 | The False Favourit Disgrac'd. And, the Reward of Loyalty |  |
Actus Quintus
Scena Prima.
Enter Duke and Luceb: having disclosed himselfe.Duke.
The dearest thought within me will not dare.
T'attempt a farther satisfaction—
Now (my too credulous faire) I hope you see,
What a Commanding power you have o're me—
Had I bin sinfull? then—
Luceb.
Good Sir, no more.
This iteration but aggravates
My sorrow; heav'n, for blacke iniquity,
Expects but true compunction: which pad,
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Less mercifull, neglecting these my teares,
Shed for my misbeleefe! indeed I'm now
All confidence, if you dare credit me?
Duke.
Before an Oracle!
Then spend not so profusely those rich droppes!
The least of which is treasure to redeeme
A captiv'd king.
Luceb.
Yet all too little to call home agen a banish'd father.
Duke.
Oh be more pittifull! and not torment
My penitent remembrance! you have read,
The inside of my soule, could you beleeve
The character? and know my new intents.
Luceb.
With the same strength of faith you have of me, I do.
Duke.
Enough: I am confirm'd.
Life of my joy, for a too long short season,
I must entreat your pardon; you know th'occasion.
Luceb.
You cannot be too quick in your dispatch.
Nor yet too carefull of your person, for
The villain's made of mischeefe,
Duke.
I'm much endebted to your carefull love
Luceb.
You'l not forget Sir, what I urg'd for my—
Duke.
I guess your doubt: no,
I'le looke upon thy brother, as a brother;
As part of thee,—part of my better selfe;
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Hipolito's found false in one, I must suspect his faith,
In all things—your leave
kisses.
I'm yet but language, therefore can but seeme
Clear'd of what charg'd with; but when next we meet
My accuser shall acquit me, and you see't—
(Exeunt.
Enter Sicanio, and Leontinus.
Leon.
But Sir, the man that's rationall must know
Advisednesse to be a friend unto
A great designe, and patience the maine help,
Either resolve to stay her father's answer,
Embrace the princes love (by farre the fitter)
Or else hoist saile homeward.
Sican.
Your advice comes now unseasonable:
I've eat Lotus, and cannot live but heere;
Nor love, but her.
Leon.
Yet wisely moderate these extreames!
You perceive distemper gives occasion
Of too much liberty to the neglectfull souldier,
Which breeds in th'army inconvenience!
You came with resolution to serve
A brave deserving friend, then doe not let
A thought for your owne private end, detract
From your intended noblenesse! but arme
Your royal selfe with commendable patience
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'Twill ad unto your vertue.
Nor can it but be suddaine, hourely
Pausanio is expected, whose arrive
Will make you happy: nor have you least cause
Thus to afflict your selfe, she never yet
Having return'd deniall.
But as a sweet example of obedience,
Judgement, and modesty humbly crave respit
Till her absent father (at whose dispose she is)
Came, and consented. Good my Lord be cheerefull!
This unnecessary sadnesse makes us all droope.
Sican.
Though't be against my humour (Leontinus)
You shall sway me, I know you wise, and faithfull.
Leon.
I would be both—but look, your
friends—
To them Mart. Auso.
Sican.
Martiano, those unaccustom'd frowns
Speak discontent—the matter?
Auso.
His father's slow pac'd-haste (my gratious Lord.)
Deceaving his too early expectation,
Makes him much doubt his welfare.
Sican.
Come, come, be fearelesse! Fate will be more just,
Having prepar'd him so great happinesse,
Than't keep the enjoyment from him.
Mart.
'Tis my cheefe hope; and yet it troubles me.
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Obtaine from Genoua, or Naples power,
And steale upon our weakn'd forces (of late
Grown carelesse) want of his supply would strike
A gash in our designe, and shrewdly puzzel us
Sican.
Not a whit: come be your selfe agen!
We're strong enough: yet see the idle Souldiers
(To Leon.
Exercised dayly to prevent emansions,
And keep our scouts abroad continually.
Martiano, away with all sad thoughts,
And let's enjoy our selves:
Mart.
Your highnesse mirthfull inclination
Must make the saddest here rejoyce
Auso.
'Tis manly and becomes him.
Sican.
Oh—that it were not forc'd!
(aside.
