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Artemona.
As fortunate that woman is that doth a husband mary
accordinge to her hearts desyre: So is she most vnhappy,
that matched is wt h Iunos frowne, & to a husband tyed
that eyther is perverse, or wt h some foule disease infected.
And though there many matrones be of honest reputation
wt h in the citty that are matcht to men of lewed condition
(for hardly you can fynde a man that faythfull ys & true
vnto his wyfe in all respects) Yet none haue cause to rue
so much their mariage, as I haue: vnlesse yt be more misery
to lyue wt h brawlers, Banckrouts & such as committ adultery,
then wt h one wt h the foule disease of leprosy infected:
as none amongst you all I thinke will say, yf she were asked.
from hence procede these trickleinge teares. Here of come these deepe sighes.
from this same fountayne & no other do springe my greatest greefes.
When I but fixe my mynde vpon the state of my superiours,
or else consider wt h my selfe, the case of my inferiours,
good lord how I blush to thinke how vnluckely I matched?
what shame take I yt for to be in this lewd maner maryed?
No crosse to be compar'd wt h myne on any one euer light
& yet (wretch that I was) I could by no meanes blesse me from yt.
What therefore now remaynes for me, but for to lyue for ay
in endlesse sorrow, or consume & pyne wt h griefe away?
In to what state the mater is now brought you all may see.
That wc h to others is most ioy I fynd my greatest misery.
I well perceiue that womens hopes do ofter proue most vayne
I thought when to my husband I made choyce of such a captayne
that honourably descended was, much of the kinge esteemed,
belou'd of euery man, & higly for his prowes commended,
of person proper, fayre of condition, rych, & in great authority
I of all women should haue bene most fortunate & happy.
But out alas neuer till then my sorrow did begin.
But hist, Phronesium here doth come, who my mayd longe hath byn
She is as nimble as a bee, prompt, diligent, & ready
about her worke, & therefore I haue made her bondage easy:
& never wil'd her for to do any thinge that was not fittinge
& of a bondslaue made her free, I had of her such lykeinge.
And in her's truly verifyed: Such maners, & conditions
as euery one ys of, such for the most part are their fortunes.
But much I muse why shee lookes back so ofte, & whom shee seeketh

Phronesium
I wonder much where Dorio ys. It's mervell but hee sleepeth
in one odd corner or an other for that's his vsuall fashion:
for to his worke he'l not be tyed, yf that he can get gone.

Artemona
I'l nearer go & listen what yt ys that she doth say

Phronesium
I thinke we shall see hym no more while there's any light of day.
Ill lookes my maister to his prophet, that such a drone will suffer
in his house for to dwell, who to his bread deserues not water
& will not thrust hym out at dores as one that's good for nothinge.
vnlesse he better plye his worke Beggery will be his endinge

Artemona
Some body shee vpbrayds wt h sloth: yt's meruell but yt's Dorio
wt h whom shee seldom can agree. But to her I will go
Phronesium what is the matter, that thou who art so gentle
so highly art displeas'd? The cause I pray thee to me tell.

Phronesium
What mistres are you there? Alas I saw you not before.
All that you char'd me wt h ys done, ere I came out at dore.
And to the shambles I am goinge meate to provide for supper

Artemona.
Thanks thou deserues, who in thy mistres absence dost not loyter.
& for thy diligence yf in any thinge I may the pleasure
eyther by worde or deede, I'l yt performe there of be sure

Phronesium.
Mistres yf I haue here to fore done, or do at this present
any thinge that to your lykeinge was, or geues you now content
I am right glad in sooth. But there ys no cause why your gentlenes
should promisse me reward, for the performance of your busines,
for duty bynds me for to do all that wt h in my power.
And blame I worthy were yf that at any tyme I should loyter
Though not wt h standinge I haue tayste ofte of your liberality
but namely when of your bondslaue a free woman you did make me.
& vpon no desert of myne the best benefit bestowed
on me, that you had for to geue, or I my selfe haue wished.
But what needes many wordes? I can not speake of you so honourably
but your kyndnes & loue deserued haue farre better of mee
And happy I did thinke my selfe that light on such a mistres
who was so good to please & euer better then her promise
And I no lesse am blest in that I haue mett wt h a maister
who loues you so, that for your sake he loues me much the better.

Artemona
O that he such a one were as thou takes hym for to bee

Phronesium
Alas mistres ys he not so? then doth he much deceiue mee.
whence cometh this deepe sigh? from some great griefe, sure she's not well.

Artemona
My griefe Phronesium's great, & yet I can not yt expell.

Phronesium
from sorrow & care I would haue sworne mistres you had bene free
for one would thinke you nothinge want that can desyred bee

Artemona
No doubt thou so persuaded art: for no body can tell where
the shoe doth pinch, but she that yt vpon her foote doth weare.

Phronesium
Where as aboundance ys of all good thinges, can griefe be lodged?

Artemona.
Whyther steales not griefe? None can be found that ys on all parts blessed

Phronesium
We for the most part mistres are wt h this disease infected
that neuer wt h our selues nor our estate we are contented.
The faults of women many are, but this vpon a certayne
the greatest ys: that lightly they of their husbands complayne.
But you (vnder correction) must avoyde this same suspicion
yf that you will accompted be wyse & of good condition.

Artemona.
Thou would not say so yf thou knew how the case standeth wt h mee

Phronesium
That's strange, syth you in my opinion of all women are most happy

Artemona
Phronesium thou art much deceiud. yf thou were in my case
farre other wyse thou wouldest say, then now yt seemes thou sayes.

Phronesium
Alas, mistres alas, tell me: what's yt that doth you greeue.
for euer I tooke you to be the happiest woman alyue.

Artemona
It no relation needes, & there fore make no more enquiry.

Phronesium
Be lyke you thinke I'l blabbe yt out agayne vnto some body
I aske not to that ende in sooth, but rather that I may
asswage your griefe, yf that I can not take yt quite away
for that shallow witted ys, may some tyme counsell geue
that wholesome ys, & a seely mouse a Liones may releeue.
& many tymes th'impartinge of ones griefe vnto an other
eyther quite taketh yt away, or makes yt seeme farre lesser.

Artemona
I thinke no lesse: yet for all that, of thinges, (such as these bee
wc h rather are to be conceal'd, then told to others publykely.
no such yonge girles as thou art, ought inquiry for to make

Phronesium
Agaynst my yeares I do confesse you may exceptions take
yet for all that vnlesse you do impart your griefe vnto mee
I will (though yt agaynst good maners be) still make enquiry
hopeing yt will be for your good. And yf I through affection
the bonds of modesty do exceede, most humbly I craue pardon.
Where fore as you do loue your selfe, husband or mayd
declare your greefe to me, by whom yt shall not be bewrayd.
And yf I can not take yt cleane away, I hope deare mistres
for to abate yt much, yf you will folow my aduise.

Artemona
Dost thou say so my girle? Then will I breake mynd vnto thee.
But here ys no conuenient place, lest I be heart of any body.
for here out comes I know not who, but as I thinke yt's Dorio
a listninge idle rogue, as thou well knowes: Away let's go.

Dorio.
It probable ys that slouthfulnes in to this world me brought
& that a father me begott, who neuer days worke wrought.
for at the very name of worke my flesh & bones do shiuer
& I had rather hanged be then worke I am so lither:
And there fore while our maydes wt h in about their busines went
I secretly stole out at dores my taske for to preuent
And now when supper tyme drawes neare, & all the worke is ended
I home returne to fill my gorge. But there's I feare prouided
a rodde for me in steede of meate by our tell tayle Phronesium
wc h to my mistres all things tells, that in her mynde do come.
& makes the matter often worse by addinge or diminishinge
all to discredit but her selfe: for in that art she's cunninge.
And no regard hath what she tells, nor of whom she complayneth
by meanes where of she deadly hate of all the house procureth.
exceptinge her mayster & mistres, who because they heare
by her such thinges as wt h their humours suite, still wt h her beare.
And for that only cause & nothinge else, they on a sodayne
of a bond slaue to all our grieffes haue made her a free woman.
But hist, I here alonge do spye her with my mistres cominge
yf they me see hang'd must I bee, wherefore hence I'l be sneaking

Artemona
How now Phronesium art thou yet persuaded that I am
of all that liuinge are this day the most unhappy woman?

Phronesium
I did suspect in deede that he was not sound of his body
But litle thought I that he had infected bene with lepry.

Artemona.
A me pore wretch what shall I do? more miserable there ys none.

