 | The Forc'd Marriage, or The Jealous Bridegroom |  |
ACT III.
SCENE I.
Enter Alcippus and Pisaro.Pis.
'Tis much, my Lord, you'll not be satisfyed.
Alcip.
Friendship's too near a kin to love Pisaro,
To leave me any peace, whilst in your eyes
I read Reserves, which 'tis not kind to hide;
—Come prithee tell me what the quarrel was,
And who 'twas with, thou shalt my dear Pisaro.
Pis.
Nay, now you urge me to impossibilities,
Good faith, I cannot tell, but guess the Prince.
Alcip.
'Tis true, Pisaro, 'twas indeed the Prince.
But what was th' occasion?
Pis.
He call'd me Spy, and I return'd th' affront,
But took no notice that he was my Prince;
It was a folly I repented of;
But 'twas in a damn'd melancholy Mood.
Alcip.
Was it a going in or coming out.
Pis.
From whence?
Alcip.
Erminia's Chamber, prithee let me know,
For I have fears that take away my sleep,
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Pis.
You do not well to fear without a cause.
Alcip.
Oh friend, I saw what thou canst ne're conceive;
Last night I saw it when I came from thee:
And if thou go'st about t'impose upon me,
I'le cast thee from my soul; Come out with it,
I see thy brest heave with a generous ardour,
As if it scorn'd to harbor a reserve,
Which stood not with its Amity to me.
Could I but know my fate, I could despise it:
But when 'tis clad in Robes of innocence,
The devil cannot 'scape it:
Something was done last night that gnaws my heart-strings;
And many things the Princess too let fall,
Which, Gods! I know not how to put together,
And prithee be not thou a Ridler too:
But if thou know'st of ought that may concern me,
Make me as wise as thou art.
Pis.
Sir. you are of so strange a jealous Humour,
And so strangely jealous of your Honour,
That 'twixt us both we may make work enough,
But on my soul I know no wrong you have.
Alcip.
I must beleeve thee, yet methinks thy face
Has put on an unwonted gravity.
Pis.
That, Alcippus, you'll not wonder at,
When you shall know you are my Rival.
Alcip.
Nay, why shouldst thou delay me thus with stories?
This shall not put me off.
Pis.
Sir, I'm in earnest, you have gain'd that heart,
For which I've receiv'd so many wounds,
Venturing for Trophies where none durst appear,
To gain at my Return one single smile:
Or that she would submit to hear my story:
And when sh' has said, 'twas bravely done, Pisaro,
I thought the glory recompenc'd the toile,
And sacrific'd my Lawrels at her feet.
Like those who pay their first-fruits to the Gods,
To beg a blessing on the following crop.
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Nor knew I that I had that easie flame,
Till by her eyes I found that she was mortal,
And could love too, and that my friend is you.
Alcip.
Thou hast amaz'd me, prethee speak more clearly.
Pis.
My Lord, the Princess has a passion for you,
Have I not reason now to be your enemy?
Alcip.
Not till I make returns:
But now I'm past redemption miserable.
'Twas she Erminia told me dy'd for me;
And I believ'd it but a slight of hers,
To put me from my Courtship.
Pis.
No 'twas a fatall truth,
Alcippus hadst thou seen her, whilst the Priest
Was giving thee to fair Erminia
What languishment appear'd upon her eyes?
(Which never were remov'd from thy lov'd face,)
Through which her melting soul in drops distill'd,
As if she meant to wash away thy sin,
In giving up that right belong'd to her,
Thou hadst without my aid found out this truth,
A sweet composure dwelt upon her looks
Like Infants who are smiling whilst they dye,
Nor knew she that she wept, so unconcern'd
And freely did her soul a passage find,
Whilst I transported had almost forgot
The Reverence due t'her sacred self and place,
And every moment ready was to kneel
And with my lips gather the pretious drops
And rob'd the Holy Temple of a Relique,
Fit only there t'inhabit.