We're all th'invited guest of Lord Hipolito,
Let's thither and quaffe a lusty draught unto
Pausanio: what ist a match!
All.
Most willingly.
(Exeunt.
Enter Duke.
Duke.
Heare in this quiet grove, I did appoynt
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Upon this flowry banke; I will repose my selfe.
To him Fum.
Fum.
I've tract the Fryar hither, and have sworne
To kill him; but were he not a churchman,
I should not undertake him—and yet I've heard
Of some that have bin dangerous—and see how
Handsomely he's laid for my black purpose—
So lie's the harmelesse issue of the ewe
A prey for the voracious woolfe.
I could not take him better prepar'd then praying
But stay! he stirres.
Duke.
If that my sense deceav'd me not, I heard
One speak? or 'twas the voyce the wind gave to the leaves.
Honorio?
Fum.
Di' you expect company? then I must be brief.
Runs at the Duke, who with a Pistol shoots him, his Sword falls, the Duke takes it up.
You may tell tales in th'other world, not here.
Duke.
You are deceiv'd: I'le be as briefe as you
Fum.
Oh—I am slaine.
Duke.
Not yet I hope; but yet be sure you shall be!
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You cannot be so cruell!
Duke.
Canst thou expect the contrary after so great
A Villainy!
Eum.
Your pious forme speaks you religious,
And that is shewn in nothing more then mercy.
Duke.
Then by that saving mercy you implore;
And th'hope you have t'obtaine it; let your breath;
(Your now expiring-breath) aid your faint tongue
In the delivery of an honest truth
May merrit my forgivenesse, and please heav'n;
Whither y' are going, if the devill doe
Not tempt you the wrong way?
Fum.
Oh—
To them Honorio.
Hono.
What hideous groane was that?
Fum.
Honorio? then am I safe—
(aside.
Duke.
My Lord y' are opportunely come to be
A witnesse to the true confession of
This desperate sinner, whose sick soul o're-charg'd
With hellish mischiefe thought to vent it here.
He would have murder'd me.
Honorio.
Unheard of insolence!
Fum.
Lessen your admiration! I'le answer the attempt.
Duke.
Speak soulelesse villaine; who set you on worke!
90
Hono.
Father, forbeare!
Leave it to me, Sir, I know a better way—
aside.
The thought of death will fright him:
I feare your wound is mortall.
See how his frighted bloud flies from his face,
And leaves behind it palenesse! let's remove
Him to my neighbouring lodgings, where he shall
Want nothing that may make for his recovery.
The ayre, so late, is hurtfull: Father your hand—
He bleeds a fresh, and fast: let us dispatch—
So—So.
Fum.
I doe begin to faint: charitable Sir, forgive me!
Duke.
I do, and shall with my best prayers invoke
The gods forgivenesse for you
Hono.
It shall be given out, y' have slaine the Fryer,
And marke the sequel—
Exeunt
Enter Vatinus in a wastcoate, drawers, and night Cappe, them, and his face be smutted.
Vatin.
I was never so abus'd
Rosa & Diana behind the hangings.
since I was swadl'd, have I liv'd
to th'eye of the world thus
91
folly) must appear thus besmeared? did I'scape going
to the grave my last rash undertaking, to be
sent up in th'ayre, like a cas'd bladder; and let
fall again that my posteriours rebounded? then
footed too, by halfe a dozen hard toe'd Rascalls
that had no more mercy then the clowns hobnail'd
Shunne have of a foot ball, when they play
a match? to be tost (like an unhappy Cat) in a
foule menstruous blanket wool'd with fleas, which
the wise mother of the Maids, thirty yeares since,
for her two fold accommodation, plac'd in the
garret to purifie the guilded brimms of the close
stoole pan, and keep smalecole in, to kindle the
Ladyes fire with: was that your glorious coverlid
to entertaine me? curse on the courtesie; I
have had but a cold entertainment—but an ill
welcome.
Dian.
I thinke you will not brag ont.
Vatin.
Then—which is worse—I feare they'l
turne me out of doors, thus—as I am—like one
of Vulcans limping priests (for I am lam'd) and
not suffer me to enjoy the private priveledges of
this coole yard, so shame me to eternity—hum
—twould be but harsh dealing.
Dian.
Yet short of your deserving
Vatin.
