 | The Siege |  |
ACT IV.
SCENE I.
Enter Bertolina, Florello. She gives him a Ring.Florello.
Is this all the Favor?
Bert.
'Tis a great one
I'th' state you are in, so quit the Town
Without more hazard: You ow me much,
That I have studdied your departure, which
To a person of your quality, were
Not to be expected.
Flor.
I'm rewarded.
Bert.
You may live Florello
To purge the sin of your revolt, and be
Set glorious in opinion, who are now
Left in a dull Eclipse. I would not have
Our Chronicle, remember Bertolina
Accessary to the death of your fair name,
When the amazed Reader will in pity.
A Tree so full of Blossoms wither!
You are here out of the Suns true warmth,
Return and prosper.
Flor.
Cruel Bertolina!
I see thou art a Rock to
Wrack th'unskilful Marriner upon, hast thou disclos'd thy
Stony nature, when first my unhappy eyes
Admir'd thee, I had steer'd another way,
Or got some other Star to sail by. But
Condemn me still, I'll call home my own thoughts
That straggle from my reason, to joyn with
Your accusation I confess I'm faln
Into a depth, hath swallowed up my honor;
And that which makes my suffering infinite,
The love of a frail woman led me to my ruine. Farewel.
Bert.
Deliver that to the Colonel.
Flor.
If thou be constant to thy temper, get
Betimes upon some Battlement, and
See me made a Sacrifice, and too late check
Thy pride, when my last breath shall scorn
Thy name, but expire in prophesying thy unkind fate.
Exit.
Bert.
I have been too passionate,
And thoughtless of a common danger, I begin to find it.
Enter Governor.
Gover.
Bertolina, where's
Florello? I was told you were in conference;
I hope your wisdom will direct you to
Cherish his design, beside his noble
Thoughts to you; for this great act, he's one
Pisa is much engag'd to.
Bert.
I foresee a storm.
Gover.
Florence hath treasured up
Great hope in him, and Castracagnia
The General, with less hazard might have
Parted with half his Army. I counsel Bertolina,
That as you had power to draw him to our side,
So manage him, he may be encouraged
T'employ his love to Pisa.
Bert.
Sir, from you
I learn'd to admire goodness, that
Gives the distinction to Men; without
This, I behold 'em but as Pictures, which
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The absence of inward worth, their titles
Like Landskip gracing them onely afar off.
Gover.
Thou hast my genius to instruct thee;
All thy thoughts are noble.
Enter Colonel, Ranola.
Bert.
The Colonel.
Col.
'Tis done Sir.
Gover.
What?
Col.
Florello.
Gover.
What of him?
Col.
Is discharged.
Gover.
Ha!
Col.
By your command, he is dismiss'd the Town.
Gover.
By mine!
Col.
This is my warrant.
Bert.
Ranola th'ast undone me, didst not tell him
I had something to impart.
Col.
I did Madam, but you see the unhappiness.
Gover.
Bertolina!
Bert.
Sir, your pardon; 'tis I must own the fact, yet hear me.
Gover.
Art thou turn'd conspirator?
Bert.
But late you thought me worth your praise, for
Honoring vertue, which we cannot truly,
But we must hate the contrary. Florello
Was sick, my Lord, and my sending him hence,
Was to procure his health.
Gover.
Astonishment!
Is the morn elder by an hour since
He convers'd with me, I discover'd no sickness in him!
Bert.
To me it did; I saw him
Laboring with a disease, did fright my very soul.
Gover.
Give it a name.
Bert.
An Hospital has none
So full of horror, he has an Ulcer growing
Upon his fame, made him appear full of
Deformity: Shall Foscari's Daughter
Cherish a man that comes to court her love,
Spoil'd of his honor? When he has washed, the stain
Contracted by revolting hither, I'll
Look on him with glad eyes, and call him lover
Till then, I shut him from my thoughts.
Gover.
As I
Will Bertolina, from my sight, I could
Devorce thee from my Blood, and disclaim all
That pleads for nature in me: Take her a way,
Confine her ere she speak again, and tempt me
To forget my self. Hath your nicety
Betray'd so rich a hope as Pisa had
In a few minutes? Hence, or I shall make
Death the punishment of your stay.
