 | The Partiall Law |  |
3
Actus Primus.
Scena Prima.
Feredo, Argales.Fer.
'Tis strange Argales, that our King, who ne're
Till now was seene let loose affection's reynes,
Nor patronize his power; but through the line
Of his long life hath with so strict a hand
To all so equal sway'd his scepter, as
None ever yet was heard moane and lament
Under the burden of Authority
Or awe transcendent; should now
Contrary to his wont, so liberall be
Or rather so profuse in all his favours
To this late-come Italian.
Arg.
Who can tell
But this by you so much maligned stranger
May merit all that is confer'd on him
Of grace or favour; so the King remayne
Entire in his impartiality,
Letting the current of his favours flow
Only as Bellamour's worth challengeth:
4
Both prays'd and practised to be courteous
To strangers, specially to such who may
In all their actions easily be discern'd
For somewhat of much more than ordinary.
Fer.
He's but a private Gentleman.
Arg.
That last
Conferres on him as much, nay more than ought,
Set that aside, can doe; Gentrye, and all
That doeth derive from good, the antienter
The more to be esteem'd. We pictures deeme
Drawn by some famous hand of former times
Much more then modern ones; if then such prayse
Be to the shaddowes given, for certain much
Of more reflects upon the substances.
But set all these respects aside, his worth
Deserving what of good may ere betide him,
And this set off by what you make a butt at,
His being Gently borne; why should we curbe
And prescribe lawes to others, which ourselves
Who are the meanest of their vassals, nor doe
Nor can make good. You are a private man,
I meane no Monarch; yet are Maister of
A fortune, which seates you in a condition
Of being fawn'd on, su'd unto by many,
Who forasmuch as doeth belong unto
The tye of servants, owe as much to you
As you to our great Maister; then peruse
Your former private, if not present times;
And tell me if your liking never bore
5
If this be true, as certainly it is,
Why should we that to our superiours grudge
Which to ourselves we arrogate?
Fer.
A Prince
Should be more then a man.
Arg.
He should indeede
Were he what you would fashion him to be,
Nay, were all Princes of affections voyde,
So voyde of man (for th'one word speakes the other)
I doubt me whether, were it in your choyce
You'd change a Cottage with a chayre of state;
Tis true they're termed Gods, yet they must dye
Like men, and if so dye, so live.
But why should you so feare this growing tyde
Should (may be) swell so high that it may drowne
The neighbouring valleys? full five months are past
Since his first coming hither and as yet
He hath not tasted ought of princely bounty,
As honours, riches; more then that 'tis true,
His company as 'tis to all men else
Is pleasing to the King.
Fer.
My feares foretell
'Tis much more pleasing to his daughter, her
I have observed ne're to be so well
In tune, or set upon so gay a pinne
As when screw'd up by him. If this be so
It well becomes us all to looke about;
Who knowes how farre a handsome proper man
And fairely spoken, may prevayle with one
6
And I am herein interested more
Perhaps then you're aware of. The great Duke
Of Majorca, our neere neighbouring Isle,
Who hath some months been present in the Court,
(May be to you unknow'n) doeth labour hard
This Ladye's good-will, and with his desires
Hath made the King acquainted, who since he
Can finde nought to object that may withstand
His just desire hath thereto given consent,
Always provided that his daughter be
As well contented therewithall as he.
This is a secret not divulg'd; for that
The great Majorcan Prince, jealous of
His reputation, as befits all men,
And chiefely Princes be, covets not
To be brought on the stage till he may by
Some secret meanes sift whether yea or no
The Lady can affect him, so that if
The business prove once public he may be
Partly assur'd of prosperous successe.
As I am herein open unto you
And free, pray be your secret unto me.
Arg.
Sr. for this favour I doe rest indebted,
And till I heare it streete-newes rest assur'd
From hence it shall no farther progresse have,
And truly you have joy'd me much, for I
Cannot o'th'sudden thinke on any match
In all respects more fitting than is this;
(aside)
But hereof more at large to Bellamour.
