 | The Noble Stranger |  |
ACTVS PRIMVS.
Senate flourish. Enter King of Naples, on his head a wreath of Bayes, as from Conquest, Honorio, Fabianus, Philomusus, Callidus, Souldiers and attendants at one side of the Stage: Moronzo, Princesse, Clara, Marania, &c. at the other.King.
How fares our Princely daughter? how hast thou
Brook'd the long absence of our tedious warre,
Wherewith we have in blood drown'd those Rebells
That sought the downfall of our Peace and State,
And now return'd, crown'd with victorious Laurell?
Prin.
Most royall Father, I have with sighes and teares,
Numbred the jarring minutes since your sad
Departure, and had ere this been wrapt i'the cold
Embraces of the grave, had not the great Antidote
Of a Fathers blessing, given me at
Your departure, beene my Protector from
Death and Fortunes frowne, a renewing of
Kneeles.
King.
Rise, thou hast it:
And may all those joyes that tender mothers
With their young infants, playing in their armes,
Be multiply'd upon thee.
Cal.
The King's transported.
Hon.
Has he not cause, possest of such a treasure;
That did Kings know it, they would pay their Crownes
As tribute to her vertue.
Cal.
You speak not as a stranger of the Court;
But like one had spent his time in study
Of the Courtly Rhetoricke.
Hon.
No more: see the King addresses him
This way.
King.
And now the rugged brow of Warre is
(By that power which protects Kings sacred persons,
And their rights) made faire and smooth agen,
Looke with a gracious eye on these whose true
Worth deserves the stile of Noble: these
Are they whose armes and swords have beene
Supporters of our lives and State, so as
In honour we must needs shew such grace
Their valour has deserv'd.
Prin.
All that a maid may doe, ty'd by duty
To a Fathers will, freely I performe:
They kisse her hands.
As for the Common Souldiers, let your
Bounty flow in Gold as largies for their
Well spent labours.
Hon.
Excellent Lady.
King.
Moronzo 'tis your charge to give each one
A free reward.
Mor.
I shall my Liege.
Souldiers meet me at the publicke Treasury.
Sol.
We shall; Heavens crown our King with peace.
Ex. Sold.
King.
But for these, my Kingdome's all too little,
Especially this Gentleman, being
To Honorio.
A stranger: and as he sayes a
Sycilian borne, but for some causes
Came to inhabite in our confines, and
When our Quarrell, almost desperate with
The enemy had like to be overthrowne
For want of present aid, this most noble
Deserver of the stile of valour, not
Onely in person, but with a flowing
Measure of Coyne and Servants came unto
Our aide, by which we wonne the day.
Cal.
The King does largely praise him.
Fab.
And nobly he deserves it.
Cal.
We're but foyles to set his lustre off.
Fab.
Envy no honour the King pleases to conferre
Upon him: for in his noble breast both
Our deservings meet.
Cal.
Not I Sir.
Hon.
Great King, how ere you please to shoure thus
Your favours on my poore deserts, being
A stranger, and one that came not to your
Aid alone for honour; but incited by heaven,
And justice of the cause, which I was bound
In duty to performe, being a subject,
Though no native, and in that you might
Challenge what was done as duty, not thus
Descend to give me thankes for that which was
Your owne before: For had my starres allotted
Me heire to a Kingdome, this bare
Acknowledgement had beene more than my
Merit could deserve, or state ere recompence.
Prin.
A Noble gentleman, and seems the throne
Of vertue: something within me is not
Well; I feele a flame about my heart, which
For the present I must suppresse.
King.
Your modesty (Honorio) striving
To cloud that voluntary aid you gave us,
With an impulsive duty, does but
(In me) increase your value and lay a
Stronger ground for a more firme affection.
Look this wayes Sir; 'tis these whose true valour,
And brave atchievements, merits this flowing
Language: for what poore service my ability
Coud performe (though 'twas by Heavens all-guiding
Power) directed to a good event,
Yet came it late: but these, when your enemies
Plumes wav'd with triumphant glory on their
Helmets top, these flew like lightning, shot
From the hand of Jove, and blasted those
Rebells in their height of glory: but when
I came, their bravest forces were decay'd,
(Though their number exceeded yours) their
Battalias broken, their Ensignes lost, their
Leaders slaine, and onely a vast confusion
Was their head: there 'twas easie to resist
Where order was not guide.
