University of Virginia Library

Actus Tertius.

Scene Prima.

Enter Honorio and Rosania.
Hono.
Lady your seeming cruelty, hath much.
Afflicted me, but your now reall promise
Of mutuall amity, and protestation
That 'twas but for a trial of my faith,
Dissolves my frozen hopes to melting joy: and heart
I do present you with the constant'st heart.
That purest vowes, e're plighted to a Mald—Sallute.

Rosa.
'Tis but exchang'd for one, whose as firme faith
Resolves the chastest love, that virgin-blushes
Ever betray'd to Man.

Hono.
May permanent felicity crowne both,
Our resolutions! Madam, your perswasive reasons.
Command me patience till the Princess leave,
And your then ready love, shall perfect this
Our begun happiness: in th'interim,
I will endeavour some quaint stratageme.
To shame my brace of boasters, whose jactations,
Have, with your modesty, abus'd my passion.

Rosa.
Would 'twere affected!

Hono.
Oh doubt it not! their policy's not so preventive,
But we may easily compass it:
Only, thus farre, be pleas'd to be assistant;
When that Vatinius courts you, let your praise
Be of Fumante, and his Poetry:
And when Fumante, Vatinius in your eyes
A compleat Courtier, and becomes his clothes
Be best in Florence: and for the rest, let me alone:

Rosa.
I shall observe: and so I take—my leave.
Exit Rosa

Hono.
All joyes waite on you: now for my mimique gallants.
To him Fum. & Carlo.
And luckily heeres one, fretting, as if some busy
Waspe, had with her stinging tayle, offended his
Worshipps nose; unseene, I will observe him.

Hono: behind the Arrass.
Fuman.
It can not bee.

Carlo.
'Tis credibly so reported Sir.

Fuman.
Vatinius marry her?
What, in the name of merit, can her eye
Discover in that indigested lumpe.
Worthy so sweet a purchase? but uncase
His disseas'd body, and the dullest eye
Will soone perceave what a Consumption
Intemperance hath bred there: out of boots,
His legs are, but a booty for a Buzzard.
And, but take off his artificiall lockes
The french men (that first wanted) first invented;
And 'gainst the sun perspicuously you may
See, what a plenteous lacke of brains,
His noddl's stor'd with; which causes him conceit himselfe a compleat gentleman.

Hono.
How right his malice hath describ'd em both!

Carlo.
What imperfections gay apparell covers?

Fuman.
True: whilst deserving vertue, unregarded,
Walkes in a thred bare vestment.

Hono.
This is observable: 'tis not the goodly out-side speakes a man.

Carlo.
But I have heard, Sir, that he's possess'd with a very great.
Estate; and who hath wealth hath all things: he
Shall be reputed virtuous, valiant, noble, wise,
What not? and questionless 'tis that she aymes at: as for
His defects, she may (as other Ladys) supply them in
A proper, able, well limb'd, gentileusher, who with
Alacrity and fidelity shal discharge his office, to
The no small contentment of his Madam; yet
Seemingly-be-check'd, and rayl'd on in his feellows
Presence, for now performance of his duty.

Hono.
A bitter knave.

Fum.
But are there, who do so?

Carlo.
Are there? why where will you find a Lady that doth
Not so? (I mean, I Florence) nay worse in sport
With their Marmosits, and smooth skin'd doggs,
A beastly quality for a Lady: though the now frequent
Custome of it; lessens the crime.

Fum.
Well, it vexeth me beyond all patience, to be
Thus affronted, by such a worthlesse Widgeon;
Would I durst fight with him!

Hono.
'Twould prove a soule Combat; a woodcock with
A widgeon.

Carlo.
Why sir, what should cause your feare? upon my
Knowledge, the sight of a drawn sword wil make him swound.

Fum.
I will not trust him: nor is it good jesting with
Edg'd tooles.

Carlo.
Yet have I seen you quarrell; and on the Piazza,
Draw upon a gentle man, for smiling (as you thought)
At your new fashion'd hatt, or spurre leather: and with
Vociferous language, threaten inevitable slaughter.

