The politician, a tragedy written by James Shirley.

Author: Shirley, James, 1596-1666.1655

THE POLITITIAN, A TRAGEDY, Presented at Salisbury Court BY HER MAIESTIES SERVANTS;

WRITTEN By JAMES SHIRLEY.

LONDON, Printed for Humphrey Moseley and are to be sold at his Shop at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1655.

[Page]

To the very much Honored WALTER MOYLE, Esq

SIR,

THough the severity of the times took away those dramatique recreations (whose language so much glorified the English Scene) and perhaps looking at some abuses of the common Theaters, which were not so happily purg'd from scurrility, and under-wit, (the onely entertainment of vulgar Capacities) they have outed the more noble and ingenious actions of the eminent stages; The rage yet hath not been Epidemicall, there are left many lovers of this exiled Posie, who are great Masters of reason, and that dare conscientiously own this musicall part of Humane learning, when it is presented without the staines of impudence and profanation.

Among these persons, sir you deserve an honorable inscription. For my own part; this is the last which is like to salute the publique view in this [Page] kind, and I have onely to say, that I Congratulate my own happiness to conclude with so judicious a Patron.

To make a doubt of your fair receiving this piece: were to dishonor your Character, and make my self undeserving. Read at your leisure, what is humbly presented to your eye and judgment, while I preserve my confidence in your vertue and good thoughts upon

Sir,

The most humble honorer of your worth JAMES SHIRLEY

[Page]

The names and small Characters of the Persons.

KIng of Norway, easie and credulous in his nature, and passionately doting upon Queen Marpisa.
Gotharus, the polititian, active to serve his pleasures and ambition, a great favorite of the Queen.
Turgesius, the Prince, of a gallant disposition, and honoured by the souldier.
Duke Olaus, the Kings Uncle, old, cholerique and distast'd with the Court-proceedings, disaffected to Gotharus, and the Queen, but resolute, and faithfull to the Prince.
Haraldus Son to Marpisa, young, of a sweet and noble disposition, whom Gotharus would form more bold, and ambitious for the greatness he had design'd.
Reginaldus, Aquinas Captaines.
Hormenus, Cortes two honest Courtiers.
[Page] Sueno, Helga a couple of Court-Parasites.
Souldiers.
Rebells.
Attendants.

Marvisa the Queen, a 'proud subtle and revengefull Lady, from the widow of Count Altomarus, advanc'd to royall condition, by the practise of her creature and confident, Gotharus.
Albina, wife to Gotharus a vertuous but suffering Lady, under the tyranny of an imperious, and disloyall husband.

Scene Norway.

[Page]

THE POLITITIAN.

Act. 1.

Enter Cortes and Hormenus.

Cor.

IT was a strange and suddaine marriage.

Could he not love her for the game, and so forth,

But he must thus exalt her? no lesse title

Then Queen, to satisfie her ambition?

Co.

'Tis a brave rise!

I did not prophesie,

When the honest Count her husband Altomarus

Liv'd, she would bring us on our knees.

Co.

I hope

She'l love the King for't.

And in his absence,

Gotharus the Kings Minion, her old friend,

He has done this royall service; beside, what

Rests on accompts in her old husbands dayes.

[Page 2]I do suspect her Son Haraldus was

Got with more heat, and blood, then Altomarus

Age could assure her, but hee's dead.

Co.

—Be with him;

Although I wo'not make oath for her chastity,

That boyes good nature is an argument

To me, Gotharus had no share in him:

Hee's honest, of a gentle disposition,

And on my Conscience does pray sometimes.

Enter Gotharus reading a Letter.

Ho.

No more, we have a Wolfe by'th'eare, what news

From Hell? he cannot want intelligence, he has

So many friends there—he's displeas'd, there is

Some goodness in that Letter, I will pawne

My head, that makes him angry.

Enter some with Petitions, Gotharus frowns upon 'em, they returne hastily.

How his frown

Hath scatterrd 'em like leaves, they fly from him

As nimbly, as their bodyes had no more weight

Then their Petitions; I would give an eye-tooth,

To read but three lines.

Go.

Curse upon his victory!

I meant him not this safety, when I wrought

The King to send him forth to warre, but hop'd

His active spirit would have met some engine

To have translated him to another world;

He's now upon return.

Exit.

Ho.

Would I had but

The harrowing of your skull; my genius gives me▪

That Paper is some good news of the Prince,

I would I knew it but concern'd him.

Co.

'Twas

My wonder, the King would send his Son abroad

[Page 3]To warres, the onely pledge of his succession.

Ho.

He had a Councellor, this Polititian,

That would prefer the Prince to Heaven, a place

His Lordship has no hope to be acquainted with;

The Prince, and his great Uncle Duke Olaus,

Would not allow these pranks of State, nor see

The King betrai'd to a Concubine;

Therefore it was thought fit they should be engag'd

To forraigne dangers.

Enter Albina, and her waiting woman.

'Tis Madam Albina,

Our great mans wife.

Co.

The King did seem to affect her,

Before he married her to his favorite.

Dost think she's honest?

Co.

Ile not stake my soul on't,

But I believe she is too good for him,

Although the King and she have private conference.

She looks as she were discontent.

Exit Al.

Co.

She has cause

In being Gotharus wife, some say she lov'd him

Most passionately.

'Twas her destiny;

She has him now, and if she love him still,

'Tis not impossible she may be a Martyr,

His proud and rugged nature will advance

Her patience too't.

Enter Helga and Sueno.

Hel.

Avoid the Gallery.

Su.

The King is coming, oh my Lord, your pardon:

Ho.

Nay we must all obey.

Co.

I near lik'd

This fellow.

He is one of fortunes Minions▪

[Page 4]The love of the choice Ladyes of the Landry,

That's one that draws in the same team, but more

Inclin'd to'th Knave; he is a kind of Pendant

To the Kings ear, an everlasting parasite:

The King? Albina return'd with him.

Exit.

Enter King and Albina.

Leave us.

Y'are most unkind to your self in my opinion,

You know well who I am, and what I have

Advanc'd you too; neither in virgin state

Nor marriage, to allow your King a favour?

Al.

Sir, let the humble duty of a subject,

Who shall with zealous prayers solicite heaven

For you, and your fair Queen—

Had you been wise,

That might have been your Title, but the God

Of love had with his Arrow so engraven

Gotharus in your heart; you had no language

But what concern'd his praise, scarce any thought

At liberty; I did imagine, when

I had compassion of your sufferings,

And gave thee a fair Bride to my Gotharus,

You would not lose the memory of my benefit,

But (now in state, and nature to reward it)

Consented to returne me love.

Al.

Be pleas'd

To excuse the boldnesse of one question.

Be free Albina.

Al.

Do not you love my husband?

There wants no testimony, beside the rest,

My giving thee to him, dear to my thoughts,

Is argument I love him.

Al.

Would you take

Me back agen? you but betraid his faith,

And your own gift, to tempt me to forsake him.

[Page 5]

You are more apprehensive, if you please

He shall possesse you still, I but desire

Sometimes a neere and loving conversation,

Though he should know't, considering how much

I may deserve, he would be wise enough

To love thee near the worse; he's not the first

Lord that hath purchas'd offices by the free

Surrender of his wife to the Kings use,

'Tis frequent in all common-wealths to lend

Their play-fellows to a friend.

Al.