King.
I should expresse an ingratitude that
Woud for ever blast the name of King,
If not render these that honour their
Valour has deserv'd: tis true, they fought
Bravely, and every stroak, like deaths fatall
Sithe, hew'd downe their enemies before 'hem:
Yet nere the lesse, we had o'most lost the day,
When you like a second Mars brake forth, and
And gave us victory: their helpes most sweet, prevents
The greatest danger.
Hon.
There's no contending 'gainst your gracious bounty:
Shield me Divinity, what feele I here!
King.
VVell Fabianus and Callidus, be neere
In person as affection to us.
And for you Honorio, chuse your place:
You have such freedome as becomes your worth.
Philomusus, though we have hitherto
Beene silent in your praise; we doe confesse
How much we owe to your free noble spirit:
And though traduc't by such whose contagious
Breath will prove their owne bane: tis enough we
Know thy worth, that thou canst as well
As tread a peacefull measure in a Pallace.
Phil.
This Character my Liege so farre scapes me,
As makes me doubt to whom your intents are
Directed.
King.
To thee alone Philomusus:
Say Lords, enjoyes not that man a noble Genius,
Who can, and will when warre assaults, lend aid
Unto his Soveraigne, and when faire peace
Triumphs in height of glory, fill all his
Court with pleasure: we have, with no lesse
Admiration, beheld the worthy
Labours of thy Pen, where every Line
Has captivated fancy, then those thy
Brave atchievements in the field.
Phil.
VVere I not man, this language were enough
To staine my cheeks with blushes.
Hon.
Whats he the King pleases so much to honour?
Fab.
One whose praise is no Hyperbole to his worth.
King.
Well Philomusus, you must spurre on your
Pegasus for some new invention
To Crowne our peacefull triumph: to morrow
We shall expect a Masque.
Phil.
The time is suddaine, you'll
Not expect it rare.
King.
No, no: lead on before
Flourish. Ex. omnes, manet Philomusus.
Phil.
To morrow, 'tis somewhat suddaine,
And startles my invention.
Enter Mercutio.
Mercutio?
Mer.
My honour'd Lord.
Phil.
Thou art hap'ly met:
The King has impos'd somewhat a suddaine
Taske on my weake Muse, to prepare a Masque:
Thou art a pretty Poet, and maist give me
A hint for the device; I have esteemed it
One of the defects in Nature to scorne
Advise from those whose worth cou'd yield it.
Faith my Lord, I have such obligation
To your merit, that I shou'd count my best
Of labours, crown'd in that act shōud serve you:
Yet withall, so much I prize your honour,
I wou'd not have you (might I presume to
Counsell) draw the same aire with him who is
But thought a Poet.
Phil.
The reason.
Mer.
O my Lord, experience produces many:
'Twill take off from the glory of your worth,
Shou'd you in your workes expresse a soule
Active as Celestiall fire, a sence
Profound as Oracle; such as wou'd dart
Amazement at the world; yet wou'd the
Canker Envy feed upon your honour,
And charge you with such imputations
As wou'd transport your soule but to imagine,
Much lesse be guilty.
Phil.
How prethee; with what?
Mer.
I have, with an inraged spirit, heard
The Monster-multitude traduce you, and such
Men, whose very hearts wou'd scorne whats not
Heroicke, imputing noble actions as vaine-glorious:
And when their eyes and eares were witnesse
Of your seraphick Contemplations:
Glutted with envy wou'd charge you with
Keeping stipendary Muses: the like
To others, 'cause they inherite more by
Nature than learning does bestow, and whose
Chaste Virgin Muse, wou'd scorne
An adulterate straine.
Phil.
This all (Mercutio?) nay then Ile not doe
Them that courtesie to feare, I shou'd
Esteeme that glory darker than Chaos
Cou'd from their slight breath admit
Privation: no, no, the curse of dulnesse
Pursue 'hem all, I am above their spight.
But pray my Lord, where is that exquisite
Sprightly wit, you formerly were wont
To converse withall, I need not name him,
You know him by th'Character.
Phil.
