 | The Just General |  |
Act. II.
Scene I.
Enter Dorothy Dreswel sol. as from sleep.Dorothy.
Hey, ho, I have had the most sweetest, pleasant'st
Comfortabl'st dream, That ever woman wak't from
Beshrew their noise, that put me out on't,
Me thought I could have spent—all this morning in't;
Venus assist us we may dream,
For we have but little comfort waking;
Waiting call you it? yes we are waiting women,
We may wait long enough, ere these
Courtiers will do a poor soul a good turn.
Yet, Why do I rail at them?
They are but men, flesh, and blood,
And can do no more then they can do.
It is our unmercifull Ladies, that give the poor souls
No breath, nor time to recrute.
What hopes can we have then?
Yes, Ferdinando, the Lord Sebastians man,
Begins to promise something;
Yet he com's on too, just like a posse Captain
With his forlone,
Vpon a breach he hath been beaten from;
But time and experience may increase his valour.
And see to my wish, he is here.—
Enter Ferdinando.
Ferdin.
Fair Mistris Dorothy, I kiss your hand.
Dorot.
You may make more bold, and be more welcome
Sweet Ferdinando.
Ferdin.
Fair one, you have invited me to a bliss,
Exceeds what men call joyes on earth.
Dorot.
'Tis all you Courtiers can do, to dissemble
With our sex.
Ferdin.
Number not me, amongst the prophaners
Of such beauty, I must for mercy sue to: if I may
Hope to enjoy, what you fair self, hath only to dispose of.
13
You will not finde me proudly Coy,
'Tis love in love (they say) makes all the joy.
Ferdin.
This kiss,
The happy prologue to our ensuing bliss.
The business (I gladly snatcht to wait on your
Fair self) was to commend my Ladies service
To the fair Artesia: please you to let her
Vnderstand so much.
Dorot.
Sweet Ferdinando, I shall, as one your
Imployment hath made proud.—
Exit. Dorot.
Ferdin.
If you be proud, the devil shall
Lime you for me; was there ever such a piece of
(Second-hand formality) wrapt up in silk?
The Goat, and sparrow's chast to her,
Il' have her married to a Regiment of Swiss,
The Eldest company will but awake her luste;
Nor shall the youngest find reason to despair
She'l not hold out, she's return'd quick.—
Enter Dorot.
Dorot.
My Lady (seemingly) thanks the fair
Aurelia, and doth return her service, but so
Coldly, as if she intended not to deserve
Wages for it.
Ferdin.
'Tis strange my onely joy, (for so I now
Shall make bold to call you) can you guess the cause?
Dorat.
Why truely yes, (I shall not doubt your secrecy)
Ferdin.
Not if you think I love; Racks cannot
Force reveal, when you command a silence.
Dorot.
Then know, my Lady hates Aurelia,
More then she loves to be admired.
Ferdin.
And that's enough. By what strange means
Hath she deserv'd it?
Dorot.
Her envy for the favours, the King
(Is pleas'd) bestow on her, while she
(As she conceives) is slighted.
Ferdin.
'Tis probable, And what you have pleas'd
To impart, is with my love lockt here.—
Points to his heart.
This kiss. Time calls away,—
Kisses her.
When Cupid knows 'tis here, my heart bids stay,—
Exit Ferdin:
Dorot.
Blessings go with thee; despair not wench.
My dream some pleasure brought
A reall wake's beyond a sleeping thought.—
Exit. Dorot.
Enter Delirus Sol. From the camp.
Artesia not at Court? with her my business lyes,
What ever to my father I pretend.
'Tis well the King pickt out Aurelia for his
Choise, my jealous heart first at the sound
He loved, began to faint.
14
Delirus, welcome to Court
We hope the valiant General (your Noble father)
Enjoys his health.
Deli.
He do's; and by me saluts you both
As his best of friends.
Anto.
We thank him, and wish victory may
Crown his actions.
Deli.
You make him happy in such noble friendship.
Pray Gentlemen how fares it with our vertuous King?
The camp generally speaks him in love,
In which they wish him prosper.
Eugeni.
So we do all, as you in your fair Choice, Artesia
Deli.
