University of Virginia Library

Act. III.

Scene I.

Enter Anto. Euge. Cornel.
Anto.
These stormes presage no good. The
Generall now arrived at Court,
Whose business with the King requires hast; Delirus
VVith confidence conveighs him to the King his
Closet; where when arrived, instead of King
They found a letter with his own hand writ, directed
To the General. what the contents are, is unknown
To any but himself, but his distracted looks
Speak them not pleasing. The Gods prevent
VVhat I much fear.

Cornel.
'Tis to be fear'd indeed; this strange conveiance of
Aurelia we sadly may lament; for questionless he
Loved her much, but where he should abscond
Himself, or go without assistance of some 'ith Court,
Is more then ordinary strange. The gods instruct
His youth, and bring to light the authors of these troubles.

Euge.
Amen; Nor is there mis't (a man) it'h
Court, we can conceive the King would make
Privie to any secret design of his; it is impossible
He should be far or long unheard of; But see,
Here comes the Generall.

Enter General Delirus Fabius. The General reading to himself the King his letter.
Gener.
The gods assist me, what ridl's this?
Gentlemen. Antonio your eare, The rest I
Shall intreat forbear the room.
Antonio; The King I ever—.
Ex. All but the General, and Anto.
Have observed, hath loved you much, nor
Hath it been without your just desert. Pray peruse
That letter, it must be he (if any) the King—
Anto. Reads to himself.
Imparts his secrets to—

Aside.
Anto.
My Lord. I understand it not, more
Then that Aurelia being strangely shuffled out
O'th way o'th sudden, where none will seem to know,
Hath caus'd his discontent.

Gen.
Aurelia; (the gods protect her innocence)
I hope she is not murthered.

Anto.
My Lord, I hope so too, for sure
Ther's not (on earth) a soul so black,
Can act the murtherer.

Gen.
Forbid it all you powers, knows not the
Lord Sebastian of her being?

Anto.
His griefe and close retyrement,
Confirms him ignorant.

Gen.
I am amaz'd with horrour; Antonio prethe
Read out, for sure my aged eyes mistake,
Or else I fain would think so.—

Anto. Reads to him the Kings letter.

Amasius.

Anto.
My Lord, we received yours, dated
The fifteenth of this instant; but were to weak in
Judgment to understand your plot. Which the
obscureness of our travell confirms, takes well;
Some small pretence of sorrow for my departure,
May make good your title. I am in health,
And shall return ere long: In the mean time,
Remember I had a father loved his subjects well.
If you have spar'd the life of poor Aurelia, use
Her as one, on whose well doing my life depends.

Gen.
Rash and uncharitable young man,
My tears in pitty—
Weeps.
For thy folly shall Plead me guiltless. Have I
With sweat and blood (proud of the toyl) this
Thirty years and upward; when this unhappy
Kingdome with fear and conquest almost spent,
Redeem'd thy totering state from swift approaching
Slavery, when every eye proclaim'd their fear,
And every down cast look despair.
Raised thy low sunck fortunes to such a height,
Thy (then victorious foe) now trembles to behold?
And must I now have treason and murther
Lay'd to my charge for my reward.
Antonio thou art honest, one that the flattering
Court could ne'r bring (yet) 'ith fashion;
Prethe tell me, have I deserv'd this black,
Vngratefull charge?

Anto.
My Honoured Lord, may I become a scorn
To vertue, if ought of these sad accidents
I know; nor can I guess from whence the
Rise should come, more then the discontent
Your letter brought with it.

Gen.
Protect me innocence; my letter were
Your partaker, made of the contents.

Anto.
Onely my Lord, your mild disswasion
From Aurelia's love.

Gen.
Curse on the time I mov'd him in't;
But 'tis no time to talk. Antonio, by the
Dear and tender love thou bear'st the King,
Labour his search in what thou may'st.
Patience assist me, thy need I ne'r more wanted,
Our speedy course must be to lay the ports.
The gods direct us for the best, and may he be
Accurst for ever sought this miser:

Anto.
My Lord, in what you please
Command, I ever shall obey—

Exit.
Enter Aurelia Ferdin. Disguised as shepheards.
Aureli.
Ferdinando, what place is this?