Carry in Bertolina.
Col.
My Lord.
Gover.
Be glad your error hath so good a Plea,
You had been lost else. Tell me Colonel,
Dost not expect Florello will return
Circled in a flame, melting our Walls for
This affront done by a giddy Woman?
Col.
We may joyn fire to his, but Sir, your noble
Daughter.
Gover.
Do not beget suspition,
Thou hast practis'd I reason with her, she is
Too near me, we all suffer; and in this
Pisa shall see my Justice.
Exeunt.
Enter Meruole, Soranzo, Lizaro, Ariotto, in the Field.
Mer.
Hang Physick, that prescribes the Spring and Fall,
For opening of a Vein for the health of Honor.
I'th' Dog-days we may bleed, or i'th' depth
Of Winter. Here's an exc'lent place.
How many ounces wilt thou spare Soranzo?
Thou shalt bleed physically.
Sor.
I thank you Sir, you are a noble Surgeon,
I'll not limit you art, I've your promise,
To employ it to my honor.
Mer.
We'll fight the French way, shall's?
Liza.
The French.
Ari.
I never try'd that Duel.
Sor.
We must abide it.
Mer.
Let's to't Pelmel then.
Liza.
Pox a this Pelmel,
I was in hope they would have kil'd one
Another opportunely, and given us
Leasure to think on't, I have it, I'll let fall my Sword.
Ari.
Remember then.
Mer.
Soranzo, tell me where I shall hit thee now.
Sor.
Let your skill direct you.
Liza.
Now I forget thee Ariotto.
Ari.
But howsoever remember to let fall your weapon,
I am now thy enemy; guard thy heart, remember
The reverse.
Mer.
Pox a thee, how dost thou fight, here, canst not
Hit me here? Make a Punto.
Sor.
You must have patience.
Mer.
'Death, what a child th'art, do encounter
With a Pigmey, put home thy Bulrush, I'll
Cleave thy Teeth Button, prethee fight.
Pox a thee, how thou liest?
Ari.
Heart, your Rapier justled my Ribs, let fall;
D'ye long to see Crimson?
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'Tis against my will, as I am a Christian,
I cannot let fall yet with honor.
Ari.
I bleed!
Liza.
Are you in earnest?
Mer.
How now?
Sor.
Does your arm ake? Or have you the cramp
In your fingers?
Mer.
I cannot govern my weapon, thou hast
Prick'd my wrist; where learn'd you
This Surgery? Pox upon these Rapier-Bodkins,
I cannot fight.
Sor.
I may take my leave then, Morrow Ancient,
You have oblig'd me, in
Time I may become a Duellist, I shall
Cherish your instructions—
Exit.
Mer.
Vengeance a your gratitude! Death, must I
Flesh you all, till I am made a Taylers
Bottom, to be stuck thus with your Needles.
Ha! By this oilet-hole, they fight too, are valiant!
Hold! Our quarrel's ended, y'are both well.
Liza.
Well! Yes, I am not sick, there's no pain
In fighting.
Mer.
Let me kiss you Rogues.
Ariot.
What Rascals were we to be Cowards, I
Do feel my self valiant now. Is all
Agreed; where's your enemy?
Mer.
Oh! we parted friends, and he has left
Me a remembrance about my wrist to
Wear for's sake, he has stab'd a sinew.
D'ye not see me left-handed, I have
Made you both Soldiers, teach your hams
Humility, and thank me for't.
Ari.
Now I think on't Ancient, you wear
A Felt of mine, 'tis too conspicuous,
It cost me coyn in Florence, Moneys too
Must be restor'd.
Mer.
How?
Ari.
I do not know whether my valor be
Quotidian, the fit is now upon me.
Liza.
Do Ariotto, it is well thought on,
Some trifles too of mine, Meruole, y'are
In my debt for. But put 'em in thy Schedule,
I have accounts with another Gentleman,
I'll presently search for him.
Exit.
Mer.
Why thou Dogbolt, shall I recant and swear
My opinion back again. Dost not see
My right hand useless.
Ari.