Alcip.
I never thought thou'dst had this softness in thee,
How cam'st thou friend to hide all this from me?
Pis.
My Lord, I knew not that I was a lover;
I felt no flame, but a Religious ardour,
That did inspire my soul with adoration,
And so remote I was from ought but such
I knew not hope, nor what it was to wish
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Like Heaven I thought she was to be possess't
Where carnall thoughts can no admittance find,
And had I not perceav'd her love to you,
I had not known the nature of my flame,
But then I found it out by jealousie,
And what I took for a Seraphick motion
I now decline as criminal and earthly.
Alcip.
When she can love to a discovery,
Declares her passion eminent and high
—But I am married—to a maid that hates me;
What help for that Pisaro?
And thou hast something too to say of her,
What was't; for now thou hast undone me quite.
Pis.
I have nought to say to her dishonour, Sir,
But something may be done may give you cause
To stand upon your Guard;
And if your Rage do not the Mastery get,
I cannot doubt but you'll be happy yet.
Alcip.
Without Erminia that can hardly be,
And yet I find a certain shame within
That will not suffer me to see the Princess,
I have a kind of war within my soul,
My Love against my Glory and my Honour,
And I could wish,—Alass I know not what,
Prethee instruct me.
Pis.
Sir take a resolution to be calm
And not like men in love abandon reason:
—You may observe the actions of these lovers,
But be not passionate what ere you find.
That head-strong Divel will undo us all.
If you'le be happy quit its company.
Alcip.
I fain would take thy counsell—
[pawses.
Pis.
—Come clear up my Lord, and do not hang the head
Like Flowers in storms; the Sun will shine again.
Set Gallateas charms before your eyes,
Think of the glory to divide a Kingdom.
And do not waste your Noble youth and time,
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This day you must to th' Camp, and in your absence
I take upon me what I scorn'd last night,
The office of a Spy—
Believe me, Sir; for by the Gods I swear,
I never wisht the glory of a Conquest
With half that zele as to compose these differences.
Alcip.
I do believe thee, and will tell thee something
That past between the Prince and I last night,
And then thou wilt conclude me truly miserable.
[Exeunt.
SCEN. II.
Enter Falatius, Labree, as passing by meet Cleontius.Cle.
Your Servant, my Lord.
—so coldly, stay—your reason, Sir.
[Fal. puts off his hat a little, and passes on.
Fal.
How mean you, Sir?
Cle.
Do you not know me?
Fal.
Yes I have seen you, and think you are Cleontius,
A Servant of the Princes; wert i'th' Campania too,
If I mistake not.
Cle.
Can you recall me by no better instances?
Fal.
What need of any, pray?
Cle.
I am a Gentleman.
Fal.
Ha Labree, what means he now?
By Jove I do not question it, Cleontius:
What need this odd Punctilio?
I call thee to no account.
Cle.
That's more then I can say to you, Sir.
Fal.
I'le excuse you for that.
Cle.
You shall not need, Sir: stay, I have a Sister.
Fal.
Oh the Devil, now he begins.
Cle.
A handsom Sister too, or you deceiv'd her.
Labree.
Bear up, Sir, be not huft.
[aside.
Fal.
It may be so, but is she kind, Cleontius?
[Fal. bears up.
Cle.
What mean you by that word?
Lab.
Again Sir, here's too to one.
[aside.
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Will she do reason, or so, you understand me.
Cle.
I understand that thou'rt an impudent fellow,
Whom I must cudgell into better manners.
Fa.
Pox on't who bears up now Labree?
Cle.
Beat till thou dost confess thou art an ass.
And on thy knees confess it to Isillia,
Who after that shall scorn thee.
Lab.
Rally with him Sir, 'tis your only way, and put it
Off with a jest, for he's in fury, but dares not
Strike i'th' Court.
Fa.
But must you needs do this, needs fight Cleontius?
Cle.
Yes, by all means, I find my self inclin'd to't.