But not to be avoyded, were they resolved?
I now begin to see my errour, and find
that shame still followes sin; my unfeigned sorrow
shall implore her pardon, for my presumtuous
92
courting.
Think what we will of women, this I find
They may be truly vertuous, yet seeme kind—
Enter Rosa. Dianetta.
Rosania.
They may, Vatinius: and I am glad of your conversion.
Dianetta hath o're heard your penitential lamentation,
and is content not only to forgive,
but to forget what ever's past—provided, you
be serious, and not fall agen to you abusive
trade 'gainst Ladies.
Vatin.
I've had too much of it Lady.
Let my now reall griefe, with your forgivenesse
Gaine your more charitable opinion.
For when I prove other than th'admirer
Of your chast selfe, and all your virtuous sex,
May my disgrace be publish'd and I
Live and dye scorn'd.
Dian.
Sir, I freely do forgive you,
Heere take again your charmelesse Jewels and hereafter
Be more carefull of your owne, and others honour!
Rosa.
Nay, since y' have wrought so great a cure they'r
Well deserv'd.
Vatin.
Pray keep 'em, as the sacrifice of my conversion!
Dian.
Their worth my thanks, Sir,
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Exeunt Rosa. Dianetta.
Vatin.
I must remaine your humble Convert.
And now I doe believe there are some
Honest women
(Exit.
Enter Julia, and Lucebella.
Julia.
Not goe to th'banquet, dearest friend, the cause?
Luceb.
There is a sadness hath usurp'd my brest
That mirth can ne're remove: I am unfit
For company, nor would I see the Prince.
Julia.
I know the motive of this melancholy,
And now will give you speedy remedy;
If that the sad remembrance of your late
voluntary kindnesse, thus afflict you?
Take back againe your killing courtesie!
Pursue with an unenvi'd freedome.
Your begun love! I did but try thy friendship;
Nor would I buy the greatest terrestriall comfort
At the deare rate of thy thoughts least disturbance.
No, Lucebella, live and love the Prince!
And may the powers divine perpetuate
Each others loves reciprocation,
94
And, there, fix glorious starres! If angry death,
(For that I rob'd him of a greater purchase)
To cross your happiness, send you the sad news
Of my cold stay with him; bring, to my grave
One friendly sigh, and a religious drop,
And, on it, they'l create aspiring perfumes, which
Will usher me the readiest way unto Elizium—
Thy hand—and now farwell!
Luceb.
Stay, thou sweet miracle of perfect friendship!
And may divinity whisper unto thy soul
What I shall speake is truth!
If penitence for th'resignation of
Sicanio's love to you, or the least thought
Of him, doth greeve me? may eternall shame
Blast all my better hopes!
Julia.
What infidell, but would beleeve thee?
Luceb.
It will alike perturb your brest, when you
Shall heare the story, which I'm engag'd to tacitize.
For a set season; but e're long (with safety) I may
give you satisfaction: meane time I'le wait upon
you to the Lord Hipolito's; and promise to be
merry.
Julia.
Y' have made me sad too;
But wee'l endeavour to overcome it—
Exeunt.
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Hipolito.
I'm sorry for the untimely death of
the good fryer, and for the villaines flight, that
slew him, whom my impartiall justice should
have made a terrible example for prevention of
like impiety.
Honorio.
He worthily deserv'd it—
Exit Hono.
Hipol.
Sir, there's your seate.
Come Gentlemen (t'a void superfluous Ceremoney)
Each place himselfe!
Ausonius.
'Tis a commendable freedome, I hate this idle complement.
Enter Ladies.
Hipol.
But yone's the glory of the Banquet.
Lady's yee greatly honour me; and bring.
The best sweets with yee—please ye sit?—
All Set.
Were the duke heere, the table were compleat?
Sican.
At nameing of the duke, how her glad bloud
Sprange in her cheekes, and there imprinted, left.
Aside.
Her hearts true meaning visible—she loves him.
Hipol.
Your Grace is—sad ont'h suddaine.
(To Sicanio.
96
Ist't done as we commanded?—
To the Cup Bearer.
Cup Bearer.
It is my Lord; and temper'd handsomely.
Hipol.
Unto the Princes health, and hers whom most
His royall thoughts—now honour.
Drink and flourish.
Heer's that will expell sadnesse: to the Prince!