Ferdin.
Madam, The village neer is called Felix.
The country (we are in) the faire vally, the
Only seat for shepheards, and pastorall delights our
Country yields.

Aureli.
That little of the world my youth hath
Travell'd through, never yet discovered to my
Sense a place of so much beauty. The
Guiltless here (perhaps) may walk, protected
With their innocence, free from Artesia's
Envy. My doubtfull thoughts will
Hardly give me leave to credit, Artesia's
Meant me so much harm. Truly I ever loved
Her well, and can forgive her, would she yet be good.

Ferdin.
O Madam, your cleer vertue,
Vnspotted with the thought of sins of that
High nature, pleads ignorance in the trade the
Vicious husband.—
Enter Amint. Sol. Lyes on the ground.
Here comes a shepheard with a sad aspect
So please you Madam step aside unseen,
We will observe—

They step aside.
Amint.
And must Amintor, poor Amintor,
Only be the object of Cleoras scorn. My harmless
Sheep bleating bewail my mone.
And every Shepheardess but she,
In pitty can bewail my misery.
But 'tis Amintor's fault, whose slow pac't Courtship
seldome conquers love.
He must be bold, and active in imbraces, that gaines desire,
While I with bashfull dulness quench the fire.
Why do I blame the faire Cleora? when bashfull
Fear in me, may possibly in her beget the like
Suspect. Forgive me faire Cleora, that uncharitably
Condemn my Judg, before ther's sentence given:
But Il' repent, and let the faire one know,
How much of love (though dare not speak) I owe.—
Enter Streph.
Cupid, assist me as I thee obey,
If that offend, what then must be the way.

Streph.
Hey day, what stuff's here: This should be
The pittiful Amintor by his sad complaints.
'Tis he; Amintor, what not yet contracted to
Cleora? 'Tis much she should continue coy,
And you Court her at this distance.
In the name of Cupid how long hast thou lost
Thy witts, thou worshipper of weather-cocks.
Come, come, listen to my good counsel, that shall
Convert thy Pagan Idolatry.—

Strephon sits down by Amintor
Streph.

Amin.

Streph.

Amint.

Streph.

Amint.

Streph.
Amintor thou art lost, good counsel is
Cast away upon thee: did ever man complain
Of cruelty on her, that hardly knows
Thou lov'st? or if she do, 'tis but at second
Hand. Rise and repent, and I'l be merciful and
Court her for thee; or if of late you are so valiant grown,
You dare alone venture the thing (you call a vertue)
Your chastitie, with Cleora: go and whine
Out in some sad madrigal your dotage;
Which she'l in scorn deride,
Had'st thou my Confidence, she were thy Bride.

Amin.
Away thou lewd prophaner of
Those rites; the god of holy marriages must
Punish for thy perjuries.
'Tis sin gain'st Cupid, to heat
Such prophanation.

Streph.
Amintor thou art past recovery, I'l
To my wanton Nymphs,
Who love like me,
Ex. sever.
Not so to dote, yet fancie any He.—

Amintor passeth by Aurelia.
Ferdinand.
Honest shepheard stay.

Aureli.
Vertuous shepheard, may Hymen to your
Blest content crown all your chaste desires.

Amin.
Faire Nymph, if yet not wed,
The self same with attend thy marriage bed.

Ferdinand.
Courteous shepheard, can you entertain
This Nymph and I; who much desirous, to imitate that
Harmless life, we hear you prosper in, hither invited
Us? Our stock is not so great to boast, nor yet so poor
To fear a want; your looks speaks you a
Friend to strangers, who can forget to live,
Sooner then be ungrateful.

Amin.
Truly I pitty you as strangers, and
Should be proudly glad to entertain you, were I
But master of where withall; for know
I am but a servant to my father,
An ancient shepheard age gives not leave
To go abroad, his house is not far distant
Hence, a poor small cottage; such as it is
Please you to go with me, my poor endeavours
Shall not be wanting, for what
It can afford.

