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The Love-sick King

An English Tragical History
  
  
  

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ACT. 2.
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ACT. 2.

Enter Thorneton with Needles, and a A Lambs-skin, Singing.
Thor.

Be gone, be gone, my Juggy, my Puggy, be gone my Love,
my Dear, my Money is gone, and ware I have none, but one poor Lamb-skin
here: Why so, and who buies this Lamb-skin now, A most
fine, dainty, nappy Lamb-skin, if a Lady would line her Petticoat,
A sweeter Lamb-skin cannot kiss her Catastrophe: Let me see, how often
do I transform my self in four and twenty hours? First, Here in
Northumberland, mine own native Country, amongst poor people I
change these myllan fustian Needles into eggs, then my eggs into money,
and then am I a Merchant, not of Eels-skins, but Lamb-skins; and
thus poor Thornton of Northumberland, picks out a living in spight
of Beggery: Yet this is not the living that I aim at neither; for I may
tell to all men that I have a terrible mind to be a horrible rich man; nay, I
am half assured on't too, for where ere I go, there's something still whispers
in mine ears, I shall be greater, and here at Newcastle too, into
which I am now entring. All which to confirm, a Witch or a Jugler, has
guided my fate in writing, and now Ile read it once again, that all the
World may know my fortunes, and wonder at them. Mark then, for thus
it goes.

Reads.
Go to Newcastle, take thy fate,
Yet ere thou enter, count thy State,
If service in that place thou get
Thy wealth will rise to infinite,
And Thorntons name in England stand,
The richest Subject in the Land.

O fortune, how hast thou favoured a poor Merchant stranger? I have all
this wealth in conceit already, and all this have I got of a cunning man,
for two poor Millan Needles, and one of 'em lacks an eye too. No
matter. Hope keeps the heart whole, and I shall be rich, that's certain,
but how I know not, nor care not, so I come in any likeness; my Fortune
says, I must get a service here in Newcastle, but ere I enter I must
count the wealth I have now, and that's soon reckoned, one poor half
penny and a Lambs-skin, is all the wealth I have yfaith, and yet for all
this my state must stand the richest Subject in the Land; 'tis certain, my
mind gives me it, and I am assur'd on't, yet I must put my self in remembrance
of my poverty, lest I should forget my self when I am grown
so rich, I will write a note on't ere I enter the Town, and hang it here
upon some tree, to keep it in mind, as long as the River of Tine runs



under it. Let me see, instead of paper this Tile-stone shall serve, and
here's an Ink-horn I stole from my Hostis, a scurvy Quean, if I had not
given her money for my Ale, she would have chaulked me presently,
this shall serve the turn. Ile sit down and write, sweet Hellicon inspire me
with thy Castalian lucke.


Enter Goodgift, and Randolfe, and George, his Wife.
Good.

Come, come dispatch, the wind is North North West, and
blows fair on us; Where is George my Factor?


Fact.

Here Sir,


Good.

At the next ebb, good George, I and the ship fall down to
Tinmouth; are your books made even, the goods made fit, and all
things fitting for the voyage.


Fact.

All's done sir, the Commodities priz'd and summ'd; their
value at my back return from Sea, I hope to treble to you.


Good.

Heaven deal in that, or gain, or loss we must be still contented,
and therefore are we call'd Adventurers, because we know 'tis hazzard.


Rand.

'Tis indeed sir, and I do wonder at this gain of hazard youle
set so great a state, seeing the time joyns with the Sea in danger; the
Danish Fleet watcheth to pill the English Venturers. Then be advis'd.


Wife.

Yet to avoid all dangers Husband, I'de have you do as here
my Brother doth, venture your state in your own Country, tho the gains
be smaller, the safety's not so doubtful.


Good.

