 | The Antiquary |  |
Actus Quintus.
Enter Lorenzo, Moccinigo, Æmilia, and Lucretia.Lor.
Now Signior Moccinigo, what hast requires your presence?
Moc.
Marry Sir this, you brought mee once into a paradise of pleasure,
and expectation of much comfort, my request therefore is, that
you would no longer defer, what then you so liberally promis'd.
Lor.
How do you mean?
Moc.
Why Sir, in joyning that beautious Lady your daughter, and
my self in the firm bonds of matrimony, for I am somewhat impatient
of delay in this kinde, and indeed the height of my blood requires it.
Luc.
Are you so hot, I shall give you a card to cool you presently.
Lor.
'Tis an honest and a vertuous demaund, and on all sides an action
of great consequence, and for my part there's not a thing in the
world, I could wish sooner accomplished.
Thank you Sir.
Lor.
There's another branch of policy besides the complying of you
two together, which springs from the fruitfullnesse of my brain, that I
as much labour to bring to perfection as the other.
Moc.
What's that Sir?
Lor.
A devise upon the same occasion, but with a different respect,
'tis to be impos'd upon Petrutio, I hate to differ so much from the nature
of an Italian, as not to be revengefull, and the occasion at this time
was, he scorn'd the love of her, that you now so studiously affect; but
Ile fit him in his kinde.
Moc.
Did he so? he deserves to have both his eyes struck as blind as
Cupids his master, that should have taught him better manners; but
how will you do it.
Lor.
There's one Lionell an ingenious witty Gentleman.
Æm.
I that he is, as ever breath'd, husband upon my knowledge.
Lor.
Well, hee is so, and wee two have cast to requite it upon him,
the plot as he informs me is already in agitation, and afterwards sans
delay, Ile bestow her upon you.
Luc.
But you may be deceav'd.
Moc.
Still you engage mee more and more your debtor.
Lor.
If I can bring both these to successe, as they are happily intended,
I may sit down, and with the Poet cry Iamq; opus exegi.
Moc.
Would I could say so too, I wish as much, but 'tis you must
confirm it, fair mistresse, one bare word of your consent, and 'tis
done, the sweetnesse of your looks encourage me, that you will joyne
pitty with your beauty, there shall be nothing wanting in me to demerit
it, and then I hope, although I am base,
Dutifull service may your love procure.
Lor.
How now Signior, what, love and poetry have they two found
you out? nay then you must conquer; consider this, daughter, shew
thy obedience to Phœbus and God Cupid, make an humble proffer of
thy self, 'twill be the more acceptable, and advance thy deserts.
Æm,
Doe chicken, speak the word, and make him happy in a minute.
Lor.
Well said wife, solicite in his behalf, 'tis well done, I am loth to
importune her too much for fear of a repulse.
Æm.
Marry come up Sir, you are still usurping in my company, is
rule, and you obey with silence; I had thought to have endeavour'd
for perswasion, but because you exhort me to it, Ile desist from what
I intended, Ile do nothing but of my own accord, I.
Lor.
Mum wife, I have done; thus we that are married must be subject
to.
Moc.
You give an ill example, mistris Æmilia, you give an example
Æm.
What old fellow is this, that talks so; doe you know him
daughter?
Moc.
Have you so soon forgot mee, Lady?
Æm.
Where has he had his breeding I wonder? he is the off-spring
of some peasant sure, can he shew any Pedegree?
Lor.
Let her alone, there's no dealing with her, come daughter, let
me hear you answer to this Gentleman.
Luc.
Truely Sir, I have endeavour'd all meanes possible, and in a
manner enforc'd my self to love him.
Lor.
Well said girle.
Luc.
But could never effect it.
Lor.
How?
Luc.
I have examined what ever might commend a Gentleman, both
for his exteriour and inward abilities, yet amongst all, that may speak
him worthy, I could never discern one good part or quality, to invite
affection.
Lor.
This is it I fear'd, now should I break out into rage, but my
wife and a foolish nature with-hold my passion.
Moc.
I am undone, unspirited, my hopes vaine, and my labours
nullities.
Lor.
Where be your large vaunts now Signior, what strange tricks
and devises you had to win a woman?
Moc.
Such assurance I conceiv'd of my self, but when they affect
willfull stubbornnesse, lock up their ears, and will hearken to no manner
of perswasion, what shall a man do?
Lor.
You hear what taxes are laid upon your daughter, these are
stains to your other vertues.
Luc.
Pray Sir, hear my defence, what sympathy can there be between
our two ages, or agreement in our conditions? but you'l object
he has means, 'tis confess'd: but what assurance has he to keep it? will
come like a torrent, and sweep away all; he has made a forfeiture of
his whole estate.