Ferd.
Brother, we thank you, and shall to
Th'utmost you shall please demand, prove your
Faithful paymasters. My sister here unus'd
To travel, would gladly be at rest,
Please you to lead the way?

Amin.
Most willingly, this is your path,—

Ex. Om.
Enter Delirus, Artesia, severally.
Deli.
Fairest of creatures, I can (alowd) proclaim tyidings
Of joy, Aurelia's death, Ferdinando's flight; and what
Beyond our wishes, most hapily falls out; the
King in discontent hath left the Court,
I hope ne'r to return.

Artesi.
Delirus, it is a Traytors wish.

Deli.
How Artesia?

Artesi.
You understand me sure, if I
Mistake not; he is your King, or ought to be.
Fye Delirus, so long a Courtier, and not
Know your duty.

Deli.
I am confounded, sure 'tis not Artesia.

Artesi.
For that I shall resolve you straight.
'Tis the very same.—
Looks in her glass.
Where are your eyes?

Deli.
My reason's at a loss, this cannot be;
Come, come, no more of this, beshrew me,
But you almost stagger'd me, I know now
'Twas but in jest to try my temper,
And I forgive it.

Artes.
Hah, hah! forgive it? you are not my Ghostly—
Laughs.
Father, 'Twas language might have become your
King, but sounds to saucy for a subject.

Deli.
Nay now Artesia, you over act your part, this
Kiss concludes the Scene.—

Offers to kiss her, she thrusts him by.
Artesi.
You are abominably out Delirus, you
Should have acted at more distance, you must go con your
Part anew, and learn to know, to whom you are to speak,
The Poet may instruct you.

Deli.
May I believe this real, and from Artesia?

Artesi.
'Thats as you please; I gladly would find
Out a way would more confirm you, which
I shall study, since plain dealing will not do.

Deli.
By what neglect of mine, have I deserv'd this scorn;
Let me but know, if but to lessen my admiration?

Artesi.
Neglect of duty to your King (if well
Examin'd) you'l find deserves no less.

Deli.
Why Artesia, can neglect of duty be a
Fault in me, to him you would have murthered?
Pray recollect, and but consider what you'd
Have courted me to do, which I refus'd in duty.

Artesi.
This but confirms thy ignorance, which
Would not let thee see I did it but to try
You, in which assurance know, Ther's not on earth
A thing can acceptable be, from you to me,
But your diligent search o'th King,
Who when you have found, and that
You tydings bring of his dear safety; I
May forget your faults, tell when
I take my leave.—
Exit. Artesi.

Deli.
The gods above are just, nor am I
Punisht yet to my desert.
Here but begins your justice, which must so heavy fall,
That but to think of, wracks my Eclipsed soul.
Aurelia now afresh begins t'appear, her hair
Disheve'ld 'bout her Ivory skin, threatning (aloud)
Revenge. Thou shall have justice faire innocent,
And thy appeased ghost, no more be put to wander
Through the deep in gastly horrour, Artesia, 'tis time
To think of death; for rather (then to my shame)
Il' live to see thee lodg'd within anothers arms;
I will in death injoy, what (scornfully) thou hast
Alive refus'd; from this accursed hour, let no man
Ere believe a woman can be true; And where
There wants invention to contrive a just mans fall,
Think of Artesia. O women, women! The sun whose
Glorious beames survey the frantick world,
Would stay his motion and stand still, as proud
For to behold a constant faire one.
Why should their inside be so foul, there out so faire,
But to intrap mortality? but I too late (with
Death must purchase knowledg.
Bad consciences are house-hold clocks that tells,
On earth one minutes joy, ten thousand hells.—

Exit.
Enter Bellira sol.
Deli.
Angels protect my Lady, what ground so ere
She treads, it was unkindly done, not to acquaint
Me with her flight, for sure it must be so, for when my lord
(In tears) saw me bewail (as by my fear, I did conceive)
Her loss, he did with cheerful looks (such as
Would seem) confirm the knowledg of her safety;
Put me in lively hopes she liv'd.
His language too, who would not say she liv'd;
Would not confess, he thought her dead:
But what of all I least can understand, is that when any
But my self, (of those same few he will admit) name
But daughter, or Aurelia, he throwes him on his bed;
And for the while they stay, ne'r answers to them more;
Some thing there is, I fain would understand,
But dare not urge to know, the gods above assist her,
What ere her undertakings be.—

Enter Snap.
Snap.
Health to Bellira. what no news
Yet of Aurelia's being?