Oh do not think

Gotharus can be worth your love, to be

So most degenerate, and lost to honour;

You have a Queen, to whom your vow is sacred,

Be just to her, the blessing is yet warm

Pronounc'd by holy Priest, stain not a passion

To wander from that beauty, richer far

Then Mine; let your souls meet and kiss each other,

That while you live, the examples of chaste love

(Most glorious in a King and Queene) we may

Grow up in vertue by the spring of yours,

Till our top-boughs reach heaven.

Ki.

You are resolved then

We must be strangers, should my life depend

On the possession of your bosome, I

Should languish and expire, I see.

Al.

Good heaven

Will not permit the King want so much goodness,

To think the enjoying of forbidden pleasure

Could benefit his life, rather let mine

Ebbe at some wound, and wander with my blood

By your command ta'ne from me, on my knee—

Rise, I may kiss Albina—

Go.

Ha!

Enter Gotharus.

'Thas shot

Another flame into me, come you must—

Alb.

[Page 6]

What?

Be a woman, do't, or ile complain.

Alb.

To whom?

Thy husband.

Go.

Horror!

Think upon't.

Exit.

Al.

What will become of miserable Albina?

Like a poor Deere pursu'd to a steep precipice,

That overlooks the Sea, by some fierce hound;

The Iust of a wild King doth threaten here,

Before me, the neglects of him I love,

Gotharus my unkind Lord, like the waves,

And full as deafe affright me.

Go.

How now Madam?

Come, can you kiss?

Alb.

Kiss sir?

Go.

What difference

Between his touch and mine now? his perhaps

Was with more heat, but mine was soft enough.

What has he promis'd thee, but that's no matter,

Thou wo't be wise enough to make thy bargain,

I father all, onely the King shall give it

A name, he'l make it master of a Province.

Al.

What means my Lord:

Go.

Thou thinkst I am jealous now, not I, I knew

Before he doated on thee, and it is

To be presum'd, having a veile to hide

Thy blushes, (I do mean our marriage)

Thou maist find out some time to meet, and mingle

Stories and limbs, it may be necessary;

And 'cause I will be dutifull to the King,

We will converse no more abed, ile be

Thy husband still Albina, and weare my buds

Under my haire close like a prudent Statesman;

But 'twere not much amisse, as I advis'd

Before, and these new premises consider'd,

[Page 7]You appear abroad with a less train, your Wardrobe

Will make you more suspected, if it be

Too rich; and some whole dayes to keepe your Chamber,

Will make the King know where to find you certain.

Al.

Will you have patience my Lord to hear me?

Go.

The world doth partly think thee honest too,

That will help much, if you observe good rules

And dyet, without tedious progresses,

And visiting of Ladyes, expert in

Night Revels, Masks, and twenty other torments

To an estate; your Doctors must be left too,

I wo'not pay a fee to have your pulse

Felt, and your hand roll'd up like wax, by one

Whose footcloth must attend, while he makes leggs,

And every other morning comes to tell

Your Ladyship a story out of Aretine,

That can set you a longing for diseases,

That he may cure you, and your waiting-woman,

Whose curiosity would taste your Glister,

Commend the operation from her stomack.

Should you be sick, and sick to death, I wo'd

Not counsell you to physick; women are

Fraile things, and should a cordiall miscarry,

My conscience would be arraign'd, and I

Might be suspected for your poisoner.

No, no, I thank you, y'are in a fine course

To ease me wife; or if you must be loose,

I'th spring and fall, let the King bear the charges.

He will, if you apply your selfe.

Al.

I am wretched;

Why do you without hearing thus condemn me?

The Lady lives not with a purer faith

To her lov'd Lord, then I have; nor shall greatness,

Nor death it selfe, have power to break it.

Go.

Come,

[Page 8]These are but painted teares, leave this, have you

Prepar'd your last accompts?

Al.

They are ready sir;

Never was Lady slav'd thus like Albina,

A stipendary, worse, a servile steward,

To give him an accompt of all my expences.

Go.

I'le have it so in spight of customes heart,

While you are mine; accountless liberty

Is ruine of whole families: now leave me,

Exit Al.

We may talk more anon, I have observ'd

This privacy before, search here Gotharus,

'Tis here from whence mutinous thoughts conspiring

With witty melancholly, shal beget

A strong born mischiefe, I'le admit she be

Honest, I love her not, and if he tempt her

To sinne, that's paid him back in his wives loosness;

From whom I took my first ambition,

And must go on, till we can sway the Kingdom,

Though we clime to't o're many deaths. I first

Practise at home, my unkindness to Albina,

If she do love me must needs break her heart.

Enter Haraldus.

Ha.

My honour'd Lord.

Go.

Most dear Haraldus welcome,

Preciously welcome to Gotharus heart.

Ha.

The Queen my mother, sir, would speake with you.

Go.

How excellently do those words become thee,

'Tis fit Haraldus Mother be a Queene,

Th'art worth a princely fate; I will attend her.

Ha.

Ile tell her so.

Go.

'Tis not an office for you.

Ha.

It is my duty sir, to wait upon

My mother.

Go.

Who i'th Court is not your servant?

[Page 9]You doe not exercise command enough,

You are too gentle in your fortunes sir,

And weare your greatnesse, as you were not born

To be a Prince.

Ha.

My birth sure gave me not

That title, I was born with the condition

To obey, not govern.

Go.

Do not wrong those Starres,

Which early as you did salute the world,

Design'd this glorious fate; I did consult,

And in the happy minute of thy birth,

Collect what was decreed in heaven about thee.

Ha.

Those books are 'bove my reading, but what

E're my stars determine of me, 'tis but late

I heard my mother say, you are on earth,

To whom I am most bound for what I am:

Go.

'Tis a shrewd truth, if thou knew'st all.

Ha.

You have

Been more a father then a friend to us.

Go.

Friend to thy Mother, I confess in private,

The other followes by a consequence,

aside.

A father my Haraldus? I confess

I was from thy nativity inclin'd

By a most strange and secret force of nature,

Or sympathy to love thee like my owne;

And let me tell thee, though thy mother had

Merit enough to engage my se [...]es;

Yet there was something more in thee consider'd,

That rais'd my thoughts, and study to advance

Thee to these pregnant hopes of state, methinks

I see thee a King already.

Ha.

Good sir, do not

Prompt me to that ambition, I possess

Too much already, and I could, so pleas'd

My Mother, travell where I should not hear

Of these great titles, and it comes now aptly,

[Page 10]I should entreat your Lordshp to assist me

In a request to her, I know she loves you,

And will deny you nothing; I would faine

Visit the University for study,

I do lose time methinks.

Go.

Fie Haraldus,

And leave the Court? how you forget your selfe?

Study to be King,

I shall halfe repent my care,

If you permit these dull and phlegmatick

Thoughts to usurpe, they'l stifle your whole reason,

Catch at the Sunne, devest him of his beame,

And in your eye wear his proud rayes; let day

Be when you smile, and when your anger points,

Shoot death in every frowne: covet a shade,

Affect a solitude, and books, and forfeit,

So brave an expectation?

Ha.

Of what?

Go.

Of Norwayes Crown.

Ha.

Could there be any thought

Within me so ambitious, with what hope

Could it be cherished, when I have no title?

Go.

I that have thus farre studied thy fortune,

May find a way.

Ha.

The King —

Go.

Is not immortal while he has Physitians.

Ha.

What's that vnsaid? The King is happy,

And the whole Nation treasure up their hopes

In Prince Turgesius, who with his great uncle

Valiant Olaus.

Go.

Are sent to'th warres, where 'twill concerne 'm,

To think of fame, and how to march to honour

Through death.

Ha.

I dare not hear him.

Go.

Or if they

[Page 11]Return—

Ha.

