 | The Poor-Mans Comfort |  |
Act. I.
Enter Lucius and Urania.Luc.
Stay fair Urania, thou whose only beautie
Would make a desert rich, and force Kings leave
Their purple thrones, to come and gaze at thee.
Lisander craves thee stay, he that does dote on thee,
More then the female on her new faln kid.
Ura.
You should be still a flatterer by your tongue.
Luc.
By all my hopes I swear, returne my love
But that fair grace it merits, and on my faith
A tryal, beyond which the covetous thought
Of man nere went, Ile undergoe;
And in the Achievement lose my self ere thee.
Ura.
You overvalue me, were I possest
Of so high passions, what you terme love;
Alexis equal suit should sooner move
Then you, whose birth is all unknown to me.
Luc.
Ungentle maid, let not thy cruelty
Force me despair, he that so oft has song
And won the prize for dance and roundelayes;
He that has vowed his chast thoughts to thy shrine,
Given thee the tender firstlings of his flocks;
Who amongst the fairest Lasses of the plains,
Chose thee his prize, when at the publick games,
He crown'd thee with the wreath, which for his merit
In songs and active sports he did inherit,
From the deserving swaines; Do not forget
My seven years service, which to attain thee yet,
Would seem but as one Summers day.
Ura.
You are too forward.
Luc.
True love does charge, and that fault lay on me;
Oh did thy yeelding heart feel but the fires!
Ura.
Alas! I feel too much, in modesty forbear
Thy violent suit, which breeds suspect; true love being ever mute,
When lust findes means to speak.
Command thou cruell maid this heart to break,
Which only words give life to.
Ura.
Nay then I flie thee, or else I shall not know—
Luc.
How to denie me! Oh! speak that word once more.
Ura.
Will you inforce my love?
Luc.
Rather then live, stay but and hear my vow.
Enter Gisbert.
Gisb.
Whom ha we here?
Lysander and my daughter got so near.
Where two such chast brests meet; I need not fear.
Some earnest suit belike, were it her love,
He merits it; she cannot but approve
His worth and person fitter for a State,
Then the imployment of so low a fate.
Ura.
Oh do not wrong me so!
Luc.
I do appeal to you, who well do know
The loyall service: These seven winters past
Have stood impartial witnesse, if I have gain'd
Least happinesse in ought, but might expresse
My constant labour; Have I in excesse
My Masters store consum'd, or rob'd his flocks
To serve a private riot? have I not born the shock
Of sharpest stormes, to drive my weary herd
To place of shelter? did the Sun behold
The dewie plains before me? or the dayes heat,
Force me unto the shade? did the rob'd Females bleat
For losse of tender young, whilst sleep possest
My sloathfull eye, by ravenous wolves opprest
Or time-observing fox? If to make known
A gratefull mind, I have so well begun;
Oh! think how happy by enjoying thee,
The period of my lingering pains would be.
Gisb.
Thou speakest most true.
These tears that speak my love do witnesse it.
Ura.
You well have told how much we do forget
Your labours Sir. For my part I confesse
You merit much, nor am I pitilesse.
Speak to my Father, he esteems you high,
I am only his, if he shall not denie
That equal suit, I know not what should want.
You might in time prevail; Sir only so.
Gisb.
No word so hard in a maids mouth as No.
Luc.
Oh! let me stay thee yet to crown this hour
With stiles of Happinesse, and by it place
In memorie this curse, if ever I embrace
Another love, if ever I forget
The pity shown me in distresse; then let
My fate run backward, let no good attend
My present being, other then in the end
To make my misery greater, may I obtain
Contempt from thence, where most I do affect.
Gisb.
Thou art to blame to make such deep protests,
Ile be thy gage unto my daughter, say Urania
Wo't take my word, believe it girle he loves thee;
If he prove false, lay all the blame on me.
Luc.
You oppresse me Sir with this high curtesie.
Is't not sufficient that you gave relief
Unto my fainting life, when torne with grief?