Would 'twere otherwise,
I thirst to exercise my new valor
Upon some body.
Mer.
W'you shall have my place of fleshing
Gentlemen, you see there's something to be
Got by't.
Exeunt.
Enter Castracagnio, Florello, Piracco, Soldiers.
Castr.
Thou hast been cruel to thy self Florello, thy revolt
Hath cancel'd all, hadst thou piled up desert
To Heaven, this crime o'erthrows it.
Flor.
Seem not to make it
Your sorrow, noble General, that I
Am come to die; I have committed
Sin to the earth I tread, whose dust wou'd
Conspire and hang upon my guilty foot
To apprehend me; my own colours blush
I have forsaken them: And where before
I drew my courage from that red, whose sight
Paid back my loss of Blood, and through my eyes
Supplied my veins, they now wave death and paleness
To welcome my return.
Castr.
Why didst not wander
In any part of the wild Earth, no ground
But this, would have disturbed thee.
Flor.
And to this,
Which I've offended, I'm come to make
My justification, and to ware those titles
I've all this while usurped. Opinion
Hath been too partial in my undertakings
And betray'd honors to me; can you think
My actions were directed but by
Chance, or that success did more then mock you
To steal belief that I was valiant.
Take back your thoughts.
Pira.
Was ever Faith so cozen'd,
I held him a brave fellow.
Flor.
How Piracco,
You held him a brave fellow! Am I grown
So cheap in my humility, you should dare
To censure me? Hath two or three attempts,
(Children of Madness rather, and Dispair,
Then discreet Valor, and bold Manhood) rais'd you
To such an impudence, you dare conclude
Me, or my worth, that thou were worthy to
Grapple for Fame, upon a whirlwind with me,
Shouldst see—But I am faln below my self
To talk to such a Land-Rat.
Castr.
Piracco you forget your self; resume your temper.
Pira.
I took him at his word.
Flor.
I am cold again, your pardons Sir, and Heavens.
It does not become a dying man to boast
His Fame; Piracco, I forgive thee, had
I look'd upon my present guilt, though
I am my own accuser, I had suffered
Thy affront with smoothness, I am no more the man I was.
I was a Soldier, but the stock of shame
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My Countrey; deny me now not that justice
You give to every poor and base offender.
I emplore death, and in the sight of Pisa,
To whom, in friendship, I appeared hateful;
Divorce my Rebel-Soul, least my own hands
Grow mutinous, and take your justice from you.
Castr.
What Motive was so strong to ravish you
From us to Pisa.
Flor.
You are come to that
Will convert your wonder, and me
To paleness, when I name the cause of my Revolt.
Pira.
I ever thought so.
Flor.
You thought, bold interrupter,
Passion abuses me, take that which in
Delivery must wound me; Love was the
Witch that drew me from my arms.
Castr.
Love! What Creature?
Flor.
I'll tell you that, so you'll command the Soldiers
To be in readiness to kill me.
Castr.
On.
Flor.
Her Hairs were Cupids Nets, a Forehead like
The fairest Front of Heaven, without a Cloud;
Her Eye-browe was Loves Bow, while either Eye
Were Arrows drawn to wound; her Tongue was
Loves Lightning, Neck the Milky-path or Throne
Where sat the Graces.
Castr.
You describe her well.
Flor.
Yet all this beauty
Hang on her but like Pendants on a Grave,
To make the Monument glorious; for her Heart
Was cold and buried in her, she was dead
To Gratitude, so far from rewarding
My bold enterprise, she punish'd it
With scorn; and as I had been a person
Carried infection, she made me be
Excluded and sent back to bear the stain
Of my dishonor home, to awake your
Severity for my rash sin of loving
Woman, unworthy Woman!
Castr.
Do ye love her still.
Flor.
I feel that flame quenching every minute.
I can die without desiring life to
Enjoy that Marble piece; I am as weary
Of her, as of myself, having undone
My fame, past all example; and the strength
Of your Commission gives me glad assurance
I am short lived.
Castr.
O noble Florello!