Belli.
Not any; onely bare hopes she's well.

Snap.
From whence spring they?

Belli.
From little else more then that I fain would hope
The best; yet Ferdinando's being with her
Doth half assure me she can have no harm,
As one, whose actions were ever known vertuous,
And Noble.

Snap.
I understand you well, the Character you give
Him plainly speaks you love him; which is the
Cause you imbrace so coldly, what I have labor'd for;
But know Goldcalf will be delay'd no longer,
Therefore you must prepare to morrow to be his bride.
What more whining? I had thought your
Resolution had been fixt, or after all my
Pains; must I yet travel for it?—
Bellira kneels.
What may this mean?

Belli.
O worthy brother! If ever tears and prayers
Vnfained, from a distressed maid did move
Compassion, behold (with pitty) your miserable
Sister, who cruell fortune hath so unkindly dealt
With, that I must chuse to loose my brother,
Or my life. And with the loss of that, I am
Resolved to purchase peace hereafter. Heaven
Knows I mean no other force to do't, more
Then the confirmation of the match you speak of;
'Twill soon dispatch me, yet in obedience to
Your will, that little time I have to live
I'l call him husband.—

She riseth.—
Snap.
Never, never Bellira; Thou hast a noble
soul, not fit to match in dunghill breed.
And know I practised but a tryall of thy love to me,
Be happy in thy choice who e'r it be.
Thy love confirms my liking. For know, I
Have fit instruments to compass my honest
Ends on Goldcalfe, (how e'r the busie world
May judg my actions) for well thou knowest, his
Griping father, with base cosenage.
Ruin'd my vncle, so consequently me.
This the world knows is meet,
To cheat the cozener, can be no deceit.

Belli.
Worthy Brother, you have reviv'd
My blood that gan (apace) to chill
Within my veins; for which, the life I hold, shall
Ever be imploy'd, as you shall please dispose
Of it. May all your undertakings prosper
To your hearts desire. You have no present business
To command me? if not, my
Occasions call.

Snap.
Bellira, first know, I have prepar'd a habit for you
You must put on to further my designs:
A man you must appear Bellira for a few houres,
Which shall be undiscovered to any but my self,
I shall instruct you in the part you have to
Act, at our next meeting: it is a trust Bellira,
I dare impose in none but you;
Till when farwell.

Belli.
Which I shall gladly execute,
As you shall please command—

Ex. Ambo
Enter Corneli. Eugeni.
Corneli.
Antonio's gon in seach o'th King.

Eugeni.
May his endeavours prosper; what a
Hum this accident hath rais'd i'th Court: In
What strange shape, and by whose assistance,
He could contrive (so suddenly) his this,
So secret being, begets in me a wonder. The gods
Divert his minde from quitting (long) the
Court; the event may prove much dangerous
To us all, that wish him well.

Corneli.
The common people ignorant of their
Own safety (wedded to change) unanimously begin
To call Bellicosus King; some crying up his
Valour, and experience in the wars, some his
Justice, all his honesty; whose loyall heart appears
So far from coveting a crown, he seems much
Troubled at the clamour. And should the King
His discontent detain him long from Court, 'tis
Thought the Generall must accept it, to appease
The frantick multitude, who rashly may (should he
Refuse) elect more undeservedly.

Euge.
His wisdome will foresee, and carefully
Prevent such dangerous consequences, as one
Whose approved Loyalty 'twere great injustice to
Suspect. Saw you Delirus lately? The Court
Speaks of strange alterations in his looks and carriage.