I, I, Wife, thy Brother Randolfe here is known a famous Merchant
for Newcastle Coals, and England holds the circuit of his traffick,
but we that are Adventurers abroad, must fame our Country
through all Christendom, nay far beyond our Christian Territories, to
Egypt, Barbary, and the Tauny Moors, Where not indeed? if Sea and
wind gives way unto our dancing Vessels; nay, nay, Brother, your merchandize
compar'd with us, I tell you, is but a poor fresh-water venture.


Rand.

Well brother, well, pursue your Foraign gain, I rest content
at home, at the years end wee'l cast the difference 'twixt your far-fetch'd
treasure, and our Newcastle home-bred Minerals, you shall perceive
strange transformation, black coals turn'd to white silver, that's my comfort
sir.


Good.

And take it to you sir, with much good I wish it. But stay,
stay, who is that?


Rand.
One that is very brain busie it seems.

Good.
Peace, peace, observe him prethee,



Thorn.
Here did Thornton enter in
With hope, a half penny, and a Lambs-skin,

It shall go yfaith. Ile never strive to mend it; foot this Poetry, and a
mans brains were not well laid in his head, woo'd make him mad, I
think if there be any Hellicon in England 'tis here at Newcastle, I
am inspired with it, every Coal-pit has a rellish on't, for who goes down
but he comes out as black as Ink.


Good.

Is not this fellow mad?


Rand.

Good faith I doubt it.


Thorn.

Well this writing will I set up here at the Towns end,
that when I have got all these riches together, and sit amongst my
comely Brethren, I then may staulk the pace of wit, and worship,
here to read this Manuscript, then will I view my Ware-houses, disperse
my coyn, comfort the poor, I and perhaps build Churches.


Rand.

Either he speaks to himself, or hee's possest with some
strange talking spirit, that Dialogues within him.


Thorn.

Then will I have some Fifty Beades-men in my life time,
for that's the first way to be prayed for here, and mourned for when I am
gone, and on their Gowns their Cullisance shall be six millan. Needles,
and a silver Lambs-skin.


Good.

Ha, ha, the more he speaks, methinks 'tis more distracted.
Lets question him.


Wife,

Is hee not, think you Husband, one of those Players of
Interludes that dwels at Newcastle, and conning of his Part, for
surely these are other mens matters hee talks of? Doe you hear
honest man, and Friend, let mee instruct you to bee wise and sober.


Sings.
Thorn.
I come not hither for thee to teach,
I have no pulpit for to Preach,
I woo'd th'adst kist me under the Breech,
As thou art a Lady gay.

Wife,

Marry come up with a vengeance.


Good.

La you wife, you see what 'tis to trouble a man in his
Meditations, prethee let him alone, hee's not mad I warrant thee.


Thorn.

With hope, a half-penny, and a Lambs-skin, I protest
I never pleas'd my self better. Let mee see, what day's this; O
Monday! I shall love Mondays vein to poetize as long as I live, for
this trick.


Good.

Good speed, Good fellow.


Thor.

Ha, Whose that? O I thank you Gentlemen; If I have



good speed, Ile do good deeds the sooner: Your sufferance a little I beseech
you; Then will I build some famous Monument.


Rand.

Thou build'st i'th'Ayr I think: Prethee, what Countryman
art?


Thor.

Faith Sir, a poor Northumberland man and yet I tell yee
Gentlemen, not altogether the poor Fellow, which you behold me;
Fortune may change, If you seek what I shall be, 'Tis infinite, and
cannot be summ'd together: But if you wo'd know my present store; It is
all summ'd on this Tyle-stone: I shall be very rich, that's certain; and
this Town of Newcastle must be the raising of my fortune, if there I
get service, then are Wealth and Treasure my servants.


Good.

And such a servant cannot want a Master. But Prethee tell
me, Whence hast thou these hopes?


Thorn.
Pray Sir, read that, then tell me your opinion.

Good.
Prethee let's see't. Go to Newcastle take thy Fate,
Yet ere thou enter, count thy State:
If service in that place thou get,
Thy wealth will rise to infinit;
And Thorntons name in England stand

The richest subject in the Land.—Excellent yfaith. And dost thou
beleeve all this?


Thorn.