They will be welcome to all good

Mens hearts, and next the King, none with more joy

Congratulate their safeties, then your selfe:

I am confident my Lord you will remember

To see my Mother, and excuse me if

To finish something else I had in charge,

I take my leave, all good dwell with your Lordship.

Exit.

Go.

But that I have Marpisas faith, I could

Suspect him not the issue of my blood,

He is too tame, and honest, at his yeers

I was prodigiously in love with greatnesse;

Or if not mine, let him inherit but

His Mothers soule, she has pride enough, and spirit

To catch at flames, his education

Has been too soft, I must new form the boy

Into more vice, and daring, strange, we must

Study at Court, how to corrupt our Children▪

Enter Marpisa.

The Queene!

Ma.

My expectation to speak

With thee Gotharus, was too painfull to me;

I feare we are all undone; dost hear the news?

The Prince is comming back with victory,

Our day will be o're-cast.

Go.

These eyes will force

A brighter from those clouds; are not you Queene?

Ma.

But how Turgesius, and his bold uncle

Wil look upon me.

Go.

Let 'em stare out

Their eyeballs, be you mistress still of the

Kings heart, and let their gall spout in their stomack,

We'l be secure.

Ma.

Thou art my fate.

Go.

[Page 12]

I must confesse

I was troubled when I heard it first; seem not

You pale at their return, but put on smiles

To grace their triumph; now you have most need

Of womans art, dissemble cunningly.

Ma.

My best Gotharus.

Go.

They shall find stratagems in peace, more fatal

Then all the Engines of the war; what mischiefe

Will not Gotharus fly to, to assure

The fair Marpisa's greatness, and his own,

In being hers (an Empire 'bove the world)

There is a heaven in either eye, that calls

My adoration, such Promethean fire,

As were I struck dead in my works, shouldst thou

But dart one look upon me, it would quicken

My cold dust, and informe it with a soul

More daring then the first.

Ma.

Still my resolv'd Gotharus.

Go.

Let weak Statesmen think of conscience,

I am arm'd against a thousand stings, and laugh at

The tales of Hell, and other worlds, we must

Possess our joyes in this, and know no other

But what our fancy every minute shall

Create to please us.

Ma.

This is harmony,

How dull is the Kings language, I could dwell

Upon thy lips; why should not we engender

At every sense?

Go.

Now you put me in mind,

The pledge of both our hopes, and blood, Haraldus,

Is not well bred, he talks too morally,

He must have other discipline, and be fashion'd

For our great aims upon him; a Crown never

Became a Stoick, pray let me commend

Some conversation to his youth.

Ma.

He is thine.

Enter Helga.

Ge.

[Page 13]

He shall be every way my own.

Hel.

The King desires your presence Madam.

Ma.

I attend, you'l follow —

Exit.

Go.

Thee to death, and triumph in

My ruines for thy sake, a thousand forms

Throng in my braine, that is the best, which speeds,

Who looks at Crowns, must have no thought who bleeds.

Exit.

Act. 2.

Enter King, Hormenus, Cortes, Sueno.

THis musick doth but add to melancholly,

Ile hear no more.

Co.

He's strangely mov'd.

Ho.

I cannot think a cause,

You were wont to fool him into mirth; Where's Helga

Your dear companion? no device between you

To raise his thoughts?

Su.

I am nothing without my fellow,

Musick is best in Consort.

Your buffonry is musical belike.

Co.

Your Juglers cannot do some o'their tricks

Without confederacy.

Su.

I'le try alone.

If please your Majesty there is—

That for your unseasonable and saucie fooling.

strikes him.

Ho.

That was a musical box o'th'ear.

Ki.

Leave us.

Co.

'Tis nothing without a fellow, he knows

Musick is best in Consort.

Exit.

Su.

Would you had your parts?

[Page 14]

Hormenus you may stay.

Ho.

Your pleasure sir.

Ki.

Men do account thee honest.

'Tis possible

I May fare the worse.

And wise; canst tell the cause why I am sad?

Ho.

Not I sir.

Ki.

Nor I my self, 'tis strange I should be subject

To a dull passion, and no reason for it.

Ho.

These things are frequent.

Ki.

Sometimes ominous,

And do portend.

Ho.

If you enjoy a health,

What is in fate?

Ki.

I am King

Still, and I not?

Ho.

We are all happy in't,

And when time shall with the consent of nature,

Call you an old man from this world to heaven,

May he that shall suceed you, Prince Turgesius,

The glory of our hope, be no less fortunate.

Ki.

My Son,

I was too rash to part with him.

Ho.

We should

Have thought his stay a blessing, and did wish

You would not have expos'd such tender years

To the rough warre; but your commands met with

His duty, and our obedience.

Ki.

It is very

Strange, we of late hear no success, I hope

This sadnesse is not for his loss, he has

A kinsman with him, loves him dearly, 'tis

The Queen.

Enter Queen and Helga.

I feel my drooping thoughts fall off,

And my clouds fly before the wind, her presence

Hath an infusion to restore dead nature.

[Page 15]My sweet, my dear Marpisa.

Mar.

You sent for me.

Ki.

I am but the shadow of my selfe without thee.

Enter Cort. Sueno.

No wonder I was sad, my soul had plac'd

All her delight in these fair eyes, and could not

But think it selfe an exile in thy absence,

Why should we ever part, but chaine our selves

Together thus?

Su.

He's in a better humour I hope;

I do not think but his Majestie would cuffe well,

His hand carryes a princely weight.

He.

A favour.

Su.

Would you might weare such another in your eare.

Ki.

Come hither—on this side.

Su.

You were on that side before.

Ki.

wo'dst not thou lose thy life, to do a service

My Queen would smile upon?

Su.

Alas, My life

Is the least thing to be imagin'd, he

Is not a faithful subject would refuse

To kill his wife and children, after that

To hang himselfe, to do the Queen a service.

Ki.

Come hither Helga.

Hel.

Royal sir.

Ki.

What would affright thy undertaking, to deserve

The least grace from my Queen?

He.

I cannot tell,

But I've an opinion, the Devill could not;

My life is nothing fir, to obtaine her favour,

I would hazard more; I have heard talk of hell,

So farre she should command me.

Hor.

Bless me goodness!

What wretched Parasites are these? how can

The King be patient at 'em? here is flattery

[Page 16]So thick and grosse, it would endure a hand-saw.

Co.

His judgement's I fear stupified.

Hor.

Come hither,

Which of you can resolve, what serpent spawn'd you?

Su.

You are pleasant.

He.

My good Lord, it hurts not you,

There is necessity of some knaves, and so

Your Lordship be exempted, why should you

Trouble your selfe, and murmur at our courses?

Enter Aquinus hastily.

The King.

He.

Peace.

Su.

Your businesse?

Aq.

News from the field.

Su.

Good?

Good.

He.

How?

Su.

How prethee?

Aq.

The day, the field, the safety, O the glory

Of warre is Norwaies, Letters to the King—

He.

Give 'em to me.

Su.

Or me.

He.

Trust not a fool with things of consequence,

He's the Kings mirth, let me present the news.

Su.

Sir, I should know you; this is a knave,

Would take to him all the glory of your report;

If please you, let me present the Letters.

He.

My Leige!

Su.

My Soveraigne!

He.

News!

Su.

Good news!

He.

Excellent newes!

Su.

The Prince▪

He.

The Prince is—

Su.

The enemy is—o'rethrown.

He.

[Page 17]

They have lost the day.

Su.

Defeated utterly.

He.

And are all slain.

Su.

Madam, will you hear the news?

Ki.