Fum.
'Thats been, when some have held me, then?

Carlo.
Thats very true—and he without a sword too

(aside.
Fum.
Nay I dare quarrell with the best; and with uncivill
Language abuse any man; nay I dare yet goe
Farther (rather then be thought a coward) send
A challenge; but under hand, take up the quarrel,
Though at th'expence of a Collation of tenne
Pistoletts. I can't endure these dangerous passado's.

Carlo.
But if, with honour the affronted cannot put it
Up but you must fight, or be esteemed pusillanimous,
How then?

Fum.
Then I acquit him with the severe law's 'gainst
Duels, and what great want of judgement 'tis to
Undertake them, when for a slight word-reputation,
We commit a murther, yet not obtaine our vengeance
Without losse of our own lives, which meere temerity
Forfeits unto the Law; requesting him to entertaine
The Noblest thoughts of me, I am a Gentleman,
Ready to give best satisfaction when but call'd in
Question, on any ground, but Tuscany; where the too
Rigorous lawes makes it unsafe to combat, &c.

Carlo.
This may prevaile with some: but say he be implacable?

Hono.
I how then?

Fum.
Why then, with politique patience, I resolve rather
To suffer a dry private beating, which breaks no bones;
Than run th'arischa of my life, with dangerous poking.

Hono.
I shall try your temper.

Carlo.
Then y'are resolv'd to let him have your Mistrisse?

Hono.
No Ile forbid the baines.

Fum.
Not so: but, first, I'le hear this newes confirm'd,
And then I may doe something: meane time you
Must give out that Lucebella's desperately sicke.
It is the Lord Hipolito's Command: their's a reward—

Exit Carlo. To Fum. Hono.
Hono.
Fumante, met as wish'd!

Fuman.
What is Honorio's pleasure?

Hono.

To pleasure you, my friendship hitherto
hath still confirm'd it.

Fuman.
Which ever I've acknowledg'd, and for which
I place you next my heart.

Hono.
And theirs a peace of service now in my power,
Will deserve that place; if you dare venter on't,
But I erre to Question, knowing your courage, and
Impavid spirit; when honour bids you On.

Fum.
I both have propensitude to dare, and power to do.
Say! what ist!

Hono.
Vatinius, whom fame gives out for truth
Shall wed Rosania, conceives that you
Have grossely injur'd him; for it appears
She now begins, to slight him, of which neglect
He judges you the Author; because
Flowting him to his face; for the bad wearing
Of his good cloaths, she emulates your garbe;
Vituperating his dull courtship, applauds
Your fluent veine; reputes him worthlesse, and
Your self deserving; and upon this ground's
Resolv'd to challenge you to single Combat.
Now if my friendly counsell (only tending
To your dear credit, and future good) may
Be prevalent; 'twere not amiss you did prevent
His peremptory challenge with another;
VVhich greatly must disanimate him; denoting
You are truly sensible of the wrong he hath done you,
In basely skandalizing your merit to your Mistresse.
—Oh! oche torto?—which he
Hath often in my hearing done: so shall
You justly chastise vice, and re-obtaine
Rosania's favour.

Fum.
But there is danger in't.

Hono.
No more then in beating an English Spannel, which
Will love you the better ever after for't. Vatinius is
A true bred Courtier; and had rather see an evill
Spirit, then an unsheath'd Spado—however, let
Me know your place of meeting, and I'le see there
Shall be no bloud-shed: for a wholsome beating
Will doe him most good, nor would I have you
Purple your bright sword, in bloud of a poore Coward
'Twere dishonour.

Fum.
I am resolv'd.

Hono.
The time, and place?

Fum.
Sixe in the Evening, in the grove behind the pallace.
You'l not faile to meet!

Hono.
Faile!—I sweare I would not miss the sport
For any good—yet use him gently—for I pitty him.
Onely it is against my honest nature to heare my
Friend abus'd, and see so sweet a beauty subject
Her selfe to such a glorious nothing—when
Suggested to't, only, by fraudulent information.