7
To give more ample field, wherein the Prince
May of his Chivalry make demonstration
The King at his request hath condescended
To have a tilting which to-morrow next
Before himselfe's to be performed; where
The Prince as Challenger does all defie
Who dare maintain his tenet false, which is
That to persist in a neglected love
Is greater signe of base and abject minde
Than love or constancy.
Arg.
'Tis an odde tenet for one who begins
To make the blossoms of affection known.
Fer.
Assure yourself he'll prove in all his wayes
As odde as now in this. He thinkes 'tis not
Fitting a Prince to tread in beaten pathes,
But to finde out or else make new ones; see
The King appeares, with him his daughter, and
With her the brave Majorcan Prince, close hand in hand.
But marke again how she hangs backward; how
She suffereth her body to be dragg'd
Along by him, whilst by her eye men may
Perceive her soule lock't in the Italian's breast.
8
Scena Secunda.
Enter the King, Florabell, his daughter, Philocres, Prince of Majorca, Bellamour, the Italian; Garamont, Montalto, Arnaldo, three young Lords; Lucina, companion to the Princesse, with Attendants.King.
When thus attended, and [with] you, my fayrest,
My dearest daughter, seated by my side,
Me thinkes no monarch's mightier than myselfe.
Phil.
You were not Sr. to yeeld to any one
In any thing belongs unto a Prince
So long time famous through the Christian World,
Were you your selfe alone here. We like to
So many petty starres borrow our light
From those beames which surround your Majesty,
But cannot contribute or adde thereto
The least of lustre.
King.
You meane brave Prince
To shew your skill to-day in Compliments
And Courtly talke, as you to-morrow meane
To doe in feates of Armes, in this I'm sure
Y'are excellent. I doubt not but you will
In th'other prove as expert.
Gar.
So think not I,
These talkers seldom are good spearmen.
King.
What's that you say Lord Garamont?
Gar.
My speare
I say shall talke for me Sr.
King.
Of that to-morrow.
You meane I see to break a lance with him.
9
If so it please your Majesty give way.
King.
And you Arnaldo; you too Lord Montalto?
Arn.
I'le doe my best to prove he not deserves
His Mistresse' favour who esteemes it not
More happiness to sue, though all in vayne
Where he hath once plac't his affection
Then freely to enjoy another's love.
Mon.
You runne too much upon the counter-byas;
I do not jumpe with you; but I'le maintain
He merits not a favour who forbeares
For some few gaynesayes.
King.
You brave Bellamour,
What's your opinion concerning this?
Bell.
I surely think him much more happy, Sr.
Then I shall ever be who doeth at last
Though ne're so long in comming thereunto,
Enjoy his soule's delight, his mistresse' love.
King.
You Bellamour set not so high a rate
Upon your own deservings, as doe other men,
And yet doe thereby much inhaunce their prize:
For vertue's never so much prized by others
As when not boasted of by the possessor:
But either you have plac't your love too high,
And therein made a breach on your discretion,
Or else, if you your owne worth duely weigh,
Who e're she be you neede not to despayre.
Let me but know your Saint and I'le pleade for you.
Bell.
Your noble favours Sr. are now to me
No newes, so deepely I have drunke thereof
That till some wish't for meanes doe shew it selfe
10
Of my endeavours, ever humbly vowed
And dedicated to your Grace's service,
I shall forbeare the further running on
The score, for feare of never coming off.
Fer.
Her eye is never off him. I'le not faile
To informe the Prince thereof.
King.
My Lords 'tis late, and some of you perhaps
May not be yet provided of such trimmes
As for to grace to morrow's sport y'intend:
Therefore 'twere best now to retire, each man
Unto his tackling. You Lord Challenger
Had neede come well prouided; for believe't,
(For your to them unpleasing tenet,) all
The Ladye's sides against you, and men say
That women's wishes helpe to winne the day.