As sure as you live Sir, and all the world cannot drive me from
this opinion, but that I shall be a very rich man.


Good.

I like thy confidence: How dost desire to have Imployment?
Wilt thou go to Sea.


Thorn.

Sea or Land, Fire or Ayr; Let Newcastle be my home, and
some honest man my Master. This Halfpenny, and this Millan
Needle, shall I multiply to a Million of Halfpence, and this innocent
Lambs-skin to a Magnificent Lordship.


Good.

Stay there, I prethee, 'tis wealth enough for a subject, come,
Ile give thee handsel, that's Entertainment, my name is Goodgift a Merchant
of Newcastle, where thou desirest to serve, give me thy hand, If
I do live to see thee this rich man, I shall be proud to say, I was thy
Master.


Thorn.

I am your servant Sir, and will be faithful.


Good.

Obey me then at first, as Ile imploy thee: Thou shalt to Sea,
I see thou wilt be thrifty: Come hither George, take him a Shipboard
with thee, change his Apparrel strait, and make him handsome; I begin
so well to rellish his Plainness that I am half perswaded of his hopes. How
say'st thou wife?




Wife.

Nay, Nay, He bad me kiss his Breech, Birlady, but that's
no matter Husband, seeing I see his Fortunes are so hopeful, he shall have
my likeing : Come hither Thornton, since thy Master sends thee out to
Sea, there's something for thee to begin thy stock with, and if thou
double it, Ile ne're grudge yfaith, So thou't remember me, when th'art
a rich man.


Good.

Ha, Ha,—she's confident already.


Rand.

So shall I ne're be, till I see it Sir.


Good.

Well, Well, Do as I bid thee George, under thy self, let him
have charge of all.


George.

How will he put off these Commodities he has Sir?


Thorn.

Tush, Tush, Ile have an out-cry Fellow George, for so I
take it Sir, your name is now.


George.

Why what's thy Lambs-skin good for?


Thorn.

Marry Muff Sir.


Wife.

Thou say'st true indeed Thornton, and Ile purchase it of thee,
for that purpose, Ile give thee a Groat for it to line my Muff
withal.


Thorn.

And you shall ha't Mistriss, It has been lain dead on my
hands a great while, and now it shall be dead on yours, only this, Sweet
Master, I must inteat you, that ere I enter the Town, I may hang up this
writing here; I doubt not Sir, but at my coming home, I shall be able
to ha't cut in stone.


Good.

Agreed, Agreed, an honest Motion. How now, Who's this
comes here?


Enter Grim.
Wife.

'Tis Grim the Collyer, Ist't not brother?


Rand.

O yes sister, the main Over-seer of all my Coles, I warrant
you, his heads more troubled too, then Thorntons was to count his
hop'd-for wealth, and mark how wisely he proceeds about it.


Grim.

Let me see now, first five hundred Chaldron of Coals at ten
Groats a Chaldron, that is, in Coals, and mony; ten Groats, and ten
Groats, is twice ten Groats; Then take twice ten out of two times ten,
and there remains four times ten: fivescore Chaldron at ten Groats a
Coal comes to five shillings, then take me thirty Coals out of thirty
Chaldron, and put them together, and there's the whole Voyage, so
thirty Chaldron of Coals, comes to five Chaldron of Angels.


Good.

O rare! He multiplies bravely.


Rand.

I told you what a reck'ning he wo'd make on't.


Grim.

Then to cast how many Fourpence halfpennies there are in a
Chaldron of Angels: Let me see, take half a Chaldron out of a whole



Chaldron, and there remains—No, No, this is not the way; I must
begin lower: A Chaldron of Angels, if you take nothing out, there remains
something: This is the honest way for a servant when he casts up
his Masters Reckonings, to take nothing out, and then the whole Stock
remains untouched still.


Rand.

I marry Sir, I like that well; Why, How now Grim, What
art thou doing?


Grim.