I could weep for thee, were it manly; how
Strangely love invades without distinction
Of equality. Thus the bold Grecian
At the Siege of Troy, grew weary of his Arms
For fair Brises: Thus Cleopatra
Did captivate the great Roman Soul, till
Too much of her memory made him lose
His own. But rise Florello from thy dull
Sleep, be disinchanted, and resume thy
Valors flame; I'm proud thy fate made thee offend,
Th'art pardoned, exercise thy free command,
As Honor should direct.
Flor.
Oh you are
Injust, and do commit offence in mercy,
As great as my revolt, by all our Laws—
By that service in the Grisons War, when
Providence directed me to come to
Your rescue; when your Valor had
Engaged you upon multitudes. Let me
Beg, not to out-live this infamy.
Castr.
This Plea seems
Most unnatural, desist, let me
Expect to see you in my Tent.
Exit.
Flor.
Not die? Piracco shall I be so miserable
To live; have you no Friendship to intreat.
Pira.
I did urge him privately while
You were discoursing, but he would not grant it.
Flor.
I resolve not to
Be neglected so; if he deny
Me one, there is a thousand ways to die—
Exit.
Pira.
I, do so. Why now I'm of another humor,
I never found my self more apt to cherish
Life: Hang this noise of immortality,
I ha'not the same Appetite I had
To trade with danger, my Conscience would
Need dispensation to take
My leave of Gun-powder, and Pelmel, hum!
I cannot conjure up this Devil Valor,
That us'd to roar so in me.
Enter Meruole, Ariotto.
Ari.
Nay nay, faith Ancient.
Mer.
Not a skirt!
Ari.
Some restitution were fair—
Mer.
No, not the Wing of a Cossack.
Pira.
'Tis my Surgeon Meruole, Hum—
Ari.
Return my Duckets then.
Mer.
Not a clipt Doit; good temptation leave,
And 'twere the Dukes treasure, 'tis all damn'd:
Talk of restoring in a Camp, O Heresie!
Ari.
How?
Mer.
Yes, and condemn'd by a Council of War. They
Have Cannons, you believe are dangerous
To those that break 'em.
Pira.
What if I mix with 'em, and maintain
The opinion they hold of me.
Ari.
Must I lose all?
Mer.
No, you shall lose nothing but the Principal,
80
Ari.
What's that?
Mer.
Why? for instance, this Dutch Felt was yours,
I'll use it for you gratis; for your Duckets,
They are used so much already, they are quite
Worn out.
Pira.
I'm resolved.
Mer.
Why, you Malt-worm, shall I ha'nothing for
Fleshing of you: Who, the Pox, made you fight!
And I had known it, you should ha' still continued
My dear Revenue, and been Coward till
Y'ad stunk us from the Trenches.
Ari.
'Tis truth.
Mer.
Bring Law terms into the Camp,
And talk of honesty and restitution,
I'll first be sufled in my Colours.
Ari.
Well, th'art noble, I give thee
A general release.
Pira.
Ancient, how is't? I thank thy Surgery, I am
No Cripple now, Ariotto;
When didst see my Subject.
Enter Lizaro.
Liza.
Oh! Have I found you.
Pira.
How now Weezel, whether art thou creeping?
Here's no Hens Nest.
Liza.
I have a note for you Captain.
Pira.
'Death, a Challenge?
Liza.
A small note for you, I expect an answer;
Ancient, you shall be witness.
Mer.
Who signs, is't a Bond? We'll share then.
Ari.
What didst deliver to Piracco?
Pira.
Imprimis, A Beaver, ha! Item, Two
Laced Ruffs, a Pair of Boots; the Inventory
of the things I took from him: A Belt, one
Holland Shirt plain, another with Seaming-Lace
—What's this?
Liza.
Commodities that were lent you; you shall
Find ready money at the ballance of the
Bill; Captain, these odd reckonings
Between you and I, must be cleared.
Mer.
Observe 'em.
Pira.
Put in that Hat and Feather, and sum't up,
I'll discharge all together.
Liza.
So you'll put me in other security.
Pira.
Ha! Will he fight? Come I was not serious,
Take your Bonnet and be covered.
Mer.
How now Gentleman, what's the difference?
Pira.
