lo.
And they dare as soon venter upon Hell,
As Shoot their heads into this Furnace.
Fr.
But this Claridiana sha'not scape so,
I am resolv'd to visit her again, and I am
Glad I prepar'd another expectation, these
Difficulties shall make our next attempt
More glorious.
32
Those shapes will conjure up the Bores again.
St.
She does expect the Caldean.
Fr.
Hang the Caldean. I have a new device
Shall scoure the Castle; and make Dame
Guinever with all her pride, thank and adore
The invention.
Lo.
How dear Frapolo? how?
Whooting within.
Fr.
Scout and discover, Strozzo.
Str.
I see but two men coming down the Hill.
Fr.
Cannot their worships travell with less noise?
Lo.
They durst not be so confident without a number,
'Tis good to be secure, the noise approaches,
Lets to our shells.
Fr.
Do you lie perdue still
They retire.
Pa.
I do not like their confidence, these may be
The enemies scouts, lets non engage to soon
For fear of a reserve. The State has threatned
To send their Vermin forth.
Fr.
Obscure: close, close.
Enter Lucio, Piperollo.
Lu.
What dost thou mean?
Thou hast a mind to be rob'd indeed.
Pi.
I would have art maintain'd in reputation,
You know my Lady is to be a Princess,
And you must be a Lord, and I be dubbed,
But if we be not rob'd, I know not how
To trust the Mathematicks or the Stars;
I am afraid all the Bandits are hang'd,
A thousand Pistols should not fear to travell.
Lu.
It is not wisdom to proclaim our charge,
Though I could be content to be a Lord,
I am not over hearty, theeves are theeves,
And life is precious, prethee lets make hast.
Pi.
Illo ho ho,
Think upon your honour, are there no Gentlemen?
No wanting Gentlemen that know how to spend
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There is no thief in Nature.
Str.
The Gentleman
Is very merry, they that mean well, and
Have their wits about 'em, do not use
To call upon our Tribe. This is a plot,
A very plot, and yet the Coast is cleer,
Now I may reach their voice.
Pi.
It wo'not be, was ever men distrest so?
Lu.
Come we are well yet Piperollo, if
The Stars Decree our robbery, it will follow.
Pi.
I pray Sir lets sit down here, as you hope to
Be a Lord, we must do our endeavour and help
The Fates. Do but hear reason Sir.
Str.
'Tis my proud Madams Steward, and our quondam
Fellow thief; they were told their fortunes
To be rob'd; Here had been a purchase lost
If I had not lain perdue. You shall be
Disparcht presently, never fear it.
He Whistles.
Lu.
What's that? I do not like that tune.
Pi.
Hum, I am not in love with that Quailpipe.
I could dwindle, but that I have a strong
Faith in the Mathematicks. Theeves and be
Thy Will.
Lu.
If they should cut our throats now—this is
Your folly; would I were off.
Pi.
Would I were a Knight in an embroidered
Dish clout. Have a good heart Sir, ther's
No more to be said in't, let the Stars take
Their course, 'tis my Ladies money—and if
We be rob'd, we are so much the neerer to preferment.
Enter Frapolo and the rest.
Lu.
Ah sweet Gentlemen take but the Money—
Pi.
'Tis ready told; nay, nay, we are friends;
Gives us but a Note under your hands for
My Ladies satisfaction, that you have received
It Gentlemen.
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You need not trouble your selves to tell it Gentlemen,
It is all right.
Lo.
So, so, wee'l take your words.
Pi.
I should know that vizard, the garments
That you wear too I have seen Old acquaintance?
Fr.
Does he know you? cut his throat.
Pi.
No Sir, I do not know him, nor any man, nor
My self, I was not once rob'd before, neither
Did I help any man to rob my own Father and Mother;
I knew no Cedar chest I, I disclaim it, nor
Was any man that I know left bound for the
Money; ye are all honest Gentlemen,
And I congratulate our good fortune, that you
Came so luckily in the very nick, we had carried
Home the money else in good sadness—Sir,
We are made for ever—rare Mathematicians!
Fr.
What's that you talk sirra of Mathematicians?
Pi.
It pleased some of the learned tribe to visit
My Lady not long since, but they are well I
Hope, they told us we should be rob'd, and
'Tis done; blessed Caldean!
Fr.
What became on 'em?
Pi.
They scap'd a scouring, for my Ladies Cinicall
Uncle, in meer malice to learning, rai'd
The Towns upon 'em, perswading the hobbinolls
They came to rob the house; but honored
Be the Stars, they brought 'em off at the
Back gate.