I cry you mercy Master, I am even doing my good will to
make your Accounts right Sir: There's five hundred Chaldron of
Coals leaving the River, and ship'd away: They'l be Sea-sick to
morrow.


Rand.

How many for London (Grim?)


Grim.

Three hundred Chaldron, Sir.


Rand.

And whither go the rest?


Grim.

'Twas purposed they sho'd ha gone to Winchester, but its
thought since the Danes came thither, they have little need of Sea-coal,
every place is so hot; they say a Taylor burnt his Goose, and yet no fire
came neer him.


Rand.

That's strange. Well Grim, bid them alter their course for
Winchester, bid them put in at Lyn, and Yarmouth, and let London
be the farthest of their journey until these Wars afford us better
safety.


Grim.

Alas Master, if you stow up your ships, you may ee'n hang
up your Collyers, for they'l starve and dye if they come above ground
once; you have sevenscore pits, and seven hundred lusty Collyers daily
digging in them, and if they come above ground once—What Thornton
my old Acquaintance! How ist't, How ist't man?


Thorn.

Never better yfaith.


Good.

Dost thou know him?


Grim.

Better then the Taylor that made his Doublet: Know
Thornton, the famous Needle-maker of Northumberland? There's
not a Beggar that carries a Patch about her, but knows him; All
our Collyers buy Needles of him for the same purpose: Many a night
has he lain in the Sellerage amongst: Thornton, How many Eggs
have you roasted at our fire in the Coal-pits?


Thorn.

Thou posest me now yfaith Grim, I have been infinitly
beholding to thee, and when I am a rich man, here's my hand, Ile requite
it.


Grim.

I had rather thou would'st set a certain day to do't. Dost thou
think to be rich by Pedlers Eggs, and Lambs-skins?




Thorn.

But I have other Imployments now Grim.


Good.

He is my servant Sir, and is already by my best liking voyaging
to Sea.


Grim.

Does he go a foot Sir?


Good.

Sirra, Sirra, He's a Venturer too, and when you see his safe return
again with wealth from Sea, you'l make legs to him.


Grim.

How legs to him? I scorn him and his Lambs-skins. No
Sir, Thornton must remember I am Controler of the Cole-pits, and that
many a night I have committed him to the Hole, and there he lay forty
Fathom deep beneath me, where I co'd have buried him alive, if I had
thought on't: Make legs to him?


Good.

Come, Come Sir, Wee'l have you friends at parting; Go
George, follow my directions, and let Thornton have that Imployment
I prescribed to you; Come Sir, you shall first erect your Character according
to your mind at the Towns end, to keep a Record of your Entrance
in.


Thorn.

With hope, a Halfpenny, and a Lambs-skin, that's all
Sir.


Grim.

Ha, Ha, a brave rich man I promise you.


Exeunt.
Enter Erkinwald and Alured.
Erkin.

Is thy name Eldred?


Alur.

Yes, My good Lord.


Erkin.

Thou art my prisoner still, and we have power o're all, thy
Life and Fortunes.


Alur.

I still confess it, Sir.


Erkin.

'Tis well, Canst thou guess then, why my love extends it self
so lineally towards thee? Thou know'st that even from death I have
advanced thee close to my self, and trust thee with my secrets, and one
above the rest, requires thy aid, thy subtle and quick brain can better
forge matter of fair discourse than mine can be, The bright Elgina thou
must court for me. In Peace and War she has been still my aym, for her
the tedious night I do beguile, with serious thoughts of her divinity, and
watching till the midnight Chimes be past, have wak'd again before the
Village Cock had call'd the Plowman to his early labor.

Go plead my love, yet ere thou go, here swear
(Yet I with love will win thee, not with fear)

Never to injure me in this disguise, Nor with Icarian wing to soar too
high.


Alur.

I were a villain to betray your trust, being so meritless of your
great favours, and therefore vow by all that man may swear by, Ile



be as true to you in this imployment, as truth is to the just.


Erk.

Thou hast said enough, I leave it to thy trust—Go, return
and make me happy, there's gold, spend freely.