Fum.
I'le enforme him, and reforme him too,

Hono.
'Twould prove an easier tasque to teach an english.
Beare speak French—you say you think she loves you!

Fum.
Thinke!

Hono.
And hath bestowed upon you many favours!
As leave to kisse her hand—

Fum.
Her hand!

Hono.
Yes! that's a favour: but I understand you—you
Have been more familiar, you are happy!—
And she hath grac'd your many presents with
Her kind acceptance!

Fum.
She hath

Hono.
And all this Vatinius contradicts—oh lying Rascal!

Fum.
I'le contradict him, and presently about it—
You will not faile to meet?

Hono.
Doubt it not!—but when you have greatest need—
Exit Fumante.
Be confident I'le prove a broken reed.—
Exit Honorio.

Enter Hipol. and Lucebella.
Hipol.
You could have lov'd him then!

Luceb.
Before he fell from vertue, as my selfe
Divided, might affect the other halfe.
But since stain'd with corruption,
His memorie's most loathsome.

Hip.
Whence then proceeds this strong oppugnance to
My faire proposition, efflagitation? if from your hate?
Be, what your angel-form doth seem to speak
You, mercifull! and with one stroke dispatch
Me, and my greefes! but say, I cannot love you;
And that subverting blast, shall (in a trice)
Shake my hie flaming heart to frigid earth
So ease me: whereas mercilesse delay
But torment adds unto affliction:
Say (Lady) doe you hate me!

Luceb.
That were to make me worse then ingratefull,
No (my Lord) I cannot be so irreligious, as
To hate the man that loves me; I do honour
Your great vertue, and with a perfect zeale
Respect your worth: be then but confident
Of your own merit, you may be assur'd
You have an equal interest in my heart,
With any he that breathes: but for reply
To your great suite, thus.
By that firme love, your seeming pious vows
Induc'd me to believe most reall, and
By what's more deare to you, urge it no further
For I've no power to grant, what you request.

Hip.
Madam you much amaze me.

Luceb.
I've vow'd virginity (my Lord) till it shall please
Hard fate to be more gentle, and exchange
My injur'd father's infortunity,
For's former dignities; it misbecomes
My sad condition to entertain, till then,
Least hope of joy: therefore (good Sir,)
Desist! my faithfull vow is fled beyond recall

Hip.
Not the least word falls from that powerfull tongue
But doth predominate o're my strongest passion,
Teaching it subjection—Madam,
I am all patience and obedience.
Yet give me leave to hope!

Luceb.
My Lord, I would not be so sinfull, as
To counsell to despaire.

Hipol.
Then, till another meeting shall revive me, divinest fairest,
Permit my loyall lippe, on your pure hand,
T'inscribe the figure of my perfect love,
Obvious to none but you, that when those eyes,
(For this hands sake) do glance upon the print,
You may remember, reading there your servant—

Exit.
Luceb.
As for the rest, I'le follow your advice.
The dukes unbridl'd lust rages beyond.
Suppression, and (but for this brave Lord)
Had driven him hither, to my honours ruine:
Bad age! what dare not sinfull man attempt?
I must admit no visits, his report.
Hath made me dangerously sick; which may
Worke with his wilde distemper, and preserve
My honour free from blemish; if that faile?
Heere is a noble hand that will—prevaile.

To her Ausonius
Auso.
Lady, you brother, with first favourable wind,
Will reach our Port; here's letters which advise
Of all occurrents, please you retier, and peruse them.
Your brothers letters have enform'd your father,
Of this designe, who connot long be absent.
I must, with speed, dispatch one to Legorne,
Unto my Substitute, to render up
The Fort to Martiano: 'tis of great importance:
The Prince, in person, to expresse his zeale
To your deserving father, with great power,
Accompanies my friend, and vowes redress.

Luceb.
Heav'n thou hast heard my—prayers.
Exit Luecb.

Auso.
Immediately I follow.
Martiano, thou'rt hitherto successfull;
Nor would I have thy rash credulity
O'rethrow this great designe, and so betray,
Thy weakeness to eternall shame:
Which to prevent I must detaine these letters
Directed to Hipolito; 'tis unsafe.
To trust his smoothness: if he be our friend?
We nobly shall embrace him, in—the end?
Exit Ausonius.