Fr.
They seem honest fellows, let 'em live, and
Pass.
Lu.
We humbly thank you Gentlemen, come
Piperollo.
Pi.
And yet, now I remember, there wants a
Circumstance, my pate is not broke yet,
That was a Clause, the Caldean was a little
Out.
35
I had forgot, will you be prating sirra?
[Fr. breaks his head.
Pi.
Now tis done, I thank you, dear Gentlemen,
I thank you, go forth and be a Knight;
Mathematician I adore thee, it bleeds;
Where are you Sir? all is compleat, and my
Head is broke according to prophecie. Oh
Admirable Caldean!
Exeunt.
Lo.
We have not lost all my Ladies money, but
To your plot Frapolo.
Fr.
This hath ripend it, and I appear a
Blazing Star already.
Str.
What's the mystery?
Fr.
You know I am your Prince.
Lo.
'Tis Acknowledged.
Fr.
We will in State visit the proud Paulina,
I am the Prince Farnese, and you
Are all my Lords and privy Counsellors
Bear up for honour of your Prince.
Lo.
I apprehend it, 'tis a most rare design,
She will be mad to meet it.
Pa.
Will you marry her?
Fr.
I cannot tell, there may be a necessity,
But when I ha' the wench, her Plate and Jewels,
And other sums, I have cast already whither
We must transport our selves—wee'l divide all.
Lo.
And the wench too?
Fr.
No not the wench, untill I cast the Concubine;
Remember who I am, the choice of flesh
Is my prerogative; no murmuring,
You shall provide our Robes.
Str.
Now we are rogues to purpose.
Fr.
I am your Prince, and the worst theef
A States-man.
Omnes
A Prince, A Prince.
Exeunt.
Enter Angellina, and Francescina.
Ang.
Where is Vergerio?
36
I know not Madam.
Ang.
Madam? I prethee leave that folly,
I am no Lady, call me Angellina.
Fr.
I'l call you Madam, 'tis a name in fashion,
What do you want to justifie that title?
Have you not Beauty, Jewels, Gold at pleasure?
Fine Cloathes, high Food, and men as motley, as
The Ambassadors to wait? does not your Uncle
Allow you all that can make up a Lady?
Pardon my boldness Madam, I beseech you.
Enter two Gentlewomen.
Ang.
What are these?
Fr.
The Gentlewomen were commended, Madam,
Most excellent in their Art about great Ladies;
And come to tender you their humble service.
1
Most proud if you accept our duties Madam.
Fr.
Look you, they're proud already, they have nothing
But their trade to live on; she with the face
Spotted with Ermins, hath been late in France,
And knows the mode to a Mathematicall point,
She has the theory of Song, but lost
The practick part by sitting up a nights;
She danceth still, can talk in severall languages,
And has the art of every game, to instruct
A novice Lady—
Ang.
To lose time.
Fr.
And what
Age, do you think the other Gentlewoman
Carries? that simpers so? the miracle
Of Painting! she presents scarce five and twenty,
But if you credit Church Records, she numbers
But five short of threescore, Medea had
No charmes like her, to preserve youth, and beauty;
She hath the art of making eys, new hair,
And Ivory teeth, hath skill in making fruitfull,
And is an excellent Midwife; she hath cur'd
37
That had no Tongue.
Ang.
These are transcendent qualities;
Since tis my Uncles pleasure, they may wait,
But not to serve me.
One knocks.
Fr.
Who's that knocks so modestly?
'Tis not your Dancing-Master, nor the Doctor,
They have more confidence.
'Tis the Parsons Nephew, come from the University,
Some say a pretty Schollar, and a wit;
Hath an Ambition to kiss your hand
And tender his first fruits.
Ang.
What's that?
Fr.
Some Poetry.
1
By any means Madam, you must be flatter'd,
Great Ladies cannot live els.
Ang.
Let him enter.
Enter Schollar.
Sch.
Darling of beauty, fairest Angellina,
Thus low the Muses bow, and send by me
An abstract of your self; oh make the Paper
More white by kissing your fair hand, and with
Your breath, like a soft Western gale, perfume
These lines created in your praise.
Ang.
What's heer?—I am
A stranger to you Sir, and to your language,
These words have no relation to me;
I pity men of your high fancy, should
Dishonour their own names, by forming such
Prodigious shapes of beauty in our sex.