Truly Eugenio, I should be proud for
To be known her servant, (would she accept the
Service.) And do confess it were a happiness,
I know none greater could I deserve her favour, which
She well knows I am too unworthy of.
Eugeni.
A souldier Delirus, and doubt the Conquest.
Men that would seem to know,
Reports she loves you.
Deli.
Eugenio report's their own,
I shall believe it too, when (truth 'tis known
Enter Artesia.
Anto.
See where she comes, a confirmation
To your wisht success. Crown your desires—
Exit. Anto. Eugeni.
Deli.
Content wait on Artesia, fairest of thy sex—
Kisses her.
Artesi.
Delirus welcome, how faire
Our friends i'th camp.
Deli.
As men, whose swords your beauty
Sharpens; resolvedly well.
Artesi.
Sure you mistake Delirus, you mean
The Kings Mistris, the faire Aurelia.
Deli.
Madam; The King looks not with
My eyes, he is young, and possible may erre in's
Tender judgment, would he be tryed by votes,
His double voice would hardly carry it.
Artesi.
You have a smack ot'h Court yet;
Delirus this favours not ot'h Camp;
Do they dissemble there too?
Deli.
My faithfull love speak for me,
I understand it not.
Artesi.
Do you love me then?
Deli.
So well, I must not live, if you
Refuse to accept it.
Artesi.
But.
Deli.
But, what Maddam? If a piece of duty,
15
Been by me neglected, let me but know
Wherein I have offended, and I'l redeem it,
Though with the loss of life.
Artesia,
I take you at your word. And know, I can
Return so much of love again, I equally will ingage it'h
Hazard, dare you (with me) joyn, to revenge
My wrongs? till righted, I have vow'd
A single life
Deli.
Else may my blood turn cold as Iberian Ice;
And may my name be (through all after Ages)
Blasted with coward.
Artesi.
Enough, I dare not doubt the non performance,
Of whats so firmly bound, yet least you startle,
I Must enjoyn your secresie,
Deli.
Which I (by all the Gods) vow to perform.
Artesi.
Then know, it is the King hath wrong'd me,
Dare you now right me.
Deli.
Protect me all you powers; the King; pray speak—
He starts.
That I may understand you.
Artesi.
Then thus, the love he bears Aurelia, too loudly is
Proclaim'd not to be known by you, who not content
(In publick to acknowledg) must in the face of all the Court,
Make me, his scornful mirth, whil'st every savcy flattering groom,
Derides my sufferings, as one, that not deserv'd
Common commiseration: you now have understood my
Greife, and if your love burn with that fervent
Flame, you have with protestation here profest,
I shall expect you Act, what I prescribe, and you
Engag'd (by oath) stand bound for to perform
Deli.
Why do I shake? you have an Angels shape,
Proclaims you vertues storehouse; there cannot then proceed,
Forth from a Mine of vertue, a bastard issue.
I know you are as good as faire, and in that
Confidence, stand prepar'd, to put in execution,
What you vouchsafe command.
Artesi.
The King then must not live.
Deli.
The gods forbid it, my blood begins to chill,
The very name of King, hath struck an icy coldness
Through my veins, my sinews shrink, and strength
(Like an ungrateful servant) deserts me in
My misery. O yet be merciful; and let this piece
Of life I hold, appease your anger, and
Redeem my King.
Artesi.
You have shown your love, vallour, and strength
Of protestations in your fear. I did but this to try
You, suppose t'had been a subject wrong'd me.
16
O that again, and but the knowledg of a name,
You'd have destroy'd, and by our loves 'tis done.
Artesi.
'Tis Aurelia.
Deli.
A simple woman, poor maid, I am thy murtherer.
Artesi.
A souldier Delirus, and so tender conscienc'd,
Think what 'tis you enjoy (my love) no beggars fortune
With it; besides I'l take you off from being
Executioner, which if enjoyn'd you were bound
For to perform by Oath. Ferdinando servant
To old Sebastian, is poor, and vehemently
Courts my woman, who with the promise
Of her love and gold to boot, you easily may
Tempt, for to perform the deed, either
By poyson, or as you both shall else contrive.
What hopes can you expect, I can enjoy a peace
Within my self, when she is Queen, that at the
Hopes of rising, dares publickly affront me?