Enter Vatinius and Jacamo.
Vatin.
How look'd she on thee? Jacamo.

Jaca.
As a fleet street-Barber, on a twopenny Customer;
Or a Clyent-cloid Lawyer, on a halfe fee: bad me

Tell you, she scorn'd your glorious jewell, and inglorious
selfe; only this short precept, rellisht of kindness,
if not of love.

Vatin.
What was't?

Jaca.
Marry to follow the example of Fumante; he's
A compleat Gentleman, and (in her eye)
The most deserving man in Italy.

Vatin.
Shame, and feare possesse him!—heere—
(gives him a letter.
Deliver this unto his proper hands.

Jaca.
It would be strange, if this should prove a Challenge.
Exit Iaca.

Vatin.
'Tis as Honoria told me—well I have follow'd.
His advice, upon his faithful promise of assistance,
But if he faile?—Fumante will performe—
I shall be sure to have't how ever—would,
'Twere to doe again!—but her's Honoria.—
To him Hono.
'Tis done my Lord.

Hono.
Spoke like a Conquerour.

Vatin.
But.—

Hono.
But what man?

Vatin.
Nay, do not thinke I feare him!

Hono.
Pugh! let Cowards feare!

Vatin.
I so they doe—

(Aside.
Hono.
And such, whose smutty soules the wildfier of
Foule guilt corrodes! (as it doth his) best innocence is guard against all danger.

Vatin.
Yet I could wish—

Hono.
What?

Vatin.
I were more valliant—
Aside.
But 'tis no matter—I am resolv'd.—
Y'have past your word to beare me out?—

Hono.
I have; and will performe.

Vatin.
Faith—I have no stomack to't.

Hono.
Even as you please: the shame will be your owne;
Yea; and the loss too: the loss of such a one,
As not the Court can parralell—udds foote,
You'l make your selfe the common laughing stock
To all the Pages, Lacqueys—nay the Groomes
When they want matter to stirr up their mirth,
Will teihle out your name.

Vatin.
Pages, Lacquyes, and the Groomes—hum—

Hono.
But, above all, Fumante.
(Whose heart's no bigger then a small pin's head)
From this your feare, will collect courage, and
Every minute publiquely affront you;
Whereas your letter will make him looke
Farre paler then the paper, seconded
By an undaunted Spirit.

Vatin.
I marry—there's it.

Hono.
Sufficiently I've truly told you what he is,
A meere man of March-peine; if you dare venture
On him? so: if not? and he deceave you of your Mistress,
It concerns not me: I have discharg'd the office
Of a friend; thinke on't! farewell!

Vatin.
Nay Sir—I will meet him!
I'le not be beat, and laugh'd at too.

Hono.
I'le want my will then—

(Aside.
Vatin.
Yet he was a Commander, in the last employment.

Hono.
Why so might you, or any man had money:
Desert not ever weares the Plume: he knew
There was no danger in't, yet certaine pay:
Such warres would make every faint heart
Turne souldier. Well prepare! the time drawes on.

Vatin.
You'l meet at Six? I build upon your promise.

Hono.
If I fail, flea me! Coraggio—

Exeunt.
Enter Carlo, and Jacamo at two several doores, they meet hastily, and jostle.
Carlo.
Are you blind, you Buzard?

Jaca.
Are you blind you Buzard?

Carlo.
Is your Master at home?

Jaca.
Is your Master at home?

Carlo.
I have businesse with him.

Jaca.
I have business with him.

Carlo.
Do you mocke me? ha?

Jaca.
Do you mocke me? ha?

Carlo.
Yes, my Master is at home.

Jaca.
Yes, and my Master is at home.

Carlo.
Y' are verry pleasant, but I'le change your note.

fight and hurt each other: then to them Hono.
Jaca.
Say you so? then have with you.