Phronesium
I pray you mistres for god sake, syth that can not be done
wc h you desyre, desyre that wc h may effected bee.

Artemona.
It's easy good aduise to geue to others in their misery
but if thou felt my griefe an other tayle then thou wouldest tell.

Phronesium
M.r s weepe not, for that will make you sicke, though you were well.
Rather consider what's expedient in this your great extremity
to be done, & beare this as all thinges else you haue borne patiently

Artemona
Alas shall I wt h patience tolerate this? Yt is not possible.
I nothinge can expect but all my lyfe to be most miserable.
But thinkes thou that for my desert this misery's on me fallen.

Phronesium
No m.r s but to grieue at that wc h no wayes can be holpen
no wisdome ys: for the thinge that's once done can neuer bee
vndone agayne: & there fore make a vertue of necessity
& patience haue. Assure your selfe you are not crost alone
for others haue as well as you their crosses euery one
though of a different sort: for none in all respects are happy.
Wey wt h your selfe how fortunate in all things else you bee
but this alone: where of if he clearly might once be freed
what woman then for happines wt h you might be compared?

Artemona.
Phronesium) thou sayst well, if he were free'd of this one thinge
but this one thinge makes me the wretcedst woman this day lyuing

Phronesium
yf all things else be to your mynde as I do thinke they are
you haue more cause for to reioyce, then be opprest wt h care.
Let not there fore one yll make in your brest deeper impression
then so many good things. but for these beare that wt h moderation.
The rather because that your griefe is powered out in vayne
when as yt helps you not, though neuer so much you do complayne.
Take courage therefore vnto you: Lett patience be your buckler
So shall your selfe fynde ease, & geue content vnto my maister,
when he perceiues you beare wt h hym his heauy crosse contentedly.

Artemona.
To patience still persuades thou mee? Shall I his crose beare silently?
Then will my heart a-sunder burst. I must needes speake Phronesium.

Phronesium
I see not to what ende, syth that no good there of doth come
but rather yll, for by complayneinge you do duble your misery
when as you neyther fynde for his griefe, nor your owne a remedy.
Where fore haue patience, & make triall what comfort yt affords

Artemona.
Keepe thy persuasions to thy selfe, yf they be but bare wordes:
for I no more good there by fynde then by vtteringe my misery.

Phronesium
Is there no helpe for hym by phisicke? I pray you mistres tell mee.

Artemona
Oh none: for so all the phisitions haue generally affirmed.

Phronesium
Yet there's a god, of whom yf he craue helpe, he may be cured.

Artemona
There are no gods that on vs haue regard: not one that pitties vs.
for we both vnto men, & to the gods are also odious.

Phronesium
Dispayre no yet, for I for his dysease haue found a remedy.

Artemona
A remedy Phronesium? what? I pray the tell me quickely.

Phronesium.
There ys a certayne holy prophet (deare mistres) in Samaria
who for strange miracles & good lyfe ys knowne through out Iudea.
To whom yf that my maister will voutsafe for to repayre
losse of your loue (more deare to me then lyfe) I hazard dare
that he shall sounde of body home returne wt h out delay.

Artemona.
Tell me Phrenosium, ys that true wc h thou dost to me say.

Phronesium
mistres) most true, or else to speake yt I were much to blame.
And yf he will but triall make, th'euent shall proue the same.
And thinke not (though you be his wyfe) that you his health desyre
more then I who am but his mayd) whom he did lately hyre.
for in that I'l not yeelde to you. & reason I haue for yt
syth in his seruice I haue gott both freedome, loue, & creditt
wc h more then lyfe I do esteeme. And loth I am to bee
vngratefull vnto hym, & you, who haue vs'd me so kyndly.

Artemona
I see thou art no changelinge, but retaynest thy old honesty
& therefore I thy wordes will credit: & heartely desyre thee
yf euer thou found frendship at my handes yt to repay
by pittyinge me pore soule, who wt h griefe dayly pynes away.

Phronesium
Alas mistres intreate me not, for I your seruant am
ready to do at your command for you all that I can
& there fore tell me what yt ys, that you would haue me do

Artemona
As thou hast tolde me of the prophet, So tell thy maister too
& earnestly persuade hym for to make a iourney thither
& if he through thy counsell go & sound agayne come hyther
assuredly thou purchase shall vnto thy selfe there by
greate honour, & be much enriched, & advanced highly.

Phronesium.
That office mistres by your selfe may better be discharged
because you are his wyfe, & wt h his fashions. best acquainted

Artemona.
well as thou wilt. yet at the least I would haue thee be by
that thou my speeches may confirme, yf he thinke that I lye.

Phronesium
I will in this, & all thinges mistres geue you content

Artemona.
Then when thou hast at shambles bene, see thou come in incontinent
And now I'l to my husband go t'acquaint hym wt h this matter.

Phronesium.
And I'l no longer stay but whyle I buy meate for your supper.
How sory am I for to see my Lady thus perplexed
whom I tooke to haue bene the happiest woman that euer lyued.
I well perceive a womans iudgment may erroneous bee
syth most unfortunate shee ys, who seem'd to me most happy.
I would not my estate exchange for hers, though myne be poreer
for I lyue merely on a litle, & nothinge will content her
what pleasure tell me were yt for mee a princes to be styled
& wt h a gallant trayne of maydes, & men to be attended
& haue the people to me crouch & bowe wt h capps in hand
& I that while be forc't to lyue & lye wt h such a husband
that is infected wt h the horrible & loathsome disease
of leprosy. A kingdome so to do would not me please.
& there fore my mistres miserable estate the more I pitty
But I to free them from their greefes I hope haue found a remedy
& yf yt come to passe, how greatly shall I be esteemed.
And there's no doubt of good successe yf that he'l be persuaded
thither for to go. In hope where of I will stay here no longer
but to the shambles runne for to provide meate agaynst supper.

Naaman
What man this day alyue ys more vnfortunate then I
& vnto whom do all good fortunes fall out so vnluckely?
wo's me pore wretch! where fore haue I at any tyme endeuoured
for to avoyd the perills of warre, or any daunger shunned?
had yt not better for me beene for to haue dyed honourably
by the handes of myne enemyes, then for to haue lyu'd thus miserably
vext, & tormented wt h this foule disease of lepry, then
wc h none more loathsome ys? o the fayth both of gods & men!
my body can I no way purge of this plague, nor fynde remedy
to cure the same, but must I lyue in sorrow & payne continually?
Wc h way haue I not for phisitions sent to my great Cost?
& swallowed pills, & potions drunke? & all this charge ys lost
What playsters haue I not to my infected body applyed?
& fynde no ease, this malady ys in my bones so setled,
& inward marrow, that yt's past all the phisitions skill
to cure the same, & there is none that wt h me medle will
for they perceiue my carcas ys a carion & no better:
nay loathsomer then any carion, yf any thinge can be loathsomer.
for no part's of me freshe & sound, no part that's vncorrupted.
no member but yt's full of Scurffe, & wt h vlcers disfigured.
Bunches & boyles ryse in my face. the heyre of my head falleth.
my voyce ys hoarse: blisterd my tongue, my eaten nose sore ytcheth.
and I (pore catyue quite for lorne) my wynde can scarcely draw
the passage of my breath so very strayte ys, & so narrow.
And my throte belcheth vp continually pestiferous smells
wc h makes all the phisitions say wt h one voyce, that my bowells
wt h in corrupted are. And at a worde the soundest parts
of my whole body prickes, as though they stabbed were wt h darts.
And (to augment my griefe) all they of whom I honoured was
in health, do me contemne, & ioy to see my wofull case:
Yea & (wc h grieues me most of all) myne owne wyfe doth abhorre me
so much, that she thinks her selfe worst, when she ys in my company.
And when shee sees me turnes her backe, or else doth runne away
alleadginge for excuse, that busines will not lett her stay.
If I at any tyme do desyre her wt h me for to lye,
she makes continually delayes. yf I vse my authority
& her inforce there to, her face she doth beeray wt h teares
wc h argues that litle good affection she towards me beares.
Oh well were I if eyther shee felt sensibly my sorrow
or that I cared not whether she did feele the same or no.
But now when this disease paynes me the most (confesse I must)
I much more am inclind, & proner vnto fleshly lust.
then I was in my health: The nature's such of my infirmity
so that I feare her frowardnes encreaseth much my misery.
Hard ys my happ of her to be the most of all abandoned
of whom I should before all other haue bene belou'd & cherished.
And (wc h most pittifull ys of all) none of the gods regard me:
none that geue eare vnto my sighes: none that my case do pitty:
but deafe are when I on them call, & my prayers despyse
& turne away their faces when I to them offer sacrifice.
O Iupiter wt h what fault haue I thee so much offended
that I deserue so grievously at thy hands to be punished?
whom thou in former tymes wt h good successe so much hast graced
& honour'd wt h heroicall acts? where fore art thou thus altered?
Oh! how inconstant, frayle, & mutable is humane felicyty?
How's he deceiu'd that groweth proud for fortunes smyle that's momentary?
He trust's vnto a staffe of reede, on fortune that relyeth
as by me may be seene, whom she so miserably deiecteth,
& headlonge hurleth downe from the top of the hiegh'st felicity
in to the gulffe of endlesse woes, & neuer dyinge misery,
& trampleth me vnder her feete after a most strange fashion.
But yt's in vayne for to complayne, sith she's wt h out compassion.
This womanish waylinge there fore I'l leaue of, for man vnseemly
& put th'armour of patience on. O that I were so happy!
then should I feele no griefe but that wc h my disease doth bringe.
But that ys hard to do, yea I feare an impossible thinge,
the rather because that my wyfe, whom cominge here I spye
doth dayly me vpbrayd there wt h as though I could yt remedy:
Where as yt is not in my power. But here I'l stand asyde
& listen what she'l say, feareinge my looke she'l not abyde.