Corneli.
I did, and know it speaks no more but
Truth; for never (to my knowledg) did I
Behold a more dejected creature. The cause must
From Artesia spring, or none.

Euge.
'Tis without question so, ther's an ambitious
Spirit lodg'd within that seeming modesty of hers,
Hath almost crackt Delirus. How fondly doth
That man inslave his reason, that dotes on pride
And envy. She strangly hath forborn the Court
Of late, and may be hatching mischief, were but
Her envy backt with politick assistance.
Her pride and scorn apparently was seen, (as
Wanting government to hide it;) when as the
King was pleased to throw his favours so
Liberally on Aurelia.

Corneli.
On which I much observed, the King
Great notice took: here comes the General.

Enter Bellicosus.
Bellico.
Gentlemen, for love of virtue, your
King and countries good, disperse your selves
Into the City, where confidently you must give out,
The King (by letters I received from him) confirms
His health and safety, and that his strange deserting of
The Court, was onely to perform a pennance he
On himself enjoyned (by vow) for some unruly
Thought his blood provok't him too; which once
Performed, he will return with speed. This
The distracted people may (for a time)
Appease, in which we possible may hear some
Tydings of the King. And as I well know
You'r honest, I doubt not but with care you
Will perform this trust, as what (at present)
Much concerns the common good.

Corneli.
Sir, You honour us in a trust, wherein
We can express that love, and loyalty, our duty,
And allegiance binds us to—

Ex. Ambo.
Gene.
How unconsiderably violent doth untam'd
Youth, hurry to its own destruction? The gods
Can witness bear how innocent I stand (in but a
Thought to act what other ways (might
More then to my reason) just appear. My counsell
In that letter I wrote the King, hath bred
In him a jealousie Aurelia is by me removed.
This by the flattery of some fawning slave
I'th Court, must be confirm'd a truth; and all
My services in ballance put with some base
Wretch, not worthy name of man; ('tis
But a small reward, for what the world
Well knows I justly have deserved.) But
Bellicosus, now is the time to right thy self, and
Crown thy actions with the height of honour; when
As the changeling rout with uncontrouled fury
Proclaim the King. And must I (when thrown
Into my armes) refuse to accept what with the
Slaughter of a seven years war, could not be purchased.
It speaks a weakness in my self, I know unfit to
Govern. But Ile resolve—n'er to deceive a trust.
Amasius, live to enjoy what's thine, I will usurpe
In nothing, but thy care.
'Tis a known truth.
He's more then man, offends not in his youth—

Exit
Enter Ferdinando Sol.
I must in some disguise venture to Court, where
Since we parted, the Country speaks of a sad change
Of things; the King (in every shepheards mouth)
Is spoken privately gone from Court, none
Knows, or will do whither, but questionless in
Discontent at fair Aurelias retyrement.
And what we but suspected of his love to her,
By this we may confirm is reall. Some quick
Prevention must be studied, or it speaks
Danger to them both. My absence too from
Hence (till my return from Court) will offer to
Aurelia the knowledg of the Kings deserting of the
Court, which fain I would keep her from
Knowledg of; for how so e'r her vertuous soul,
Not willing to be thought ambitious of the
King his love (more then a Loyall subjects duty
Can deserve) she strangely loves his person,
Which she in modesty (to her weak power) makes
It her labour to conceal.
My labouring fancy is at a stand how to contrive,
What I would gladly act, the poor Bellira too,
Left alone unsatisfied laments her Mistriss
Loss, though I deserve not pitty, or forgiveness;
Once more, must undiscovered see her,
And part unknown. Bellira, I love thee well,
Yet would be loath to have it found in after
Story, I brake my faith to satisfie thy love;
It shall suffice I'm true,
When known to all, I needs must be to you—

Exit.
Enter Goldcalf, Captain, Lievtenant, Ensigne, and Snap. As in a Tavern.
Gold.
Drawer.—

Enter Drawer
Draw.
Here Sir,

Gold.
Draw a pottle of the best sack; Mr.
Captain (Cozen that must be) What say
You, i'st not so?