You cannot love, and yet refuse to right me.
I must acknowledg, I have not boasted much of
Love to you, yet dare confess,
Had you been wrong'd like me, my tears bear—
Pretends to weep.
Witness for me; I should have righted you
Though life had been ingag'd.
Deli.
As I will thee, urge it no more, 'tis done;
Dry those fair eyes.
This kiss confirms she sleeps, Aurelia dead
Our joyes at full, leap to our marriage bed.—
Ex Ambo
Enter Snap, Captain Thunder, Lievetenant Cannon, and Ensign Drake.
Snap.
You understand your charge.
Thund.
At full.
Snap.
Then see you do perform't with care,
As you expect to eate again.
Thund.
Thou man of Mars we shall, recrutes
Must then acrew the trifling summ's exhausted we
Received Not a denier, our linings can produce.
Snap.
Already gone, all on the gut, or have you victuall'd
For this week, fearing a siege of Bailiffs; pray let
Me understand what you must spend a day, I
May prepare to furnish you, my Ignorance
May make me erre.
Cannon.
Nobly spoken, and to the purpose,
Thou man of metall. Captain our usuall rates declare.
Capt.
Lieutenant, I understand you, you mean
When loaden with the spoyl, we did return victors
From Poland.
Ensig.
Or when that powerfull arm (with
Our assistance) fell on the rear of th'Swisse;
17
Pounds, then but a trifle.
Lieu.
Or,
Snap.
Or when you spoke truth, which no man
Can remember. Come, come, no noise, nor blustering—
Snap stopps the Lievtenants mouth.
Here, I understand you well, and shall (if you dare
Talk such words;) but when I licence you, return
You with your leaguer pipes to the chimney-corner,
Where when your doxyes nim the pocket small,
You then perhaps may drinks again, and then
Betwixt each draught, recount your valourous acts
To oyster wives, who can admire them, and
Weep at every arm or leg, you phillip from the
Foe, sighing parentheses at your sad Catastrophe,
Why you worms, poor as Carthusian munks,
That borrow titles, to fright Tapsters from their reckonings,
And dare usurpe titles of honour you never understood,
Could you hope with your con'd speeches ever to possess, me
With belief, that you were valiant; or ever fought,
But when engag'd for reckonings with your Host,
Or with the boyes for to redeem your Ladyes
From the pumpe, which you protect not out of love,
But lively-hood; and though the sin of theft
You love, as what you live by, yet dare you not
Attempt your selves, more for fear of beating then
The law. But thrust your females into danger,
Who once a moneth do pennance under lash for
Your maintenance. What, all silent? Lieutenant, faith
What might your last great victory in Poland
Be worth to you? Ensign; speake, what brave a
Acheivements lately.
Cap.
Thou man of knowledg, we do recant,
Nor will we more the History of war repeat.
Lieu.
Victorious Sir, we are your captives,
Command and we'l obey.
Snap.
Then to your holes again; all is forgot,
Your bodies Il' see vampt; which if you dare
But pawne, Il' finde a baliffe shall Command
In chiefe, mean time her's to subsist,—
Gives them mony.
Till further order you receive; and as you do
Expect supplies from me, be carefull in the
Husbanding of this, adieu—
Exit. Snap.
Capt.
Heroick Sir, Your bounty hath chain'd us to
Your commands, we are your moving creatures.—
Ex. Om.
Enter Sebastian Ferdin.
Sebast.
Breathe there in Christian shape,
Such monsters? Ferdinando, be carefull in your relation,
18
Suppose Artesia monstrous as you make her,
Delirus hath a noble soul, and surely would not
Aid her in a fact, but to repeat is horrid;
Besides Aurelia (poor Girl) ne'r understood
What 'twas to injure any thing had life.
Ferdin.
O Sir, your noble soul (too innocent to
Vnderstand the guilt in their foul breasts) will
Not give leave to think; what pride and envy harbour.
My service (though far unworthy your
Acceptance) after this ten years tryall (I hope)
Cannot beget suspition of a truth; I soundly can
Maintain. Behold this—
Pulls out a purse.
