 | The Just General |  |
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Act. I.
Scene I.
Enter Antonio, Cornelius, Eugenio.Antonio.
Ti's certain truth, the Letters, this day, from our
Valiant General (to our young King) affirm
A Cessation Of Arms, on both sides,
For these three moneths.
Cornel.
Can you guess the reason,
Our General having (as is supposed) much the
Advantage, should he give them battle.
Eugen.
Believe it, our General
Hath to much honesty, mixt with knowledg, to
Condescend, to any thing can prejudice
Our King and Country.
Anton.
He's a man, no one loves vertue can suspect,
I hear his Letter hath struck a drooping melancholy
In the King.
Cornel.
Ti's truth, but the cause was not our Generals actions
But his Councel, who (as ti's talkt) diswades him from
Loving the fair Aurelia: as a match too far beneath him.
Eugen.
Ti's probable, for questionless he loves her much,
And pitty ti's the vertuous fair one hath not dowry
Equal her birth, and merit.
Anton.
Which if she had, I know no reason, but she might
Make a wife, for any he that's mortall—
The King
Flourish: Enter King, Sebastian Ferdinando; and guard
King.
Sebastin: me thinks, thou droop'st as if thy spirits
Were with thy fortunes lost: both might be rais'd
Again, would but the subject please to let
His King command.
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He ill deserves the name of subject that should
Refuse to obey your just commands.
King.
O Sebastian, What appears just to us, not season'd
To the palat of the giddy headed multitude,
To them's unjust.
'Tis not what we, but what they will that must.
Wher's Aurelia thy fair daughter?
Ferdinand.
So please your Majesty, the Lady Artesia and she,
Wait in the presence.
King.
Go call them in. Gallants, you hear our Army is—
Exit Ferd.
Like to have a breathing time, the General hath my
Consent, for a three moneths Cessation.
Anton.
Sir, the General (we know)
Can nothing act but what must visibly appear
(To men of reason) much advantagious, to your
Self, and Country.
Enter Aurelia, Artesia, Ferdinando.
King.
We doubt it not. How doth the fair Artesia—
Kisses her
What not yet in love? me thinks our Courtiers
Are grown dull, but 'tis Delirus (son to our
Noble General) is the man: Have I
Not gue'st unhappily?
Artesi.
That's as it proves Sir.
King.
May it prove well as I wish it,
Artesi.
And may your Majesty in your love prove happy.
King.
So wishes my Aurelia: if I mistake not—
Kisses her
Artesi.
My Aurelia: See, see, he kisses too close, as
Contracted lovers, when forc't to part.—
aside
King.
Aurelia: harbour not within thy Ivory breast, that
Traytor to thy beauty, Melancholy; he's an ill guest,
Not to be rooted out (if settled) but with a certain
Ruine of that fair fabriek. Ther's not (within
The compass of my power) that thing, thy vertue
Can command, I will not carefully see perform'd,
By my chast love I will.
Aurel.
Royal Sir, low as the earth, I thank you, you,—
She kneels
That can pitty in distress, a thing not worth
Your noble thoughts.
King.
Arise, Aurelia: Reach me a chair there—
Takes Aurelia by the hand.
Aurel.
Artesia, stay.
Artesi.
When you are Queen perhaps I may obey—
Artesia offers to be gon.
King.
Call back Artesia. Artesia, what desert
Your friends? come we must have your opinion too,—
Ferdinando goes off Artesia returns.
Reach another chair here. Aurelia, sit.
Aurel.
Pardon great Sir, the humblest of your handmaids.
King.
Come sit I say, when you are Queen; Artesia
Will obey, and as I am your King I do expect
No lesse from you.
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Great Sir, the practice of my obedience,
Shall be my joyful study.
King.
Show it in this, sit down.
Aurel.
Your will, shall be my law.
King.
Gentlemen, pray tell me (you that are Landlords
To the Commonwealth) what creature living
(Dares own me for his King) can justly envy
At the favours, I bestow on this fair Virgin—
What all silent? Antonio,
What say you?
Anton.
Sir, I should be loath to stand ingaged, for that many
Headed beast (the commonwealth) yet confidently
Dare say, ther's not, a Noble breast, would not
(With me) rejoyce to see, such vertue match't.
Artesi.
This is gross flattery—
aside.
King.
Artesia, what say you?
Artesi.
Sir, I am so far from diveing into the thoughts of
Others, I hardly know my own.
King.
But I can shrewdly guess them, and ne're cast a figure—
Exit all but King.
All leave us, but wait in the next room.