My sad fate-forc'd me hither, which dispossest
True virtue of his crown, and low deprest
The Kingly Ferdinand, making sad way
To the usurping Tyrant, who now sits
High in the Sicilian bloud: Is't not enough
Your pity gave me being, but to add more
Unto my feeble merit? my heart you had before:
And beyond that I have not, which with the acknowledgment
Of love and duty shall be the annuall rent,
Ile make just payment of.
Gisb.
I credit thee so well, that what is mine,
My flocks, lodge, and Urania, all is thine.
This day I will possesse thee of them, and retire
My weary thoughts from covetous desire
Of this uncertain good, and only spend
My houres in thanks and payers, that ere my end,
So great a good befell me; I tell thee son,
I only be thy beadsman, and return
On thee and thine as payment for my board; unnumbred blessings.
Luc.
Alas Sir! you afford
Deeds beyond words, which makes me find my self
Enter Cosmo, Licippus, Surdo, Alexis.
Gisb.
I am sufficient blest injoying such a son; and so in happy
time Cosmo and Licippus, they shall be witnesses unto the contract,
and my performance.
Cosm.
Yonder he is boy, and thou canst put on a good fate, she's
thine own boy; let me alone to work her father.
Surd.
I had rather you would work the Daughter; I shall turn
tail assoon as ever I come at her.
Cosm.
Such a bashfull fool was I in my infancy; the boy will
spoil all, canst not tell what to say to her?
Surd.
I think I had best begin soundly with her, tell her I am in
good health, I thank her, and so kisse her.
Cosm.
Whorson asse! thou must kisse her first.
Surd.
What afore I am in good health? that will show scurvily;
pray let me alone, these old men, though they be never so weak,
will be doing in the marriage businesse still.
Licip.
Take courage boy, my tongue shall plead thy smart,
Love were no god, should he not crown desert,
And just affection. The happinesse of the day,
Befall to Gisbert and his lovely daughter.
Gisb.
The like to good Licippus, your company is rare Sir;
You'r welcome both.
Licip.
I have a suit to you concerns me neer.
Gisb.
Your are happy then, for you are like to speed.
Licip.
Your daughter saying so, I were indeed.
Behold the miserablest youth that ever Love
Made captive yet, whose fight alone would move
The hungry Lyonesse to leave her pray,
And turn compassionater: if pity ere bore sway
Within a female brest, now let it speak
And cure the wound, made by those beauteous eyes
Which pierc'd his tender heart: in you it lies
To make me fatherlesse or happy.
Gisb.
I would it did, thy griefes were at an end then.
Cosm.
This strikes me dead.
Know Gisbert that the same desire moves him,
Has brought me hither, your land adjoyns to mine:
For which much suit has past, make but my sonne
Your daughters husband, both our states are one,
Surd.
He's half rotten already Sir, besides the chincough, the
Usurers disease the gowt, and the heart-burning, the Physitians
have given him over long since, because his feeling's gone.
Licip.
I have no Lands to give, my flocks are all;
Which were they more, are his: think of his love.
Cosm.
My wealth will last, when his vain passion's spent.
'Tis only riches gives the true content.
Gisb.
Contend no further: to cut off tedious hopes,
Know you this day I have assur'd my daughter
Unto Lisander.
Cosm., Licip.
Your servant?
Alex.
Unequall Heaven!
Surd.
Unequall Hell, I say, this answer has brought me low
enough Ime sure.
Ura.
Content thyself Alexis, this is the wise mans cure,
That any thing which Fate wils he can indure.
Alex.
Nay I must bar't, and though Fate crosse my will
To enjoy thy person, yet I love thee still.
Surd.
Her husband will not thank you for that, all that I can
promise is this, though I cannot dance where I would, Ile shake my
heeles at your wedding.
Gisb.
You shall be liberally, welcome, next morrow is the day,
in the mean time Ile passe ore my lands.
Whisper Lucius.
Cosm.
Which should be mine, had I my wishes, farewell, come boy.
Gisb.
Nay we'l intreat you stay a while, come let's in,
From this day to expect my happinesse Ile begin.
Ex.
Alex.
And I my sorrows.
Exeunt.
Enter Oswell.
Alarums
[Within]
A Ferdinand, a Ferdinand.