Say on, what is't you would relate?

He.

One of my creatures sir hath brought you Letters,

Aquinus delivers the Letters.

My servant sir, one strengthened to your service

Out of my maintenance, an instrument of mine,

So please you to consider my duty in his service.

Aq.

Why hark you Gentlemen, I have but mock'd

Your greedy zeals, there's no such matter in

Those Letters as you have told; we have lost all,

And the Prince taken prisoner, will you not

Stay for the reward, you know I'm but your Creature,

I look for nothing but your courtly faces

To pay my travel.

He.

We wo'not appear yet—

Exit.

Aq.

How the Rats vanish.

Ki.

Read here my best Marpisa, news that makes

A triumph in my heart, great as the conquest

Upon our enemies; Hormenus, Cortes,

Our Son will prove a Souldier, was my sadnesse

Omen to this good fate? or nature fear'd

The extasie of my joy would else o'recome me?

They are return'd victorious.

Ho.

Thanks to heaven!

Ki.

And some reward is due to thee; wear that

For the Kings sake.

Aq.

You too much honour me.

Ki.

But something in Marpisa's face, shews not

So clear a joy as we express, forbear,

Exeunt.

Wait till we call; can this offend my Queen,

To hear of happinesse to my Son? O let

Thy eyes look bright, there shine hath force to make

[Page 18]The wreath of Laurel grow upon his temples;

Why dost thou weep? this dew will kill the victory,

And turn his Bay to Cipresse.

Ma.

Witnesse heaven,

There's not a teare that mourns for him, his safety

And conquest is most welcome, and he shall

Have still my prayers, he may grow up in fame,

And all the glorious fortunes of a Prince:

But while my wishes fly to heaven for blessings

Upon his head, at the same time, I must

Remember in what miserable condition

My stars have plac'd me.

Ki.

What can make thy state

Guilty of such a name, and so deject

Thy nobler thoughts? am not I still the King?

And is not fair Marpisa mine by marriage?

Crown'd here my Queen immortally.

Though I be

By royall bounty of your love, possest

Of that great Title sir, I have some fears.

Ki.

You amaze me, speak thy doubts at large.

The Prince

(Dear to your love, and I still wish him so)

(Dear to your peoples hearts) I fear, will think

Our marriage his dishonour, and Olaus

Your passionate Uncle, no good friend of mine,

When he shall see to what a height your love

And holy vow hath rais'd me, most unworthy,

Will but salute Marpisa with his scorn,

And by his counsell, or some waies of force

Unchain our hearts, and throw me from your bosome

To death, or worse, to shame; oh think upon me,

And if you have one fear that's kin to mine,

Prevent their tyrannie, and give me doom

Of exile e're their cruelty arrive:

[Page 19]Ile take my sentence kindly from your lips,

Though it be killing.

Ki.

Let my Son or Uncle,

Dare but affront three in a look, I shall

Forget the ties of nature, and discharge 'em

Like the corruption in my blood.

I can

Submit my selfe to them, and would you please

To allow my humblenesse no staine to what

You have advanc'd me to, I can be their servant,

And with as true a duty wait upon 'em—

Ki.

Thou art all goodnesse, twenty Kingdoms are

Too little for thy dowry; who attends?

Enter Horm. and Cortes.

Thus every minute I will marry thee,

And wear thee in my heart, vanish the thought

Of all thy sex beside, and what can else

Attempt our separation: th'art obscure,

And liv'st in Court but like a maskquing star,

Shut from us by the unkindnesse of a cloud

When Cynthia goes to Revels: I will have

A chariot for my Queen richer then er'e

Was shewn in Roman triumph, and thou shalt

Be drawn with Horses white as Venus doves,

Till heaven it selfe in envy of our bliss,

Snatch thee from earth to place thee in his Orbe,

The brightest constellation.

Co.

He dotes strangely.

Hormenus, Cortes, I would have you all

Search your inventions to advance new joyes;

Proclaime all pleasures free, and while my fair

Queen smiles, it shall be death for any man

I'th Court to frown.

Exeunt.

Ho.

You ha' not so much love i'th Court Aqninus.

Co.

How do you like the Queen?

Aq.

[Page 20]

Why she's not married,

He does but call her so.

Ho.

And lyes with her.

Aq.

The Prince yet knows it not.

Ho.

Hee'l meet it coming home.

Go.

Aquinus?

Enter Gotharus.

Aq.

Sir.

Go.

You brought Letters from the Camp.

Aq.

I did my Lord.

Ho.

What in the name of Policy is now hatching?

I do not like those fawning postures in him,

How kind they are.

Go.

That Souldier is thought honest.

Ho.

But if he cringe once more I shall suspect him,

That leg confirms he is corrupt already.

Go.

How does he like his fathers marriage?

Aq.

We had no fame on't there when I set forth.

Go.

'T was strange and suddain, but we are all happy

In the good Princes health and victory;

The Duke Olaus too I hope is well.

Aq.

He was design'd at my departure,

To be here before the Army.

Go.

He will be welcome:

You shall accept the price of a new Armour,

And wherein any power of mine can serve you

I'th Court, command.

Aq.

I am your Lord-ships creature.

Exeunt.

Ho.

They are gone, I long to see the Prince▪

How do you think his Highnesse will

Behave himself to his new mother Queen?

Will it be treason not to aske her blessing?

Co.

I am confident his Uncle, brave Olaus.

Enter Haraldus.

Wo'not run mad for joy of the Kings marriage?

Ho.

[Page 21]

Let them look to't, there may be alterations.

Ha.

They talk sure of my mother and the King.

Ho.

Secure as they account themselves, the Prince

Must be receiv'd spight of Marpisa's greatnesse,

And all the tricks of her incarnate fiend

Gotharus, who both plot I fear, to raise

That Composition of their blood,

Haraldus—

Ha.

How was that?

Ho.

The strange effect

Of their luxurious appetites, though in him

Poor innocence, suspecting not their sin,

We read no such ambition.

Ha.

Oh my shame!

What have my ears receiv'd? am I a bastard?

'Tis malice that doth wound my Mothers honour;

How many bleed at once? yet now I call

To memory, Gotharus at our loving

Late conference, did much insult upon

The name of a Father, and his care of me

By some strange force of nature: ha! my fears

Shoot an Ice through me, I must know the truth

Although it kill me.

Exit.

Co.

Who was that Haraldus?

Ho.

I hope he did not hear us, again Gotharus.

And the two squirrels; more devices yet.

Enter Gotharus, Sueno, and Helga.

Su.

Let us alone my Lord, we'l quicken him.

Go.

You must use all your art to win him to't.

He.

Let us alone to make him drink, we are the credit

Of the Court for that, he's but a child alas, we'l take our time.

Enter Olaus attended with Captains.

Ol.

Hormenus.

Ho.

[Page 22]

My good Lord Olaus, I

Joy in your safe return, how fares the Prince?

Ol.

Well, where's the King?

Ho.

Kissing his new made Queen Marpisa.

Ol.

Ha!

The King is married then.

Exit Su. & Ho.

Go.

Away, the Duke Olaus, sir—

Ol.

I am too stiffe for Complement,

My Lord, I have rid hard—

Exit.

Go.

He has met the intelligence,

And is displeas'd with me the state of things at home;

This marriage stings him, let it, we must have

No trembling hearts, not fall into an ague,

Like Children at the sight of a portent:

But like a Rock when wind and waves go highest,

And the insulting billowes dash against

Her ribs, be unmov'd. The King must be saluted

With other Letters, which must counterfet

The Princes character, I was his Secretary

And know the Art, malice inspire my brain

To poyson his opinion of his Son;

Ile form it cunningly.