Brings another Boule flourish. Enter duke as himselfe, and Hono.
Sican.
Madame to you—To Julia.
Sir I freely pledge you.
Duke.
Hold, noble Sir, here can be nought but treason.
Cup Bearer.
How knowes he that—
Aside.
Hipol.
The duke—what divell brought him hither?
My royall Master—how am I blest?—
I now was wishing for you, and good heav'n.
Hath heard my pray'rs, and sent you: oh let me kiss
That royall hand.
Duke.
A way impostour! Honorio, do your office!
Take in the banquet and put forth the barre.
Hono.
Hipolito, I do arrest you for high treason.
Hipol.
I obey; and do desire no other sessions
Then this brave assembly.
Duke.
'Tis granted.
97
Now—who be my Accusers?
Duke.
Padre Stephano; to whom you did confess
The wronges your mischeefe plotted 'gainst Pausanio.
Hipol.
His mouth was timely stop'd, he'l blabb no more
Aside.
Duke.
And more—by gifts, and promises you thought,
To tempt his loyalty to reveale the place
Of my abode, with full intent so murder me,
And to usurpe the dukedome, then marry Lucebella:
Can you acquit your selfe?
Hipol.
Yes, of all he can accuse me with.
Duke.
Summon the fryer to appear!
(Exit Hono.
Hipol.
I feare him not till domesday—
Aside.
Duke.
Sir, I'm now too full of thoughts
T'expresse your deserv'd better welcome, or
Apollogize to this my abus'd justice injur'd,
Er'e long shall I do both; in th'interim
I do entreat your patience to heare
This accus'd man acquit himselfe: for me,
I dare not stay the tryall, I once lov'd him,
And yet retaine much softness—
Exit Duke.
All.
Wee all rejoyce for your so safe returne.
Ausonius.
I ever told you what't would come to.
Mart.
Well, be not yet too confident!
Luceb.
'Twas only that, by all our friendship! I heard
98
Julia.
I am satisfi'd.
Sicanio.
My Lord, the hope I have of your integrity.
Forbids me sorrow, till I see just cause:
It is no scandall to be charg'd with treason,
But to be prov'd a Traitour.
Hipol.
I not expect least favour, but referre
My cause to righteous heav'n: if I be found
Guilty of what charg'd with; let justice
Spare no punishment, I've merited
The lawe's extreamest rigour
Enter Duke, Hono. Fumante.
Hipol.
Death to my soule! ist possible? Fumante too?
Then I am lost.
Mart.
It was reported you were slaine, and by Fumante.
Duke.
That rebell to religion so decreed it,
But heav'ns preventing hand put by the blow.
And we both live to witness against him.
Cup Bearer.
And I.
Hipol.
Still mischeefe upon mischeefe: how the divell—
Aside.
When most we need him, faulters with us.
Cup Bearer.
Nay't shall out, my conscience torments me.
This purse of gold hyer'd me to a treason.
Will strike your soules with terrour, when yee
heare't. All but the Princess, and himselfe, (had
99
should have sent, To death's cold tenements,
with a draught of wine, commix'd with a strange
drug would not have wrought
In eight daies after, that the blinded world,
Might have imputed your untimely ends,
T'excess of wine.
Mart.
Horrid, and damnable!
Hipol.
I doe confess 'twas I that wrong'd Pausanio,
That would have slaine the duke, betray'd your plot,
Poison'd the Prince, you, your sister, and the rest,
And all for Lucebella's scorne, nor do I greeve.
For ought but that I cannot have revenge upon
Those villaines have betray'd me unto shame.
Mart.
Insolent divell, wee'l have thee flea'd alive
Hipol.
I must not die alone: the law condemnes
The body of that father to the fire,
That shall divulge the secrets of confession;
And I glory in my revenge.
Sicanio.
My heart bleeds for the good old man.
Duke.
Sir, spare that needless sorrow!
For now I see the mischevous intents
Of that blood thirsty-sinner, know 'tis I
(Through th'meanes of that good Lord) am your preserver.
Pulls off his disguize.
Julia.
My royall Brother.
Hipol.
Earth open me a living-grave may hide
Me, and my guilt! else my high swolne heart
100
Duke.
Your expectation's frustrated: I am no frier.
Hipol.