What are we Princes, bove other men, more then in,
Our care? I do remember (blest be his memory)
My Royal Father, would lay his hand upon my head
And say, boy, wed not thy self to pleasure, 'tis
An insinuating evil; which once imbrac't, and of
Thy heart possession got will ulcerate the body,
And if not timely cured, may infect the soul.
'Tis care, not pleasure, must preserve thy crown
Which if thoud'st have, upon thy head, sit fast
Study to know thy subjects, and so rule
Not to be thought too wise, nor yet their fool.
It was good councel, which to my best of power, Ile labour
To finde out, and follow; here Bellicosus (our General)
Writes, my love to fair Aurelia, is generally known
What if it be? and that considering her birth, and
Beauty, she may deserve my pitty not my bed,
And that the event may prove dangerous to act,
What the subject may make his pretence of quarrel:
(I had best have the banes of matrimony, askt in
Every Parish Church in my dominion, with the hands
Of the Parson, and Church-wardens, for the approbation,
Of the lawfulnesse of my choyce) but Bellicosus,
Is honest, and carefully instructs us for the best, as
One whose gray haires, pleads an insight, in those
State affaires, my unexperien't youth, nere understood.
Besides, it was my Fathers charge, on his sick
Bed, I should 'bove all, take his advice,
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Whom he hath found, intirely faithfull to his Crown.
'Tis ill to loose a subject, hardly to be found.
You' powers above instruct my tender youth
Love her (by all the Gods above) I do more then
My life; Nor can I find a posibility, to spend
The remnant of my days, on this frail earth,
In peace, without I do injoy the fair
Aurelia for my wife, what though she be poor
In what our earthly fools adore, more then
There Gods, she hath, in her Chast breast
Virtue enough, for to redeem, forth from
Captivity, 'bove half the world.
Court drosse, that love it Aurelia I am thine
As much from thee, entales thy vertue mine.—
Exit.
Enter Mr. Dull Goldcalfe in an Antique dress. and Snap his man.
Gold.
But Snap do'st thou still continue thy dissolution
That there is, things mortall, and in Coats, like
Women, that can deserve my imbraces.
Snap.
Pardon me, Sir, I spoke not in the plural number.
Gold.
Plurall, Snap; what's that
Snap.
Why plurall signifies; more then one,
Plurall, may be many
Gold.
Plurall, many, I shall remember plurall, an excellent
Word, what is that one, thou would'st make happy
In my acquaintance.
Snap.
She is a Lady, Nobly born; of a high Spirit,
And heir to great Estate
Gold.
Let her be as Nobly born as she will, I care not a pin
And for her high spirit, her's that shall take it down—
Points to his sword.
What may her state be, say you.
Snap.
Some five thousand pounds, per annum.
Gold.
Snap, I understand you well, per annum
Is by some kinswoman of hers, is't not so
Snap.
Sir, you mistake per annum is meant
Five thousand pound a year
Gold.
A very trifle Snap, but because she is thy friend
And I fear thou hast acquainted her with my good
Parts, I may be mercifull, and pitty her.
Snap.
I thank you Sir, I hope, she will deserve it
Gold.
It may be so Snap; what may her name be
Snap.
The Ladies name is Artesia Daughter, and heir to the
Late deceased Lord Endimion
Gold.
Heir me no heirs, when will her father dye
Snap.
He hath been Coffind under ground this twelve-moneth
Gold.
Nay then he may be dead, but Snap, you might have
Told me so.
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Snap.
I do Sir,
Gold.
Some time to day Il' try her wit.
Snap.
You will find her, well worded, and discreet.
Gold.
For that Snap; I shall word with her, I believe, and
For discretion, those that know me, know I have
My share, Snap; hath not my Taylor done his part
How do I look.
Snap.
Singular well Sir, for ill' be sworn their's none looks
Like you.
Gold.
Snap; I do believe thee hark in thine ear—
They whisper.
Enter Antonio, Cornelius, Eugenio.
Corneli.
'Tis without question, he intends to make the fair
Aurelica, his Queen.
Anto.
'Tis doubtless so, And though the Generals letter
Some what displeas'd him, I find his resolution fixt
Which hath strangely wrought, an unaccustomed
Mirth in him.
Euge.
By all the Gods, I joy in it
Corneli.
He loves not vertue, doth not. In the name of—
Spyes Goldcalfe.
Jupiter, what may yon' monster be
If a Baboon, he's of the largest size I ever saw
Eugeni.