Artemona.
The more I geue eare to Phronesiums wordes, so much more luckely
I hope the matter will fall out, wc h she related to mee.

Naaman.
What trusts she will more luckely fall out? vnlesse yt bee
by plottinge & deviseinge meanes how she may gett rydd of mee
whom long synce shee began to loath, because of my disease.

Artemona.
And for her truth in other matters, her wordes me better please
in this. And nothinge I by her aduise haue vnder taken
at any tyme, but euer more yt luckely did happen.
Where fore I'l now go seeke my husband out, & to hym tell
what shee sayd of the prophet, that doth in Samaria dwell,
& see yf I can hym persuade to make a iourney thither
(though at his hands I nothinge looke for but a crabbed answeare.)
Yet will I triall make, that yf he'l not my counsell take
I may the stubburne felow charge wt h wilfulnes, & make
that an occasion to forsake both his house & his company
who might, yf that he would go thither, be cur'd of his infirmyty.

Naaman.
Lo, meanes shee seekes her selfe to free from me as I suspected
wc h greues me more then all the paynes I haue this while indured.
for then for aye I am vndone: & so to be yt's lykely
for all occasions she doth seeke how that she may get from me.

Artemona.
I know not where to seeke for hym. yet luckely I espy
hym standinge here. I'l go & tell hym as Phronesium bad mee.

Naaman.
She comes towardes me of her owne accord. this may be cronicled
for she no sooner vs'd to see me but her backe she turned.
I'l semblance make as though I had not seene her vntill now

Artemona.
Husband.

Naam[an].
Are you there wyfe? I pray you what's the news wt h you?

Artemona
You come as fittly as I wishe, for wt h you I would speake

Naaman.
Wt h me?

Artem[ona].
Yea sir wt h you. And now my mynd to you I'l breake.
The matter weighty ys, & for you sir exceedinge good,
& may effected be, So yt by you be not wt h stoode.
And to be briefe yt's this. When yesterday by chaunce I talked
of your infirmity wt h Phronesium, & much your case lamented.

Naaman.
Nay thyne owne rather I beleeue, yf that the truth were knowne

Artemona
What do you interrupt me sir? then hence I will begone

Naaman.
I haue offended her yt seemes. Good wyfe I pray the tary
& tell me out thy tayle, for now no more I'l interrupt thee.

Artemona
On that condition I am content, or els I will be gone.
& if you heare me not the greattest hurt will be your owne.
As I my griefe to her disclos'd wt h many a bitter teare
complayninge that we two the wretchedst persons lyuinge were
this day alyue, Ant first she wept wt h me, (as her became
lyke to a seruant that was kinde & carefull of her dame)
wt h comfortable wordes of good cheare then she bade me bee
& sayd amongst other things she for our griefe had found a remedy
for in Samaria there's a holy prophet cal'd Eliseus
of vertu great, godly of lyfe, & for strange miracles famous.
Yf my lord will persuaded be by any kynde of meane
to go vnto that man, he shall returne home sound & cleane;
where fore mistres moue hym there to: & after on my credit
you shall reioyce there at, & thanke me who mou'd you first to yt.
To whom speakeinge so confidently I began to geue eare
though at the very first I thought her wordes incredible were.
& promis'd her I would impart the same sir vnto you
as now I will. wherefore (husband) as euer you will do
any thinge for mee, or as I haue euer geuen you content
beinge partner of your ioys & woes, to this motion consent

Naaman.
Lady alas you litle discreation shewe in counsellinge mee
vpon a seely girls report, to take so longe a iourney

Artemona
Lo he ys in his olde vayne still of crossinge what I say

Naaman.
Yf thou were wyse thou would not haue me cast my goods away
so vaynly wyfe, nor hazard myne owne lyfe in goinge thither
but spare yt to mantayne vs wt h, while we here lyue to gether.
except thou be in hope there wt h to make an ende of mee,
wc h verely I do feare's thy drifte thou me persuads so earnestly.
What haue I not (catyue for lorne) through thy intreaty done
forc't by thy bawlinge there vnto, & dayly exclamation
Where as in the meane tyme, all th'oracles beinge demanded answeare
& say: I stryue agaynst the streame, & do my selfe but weary,
in seekeinge helpe for a disease that fatall ys vnto mee:
& yet (as though thou ignorant were there of, thou me intices
to go I know not whither, by triffleinge tayles & foolish circumstances.

Artemona.
Th'vnhappiest woman that lyues I am. How shall I thinke this man
will euer be in any thinge rul'd by me, when as I can
speakeinge for his good, not be heard, but make hym at me angry?
& yet he asketh what he hath not done at my intreaty?
Are you not (sir) asham'd here of? verely you vrge me so
that I can not be sylent now, nor scarce tell what I do.
Did euer I any thinge desyre, but had there of deniall?
Name one thinge yf you can, or else your wordes wt h shame recall
What are you mute? well as you will. yf this lyfe do you please
then rott for me, as you will shortly, for so threats your disease.
yf once agayne I moue you then.

Naam[an].
What lady are you angry?

Artemona
How should I husband choose, when as you weigh my words so lightly?
& they so much are for your good?

Naam[an].
Good wyfe be not offended
but well consider wt h thy selfe, that thy motions proceeded
but from a foolish girle, who knows not what belongs vnto
so great a cure, & yet I must do all she byds me doe.
Thinkes thou I so selfe willy am that I would not take counsell
of you, or her, or any else that did aduise me well?
& further farre go then Samaria, & seeke the prophet out
yf he could cure my griefe? Nay I would go the earth about
& neyther spare for paynes nor cost, yf I might cured bee
But there's no hope there of syth that I am past all recouery.

Artemona.
How can you sir be sure of that, vnlesse you first make triall?
surely no way. where fore my counsell take, & all things shall
fall out as you desyre, or else I'l silent be here after.
But here Phronesium comes as I could wysh. Let's call her hither.
that you may heare her speake her selfe. perhaps her words will bee
of greater force then myne, who knows he is a man most holy.

Phronesium.
I musen what the matter ys that I my lady saw not
of all this day, except perhaps she busy be about
the matter where of we talkt last night: And if yt fall out luckely
(as I do hope yt will) none shall be happier then I verely.

Artemona.
Heare you her husband what she sayth?

Naam[an].
Not I wyfe nor I care not.

Phronesium
But here I spye them talkinge both to gether: yf that I thought
it were here of & not about some other serious matter
I would go & persuade my lord for to be ruled by her
this iourney for to vnder take: wc h will be for his good
as he would thinke yf that as much, as I, he vnderstood

Artemona.
Do you yet heare her what she sayth? She's speakeinge of your iourney
& sayth yt would be for your good. Phronesium a word wt h thee.
whither dost thou hye so fast? yf so be thou canst stay come hither.

Phronesium
I to the shambles goinge am meate to prouide for dinner
Yet not wt h standinge I'l vpon you & my lord attend.
wishinge god would vnto his honour health of his body sende.

Artemona
That ys the thinge where of we talkt, for I haue hym acquainted
what thou of Eliseus sayd: but my wynde ys but waysted

Phronesium
That am I sory for: but what makes hym refuse your counsell

Naaman.
Because I am persuad'd thy words are not so much as probable.
And I would haue the know (phronesium) that well thou hast not pleasd me
by puttinge in her head such things, as wt h me make her angry.