'Tis vaine to hope for mercy,
Duke.
Pinnion him fast! and locke him up in darknesse!
His execution we deferre untill
Pausanio be arriv'd, in hope that heav'n
Will give him yet repentance
Hipol.
Beyond my hopes—
Exit guarded.
Duke.
Fumante, as for your ignorant attempt 'gainst us,
We reconfirme our promis'd pardon: but,
For your perjur'd testimony against
The most abus'd of men th'old Generall,
Condemne you the just summe of fifty thousand dukets.
To be pay'd Pausanio: Hipolito's estate
Shall make the satisfaction more compleat;
And during life confine you to your living in the Countrey.
Fuman.
Your gracious royall Sir, as just—
(Exit.
Duke.
And for that you consented to this mischeefe,
We banish you the Court; and give your hier
To make a holy Challice—for the Altar,
Exit Cup-Bearer.
Nor doubt we of your pardon since it lies
Within our power to make yee faire amends.
(To Mar and Luc.
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To Sicanio.
Pausanio, and th'justice of his cause.
Pleads your excuse for breach of Covenant,
Y' are still a friend to Florence: nor repent
That I'm acquainted with your brest, we will
Continew friendly rivalls, only pass
Our Princely words to stand to what her father
Shall freely give consent to.
Sican.
I agree—and yet that Lady—
But love's deafe, well as blind.
Aside.
Souldier.
To armes (great Sir) not farre off we descry.
Enter a souldier.
Bright shining-troupes, bravely marching forward.
Duke.
More discontent?
Mart.
Souldier, ther's a reward—It is my father.
Be not dejected, Sir! oh sister now our joyes are ripe
I'le forth, and meete him.
Sicanio.
We will along—with you.
Exeunt Sican. Mart. Aus: Leon. Souldier.
Duke.
Whil'st we prepare to give him royall welcome,
Oh Lucebella, let not thy remembrance.
Looke backe at what is part! for then—
Lucebella.
All's buried in oblivion.
Duke.
Confirme it with the seale of mercy, a kind kiss!
[Kiss.
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Sister I am familiar with your feares,
But know Sicanio's full of worth: forget 'em!
Julia.
Since you are safe, and my friend once more happy,
I cannot feare.
Luceb.
Nor shall you have least cause: I know the worst
And am resolv'd t'embrace it.
Duke.
Thou art all vertue
(Exeunt.
Beat a soft March within, then enter Pausanio, Sebastiano disguiz'd, and Company of Souldiers, and pass over the Stage.
Enter Sicanio, Mart. Leon. Auso. and as they enter, Souldiers surprize them as in an Ambuscado.
Souldier.
Y' are fairely caught.
Mart.
What treachery is this?
Souldier.
No treachery, but a tolerable tricke
Allow'd in warre; ye must along with us.
Auso.
Cowards, and villaines.
Souldier.
This rage will do no good
(Exeunt.
March continues, Pansanio And his company re-enter.
103
Sound a Parley!
Duke. Julia. Luceb. Rosa. Diana, above as on the Walls.
Ho? from the Walls?
Duke.
Whom doth my glad eyes looke upon—Pausanio?
Lucebel.
Father.
Pausanio.
I am that wronged Pausanio, whose soft heart
(Joyfull to see my persecutor) melts
It selfe to womannish profuseness.
Duke.
Wee'l haste to thy imbraces—
(They descend.
Lucebella.
Dear father make me happy in your blessing?
Pausa.
Best comfort to my age, arise! and heaven
Look favourably on thee! thou retain'st
(My Girle) thy wonted sweetnesse
In despite of grief.
Luceb.
Next to good heav'n,
The thanks belong unto the Princesse.
Pausa.
Oh let me kisse that bounteous hand! my heart
Was never proud, but when it did you service
Duke.
My nature's not to do thus, but in answer
Of such deserving drops, mine eyes raine tears—
Oh my Pausanio, be kind, and pardon
The errour of my blinded justice; heav'n
104
Pausanio.
I must believe it; I had a legal tryall,
And by suborn'd witnesse, was condemn'd
To undeserv'd death; but then your mercy
Stepp'd betweene, and sav'd me: whereas (had you
Desir'd my end) I had unjustly dy'd
And yet 'it had appear'd justice—I am still
Your loyal humble subject—
(kneels
Duke.