Very well Mercutio; he has
Throwne away the Laurell, gain'd ith'
Court and City, for a fresher, and one
More free from envy in the field.
Mer.
His worth deserves it.
Phil.
No more of this; to the ground of our device;
What thinke you of—
Whispers.
Enter Pupillus.
Pup.
This Court is a brave place to live in: oh if I could come
to speake, or be acquainted with the Lord Philomusus, whom the
whole Townes long tongue talkes on for the brave wit; and by
miracle prove a wit too; I would paint the great Posts at my Fathers
dore, turne Prætor of the City, and keepe open house for all
the wits ith' towne; and some of 'hem poore soules have neede
on't: for I have heard they are glad oft-times to feede upon
stone in a Cathedrall Church—Those were acute wits by my
faith law—I am within smell of some Gallants—and sight of
'hem too—Impudence! O impudence! possesse mee—
I will speake to hem—Worshipfull Lords—I have an
eternall ambition, to salute you in the lower part—
Phil.
In the name of innocence—
Pup.
No sir, in my owne name.
Mer.
'Tis all one, I doe applaud your sweet humility,
Honourable Sir.
Pup.
Y'are mistaken: I was never so much honoured before: indeed
I meet with some that worships me sometimes, but you may
perhaps prophesie, (as the vulgar terme it) in calling me honourable
at first sight.
Mer.
Now by Pernassus, he resembles bright Apollo.
Pup.
Who I Sir, that were fine yfaith—But harke you a word
in your eare, I would bee loath to bewray my selfe before every
one—but that Apollo was my owne Uncle.
Mer.
Now Phœbus he was.
Pup.
I have sed it Sir—He sold Sun-dialls at the signe of the
Clocke.
Mer.
A youth of Apollo's race 'fore Iove you must needes
be fortunate.
Pup.
I hope so: to tell you the troth, my Father was a Citizen,
and a Mercer, and having a larger fortune upon his head than the
rest of his neighbours, met with good pay-masters, and after his
Decease my mother wou'd be sure, if any man tooke up her commodity,
he shou'd put in security, which raised her too: but growing
old, and finding commings in to be but short, last fall kickt up
her heeles, and left me all the wealth she had: Now in good faith
Sir, having this estate, I have a great desire to ride in the high way
of preferment.
Mer.
How meane you sir?
Pup.
To be made a Courtier, and a wit—I have money enough,
and would be loath to have either wit or honour but what
be paid for.
Phil.
He sayes well in that few has.
Pup.
But I wou'd faine speake with the Lord Philomusus, they
say he's able to teach wit, and procure Honour too.
Mer.
Why this is the Lord Philomusus.
Phil.
Thou didst ill to discover me.
Pup.
O I beseech your Lordship to pitty my honourable intentions,
and the desire I have to be made a Wit.
Phil.
He might write nil ultra, that perform'd it.
Pup.
Here's Gold sir: a soveraigne metall for a wit.
Phil.
I have no need on't, pray keep it sir: how shal's be rid of
him?—I have it; Mercutio dost heare, thou maist want
(the Generall disease of Poets) 'twere justice thou didst pursue this
humour both for profit and delight: Ile referre him to you.
Mer.
If you thinke fit, I care not to bestow some idle houres
on him.
Phil.
Doe so.—Doe you heare Sir, this Gentleman can
performe what you desire better, and with more speed than I.
Pup.
Say you so sir: with all my heart.
Phil.
Doe: my affaires call me away. Farewell Mercutio.
Exit.
Mer.
Good day to your Lordship.
Pup.
I want onely friends and impudence—Now if I might
Mer.
You shall Sir.
Pup.
You shall finde me simply honest.
Mer.
Of that I make no question: but if you have e're a spare
purse of money about you, 'twoud not be cast away, I shall use
some in making friends at Court.
Pup.
Doe they buy friendship here then? you shall have money
to pay for't—There Sir.
Gives him money.
Mer.
You must have instructions too before you come, how
to deport yourselfe both in Discourse and manners: my imployments
are now some what weighty in affaires of State; may I
but know your lodging, I shall attend you there at some time more
opportune both for your selfe and me.
Pup.