Phronesium
Condemne me not my lord, for I no such intention had
& yf you triall make you shall fynde all true that I sayd
& for the loue I beare to you, I there of her informed

Naaman.
I do not lyke such mayds as haue so much tyme to be spared
from their worke as for to take care of other folkes affayres.
& that such as concerne them not. Phronesium yf thy cares
were of thy distafe, reele, & needle, & such lyke things as these
of wc h women only ought to medle, thou should me better please.

Phronesium
Alas (my lord) I thought It had a seruants part bene to
medle wt h all things that they can for their maisters profitt do
And what can be more for your good then your health to recouer?
& syth I know the meanes, why should I not the same discouer
vnto my lady thats so sory for your distressed case,
& for the loue I beare to you? My duty sure yt was.
Where fore so soone as I came to the knowledge of your griefe
& also heard that you by physick could not get any reliefe,
this prophet vnto my remembrance came that's in Samaria
& of hym I my Lady told, wishinge wt h out delay
that she would you acquaint there wt h, & moue you to go thither
And I the selfe same counsell now geue you my gratious maister.
yea & more ouer earnestly intreate you for to do yt
for yt vndoubtedly will be for your exceedinge profitt.
Distrust me not my lord in this syth euer you haue found me
faythfull to you in all things else, & also to my lady

Naaman.
Thinks thou he doth exceede in skill all other learn'd phisitions?
then were yt pitty of their lyues. And their generall opinions
are that this my disease in curable ys. where fore be sylent
for both thyne & thy Ladyes labour in this ys vaynly spent

Phronesium
Speake lookely (my lord) for fully I persuaded am
this iourney will be for your good, yf you will take the same

Naaman
I can not so persuaded be, Syth th'oracles also haue
answeard wt h ioynt consent, that no way's left my lyfe to saue

Phronesium
Yet for all that (my lord) take heart, for I will pawne my credit
that if this iourney you will take, yt shall be for your profitt.

Artemona.
Her suite very reasonable ys (my lord) & she speaks wt h great confidence
where fore graunt her request both at her & my earnest instance.
& if you fynde not good there by, do as you will here after

Naaman
No longer me persuade, vnlesse your reasons (wyfe) were better

Artemona
Why should we not persuad you (sir) you know th'olde sayinge well
that one must first the nutts shell cracke before he eate the kernell
So you my lord must first take paynes before you cured bee
for the gods will not help you till you put to your owne industry.
But syth that my intreaty doth no good, I'l hence be gone

Naaman.
Lo she her wonted byas keepes; yf all things be not done
accordinge to her will. And for to helpe yt there's no way

Phronesium
Oh Lady be not angry at my lord, but wt h hym stay
for I hope he'l geue you content, in all that you desyre

Artemona
Euen as he will, syth nothinge but for his good I requyre.
yf will not the wurst is his: Choose whether he'l sincke or swyme

Naaman
wo's me pore wretch how violent hath this woman euer byn?
& yf you do gayne say her still, she will be much the worse.

Phronesium
wynne her wt h patience then, & her no more here after crosse.
And she (vnder correction) was I thinke at thys tyme worthy
to haue bene borne wt h syth what she sayd was for your good chiefly.

Artemona.
Phronesium one would so haue thought. But so crosse he ys always
that pipe what I list yet he'l daunce what doth his humour please
But syth yt will no better be, in his filth lett hym rott
for so he well deserues to do, who might be cur'd & will not.
And when he's dead, (as soone he will) yf he thus willfull bee
some quiet I may fynde perhaps, or else wt h sorrow dye.
wc h I had rather do, then lyue thus discontented euer
But I'l begone, & thou had best Phronesium follow after.
for thou as soone an Æthiops skyne wt h washinge white may make
as that same willfull folow persuade this voyage to vndertake

Naaman
Heares thou Phronesium what a peale she runge me ere she went
thou had best tread thy ladyes steps for feare lest thou be shent.
yt's the only way to gett the a good husband quickly
for men will ioy to marry wt h so quicke a dame I warrant the

Phronesium
The cause was her great hope you should thereby your health recouer
else would she not haue bene my lord so earnest in this matter.
And if myne owne eyes had not sene the prophet strange things do
I neuer would haue moued her or you my lord there to.

Naaman.
Name one thinge yf thou can that worthy ys of admiration.

Phronesium
He made the bitter waters sweete of Ierico at the motion
of the inhabitants there of: wc h sweete are till this day
& when a company of litle boys in mockry thus did say,
vnto the prophet as he past by Bethell now of late
in the hearinge of many: come vp bald pate, come vp bald pate:
He lookeinge backe & cursinge them in the name of our lord
Two Beares from the forrest came, & tore vpon my word
fourty two of the ladds in peeces, to the peoples amazment

Naaman.
I feare phronesium of thy selfe thou doest but this invent
to make me this longe voyage go: for this that thou doest tell
in my opinion & conceipt seemes not so much as probable.

Phronesium
It is as true as I do lyue: & yet things that are stranger
then these by farre were wrought by hym & yt no longe tyme after.
wc h yf I should recite to you, your selfe the same would say.

Naaman.
Stranger then these? It is impossible. Tell me what I thee pray.

Phronesium.
As this same prophet of whom I spake by chaunce through the streete passed
where in I dwelt wt h many of the cittizens that hym folowed
A certayne pore woman weepinge for the death of her late husband
& thrustinge through the multitude that did betwixt her stand
& the good man, fell at his feete, & hym desyr'd to help her
of the cause of thy griefe (quoth he) then let me be partaker.
My husband (holy man) sayd she) out of this lyfe departed
a vertuous man (as thou well knows) and not the least estemed
amongst the number of the prophets. But he in debt did dye
& nothinge lefte behynde hym but two litle sonnes & mee
And now his creditour sayth he will take both my sonnes away
from me his boundslaues for to be, vnlesse the debt I pay.
Wc h yf he do all my's gone, & I shall dye for griefe
Wherefore I pray you holy prophet geue me some way reliefe.
The prophet then mou'd wt h her teares vpon her tooke compassion
& askt her what substance she had at home? quoth she iust none,
but one litle botle of oyle. Yet sayd he woman courage take vnto thee
for by gods help I will relieue this thy want & necessity.
Go borrow of thy neighbours vessells so many as thou can gett
& beare them to thy house, & when they are in order sett
(thou & thy sonnes beinge all wt h in) on th'insyde shutt the dore
& oyle till all the vessells be filde out of the botle power.
At wc h wordes she vpon hym lookt, & stood as one amazed
till he agayne did bid her go, & do as he commanded.
& warninge gaue her to be ware lest that her incredulity
hindred the fauour wc h by god almighty was intended
on her for to bestow. And though there at many there did wonder
& thought yt was a thinge impossible, yet she did as he bade her.
& many vessell gott together, & caryed them all home

Naaman
And what at length I pray the was th'euent here of Phronesium?

Phronesium
Euen this: out of that litle oyle both the vessells all were filled
& she the oyle did sell & wt h the money her debts discharged
& by that meanes also her sonnes from bondage were deliuered.

Naaman.
What's this I heare? yt is impossible wc h thou hast here related.
But hear'st thou? tell me nothinge but the truth I pray the hartely
for in my heart I hate a lyer, & so did from myne infancy.

Phronesium
Alas my lord the tyme's to come that euer I deceiu'd you
& trustely I euer haue done all you sett me too
& thinke you now my gratious lord that in so great a matter
as this wc h you concerns so much I am become a lyer?
What pleasure would yt be for me to make you trauell Idlely
so farre beinge so infirme, or cause you spende your money vaynly?
It would but me discredit wt h you, to whom I am beholdinge
more then to all the men, that in the worlde are this day lyuinge,
& still am lyke to bee: for no other mantenance I haue
but that wc h from your loue proceedes: whose loue I still do craue
where of I do confesse, yf I now lye I am vnworthy
where fore my lord as earst you haue, you may now boldly trust mee
And yf my wordes do not proue true, then cast me off for euer
& coumpt me for to be no better then a deepe dissembler.

Naaman
I sayd not this as though I thought phronesium thou dyd lye
but because that the things so strange wc h thou related to mee.
rather syth that I neuer heard that (our prophets I do not say)
but our very gods them selues euer the lyke did till this day.