Purse full of Delirus gold, by him put in this
Hand to murther your Aurelia.
Sebast.
Protect her you just powers,
Why did'st thou take it?
Ferdin.
To save her life, which else had been
In hazard. Had I refus'd to undertake the
Murther, my single testimony would have appear'd
My shame, as not believed, when he should
Please deny it; and some distressed wretch tempted
With gold, have been her executioner.
Sebast.
Thy bare testimony, is yet all can be
Alledged against them.
Ferdin.
Her woman with me is brib'd, who as they
Vainly think I fondly dote upon, who I must
Have in marriage (forsooth) into boote;
Who should I urge to witness against the
Murtherers, she might be brib'd gainst me.
Sebast.
Thou faithfullest of servants, preserver
Of our lives, my wretched state unable to
Requite thee, produces tears of sorrow.—
He weeps,
The gods reward thy trust, and may they bountifully
Shower their blessings on thy head.
Ferdin.
My Honoured Lord, dry those aged
Eyes, for my reward his great, in your
Acknowledging me your creature; it was but mercy
To my self, to keep my self from sin. Honoured
Sir, Think what's to be done, in what so
Much concerns you.
Sebast.
The thought of so much wickedness,
Captives my reason, I know not what to think, or
Do; what do'st thou think most fit?
Ferdin.
Since you are pleas'd command my
Poor advice, my duty binds me thus. The
Favour our virtuous King hath deign'd to shower
19
And what may swell to yet stands doubtfull.
Could you (with the consent of her) unknown
To the Court, for a small time conveigh her to so me place
Of safety; the King would then (as needs you
Must pretend no knowledg of her being) express
That love as yet is but suspected; the which
When known, as your grave wisdome shall direct, our
Course we'l steere, besides my attendance on her
In disguise makes for my safety. And if so
Great and honourable a charge may be committed
To me unworthy, I shall with care and duty
Express my joy to imbrace it.
Sebast.
Ferdinando, I should ungratefull be,
For to suspect neglect of care of her, thou hast preserved
From death; take her into thy charge, she is
Still Aurelia; who knows not how to disobey,
Whatever I command.
Blessings light on you both, you prosper must,
Where ther's so good a child, a man so just—
Ex. Ambo.
Enter Delirus Sol.
Deli.
How black and ugly to my self do I
My self appear? methinks my hands looke
Bloody; and my friends stare on my face with that
Vnaccustomed earnestness, as if they saw my
Guilt. 'Tis but my foolish fancy, a factious spirit
Within me that rebells, which I'l suppress.
How many thousand in our kingdome quaffe
Vp this cup, that never starte in sleep. And yet
Methinks sometimes I hear the innocent faire on,
With milky hands held up for mercy
Pleading. Artesia too (the price of blood)
Who I must love if live; she yet as faire
Appears as Sainted innocence, sure 'twas but
Justice in her, and no fault at all. Then am I
Quit, when we too are but one.
Enter Artesia.
See where she comes, no Angel but of light,
Durst ere assume that shape. Justice it self,
Must quit me for a fact, the gods would have
Committed, to have enjoyed that Saint.
What man that is but mortal would refuse my guilt,
But for to touch that lip? My Artesia, I bring
You joy; Aurelia's not long liv'd
Artesi.
My dear Delirus, is it done?
Deli.
Few hours will confirm it, the slave
Bit greedily at the golden bait, and cunningly
Contriv'd her death, as thus. He as his custome is,
20
Drills her to the sea side; where drown'd, he
straight way ships for flight.
Artesi.
'Tis to my wish; but from my woman,
This must be kept close, she dotes on him,
And must not know his flight.
Deli.
Aptly considered, her death once known
Our long'd for joyes draw neer. Sweetest faire one,
I must a little leave thee, and to Court; from whence
I hope to bring thee news, she's lost;
This kiss, farwell.—
kisses her.
Artesi.
Pray make no stay.
Deli.
When thou command'st 'twer sin, not to obey—
Ex. Deli.
Artesi.
How vainly hope, fond fools deludes:
Delirus, thou art contracted my instrument, not yet
My husband; where ther's a Prince, I cannot love
A subject; Aurelia dead? Delirus stands too deep ingaged
(Although his passion boyl) to dare an injury to me.
