 | The Andrian Woman |  |
31
Act. 4.
Scen. 1.
Enter Charinus at one doore; Pamphilus and Dauus at another.Cha.
May't be beleeu'd? or may it once be talk'd on?
That any should be so selfe-wild peruerse,
As to take pleasure in anothers harmes?
Or thinke his owne gaine sweeter, if procur'd
By others disaduantage? oh good God!
Is this a brood of men? Men let them be,
Worst are they of the generation.
They shew a little tricksey modestie,
Not to denie a craued curtesie!
But when performance comes, they then declare
(Nature will shew it selfe) what men they are.
They are asham'd a little, but in triall
Their temper bursteth forth to flat deniall.
Then shall you heare their shamelesse Oratorie—
Pray who are you? are what at least to me.
Why yeeld my loue to you? good sir attend,
I am vnto my selfe the neerest friend.
Touch them with faith and troth, they blush no whit:
So that when no constraint inforceth it,
They make some scruple; when it comes to th'pinch,
Then at the proofe your hollow friend doth flinch.
But what's my best course? shall I to him streight,
And with him this his wrong expostulate?
And ply him with harsh tearmes? but some may say,
What good shall I procure my selfe that way?
Yes much: I shall both chafe him, and giue ease
To my grieu'd heart.
Pam.
Charinus, 'lesse God please
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Against my will vndone vnwarily.
Cha.
Vnwarily: is that word now thought on?
Y'haue broke your promisd faith.
Pam.
As how, I pray?
Cha.
Seeke you againe with faire words to abuse me?
Pam.
What meanes this?
Cha.
After I said I lou'd her,
You must needes like her too. Oh me accurst,
That scantled out your dealing by mine owne!
Pam.
You are mistaken.
Cha.
Seem'd your content not full,
Vnlesse you fool'd, and with false hope traind on
A wretched louer? much good doe ye; take her.
Pam.
I take her? oh I perceiue thou knowst not.
In what a gulfe of miserie I am plung'd:
What pecke of troubles this my torturer
Hath brought me to, by harkning to his counsell.
Cha.
No marle: he takes his president from you.
Pam.
You would not say this, if you fully knew
Or me, or her I'ue set my fancie on.
Cha.
Yes, I doe know; you were at hot high words
Late with your father; and haue angred him,
Because he cannot make you marrie her.
Pam.
Nay, which discouers thou lesse knowst my griefe,
This mariage neuer was prepar'd for me:
Nor did now any force me to a wife.
Cha.
I know't your owne will forc'd you.
Pam.
Tarrie, yet thou knowst not all.
Cha.
I know thou'lt marrie her.
Pam.
Why doe you thus torment me? heare but this
He neuer ceased to be vrgent on me,
That I should tell my father I would marrie:
To intreat, perswade, till he had drawne me to it.
Cha.
What man did this.
Pam.
This Dauus.
Cha.
Dauus?
Pam.
Dauus brings all things out of square.
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What the inducement?
Pam.
I nothing know, except this one thing onely,
That I well see the Gods are much displeased
With me, for listning to him.
Cha.
Did you thus Dauus?
Dau.
I did.
Cha.
Ha, what saist thou caitife?
The gods giue thee a death suting thy doings
Sirrha, but tell me; say that all his foes
Had laid their heads together for a plot
To yoake him to a wife, what stratagem
Could they haue fram'd more speeding then this was?
Dau.
I am deceiu'd, but faint not.
Cha.
I, I know't.
Dau.
It thriu'd not this way, weele attempt some other.
Vnlesse you iudge because at first we sped not,
There's no meanes left vs to salue vp the mischiefe.
Pam.
Nay more, I well beleeue if thou watch for it,
Of one thoult make me out a double marriage.
Dau.
I (Pamphilus) by reason of my bondage
Owe you thus much: to doe, goe, night and day
To indeauour all I may, with my liues hazard;
For your aduantage: it is yet your part
To beare with me, if things come crosse my hopes:
My plots faile; yet I vse all carefulnesse:
Your selfe else frame things wiselier, discharge me.
Pam.
I craue thou leaue me in that state thou foūdst me;
Dau.
I will.
Pam.
But't must be streight.
Dau.
How now! hist, stay.
Glyceriums doore did creake.
Pam.
That's nought to thee.
Dau.
I am a forging.
Pam.
How, is't now to forge.
Dau.
But I will giu't you fashion'd presently.
Scen. 2.
Enter Mysis.Mys.
VVhere ere he be, Ile finde your Pamphilus
And bring him with me streight:
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Pam.
Mysis?
Mys.
What's the matter?
Oh, was't you Pamphilus? you are well met.
Pam.
What newes?
Mys.
My Mistresse praies you of all loue
To come to her: she longs to speake with you.
Pam.
I am a forlorne wretch: the mischiefe spreads.
That she and I should both be thus perplexed
By meanes of thee? for I am therefore sent for
Because she heares my wedding is prepared.