(Exeunt.)
Scena Tertia.
Philocres, Lucina.Phil.
My deare Lucina have you yet prevayl'd?
Hath ought that you can say had power enough
To worke me into Florabella's graces?
I know your powerful speech is of such force,
Your Art yourselfe therein to governe such
As if you truely doe intend a blisse,
You'll make the stubborn oake the haw-thorne kisse.
Say then, is't blisse or bane that you doe bring?
Luc.
Fayre Sr. although the taske you set me on
11
Be of the hardest sort e're undertaken,
(aside)
(For God he knowes, I'de rather sue to you
Then sue for you to another,) yet such force
Have your commands on me that like to Lawes
Of Medes and Persians I have them obey'd.
I have not lost the least occasion
Proffer'd of highly setting forth your Highnesse prayse.
Nay, I have [even] ta'ne occasions
Ungiven to let her see how fit a match
You'd be in all respects for her; of bloud
A Prince as she a Princesse: of estate
Not misbecomming her, and which was not
Least worth respect, your state so neere to her's,
Of personage a husband for a Queene,
As by this light you seeme to me to be.
I have set forth your wisdome, your discourse,
Your feates of Armes; what not? and this
With all the skill and Rhetoricke I have.
But—
Phil.
But what? pray draw not out so long
My doome of life or death; seem'd she well pleased
With your discourse? did she not thinke your talke
Too tedious? gave she you fayre hearing?
Luc.
Faith 'twere in vayne to flatter you with hopes
When there's small hopes to flatter you withall.
As oft as I named you she'd turne her head
Another way; still I pursuing her,
She'd cry'd Nay, pish: faith if you will not leave
This theame Lucina, I'le leave you; and as
12
She'd say, halfe this said of another man
Would better pleasing be, and much more true.
In fine, I feare her heart is else-where set:
Therefore deare Sr. forbeare furthur pursuite
Of this nice wayward one and strike a Doe
Will stand you fayre.
Phil.
Who can that other be?
Enter Feredo.
See where Feredo comes in happy time,
He'll doe his best, I'm sure, to learne who 'tis
That she affects; that known the cure's halfe done.
I'le teach him whosoever he be, what 'tis
To be my Rivall: or if she will needes
Place her affection elsewhere, and scorn me
I may perchance read him and her a lesson
They shall not soon forget, Feredo.
Fer.
Sr.
'Twas partly therefore why I now came hither;
Take it upon no small presumptions
She dotes upon the Italian, Bellamour:
And that you may rest more secure, see where
They come link't arme in arme; Sr. if you please
I think 'twere good we did a while withdraw
Where not by them discover'd we may heare
What passes 'twixt them, so your selfe may be
A witnesse both to that you heare and see.
Phil.
'Tis well advis'd: Let's in, if this be true
I'le turn a new leafe, and bid love Adieu.
13
Scena Quarta.
Enter Florabella, Bellamour.Flo.
My fairest love, my dearest Bellamour,
What meanes this sweet, though sullen sadnesse, which
Sits on those cheekes? what sad? and I so nigh?
Bell.
Your pardon, dearest Madame, I'de forgot
The happinesse caused by your Highnesse's presence,
Or rather, to say true, your Highnesse presence
Caus'd me forget myselfe; but say my fayre,
My soul's farre better part, what's to be done?
You say, Philocres doeth by private meanes
Your love importune; he's a neighbour Prince,
And one on whom 'tis like your father would
Gladly bestow you? we must now make use
Of time, and take him by the forelocke, else
'Twill be too late, and I for ever shall
Have cause to curse my fates which brought me hither.
Our soules are knit, and mine shall sooner grapple
With death, though pourtray'd in most ghastful shape,
Then ever suffer dissolution.
Flo.
I do believe thee, and do hugge myselfe
For making such a choyce; I'le rather begge
With thee then feast it with the greatest Prince alive.