Capt.
It is a grape of power, which were I to
Encounter Priams fifty sons, all at one time
(The quarrel being just) would make the
Victory doubtful.

Gold.
O strange! Drawer, let it be sack then,
But Mr. Captain it will not make you angry
With your frinds, will it?

Capt.
It operates the contrary effect on friends,
And doth encrease affection, never
To be divided.

Gold.
Directly it is wonderful; we'l taste it
Most horribly then; Mr. Lievtenant,
Shall we not?

Liev.
Noble Colonel we will. Till your
Faire Mistriss at (but relation) of her healths
We drink; shall stagger and turn round.

Gold.
Excellent good I protest. Mr. Ensign,
You are for Sack too?

Ensig.
Renowned Colonel, since from our
Mothers wombs, we strech't our warlike limbs,
We scarce have tasted other. Behold
Our Nectar coms.—

Enter Drawer with wine.
Capt.
Colonel uncase. Cloaks are superfluous weeds,
The blood shall boyl with Sack, and scorn the Robes
Of shelter. Drawer fill to the brim.
Here noble Mr. Snap.—

Drawer fills and gives him; Captain drinks.
Snap.
Sir, you shall behold a miracle, I'l do you Justice.

Capt.
By the life of Bacchus, bring me a more inspiring
Glass, or Rogue you bleed; must
We in thimble drink?

Snap.
Captain, 'Tis well.

Capt.
Must it be so then, thou man of
Temperance? we then will sip in little.—

Drawer fills Snap wine.
Snap.
Lievttenant, your Noble Colonels Lady,

Liev.
My murrion then lies low, while I—
Throwes his hat on the ground.
The goddess pledg.

Gold.
O admirable rare!

Lievt.
Thou standard-bearer to the son of Mars.—
Drinks to the Ensign,
Prepare to pledg his Venus. Sirra, let measure due be
Given, fill to the brim.

Ensig.
Come to me.

Gold.
But Gentlemen, is it the fashion for all to have
My Mistriss, but my self,

Capt.
Colonel you are the last must have her.

Gold.
Why then we shall ne'r be married I think—

Drawer fills to the Ensign
Capt.
Sir, you mistake, I mean the last must have her
Health in drink. 'Tis a la mode de France.

Gold.
Say you so? nay I shall learn quickly.

Ensign.
Lievtenant I thank you, Colonel, to your faire
Mistriss, the incomparable Artesia.

Gold.
Thank you heartily good Mr. Ensign. Snap.
These are all brave men?

Snap.
Sir, you speak them just, they'r men will do you
Credit, (though I confess they'r costly) but Artesia's
Wealth shall pay for it in the end.—

Draw. gives Goldcalf some wine
Ensig.
Sir, 'Tis your Ladies health.

Gold.
And her mony too shall pay for it shortly;
Shall it not Snap.—

To Snap aside.
Snap.
Mary shall it sir, please you to drink.—

Goldcalfe drinks.
Gold.
Gentlemen, her's to you to all, I'l be sworn
It is a cup of right, excellent right wine; boy give me—
Drawer fills to Gold.
T'other cup. Cozen Captain and the rest, her's
To you all.

Capt.
Heroick Coz, I thank you. Drawer, some
Of your Spanish smoak?

Draw.
You shall sir.—
Exit Drawer.

Capt.
Lievtenant; come, shall the foes bones be twirl'd.
Colonel, you'l not stand out for half a dozen glasses?

Gold.
How mean you Captain?

Capt.
Art thou a stranger to the twirl of die,
Behold a brace, made of a Germains bones—
Captain pulls out dice.
I slew in duel.—

Enter drawer with Tobacco and candle.
Gold.
VVhat is your game?

Capt.
He that throw's least must drink.

Gold.
Say you so? a match, come Snap.
You shall make one.

Capt.
By any means, come Gentlemen, stand round,
'Tis all in fashion. Drawer, see you that stakes be made
So, so, 'tis well, set down. Come her's for me—

Drawer fills.
Lievt.
A five, a special throw. Colonel, please you
The die to hurl.