Hono.
What uncivill broil is this! for shame put
Up your swords! the street's no place to quarrell in.
How fell yee out? (my honest friends)

Carlo.

An't please your honour, I have a letter
to deliver to Vatinius, whom this man serves;
and fairely asking him Whether his Master were
at home, or not? he eccho'd still my words: I
lov'd not to be jeer'd, and thus it grew.

Jaca.

And I have another letter for Fumante,
whom that man serves. I question'd him a like,
but jeer'd him not: yet I could do no less then
to defend my selfe.

Hono.
A more fit occasion, I could not hope for—
(Aside.
That two such noble spirits, as your selves,
Should serve such worthless Patrones:—
Heer's a reward—I love to cherrish virtue.

gives money
Both.
We are your humble vassalls.

Hono.
Come, come, joyne hands! your business to each.
(Shake hands,
Others Master caus'd this mistake: be friends!

Both.
Now we perceave it did.

Hono.

And now I have a undertaking for yee,
which perform'd, Ile make what I have given yee
fifty pistolls.

Both.

Do but command? 'tis done.

Hono.

Well; first performe your Patrones
charge! 'tis duty: then dress your wounds;
which are not many, nor yet mortall: and two
houres hence, downe in the walkes, behind the
grand palazza, meet me! where I'le instruct yee.

Both.

We shall attend your Lordship.

Hono.

Be firme, and private!

Both.

As your owne thoughts, Sir—

Exit Hono.
Carlo.

Jacamo, I cry thee mercy: w'are good
friends again, I'le stay for thee at Catarina's, where
I'le spend my crown, for confirmation of our after
friendship.

Iaca.

And I'le not faile to meet thee instantly

Exeunt.
Enter Rosania, and Dianetta.
Rosania.

I much rejoyce to see this long wish'd
alteration in your Lady: may heav'n, by a continuall
addition of new comforts, confirme her
joy.

Dianetta.

I, with my soul, desire the same:
poore Lady she doth need it.

Rosa.

'Twas much beyond my expectation
(hearing the late report) to see so many decent
smiles dimple her cheekes; and heare such pleasant
accents flow from her long greefe-ty'd
tongue.

Dian.

Indeed the change was suddaine, yet for
some private end, known only to her selfe; she desires
a confirmation rather than contradiction,
of this report.

Rosa.

I cannot keep so great a comfort from
the Princess; but they're one soule.

Dian.

How beares the duke his passion? they
say he's neere distraction.

Rosa.
So please you walk, I'le tell you my opinion:
We must not misse the Combat, and the houre's at hand.

Exeunt.
Enter Duke, as in his Chamber, attended by Hono. and others.
Duke.
What stare yee at? do yee make us your wonder?
Begon!

1.
So please your Grace.—

Duke.
Yes, it doth please us, leave us!

2.
Wee obey—

Exeunt Attendants.
Hono.
I guess the cause of this distraction,
But must keepe seal'd my lips, untill his passion
Vent somewhat that may warrant my expression:
Wherefore, thus obscur'd, I will observe him—

[Behind the Arras]
Duke.
Can th'virgins, and their goodness great protectess,
(Sacred Diana,) suffer foule disease,
(That fatall Minister of certain death)
T'enthrone himselfe, in the Majesticke-seat
Of my faire's rosie-excellence, and there
(With a tyrannicke—quatefaction) threat
The suddaine dissolution of so pure,
A vivid temple, where her honoured name
Lives with a reverentiall feare, yet not
Be mov'd to pitty? such an omission,
Forbid perfection! where's your wonted power
For your own glory, make it manifest!
Lest your bare Altars know no Votarie.

Hono.
If the least trespasse done to majesty
Be treason, Hippolito's a Traytour in the highest.