Osw.
A clap of thunder stay the clamorous throats of this rude
multitude, these virginall jacks, that skip and make a noise as each
hand moves them.
Enter 2. Lords, Sands, Ellis.
1. Lord.
Oh flie and save your life my Lord, the day is lost!
2. L.
Our trecherous troops making with Ferdinand, turn head
against your force, to whom the Lords joyning themselves, once
more proclaime him King, and give free oath for their fidelity.
Osw.
Some dismall planet strike you ever mute.
You will not second me?
Twere bootlesse.
Osw.
I won't curse you; but may you die like pesants, slaves, and
cowards: and since there is no remedy, but I must survive, Fortune in
spite of thee, Since not, mongst men, a King ore beasts Ile be.
Exe.
Enter Ferdinand, Unicentio, with a Crown, Lords.
A Flourish.
Ferd.
Take hence that Crown, it was not Soveraignty,
But to release you from the Tyranny
Of my usurping nephew, made me leave
My long retir'd life, and throw my fate
Into the doubtfull scale of war, which to make good;
Know that by solemn oath I have tyed my self,
Never to gird these Temples with a Crown.
Ors.
Forbid it heaven!
Ferd.
Let this expresse your loves, you will not move me
Beyond my vow; yet that we may not leave you joylesse,
We have a son, what want is in his youth,
Your best experient wisdomes will supply.
Make him your King: besides his right in us,
I have procur'd the heir of Sicilie our adjoyning friend,
To be his wife. But why with such sad browes
And silent gestures do you take our wishes?
Uinc.
Alas my Lord! your Son—
Ferd.
What makes this sad Apostrophe?
My heart misgives me, if my son be dead,
Our hopes and joyes with him are buried.
Speak, doth he live?
Uinc.
He lives, But—
Ferd.
But what?
Uinc.
Alas! he's not himself.
Whether his grief, depriv'd of all his friends,
Driven to obscurity, and forc'd to live
Beneath condition of a subject, borne a Prince;
Or some just fate, for our ingrate offence,
To rob us of so rich a hope as he did promise,
In his fair lineaments, is all unknown,
Whilst he that should be ours is not his own;
Orecome with strange distraction.
Ferd.
Distraction is the soul of woe,
Poor boy! could not thy father undergoe,
The waight of misery without thy help?
Oh let me see him yet, and if his heart
Of sense and knowledge, with Arguments and prayers
I will recall his soul, that overprest
With melancholy bloud, is bar'd her active use;
Like fire supprest for want of heat and flame,
Turns to'a choaking vapour; it may be, our presence
May give his flame fere vent, and make more light
That grosse and earthy load.
Uinc.
I wish it might.
Fortune did never envy nature more,
Then in so rich a Cabinet to look so poor,
And undervalued spirit. See where he comes.
Your violent passion much may wrong him Sir.
Enter Sigismond and Catzo.
Ferd.
Unhappy Ferdinand! beyond this crosse,
Thou well might'st dare thy fate.
Sigis.
Not a step lower, I am in hell already.
Catz.
If you move him any further he'l turn Devil, claw you
horribly, he'l give you his recognizance, the paw, nailes and all.
Sigis.
More weight on this side, I shall overturn else;
Dost thou not see how heavy he hangs here?
Catz.
Thou art a crooked piece, here's more waight.
Sigis.
One hundreth pound more and I go right.
Catz.
Half the mony would make many a Lord in Thessaly go
wrong, are you well now?
Sigis.
I am reasonable well.
Catz.
And you are reasonable well, that were well indeed.
I have a mad hand with you I am sure.
Ferd.
I want a language to expresse my grief.
Poor Sigismond I could dissolve in tears,
To make a passage to thy pent up soul.
If thou hast any sense look mildly on me.
Why dost thou all in fear and terrour gaze
Upon thy father thus?
Sigis.
Help, help, help.
Catz.
Here, here, what's the matter?
Sigis.
Has he not eat my bowels out already?
Catz.
Who do you mean Sir?
Sigis.
Yonder Hyena.
Catz.
Yonder hens?
Sigis.
Dost thou not see his tears?