If I were really what you would commend,
Mankind would flie me; get a Painter Sir,
And when he has wrought a woman by your fancy,
See if you know her again; were it not fine,
If you should see your Mistress without hair?
Drest only with those glittering beams you talk of?
Two Suns instead of Eys, and they not melt
The forhead made of Snow; no Cheeks, but two
38
Between, a pendent Alablaster Nose?
Her Lips cut out of Corall, and no Teeth,
But Strings of Pearl; Her Tongue a Nightingales;
Her chin a rump of Ivory, and so forth?
Would not this strange Chimera fright your self?
And yet you take the boldness to present us,
And think we must applaud, and thank you for
Our selves made Monsters by your art; no more
Of this for shame; lose not your time and honour
In this fantastick Idoll; you will say,
The world is peevish, and not kind to virtue;
Give him ten Pistolets to cure his poverty,
There are good seeds in him and they may
Grow with some Cherishing.
Sch.
You are enough
To vindicate your Sex, I shall not blush
To write your story.
Fr.
You shall owe me Sir
An Anagram, and a Poesy too for
My next Ring.
Sch.
You shall command my faculty,
My dearest Abigall
Exit.
Fr.
Thank you sweet Sir Roger.
Enter four Citizens.
1
Is her Ladiship at leasure?
Ang.
What are these?
2
We are humble suters Madam for your Favour.
Ang.
Speak your request.
1
I am a Tailor Madam
That holds intelligence with forein Courts
To furnish Ladies with new Fashions,
And I have patterns of the strangest shapes
That ever Ladies long'd for.
Ang.
I believe it.
2
I have the ambition to own the name
39
3
I your Jeweller;
What think you of that Carcanet sweet Madam?
The Pearls are Orient, I have a Diamond
The Sultan gave one of his Concubines,
It weighes—20 caracts, if it please you Madam,
To wear it in the Court, and I'l attend
Your Ladiship six moneths hence to pay me for't;
I know your Uncle Madam.
Ang.
This is his plot.
Fr.
By all means take it.
Ang.
Excuse me; what are you? speak your desire.
4
I would present you Madam with a pair
Of curious Spurs.
Ang.
For what use prethee?
4
For what you please, I see all men of trade
Apply themselves to gain relation to you,
And I would be your Spurrier.
Ang.
Do Ladies wear Spurs my friend?
4
They may in time, who knows what may be done,
If one great Lady would begin, they ride
Like men already; 'tis all one to me,
So I may have the Credit of your name,
And privilege to swell above my neighbors.
Ang.
When I stand, Gentlemen, in need of your
Professions, I'l send for you, i'th'mean time
You shall need no Solicitour.
Omnes.
Your Servants.
4
Buy a Spur.
Exeunt.
Ang.
I prethee let me not be troubled with
This kind of People Francescina; Ladies
Have a fine time, if they be all thus visited.
Fr.
You are rude and sawcy fellows to intrude
So far without my Ladies licence.
Ang.
What makes thee so impatient? will they not
Be gone?
40
Gone? here's a new regiment is pressing forward
Ang.
What are they?
Fr.
Beggers.
Ang.
How?
Fr.
And tell me I abuse your Charity,
To keep off their Petitions; we must have
A Court-du-guard, I think, and Centries plac'd
At every dore.
Ang.
I prethee let 'em enter.
Enter three Petitioners.
Fr.
The room will not be sweet again this three days;
But if it be your pleasure—know your distance.
Ang.
The blind, and lame, what's your condition Sir?
1
As miserable Madam as the Sea,
That swallow'd all my wealth, can make a man,
That once commanded thousands, I blush to beg
But Nature too impatient of sterving
Compels me to this boldness, you may soon
Peruse my tragick story there.
Gives a Paper.
Ang.
Good old man!
Fr.
What is his loss to you?
2
My Petition too;
A poor blind man, that hath lost more by fire
Than his estate valued a thousand times;
And 'tis but equall, fire should spoil my eys,
That ravish'd me of all, was precious to 'em,
A wife and pretty Children.
Ang.
Burn'd?
2
All burn'd;
And what my eys cannot afford their memory
My poor heart weeps in bloud.
3
I am a Souldier
That in my Countries service lost my limbs;
I've had more lead in bullets taken from me
Than would repair some Steeple.
Fr.
Ring the bells,
41
3
I have given wounds have kil'd the lookers on
With horror of their gaping, and have march'd
Ten miles a day thus deep—
Fr.
In dirt?