Gold.
Come hey for me; hey day an ass—

Goldcalf throws
Capt.
By the bright splendor of Artesia's eyes, 'tis true—
Lieut. throws.
A four that, come the next Mr. Snap. a six—
Snap. throws.
Colonel, he out throws you much. A deux—
Ensign throws.
Colonel you then must chirpe, come off with it
To the next mu'st pledg.

Gold.
Come, come, give me it, an ass do you say at first? that
VVas ill luck i'faith; her's to the next shall drink.—
Gold. drinks.
Drawer fill full; come begin I'l be the last this time.

Liev.
A trey? throw Mr. Snap. Come, come,
'Tis half the die.—
Liev. throws,
VVell done Mr. Snap. A five? he throws exceeding well—

Snap. throws.
Capt.
Ensign, throw you the next.
Drawer light me a pipe.—
Drawer lights a pipe for the Captain.
He drinks, he drinks; by Jove a deux—
Ensign throws.
Come this for me. A six, pox ot'h bone—
Captain throws.
I shall not drink to day: Here Colonel above—
Goldcalfe throws.
A deux you scape. Now by the whore of fate an ass again.—

all laugh.
Sap.
The dye runs true, an ass he will remain—

aside.
Gold.
An ass alwaies? besworn a pretty jest—
Snap whispers to the draw. drawer goes out.
Captain, I feel my self grow valiant
Another ass will make me draw.

Capt.
By no means on your friends.

Snap.
Captain for all your blustering, the other cup—
Lievtenant and Ensign drink to one another in private.
May make him valiant. And now I do remember
Some twelve moneth since, when but a puny lad,
In such a humour just as this, he shrewdly
Hurt two fencers,

Capt.
Which to present again, I'l drink
For him, for know I hate to draw
Upon my friends.

Snap.
Or foes if you can help it, if I mistake
Not much.

Gold.
Come, come; who throws?—

Enter Drawer.
Draw.
Noble Colonel. Ther's a young Gentleman
In the next room, hath stay'd this hour for
Company; who not comming humbly desires
Admittance into your acquaintance as
One fame lowdly speaks of.

Gold., Snap.
Shall he come in?

Snap.
By any means. 'Twere uncivill to deny him,
Drawer, tell him he shall be wellcome.

Draw.
I shall sir.—
Ex. Draw.

Gold.
Has he a sword Snap? we should
Have askt him that.

Capt.
Colonel, what afraid? Were he as
Stout as Ajax arm'd with his sevenfold buckler; this
Steel should (on his knees) force him confess—
Points to his sword.
Himself your slave,
By Jove a pretty stripling. Colonel—
Enter Bellira in the habit of a Gentleman.
Pronounce him wellcome.

Gold.
Sir, you are kindly wellcome.

Belli.
Noble Colonel, (If (if I mistake not)
Fame gives you out the man, I humbly thank you.
And must acknowledg some boldness in my
Request; which if a fault, pray blame report,—
Lievtenant and Ensign drink to one another.
The onely spur, invited my ambition; you
Would be pleased to call me your servant.

Gold.
Sir, I understand you, and can tell
You, here are Gentlemen (besides my self) have
Swords which when they please to draw,
The frighted people tremble.

Belli.
Gentlemen, I shal be proud to serve you, as
One would gladly be your vallours scholar.

Capt.
Then know young man, from this time
Forth thy foes must fear. Drawer, fill
Me a brimmer of rich Canary.—

Drawer fills.
Belli.
Gentlemen, I hope my rude intrusion, breaks
Not up the sport (I understood by the Drawer
You were at) I gladly shall make one, I have some
Trifling crowns, I'd sport to pass away the time.

Capt.
To him (i'faith) Colonel.

Gold.
What saiest thou Snap. Shall I play with him?

Snap.
By any means, should you refuse, it might
Breed suspition, you either wanted mony, or that you were
Exceeding miserable, which might endanger coming
To Artesia's ear; which must not be.

Gold.
Excellent well thought on, honest Snap.
Cozen Captain, pray drink to the Gentleman.