We know the beast, his name is Dul. Goldcalfe—
Goldcalfe struts by
One (however ill bestowed) The fates have pleas'd
To showre down wealth in abundance, I wonder much
Sebastians fortunes, being sunck, he begs not
This same fool oth' King, He hath an Estate
Few Noble men in our Land, can purchase
With their own
Anto.
Now by the gods, it were but Justice, lets move it to
The King, Sebastians Noble mind will never
Condescend to do it
Corneli.
By Jupiter, Il' joyn it'h motion, Eugenio, thou
Knowest the Guilded calfe
Prethe accost him, I long to see
How his inside doth, with his out agree
Gold.
Snap; They have spyed me,
And come to do me reverence.
Eugeni.
Mr. Dull Goldcalfe; your most undoubted friend
I shall desire you take acquaintance, of this my
Noble friend, I am confident he will deserve
Your love.
Gold.
It may be so
Corneli.
Noble Sir, Although a stranger to your worth,
Yet the Noble Character fame gives of you, hath
Encouraged me, to become, an humble suitor, you
Would vouchsafe, to list me amongst, those happ
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Gold.
Snap; This is a large Complement,
Not suddenly to be answered
Snap.
'Tis stale and out of fashion.
Gold.
Say you so? Sir though I understand by my man
Snap; your complement be stale and out of
Fashion, yet for this Gentlemans sake (I honour
With the name of friend) your suit is granted
Corneli.
Right Noble Sir, I thank you
Eugeni.
And I in his behalfe.
Anto.
Mr. Dull Goldcaulfe, the confirmation of your
Health, is joy to me.
Gold.
Noble Antonio, I give you plurall thanks,
And gentle men, I am glad I met you, I must
Trouble you on friday next to my wedding,
Snap; where shall it be?
Snap.
For that we shall contrive
Eugeni.
Please you to make us happy, in your brids name
And place of being, we shall be proud to waite on you.
Gold.
Tell my friends her name, I have forgot it, I never
Saw her yet gentlemen
Anto.
How ner'e saw your bride, and yet your match so neer
Gold.
No faith not I, but Snap; will shew me where
She is, anon.
Eugeni.
Snap; pray what may this creature be, that can
Deserve so high, and rich a match, as this my
Noble friend.
Snap.
It is the Lady Artesia, daughter, and heir to the
Late deceased Lord Endimion.
Gold.
And yet Snap; you told me he was dead
Eugeni.
Noble friend he is
Gold.
Say you so, 'twas more then I understood
Eugeni.
And Snap; hath done you justice, she is the only
Match, for wealth, and beauty, our country doth afford
Gold.
You will not fail to come then
Anto.
Name but the place, and wee'l attend you
Gold.
Snap; wee'l have it at the Cake-house
Behinde the Hospitall
Snap.
Not for the world Sir, a Lady of her birth and breeding
Keep her weedding at a Cake house, 'twould be avile
Disparagement to you both
Gold.
Why Snap; my father (I have heard him say)
Kept his wedding there, and he thought himself
As good a man, as she.
Snap,
Tis true Sir, but now the fashions altered
Gold.
Where lyes the fashion now
Snap.
Her house will be the only place
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Gentlemen, at her house a friday. I will about
It straight, Snap shew me the way—
Exit Gould. and Snap.
Snap.
I waite your worship.
Anto.
He scapes well, with tossing in a blancket, if he
Dare attempt this, her high spirit, will have no mercy on him.
Eugeni.
'Tis but the prologue to the misery, he is like to endure
His ignorance will be his daily punishment.
Corneli.
By Jupiter, I neither hear, nor in my travels
Ever saw his fellow, in other shape then in
Long coats, and bells, what is his man, he seems
To be a cunning knave.
Eugen.
The man hath better blood runs in his veins, then
His riduculous master, and questionless, aimes at his
Private ends, in this same borrowed shape
Of servingman.
Cornel.
May he prosper in it, more then a bare subsistence,
For the fool's to much, come Gentlemen 'tis time
We did attend the King.
Anton.
Then lead the way.—
Ex. Antonio, Cornelius, Eugenius.
Enter Artesia, sol. looking in her glass.
Artesi.
This is no flattering glass: if true, my judgment
Cannot find, Aurelia's face, five thousand pounds
A year, more beautiful then mine. I have been
Much flattered, if this face speak, not it self the
Best it'h Court; And at that rate, I have sufficently
Tyraniz'd over my poor Idolaters, mong'st whom
I must find out one, that must gladly act, what
Ever I prescribe,
Artesia must not, cannot see
Aurelia in the Throne of Majesty
And I a poor neglected looker on,
My fortune, and my beauty
Speak me (aloud) I do deserve the best.