3
In blood.
Fr.
Upon those wooden leggs?
An.
Poor souls! I pitty 'em here honest men,
Divide this bag, and pray for my good Uncle.
Omnes.
Blessings on you, Madam.
2.
Equall division, come.
1.
Stay, in the first place, I brought you hither,
Therefore my part is most considerable.
3.
I'l have no Prerogative.
2.
Nor I.
1.
But I will.
Do not I know you both for cheating Rascals?
Thus are good meanings cozen'd, and you sha'not
Lose your reward; send for some Officers.
2, 3.
We are betraid.
Ex. 2, 3.
Ant.
My Uncle.
Ant.
They have found their eyes and leggs again,
Neece I observe your Charity, but you see not
The inside of these things, and I did mean
And hope these sums might serve your self;
Some Ladies would have considered
A new Gown and trinkets; Francescina,
I see little amendment, she'l undo me
In pious uses.
Fr.
She has entertain'd these Gentlewomen.
Enter Vergerio.
And that young Gentleman does good upon her.
An.
I like it well, he's carefull of my Lord,
And if she meet his honorable treaty,
She may learn Pride at Court, should our Art fail.
She smiles—I wo'not interrupt 'em.
42
Gio.
My Lady entreats the presence of her Sister.
An.
Do's she entreat? Yes, you may visit her
Sir if you please, I'l trust her to your conduct.
Ver.
'Tis my ambition to attend her.
An.
Hark you,
Remember who you are, and carry things
For the credit of my heir, and one that must be
Right Honourable shortly, if I hear
Thou flout'st her, thou sha't have another Gown
And Petticoat embroider'd, or but beat her
And put me to a pension; fare you well,
Francescina wait, wait all upon your Mistress.
Exeunt.
Enter Paulina.
Pa.
No news yet of the Prince? he fill'd my dreams
Last night, it was a golden glorious slumber;
Me-thought we both were led into a Temple,
Where all our rites of Mariage were perform'd
In the presence of a thousand Angel-Cupids.
Enter Piperollo, and stumbles.
Pi.
'Twas my devotion, Madam, to present you
The News, I could not break my neck upon
A better cause.
Pa.
Is the Prince come?
Pi.
The Prince is at your service; though I slipt
At Chamber door, it is my happiness
To be the first Messenger.
Pa.
Of what?
Pi.
I desire no reward Madam, 'tis sufficient
I know what will become of us all, you
Remember the Caldean; all has happen'd,
I thank Astrology.
Pa.
For what?
Pi.
Your money is gone, your rents have been received,
And my head broke to purpose; things are visible.
43
My Master can confirm it.
Pa.
What's this prodigie?
Lu.
Madam 'tis done, we have been rob'd.
Pa.
How?
Lu.
As the Caldean and the Stars would have it,
Just to a minute.
Pi.
Rare Mathematician!
Pa.
I'l hang you both,
P.
You may, and be no Princess.
Pa.
Did he foretell this loss?
Pi.
Is my pate broken? Do I live, and hope
To kneel, and say, If please your Grace, to call
Him Lord, and answer to a Knight?—we're made.
Pa.
Be at a distance,
If there be truth in the Caldeans Art,
These inconsiderable losses are
A new presage of my approaching greatness.
Enter Stephanio, and Longino, disguiz'd.
St.
One from the Prince.
Lo.
His Highness Farnese, Madam, greets your
Ladiship, and intends to be your Guest this night.
Pa.
It will be an honour
My life must ow him duty for.
Pi.
Do not you feel a Lordship creep up
By your short ribs?
Lo.
His Grace is not far off.
Pa.
Present the humble duty of his handmaid,
And say my Castle droops til it receive him;
Lo.
I shall Madam.
Pa.
We must prepare to meet and entertain him;
All things have been Prophetical.
Pi.
My very good Lord.
Lu.
Right Worshipfull Piperollo.
Exeunt.
Enter Vergerio, Angellina, Servants aloof.
Ver.
In my pity
44
On faithless Contarini, I have landed
Upon your knowledge this unhappy secret.
Ang.
Promis'd his faith to another? twas ill done,
To work my Uncle, and destroy my thoughts
Of a religious life.
Ve.
You may collect
Those pure desires again,
Heaven will be soon invited, and a second
Resolve confirm that happiness.
Ang.
May we not,
Without so strict forsaking of the world,
Be capable of blessing, and meet heaven
At last, though erring Nature guide sometime
Out of the nearest way?