She Idolls mucke and durt that ballances
Or state or wealth with true content, such as
Doe they possesse who joy in other's love.
As for Philochres, I'll embrace
Fire 'twixt mine armes thus, 'till therewith I have
Made myselfe sacrifice and sacrificer,
14
A touch as his.
Phil.
'Tis well, 'tis very well,
Some now would let his anger straight breathe out
And publish his dislikes, but so'll not I,
My vengeance though defer'd shall yet be such
As when it falls (and fall for sure it shall)
Shall richly pay my patience interest.
Love thus farewell, and wellcome dire revenge.
[Exit Philochres]
Flo.
Why stand you mute so long, my Bellamour?
If ought molest you, let me share thereof,
For I will share in all your good and bad.
Bell.
Heard you not ever Madame, how that joy
Or griefe excessive in an instant have
Strucke many dead? if so I wonder I
Survive, who share so deepe in both; my joy
Will need no words to set it forth; 'twill be
By all men easily guest at: it exceedes
Expression.
Flo.
But whence proceedes your griefe?
Bell.
From selfe-unworthiness to think that I
A private Gentleman, a stranger too
Should be the cause of such ensuing woes
To such an all-deserving Lady: one
Who fit bride for an Emperour will though
Bestow your selfe on me:
To this I adde your father's losse, to whom
I for so noble usage stand indebted;
Your losse in loosing him, for sure he'll ne're
15
Stoope to a bramble bush.
Flo.
These are but trifles:
But I too late perceive my errour, those
Your feares foretell a want of love, and me
Therein most wretched.
Bell.
Now Madame by my soul
You do misconstrue me, which to make good
Say what, and where, and when, and build on me.
Flo.
Then thus, I'le order take to have a Gally rig'd,
And brought into our channel, wherein I
Some evenings on the water will disport
My selfe: this three or foure times done
Will free us of suspicion: meane while
I'le order take for all things necessary.
Packe up my Jewells, and then packe my selfe
Away with thee my Bellamour; we will
For Italy; I'le wayte upon thee home
To see that happy Countrey (for sure such
It is) that brought thee forth; there we
By means of Jewells, Cash, and other things
Which I'le provide for, will spend all our days
In love and plenty.
Bell.
Madame be mercifull,
Let not your blessing flow thus all at once
Lest I do therein surfett.
My deedes, not words, shall speak my thankfulnesse.
Flo.
Well then, no more of this: you meane to tilt
To-morrow do you not?
Bell.
Madame I doe,
16
There lodgeth more of worth within my breast,
A private Gentleman, than his a Prince.
And that of this I may be more secure
Pardon me Madame, if I beg a boone:
For all your favours amply heap't on me
Worke like effect as well cook't sauces doe
Which fill not, but provoke fresh appetite.
You must or me deny or graunt one favour more.
Flo.
I rest assured you will nothing aske
May misbecome my modesty to graunt,
Nor your worth to demand, therefore proceede.
Bell.
That I may then in this my bickering
With happy augure go more boldly on
Bestow on me some favour, dearest Madame,
That if at any time my forces fayle,
Looking on it, and in it, whence it came,
Like to Antheos, who by touching ground
New forces got, I may with viewing it,
My strength redouble, and make whatsoe're
Shall me withstand, seeme smoake before the winde.
Flor.
'Tis bravely said, and 'cause your worth to me
So well is knowen I dare not feare successe,
Here is a chayne of Oriental pearle,
My mother in her death-bed left it me,
With charge that I should never from it part,
Save unto him to whom I gave my heart;
Then since you have the one accept the other,
Take this and keepe it
As safe as I your love and memory.
17
He must have Lyon's strength and foxe's pate
Robbes me of this inestimable jewell,
Rich in it selfe, richer in worke-manship,
But richest farre above comparison
In respect of the giver, for were this
A peeble stone, or ring made of a rush,
And by your fairest hands presented, I'de
Not give it for what of worth the sea contaynes.