Ha! 'tis Haraldus.

Enter Haraldus.

He looks sad.

Ha.

I dare not aske

My mother, 'twere a crime, but one degree

Beneath the sinfull act that gave me life

To question her, and yet to have this fright

Dwell in my apprehension, without

The knowledge of some truth, must needs distract

My poor wits quite; 'tis he, I will take boldnesse

And know the worst of him, If I be what

I am already charactred, he can

Resolved my shame too well.

Go.

How is't my Lord?

Ha.

[Page 23]

Never so ill sir.

Go.

Art sick?

Ha.

Most dangerously.

Go.

Where?

Ha.

Here, at heart, which bleeds with such a wound,

As none but you, can cure.

Go.

Ile drop my soul

Into it, shew me how I may

Be thy Physitian, to restore thy blood

I will lose all mine, speak child.

Ha.

This very love

Is a fresh suffering, and your readinesse

To cure my sorrow, is another wound;

You are too kind, why are you so? what is

Or can be thought in me fit to deserve it?

Go.

Thou dost talk wildly; to accuse me thus

For loving thee, could the world tempt me here,

And court me with her glories to forsake thee,

Thus I would dwell about thy neck, and not

Be bought from kissing thee for all her provinces:

There is a charme upon my soul to love thee,

And I must do't.

Ha.

Then I must dye.

Go.

Forbid it gentler fates.

Ha.

If I could hear you wish

Me dead, I should have hope to live; although

I would not willingly deserve your anger,

By any impious deed, you do not know

What comfort it would be to heare you curse me.

Go.

He's mad; Haraldus, prethee do not talk so.

Ha.

Or if you think a curse too much to help me,

Yet rail upon me, but do't heartily, and call me

Go.

What?

Ha.

Vilaine, or Bastard, sir,

The worst is best from you.

Go.

Thou dost amaze me.

Ha.

[Page 24]

Will you not for me?

Then for my mothers sake if you do love her,

Or ever did esteem her worth your friendship,

Let me entreat you draw your sword, and give me

Something to wear in blood upom my bosome;

Write but one letter of your name upon

My brest, Ile call you father, by your love;

Do something that may make me bleed a little.

Go.

By that I dare not, thou hast nam'd Haraldus

A father.

Ha.

I but call you so, I know

You are a stranger to my blood, although

Indeed to me your great affection

Appears a wonder; nor can nature shew

Act. 3.

Enter King, Queene, Olaus, Reginaldus, Aguinus, Helga.

UNcle, I am glad to see you.

Ol.

I am not glad

To see you sir.

Ki.

Not me?

Ol.

Consorted thus.

If Olaus be forgetfull of good manners,

I shall forget his years, and blood; be temperate.

Ol.

[Page 26]

There's something in your blood that will undoe

Your state and fame eternally, purge that,

You know I never flatter'd you, that woman

Will prove thy evill Genius.

Ki.

Y'are too saucy.

Ol.

Do not I know her, was she not wife

To the Count Altomarus a weak Lord?

But too good for her, charm'd by the flattery

And magick of her face, and tongue, to dote

And Marry her, born of a private Family,

Advanc'd thus, she grew insolent, and I fear

By pride and liberty, and some trick she had,

Broke her good husbands heart.

Ma.

Sir, you much wrong me,

And now exceed the priviledge of your birth

To injure mine.

Ol.

We all know you can plead

Your own defence, you have a womans wit,

Heaven send you equall modesty, I am plain.

Ma.

It would be held an insolence in others,

And saucy boldnesse in the sacred presence

Thus of the King, to accuse, whom he hath pleas'd

To take companion of his bed; and though

It would become the justice of my cause

And honour, to desire these black aspersions

May be examin'd further, and the Author

Call'd to make proof of such a passionate language,

(Which will betray his accusation was

But envy of my fortunes) I remember

Y'are the Kings Uncle, and 'tis possible

You may be abus'd by some malicious tale

Fram'd to dishonour me, and therefore I

Beseech you humbly sir, to let this passe

But as an act in him of honest freedom,

Beside what else may give you priviledge

[Page 27]Being a Souldier, and not us'd to file

His language, blunt and rugged wayes of speech

Becoming your profession.

Ol.

Very good!

Although we ha' not the device of tongue

And soft phrase Madam, which you make an Idol

At Court, and use it to disguise your heart,

We can speak truth in our unpollish'd words,

Thou art—

What am I?

Ol.

Not the Queen.

She is

My wife Olaus.

Ol.

I must never kneel to her,

Nor the good Prince your son, the hope of war,

And peaces darling, honour of our blood,

And worth a better Kingdom then he's born to—

What of him?

Ol.

Must never call her Mother.

Dare you instruct him

Against his duty, leave us.

Ol.

You have lost

More honour in those minutes you were married,

Then we have gain'd in months abroad, with all

Our triumph purchas'd for you with our blood;

Is this the payment, the reward for all

Our faith? when thy young Son, whose springing valour

And name, already makes the confines tremble,

Returns like young Augustus crown'd with victories;

Must a stepdame first salute him,

And tread upon his Laurel?

Leave the Court.

Ol.

May it not prove an Hospital, 'tis i'th way

To change a title, lust and all the riots

Of licence reeling in it, by th'example

[Page 28]Of one should least prophane it, I am still

O laus, and your fathers brother.

Aq.

My Lord.

Take heed

You do not talk your head off, we have Scaffolds,

But the old man raves, come my Marpisa.

Ol.

Then I will talke, threaten my head,

Command that Parasite that dares do most

In wickednesse, to shew himselfe your servant;

Give him his engine, and his fee for hangman,

Let him take boldness but to move one hair

That withers on my head out of his posture,

He shall have more hope to o'recome the Devil

In single duel, then to scape my fury.

Aq.

Sir—

Ki.

Our guard.

Ol.

Look you, i'le bring no danger to your person,

I love you too well; I did alwayes use

To speak, your father lik'd me near the worse.

And now I am coole againe—

You say you are married—

Ki.

We are.

Ol.

Then between you, and I, and let none heare us,

To make your selfe, your Son, and Kingdome prosper,

Be counsel'd to a divorce.

Ki.

Not, not

To save thy soule, my sonnes life added

To thine, and lives of all the Army shall

Be divorc'd from this world first, you are my fathers

Brother, and if you love my sonne, your pupil,

So hopeful in your thoughts, teach him to come

More humbly to us, without thought to question

Our marriage, or i'le find a chastisement

For his rebellious heart, we will.

Exit.

Ol,

You must not; I wo'not leave him yet.

Exit.

Re.

[Page 29]

This freedome may engage his life to danger,

He is too passionate.

Aq.

He has said too much,

Ile venter speaking to him.

Exit.

He.

He's alone, now to him.

Su.

Noble sir— I have a suit to you.

Re.

A Courtier aske a suit of a Souldier?

You'l wear no Buffe nor Iron?

Su.

I come very impudently, and I hope to thrive

The better for't; this Gentleman my friend,

A man of quality, and in some grace with

The King, hath laid a wager with me of

Two hundred Crowns, I dare not pull a haire

From your most reverend Beard: now if you please

To give me leave, i'le win the Crownes, laugh at him,

And drink your health at supper.

Re.

A hair from my beard?

Su.

But one hair, if shall please you.

Re.

Come, take it.

Su.

I have pul'd three noble sir.

Re.

'Twas more then your commssion, there's one

Kicks him.

That's another, and that will make you an upright Courtier.