Cha.
From which how easily had you now bin quiet,
Had he bin quiet?
Dau.
Yes, so, goe on:
If of himselfe he be not vexd inough,
Vrge him on further.
Mys.
I indeede tis that
Does now afflict her.
Pam.
Mysis, I doe sweare
By all the Gods vnto thee, I will neuer
Forsake her: no, though I were sure thereby
To vndergoe the whole worlds enmitie.
I did desire her; haue obtaind her; see
That we both iumpe in mindes, and qualitie.
Farewell to all that seeke vs two to seuer:
But death none takes her from me.
Cha.
I recouer.
Pam.
I doe desire (if't may be so borne vp)
My father should not thinke I am the cause
The marriage holds not: if that cannot be,
Ile take the next course: that he may perceiue
I crosse it. What kinde of man doost thinke me.
Cha.
Faith euery way as wretched as my selfe.
Dau.
I cast for helpe.
Cha.
I, thou hast a good heart.
Dau.
And will effect it for you.
Pam.
'T must be now.
Dau.
Why, I ha't now.
Cha.
What is it?
Dau.
You mistake;
It is for him, not you.
Cha.
I am content.
Pam.
Say, what wilt doe?
Dau.
I haue scarce day enough
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At leasure therefore now, to tell you it.
But get y'hence both; you, now but hinder me.
Pam.
Ile visite her here.
Dau.
And you, whither you?
Exit Pamphilus.
Cha.
Wilt thou I tell thee truth?
Dau.
Nay see, he makes a prologue to a tale.
Cha.
What doost for me?
Dau.
Oh impudent! is't not inough I giue thee
Some houres; by putting off his marriage?
Cha.
Yet Dauus—
Dau.
Well, what?
Cha.
That I may haue her.—
Dau.
Ridiculous!
Cha.
Yet if thou canst do ought—
Come home to me.
Dau.
To what end should I come?
I nothing haue to helpe thee.
Cha.
I but if—
Dau.
Well, I will come.
Cha.
If thou canst thinke of ought
Ile be at home.
Exit Charinus.
Dau.
Mysis, while I goe hence
Stay here a little for me.
Mys.
To what end?
Dau.
Tis needfull now, thou do so.
Mys.
Make hast then.
Dau.
I will be here straightway againe with thee.
Exit Dauus.
Scen. 3.
Mys.That no one holdeth any thing in certaine?
Your helpe good Gods! I thought this Pamphilus
Had bin my Mistresses firme, chiefest good;
Tooke him to be her friend, her louer, husband;
Ready at all essaies to stand to her:
And yet what griefe sustaines she now through him?
Hence sure more ill she reapes then good from him.
But here comes Dauus.
Enter Dauus.
What's that prithee friend? the childe?
Whither doost beare it?
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Scen. 4.
Dau.Mysis , I
neede thy readiest memorie and wit
In this I goe about.
Mys.
What art to doe?
Dau.
Take the childe from me streight, & lay it downe
Before our doore.
Mys.
What on the bare ground pray?
Dau.
Take a few strewings from the altar there—
And lay 'hem vnder.
Mys.
Why doost not thou thy selfe?
Dau.
That if perchance my Master vrge my oath
Twas not my doing, I may safely sweare it.
Mys.
I vnderstand you: but pray tell me whence
This now new tender conscience comes vpon thee?
Dau.
Stir you more quicke; that you may further know
What tis I haue in hand. Oh Iupiter!
Enter Chremes.
Mys.
What?
Dau.
The father of the bride is come on vs.
I leaue the course which I at first intended.
Mys.
I know not what you talke on?
Dau.
My selfe too
Will make as if I came from the right hand.
Haue you a care now as occasion serues
You marke my talke, and suit your words to mine.
Mys.
I vnderstand nothing you goe about:
But if in any thing you neede my helpe
Or see more then my selfe, I here will stay,
That I may be no hindrance in your way.
Exit Dauus.
Scen. 5.
Chr.Hauing prepared all in readinesse
Was needfull to my Daughters marriage,
I now returne to will 'hem send for her.
But what is here? so helpe me God, a childe!
Woman, laid you this childe here?
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Where is hee?
Chr.
Doost not answer me?
Mys.
Woes me, out of sight.
Alas, Dauus has left me: and is gone.
Enter Dauus.
Dau.
Faith of the Gods!
What coile's yond' at the Market?
What throng of wranglers braule there? and beside
Corne beares excessiue price. I know not now
What other words to vse.
Mys.
For Gods sake man
Why left you me alone here?
Dau.
Hoida! what
Deuice is this? you Mysis, whence this childe?
Or who here laid it?
Mys.
Are you in your wits,
To aske me that?
Dau.
Of whom else should I aske,
That see none else here?
Chr.
I marle whence it is.
Dau.
Wolt tell me.
Mys.
Au!