See how cunningly he would seise me in his paw.
Catz.
My powder's damp, it will not off.
Ferd.
Some God or good man help.
Sigis.
He comes, he comes, he comes, flie, flie, flie.
Ferd.
Can none prescribe me comfort?
Uinc.
May be some musick would allay his passions.
Catz.
Please him with musick, you may as well catch a hare
with a Taber, the very tuning of the fidles would make him
starke mad.
Ferd.
Art thou acquainted with his humours then?
Catz.
Who I Sir? I have almost lost mine owne wits in his
service. Humours call you them? Ile tell you Sir, sometimes he will
be dumb two houres together, and then must I be speechlesse as
long; then do we two sit making of faces one at another, like a
brace of Baboones, or a picture-drawer at his counterfeit; anone
he will start up, and make way with his hands, for fear you
should run a tilt against his nose, which as he is perswaded, hangs
two fathome in his light at least: If any body looks on him he
takes it in snuff, and railes at him like a Copper-smith; then
must I turn Physitian, and make him believe I pare away two stones
at least in collops.
Ferd.
Didst ever hear him speak of his parentage;
Talk of his Father?
Catz.
Oh Sir! It's a Tragedy if he name his Father once, 'tis no
boot for me to stay by it.
Ferd.
I prethee why?
Catz.
He sayes they took his crown from him, and banisht him,
and then he fals upon me in his fathers right, and so malls me
that I am not able to lift up mine hand to mine own crown. I have
lost much bloud in your quarrell Sir.
Ferd.
Poor boy! it was our losse depriv'd thy sense
Of her best residence; and me eternally
Of joy and comfort. Here friend we will reward thee better,
If thou wilt follow him still.
Catz.
Should he run out of his wits never so far, here be they
would drive me after him, tis for these the whole world runs mad
now adayes.
Exe.
Ferd.
I prethe leave him not, till we by art,
And good mens prayers find out some means to cure him.
Yet that we may not seem all buried
Commons good ingratefull, know we confirme
Your ancient priviledge of Senators;
Who may determine the affaires of State.
Next be it proclaimed that whosoever stand
Banisht in our cause, shall be restor'd to honour,
And indued with our best love.
Uinc.
What death shall we inflict upon those Traytors tane in
the field upon the Tyrants part?
Ferd.
Release them freely.
This is the difference twixt bad Kings and good,
The one through peace doth prosper, th'other with bloud.
Proclaime our generall pardon; Kings oft do grant
That happinesse to others, which themselves do want.
Let each brow put on joy, wee'l only mourn,
Our good is yours, our grief shall be our own.
Flourish.
Ex.
Enter Urania as a Bride, Gisbert, Lucius, Cosmo, Licippus, Alexis, Surdo. Dance.
Gisb.
Be this the saddest day you ere may know.
If ever Hymen tyed a happy knot,
Or that a parents blessing ere procur'd
A good from Heaven, this day a fathers prayers
Be powerfull in your joyes.
Luc.
Our love and duty shall deserve your wishes.
Gisb.
We cannot doubt it; each man unto his seat.
The neighbouring Shepheards to expresse their love
Born to my daughter, and to grace the day
With harmlesse sports, are making to our lodge,
Dance.
These notes proclaime them—
Musick and a Dance, which ended
What newes Venalcas?
Enter Menalcas.
Menal.
A poast from Court scowring along the plaines,
Inquir'd thy lodge, and hearing that my service
Belong'd to you, charg'd me on my allegiance
Deliver this Proclamation, that with instant speed
It might be published.
Gisb.
My bloud turns cold, I pray heaven all be well!
Luc.
Did he exchange no other words with thee?
Menal.
His haste denyed much talk, only in brief
He told me, that King Ferdinand by the aide
Of the Sicilian Prince was reinthron'd,
The Tyrant fled, and those that er'st bewayl'd
Gisb.
This Proclamation speaks it, which doth by, name give
note to Lord Vincentio, late Senator of State, Francisco Ipinolo Jacomo.
Luc.
Not my name mentioned?
Gisb.
Lord Lucius.
Luc.