But Madame it grows late, and I as yet
Am not well-fitted for to morrow's sport:
Pardon me therefore if with humble kisse
Of your fayre hand, I this time bid Adieu,
Where e're my body is, my heart's with you.
Flo.
Then we have made an interchange of hearts,
When you are gone I'm sure that mine departs.
Scena Quinta.
Three Serving-men at one doore, Three Women at another.1. Wom.
Oh, heere be some will misinforme us: Pray, good
brother, which is the way to the Tilt-yard.
2. Wom.
I, pray forsooth misinforme us in the way, and if
by your meanes we may compose how to see the tilting, we
will not be ingratitude.
3. Wom.
No, indeede will we not. I'le promise you for my
part a dish of Curds and creame if you come to our Towne;
and I can tell you there be youngsters in our Towne which
would lick their lips to have such a promise.
18
You are a promising woman, I promise you; and
I promise you in requitall of your promise to performe the
promise which now I promise unto you which is that I will
place you where you shall see, and be seen, most deliciously.
1. Wom.
O delicate man! and will you do as much for
me? I am a poore simple creature, and can neither write
nor reade since I cutt my thumbe the other day in paring a
piece of cheese; but thereby forsooth, we be all playne-dealing
women, and meane no harme, I warrant you.
1. Man.
Marry, and I love a playne-dealing woman with
all my heart, but you are not so forward in your promises of
requitall as is your neighbour; what will you doe to show
your thankfulnesse if I should procure for you so much happiness
as to see what shall serve you twenty winter nights in
relating it to your Grandchildren.
1. Wom.
Indeede and verily, Sir, I have never a Grandchilde,
but I have a daughter just 15 yeares old and as much
since Simon and Jude's day last past; a pretty moather, and
though I say it, who should not say it, as sweet a silly soule
as any is within a mile of her head. If you please, when you
passe by our Towne, to call in, you shall be exceeding wellcome.
2. Man.
And shall your daughter bid me wellcome too?
1. Wom.
Feare not that, I hope I have given her better
nutriture then to show herselfe wayward and coye to such a
man as you are. I am sure she never learn'd any such
manners of her mother.
1. Man.
I seeke no further engagement. Upon that condition
I take you to my charge.
2. Wom.
So Sir Serving man I perceive you and I must
19
my neighbours, and I trust you will prove no flincher, you
will doe as much for me, as they shall doe for them.
2. Man.
Even as much as you may expect from a weather-beaten
serving-man, who never feedes but upon luke-warme
meate, half hot and halfe cold, and the better halfe eaten away.
3. Wom.
Then since we are all agreed I am resolv'd to
trust myselfe with my Champion; do you so with yours, and
let us be quickly gone, lest all the best roomes in the scaffolds
be taken up before we come.
3. Man.
Stay but a little and you shall see the Tilters
passe by in order to the Tilt-yard, and their Squires and
Pages before them. I told you so, Hearke the Trumpets
sound already. Let us all stand close here and see them
passe.
Trumpets sound, the Challenger passeth by, his Page bearing his Shield and his Squire his Lance. The King and Ladyes are above in the window. The Page passing by presents ye King with his Maister's Scutchion.
King.
A lovely bunch of grapes hang high upon his stemme,
And he a bunch lesse lovely much doth eate.
His motto, Chi non puo quel che vuole quel che puo voglia.
To will the thing he can is good,
For him who cannot what he wood.
He seekes belike to fortifie his Tenet
By proverbe, but no rule so generall is
Which not admits exception. So will this,
Or else you Ladyes all beleeve amisse.
20
King.
A close-shut lanterne, darke as is the night,
Which gives no light at all; yet hath a light
Burning within, as by the witty motto
May be conceiv'd, Ardor in occulto.
He burnes in hidden fire; the more foole he,
Or for concealing his affection,
Or else for placing it so high, his hopes
Can ne're attayne unto their wish't for end,
And therefore he in silence doeth consume.