Ver.
Yes Angellina.
An.
I must be no Votary,
But when you turn a Fryer then.
Ver.
How Lady?
An.
Sir you have merited for this discovery
All that I am to serve you, and unless
You help me in this Labyrinth, I must
Live in despair of Freedom.
Ver.
Any service;
There's so much sweetness in you, I could lay
My life a Sacrifice, be confident
I must be left of heaven, when I forsake you.
An.
And I dare trust your Virtue with a secret
I have not told my Ghostly Father.
Fr.
I know not what opinion my Lord has
Of his smooth Advocate, but I should gather
By Symptomes of my Mistress, she is sick
Of the younger Gentleman.
Ver.
I dare not hope
This blessing, 'tis an honour plac'd on me
That has no value, I am a stranger,
An.
You are no stranger here.
45
Your Uncle too—
Ang.
May erre in his election.
Ver.
But his anger—
Ang.
My prayer and tears may soften.
Ver.
Do not dress
Your eys with sorrow Angellina, this
Too gracious an influence upon
Your servant must command my utmost duty.
Upon this white hand I breath out my heart,
And when I pay affection to another
Mistress, in your revenge, her beauty blast me!
But we may be observ'd.
Ang.
Be all my guide.
Ver.
This must be manag'd wisely, we are lost els.
Ang.
We are now arriv'd the Castle Francescina.
Fr.
We attend.
Exeunt.
Enter Prince Farnese, Contarini.
Fa.
I am obscur'd sufficiently.
Con.
My life on't.
Fa.
Here are great preparations, and the people
Flock as to see some triumph, this Paulina
Will be ador'd i'th'Country.
Con.
But her Sister,
With an extreme of sweetness and humility
Will take the wonder off, she so transcends.
Fa.
Your words fall from you,
I have observd my Lord, with too much passion;
She's but a woman, and may be no miracle,
When a clear eye is Judge.
Con.
Sir I owe
All that I am in fortune, name and greatness
Unto your person, next whom, give me leave
To say I rate no expectation
Equall to be her servant, yet I find
Her cold to those desires, that court her with
All honour, I shall humbly beg, your grace
46
And by your Mediation perfect all
That can be nam'd my happiness.
Far.
You express
A strong Captivity in so small acquaintance;
Well my Lord trust to me; is this her Castle?
Enter Piperollo.
By your favour Sir.
Pi.
Speak quickly whats your business?
Far.
Is this Paulina's Castle?
Pi.
Plain Paulina? and is this her Castle?
My friend you want some breeding, she that owes
This Palace, for a Prince hath made it so,
Is not far off; turn your eys backward Sir,
And tell your self without a perspective
What man is coming towards us?
Far.
Worthy Sir.
Pi.
Put of your hats and hear his name, Farnese
The Prince of Parma's there, I kist his hand,
My breath is since the sweeter.
Far.
The Prince, where?
Pi.
You'l find him with my Lady whom he came
To visit, if you'l promise to be drunk,
Take what's a secret yet, he comes to marry her,
Or ther's no truth in Stars, she is to be
His spouse; farewell, and thank my worship heartily.
Exit.
Con.
This fellow's mad!
Fr.
He kist the Princes hand,
What mystery is this?
Con.
See, they approach.
Far.
I am not lost sure in this cloud, they march
In State this way.
Loud Musick.
Enter Frapolo, Paulina, a Train of Gallants and Ladies, Vergerio, Angellina.
Ang.
How, an Impostor?
47
Sure I know the Prince.
Ang.
Conceal it yet.
Far.
What Gentleman is that?
Lon.
The Prince of Parma Sir.
Con.
This will be worth observing.
Far.
Do we not both dream? that Paulina?
How disdainfully she moves?
Con.
That's her younger Sister upon whom
Vergerio waits.
Far.
He knows I am the Prince.
Con.
How do you like her Sir?
Fa.
Ha? tis not fit to tell thee.
Con.
Does she not answer my Character?
Fa.
On my heart a fair one?
Con.
Pray tell me how you like her Sir.
Fa.
Not yet.
I am lost in wonder of her sweetness. Bid
Vergerio bring her to Antonio's;
I'l be his guest to night.
Con.
I shall obey Sir.
Pi.
Make room for the Prince, fellows bear back;
You are not to be Knighted friend I take it.
Fa.
Thus can the flame of Heaven with subtill art,
Leave the skin whole, yet quite consume the heart.
Exeunt.
| The Sisters | |