Lor.
What are you become a Statists daughter, or a Prophetesse?
whence have you this intelligence?
Moc.
I hope she will not betray me.
Luc.
If murder can exact it, 'tis absolutely lost.
Lor.
How, murder!
Luc.
Yes, he conspir'd the other day with a Bravo, a cut-throat, to
take away the life of a noble innocent Gentleman, which is since discovered
by miracle; the same that came with musicke to my window.
Moc.
All's out, I am ruin'd in her confession; that man that trusts woman
with a privacie, and hopes for silence, he may as well expect it at
the fall of a bridge; a secret with them is like a viper, 'twill make way,
though it eate through the bowels of them.
Lor.
Take heed, how you traduce a person of his rank and eminency,
a scar in a mean man becomes a wound in a greater.
Luc.
There he is, question him; and if he deny it, get him examined.
Lor.
Why Signior, is this true?
Æm.
His silence bewrayes him, 'tis so.
Moc.
'Tis so, that all women thirst mans overthrow; that's a principle
as demonstrative as truth; 'tis the onely end they were made for:
and when they have once insinuated themselves into our counsels, and
gain'd the power of our life, the fire is more mercifull, it burns within
them till it get forth.
Lor.
I commend her for the discovery, 'twas not fit her weak thoughts
should be clogg'd with so foul a matter; it had been to her like forc'd
meat to a surfetted stomack, that would have bred nothing but crudities
in her conscience.
Moc.
Oh my cursed fate! shame and punishment attend me, they
are the fruits of lust; Sir, all that I did, was for her ease and liberty.
Luc.
Nay Sir, he was so impudent to be an accessary, who knows
but he might as privatly have plotted to have sent me after him; for
how should I have been secure of my life, when he made no scruple to
kill another upon so small an inducement?
Æm.
Thou say'st right, daughter, thou shalt utterly disclaim him;
the cast of his eye shews he was ever a knave.
How the scabs descant upon mee.
Lor.
What was the motive to this foul attempt?
Luc.
Why Sir, because he was an affectionate lover of mine, and for
no other vile reason in the earth.
Æm.
Oh mandrake, was that all? he thought belike, he should not
have enough: thou covetous ingroser of venery, why, one wife is able
to content two husbands.
Moc.
Sir, I am at your mercy, bid them not insult upon mee; I beseech
you let mee go as I came.
Lor.
Stay there, I know not how I shall censure your escape, so I may
be thought a party in the businesse.
Luc.
Besides I hear since that the mercenary varlet that did it, though
hee be otherwise most desperate, and hardened in such exploits, yet
since out of the apprehension of so unjust an act, and mov'd in conscience
for so foul a guilt, is grown distracted, raves out of measure, confesses
the deed, accuses himself and the procurer, curses both; and will by
no meanes be quieted.
Lor.
Where is that fellow?
Luc.
Sir, if you please to accompany mee, I will bring you to him,
where your own eye and eare shall witnesse the certainty, and then I
hope, you will repent that ever you sought to tie me to such a monster
as this, who prefer'd the heat of his desires before all lawes of nature or
humanity.
Lor.
Yes that I will, and gratulate the subtlety of thy will, and goodnesse
of fate, that protected thee from him.
Æm.
Away with him husband, and be sure to beg his lands betimes,
before your Court vultures sent his carkase.
Lor.
Well said wife, I should never have thought on this now, and
thou had'st not put me in minde of it; women I see have the onely masculine
policy, and are the best solicitors and politicians of a state, but
Ile first go see him my daughter tells me of, that when I am truely inform'd
of all, I can the better proceed in my accusation against them,
come along Sir.
Moc.
Well, if you are so violent, I am as resolute; tis but a hanging
matter, and do your worst.
Exeunt.
Enter Bravo and Boy.
Bra.
What newes Boy?
Sir, Mistris Lucretia commends her to you, and desires, as ever
her perswasion wrought upon you; or as you affect her good, and
would adde credit and beleef to what she has reported, that you
would now strain your utmost, to the expression of what she and you
consulted of.
Bra.
I apprehend her, where is she?
Boy.
Hard by Sir, her father and the old fornicator Moccinigo, and
I think her mother, are all comming to be spectators of your strange
behaviour.
Exit.
Bra.
Go wait them in, let me alone to personate an extasie; I am
neer mad already, and I do not fool my self quite into't, I care not—
Ile withdraw till they come.
Exit.
Enter Lorenzo, Moccinigo, Æmilia, Lucretia and Boy.
Lor.