Phronesium
oh speake not of your gods (my lord), who no such thinge can do
or yf they shoulde, yt's by the diuils meanes in outward show

Naaman.
phronesium thou no changlinge art, I do perceiue right well
in so disdayninge of our gods. But yt's best take my counsell
& speake more reuerently of them, Lest thy mouth by & by
the stopp, & their owne quarrell reuenge to the distruction of thee.

Phronesium
I am not so weake harted (though a woman) as for to feare
your gods wc h are dume diuills, & can neyther see nor heare.
Neyther do I the diuills dreede them selues, wc h are accustomed
by their mouthes for to speake, knowinge their power ys euer limited
by the lord god of heauen, whom we Israelits adore
for only he's the lyuinge god, who as he was creator
of all things in tymes past: So now by hym all things are gouerned:
& his true seruants euer more in their distresse protected.
And of his power I beseech you triall for to make
as you me loue, or rather as you care of your health take.
What in a study (sir?) follow my aduise & confident bee
& yt shall neuer you repent yf you so do, beleeue mee.

Naaman.
Well then (phronesium) say no more: Thy counsell I will take,
my case so desperate ys, that of all things I'l triall make.

Phronesium
Then do you wysely (my good lord). Right glad there of am I

Naaman
Now go thy ways, & tell my wyfe that I'l be wt h her presently.

Phronesium.
I will my lord: And ioyfull newes yt will be to my lady
who doth so much desyre your health, & takes your sicknes heauenly

Naaman.
Though I be not througly persu'de, that this is true shee sayde
& lest I worse returne then I go hence, am sore afrayde
Yet I'l make triall syth I poore wretch in to that state am come
that I must be ruld by an others will, though yt be troublesome.
for he that doth intend to lyue & lead a quiet lyfe
must euer more contentted be to be ruld by his wyfe.
Yet I'l go craue the Kings aduise, before I take my iourney
for there's no trust in women when as the matter ys so weighty.

Sosia
It seemes my lady doth but smale accompt of my worke make
else would shee not haue suffered me this idle paynes to take
in seeking vp & downe the court all this day for her husband
for there he hath not bene for ought that I can vnderstand.
of purpose surely she yt did yf that the truth were knowne
(her humour's such) to weary me wt h trottinge vp & downe
for feare lest I should idle be: So ouer thwart a woman
I neuer saw in all my lyfe. She thinkes belyke a man
a beast ys, borne to toyle & moyle, as Asses vse to do
for litle cares shee what yt ys shee setteth one vnto,
so that her fancy be fulfild, she ys so shrew'd, & angry,
& would the patient'st man alyue this day wt h brawlinge weary.
And litle cares she who yt ys she chides wt h, or for what
whether yt be frend or foe, good cause or bade, al's one so that
her tongue may walke, as still yt doth. for when there ys no other
to baule wt h, she spitts out her venome agaynst ye prince my maister
her owne husband, who ys a man of gentle disposition
& her of anger would not geue the very least occasion
yf he could choose. Wherefore I muse what makes her take dislyke
wt h hym, vnlesse yt be (as I suspect) because he's sicke.
by meanes where of he's weaker growne then he was wont to be
& so perhaps perform's his taske that she lookes for, to sparingly.
Hence come her teares I'l lay my lyfe: this makes her for to blubber
But hist, I here espye my lord Naaman cominge hither.

Naaman.
I goinge am towards the court to craue the kings aduise
concerninge this my iourney, but he will hould me vnwyse
I feare for geuinge credit (though but smale) vnto a thinge
that so in credible seemes, vpon a seely girls relateinge.

Sosia
It seemes his mynde sore troubled ys wt h one thinge or wt h other
he talkes so to hym selfe. I meruell much what is the matter

Naaman.
Who's there? Sosia? where hast thou bene? & whither art thou goinge?

Sosia
At the kings court I was, & there for you (sir) haue bene seekeinge
for to intreate you from my lady to come forth wt h vnto her
who fayne would wt h you speake about a great & weighty matter

Naaman.
I'l come wt h out delay. But the kinge tell me, didst thou see

Sosia
Yes & his grace determin'd was this way for to come presently.

Naaman
That's well. Begone, & tell my wyfe I will forth wt h be wt h her.
The cause she sendes (as I suspect) is about the olde matter
for shee will neuer be content, till out at dores she dryue me
by one meane or an other: for I dare not gayne say her verely
she so out ragious ys. And yet I would not her permitt
to haue her will, but that phronesium hath persuad'd me to yt,
In whom some litle confidence I haue, though altogether
I do not her beleeue. But whom espye I cominge hither?
The kinge yt seemes to be. Yt's he indeede, this fals out well
I'l wt h this matter hym acquaint, & then desyre his counsell.
Dreede Soueraigne lord all happines attend your noble grace

Kinge of Syria.
Naaman thanks. But I am sory to see thee in this case:
& wish yt in my power were any way for to relieue thee
for the good seruice thou hast done both to me & my country.

Naaman.
If any thinge I did that gaue contentment to your honour
I am right glad, & willingly would do my best endeuour
your frendship to continue still: for both my lands & lyfe
should be att your command, yf I could gett cur'd of your griefe

Kinge of Syria
I doubt yt not (good prince) And yf thou canst of any thinge tell
that may be for thy good, thou shalt haue my forterance & counsell

Naaman
Your loue still more & more makes me beholdinge to your honour
where fore I briefely will, relyinge of your princely fauour
relate vnto your grace that wc h a captyue mayde of Israell
(who longe tyme hath me iustly seru'd) did lately to me tell
seemeinge to pitty my distresse, as her teares playnly shewed

Kinge of Syria
Boldly so do. And many tymes the simple & vnlearned
a salue for some sores do fynd out, where of the wysest men
& such as were esteem'd the best phisitions, did neuer dreame.

Naaman
I wish (quoth shee) my maister would voutsafe to make a iourney
vnto a prophet in Samaria, wc h ys my natyue country
there of hys leprosy wt h out all doubt he might be cured
And to add credit to her speech, very strange thinges she related,
most confidently wc h he had done. And cause why she should lye
I do know none, but much hurt would vnto her come there by

Kinge of Syria
It's true, wherefore Naaman go at all adventures thither
& triall make: perhaps thou may agayne thy health recouer.
And then thy paynes were well bestow'd. And to suppose the worst
yf thou do get no help thy paynes & charges were but lost.
And I will write in thy behalfe a letter to the kinge
to be deliuered by thy selfe sealed wt h myne owne ringe.
And syth there's daunger in delay to one that is in misery
I'l go, & yt indite, that thou may forth wt h take thy iourney.
Wherefore Naaman come, & let's no longer stay.

Naaman
Thankes gratious lord, I'l be at your command both night & day.

Strato.
What tayle ys this (my lord Leonidas) that Bromea to vs told?
a thinge where of I neuer dreamde, that prince Naaman could
haue bene persuaded by a foolish gyrle to make a iourney
in to Samaria so farre hence, beinge so weake of body,
for he will neuer able bee to go thither on my credit

Leonidas.
Lord Strato yt's most true: Phronesium hath persuad'd hym to yt
& he ought not to be condem'd, yf he there to consent
rather then lyue both night & day (as he doth) in such torment
for any one would in his case of euery thinge make triall
in hope at length some hope to fynde, although yt were but small.
rather then desperately dispayre, where in more torture ys
then in the malady yt selfe, as many haue found ere this.
& wisht they had done other wyse, when that yt was to late.
But you perhaps th'aduise esteeme that's sould at highest rate.
yet scorne not theyrs that's easy prizd, or freely ys bestowed
as her's, wc h thankfully ys geuen for benefits receiued

Strato.
It seemes the prince then in your iudgment's wyse for takinge counsell
of such a seely wench, who hardly will a true tayle tell.

Leonidas
She's not so seely as you thinke (my lord) for where as shee
a boundslaue was, for her good seruice now they haue made her free
And nothing's at home or abroad but she performes yt well
& faythfully: why should they not then here in take her counsell?
especially when there's great cause where fore she should not lye
syth both her mantenance & credit there on dependinge bee.

Strato.
You are deceiued much (my lord) yf so persuad'd you bee
because phronesium altogether doth take part wt h her lady
who of his company would fayne be rydd, & thinkes (alas)
this for to be the readyest way to bringe the same to passe.
wherefore except the prince their counsell do reiect, & stay
at home, & looke well to hym selfe, he'l be vndone for ay.

Leonidas
You are deceiud, my lord. But tell me why you do thinke so.