He brings his Bill, and requires back his Loan
And Subsidies for Beating. Shall I mince thee
With thy own Sword;
And like an Anthropomphagus devour thee,
Thou Rabbet Sucker.
Mer.
I, do Piracco, scourge him
As Boys do Tops; or make him dance
The Irish Hey, over a Field of Thistles
Naked. Why dost not draw?
Pira.
Meruole, dost not know me? Shall I destroy
The wild thing? Prethee make him sensible
What 'tis to enrage me.
Mer.
That I will.
Ari.
Faith, restore Captain.
Mer.
Do you mean to be balladed when you come
To Florence. Why d'ye extend your arm forth
Like a Fencers sign? Fight or expect no
Weapon hereafter, but a Dog-whip to
Be advanced against you.
Liza.
Will not your
Captainship shew your Steel, because you once
Did make a noise, and brave it? Do not tempt
My patience, give me back my Moneys,
And put me in good Sureties for my Wardrobe,
Or by this Flesh I'll pink you.
Pira.
He is converted, why dost here Squirel,
What Composition.
Ari., Mer.
Compound!
Pira.
'Faith Ancient, I ha' done him wrong, and
Because I see he's noble, I'll return
Some of the trifles.
Liza.
Observe me I will have all, and more
Then all; I will not now be satisfied,
Unless you sight.
Pira.
Why then, be accessary to thy death.
Mer.
So, so, too't Bullies.
Pira.
I scorn to fight with such a Coward.
Liza.
Coward! Thou liest. Come back, you shall not part so.
Pira.
That wont provoke me.
Mer.
Can there be greater provocation
In Nature? He's possest with a tame Devil.
Pira.
Hold, I cannot fight.
Liza.
I'll try that.
Pira.
There's my Sword, I am disarmed.
Both.
Ha! Give up's Weapon!
Liza.
This is somewhat.
Mer.
Captain Cow! Let's carry him to Bagola,
And ha'him drest against Dinner.
Ari.
This is a miracle!
Mer.
Are you the Doughty Captain that did talk
Nothing but Batteries, Famine, Death,
And all the sad Remonstrances of War?
Let us search him, and his Soul be not crept
Into one of's Pockets.
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I am not satisfi'd,
Since thou wou'd not fight, I'll know the cause
Makes thee degenerate. Nimbly deliver—
Pira.
Gentlemen, (for it cannot be conceal'd)
Meruole made me a Coward.
Mer.
I! Thou fought'st with me.
Pira.
The Imposthume which your Sword hapned to launch,
Let out my valor; truth is, the pain of that made
Me desperate, not valiant. Since
I feel my self to have a sound Body,
I am loth to endanger it.
Mer.
Did this advance your from a Corporal,
To be a Captain? I perceive some men
Thrive by Diseases, then besides Physitians.
Was I the Surgeon to do this feat too?
Pira.
I beseech you Gentlemen.
Ari.
I hav't! You shall now be my Subject.
Liza.
Yours! That were precious! No, hands off, he's mine
For my discovery.
Mer.
Release your titles Gentlemen,
My Surgery is unpaid for, give him gently
To my possession, or try the agility
Of your left arms: 'Tis not for your honors
To deal upon unequal terms, and my
Right hand is useless now.
Ari.
Fight with left hands.
Mer.
Or he that hath Arithmetick enough,
Divide him into three equal portions.
Pira.
I am content,
Kind Gentlemen.
Liza.
Oh thou Mungrel!
Ari.
I have a way to reconcile all; lets
Draw Lots whose Subject he shall be.
Mer.
A match, and let him make 'em, so he may
Preserve his flesh nimbly then.
Liza.
Well thought on.
Mer.
Is there no motion in you.
Pira.
Yes—Ancient, I wish I may fall to
Your power, you'll use me nobly.
Ari.
When?
Pira.
I am preparing here Gentlemen!
Mer.
The longest cut enjoy him.
Pira.
Who must be my Soveraign?
Ari.
He's Meruoles.
Mer.
You yield he's mine.
Liza.
'Tis your fate Sir.
Mer.