Is this the place?
Luc.
Yes Sir, where's your Master, Boy? how do's he?
Boy.
Oh sweet Mistris, quite distemper'd, his brains turns round like
the needle of a Dyall, six mens strength is not able to hold him, he
was bound with I know not how many cords, this morning, and
broke them all—See where he enters.
Enter Bravo.
Bra.
Why, if I kill'd him, what is that to thee?
Was I not hir'd unto it? 'twas not I,
But the base gold that slew Sir Polydore:
Then damn the money.
Lor:
He begins to peach.
Æm.
Will he do us no mischief, think you?
Boy.
Oh no, he is the best for that in his fits, that e're you knew, he
hurts no body.
Moc.
But I am vildely afraid of him.
Boy.
If you are a vile person, or have done any great wickednesse,
you were best look to your self, for those he knows by instinct; and
assaults them with as much violence as may be.
Moc.
Then am I perish'd: good Sir, I had rather answer the Law,
Lor.
Nay you shall tarry, and take part with us, by your favour.
Æm.
How his eyes sparkle!
Bra.
Look where the ghost appears, his wounds fresh bleeding,
He frowns, and threatens me, could the substance
Do nothing, and will shadow's revenge?
Lor.
'Tis strange,
This was a fearfull murder.
Bra.
Do not stare so,
I can look big too, all I did unto thee,
'Twas by anothers instigation:
There be some that are as deep in as my self,
Go and fright them too.
Moc.
Beshrew him for his counsell.
Lor.
What a just judgment's here? 'tis an old saying,
Murder will out; and 'fore it shall lye hid,
The authors will accuse themselves.
Bra.
Now he vanishes;
Dost thou steal from me, fearfull spirit? see
The print of his footsteps.
Moc.
That ever my lust should be the parent to so foul a sin!
Bra.
He told me, that his horrid tragedy
Was acted over every night in hell,
Where said Erynnis with her venom'd face,
Black with the curls of snakes, sits a spectatrix,
That lift their speckled heads above their shoulders,
And thrusting forth their stings, hiss at their entrance;
And that serves for an applause.
Moc.
How can you have the heart to look upon him? pray let me go,
I feel a loosnesse in my belly.
Lor.
Nay, you shall hear all out first.
Moc.
I confesse it,
What would you have more of me?
Bra.
Then fierce Enyo holds a torch, Megera
Another; Ile down and play my part amongst them,
For I can do't to th'life.
Lor.
Rather to the death.
Ile trace th'infernall Theater, and view
Those squalid Actors, and the tragick pomp
Of hell and night.
Moccin.
How ghastly his words sound! pray keep him off from
mee.
Lor.
The guilt of conscience makes you fearfull, Signior.
Bra.
When I come there, Ile chain up Cerberus,
Nay Ile muzzle him; Ile pull down Æacus,
And Minos by the beard; then with my foot
Ile tumble Rhadamanthus from his chair:
And for the Furies, Ile not suffer them,
Ile be my self a Fury.
Moc.
To vex me, I warrant you.
Bra.
Next will I post unto the destinies,
Shiver their wheel and distaff 'gainst the wall,
And spoil their huswifery; Ile take their spindle,
Where hang the threds of humane life, like beams
Drawn from the Sun, and mix them all together,
Kings with the beggers.
Moc.
Good Sir, he comes towards me.
Bra.
That I could see that old fox Moccinigo,
The villain that did tempt me to this deed.
Moc.
He names me too, pray Sir stand between us; Ladies do you
speak to him, I have not the faith.
Æm.
What would you do with him, if you had him?
Bra.
I'de serve him worse than Hercules did Licas,
When he presented him the poyson'd shirt,
Which when he had put on, and felt the smart,
He snatch'd him by the heels into the air,
Swung him some once or twice about his head,
Then shot him like a stone out of an engine,
Three furlongs length into the Euboick sea.
Lor.
What a huge progresse is that, for an old Lover to be
carried?
Bra.
What's he that seeks to hide himself? come forth thou mortall,
Thou art a traytor or a murderer:
Oh, is it you?
What will become of me? pray help me, I shall be torn in
peeces else.
Bra.
You and I must walk together, come into the middle yet further.
Enter Aurelio as an Officer, and two Servants.
Aur.
Where be these fellows here that murder men? Sergeants apprehend
them, and convey them straight before the Duke.
Bra.
Who are you?
Aur.
We are the Dukes officers.
Bra.
The Dukes officers must be obey'd, take heed of displeasing
them; how majestically they look.
Lor.
You see wife, the charm of authority, and a man be ne're so
wilde, it tames him presently.