Strato.
vnto me then geue eare. In the late warres (as you well know)
wc h wt h the Israelits we had, the prince hym selfe behaued
so manfully, that no few of his enemyes he killed
& many captyue lead away, & made the rest to flye,
& some do say Achab their kinge vpon his sword did dye.
And as his valour was an honour amongst vs, euen so
yt was a terrour to his foes, & hatefull as you know.
for naturally we wish their deathes of whom we stand in feare
of our owne lyues, or by whom our dear'st frendes destroyed were.
All wc h ys well knowne to his wyfe, wc h made her to suborne
her mayde to moue hym for to go, in hope sound to returne,
but vnderhand intendinge for to haue her husband slayne
there by his foes: & then she might be free to mary agayne
some one that she doth better lyke. wherefore whyle yet you may
preuent this mischiefe by intreatinge hym at home to stay
wc h he will do at your request, he so entyrely loues you

Leonidas
I no sufficient cause do see to moue hym there vnto
otherwyse I would (you may be sure) do my best hym to stay
at home. But there ys litle cause of feare in that you say
for although his good fortune was by his foes then much envyed
yet now they are become his frendes, & all iarres are appeased.
Neyther hath his wyfe nor his mayde I thinke any such intention:
but wish his health, & of meere loue to hym haue made this motion
Wherefore you do them wronge for to condemne them wt h out cause

Strato.
Well patronize them as you list, the ende will all disclose
but yet here after do not say that you were not fore warned
yf yt should yll fall out. But to admitt I be deceiued
in thinkinge thus: are you persuad'd I pray you tell me seriously
that he may cured bee yf he will vndertake this iourney.
And do you thinke that all ys true related by Phronesium?

Leonidas
What els (my lord) syth shee yt saw ere that thence she did come

Strato.
Well be yt so: Tyme truth will tell, & bringe all thinges to light
But sure he should not go, yf hinder hym any way I might.
for I feare yt's not for his good, as forward else would I bee
hym forward for to sett, as you, Phronesium, or his laydy.

Leonidas
All perills yt's good to cast. But yet you should as well consider
what good will come there of, yf he his health agayne recouer.
for first the kinge a worthy generall of his warres shall haue,
his lady a kynde husband, & we all a captayne braue.
But who be these that here be cominge?

Strato.
Yts Bromia our kytchyn mayd
& dorio the skull a very loyteringe lither ladd,
as euer did on two feete go. It's mervell but thei'l iangle
before they part. Let's stand asyde awhile & here them wrangle

Bromia
Whither snekes thou now out of the dores so closly arrand knaue?

Dorio
What's that to the piskytchyn? Nothinge to do wt h in I haue
meddle wt h thyne owne burnt shynnes & dublet tayle fisgig thou art
for when I list I'l go abroad in the spyte of thy heart

Bromia
What sayst thou rogue? this fardell cary into the parler presently.
& forth wt h come agayne, for I haue other busines for thee.

Dorio
My leges scarce able are to beare my body: then wt h this fardell
how thinkes thou I can also loaded go? Sure yt's not possible.

Bromia
The felow's drunke I'l lay my lyfe, he reeles so to & fro:
This is a fitt man to committ a busines vnto

Dorio
Minion gett thee in & dresse the kytchyn: Thou hearest what I say.
be gone & as thou feares my frowne, loyter not by the way.

Bromia
Art thou a commander become rascall? wilt thou appoynt mee
what I must do cupshoten felow? my hands I can hold hardly
but lugg thee by thy asses eares, & scratch thee by the face

Dorio
Vnlesse thou hold thy prateinge scould, & beware what thou sayes
I'l gag the by this light, & then perhaps thou'l hold thy prateinge

Bromia
While thou so lowde barkes dogged felow I do no whit feare bytinge

Strato
What a virago's this (my lord? I shall laugh yf shee pomell
& beate hym well & thriftely about pate wt h her pantafle.

Bromia
Lobcocke about thy busines go. or else I'l sett thee packinge.

Dorio
I'l curtall that foule tongue of thyne vnlesse thou hold thy gagling.

Bromia
To be controw'lld by such a coward I vtterly dispyse
lay but one finger on me rogue, & I'l scratch out thy eyes.

Dorio
I well perceiue a womans weapon her tongue is & her nayls
she threatens so to scratch, & bitterly vpon me rayles.
And agaynst them there ys no fence till out the one be cutt
& th'other payred to the quicke. come hither arrand slutt
& I'l thy courage tame yf I can once gett out my knife

Bromia
Rascall what wilt thou do?

Dorio.
Nothinge but take away thy lyfe.

Bromia
Nay then I see thou desperate art: I'l no more medle wt h thee
but blesse me from such wicked rogues, as thou art who would kill me
But yet confesse thou art a coward, & offerest me greate wronge
in cominge wt h thy knyfe to fight agaynst my nayles & tongue.
because the weapons are vnlyke. I see to cheape ys wyne
that thou could gett so much to make the as drunke as a swyne.
But saucy Iacke yf thou this fault vnpunish't scape, then say:

Dorio
I pray thee what? that thou a coward art & hast bene ay?

Bromia
Nay that.

Dorio.
Softe, lett not all out of thy mouth to day be brayed
but some thinge keepe vntill to morrow, lest thou be thought tongue tyed

Bromia
What dost thou mocke me rogue? If I do lyue I'l tell my maister
what a strange felow thou art, & no thinge doest ech day but loyter.

Dorio
But yet he may choose whether he will beleeue thy wordes or myne:
So longe I do not care one iott, my credit's as good as thyne.
Where fore do thou the wurst thou can. An so Bromia farewell

Bromia
Whyther snekes thou now away? into some corner to be idle.

Dorio
I do go hither & thither, but see thou do tell no body whither

Bromia
I am not lyke vnlesse I knew: but some where thou wilt loyter.
Well take thy pleasure now, but when thou hast slept out thy surfett
as I an honest woman am thou shalt be soundly beate.

Dorio
Then am I saffe enough, for thou no honesty hast at all
where fore I'l go & take a napp, happ after what hap shall

Leonidas
Now let's vnto her speake my lord, syth all the sport ys ended.

Bromia
Are you two there my lords, then of my selfe I am a-shamed.
for brawlinge wt h this leysy lout, who ys as lither as longe
& I was forc't to beare wt h hym, though he did me great wronge.
But I am glad you are both here, for my lord doth intend
to take a iourney to Samaria, & doth me for you sende
to go wt h hym, & that forth wt h, for so he ys determined

Strato.
I heartely do wish the prince would better be aduised
for the iourney's to longue for hym haueinge so weake a body

Leonidas
I hope not so: but hence let's go, lest he do for vs tary

Bromia.
Is't true phronesium that the prince ys gone towards Samaria?

Phronesium
As true as I am here, for I saw hym set forward Bromia.
[OMITTED]

Bromia
Thinkes thou I will any thinge beleeue that thou to me dost say?
No verely, no wherefore packe hence. Away, I say, away.
I shall fynde tyme & place enough to be revenged on thee

Dorio
Well then I see that in a woman there ys no sparke of mercy
but syth intreaty will not serue, nor my suite graunted bee
hanginge or grindinge in the mylne I feare will be my destiny
& grinding's worse then hanginge farre, for one turne off the ladder
will ende ones paynes, but grindinge ys payne that continues longer.
where fore yf I can steale from her I will my selfe go drowne
hange, or from the topp of some Tower throw my selfe head longe downe.
& breake my necke, for any of these three I thinke a man
had better do, then lyue still in subiection to a woman.

Bromia.
What dog pater noster's that wc h to thy selfe thou there art mumblinge?

Dorio
None Bromia: I do come but lyke a dogg that goes to hanginge.

Naaman.
I fynd Leonidas by experience that nothinge ys so easy
but yt will seeme hard vnto hym, that doth the same vnwillingly
for this voyage of yt selfe ys neyther paynfull nor vnpleasant
& yet I weary am, & do begyn for feare to faynt.
lest both my labour & my cost in vayne bestowed bee

Leonidas
Take courage to you (worthy prince) all things will fall out luckely
for my mynde geues me that your paynes & charges shall be recompensed
wt h the recouery of your health: where fore be not discouraged
but chearefully go on.

Naam[an].
Art thou persuaded so Leonidas

Leonidas
I make no doubt there of: for the gods will I hope concurre
wt h your endeuour, but see you do all things to your honour.

