The order and signification of the dōme shewe before the second Acte.
First the Musicke of Cornettes began to playe,during whiche came in vpon the Stage a kinge accompanied with a nombre of his Nobylytie & Gentlemen. And after he had placed him selfe in a Chaire of estate prepared for him: there came and kneled before him a graue and aged Gentilman and offred vp a Cuppe vnto hym of Wyne in a glasse, whiche the kynge refused. After him cōmes a braue and lustie yong Gentelman and presentes the king with a Cup of Golde filled wt poison, which the king accepted, & drinkinge the same, immediatly fell down dead vpon ye stage, & so was carried thence awaye by his Lordes and Gentelmen, & then the Musicke ceased. Hereby was signified, that as Glasse by nature holdeth no poyson, but is clere and maye easely be seene throughe, ne howeth by any Arte: So a faithfull
Counsellour holdeth no treason, but is playne & open, ne yeldeth to any vndiscrete affection, but geueth holsome Counsell, whiche the yll aduised Prince refuseth. The delightfull golde filled w
t poyson betokeneth Flattery, whiche vnder faire seeming of pleasaunt words beareth deadly poyson, whiche destroieth the Prince y
t receiueth it. As befell in the two brethrene
Ferrex and
Porrex who refusing the holsome aduise of graue Counsellours, credited these yonge Paracites & brought to them selues death and destruction therby.