The same; I thought he had forgotten me.
Gisb.
With all other Lords, Knights or Gentlemen, that have willingly
for our love, or forcibly been constrained to suffer banishment,
be forthwith restored with double interest, for all their
losses as well in goods as rents, to be received at our Exchequer up,
on demand thereof made. Most worthy Prince!
Luc.
His gratitude best speaks him.
Gisb.
And this Proclamation doth confirme it, which craves my
haste neighbours, you must along with me, all fears are past.
A Tyrants death makes a true festivall.
Ex.
Luc.
This news transport me, Ferdinand restor'd:
Which cals me home, and addes unto my name
The honour of my Ancestors. Heaven canot give
A good equall to this; but I forget my self,
This is my wedding day: my wife the daughter
To a poor Shepheard—Disgrace unto mine Honour,
And perpetuall shame to my posterity!
Ura.
This newes hath much distemper'd him, tell me love,
What means this suddain pale that doth possesse thine eyes with
scar? this happy day invites all mirth and triumph, you have not
now a thought that can give colour unto discontent.
Luc.
Forbeare, you are troublesome, your words trouble me.
Ura.
How, trouble you? you speak not like a lover.
Luc.
I would I did not, prethee Urania leave me.
Ura.
Some old renued grief possesseth him—
What ere it be, let me bear equall part,
It is my due and duty. I have a heart
Beyond my sex to indure calamity.
Luc.
You will offend.
Ura.
Rather my soul than thee.
Luc.
Away then, get you in.
Ura.
To death shouldst thou command.
Grief pressed heart, this day thy tears back keep,
Thou'lt finde hereafter time enough to weep.
Luc.
She's virtuous and fair, why should I leave her then?
Her birth is low, that's Fortunes fault, not hers.
And shall I leave her now? there is a thing
Call'd Conscience would persue me. Dull and abject thought!
You fit Lisander a poor shepheards soul,
Not Lucius son unto a Senator.
I cannot stoop so low, no Ile abjure her sight,
Sell both my lodge, and flock to furnish me
As is my breeding. Suppose old Gisbert curse,
His daughter raile, talke of ingratitude,
They beat the aire, great men are above their crimes,
Who has a thriving soul must change with times.
But for a chapman let me see, Cosmo,
His hate to Gisbert will imbrace the bargaine.
Enter Cosmo, Surdo.
Surd.
Father I must leave you and return to the Bride-house again.
Cosm.
Is there more to be done yet?
Surd.
It would be ill for the Bride else, I must lend a hand
to untrusse her husband, he is a great Lubber, he must to
hose go down there, and see where he walks to keep himself in
breath for the attempt.
Luc.
Cosmo the man my thoughts direct me to; I word with you.
Surd.
Now will he aske him some baudy question, or an other,
As how to get such a chopping boy as I am; blesse the example,
or being now to set up, what course is best to maintaine a
standing table? for his wife comes of a free stock, and will
keep open house.
Cosm.
You make but tryall of me Sir?
Luc.
By all my hopes they are thine, give me the Crownes
and here is the Deed.
Cosm.
Beyond my expectation. 300 Crowns; there they be Sir.
Luc.
The Flock and Lodge are thine, take instantly possession.
Cosm.
Do you not crave this nights forbearance?
Luc.
Not an hour Sir; necessity will make them ply their
work, not follow me.
Cos.
I am ravisht with the thought on't, my imaginations lost me.
Gisberts Lands are mine, there's nought so sweet,
As when revenge and thrifty profit meet.
Ex.
Surd.
The old knave commits sin with himself; the Flock and
Lodge gone already. I think he means to keep open house in earnest.
Luc.
This peasants service may much pleasure me.
Surd.
As a court Midwife, no Baud like me.
Luc.
Then know, I am a Lord.
Surd.
And that may be indeed, for he's sold all.
Luc.
Take but thy fortunes with me, and Ile raise thee.
Say, wot along with me?
Surd.
Will you swear by your honour you are a Lord?
Luc.
My Father was no lesse, a Senator.
And by the Edict of the restored King
That honour's mine, thou shalt be next about me.
Surd.