Exit.
Alu.

Fortune I see thou now art blind, and foolish, and without aim direct'st
thy giddy shafts, these gifts thou givest to me, which I despise,
what physick helps a man just as he dies? Tis Englands peace that I
would live to Court, but she is fled, and I a captive Prince, slave to my
mortal foes, till time release me, that once I may regreet my English
friends, which long ere this, I know have wish'd my presence, to joyn
our forces for our Countryes freedom.

Enter Elgina.

But here she comes whom I must plead for love; my faith is past, and
were she beauties Queen, and half the world her dowre, I wo'd not wrong

The trust I have receiv'd, Ile court her for him,
And plead my Masters love, though she abhor him.

Elg.
Who's there, Eldred?

Alu.
Your pardon beauteous Princess, I must wooe you.

Elg.
But ile prevent you sir, for ile wooe you.

Alu.

For noble Erkinwald my warlike Master. All love from
him.


Elg.
Is nothing like to thee,
That conquer'st love, and Cupids Deity.

Alu.
You do amaze me Lady.

Elg.
Be not afraid,
But tell me boldly, could you love a Maid

That for thy sake wo'd be a president, and teach all women a new way to
win the often wish'd desires of stubborn men? In me you shall observe patience
and duty, tender care, and fear; by thy bright eyes, Ile teach the
constant Turtle truer love, and make the Nuns at Vesta's Altar swear,

The Virgin state is not so strict to move
As the obsequious life you lead in love.
And cannot you yet say, you mean to love me.

Alu.

Beshrew me Madam but you tempt me shrewdly, pray give
me leave to think upon't—.Ha! my vow's not broke yet; for I wooe
not her, that was my oath sure, and I think there's no man that can
withstand the wooing of a woman. Fond fool, how quickly youth and
blood transform?


Elg.

Come, What's your answer?


Alu.

Dearest Lady, There is but one thing in the world that hates me,
and you have brought it with you.


Elg.

O me! what sho'd it be?




Alu.

Forgive my rashness, 'tis a thing within you, not you, that
charms me from you.


Elg.

Be it my heart, ile pull it out, so thou wilt love me.


Alu.

O gracious Princess, 'tis your Royal blood, so near allied unto
the great Canutus

Keeps me at distance, were our states made even
My love sho'd be as strong as zeal to Heaven.
Therefore Imperial Maid—

Elg.

No more, if that be all, we will dispence with greatness, use
me like one that loves you, Ile Invent a plot that shall in short secure
us both; I crave but this, that thou be true of faith: For by my life I
love thee.


Alu.

And (gracious Princess) since now I see your passions are unfeign'd,
I vow not onely to requite your love, but with affected and sincere
intents to crown your wishes, though it work my ruin.


Elg.
Our faiths and hearts are one then, Cupids wings,
Can crown mean births, with joy, make slaves of Kings
Knew Erkinwald my heart, hee'd change with thee,
And be thy slave to have command ore me.

Lend me thine ear in private.
Enter Erkinwald.
Erk.

At it so close? Ile hear their conference, win her, and gain thy
Freedom, Love and Honor. Ha! That kiss (bold slave) past thy
Commission; Death and the Devil, she kisseth him too. O fond Erkinwald
be blind and do not see them; thy office was to speak, but not
for thy self.


Alu.

Natures Divinity is in thy looks, and he an Atheist sees thee,
and not loves. Should Erkinwald now see it, I wo'd love thee, tho for
each kiss I had a several torture, ten deaths for thy injoying were my
Bliss.


Elg.

So high I prize thee, by this Virgins kiss.


Erk.

Yet you make shift to reach him with your lips; Degenerate
Princess, I suspect thy birth: Yet well mayst thou be Sister to thy Brother,
For Great Canutus blood runs low as thine, and Love-sick doateth
on an English Nun.


Alu.

Then you resolve to fly?


Elg.

Heaven knows I do.


Erk.

Here's one will stop your Journey. Thunder part ye, slave.


