University of Virginia Library

Scena II.

Enter to him Malevolo.
Mal.
In mischeif we must use the men we hate.
You are the man I seek. Have you consider'd
Those State-projections?

Mem.
Sr. we want some Lawes,
Such as were made for certain Lord Protectors

Mal.
Indeed this lawful murder is an Art
Of Excellence, and yet as easie too
For Statesmen Lawyers as Physitians.

Mem.
An Art familiar in the Roman State,
As ancient too as the first Monarchy.
O I could tell you Lawes worth millions to us,
By faire intrapping of the wealthy Clergy.

Mal.
“Have you no model to insnare a Prince?

Mem.
“Henry the third, though wise and valiant,
“Was caught in a strong line knit by himselfe,
“Here ith mad Parliament,

Mal.
“As how?

Mem.
“Twelve Peers
“Under pretence of evil Officers
“And grand abuses, were selected out,
“Strengthen'd with Lawes to prune Prerogatives,
“To tutour and reform the State; to size
“The Kings expence, and to appoint him Servants,
“Both menial and forinsecal.

Mal.
“I'st possible
“The King should seale to this?

Mem.
“O Poverty,
“She to Obedience is the Lay-mother.
“As some say Ignorance is the Clarklike,
“Betwixt Superiours and Inferiours,
“Look either way, this rule is mutual,
“The poorer must be servant to the richer.
“Henry brought low with various Action
“Could not subsist without their subsidies.
“Keep thy Prince poor, then thou shalt rule thy Ruler,
“And subject thy Commander.

Mal.
“This we try'd
“To fasten on Prudentius: but he
“Too wise, too frugal was. Now Fancie
“Through giddinesse of minde, and vast expence,
“Will prove lesse wary and more prodigal.

Mem.
Let some insnareing Law be once propos'd,
Fancie will yeild, not ponder.

Mal.
Well, think you;
Ile speak and speed. O 'tis the praise of hate
To practise ruine and pretend the State.

Mem.
But Sir, I trust upon your furtherance
(Mal. about to go.
About impropriations.

Mal.
You Ile remember
First, or my selfe I ever shall forget.
(Ex. Mal.