Naaman
Or else yt shall of ignorance be. where fore I craue your counsell

Leonidas
By my aduise then see (my lord that you reward hym well
that pleasures you, & neyther cost nor charges see you spare
for mens affections by that meane the soonest gotten are.
& then they will the readyer be to do for you agayne
when for one good turne they expect an other to obtayne

Naaman.
for that cause I haue wt h me brought as I before you told
Ten talents of white syluer, & sixe thousand crownes in gold
wt h change of rayments of great worth, for I care for no charges
So that I may my health recouer by liberall expenses
for that cost ys not cast away, the wc h ys so be-stowed

Leonidas
Your honour sayth right well: & for yt you'l be much esteemed.
But now we are come almost to the citty: where fore yt's fittinge
that some body be before you sent for to take vp your lodgeinge
& a chamber ready made agaynst your cominge thither
& stables for your horses also that are folowinge after.

Naaman
That's not amisse my lord. but where thinke you that we shall gett
an honest man to be our guide vnto the holy prophett?

Strato.
Your honour shall neede none yf to the kings court first you go
& your letter to hym deliuer, as the kinge bade you do:
for doubtlesse he will you instruct what's your best course to take
at the sight of hys graces letter, yf not for charity sake.

Naaman
Lord Strato your aduise I'l folow, & go to morrow mourninge
to the kings palace wt h Leonidas, & leaue you at my lodginge.
till my returne. come let's away: Leonidas you alone
shall wayte on me, the rest shall go before to make prouision

Strato
How now Syrus are all thy horses drest, & packes vp layd
saffly both vnder locke & key, as thou commandment had?
that thou so early gaddinge art abroad this morninge, tell me?

Syrus
They are my gratious lord, & that my weary bones can testify
wc h almost broken are wt h bearinge them, theyr waight was such

Strato
Did not the horses beare the packes, that thou complaynes so much?

Syrus
Yes by the way my lord: but I them loaded & vnloaded.
But now I hope I shall fynde ease: & vnlesse that be graunted
no longe tyme I shall trouble you.

Strato.
Why wilt thou runne away?

Syrus
Oh no my lord: that neuer was my meaninge, truth to say.

Strato
Be lyke then now thou lyest, yf thou neuer meant the truth to vtter

Syrus.
mistake you me agayne? I'l make you vnderstand me better.
yf your lordship will geue me leaue: I streight way shall be dead
if I drudge thus, & then you shall no more wt h me be troubled.

Storax
And I am in litle better case my leggs so weary are
wt h dablinge through the myre & dirte after the packes so farre,
& for want of my mournings draught my stomacke ys almost gone

Strato
Comfort your selues rogues for your bellyes shall filled be anone
wt h wyne & dilicate cates, yf that the prince his health recouer

Storax
Hey day my heart all ready ys, a pound at the least lighter.

Syrus
And myne: for to be playne my mynd was longe synce in the potage pott
But what will of vs two become (syr) yf that he recouer not?

Strato
Then must you forced be to fast, & pyne away wt h griefe

Syrus
Nay whether he lyue or dye (my lord) we must needes haue reliefe,
& quickly to, or else we dye, for faynt we do all ready

Strato.
Alas pore rogues! comfort your selues, for I was but in iest
go stuffe your skynnes wt h beare and wynne, & that euen of the best,
this mourninge to styrre vp your spirits

Stor[ax]., Syr[us].
Our hearts then you haue wonne
for euer more, come let's be gone as fast as we can runne.

Kinge of Israell.
Most worthy prince Naaman I am glad you here to see
though very sory that you are so infirme of your body
How doth the worthy kinge of Syria, my frende, your lord & maister

Naaman.
He's well my liege, & to your grace hym kyndly doth remember:
And hath this letter by me sent vnto your royall maiesty
hopeinge that the contents there of your grace will not deny.

Kinge of Israell.
Know Kinge of Israell that Naaman this my seruant I
haue to you sent to th'ende he might be cured of his leprosy.
What's this? Thinkes he that I am god that can kill & geue lyfe
that he hath sent this man that I might cure hym of his griefe?
That he occasions seekes against me now yt doth appeare
The very sight here of makes me my garments off to teare.
who able ys such speeches to endure? Sure I thinke none
wherefore lest into greater passion I fall, I will be gone.

Naaman.
for euer more I am vndone. Alas what shall I do?
to whom shall I for succour flee? woe's me whither shall I go?
The matter's come now to thys passe that yf all men should lay
their heades to gether me for to help, they can not tell wc h way.
O heauen! o earth! o cruell fate! I am so much disquieted
that I can not tell where to rest? the king's so discontented.
Alas into what misery am I fallen pore wretche man
& how to free my selfe there of, no way diuise I can.
yf I here stay, I am in feare my lyfe they will take from mee.
yf I returne, I must wt h shame for euer lyue in misery.
And there ys none to whom I may this my great griefe impart
not to Artemona my wyfe, lest she me ouerthwart.
Nor to phronesium my mayd, who by her crafte & subtilty
the only woman was that me persuaded to this iourney.
And my frendes will laugh at me, yf they once there of should heare
because I to a seely wench so easely gaue eare
I do confesse to late alas, that I was yll aduised
when I tooke counsell of them two, & was but shollow witted
Or else I had fore seene their guyle, & yt preuented to.
O flatteringe wyfe! o vnkynd mayd! what made you thus to do?
Wyfe yf I had not loued thee, thou might me thus haue serued
& so might thou phronesium yf that I had not the trusted.
But why do I complayne of you? I rather should be angry
wt h myne owne selfe who you beleeu'd. But I pay for my foly.
How many occasions gaue you me you for to haue suspected
yf that I had not senslesse beene, or else by you enchaunted.
The gods offended are wt h me, I verely beleeue
for that I sett them not at light but did them credit geue
O Iupiter am I the subiect of thy fury made
O fortune could thou frowne on none but me? now I persuade.
my selfe that they this plott did lay to gett ridd of my company
& yet I had not so good happ as to preuent their knauery.
I thought the kinge of Israel would haue taken my lords letter
in better part, & not haue bene mou'd there wt h vnto anger.
What will my liege say when he heares there of? I feare yt will
sett them to gether by the eares, & make them much blood spill
on eyther part, for doubtfull ys th'euent of warres, for hee
ofte goes home by the weepinge crosse that goe away wt h victory.
But much I musen where Leonidas ys, whom I appoynted
my cominge here for to expect. I feare he ys informed
of th'vnkynd welcome that I had, & then gott hym away

Leonidas
My lord the prince appoynted me here for hym for to stay
but he hath me preuented as yt seemes. Alas what ayleth
hym for to wringe his hands so pittifully? some thinge hym troubleth.

Naaman.
Leonidas are you there? I was afray'd you had bene gone
heareinge of my distressed case, & lefte me here alone.

Leonidas
Be that farre from me (worthy prince.) But what hath you dismayde?
tell me my lord. Why speake you not? wherefore are you afrayd?

Naaman
I am (Leonidas) quite vndone: & there's no hope of remedy

Leonidas
Why what misfortunes you be fallen? Briefly my good lord tell me.

Naaman
My lyfe in damige ys Leonidas.

Leon[idas].
Your lyfe? the gods forbid
what ys the matter my lord? Nothinge I pray you from me hyde

Naaman.
My cure's not only come to nought, but thinke yt well I may
yf I, infected as I am, escape wt h lyfe away.

Leonidas
These circumstances lay asyde (my lord) for they much fright me.

Naaman
Well then I will. To the kings court I went from you directly
& at my cominge thither hee most frendly me saluted:
but when the letter he had read, wc h I to hym deliuered,
he by & by fell in a rage, & his garments did teare
& lookeinge on me frowningly, sayd, to my griefe & feare:
Thinkes your kinge I am god that hath power for to kill & saue
alyue? or doth he send this man vnto me for to haue
hym cured of his leprosy, as though I were omnipotent?
O impious act! I pray you marke yf he haue not intent
to pyke a quarell agaynst me that he might invade my country?

Leonidas
Out & alas! what's this I heare? yt falls out toto strangely

Naaman
Thinke you leonidas that I was able to speake a word?
No, no, my heart did was as could as any stone my lord.

Leonidas
It was no meruell worthy prince: to heare yt I am frighted

Naaman
At length beinge full of sorrow, my selfe away I thence conueyed

Leonidas
O misery! It's a true sayinge: that trouble sooner happeneth
& griefe of mynde vnto a man, then that wc h he desyreth.

Naaman.
Alas pore wretch I am, of how great hope am I now frustrate?
& yet I do know no cause why, vnlesse yt be for that
I am borne miseries to endure. But where fore stay we here
so longe with daunger of our lyues? for that I hourely feare.
And all my expectation's gone of gettinge health agayne.
Now that my wyfe & mayde haue cosned me yt ys most playne,
& that through their most subtill witts, & longe practised policy
for they are full of shiftes & prone vnto all kynde of knauery.