Elg.

Ha, O me unfortunate!


Alu.

Tush, fear not Madam. See here I stand my Lord.




Erk.

A perjur'd Villain.


Alu.

That tongue lies that speaks it—Hear me, I courted for
thee with my best of speech, and shew'd my faith as firm as Adamant,
till fate that rules all love, ore-rul'd her so, that she became a Suiter for
my love,

And on my worthless self her smiles hath thrown;
My tongue was yours, but my consent mine own.

Erk.
Ile have that heart she loves—hold eyes from weeping.

Elg.

But I shall hate that heart if in thy keeping.
Sheath up thy sword, and hear me Elkinwald, what shall I give thee
to renounce my love?


Erk.

As much as thou would'st give t'attain Elizium sho'd not avert
my love from these fair eyes, Joves thunder, or eternal miseries shall
never so transform me.


Elg.

Yet I cannot love thee.


Erk.

But ile remove the cause of that. Villain, thou hast seen our
slaves dye, when their Lords have laugh'd, Come, run on my weapon,
this is Princely favor,

For greater tortures do attend on thee,
But wee'l be merciful in Tyranny.

Elg.

See, on the Earth, thy Sovereigns Sister kneels, to beg thy
pitty.


Erk.

There's nothing but thy love can purchase it.


Elg.

Yet have mercy, the fault in love was thine, thou didst betray
me when thou let'st me see him; and Villain thou, if thou but touch
his life, the Great Canutus shall revenge my wrongs,

For after him Elgina will not live;
Bethink thee then, O yet some pitty give!

Alu.
Do not debase your self, for my poor life,
I dare his worst, my love is constant still,
More resolute to die, than thou to kill.

Erk.
Tis worthy praise, then see, behold thy death.

Alu.
With open eyes, as I wo'd view her state,
And like a man thus I pursue my fate.

(They fight, Elgina goes between, Erkinwald kils her,)
Elg.

Hold, hold. O I am slain, farewell dear friend, the loss of thee
is Tyranny in death

And death a dream, so thou but close mine eies.
Chaste love is born in Heaven, and never dies.

Erk.

Amazement to my soul, O my Elgina! O I am most accurst!
'twas this hand struck thee.




Alu.
For which Ile be revenged; thus Heaven is just.

Kills him.
Erk.
Base Villain thou hast slain me.

Alu.
'Tis thy fate. Farewel.
Oh pure, unspotted Maid, unhappy Princess,
This hand shall keep thy will and close thine eyes,
Let thy soul joy, for here thy Murderer lies
Dead at my foot, and I with thee could die,
Were my poor Country free from misery.
War calls me to the field. O my Elgina, Autume is on thy cheeks, the
Rose is wither'd, and thou look'st like the Alablaster statue,
Upon thy lips I print this parting kiss,
And flying from thee, leave all earthly bliss.

Exit.
Enter Harrold, Osrick, and Captains.
Har.
Osrick, we hear the Duke of Thetford raiseth men in Norfolk.

Osr.

All England sure, I think will mutiny, if thus the King neglect
his hopeful Conquest, by doating on a womans lustful Beauty.


Har.

Never was man in love bewitcht like him, he will not suffer
speech or any counsel that may dis-swade from her; he bars his right
from any but the Nun, and his loose Panders. Ha! what sight is this?
Duke Erkinwald and the Princess murdered, this sight wo'd sad even
Tyranny it self, draw tears from Tygers, and make wonder dumb.

Oh Great Canutus what portents are these
This heavy curse lights on thy lust and ease.
Thy sister, and thy best of friends are slain,
And safety now is frighted from thy Throne.
Convey this spectacle of grief aside, and let a guard pursue the murderer.
Ile hie me to the King, and there relate
Their deaths, his lust, both guided by strong fate.

Exeunt.
Banquet. Enter K. Canutus.
Can.