And shall a beggers brat, skip or'e my head, and
I, when 'tis to late, whine out my griefes, and
Say I might have done. Aurelia, you may be
Queen of Faries, or of some petty Island in the
Other world,
This is to hot for thee, thy eyes strike fire
When throughly quencht, mine then, will blaze the higher.
What monster have we here—
Enter Gould, and Snap.
Gold., Snap.
I perceive the Lady is at leasute, by being alone
Prethe remember my service to her, and tel her I
Will finde some other time to wait on her.
Snap.
By no means Sir, you shame your self for ever if
You speak not to her; could you have found a
Better time then when she is at leasure.
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Sa'st thou me so Snap; Hem, hem, Lady:
Would it were out.
Artesi.
Would what were out?
Gold.
Nay ther's it; I cannot tell that;
Snap; tell her my name, and riches and that
I love her, for my good parts they'l speak for themselves.
Snap.
This you must do your self;
Or be for ever shamed.
Artesi.
Sir, have you any thing to say to me?
Snap.
Now, now, now.—
to Gold.
Gold.
Lady my name is Mr. Dull Goldcalfe, of an
Ancient family; my father, was above fourscore
When he dyed; his arms is a sleeping calfe,
You may see them Lady in every Tavern window,
I have heard my father say they cost him
Forty shillings, my Estate is infinite; for my parts
Judg you, if you have any wit.
Artesi.
So much, I have, I think I know your business,
You come to proffer your self to be my jester.
Snap.
She paies him home—
Aside
Gold.
No i'l be sworn Lady, Snap; can tell
I am in earnest.
Artesi.
Sirra I am indispos'd, to entertain a fool,
But if you dare be troublesome, i'l have you
cudgeld out of doors.
Gold.
Why Lady, take you me for a fool
And a coward.
Snap.
Else she mistakes abominably—
aside
Gold.
If you do Lady, I can dispence with my conscience
Choose my side, and with my mony buy a Colonels
Place, entertain half a score casheer'd,
Officers that shall be at my command,
Can I not Snap,
Snap.
But when their monyes done, (you feed
Them with) they will command you.
Gold.
To give them more mony, i'st not so snap?
Snap.
Very right.
Gould.
But Snap, because they shall command but seldom
I'l give them swinging sums at a time, ther's divers
Of my kinsmen have don't before me
Lady, how do you like my way?
Artesi.
So well, that if you do not find it out quickly
I'l make my foot man show it you by the head
And shoulders.
Gold.
Thanks Noble Lady, Snap and I know
The way very well, no ceremonie Lady to your servant;
But you mistake me Lady, I mean the
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For no disparagement to you Lady, I have
Heard that Colonels are no Coblers, nor
Tinkers, but companions for Princes,
Be they not Snap?
Artesi.
This Ass is troublesome. Well Sir
I have considered of it, and when
You are a Cobler or a Tinker, (I mean a
Collonel) you shall expect a
Further answer from me—
Exit Artesia.
Gold.
Hay Snap, was it not well done to make
My self a Colonel? I had ne're carried
The peevish ape else.
Snap.
Most excellent well contrived. Now
Sir, that she may understand that you are a
Very Colonel, for so you suddenly must be;
I speedily will endeavour to find out some of
These Officers you speak of, on whom
I must spend freely, and after you have
Furnish't them well with mony (which you
Must do) ther's not a vintner, nor Ale-house keeper
In the City, but within three dayes
After receipt, will with cap in hand salute
Your Officers, as thus. Save you Noble Captain;
Save you Noble Lievetenant, how fares it with
Your Noble and truly valiant Colonel
Goldcalfe. Ten dayes will ripen your
Fame to that perfection, that not a
Parrot, nor starling in the City, but will prattle
Colonel Goldcalf. This to your Lady known,
(As soon 'twill be) you need not
Doubt her favour.
Gold.
O rare Snap; about it straight,
Thou shalt have money store. And Snap;
Because she shall not understand I am a
Usurer, as was my scraping father,
I'l summon in all my principal mony,
Hang use, we'l find use for't
Shall we not Snap?
Snap.
Admirable use (Noble Colonel.)
Gold.
Sa'st thou me so boy? her's half a piece
For that, how rarely it sounds. (Noble Colonel)
Come away Snap; I long to be confirm'd a Colonel—
Exit Goldcalf and Snap.
Enter Aurelia sol.
Aurel.