Strikes him.

Ha, ha.

Su.

Sir, I beseech you—

Re.

Beg modestly hereafter, take within your bounds,

You have small beard to play upon. 'tis fit

My fist should make an answer to your wit.

Su.

I have it to a hair, the cholerick Duke agen?

I am gone.

Exeunt. Ent. Ol. & Aqui.

Aq.

Sir, you have been too blame.

Ol.

How dare you talk to me sir?

Aq.

'Tis my duty, and I must tell you,

Y'ave built too much upon him as a kinsman,

[Page 30]And have forgot the King.

Ol.

Take that for your impudence.

Exit.

Strikes him with his Cane.

Aq.

I have it, and I thank you.

Enter King, reading of Letters, Queen.

They are gone sir, but have left Prints of their fury,

The angry Duke has broke Aquinus head,

For speaking dutifully on your behalfe;

To'ther mute man of war stroke Sueno sir.

Su.

I heare his language humming in my head still.

Aquinus? strike so near our presence?

Su.

Nay these Souldiers will strike a man, if he doe not

Carry himselfe to a hairs breadth, I know that.

They shall repent this impudence, look up

My dear Marpisa, there's no tempest shall

Approach to hurt thee, they have rais'd a storm

To their own ruines.

Enter a Souldier.

So.

Sir, if you'l bring me

To'th King. you shall do an office worth your labour,

I have Letters will be welcome.

He.

You must give

Me leave sir to present 'em from the Prince:

Most excellent, sir, my Soveraigne.

Su.

Letters? If you have a chaine of gold—

He.

Go hang thy selfe.

Souldier gives Helga the Letters, & Exit.

He.

I am most fortunate to present you sir

With Letters from the Prince, and if your Majestie

Knew with what zeale I tender these.

Ha!

He.

He frowns, where's the Soldade? you'l goe my half.

Ki.

Who brought these Letters? where's the messenger

Ho.

[Page 31]

He was here but now, he's vanish'd.

Ki.

Vanish thee too, and creep into the earth.

I shall sir.

Ki.

The impudence of Children, read Marpisa,

More Letters from the proud ambitious boy,

He dares to give us precepts, and writes here,

We have too much forgot our selfe and honour,

In making thee our Queen, puts on his grace

A discontent, and sayes, the triumph he

Expected, the reward of his young merit,

Will be ungloried in our suddaine match,

And weak election.

This was my fear.

Ki.

He threatens us, if we proceed with his

Command and power i'th Army; raise new Forces

To oppose 'm, and proclaime 'm Rebels, Trayters—

Sir, I beseech you for the generall good,

Temper your rage, these are but words of passion,

The Prince will soon be sorry for't, suspect not

His duty, rather then disgrace your Son,

Divide me from your heart, the people love him.

Ki.

I'le hate him for't, Gotharus; where's Gotharus,

Exit.

This Letter tast's of his invention,

He's active, it concerns us both. Albina.

Enter Albina.

Nay, you may forward Madam.

I beseech

Your pardon, I did hope to have found my Lord

Gotharus here.

The King ask'd for him,

And is but new retyr'd, who I presume

If he had known of your approach, w'od not

Have gone so soon.

Al.

I have no businesse Madam

With the King.

[Page 32]

Come do not disguise it thus,

I am covetous to know your suit;

But I am confident he will deny

You nothing, and your husband is of my

Opinion lately.

Al.

By your goodnesse Madam,

Let me not suffer in your thoughts, I see

There is some poison thrown upon my innocence,

And tis not well done of my Lord Gotharus,

To render me to your suspition

So unhappy, 'tis too much he has withdrawn

His own heart, he will shew no seeds of charity,

To make all others scorn me.

If he do,

You can return it, but take heed your wayes

Be straite to your revenge, let not my fame

And honour be concern'd with the least wound.

Al.

I understand not what you mean.

I cannot

Be patient, to hear the King commend

Your lip.

I am betraid.

My phrase is modest,

Do not you love the King?

Al.

Yes, with the duty—

Of one that wants no cunning to dissemble

Her pride, and loose desires.

Al.

You are the Queen.

What then?

Al.

I should else tell you, 'tis ill done

To oppresse one that groans beneath the weight▪

Of griefe already, and I durst take boldnesse

To say, you were unjust.

So, so.

I can

Contain no longer, take from my sad heart

[Page 33]What hitherto I have conceal'd, (in that

You may call me dissembler of my sorrows)

I am weary of my life, and fear not what

Your power and rage can execute; would you

Had no more guilt upon your blood, then I

Have sinne in my accounts that way, My Lord

Gotharus would not be so unkind to me.

What's that you said so impudently Albina?

Al.

What I did think should have consum'd me here

In silence, but your injuries are mighty,

And though I do expect to have my name

In your black Register design'd for death,

To which my husband will I know consent;

I cannot thus provok'd, but speak what wounds me.

Yet here agen I shut the Casket up,

Never to let this secret forth, to spread

So wide a shame hereafter.

Thou hast wak'd

A Lyonness.

Al.

Death cannot more undo me,

And since I live an exile from my husband,

I will not doubt but you may soon prevaile,

To give my weary soul a full discharge

Some way or other; and i'th minute when

It takes her flight to an eternall dwelling,

I will forgive you both, and pray for you,

But let not your revenge be to long idle,

Least the unmeasur'd pile of my affections

Weigh me to death before your anger comes,

And so you lose the triumph of your envies.

You sha'not be forgotten, feare it not,

And but that something nearer doth concern us,

You should soon find a punishment. The King.

Ex.

Enter King, Gotharus, with a Letter.

Ki.

He struck Aquinus, Helga saw him bleed.

Go.

[Page 34]

These are strange insolencies, one goe for Aquinus.

Did Olaus bring these Letters?

Ki.

No, some spirit,

For he soon vanish'd.

I have given my sonne

To the most violent men under the Planets,

These Souldiers.

Go.

And they'l cling to him like Ivie,

Embrace him even to death.

Ki.

Like Brees to Cattel

In summer, they'l not let him feed.

Go.

But make

Him fling, unquiet.

Ki.

Most repineful, spleeny.

Go.

Ready to break the twist of his Allegiance.

Ki.

Which they fret every day—

Go.

These put upon his young blood discontents.

Ki.

Dangerous—

Go.

Extreamly dangerous.

Ki.

Swell him up

With the alluring shapes of rule, and Empire—

Go.

And speak his strength with a proud Emphasis;

Yours, with a faint cold-hearted voice; was ever

Such peremptory lines writ to a father?

Ki.

Thy counsell, while the dangers yet aloofe.

Go.

Aloofe? take heed, hils in a piece of landskip

May seem to stand a hundred leagues, yet measure,

There's but an inch in distance; oh ambition

Is a most cunning, infinite dissembler,

But quick i'th execution.

Ki.

Thy counsell.

Go.

He that aspires hath no Religion,

He knows no kindred.

I aske for thy advice.

Go.

Have you not seen a great Oke cleft asunder,

[Page 35]With a small wedge cut from the very heart

Of the same tree?

Ki.

It frights me to apply it;

Oh my mis-fortune, this is torment, not

A cure.

Enter Aquinus

Go.

Aquinus, Speak him gently sir,

And leave me to encourage him in a service

Worth his attempt, and needful to your safety.

Noble Aquinus, our good King has sence

Of the affront you suffered from his Uncle,

And as he is inform'd, for speaking but

The duty of a subject.

Aq.

This is true sir,

I wear his bloody favour still, I never

Took any blow so long on trust.

Ki.