Your Tailor will prevent me of that, I had rather come
next behind you, for great men cast their sins behind them, and
some bribes must needs fall to my share. Are there any wenches
where you goe?
Luc.
Selected beauties, such as Art and Nature contend to
make perfect.
Surd.
Art and Nature they commonly go together indeed; well I
well leave my fortunes at home, and run after my destiny abroad.
If you prove a Lord, like a fool I may the better follow
you. If you gull me like a knave, you shall follow your self,
I have been brought up long enough at home, to finde the way
back again, that's the best on't.
Luc.
Never doubt it man, Arcadia farewell:
Who parts from a loath'd bed is freed from hell.
Exeunt.
Enter Cosmo, Gisbert, Urania, Licippus, Alexis.
Gisb.
Turnd from my home, depriv'd of all my goods,
My flocks, my hopes! thou art not honest Cosmo—
Licip.
Give them but respite to provide themselves.
Cosm.
Not a minute.
Gisb.
Let me but speak with him I am content, he shall sell all.
Cosm.
You may go seek him, you have little else to spend your,
time about, we were too mean to match with your fair daughter—
Your wealthy heir you have advanc'd her now—
Alex.
You are too bitter Cosmo, too pitylesse,
Tis basenesse self to trample on distresse.
Cosm.
You may relieve them Sir, they us'd you well,
Were very pitifull to you, twill argue love;
And that goes naked too; give me their hates,
So I go warm and clad.
Gisb.
Hard hearted creature!
Begger slave, pack hence from my door,
Ile set my dogs upon thee else, my hounds, I keep them for
No other use, if long you stay
Ile give you musick to your nuptiall day.
Ex.
Licip.
Unmanly wretch!
Alex.
In humane monster!
Ura.
My heart I think would break,
Did not mine eyes in stead of words thus speak.
Gisb.
Ingrate Lisander! Happy wert thou that curedst
The wounded Lyon, thou Roman Captive;
He did acknowledge thee in thy distresse,
And sav'd thy life, yet was he reasonlesse,
Had not the faculties of soul to apply
The good of pity to him—My poor Urania,
Unhappy childe! tis her grief wounds me more,
Then any sorrow my spent age can know.
Ura.
Alas! I am young Sir, able to undergoe
The worst of misery, tis not my losse,
But your tears make me weep, pray try me Sir;
Do not you mourn, and see with what heart Ile bear
Your woes and mine, Ile not so much as weep:
Unlesse by chance I hear Lisander nam'd,
And then for your sake not mine own Ile blame
His much unkindnesse. Ile say you us'd him better,
That shall be all my plaint, Sir credit me—
Gisb.
Poor girle! How well thou mockest calamity?
Alex.
Never did grief look with a lovelier face.
I could e'en court it now, and hold the maxime,
Man is not happy but in miserie.
Thou all of virtue, though my fate deny
The blest injoying thee, make me thus proud
To give thy wants reliefe, our homely Cottage,
My Flocks and Lambs are thine.
Licip.
Both his and mine,
Shall pay the duty; by my best hopes I swear,
Or may my younglings pine, my Ewes nere beat.
Gisb.
We give you credit.
Alex.
Accept them fair ones.
Ura.
I am more wounded with this curtesie,
Then all Lisanders malice.
Gisb.
Thou shall accept their boons Urania; as for me,
I have an other part, to play a Tragedie;
And lay his trechery open. Ile to the Court,
If untill my return you will support
My haplesse daughters state.
Ambo.
Make it not questionable.
Gisb.
Nay do not weep, here's my hand, Ile not stay long from thee.
Ura.
You must not seek me here then: No Lisander
Where ere thou art, I will or find thee out,
Or lose my self, thy sight at least Ile have:
Since not thy wife, may I but live thy slave.
Licip.
Wee'l bring you on your way Sir.
Gisb.
Your loves oppresse me: Come my daughter, yet
We may ere death in joy each other meet.
Ura.
Too vain a hope.
Unhappy Father! Ile do thee thus much right,
Thou shalt not double sorrow by my sight.
Exeunt.
| The Poor-Mans Comfort | |