Duke.
But oh—my praye'r is sin: All powerfull love,
'Tis your divinitie Mortalitie
Thus Rivals, death's an inamorat turn'd
And wo's to's chill embraces, a beauty
Far fairer than thy Mother, quicke let flie
A leaden headed shaft procuring hate
In his cold brest! lest his, more ready, should
Prevent thy veng'ance, and deprive thee of
The sweetest sacrifice that e're inrich'd
Thy hallow'd shrine—see where the gastly fiend
Sits proudly on her couch, and uncontroul'd
Sawcily courts her—(may contagion
Be thy companion! and the horrid grave
Your place to couple in!) whilst th'afflicted
Shrinks at his grim aspect, and turns away
From's frozen-salutations—now he's mov'd
And levels at her heart—divinest Love!
(kneeles.
Ceaze his destroying dart! and in its roome
Place thine of Gold, then wound him with his own,
Ev'n to destruction! so shalt thou prove
A glorious victor, I, she, live and love.

Hono.
It is, as my prophetique soul inform'd me,
And now for my discovery

(To him Hono.
Duke.
How durst thou interrupt our privacy?
Have we no power?

Hono.
But calme that stormy brow! your grace forthwith
Shall feele the ease I bring you.

Duke.
Do'st thou mean to kill me?

Hono.
Perish my soul! rather then prove a harbour
For such Rebellious thoughts.

Duke.
Nay I believe thee loyall; but alass
My greefes are at that height, that nought but death
Can slack them.
If thou bring'st comfort? (good Honorio)
My needy soul lies open to receive it. Prethee speake!

Hono.
I know your griefes; and therefore come to tell you
You are abus'd, and nourish in your brest
Infection that will kill you.

Duke.
Leave this abstrusenesse, and be plaine!

Hono.
'Twil startle you, but your command's my warrant.
Hippolito's a Traytor, and doth wrong
The royall trust your goodnesse hath repos'd
In him.

Duke.
How's this! no more: y'are not a weary of
Your burdenous breath, that you thus wake our anger

Hono.
Sir, what I've spoke, to th'last warme drop within me
I'le boldly justifie: nor i'st opinion,
Fond supposition, or regardlesse malice,
Poorer revenge, or hope of ayry honour,
That thus imbold'ns me, but a religious care
My pious duty hath for your Highnesse safety,
That 'tis truth; but honour my advice with your acceptance.
I will enforme your Majesty a way
Shall make your eyes, and eares my witnesses.

To them Hippolito.
Duke.
Thou should'st be honest!

Hono.
When I prove otherwise, may my perfidious trunke
On the disgracefull tree, feed carrion!

Duke.
I am resolv'd! waite us within; but take heed!

Hono.
My All lyes on't—
(Exit Honorio.

Hip.
Honorio, so intimate! I like it not

(aside.
Duke.
If he prove false, there is no faith in man;
Religion is but forme, and prayer hypocrisie

Hip.
I can't expect the fruit of my laborious plots untill
(aside.
I h've made sure Martiano; which now I will endeavour.
So please your Grace I have some words to speak
Will—

Duk.
Trouble us: our thoughts are taken up—
(Exit Duke.

Hip.
Is it even so?—then—how am I chang'd
Timorous flesh—why shak'st thou!—conscience,
I know thee too—too soone—I'le after
And submit to gentle mercy—but
My proud spirit rebels, and whispers me
Thou'rt safe!—Feare; thus I cast thee off;
My soul hath but one partner in her secrets
And he's a tryed honest knave—I'm yet secure;
Heav'n how this bug-bear conscience did affright me
To him Fumant.
Fumante, saw you the Duke!

Fum.
He, and Honorio, are now in private conference.

Hip.
Let your intelligence be ubiquitary!
There may be something now compounding, that
We shall not rellish: I like not this Honorio—
Have you heard nought fall from him might concern
The prejudice of our affaires!

Fum.
But what I told your honour touching Pausanio.

Hip.
Better he had bin tongue-ty'd!
Pray let your care be waking! the time requires it—
(Exit Hipo.

Fum.
Feare not! my gratious Lord!
What from Vatinius!
(Reades.