A third Tilter passeth by, as did the former.
King.
An eye droppes teares upon a flinty heart,
The Motto, Hei mihi cur video
It seemes this Gentleman bewayles his lot
For having cast his eye on beauty, where
He can no signe of comfort yet receive.
Yet sure his Motto, speakes him wiser much
Than is the former knight; his teares doe show
That he hath spoken though as yet in vayne.
The Frenchman sayes Femme qui parle se rend.
If therefore you Sir Knight, who e're you be
Before your mistresse have your griefs lay'd open,
And she hath lent you eare to heare your moanes,
Doe not despayre, though this your weeping eye
In her yet flinty heart make no impression.
The teares which fall from thence pierce not by force,
But may by often falling cause remorse.
21
King.
An arme from forth a cloud grasping a speare
And underneath Dat gratia vires.
Yea this is somewhat like, for this man seemes
T'have fought in Cupid's campe and overcome.
By his Impresa he would have us know
That grace and favour doe give life to Armes.
Another Tilter passeth by, as did the former.
King.
A man sunke in the Sea, only his head
Borne above water by a Scepter, which
Is by a hand supported from the skyes,
His word Hinc sola salus.
This man it seemes owes all his Liberty,
His Life unto his Mistrisse, which he holds
No longer tearme in then when she shall please
Her hand of favour to withdraw, but whilst
That succours him, he fears nor tempest, nor
The fury of the Seas. May she be still
Propitious: so now they all are past,
And, Ladyes, say for what you now have seene,
Which of these noble Warriers
Goe most accompanied with your well-wishings,
The Challenger I'm sure partakes of none.
His Tenet frights all fayre maydes wishes from him.
Flo.
In mine they all doe share alike.
King.
Nay, daughter, that's impossible: I, who
Have liv'd as many houres thrice told as you
Saw never yet a game at bowles or Cardes,
Or whatsoever other game, though they
22
My wishes did accompany some one
More than the rest; therefore pray daughter speak.
Flo.
I to the second, third and forth wish well,
(aside)
But hope the fif't shall beare away the bell.
Luc.
I must confesse, if I could aught prevayle
With my desires, they all should flocke about
The third: he in my opinion
Deserves most pity, who his love doeth place
Where he's repay'd with scorne and fowle disgrace.
Fid.
Nay, there, Lucina, you must pardon me,
The second's sure in farre worse case than he;
He hath outgone the former, he hath made
Knowen his affection; who but thither gets
Is sure advanc't one step towards th'atchievement
Of his desires, more than is he who yet
Never found way to make his passion know'en.
Therefore for my part may he victor prove
Whom love consumes, yet dare not say he loves.
King.
Why so now; this is somewhat; heere's a theame
That would admit a seriouser discourse
Than now the time affoords: Ladyes, 'tis best
We turne unto the fire to warm our selves
Whilst they doe on their tacklings.
(Exeunt above.
1. Man.
How now my lasses? How like you this sport,
heere will be brave doings anon.
2. Wom.
The blessing of God light on them all, they are
e'ne the gallantest men my eyes ever yet saw.
3. Wom.
How bravely they strouted it! but who were those
that talk't over our heads?
23
The King, his daughter, with diverse Lords and
Ladyes of the Court.
1. Wom.
The King! whye, I had rather than a groat have
seene his sweet face, 'tis a sweet face, I warrant you, is it
not? I never saw him in all my life.
1. Man.
'Tis no matter, thou mayest say now thou hast
seene him that has seene the King.
1. Wom.
May I so Sir? marry I thanke you for it.
3. Wom.
Pray, let us be gone; I am pitiously afraid we
have tarryed heere too long; but neighbours, 'tis all one, for
you must resolve to be thrust at, and crouded both backside
and foreside.
The Trumpets sound within, then still music: so the Act endeth.
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