Capt.
Sir, have at you, to all that honour our Noble Colonel.

Belli.
Sir, you make me proud to pledg a health, I so
Much honour. Sir, to the Noble Colonel.—

Drinks to the Lievtenant.
Liev.
Which to refuse were death, let come.

Gold.
Noble Colonel. How exceeding perfect, Snap,
This stranger has it?

Snap.
'Tis perfect through the City, thank my care.

Gold.
Honest Snap. right honest Snap. Come sir,
Shall we to this sport?—

To Bellira.
Belli.
With all my heart sir, her's that will hold
Some minutes play.—

Pulls out a bag of mony.
Capt., Lievtenant.
Wou'd Bess, and Doll. were here,
To nime the sum, they should have garments fine,
And strut the streets by day.—

Aside.
Liev.
The chimney corner then should smoake,
Without our helps, and double pots stand still; while we the
Tavern fortifie, against the potent Constable.

Gold.
Come, come; the dice.

Snap.
Gentlemen, I can furnish you rarelie,
Behold her's choyce.—

Snap. pulls out some dice.
Gold.
Sir, what's your game? I am good at nothing but
At Passage. Drawer make clean the Table.

Belli.
Sir, I set you this?

Gold.
Sir, that's too much.

Snap.
Refuse to throw at none.

Gold.
Saiest thou me so, honest Snap? Then heer's at all—

Throws.
Belli.
You then must pay me this.

Capt.
Courage Colonel, 'twill come again.

Gold.
Hang it dirt, I care not a pin.

Belli.
Come Sir, set me deep.—
Throws.
Thats mine, come again.

Gold.
Snap; You must fetch me more mony—

Aside.
Snap.
Sir, You must not want here, one good
Hand brings all again; if there be not mony enough,
What think you of two or three Mannors,
Ile bring the deeds.

Gold.
Do Snap, make haste honest Snap.

Snap.
I shall return with speed.—
Exit. Snap.

Gold.
Come, I set you this.

Capt.
Courage Noble Colonel, the next pull's ours.

Belli.
'Tis all my own.

Gold.
Ile swear he has the best fortune I ever saw,

Capt.
Come chear up, give him a brimmer;
Colonel you are a cup to low to win: Sir, you
Have admirable throwing.

Belli.
Sir, 'tis by chance, I seldom part a winner—

Drawer gives Gold wine, he drinks
Gold.
Here Cozen,—'Tis excellent wine I feel it
In my head. Here drawer, fill my valiant Cozen.
Sir, Snap my man will come with more mony Presently.

Capt.
Cozen if this shit-breech wins, this steel—
Points to his sword.
Redeemes it all again, what e'r it be.

Gold.
That will be rare i'faith—
Enter Snap.
Come Snap, here Sir, this bag I set you—

Gold takes a bag.
Belli.
At all, were it a million—
Throws.
'Tis all mine

Snap.
Sir, this is the last bag; but here are Deeds.

Gold.
Come Sir, her's t'other bag—

Sets t'other bag.
Belli.
This for it all.—
Throws.
'Tis mine.

Gold.
Snap. did you ever see the like?

Snap.
After so often winning he needs must loose;
Set him five hundred pounds a year.

Gold.
A match. Come Sir, you have all the mony;
Heer are deeds of five hundred a year;
Will you pay as much if you loose?

Belli.
Come Sir, I'l not be out-brav'd.
Set them, and and if they prove so much, or more,
Or less, accordingly, I'l pay it.

Gold.
A match.

Belli.
Then lusty dice at all—
Throws.
They'r mine.—

Takes up the Deeds.
Capt.
Mushrome, deliver all you have put up, back to
The Colonel, or you eternally shall sleep.—

Captain draws.
Belli.
How's that? return again what I have won,
Deliver that again so sawcily, and slave you dye.
You slaves—
Captain comes firce up to Belli, Belli draws, they all run off the stage, he following.
Ile try your manhood, my coyn is easily made
Good, without my brothers help: what things
In shape of men did here appear.
It will be wondered at, but more when known;
By what a handsome shift we got our own—

Exit.