Fumante, If our proverb be true; that sayth,
there is no smoak but where ther's some fire, you
should be valiant; for your denomination as
well as action, denotes you to be vapour; consequently
full of choller: Whether that be, or no
vallour! I dispute not: our Suddaine tryall will
prove the better Touch-stone. That you have affronted
me, and grocely, is, and that I will be revenged
for the affront, shall be, most certaine:
therefore at sixe in the evening, in the grove of
Sicamores, expect such fury, as provoked justice
can inflict on so notorious an offender! which
is (at least) death, by the hand of the injur'd and
therefore enraged
Vatinius.

I cannot doubt Honioro's friendship,
I will meet him, and the hour's at hand

(Exit.
Rosa and Dianetta, in the Musique room.
Rosa.
From this balcone, we shall behold all passages.

Dian.
Pray heav'ns they doe no harme!

Rosa.
Hang 'hem painted parrats! they'l but prate.
But who be these?

Enter Hono, Carla, Jaco with disguizes.
Hono.
Why this is all.
For both are so hen hearted—
That I much doubt if one dare look on th'other.

Jaca.
I'le sweare for one, if t'other doe but frowne?

Carlo.
And I as much for t'other.

Hono.
Ther's it: then but consider th'insupportable abuse.
They've put upon the Lady, and my selfe;
Ye must confesse, yet truly, my revenge
Is too—too—mercifull.

Both.
In truth, and so it is.

Hono.

Nor shall ye pleasure me alone, but both
your Patrons: when each (like a good servant)
shall beat his Master's Enemy; which themselves,
will be afraid to doe: besides revenge the hurts
you have received; through their occasion.

Jaca.
It will be rare.

Carlo.
But then we lose our service.

Hono.
Leave that to me! for there's the trophy of my revenge.
I'le make 'em thank yee too—

Both.
That would be fine ifaith,

Hono.
I'le doe't—but I hear footing.
That hedge will keep you secret

Goe behind the Hangings.
Enter Vatinius.
Vatin.
This is the place; but no Fumante come:
If 'twere but possible he were more fearfull
Than my selfe, and stay away—what honour,
I might win.

Hono.
I'le spoile your growing hopes, hum, hum, hum.

Vatin.
But oh vaine hope!—that was his voice.

Rosa.
How the wretch trembles!

Vatin.
My Executioner is come—
But no Honoria to reprieve me

To him Fumante.
Hono.
He's come indeed!

Vatin.
Would I were well at home! but ther's no flinching.

Fuman.
He's yonder, and descries me: ther's no retyring,
(Aside,
Now should Honorio faile? I'm lost.

Vatin.
I must set a face 'ont:—Sir, you keepe touch.

(Both draw.
Fuman.
I'm not behind the hour you prefix'd.

Vatin.
Nor would I mispend time, now you are come,
You cannot but imagine the cause of this our meeting.

Fuman.
Not on your part: but I come to receave.
Strict satisfaction, for disgraces, which
Your forward tongue, in the hearing of my Mistress,
(The faire Rosania) most unworthily.
Have put upon me.

Vatin.
He meanes to sight—
(Aside.

Can you as well acquit your selfe, of the ignoble
wrongs committed by your selfe, unworthily,

'gainst me? as I of what you charge me with;
this meeting, rather will confirme our former
friendship, then breed farther difference.

Fuman.
I'm glad 'tis come to this—

(Aside.
Hono.
I'le breake that union.

Vatin.
As I'm a Gentleman!—

Rosa.
Oh fearefull protestation!

Vatin.
I ever honour'd you; wherefore could not detract
From your desert: then but relinquish claime
Unto Rosania (for I have her promise)

Rosa.
Oh shameless impudence!

Vatin.
And I'le remaine your servant.

Fuman.
The first I credit, but the latter honour forbids.

Vatin.
Then let our swords decide it—oh for Honoria!

(Aside.
Fuman.
Stay!—a pox on my credulity! this is no Coward.
(Aside.
I hate these idle quarrells touching women.

Vatin.
I hope he will compound—

(Aside.
Fuman.
Not that I doubt the justness of my cause,
Or feare your naked steel: the world knows me.

Hono.
Yes, for a fearefull Coxcombe.

Fuman.

But that I would not kill a friend for
such a triffle.