Fa.
You shall have your desire, Sir, farewell.
Cle.
When, and where?
Fa.
Faith very suddenly, for I think it will not be
Hard to find men of your trade
Men that will fight as long as you can do,
And men that love it much better then I,
Men that are poor, and damn'd, fine desperate Rogues,
Rascalls that for a Pattacoone a man
Will fight their Fathers,
And kiss their Mothers into peace again.
Such Sir, I think will fit you?
Cle.
Abusive Coward hast thou no sence of honour.
Fal.
Sence of honour, ha, ha, ha, poor Cleontius.
Enters Aminta and Olinda.
Am.
How now servant, why so joviall?
Fa.
I was laughing Madam—at—
Cle.
At what thou thing of nothing—
Am.
Cozen Cleontius you are angry.
Cle.
Madam, it is unjustly then, for fools
Should rather move the spleen to mirth then anger.
Am.
You've too much wit to take ought ill from him,
Lets know your quarrel.
Fa.
By Jove Labree I am undone again.
Cle.
Madam, it was about—
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Hold dear Cleontius, hold, and I'le do any thing.
[aside.
Cle.
Just nothing—
Fa.
He was a little too familiar with me—
Cle.
Madam, my Sister Isillia.—
Fa.
A curse he will out with it—
[aside, pulls him by the arm.
Cle.
Confess she is your Mistress.
[aside.
Fa.
I call my mistress Madam.
Am.
My Cozen Isillia your Mistress,
Upon my word you are a happy man.
Fa.
By Jove if she be your Cozen, Madam,
I love her much the better for't.
Am.
I am beholding to you,
But then it seems I've lost a lover of you
Cle.
Confess she has or I'le so handle you.
[Exit Labree.
Fa.
That's too much Cleontius—but I will,
By Iove; Madam, I must not have a Mistress that
Has more wit then my self, they ever require
More then a mans able to give them.
Oli.
Is this your way of Courtship to Isillia?
[Exit Cle.
Fa.
By Iove, Ladies, you get no more of that from me,
'Tis that has spoyled you all; I find Alcander can
Do more with a dumb show, then I with all my
Applications and address.
Oli.
Why, my Brother can speak.
Fa.
Yes, if any body durst hear him, by Iove if you
Be not kind to him, he'le Hector you all; I'le get
The way on't too, 'tis the most prosperous one; I see no
Other reason you have to love Alcander
Better then I.
Am.
Why should you think I do?
Fa.
Divel I see't well enough by your continual
Quarrells with him.
Am.
Is that so certain a proof?
Fa.
Ever whilst you live, you treat me too
Well ever to hope.
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—What new Masquerade's this? by Iove, Alcander
Has more tricks then a dancing Bear.
Am.
What mean you by this present?
Alc.
Kill me.
Am.
What have you done to merit it?
Alcan.
Do not ask, but do't.
Am.
I'le have a reason first.
Alcan.
I think I've kill'd Pisaro.
Am.
My Brother dead!
[She falls into the arms of Olinda.
Fa.
Madam look up, 'tis I that call.
Am.
I care not who thou beest, but if a man
Revenge me on Alcander.
[She goes out with Olin.
Fa.
By Iove she has mistook her man.
This 'tis to be a lover now,
A man's never out of one broyle or other.
But I have more wit then Aminta this bout.
[offers to go.
Alcan.
Come back and do your duty ere you go.
[pulls him.
Fa.
I owe you much Alcander.
Alcan.
Aminta said you should revenge her on me—
Fa.
Her word's not law I hope.
Alcan.
And I'le obey—
Fa.
That may do much indeed.
[Fal. answers with great signs of fear.
Alcan.
This if thou wert a man she bad thee do
Why dost thou shake?
Fa.
No, no, Sir, I am not the man she meant.
Alcan.
No matter thou wilt serve as well,
A Lover! and canst disobey this Mistress?