I know thy spirit's daring, and it shal become

My justice to reward thy suffering;

A storm now hovers o're my Kingdom,

When the aire is clear, and our sky fair agen,

Expect, nay challenge, we shall recompence

What thou hast suffer'd for us, with a bounty

Worth all thy merits, i'th mean time apply

Thy selfe to my Gotharus, and be counsel'd.

Exit.

My duty.

Go.

Th'hast no alliance to my blood;

Yet if thou think'st I do not flatter thee,

I feel a friendly touch of thy dishonour,

The blow, 'twas not well done of Duke Olaus.

Aq.

You great men think you may do what you please,

And if y'have a mind to pound us in a morter

We must obey.

Go.

That law is none of natures,

And this distinction of birth and royalty

Is not so firme a proofe, but there are men

Have swords to pierce it through, and make the hearts

[Page 36]Of those that take this priviledge from their blood,

Repent they were injurious.

Aq.

My sword

Was quiet when he beat me.

Go.

He did not, could not beat thee.

'Twas worse, he cudgel'd me, I feel it yet,

Nor durst I strike agen.

Go.

It could not be

A tamenesse in thy spirit, but quick thought

That 'twas Olaus, not, that in thy heart

There was no will to be reveng'd, for he

Is false to nature, loves his injury,

But that there was no safety to return

Thy anger on his person.

Aq.

Y'are i'th right,

That frighted me.

Go.

For he is not reveng'd,

That kills his enemy and destroyes himselfe,

For doing his own justice, therefore men

That are not slaves, but free, these we receive

Born, and bred Gentlemen in fair employments,

That have, and dare bid high agen for honour,

When they are wrong'd by men 'bove them in title,

As they are thought worthy a personall wound,

In that are rais'd and level'd with the injurer;

And he that shall provoke me with his weapon,

By making me his enemy, makes me equal,

And on those terms I kill him: But there is

Another caution to wise men, who ought

To cast and make themselves secure, that when

They have return'd full payment for their sufferings

In fame, they may be safe without a guard.

Aq.

That sir is the prudence.

Go.

Yet I can direct thee

To be reveng'd with safety unto this,

What if I add therein, thou shalt do service

[Page 37]That will oblige the common-wealth, that groans

With fear of innovation, and make

The King thy friend by one expence of courage;

And having nam'd the king thus, it must make

Thy thoughts secure from future losse, and in

The present act no danger.

Sir, be cleere,

Make good what you have promis'd,

And see if I be frighted, I have help'd

Many give up the ghost.

Go.

Olaus us'd

Thee basely, how much would the Kingdome suffer

If he were dead and laid into his Tombe,

Perhaps a year sooner then nature meant,

To make his bones fit.

Aq.

I dare kill him sir,

If I were sure the King would pardon me,

That in my own revenge, and any other

Whom he calls enemy without exception,

To this I am bound in conscience; sir, there needs

No conjuration for this, nor art

To heighten me, let me but hear the King

Will have it, and secure me.

Go.

Thou deserv'st him,

And maist a statue, for our great deliverer,

Yet, now I have thought better on't, we may

Save trouble in Olaus Tragedy,

And kill him through another.

Aq.

Whom?

Go.

One that

Sits heavier on the Kings heart, and dwels in't

Such a disease, as if no resolute hand

Cure him.

Aq.

I'le be his Chyrurgion.

Go.

When I name him,

One that has had no will to advance thee

[Page 38]To thy deserts in wars, for all thy former

And thy late services, rewarded with

A dull command of Captain, but incenst

By Olaus now who rules his heart, lesse hope

To be repair'd in fortune.

Al.

Let him be the Prince.

Go.

'Tis he.

It honours my attempt;

And while his father holds him disobedient,

I think him lesse then subject.

Go.

Disobedient? look there.

Shews a Letter.

Aq.

This is the Princes hand.

Go.

But read his heart.

Aq.

Impious! above the reach

Of common faith.

I am satisfied, he must not live; the way:

They would not trust me with his cup to poyson it,

Shew me the way— the King and Queen.

Go.

Lets study.

Enter King and Queen.

You have a faithful servant in Gotharus.

Upon his wisdome we depend.

Go.

I have it,

He shall dye like a Souldier, thus—

Whispers.

Qu.

Their malice

Doth onely aime at me, and if you please

To give me up a sacrifice to their fury.

Not for a thousand Sons, my life and honors

Must sit with thine Marpisa.

Aq.

Sir, 'tis done.

Go.

This act shall make thee great, the King and Queene

Look cheerefull royal sir, and think of honour

To crown the merit of this Captain, let

No trouble shake a thought, he will deserve

Your bosome sir.

He shall possesse it; how my Gotharus?

Go.

[Page 39]

Pray leave it to me, it is not ripe yet for your knowledge sir.

We'l trust thee, come Marpisa.

Go.

Dearest Madam! come Aquinus.

Aq.

I attend your Lorship.

Exeunt.

Enter Haraldus, Sueno, Helga, at a banquet.

Su.

My Lord, you honour us.

Hel.

If we knew how to expresse our duties.

Ha.

No more ceremony,

Your loves engage me, if some discontents

Make me not seem unpleasant; yet I must

Confesse I was more prompted to th'acceptance,

In hope to cure a melancholly.

With your pardon,

It does too much usurpe on your sweet nature,

But if your Lordship please, there is a way

To banish all those thoughts.

Ha.

I would call him doctor

That could assure me that.

Su.

I am of his

Opinion sir, and know the best receipt

I'th world for sadness.

Ha.

Prethee what?

Su.

Good wine.

Ha.

I have heard 'em talk so, If I thought there were

That operation—

He.

Try sir.

Su.

My humble duty—'tis excellent wine!

Ha.

Helga.

He.

Your Lordships servant.

Ha.

'Tis pleasant.

Drinkes.

Su.

It has spirit, will you please

Another tryall, that prepares more sweetness,

Health to the Queen.

Ha.

I thank you.

He.

[Page 40]

With your pardon, fill to me,

Your grace should have it last.

Ha.

She is my mother.

Su.

She is our royall mistress, heaven preserve her;

Does not your Lordship feel more inclination

Har. drinkes

To mirth, there is no spell 'gainst sorrow, like

Two or three cups of wine.

He.

Nothing believ't,

Will make your soul so active, take it liberally.

Ha.

I dare not trust my brain.

Su.

You never tryed.

He.

You'l never know the pleasure then of drinking

I have drunk my selfe into an Emperour.

Su.

In thy own thoughts.

He.

Why is't not rare, that wine

Taken to the extent, should so delightfully

Possess the imagination, I have had my Queens

And Concubines—

Ha.

Fine fancies.

He.

The Kings health,

Give me't in greater volum, these are acorns

Sueno to thee, I'me sprightly but to look out.

Su.

What rare things will the flowing vertue raise,

If but, the sight exalt you? to your grace,

The Kings health.

Ha.

Let it come, i'le trespasse once.

He.

That smile became you sir.

Ha.

This Cup doth warm me,

Drinkes.

Methinks I could be merry.

Su.

Will your grace have any musick?

Ha.

Any thing.

He.

Strike lustily.

Musicke.

Ha.

I have begun no health yet Gentlemen.

Su.

Now you must honour us.

Ha.

Health to the Prince.

He.

[Page 41]

That is your title sir,

As you are Sonne to a Queene,

Ha.

My father was no King, father? i'le drown

The memory of that name.

Drinkes.

He.

The Prince Turgesius health.

Su.

He's not far off

By the Court Computation—happinesse now

To Prince Haraldus mistress.