Rather the better halfe of my deare soul! rise!
But where's our loving kinsman? he is wronged too?
Pausa.
I left him heere; since, have not heard of him
Nor have I brought this power to encrease
But to suppresse rebellion—
Where is that enemy to vertue? I dare not
Call him, Son.
Luceb.
The Prince, and he went both to meet you.
Enter Sicanio. Mart. Auso. Leon. as Prisoners.
Souldier.
Heere's our best booty Sir,
Pausa.
Free 'um!
In you (Royal young Man) 'twas nobleness
T'attempt your injur'd friend's releasement;
For which my gratefull soul shall dayly pay
105
'Twas monstrous impiety: thy rebellious bloud
Never had birth from these pure vaines. I do
Disclaime all interest in thee; and begge
The sentence of the Law may passe on him.
Duke.
Oh that were too unnaturall: consider
It was his filiall love to your wrong'd selfe
Provoke'd him to't.
Pausanio.
The naturall love of father never should
Make him forget the pious zeale he owes
His lawfull Prince; obedience, loyaltie
Are the sweet perfumes penetrate the skye:
Like it, no sacrifize such welcome finds
'Moung the celestial dwellers; nor than mutiny
And stiffe-neck'd disobedience, any crime
More strictly punish'd: what though injury
Plotted my bannishment? (patience virtue!)
He knew my spotlesse faith was purely free
From foule contaminating treachery,
And should with equall patience have smil'd
On my sad sufferings, interested in
My harmelesse innocence succeeding time
(The aged sire of vennerable Truth)
Had then on the swift wings of low'd tongu'd fame,
106
Have mention'd his bare name, but with a kind
Of reverence, due to such a sonne, and subject
Whereas now (fallen from the virtue he profess'd
He lives (in spight of death) a cankered staine
To all posterity. Those numerous tongues,
That might, in emulation of his merit,
Have truly bin employed, will now as justly
Brand him with name of Traytor—Bastard O my bloud
(kneels.
Mart.
Sir.
Pausanio.
Bends thy disloyal knee in hope of pardon?
Can such impiety meet with mild mercy, or in
Earth, or heav'n? no, no, the gods are just
And thou hast lost thy hope of both.
Mart.
Of neither, Sir:
The Duke is made of gentle pitty, and
Upon my true contrition, hath forgiven
The errour of my suppos'd duty, for which grace
Prostrated thus—I humbly kiss his feete!—
107
My penitentiall tears will purge all guilt
And make me a pure sacrifize for their
Sweet mercy.
Duke.
Martiano, rise! you have our favour,
Be worthy of it! your youth hath had its swinge
But your now-better'd-judgement I hope will counsel
Your stout heart to execute, onely, what's noble.
Martiano.
My honest actions shall hereafter speak
My soul's intentions.
Pausa.
Well, the gods forgive thee! and now I turne
Petitioner, and must not be denyed.
Duke.
Command our Dukedome!
Pausanio.
I only ask the life of my accuser; that he may have
A longer time to make his peace with heav'n.
Duke.
Go call him forth!—
(Exit Hono.
Sicanio.
Pausanio, you must resolve one doubt:
The Duke, and I are rivals in our love
To your faire daughter, yet are both engag'd
To stand to your election.
Pausanio.
Then I bestow her heere: I've heard the Duke
108
Gives her unto the Duke,
And twill but take the scandall from her virtue—
To make her this amends.—
Duke.
The which I do most willingly: and in my prayers—
I'le hourely bless the gods for this—
My so great happinesse—
Pausanio.
I heare the Princess loves you, who deserves
To Sicanio.
A greater fortune then the earth affords;
Cherrish it, worthy Sir.
Duke.
I see y' are full of thoughts: heere—I
resigne my right in Lucebella; not that I am weary
of my happiness, but choose, rather, to suffer
nobly; then have lou'd Chronicles report I us'd
a stranger prince discourteously. Take her!
Julia.
Heaven put better thoughts—in him.
Aside.
Sicanio.
I may receave with honour, now;
what I before refus'd. I thankfully accept her—
but, as freely, do
Waite on your blest Conjunction!—heere's my choice,
If, Madam, you consent?—
To Julia.
Duke.