With all my heart: I have committed my selfe to the Inns
of Chancery, for the better grace; but feeding ith' Commons agrees
not with my stomacke; so as I have my dyet in a little Alley
hard by at a Cooks house, where you may finde me above the
eating houres. You may know the shop by a Calves head commonly
in't.
Mer.
I make no question but to finde you there sir.
Pup.
Very likely Sir; pray keep your promise.
Exit.
Mer.
I shall not faile.
Enter Flavia.
Who's that walkes there so demurely? oh 'tis Flavia, the Court
Jennet, one that has try'd all constitutions, complexion, and degrees,
from the Lord under the Canopy to th'Page ith' Lobby, was
once an easie doing waiting-woman; that wou'd fall in love
with this Lords legge, and that Revellers backe, till at last su'd,
pray'd, and wonne with oathes, wou'd scarce hold breathing, she
grew rotten ripe, and fell with every touch (poxe on't, I remember
she'd needs trye a Poets straine too) now ith' name of Venery
what's she musing on? how to preserve her beauty till the next
fall: Ile interrupt her; Flavia, how is't wench?
Fla.
Is what sir.
Mer.
Is any thing, every thing—What a poxe ail'st? this humour
becomes thee scurvily; thou wo't spoyle that little handsomnesse
thou hast left. What wouldst thou say wench, if I cou'd
helpe thee to a husband, a young husband, a rich husband, one
thou mightst Cuckold at his beds feet, and he not a grain the wiser.
You talke.
Mer.
Talke? by this hand I ne're came short of doing with
thee yet, though I paid for't—Come, out of pitty I owe thee a
good turne, and if I can, will do't.
Fla.
Alas Sir, Ile not marry.
Mer.
Not marry; why what a devill dost thou meane to doe?
live to be abhominable ugly, and scorn'd by th'Foote-boyes, goe
to Law with Laundresses, for scratching out thy eyes, trust that
little stock of money thou hast gathered to set up a house of Carnality
ith' Suburbs, with a publicke Notary; he breaks and runnes away
to Amsterdam; live too friend-lesse, eye-lesse, toothlesse, and
thy Nose not able to endure a jest.
Fla.
I must confesse you alleage strong reasons—But pish, thou
dost but jest Mercutio.
Mer.
Why then farewell, and a pox take thee at first, for 'twill
have thee ith' end.
Fla.
Ith' end; which end?
Mer.
Why ith' worst end about thee: prethee let me goe.
Fla.
Stay, this is but Poeticke rage, a Rapture—
Tell me who is't?
Mer.
if thou't be rul'd Ile tell thee: 'Tis a Citizens sonne, one
borne by inheritance to be a Cuckold; and thy marrying of him
will not crosse his Fate.
Fla.
Doe you thinke to effect it?
Mer.
Oh you may worke him like Waxe. Tom Fled-wit, and
Will Plod are his fellow Students in the Innes of Chancery, they'l
doe you any courtesie you know: If they bee not acquainted
with him, they shall; Ile meet 'hem there to morrow, and propound
it.
Fla.
If it proceed, and take effect, I am all yours.
The Court is risen from supper, I must away.
Mer.
The Lord Philomusus expects
Me too: Farewell.
Exeunt.
Enter Princesse and Clara
Prin.
But did my looks betray so strange:
Conflict in my heart?
Clar.
Madam they did;
And one but of a dull discerning eye
Comets from your eyes, to speake a stranger fire
Had surpriz'd your heart.
Prin.
Yet strove I to suppresse 'hem with all the
Rationall powers of my soule, but it
Avail'd not.
Cla.
Not to be taxt of flattery, I dare
With confidence affirme; if one that's mortall
And compos'd of earth, (as he that's greatest
Is no more, although compacted of
A purer mold) can but deserve a blisse so
Great as is your love: Honorio is the man.
Prin.
But prethee lock up ith' privatst concave
Of thy breast, the passion I have discover'd.
Cla.
Ile not name it to my selfe, least the aire
Convey it to some others eare.
Prin.
This shall binde
Me to thy bosome.
Enter Honorio and Fabianus.
See Honorio and his friend.
Hon.
The Princesse in private conference,
Lets withdraw.
Fab.
Prethee come forward: enjoy thy wonted freedome.