Leonidas
Oh wo ys me! I dye pore wretch. I know not what aduise
to geue hym, syth all thinges so crosly happ, & farre other wyse
then I did thinke they would haue done, or any man haue imagined.

Naaman.
Come let's away wt h out delay. But whom here spye I cominge
from the kings court? Let's runne away, & saue our lyues by fleeinge.

Leonidas
Oh no my lord, I pray you stay. what can one single man
& he vnarm'd be able for to do agaynst vs twayne?
you were not wont to be afrayd in the midle of your foes.
What then dawnt's you so now, when as the odds on our syde goes?

Naaman.
It's true you say, yet yt's our best to get vs hence away
lest we to late repent. At your request yet I will stay.

Melchias
I neuer saw in all my lyfe the kinge so much distempered
as at this tyme: But yt was well the prince so soone departed
& place vnto his anger gaue wt h silence very wysely
lest he had into greatter passions growne & bene more angry.

Naaman
Lo the man of his anger speakes. I am vndone for ay
vnlesse the gods do bringe me helpe, for wc h I humbly pray.

Melchias
But now a messenger from Eliseus sent hath hym appeased
& I am sent to comfort hym, who yt seemes ys sore frighted

Leonidas.
O happy newes! do you not heare what the man sayth my lord

Naaman
Yes well: & I some what reuyued am at that very word.
though all my feare ys not expelled quite yet from my heart
Kings speeches were to me so bitter, sharpe, & ouerthwart.

Leonidas
Take courage (syr) & to hym speake: I hope all well will bee

Naaman.
I will. wellcome my frende. what newes at court, I pray the tell me

Melchias
Whom haue we here? It euen ys the prince for whom I sought
See how the pore man trembles yet, he was in such feare brought.

Naaman.
Is't me you woulde speake wt h.

Melch[ias].
yes wt h your selfe renowned captayne

Naaman
What's be come of my goods? I pray the tell me yf thou can.

Melchias
Be of good cheare for all are saffe: and the kinge now ys pacifyed

Naaman.
I hardly can thinke so my frend, so throughly he was angred
but yf his fury were asswag'd some what, I should be glad

Melchias
All daunger's past vpon my credit, wherefore be not afrayd

Naaman
O happy newes (yf yt be true) but how may I beleeue yt

Melchias
after the kinge departed was & gone out of your sight
his fury did continue still. But at the length there came
to hym forth wt h the prophets man, & did appease the same.

Naaman.
I pray you tell me how that I may geue credit there vnto

Melchias
Surely my lord I must confesse, yt was wt h much ado,
yet he effected yt at length, & thus. O kinge (quoth hee)
my maister Eliseus wt h remembrance of his duty
lets your grace vnderstand by me, that no iust cause of anger
your maiesty had to haue bene offended wt h the straunger
that was from Syria come: or your garments for to haue rent
but rather should the pore distressed man haue to hym sent
that by experience he might fynde that prophets are in Israel
that able are to cure his griefe, as your grace knows right well

Leonidas
What ioyfull newes ys this I heare?

Naam[an].
I longe vntill I do
heare (good yonge man) what answeare then the kinge made there vnto.

Melchias
At first he sylent was, & one word spake not good or badd
but afterward when that his choler & passion were alayd
he turninge towards me did say: Melchias go thy way
& call the prince of Syria back agayne wt h out delay
& tell hym what the prophet sayd: Thus spake his grace my lord
wc h so soone as I heard, I runninge came to bringe you word.

Naaman.
O Iupiter continue still these fauours I beseech thee
towardes me as thou hast begune, & then I shall be happy.
But tell me is this true thou sayst, or am I in a dreame.

Melchias
Do you yet doubt there of (my lord)? To lye I do not meane
All though I but a pore man be, I care haue of my credit
& will no vntruth tell, though I might gayne a kingdome by yt.

Naaman.
I you commende, & credit geue vnto your wordes yonge man.
This smale remembrance take to recompence some part of thy payne
& kyndnes to me shew'd: & better you shall be rewarded
here after if I lyue, & be agayne to health restored

Melchias
Nothinge (sir) I will take, vnlesse that my paynes had bene greatter

Naamon.
If you loue me deny yt not, for you deserue a better

Melchias
well then I'l take't wt h thankes, & euer be at your command
but let's be gone lest your owne good wt h lingringe you wt h stand.
& I'l conduct you to the prophets house, that's not farre hence

Naaman
Thankes my good frend I'l go, & this thy kyndnes also recompence.
I well perceiue to my great ioy, the kings countenance towards me
ys chang'd, for he before did frowne but now he looketh on me chearefully
& frendly bade me go vnto the house of Eliseus
wc h is this same that standeth here, for so Melchias told vs.
And opportunely I espy his man now cominge hither
I'l hym salute. My frende well mett: I pray you where's your maister?

Giezi
He ys wt h in (most worthy prince) & heareinge of your cominge
he me commanded wt h this message to come vnto you, sayinge:
Go wash your body seuen tymes in Iordan, & restore
you yt shall to as perfect health as euer you had before.
And so in hast (syth that occasions draw me hence) I'l leaue you

Naaman
Immortall gods: how sodaynly are my ioys turn'd to sorrow?
Alas I thought the prophet would hym selfe haue come vnto me
& invocateinge his lord god, wt h his hand touch't my body
& so haue cured my disease. But yt seemes that he will
not voutsaffe to come out at dores, but sent one of smale skill
(as you sawe) for to bid me go, & wash my selfe in Iordan
seuen tymes & I shall be restored vnto my health agayne.
T' is a ridicolous thinge, & vnlyke for to come to passe.
perhaps he thinketh that wt h some madd dogg I bitten was
& not wt h Leprosy infec't, & there fore he did bid me
to washe me in the ryuer Iordan, & so cur'd I should bee.
Are not Pharphar & Abana Riuers of Damascus better
then all the waters that in Israell bee? And there fore hither
I neede not to haue come, yf washinge had for my disease
a remedy beene. But this Iordan (yf yt for sooth do please
the gods) shall make me whole, & none but this. It's a meere fable
for my disease so deepe ys in my flesh, that yt's not possible
yt should be washed thus away: where fore (my lord Leonidas)
let's forth wt h hence depart, for to my griefe I see (alas)
that whither so euer I do go I hated am or mocked

Leonidas.
Oh no (my lord) I wish that you would better be aduised.
for yf to do a greater thinge the prophet had you bidden
yt were your part (my lord) the same for to haue vnder taken.
for yt a wyse man doth become all maner of things to try
both greate & smale rather then lyue always in payne & misery

Naaman.
Why do you thinke Leonidas that I may only by washinge
be cur'd? Surely in my conceipt yt's an vnlykely thinge.

Leonidas
Dyspayre not worthy prince, for weaker salues haue often cured
more desperate sores then this of yours beinge fitly applyed
sooner then sharper medicynes could haue done: & there fore folow
the prophets counsell, & I hope much good yt will be for you.

Naaman.
Leonidas thinkes thou so? And Storax what ys thy opinion?

Storax
It ys no greate paynes lost my lord yf you try this conclusion
& seuen tymes in Iordan wash your body as he you bade.
the cost ys none: the labour litle, & the triall's quickly made.
When out of Syria you did come you fully were resolued
to do all thinges that by the prophet should be you enioyned
what paynes or cost so euer yt requird, were yt lesse or more.
And will you backe returne agayne (my gratious lord) before
you triall make of his wordes after your iourney that so costly
& paynefull was? & that wc h he enioyns you ys so easy?
What will your mayd Phronesium say? How'l your wyfe you vpbrayd
when they perceiue that vaynly you haue this longe iourney made,
to your great cost & home returne as infirme as you went?
& heare that you might haue bene cur'd, yf you had bene content
your selfe t'haue washed seuen tymes in the riuer of fleame Iordan
& you would not so do? Then will you wishe you there agayne
to late (alas) wt h shame & griefe. Where fore be ruled now
by reason while you yet are here: & the prophets counsell folow.
wc h eyther will be for your good, or else will you excuse.
To make this short experiment then (my lord) do not refuse,
while opportunity fitly serues, because you know not whether
the same will offered be to you agayne euer or neuer.

Naaman
You wish me both then for to go & washe me in that floode

Leonidas., Storax.
We do in deede, & doubt not but yt will be for your good.