Her blushes do confirme, what her too-modest
Tongue is loath to utter.—
kiss.
All.
The Gods shewre downe their choysest
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Sica., Julia.
Wee thank yee.
Duke.
Her dowery shall be answerable to her descent—
Enter Hip. Hono.
Rosania.
Since things go thus success full, Madam I hope
We also have your leave? heere comes my choice.
Julia.
Yee have, and joy between yee!
Hon., Rosa.
We humbly thank your Grace.
Duke.
Lady, wee 're glad y' have chose so wisely.
Hipolito's late honours we—conferre on you!
To Honorio.
You must be deare to us 't was he that brought
These obscur'd truths to light.
Pausanio.
Honorio, you were ever an honest reall friend.
Hono.
And so will dye.
Hipolito.
If a black soule, purg'd from its sinfull filth
By penitentiall sorrow, more then hopes
For glorious Paradice? I'le not despair,
Of your forgiveness.
Pausa.
The pardon I would aske heav'n for my selfe
I wish to you, and heartily forgive you.
All.
So we do all, and joy in your contrition,
Duke.
Your honours are bestow'd, but wee'l provide for you.
Hipol.
He's only truly happy who is good,
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knowne enemies, do rarely meet:
In th'umble valley, better be a shrubb
With secure peace, then, on th'aspiring top
Of a proud hill, a Cedar, still expos'd
To certaine danger. Beauty, honour, wealth,
My quondam friends, whil'st I affected folly,
For ever I renounce yee: pious virtue,
(Who, whilst I knew yee, was a stranger to me)
Since hath taught me, that y' are (at best) but aire
Vannish'd, before enjoy'd: the foule corruption,
My unstay'd youth suck'd in at Court, prayers
And sad teares distill'd from true repentance,
Shall wash away: the remnant of my span
I'le spend religiously; my hourely votes,
For your prosperities, I'le daily, duly—pay
To gracious heav'n: this habit shall invest me
Puts on a Friers weed.
One poore petition,
Though undeserv'd, vouchsafe to grant, the last
I meane to beg: my new borne virtue give
life to, through your rememberance! former ills
Bury in kind oblivion! that my name
May live unblemmish'd, in despite of—shame.
Exit.
Duke.
I doubt not but his fall
Hath raisd his soul to heav'n.
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Be sure yee be in readiness!—
To the souldiers.
Y' have allmost made a faire conclusion,
Yet I have power to change the the Sceane.—
Sebas. & souldiers fall on, and disarm them.
Were I revengefull?
Duke.
What meanes this progedie?
Sebastiano.
Read in this face!—
(Discovers himselfe.
Pausanio.
So many months together yet not know
The friendly part'ner in my sufferings?
Worthy Sir, pardon my ignorance!
Duke.
Our noble kinsman?
Sebastiano.
That late dispis'd-Sebastian—but no more;
Hipolito's confession hath clear'd all doubts.
This act was only to express my loyalty:
Had I bin thirsty for your bloud, or state,
To make me great, and Lucebella mine?
This minute might effect it—but, thus low
kneeles.
Humbl'd, I do confess my selfe your highnesse zealous
Subject.
Duke.
Our happiness is now compleat—
Let me engrafft thee on my soule!—
Rises, Salutes. The Ladies,
But Cousen how joynd you with Pausanio,
Yet he unknowne to you, untill this instant!
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I heard of his abode at Naples, whether
(When I had newes of his bold sonne's revolt)
I went to get you ayd, and from the king
Obtayn'd it: Pausanio (desireous
To manifest his faith unto your Majesty.
In this intended service 'gainst his sonne)
Sought for Command: I (knowing his intents
Well as his vallour after conference)
Gave him the Gennerall's place (although my becke
Commanded the whole army) yet kept my selfe
Secret in this disguise, till I should see
The finall end, with which I'm now made happy.
And may your now rising joyes never know Set!
Duke.
Amen to that! once agen,
My noble Cousen, forgive my rash beleefe!
Great ones, by this example, plaine may see
There can no safety come of flattery.
Now haste we to the consummation of
Our Nuptiall rites!
Those joyes, cull'd out of danger, are most sweet,
Let us bless heav'n they thus concent'rd-meet.
FINIS.
| The False Favourit Disgrac'd. And, the Reward of Loyalty | |