Fa.
I do disown her since she is so wicked
To bid me kill my friend,
Why thou'rt my friend Alcander.
Alcan.
I'le forgive thee that.
Fa.
So will not His Majesty: I may be hang'd for't.
Alcan.
Thou shouldst be damn'd ere disobey thy Mistress.
Fa.
These be degrees of Love I am not yet arriv'd
At, when I am, I shall be as ready to be damn'd
In honour as any lover of you all.
46
Owns Sir, d' ye rally with me?
Fa.
Your pardon, sweet Alcander, I protest I am
Not in so gay an humour.
Alcan.
For well I had forgot my self.
[exit.
Fa.
Stark mad, by Jove—yet it may be not, for
Alcander has many unaccountable Humors;
Well, if this be agreeable to Aminta, she's e'ne as
Mad as he, and 'twere great pity to part them.
Enter Pisaro, Aminta and Olinda.
Am.
Well, have you kill'd him?
Fa.
Some wiser then some, Madam.
—My Lord—what alive?—
Pis.
Worth two dead men, you see.
[See Pisaro runs to him and embraces him.
Fa.
That's more then I could have said
Within this half houre.
Alcander's a very Orlando, by Jove, and gone to
Seek out one that's madder yet then himself, that will
Kill him.
Am.
Oh, dear Falatius, run and fetch him back.
Fa.
Madam, I have so lately 'scap'd a scouring,
That I wish you would take it for a mark
Of my passion to disobey you, for he is in a damn'd
Humour.
Am.
He's out of it by this, I warrant you;
But do not tell him that Pisaro lives.
Fa.
That's as I shall find occasion.
[Fal. exit.
Pis.
Alcander is a worthy youth and brave,
I wish you would esteem him so;
'Tis true, there's now some difference between us,
Our interest are dispos'd to several ways,
But time and management will joyn us all:
I'le leave you, but prithee make it thy business,
To get my Pardon for my last nights rudeness.
Am.
I shall not fail.
[Exit.
Enter Alcander melancholy.
Fa.
Here, Madam, here he is.
Am.
Tell me, Alcander, why you treat me thus?
You say you love me if I could believe you.
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Beleeve a man, away, you have no wit,
I'le say as much to every pretty woman.
Am.
But I have given you no cause to wrong me.
Alcan.
That was my fate, not fault, I knew him not:
But yet to make up my offence to you,
I offer you my life: for I'm undone,
If any faults of mine should make you sad.
Am.
Here, take your sword again, my Brother's well.
[She gives him his Sword again.
Fa.
Yes, by Jove, as I am: you had been finely
Serv'd if I had kill'd you now.
Am.
What sorry for the news, ha, ha, ha.
Alcan.
No, sorry: y'are a woman, a meer woman.
Am.
Why did you ever take me for a man? ha, ha.
Alcan.
Thy soul, I thought was all so; but I see
You have your weakness, can dissemble too;
—I would have sworn that sorrow in your face,
Had been a real one:
Nay, you can die in jest: you can, false woman:
I hate thy Sex for this.
Fa.
By Jove, there is no truth in them, that's flat.
Alcan.
Why that repentant look, what new design?
[she looks sad.
—Come, now a tear or two to second that,
And I am soft again, a very Ass.
—But yet that look would call a Saint from th' Altar,
And make him quite forget his Ceremony,
Or take thee for his Deity:
—But yet thou hast a very Hell within,
Which those bewitching eyes draw souls into.
Fa.
Here's he that fits you, Ladies.
Am.
Nay, now y'are too unjust, and I will leave you.
Alcan.
Ah, do not go, I know not by what Magick,
[holds her
But as you move, my soul yields that way too.
Fa.
The truth on't is, she has a strong Magnetick
Power, that I find.
Alcan.
But I will have none find it but my self,
No soul but mine shall sympathize with hers.
Fa.
Nay, that you cannot help.
48
Yes but I can, and take it from thee if I thought it
did so.