What Magick spell has charm'd thee into
Dulnesse; come, I gesse the cause: flye not that fire,
For want of which thou thus becom'st a
Frozen Statue.
Prin.
What starting backe Fabianus? doe you
Make our presence fearefull to your stranger
Friend, one to whom our Country in part does
It Freedome.
Fab.
Madam not I.
Prin.
Tis well and you cou'd possesse me with an
Opinion, that he who has out-fac'd
An Army, shou'd shrinke at a Ladyes
Presence.
Hon.
Madam, impute it not to feare, but a
Religious awe, that dares not approach
So much Divinity, but with a sacred
Priest, bowes at the Altar of incensed
Deities.
Prin.
So late a Souldier, and so soon a Courtier.
Hon.
Your softnes Madam, would convert what were
Most Barbarous to Civill.
Prin.
You wou'd make a fine Inamorato.
Hon.
I shou'd be proud to be what you create mee—
Fab.
Lady 'thas pleas'd the Princes to entertaine
Discourse with my best friend: will you not
Taxe me of too great presumption, if I
Lay hold on this occasion to present my service.
Cla.
Wherefore?
Fab.
To love and honour you.
Cla.
For what?
Fab.
For your beauty, for those faire eyes that have
Transfixt my heart.
Cla.
Nay, rather hate 'hem, be reveng'd, and wish
'Hem blind as Cupid.
Fab.
Wish to eclips those heavenly lamps that lend
The world their light.
Cla.
Your Courtship is too light and ayrie to
Obtaine beleefe; this language wou'd doe well
To such who love to heare men runne division
On their praise: I can heare you as a Courtier,
But your speeches will as soone finde death in
My forgetfulnesse, as they receiv'd a
Superfluous life from your fluent braine—
Enter Moronzo, Callidus, and Marania.
Mischiefe of this prevention; I feare
I have too much slighted him.
Mor.
Sir this Noblenesse becomes you, not to
Seeke to surprize a Virgins tender heart,
Apt for any impression, before
You had gain'd her parents liking and
Consent; to which I shall the sooner yield,
Reall worth; if all men bore your mind,
We shou'd not daily view the frequent ruine
Of prepostrous matches.
Mar.
And sir rest confident in me, I nere will
Yield my heart, but where you give my hand.
Mor.
May thy duty prove to all a faire example.
Cal.
Sir, I will not urge your hasty answer, though
I desire a swift arrivall to my joy.
Mor.
You say well; things of this nature require
Some respite to resolve; we'll chuse some other
Time to furnish this discourse—There's the
Princesse and your sister; give your attendance,
Urgent imployments calls me away.
Cal.
Your humble servant.
Prin.
Enough, here's Company.
Cal.
Who are these, Honorio and Fabianus?
My heart swells to behold 'hem; 'twere as
Possible a Common-wealth shou'd stand,
When there are two Competitors for th'Crowne,
As I to brooke their glory that eclipses
Mine: Paid not these veines as large
A tribute to that Crimson flood as theirs?
Honour's as blind as fate, and knowes to
Distribute justly: but Ile obscure this passion,
Till a just revenge does meet me.
Worthy Honorio. Noble Fabianus.
Hon.
Both yours to serve you.
Prin.
It growes late, lets to our Chamber.
Cal.
Lights there for the Princesse.
Ex. omnes, man. Hon. & Fab.
Fab.
Stay friend a word, what successe?
I perceiv'd the Princesse view'd you
With an attractive eye.
Hon.
Didst marke it, and retaine thy former
Temper; wer't not Planet-strook with those
Starre-like eyes?
Fab.
There was another, though not in so high
A Spheare, by whose influence my heart
Hon.
I did observe your Complement with Clara:
Say, dost thou affect her?
Fab.
Deare, as the expectation of my future
Blisse.
Hon.
O friend thou art happy, there is equality
In fortune betwixt you two: but what alas
Remaines for me that am a stranger, and
A Subject, one she knowes not whence
Deriv'd; his being onely to passe by her with
A silent admiration, till my owne flames
Consume me.
Fab.
Come, lets recollect the ornaments of
Man, our reason, and enjoy the treasure
Of our friendship in a timely Councell,
—What fittest course to steere:
Lets to our Chamber, and discourse it there.
Exeunt.
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