Yet give I up no interest; but if
You'l be content with her owne verdict? we'l
Referre our selves to her, yet save our honours.

Vatin.
'Tis not unreasonable; agreed.—

Enter Car: and Ja: their swords drawne, and in each other hand a cudgell; they disarme them, then shifft hands, and beate; and kicke them Ja: to Fum: Car: to Vatinius.
Hono.
On! spare 'um not—

Car:, Jaca.
Ye must not part so calmly.

Vatin.
We are betray'd; the Guard.

Fuman.
This is Honorio's falshood.

Carlo.
Will not you yeeld your sword then?

Vatin.
Yes, yes most willingly: oh, oh,

Jaca.
Yee must be fighting?—yee shall have fighting.

Fuman.
Not wee! oh—I protest not we!—oh.

Vatin.
Nay (good Sirs) it is sufficient!

Car:, Jaca.
Not yet—not yet.

Fum:, Vat.
Oh, oh, oh—mercy Gentlemen!

Jaca.
My toes are wearied.

Carlo.
So are my armes.

Vatin.
I'm sure my backe parts are—

(Aside.
Jaca.
Wee yet dare hardly trust yee in one roome;
Yee must be severally imprison'd.

Fum:, Vat.
Imprison'd?

To them Hono.
Carlo.
Yes: know yee not, that 'tis gainst law to fight a duell?

Vatin.
Oh my good lord, unless you now befriend us,
We must to prison.

Hono.
Then yee have fought?

Vatin.
Not we.

Fum.
Yet have bin soundly beaten.

Hono.
Trust me, I could come no sooner, but for a small
Matter I'le undertake to free ye from these Catchdolts.

Fum.
Wee'l give any reasonable consideration.

Vatin.
Yea, and thank 'em too; so we escape.

Hono.
I'e motion't to 'em: they are of my acquaintance.

They whisper,
Rosa.
Dianetta, let us descend! and laugh at 'em.

Jaca.
My Lord you may command us.

Hono.
I must acknowledge it a Courtesy.
I have prevail'd; for too double pistolls, yee are free:
But you must take it for a favour too.

Vatin.
Oh by all meanes.

Fuman.
There's, Gentlemen, for each 20 good quadruples,
With many thanks—

Enter Ladies.
Ros:, Dian.
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha,

Vatin.
The Lady's—oh for a charitable halter!

(Aside.
Fuman.
Now could I wish my selfe, any thing but my selfe

(Aside.
Rosa.
Nay, never hang the head! your insolence hath
Well deserv'd it: and now my verdict:
I hate yee both, as do the Scoti a py'd-Protimyst;
And this is my election—

[Salutes Honoria.
Vatin.
Is it even so? then hang the head indeed!
Why we are both deceav'd.

Hono.
What think you now of kissing her white hand?
To Fumante.
You more then think she loves you.

Rosa.
Ha, ha, ha, ha,

Dian.
No more my Lord; I pitty the poore Gentlemen.

Vatin.
She should be free, because pittifull.—
(Aside.
I'le trie her constitution.

Hono.
I should have done my selfe, what these tall.
Men have perform'd for me; but I knew they
Would use yee more gently—know yee your tormentors?

Discovers Car: Jac.
Fuman.
Carlo?

Vatin.
Jacamo?

Car:, Ja.
The very same:

Fum., Vatin.
Oh our shame!

Hono.
I see you are truly penitent; if now,
Yee but assent to what I shall propound,
Wee'l hide your equall shames in privacy.

Fum., Vatin.
As you are noble?

Hono.
Upon my honour.

Fum:, Vat.
Bee't what it will we both consent.

Hono.
Receave then into grace again your servants!
They are stout fellows, and what each hath done,
Hath bin but for his Patrone.

Car:, Jaca.
Wee humbly thank your Lordship.

Fum., Vat.
We pardon both; and beg the like of yee.

Hono.
Yee have it; and hereafter be more carefull
Of your honour! then y' are well.

Rosa.
And pray remember that it still hath bin
An approv'd Maxim, shame will follow sin.

Exeunt.