Æm.
I husband, I know what will tame a man besides authority.
Aur.
Come gentles, since you are altogether, I must entreat your
company along with us, to witnesse what you know in this behalf.
Lor.
Sir, you have prevented us, for we intended to have brought
him our selves before his highnesse.
Aur.
Then I hope your resolution will make it the easier to you;
what Sir, will you go willingly?
Bra.
Without all contradiction, leade on.
Exeunt.
Flourish.
Enter Lionell as the Duke; Duke, Petrutio, Gasparo, Angelia as a woman.
Duke.
Come Signior,
This is the morning must shine bright upon you,
Wherein preferment that has slept obscure,
And all this while linger'd behinde your wishes,
Shall overtake you in her greatest glories;
Ambition shall be weak, to think the honours
Shall crown your worth.
Pet.
Father, you hear all this?
Gas.
I do with joy, son, and am ravish'd at it.
Therefore I have resign'd m'estate unto thee,
(Onely reserving some few crowns to live on)
Pet.
You did as you ought.
Gas.
'Tis enough for me,
To be the parent of so blest an issue.
Pet.
Nay, if you are so apprehensive, I am satisfied.
Lio.
Is this the Gentleman you so commended?
Duke.
It is the same, my liege, whose royall vertues
Fitting a Princes Court, are the large field
For Fame to triumph in.
Lio.
So you inform'd me, his face and carriage do import no lesse.
Duke.
Report abroad speaks him as liberally;
And in my thoughts, fortune deserves but ill,
That she detain'd thus long her favours from him.
Lio.
That will I make amends for.
Gas.
Happy hour,
And happy me to see it; now I perceive
He has more wit than my self.
Pet.
What must I do?
Duke.
What must you do? go strait and kneel before him,
And thank his highnesse for his love.
Pet.
I can't speak,
I am so overcome with sudden gladnesse,
Yet Ile endevour it; most mighty Soveraign,
Thus low I bow, in humble reverence,
To kisse the basis of your regall Throne.
Lion.
Rise up.
Pet.
Your Graces servant.
Lion.
We admit you,
Our neerest favourite in place and counsell.
Duke.
Go to, you are made for ever.
Pet.
Ile finde some office
To gratulate thy pains.
Lion.
What was the cause
That you presented him no sooner to us,
We might have bred him up in our affairs,
And he have learnt the fashions of our Court,
Which might have rendred him more active.
Duke.
Doubt not,
Lio.
Then to confirm him deeper in our friendship,
We here assign our sister for his wife.
What, is he bashfull?
Pet.
Speaks your Grace in earnest?
Lion.
What else? Ile have it so.
Duke.
Why do you not step and take her?
Pet.
Is't not a kinde of treason?
Duke.
Not, if he bid you.
Pet.
Divinest Lady are you so content?
Ang.
What my Brother commands, I must obey.
Lio.
Joyn hands together, be wise, and use
Your dignities with a due reverence;
Tiberius Cæsar joy'd not in the birth
Of great Seianus fortunes with that zeal,
As I shal to have rais'd you, though I hope; a different fate attends you.
Duke.
Go to the Church,
Perform your rights there, and return again
As fast as you can.
Gas.
I could e'en expire with contemplation of his happinesse.
Lio.
What old man's that?
Pet.
This is my Father, Sir.
Lio.
Your own Father?
Gas.
So please your Grace.
Lio.
Give him a pair
Of velvet breeches, from our Grandsires wardrobe.
Gas.
Thrice noble Duke, come sonne let's to the Church.
Exeunt.
Enter Antiquary and Petro.
Lion.
How now, what new come Pageant have we here?
Duke.
This is the famous Antiquary I told your grace of, a man
worthy your grace; the Ianus of our age, and treasurer of times past,
a man worthy your bounteous favour and kinde notice, that will as
soon forget himself in the remembrance of your highnesse, as any subject
you have.
How comes he so accoutred?
Duke.
No miracle at all, Sir; for, as you have many fools in the habit
of a wise man, so have you sometimes a wise man in the habit of
a fool.
Ant.
Sir, I have been grosly abus'd, as no story, record or chronicle
can parallell the like, and I come here for redresse; I hear your highnes
loves me, and indeed you are partly interest in the cause, for I having
took somewhat a large potion for your graces health, fell a sleep, when
in the interim they apparell'd me as you see, made a fool, or an Asinigo
of me? and for my boy here, they cogg'd him out of his proper
shape, into the habit of an Amazon, to wait upon me.
Lion.
But who did this?
Ant.
Nay Sir, that I cannot tell, but I desire it may be found out.
Duke.