Ol.
No quarrels here I pray.
Fa.
Madam, I owe a Reverence to the place.
Alcan.
I'le scarce allow thee that;
Madam, I'le leave you to your Lover.
Am.
I hate thee but for saying so.
Alcan.
Quit him then.
Am.
So I can and thee too.
[offers to go out.
Alcan.
The devil take me if you 'scape me so.
[goes after her
Fal.
And I'le not be out-done in importunity.
[goes after.
SCENE III.
Enter Gallatea and Erminia.Er.
And 'tis an Act below my Quality,
Which, Madam, will not suffer me to flie.
Gall.
Erminia, ere you boast of what you are:
Since you're so high I'le tell you what you were;
Your Father was our General 'tis true,
That Title justly to his sword was due:
'Twas nobly gain'd, and worth his blood and toils,
Had he been satisfi'd with noble spoils;
But with that single Honour not content,
He needs must undermine the Government;
And 'cause h'ad gain'd the Army to his side,
Beleev'd his Treason must be justifi'd.
For this (and justly) he was banished,
Where whilst a low and unknown life he led,
Far from the hope and glory of a Throne,
In a poor humble Cottage you were born,
Your early Beauty did it self display,
Nor could no more conceal it self then day:
Your eyes did first Phillanders soul inspire,
And Fortune too conform'd her to his fire.
That made your Father greater then before,
And what he justly lost that did restore.
49
Which else had wither'd like an unseen Rose;
'Twas that which brought thee to the Court, and there
Dispos'd thee next my self, i'th' highest sphere:
Alass obscurely else thould'st liv'd and di'd,
Not knowing thy own charms, nor yet this Pride.
Er.
Madam in this your bounty is severe,
Be pleas'd to spare that repetition here.
I hope no Action of my life should be
So rude to charge your generosity:
But Madam do you think it just to pay
Yonr great obligements by so false a way?
Alcippus passion merits some return,
And should that prove but an ingrateful scorn;
Alass I am his wife, to disobey
My fame, as well as duty, I betray.
Gall.
Perfidious Maid, I might have thought thou'dst prove
False to thy Prince, and Rivall in my Love.
I thought too justly he that conquer'd me
Had a sufficient power to captive thee;
Thou'st now reveng'd thy Fathers shame and thine
In taking thus Phillanders life and mine.
[Er. weeeps
Er.
Ah madam that you would believe my tears
Or from my vows but satisfie your fears.
By all the Gods Alcippus I do hate,
And would do any thing to change my fate;
Ought that were just and Noble I dare do.
Gall.
Enough Erminia, faith I credit you,
And will no other proof of it require,
But that you'l now submit to my desire;
Indeed Erminia, you must grant my suit,
Where Love and Honour calls make no dispute.
Pity a youth that never lov'd before,
Remember 'tis a Prince that does adore,
Who offers up a heart that never found,
It could receive, till from your eyes a wound.
Er.
To your command should I submit to yield
Where could I from Alcippus be conceal'd?
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Ga.
Trust me, Erminia, I'le for that engage.
Er.
And then my Honour by that flight's o'rethrown.
Ga.
That being Phillanders, he'll preserve his own,
And that Erminia, sure you'll ne're distrust.
Er.
Ah Madam, give me leave to fear the worst.
Enter Aminta.
Am.
Madam, Alcippus waits for your Commands,
He's going to the Camp.
Gall.
Admit him.
Enter Alcippus and Pisaro.
Gall.
Alcippus, 'tis too soon to leave Erminia.
Alcip.
I wish she thought so, Madam,
Or could beleeve with what regret I do so;
Shee then would think the fault were much too small,
For such a Penance as my soul must suffer.
Am.
No matter, Sir, you have the year before you.
Alcip.