And then, (who knows,) but that the King may cast his eyes
On me; my wealth and beauty, (if I mistake not) will put
Him to his travels to out-match them.
That spirit's poor, and weak that judgement's seen,
Who lives a subject that may be a Queen.—
Exit
Enter Snap, Gold.
Gold., Snap.
'Tis strange; I do nothing but dream
Of that Lady, I would I were a Colonel we might be
Married: When shall I see my Officers?
Snap.
I have appointed some of them to wait upon you
Here, I wonder at their stay, I hope they'r not
Engag'd in fight; which should they be in
Some unlucky quarrel,
The streets would bleed.
Gold.
Will they fight so Snap; they'l not be angry with
Me, that give them mony I hope.
What are their names? how must I call them?
Snap.
You must observe their Titles, as I present them
To you; the Captain (however, through the fortune
Of the wars, brought low) is Nobly born and
Must your kinsman be, as one that's neer allyed unto
The fair Artesia, your beautious Mistriss; whom you (with
Great respect must use) as the onely man, should
She prove coy, can make you happy in her marriage;
For know, she fortifies her self upon his judgement,
And must approve her choice.
Gold.
Honest Snap; how I love thee; then he sai's I shall
Have her? If he do, he shall want nothing.
Snap.
Sir, I have procur'd you his consent; and know
21
Leave to spend some of his Couzens thousands;
Which as she's a woman, he scorns to do. And to the
Furtherance of your business, know you are much in's
Favour, he will accept your mony.
Gold.
Which Snap, he shall not want while
I have any; and so I'l tell him.
Snap.
'Twer an affront, your life would hardlie satisfie;
For know, what ere (by me) you let him have,
Should he perceive that you but notice took on't; his fury
would be great, and he in scorn return your mony, besides
The certain loss, of your faire Mistriss.
Gold.
Sai'st thou me so Snap; why then I'l not say
A word on't.
Snap.
By no means Sir; I think I hear them comming.
Enter Lievtenant Cannon, Ensigne Drake. holding Captain Thunder, with their swords drawn
Lievtenant.
Renowned Captain, the slaughter (you have
Made is great, and furie may be slack't.
Captain.
Now by my fathers Ghost (who when alive)
The Tamer of the Eastern world, let go your hold,
Or mercy I forget. And shall the son of Mars be bark't at,
By the whelps of Lilly, and not destroy the fry?
Snap.
Sir, speak to the Noble Captain,
You may appease his fury.
Gold.
Pray Sir, let me entreat you put up your Sword.
Capt.
Sir you have prevail'd,—
Puts up his sword.
Your breath hath from the jaws of death,
Redeem'd the caitiffes, which else had slept.
Gold.
Sir I thank you, pray how
fell you out?
Capt.
Lievtenant, my breath is hot, declare
To this (my Noble friend) the matter.
Liev.
Then mark, for thus it chanc't:
My ever to be renowned Captain, from
Visiting his Cozen, (a vertuous Lady your
Worthy self is pleas'd to honour with the name of
Mistris) her coach being—
Gold. Hum, Hum.
Otherwise imployed, on foot made hither;
When in the street (and not far hence) some scattered
Troops, of Curiassiers chanc't to pass by, an
Officer it'h Reare, (whether by chance) or at
My Captain is unknown, held up his finger to his
Nose; which soon my Captain seeing, (not
Us'd to such affronts) straight drew his sword,
And with a blow glanc't from his
Armour, kil'd his horse.
22
The Officers horse you mean,
That held his finger up.
Liev.
The very same; when on the ground,
My Captain scorning to take advantage on
His foe, gave him fair leave to rise,
VVho being up, presum'd to draw, (which dear
He paid for); for with the loss of his sword
Hand, he was forc't retreat; my Captain being
Merciful, was pacified with this. His bloody
Sword, not being fully sheathed, when back,
A Troop return'd threatning (alowd revenge)
But had you seen, (how then) like lightning, my Captain
Flew about him, you would have thought, the god
Of warr, had then descended from his throne,
For to destroy the world; my Captain by the multitude
Engag'd, we to his rescue drew; who we,
Through lanes of scattered limbs redeem'd, and as you saw
Brought off, impatient we withheld him
From further pursuit of the foe.