Dau.
Come here, o' my right side.
Mys.
Th'art mad: did not your selfe?
Dau.
Looke thou beware
Thou vtter not a word, but what I aske thee.
Mys.
D'yee threaten me?
Dau.
From whence is it? speake out.
Mys.
From you.
Dau.
Ha, ha, he, ist newes, if women
Of your condition doe grow impudent?
Chr.
This maid belongs to th'Andrian, as I thinke.
Dau.
Seeme we such fitting persons to you, troe
That you should play on vs?
Chr.
I came in time.
Dau.
Therefore with speede take you the childe away
Hence from our doore: yet stay, see thou stirre not
One inch out of this place.
Mys.
The Gods confound thee
That me poore woman frightst thus.
Dau.
Do I speake to thee, or not?
Mys.
What would you?
Dau.
Askt thou still?
Say, tell me whose childe tis thou hast laid here?
Mys.
Doe not you know?
Dau.
Talke not of what I know,
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Mys.
Tis of your house
Dau.
Whose, of vs?
Mys.
Pamphilus.
Dau.
Ha, what, Pamphilus?
Mys.
Ist not?
Chr.
I alwaies rightly shunn'd this match.
Dau.
Oh notable vile practise!
Mys.
Why exclaimst thou?
Dau.
Which childe did not my selfe see yesternight
Brought late to you?
Mys.
Oh most audacious fellow
Dau.
'Tis truth, I saw Canthara thicke stuft out.
Mys.
I thanke the Gods yet, that some Citie wiues
Were present at the labour.
Dau.
She not knowes
Him (I assure thee) for whose cause she plots this.
She thinkes if Chremes see a child laid here,
Heel'e not bestow his daughter: yes of truth,
For this the rather.
Chr.
Faith but he will not though.
Dau.
Now therefore, for thy knowledge, take it hence
Or I will tumble it in the high way,
And further lay thee by it in the kennell.
Mys.
Thou certainly art drunke.
Dau.
One cunning pranke
Treads on anothers heele. I heare it whisperd
She's a free-borne Athenian.
Chre.
Ha!
Dau.
And that
He shall be forc'd by law to marrie her.
Mys.
Why sir I pray you, is she not free-borne?
Chr.
I had almost vnawares iested my selfe
Into a dangerous mischiefe.
Dau.
Who talkes here?
Oh Chremes you are come in happy time.
Pray listen sir—
Chr.
I haue heard all already.
Dau.
How all say you?
Chr.
I, from the beginning all.
Dau.
Haue you pray heard it? see their villanies!
Tis fit she were hence hurried to the racke.
This is the man I talk'd of: doe not thinke
You play your trickes on Dauus.
Mys.
Oh wretched mee!
Indeede (good old Sir) I haue spoke no falshood.
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I know all to the full: but is your Master
Simo within?
Dau.
Yes Sir.
Exit Chremes.
Mys.
Roague hand me not.
Troth if Glycerium know not of all this—
Dau.
Attend you foole, thou knowst not what is done:
Tis the brides father: by no other meanes
Could he be made to know what we would haue him.
Mys.
Why then you should haue told me on't.
Dau.
Doest thinke
There no great difference, when a thing is carried
The naturall way, and when premeditate.
Scen. 6.
Enter Crito.Crit.
Tis told me Chrysis dwelt in this same street:
Who rather chose heere leaudly to grow rich,
Then in her Countrie honestly liue poore:
She dead, the Law hath cast her state on me.
But now I see some I may question:
God saue you.
Mys.
Oh good God whom doe I see?
Is not this Crito, Chrisis Cozen German?
Tis he.
Crit.
Oh Mysis! you are well met.
Mys.
The Gods
Prosper you Crito.
Crit.
Chrysis then is—well?
Mys.
Yes truely she has left vs, to th'wide world.
Crit.
And you, what shift d'ye make? any thing well?
Mys.
We? faith e'en according to the prouerbe;
Liue as we can, since cannot as we would.
Crit.
Glycerium—what, hath she yet found her parents?
Mys.
I would she had.
Crit.
What not yet? I came hither
In an vnluckie houre: for had I knowne it
I sure would ne'er haue stirr'd a foot this way.
She alwaies was both said and deem'd her sister
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To follow law suits being here a stranger,
How easie and commodious 'tmay be
Rife precedents of other men do warne me.
Besides, I iudge by this she has got her selfe
Some friend and patron: for when she came thence
She had well-neere attained to ripe yeeres
Men will cry out I am a sycophant,
A begger laying claime to others right:
Withall, my selfe list not impouerish her:
Mys.
Good Crito, you still hold your ancient course.
Crit.
Bring me vnto her, since I am come hither,
I may at least yet see her.
Mys.
Yes I will.
Dau.
Ile follow: yet the old man shall not see me.
Mysis and Crito enter Glyceriums house and Dauus followes them.
| The Andrian Woman | |