She is an Angel in the shape of woman, chaster than Dian, colder
than Freezland snow, and yet she burns me; if I miss her now, my
death must be the period of my love, Go, let those Jewels, Cates, perfumes
and Musick, be all produc'd together in one sense.

Unite all raptures, let's have nothing scant,
That she may taste at once, what all Queens want.
Musick.
Strike heavenly Musick, with a tuneful measure,
And with thy raptures swell her blood and pleasure.
Enter Cartesmunda and Osrick.

The star appears, welcome dear soul, to make our joyes more full, fit



to this Banquet, Great Queen of my heart, and fully joy thy senses in
each part.


Cart.
My senses are intranc'd, or do I dream;
O let me back return to hide my shame.

Can.
O stay divinest soul, hear me but speak.

Cart.

O I have lost my sence with these Inchantments; I am I
know not how, for all my powers are useless, but mine eyes to
weep.


Can.

Make not the earth proud to receive thy tears, lest being subject
unto me her King, I force her to restore again those pearls, more
rich than all the Jewels of our Crown, so high I prize thy tears, yet thee
'bove all.


Cart.
I am your Servant, Prisoner, Vassal, worse.

Can.
Thine eyes upon my freedom laid that curse.
If thou bee'st mine, I do command thy love;
Where Kings of Subjects beg, let pitty move.

Cart.
How can so great a King, be weakness slave?

Can.
In doating of those joyes I near shall have.

Cart.
Men that lust women once, no more indure 'em,
In health they loathe the physick that did cure 'em.

Can.

When I neglect thy love, or touch thy life, may all my Battels
prove unfortunate, and I lose all the conquering Danes have got, and end
my days with shame and inward grief.


Cart.
Your words be registred, with hands divine,
O keep your vow (great Prince) for I break mine.

I blush to say, I yeeld, I'm wholly yours, a spotless Virgin now is in
your power, and as you mildly courted, so this kiss confirms mee to
you.


Can.
And my soul to thee.
Never did man meet more felicitie.
Run Vassals run, prepare all sweet delight
For Cartesmunda sleeps with me to night.
Enter Harold.
England shall sleep in peace, for all my force
On Cartesmunda's love shall now be spent,
Thy Arms shall be my Arms, thy Bed my Tent.

Har.

Defend me Heaven, how is this King transform'd? my news
is not so sad, as is this sight.


Can.

Whose there? Harold? what news?


Har.

The English Princes (mighty Sovereign) seeing your Highness
thus forsake the field, threaten fresh war, and England will be lost.




Can.

But Cartesmunda won, In thee we have all good that England
holds,

All Conquest in these Arms Canutus folds.
Hast more to say?

Har.

Yes, but with grief (my Lord) The fair Elgina, your beauteous
sister, and that only one that made her Sex admit'd, is slain, great
King.


Canut.

Give me this Bracelet, I have begg'd it long.


Har.

And noble Erkinwald lyes murd'red too.


Can.

Why now th'art my pretty one, Come, kiss thy Canutus.


Har.

Had you (my Lord) as I, beheld that sight, the Tyranny of
death had sure amaz'd you.


Can.

What does he talk on?


Car.

Do you not mark, my Lord; he sayes, Your Sister's dead.


Can.

Let her be buried then: Remove out of mine eye, thou
fright'st my love. Some Musick there: Come Cartesmunda kiss me:
Go bid our Souldiers hang their Arms up; Fold up our Ensigns, and
unbrace our Drums, England is conquer'd, all our Wars are done, and
all in this, that Cartesmunda's won.—


Exeunt. Manet Har.
Har.

O strange Inchantment, the sad news I brought, Though now
regardless, whilom would have made his eyes start from their orbs to
hear of it: O fair Elgina! happy now th'art dead, and dost not live to
see thy brothers folly. This is not now Canutus, nor his Palace, but
rather seems a Roman Theatre, and this young Nero acting Comedies,
with some light Strumpet in bold scenes of Lust; This change
with wonder I behold, and see

That love is powerful o're inferior things,
When thus to baseness it transforms great Kings.

Exit.