Snap.
VVith what a confidence the impudent rogue
Delivers his invention—
aside
Capt.
Lievtenant, no more, the skirmish is not worthy mention,
Sir your attention hath been great to what deserves but
Little, I shall be honour'd in your acquaintance as
One my fair Cozen Artesia, is proud to call her Servant:
Pray take some notice of these Gentlemen,
However fortune plaies the whore with them,
You'l find them men of metal.
Snap.
If of any, 'twill be of his own—
aside
Gold.
Gentlemen, I am proud to be your friend.
Liev.
As we to acknowledg our selves to be your
Vassals, Noble Colonel.
Capt.
Noble Cozen, for shortly I must call you so.
Gold.
Good Captain no more of fighting
If you love me, I shall ne're hold out another Conquest.
Capt.
The Drums shall beat no more, nor Trumpets
Sound of warr, what think you of the Spanish
Grape? Shall we to the Tavern go my valiant Colonel?
Where we will toss your mistriss in good Canary.
Gold.
Valiant Colonel, he has it right. Captain I'l wait on
You, but Gentlemen there will be no fighting?
Capt.
Who drawes his steel's; my foe.
Gold.
Nay Gentlemen; if there should, you see I am
Not unprovided; but Noble Captain let not your Cozen,—
Points to his sword.
Know I am given to quarelling.
Capt.
He sleeps, that dares pronounce it.
Colonel pray lead the way,
A feast my stomach, better fits, then fray.
23
Miraculous! he has uttered truth—
Aside.
Gold.
Come Snap. Ensigne command your
Lievtenant to follow—
Ex. Om.
Enter Antonio, Cornelius, Eugenio.
Eugen.
'Tis above wonder, where she should be,
If dead she would be found; and if alive,
I know no cause of discontent, she had
To quit the Court.
Anto.
It is a thing, ther's not two heads in all the Court,
'Gree in one thought. Some that that the King is
Privy to her retirement; others that she's made away,
But on what grounds, they know not, and every one their
Verdict spends, while none knows where she is.
Cornel.
That which, to me most strange appears, is
That her father, the lord Sebastian; (inrag'd
With sorrow) utterly disclaims the knowledg of
Her being; but that which much suspition breeds, is
That Ferdinando is missing too, who questionless (if
Alive) must know how she's disposed of; the
Fellow too, ever accounted entirely
Faithful to his master.
Eugen.
What course is taken in the
Search of her.
Anton.
To all parts messengers dispatch'd;
Noble Delirus, Welcome. Is faire
Enter Delirus.
Aurelia heard of?
Deli.
Nor will be I think. Gentlemen good day to you.
The King is close retyred into his closset, nor will
Admit to speak with any.
Cornel.
If so, 'tis then without dispute, he knows not
Of her being.
Deli.
'Tis bu'zd (but upon what intelligence I know not)
That shee was seen neer the sea side, some that
She's fled with Ferdinando; others that Pirats seas'd
Her, but both improbable; the harbour being
So neer, and yet none know it.
Enter King.
King.
Gentlemen, a nobler imployment (at such a time
As this) would more become you all. All leave us—
Ex. All but King,
The faire Aurelia gone, and none knows whether?
Yes, there is some that knows—it must be so.
I am confirm'd in't, This is our Generals plot.
'Tis he is King, and he shall rule; he had no way but
This, to gain it with his credit; sure he would
Not murther her, he lives not that can do't, and
Look her in the face. The Courtiers cannot all be
24
Them for their Loyalty) Poor harmless maid, thy
Virtue all good men should protect, hath been
Thy ruine. You gods above (the just protectors
Of my childhood) give me a manly patience to
Vndergo what you are pleas'd to inflict upon me:
I must dissemble griefe, how ere unfit to act
Another part. Aurelia, Thy King must now
Turn wanderer; for by those gods whose aid I crave,
Il' leave no ground unsearcht, while life supports
My fainting limbs, till I'm confirmed thou art alive
Or dead.
If living 'Im rewarded, but if dead
That grave injoys thy body, is my bed.
| The Just General | |