First let me see,
Gentlemen, I must request your absence
For a few minutes; I have a stratagem
Would have a little privacy, or I shall
Desire to see you at my Hut; nay, I
Beseech you Gentlemen.
Both.
Farewel then,
We'll expect you.
Ari.
Farewel.
Mer.
There is a ceremony to be us'd Captain,
You must give me formal possession,
By delivery of your clean Shirt: D'ye
Observe me, mine is somewhat foul, quickly.
Pira.
Oh noble Ancient, Ah.
Mer.
Make a shift, come.
Pira.
By this light Ancient, I see company,
Leave me not naked to the world.
Mer.
Retire then behind the next Tree, under
Pretence to ease Nature, you may doff it.
Mend your pace Tortoise.
Pira.
Oh Tyranny!
Exeunt.
Enter Florello his Sword drawn.
Flor.
To live is but to walk to death, why then
Should we not take the nearest way, since that
We make the period of our Pilgrimage?
But we are wanton, and affect the path
That keeps us circles in mortality,
When the least declination, would teach us
To die, and know, our errors.
Enter Soranzo.
Sor.
My noble Lord.
Flor.
Welcome Soranzo, there is pitty now
In Heaven, I give my self up hopeless
To have a friend in my necessities,
To do me the kind office. I'm a prisoner.
Sor.
A prisoner!
Flor.
A prisoner to the World, and thou shalt set me free.
Sor.
You are full of mystery, I understand you not.
Flor.
This will instruct thee, aim it at my bosom,
And I will praise thee, when I'm dead.
Sor.
D'ye court me
To be a murtherer. How long has life
Been such a burden to you.
Flor.
Wot thou not,
Cure my wound then.
Sor.
You would have me make one.
Flor.
There is else no physick for me,
Prethee be charitable and do't Soranzo;
'Tis but extending of thy arm, and touch me,
And I shall drop down like an Autemn leaf,
Without a murmur.
Sor.
Why are you so cruel, name a cause
That can require me to commit so great
Injustice
Flor.
I will tell thee, if't be possible,
I may believe thy ignorance. Oh Soranzo!
That action which thy friendship made thee yield to
Murder'd my fame. Now it is no secret
To tell thee, Love, like a wild Passion
Transported me to Pisa.
Sor.
Ha, love to Pisa!
82
Why dost start, Iknow I am thy wonder.
Here I was but a walking shadow, for
My heart was lock'd up there with Bertolina,
Foscari's Daughter.
Sor.
Bertolina!
Flor.
Thou hast a troubled countenance; has that name
Power to recal thy blood, dost know her?
Sor.
Yes.
Flor.
How old is thy acquaintance, or what cause
Brought thee unto the knowledge—Thou dost not
Love her.
Sor.
I ne'er was guilty of a sin to hate
So fair a Lady.
Flor.
There's danger in thy words, 'twill not be safe
To converse further with me, yet I'll tell thee,
Had the great Duke of Tuscanny receiv'd
Encouragement to love her, and had made
His crown and wealth the subtle Orators
To plead for him; the venture that I made
Would buy her from his arms, and force her through
The wealth and treasures, like neglected things
Behind her noble thoughts; his name not deserving
To be remembred that day that Florello's
Was in her memory, had her heart in Dower
The Universal Graces of her sex,
Ages to come would call my act too great
A price for't, and the purchase dearly bought:
Yet she refus'd.
Sor.
Her heart, my Lord, may be,
Was not her own to give.
Flor.
What dost thou say Soranzo?
Sor.
Pardon, my Lord,
The freedom of my language, or but hear it,
Though you grow furious, and destroy me after.
'Tis my unhappiness to affect that Lady
The trouble of whose fate, invited me
To mingle with your Troups, when Pisa held
Friendship with Florence.
Flor.
No more, I have a rival then! How dare
Thy fortune be so saucy, get thee from
My sight, a minute will endanger thee.
My afflictions come tumbling like waves
Upon me, there's another lost, my friend;
Yet still I live, and must, unless I teach
My hand to murder. Ha! blessed remembrance!
The Battery, 'tis not in the power of death
To avoid me, 'twill be some revenge to die
The example of a Ladies cruelty.
Exeunt.
| The Siege | |