Well Signior, if you knew all, you have no cause to be angry.
Ant.
How so?
Duke.
Why, that same coat you wear, did formerly belong unto
Pantolabus the Roman Jester, and Buffon to Augustus Cæsar.
Ant.
And I thought so, I'de ne're put it off while I breath'd.
Lion.
Stand by, wee'l enquire further anon.
Enter Aurelio, Lorenzo, Moccinigo, Bravo, Æmilia, Lucretia, Officers.
Now, who are you?
Aur.
Your highnesse Officers,
We have brought two murderers here to be censur'd,
Who by their own confession are found guilty,
And need no further triall.
Lion.
Which be the parties?
Aur.
These and please you.
Lion.
Well, what do you answer?
What can you plead to stop the course of Justice?
Moc.
For my part, tho I had no conscience to act it,
I have not the heart to deny it; and therefore expect
Your sentence: for mercie, I hope none, nor favour.
Lio.
What says th'accuser?
Luc.
Please your princely wisdom,
He slew a man was destin'd for my husband;
Yet since anothers death cannot recall him,
To have his goods confiscate, for my own part,
I could rest well content.
Moc.
With all my heart,
I yield possession to whomsoe're
She shall choose for a husband; reach a paper
Or blank, Ile seal to it.
Luc.
See, there's a writing.
Moc.
And there's my hand to it,
I care not what the conditions be.
Lion.
'Tis well, whom will you choose in place of the other?
Luc.
Then Sir, to keep his memory alive,
Ile seek no further than this officer.
Lor.
How, choose a common Sergeant for her husband!
Æm.
A base commendadore, Ile ne're indure it.
Aur.
No Lady, a Gentleman I assure you, and suppos'd the slain Aurelio.
Discovers himself.
Moc.
A plot, a plot upon me, Ile revoke it all.
Lio.
Nay, that you cannot, now you have confirm'd it.
Moc.
Am I then cheated? Ile go home and dye,
To avoid shame, not live in infamy.
Exit.
Lio.
What says the villain Bravo for himself?
Bra.
The Bravo, Sir, is honest, and his father.
Aur.
My father! blesse me, how comes this about?
Bra.
That vertuous Maid, whom I must alwaies honour,
Acquainted me with that old Leachers drift:
I, to prevent the ruin of my son,
Conceal'd from all, proffer'd my service to him
In this disguise.
Lion.
'Twas a wise and pious deed.
Enter Petrutio, Angelia, and Gasparo.
Pet.
Room for the Dukes kindred.
Lio.
What, you are married, I perceive.
Pet.
I am, Royall Brother.
Lion.
Then for your better learning in our service,
Contemn a man that has more wit than your self,
Or foolishly conceive no Ladies merit,
Or beauty worthy your affection.
Pet.
How's this?
Lio.
Truth, my most honor'd Brother, you are gull'd,
So is my reverent uncle the Antiquary,
So are you all; for he that you conceiv'd
The Duke, is your friend and Lionell,
Look you else.
Pet.
'Tis so.
Gas.
'Tis too apparent true.
Lio.
What, all drunk? speak Uncle.
Ant.
Thou art my Nephew,
And thou hast wit, 'tis fit thou shouldst have land to.
Tell me no more how thou hast cheated me,
I do perceive it, and forgive thee for't,
Thou shalt have all I have, and Ile be wiser.
Lio.
I thank you Sir, Brother Petrutio,
This to your comfort, that is my Sister,
Whom formerly you did abuse in love,
And you may be glad your lot is no worse.
Pet.
I am contented, Ile give a good wit
Leave to abuse me at any time.
Lor.
When he cannot help it.
Gas.
This 'tis,
To be so politick and ambitious, Son.
Pet.
Nay father, do not you aggravate it too:
Lor.
Well Signior,
You must pardon me, if I bid joy to you,
My daughter was not good enough for you.
Pet.
You are tyrannous.
Enter Leonardo.
Leon.
Save you Gallants.
Lio.
You are very welcome.
Leon.
I come in quest of our noble Duke,
Who from his Court has stoln out privatly,
Lio.
No indeed, Sir,
He is not here; 'slight we shall be question'd
For counterfeiting his person.
Duke.
Be not dismaid,
I am the Duke.
Leon.
My Lord?
Duke.
The very same, Sir,
That for my recreation, have discended
(And no impeach, I hope, to royalty)
To fit spectator of your mirth: and thus much
You shall gain by my presence; what is past,
Ile see it ratified as firm, as if
My self and Senate had concluded it.
And when a Prince allows his Subjects sport,
He that pines at it, let him perish for't.
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