Yes Madam, so has every Galley-slave,
That knows his toil, but not his recompence;
Tomorrow I expect no more content,
Then this uneasie day afforded me;
And all before me is but one grand Peece
Of endless grief and madness:
—You, Madam, taught Erminia to be cruel:
A Vice without your Aid she could have learn't,
And now to exercise that new-taught Art,
She tries the whole experience on my heart.
Gall.
If she do so, she learnt it not of me,
I love, and therefore know no crueltie:
Such out-rage cannot well with love reside,
Which only is the mean effect of Pride:
—I merit better thoughts from you, Alcippus.
Alcip.
Pardon me, Madam, if my passion stray,
[he kneels.
Beyond the limits of my high respect;
—'Tis a rude gust, and merits your reproaches:
But yet the sawcy flame can ne're controul
That Adoration which I owe my Princess:
That, with Religion took possession here.
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Gall.
I'de rather you should treat me as a Mortal,
Rise and begin to do so.
[Rises and bows.
Alcip.
Now, Madam, what must I expect from you.
Er.
Alcippus, all that's to your Vertue due.
Alcip.
In that but common justice you allow.
Er.
That justice, Sir, is all I can bestow.
Alcip.
In justice then you ought to me resign,
That which the Holy Priest entitl'd mine;
Yet that, without your heart, I do despise,
For uncompell'd I'de have that sacrifice:
—Come ease me of that pain that presses here,
Give me but hope, that may secure my fear;
I'me not asham'd to own my soul possest,
With jealousie, that takes away my rest.
—'Tell me you'll love, or that my suit is vain,
Do any thing to ease me of my pain.
Gods Madam, why d' ye keep me in suspence,
This cannot be th' effects of innocence;
By Heaven I'le know the cause where're it lies,
Nor shall you fool me with your feign'd disguise.
Pis.
You do forget your promise, and this Presence.
[aside to Alci.
Alcip.
'Twas kindly urg'd, prithee be near me still,
And tell me of the faults that look unmanly.
Gall.
Dear, if thou lovest me, flatter him a little.
[to Er. aside.
Er.
'Tis hard to do, yet I will try it, Madam.
Gall.
I'le leave you that you may the better do so.
—I hope Alcippus, you'll revisit us,
With Lovers speed:
And whatsoever treatment now you find,
At your return you'll find us much more kind.
[He bows, she goes out.
Alcip.
Can you forgive the rashness of a man,
That knows no other Laws but those of passion.
Er.
You are unkind to think I do not Sir,
—Yes, and am grown so softned by my pity,
That I'm afraid I shall neglect my Vows.
And to return your passion, grow ingrate.
Alcip.
A few more syllables exprest like these,
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They give me with your scorn an equal torment.
Er.
See what a power your language has upon me.
[weeps.
Alcip.
Ah, do not weep, a tear or two's enough,
For the Completion of your Cruelty,
That, when it fail'd to exercise your will,
Sent those more powerful weapons from your eyes,
And what by your severity you miss't of,
These (but a more obliging way) perform.
Gently, Erminia, pour the balsom in,
That I may live, and taste the sweets of love.
—Ah should you still continue as you are,
Thus wondrous good, thus excellently fair.
I should retain my growing name in War,
And all the Glories I have ventur'd for,
And fight for Crowns to recompence thy bounty.
—This can your smiles, but when those beams are clouded,
Alas, I freeze to very Cowardise,
And have not courage left to kill my self.
Er.
A fate more glotious do's that life attend,
And do's preserve you for a Nobler end.
Alcip.
Erminia, do not sooth my easie heart,
For thou my fate, and thou my Fortune art;
Whatever other blessings Heaven design,
Without my dear Erminia, I'le decline.
Yet, Madam, let me hope before I go,
In pity that you ought to let me do.
'Tis all you shall allow m' impatient heart.
Er.
That's what against my will I must impart:
But wish it please the Gods, when next we meet,
We might as friends, and not as Lovers greet.
[Exeunt.
| The Forc'd Marriage, or The Jealous Bridegroom | |