The king, is sure, too full of Noble thoughts, to
Play upon my present misery, and to believe those
Favours he bestowed (so publickly) on me, as real, as
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No better then my self. You gods give me, a worthy
Patience to undergo, what ere' you lay
Upon me. Noble Antonio,—
Enter Antonio
Wellcome, what newes from Court?
Anton.
Most Excellent Lady, by (me unworthy)
The King commends his best of love to your faire self,
Who sadly knowing, fortune hath blindly dealt
With you, and doubting your present supplies,
Hath sent you a thousand pounds, which he
Commands you to dispose of, as what he hath
Pronounc't, your own.
Aureli.
I humbly thank his Majesty. Ferdinando—
Enter Ferdinand.
Ferdinand.
Madam.
Aureli.
Lay by that bag.
Ferdinan.
Madam I shall—
Exit. Ferdina.
Aureli.
Your burthen (Antonio) hath heat you,
I hope it is not in respect of me,
You use this Ceremony.—
Meaning, being uncovered.
Antoni.
Madam, it is a reverence, my loyalty commands,
To her, my King, intends his Queen.
Aureli.
Fye Antonio, This speaks you aright Courtier
But to me, the poorest of your friends,
It was too much.
Anto.
Madam, I ever shall acknowledg the Court
The place hath brought me up,
Yet never look't on flattery with other eyes,
Then those that saw it monstrous,
It is my judgment, not my will that ers, if I mistake
The King.
Aureli.
Which sure you do Antonio, and easie may
Confess it, as what's your Princes daily exercise,
(His charity) your judgments known too sound,
To entertain a thought,
The King whose state and vertue, can
Command the worthiest she,
His own and neighbouring Princes Country
Doth afford: can cast his eyes upon a
Wretched thing fortune is pleas'd to frown on.
My poor deserts, examnin'd by my self;
And known, can swell my humble thoughts,
Up to no higher pitch then to be known his
Grateful creature, and when my prayers, for
Him and duty to his Majesty I neglect,
May I be blasted, as one not worthy day light.
Anton.
And may his envy burst him, that looks with
Grudging eyes, on your prefer'd deserts.
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Thanks good Antonio. And to the King,
My duty; and my thanks, as heartily as I pay
The gods in my devotion.
Anton.
And may you be,
No more nor less then what I wish to see;
So blessings attend your goodness.—
Exit.
Aurel.
How rare doth honesty at Court appear,
Yet is not strange, when vertuous Princes stee'r.—
Exit.
Enter Sunklow, alias Snap, and Bellira his sister.
Sunk.
Come, you are too fondly peevish, and
Must be rul'd, you know our fortun's sunck
Beyond recovery, (but by this means)
Have I with early care and pains,
Made it my study to contrive (most for your good) in
This neglected shape of slavery, a way to raise
Our low sunk house, And must you out of
Self wil'd nicitie, refuse that which your betters
Gladly would imbrace (and joy to compass)
What freely I have offer'd, to throw into your armes.
Consider, and be wise, for rather then I'l act the fool,
To my own ruine, and others mirth,
I'l leave my Country, never to return, where
You may live to say, you had a friend—
Offers to go,
And brother.
Belli.
O Gentle Brother; stay, hear me but speak,
You would not tye me to a thing, I shall be sham'd
To own, a gilded monster, one that the people never call
A man, but when he buyes the title. Come, you do
But this to try me. I know you are too full of Noblenesse
To engage me to a miserie, I cannot hope for end of,
But with the losse of life; be merciful in your
Commands, and i'l obey.
Sunk:
How have you spent your time, hath not your
Court experience, nor education in the Common wealth,
Taught you to understand, he wants for no good parts,
That hath enough to purchase tongues at his command?
Besides, when valour (although not in himself)
But once is known, to curb the daring Talker,
He may as freely passe the muster-role of Gentry
As he, that yesterday Commenc't at Paris.
Come, you must and shall be rul'd, or loose a friend,
More pretious, then most Brothers
You know Gold-calf young, and easie wrought upon,
Apt (yet enough) to take any impression your more solid
Judgement shall find fit to mould him in. No whining,
But consent, the rest shall be my care to see perform'd.
Come, come, your speedy answer; 'Tis the last I'le urge.
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Things of this high concernment, require some time
Of study, which I shall urge you grant.
Sunk.
Be speedy, as what much concerns our businesse
And think, what women would refuse so rich a fool;
The world goes well with woman, when they rule.—
Exit.
Belli.
To such as do desire it. All I can think, or say,
Studie, or not, I find I must obey.—
Exit.
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