He.

With devotion.

Ha.

Alas, I am too young to have a mistress.

He.

Sir, you must crown it.

Ha.

These are complements

At Court, where none must want a drinking mistress.

Su.

Methinks loud musick should attend these Healths—

Ha.

So, shall we dance?

Drinkes.

He.

We want Ladies.

Ha.

I am as light, thou shalt go for a Lady.

Su.

Shall I?

Dance.

Is not this better, then to sigh away

Our spirits now?

Ha.

I'me hot.

He.

A cup of wine is the most naturall cooler.

Ha.

You are my Physitians Gentlemen.

Su.

Make it a health to my Lord Gotharus.

Drinks:

I'le pledge it as heartily as he were my father.

Ha.

Whose father?

Throws wine in Sueno's face.

Su.

Mine, I said.

Ha.

Cry mercy.

Su.

Nay, 'tis but so much wine lost, fill't again.

Ha.

I'le drink no more.

He.

What think you of a song?

Song.

Su.

A catch, to't boyes.

Ha.

Shall we to bed Gentlemen?

I did not sleep last night.

He.

If your Grace

[Page 42]Desire to sleep, there's nothing to prepare it

Like to 'ther cup.

Ha.

A health to both your Mistresses.

Drinks

Su.

You do us grace.

He.

There's hope of his conversion▪

Ha.

I am nos well, what wheels are in my brains?

Philosophy affirms the earth moves not,

'Tis here me thinks confuted, Gentlemen,

You must be faine to lead me to some couch,

Where I may take a nap, and then i'le thank you,

I'le come agen to morrow.

Su.

Every day

For a twelve-month.

He.

That will make you a good fellow.

Exit.

Enter Prince Turgesius, Reginaldus, Souldiers marching, Olaus meets, they salute and whisper.

You tell me wonders.

Ol.

'Tis all truth, we must

Stand on our guard, 'tis well we are provided.

Is it not some device to make us feare,

That at our entertainment we may find

Our joyes more spatious.

Ol.

There is some device in't.

It is not possible a father should

Be so unkind to his own blood and honour.

Ol.

My life was threatned.

Who durst threaten it?

Ol.

The King your father.

Oh say not so good sir.

Ol.

And if you please him not with your behaviour,

Your head may be soon humbled to the axe,

And sent a token of his love, to your stepdame

The Queen, I trifle not.

Pr.

For what sinnes

Hath angry heaven decreed to punish Norway,

And lay the Scene of wrath in her own bowels?

[Page 39]I did suspect when none came forth to meet

Our victory, to have heard of some mis-fortune,

Some prodigies egendring: down with all

Our pride of war, the Garlands we bring home

Will but adorne us for the sacrifice;

And while our hairs are deck'd with flowers and ribbands,

We shall but march more gloriously to death.

Are all good women dead within the Kingdom,

There could be found none worth my fathers love,

But one whose fame and honour is suspected?

Ol.

Woulst they were but suspected.

Marpisa?

Ol.

Her preferment was no doubt

Gotharus act, for which 'tis whisper'd,

She payes him fair conditions, while they both

Case up the Kings eyes, or confine him to

Look through such cunning opticks as they please.

I'le have his heart.

Ol.

But how will you come by't?

He's safe in the Kings bosome, who keeps warm

A serpent, till he find a time to gnaw

Out his preserver.

We had dyed with honour

By the Enemies sword, something might have been read

In such a fall, as might have left no shame

Upon our story, since 'tis chance of war,

Not want of valour, gives the victory;

This ship-wracks all, and eates into the soule

Of all our fame, it withers all the deeds

Is owing to our name.

Entter Cortes.

Co.

Health to the Prince,

Ol.

Cortes, welcome, what news?

Co.

[Page 40]

These Letters will inform his highness.

Ol.

Sent, from the King Cortes? has he thought upon't?

Are we considerable at last, and shall

The Lady Geugaw, that is pearch'd upon

His throne, be counsell'd not to take too much

Upon her? will Gotharus give us leave

To be acquainted with the King agen? ha!

Co.

These Letters came sir from Aquinus.

Ol.

How?

I hope he mentions not the broken pate

I gave him, and complains on't to the Prince,

I may be apt to make him an amends

With such another.

Pr.

Sir.

Ol.

What's the matter?

Read, I am planet-stroke, cursed Gotharus!

What would the traytor have?

Ol.

'Tis here, I take it, he would have you sent

Yonder, and has tooke order with Aquinus

For your conveyance hence, at both their charges;

But now you know the plot, you wo' not trust

Your life as he directs.

Not trust Aquinus?

Ol.

You are desperate, hark you, I do suspect him,

And I ha' cause, I broke his head at Court

For his impertinent counsell, when I was

In passion with the King, you sha'not trust him,

This may be cunning to revenge himselfe,

I know he has a spirit, come you sha' not

Be cheated of your life, while I have one

To counsell you.

Uncle, I am unmov'd,

He is a Souldier, to that name and honour

I'le trust a Princes life, he dares not be

A traytor.

Ol.

[Page 41]

I have read that one Prince was

So credulous, and scap'd, but Alexander,

Though he were great, was not so wise a Gentleman,

As heaven in that occasion might have made him,

The valiant confidence in his doctor, might

Ha' gnawn his bowels up, and where had been

My gallant Macedonian? come you shall

Consider on't.

I am resolv'd already,

March to the City, every thought doth more

Confirm me, passion will not let you see,

Good Uncle with your pardon, the true worth

And inside of Aquinus, he is faithfull,

Should I miscarry, 'tis my single life,

And 'tis obedience to give up our breath,

When fathers shall conspire their Childrens death

Exeunt.

Act. 4.

Enter King, Gotharus.

Go.

YOu may surrender up your Crown, 'twell shew

Brave on Turgesius Temples, whose ambition

Expects it.

Ki.

Nay Gotharus—

Go.

Has my care

Cast to prevent your shame, how to preserve

The glories you possesse, by cutting off

A Canker that would eat into your trunck,

And hinder your fair growth, and do you make

A scruple to be cured?

Ki.

I did but mention,

And nature may excuse, he is my son.

Go.

[Page 42]

The more your danger, when he dares be impious,

The forfeit of his duty in this bold

And hostile manner to affright your subjects,

And threaten you with articles, is already

The killing of your honour, and a treason

Nature abhors, a guilt heaven trembles at,

And you are bound in care of your own province,

To shew your justice, and not be partiall

To your own blood; but let your Kingdome suffer,

Her heart be torn by civill Wars; 'tis none

Of mine, and let him in the blood of many

Fathers, be made a King, your King; and you

That now command, be taught obedience,

Creep to your child, exchange your pallace for

A prison, and be humbled till you think

Death a preferment, I have but a life—

Ki.

Which I will cherish, be not passionate,

And I consent to all thou hast contained;

Thou art my friend.

Go.

I would be sir, your honest Chyrurgion,

And when you have a Gangrene in your limb,

Not flatter you to death, but tell you plainly

If you would live, the part so poyson'd must be

Cut from your body.

Ki.

And I wo'not shake

With horror of the wound, but meet my safety

And thank my best preserver; but art sure

Aquinus will be resolute?

Go.

Suspect not,

He is my Creature.

Enter Hormenus.

Ho.

The Prince your Sonne—

Ki.

Is a bold Traytor.

And they are Rebels joyne with him.

Go.

[Page 43]

What of the Prince Hormenus?

Ho.

He is very near the City with his Army.

Ki.

Are the walls fortified?

Ho.

They are?

Ki.

We wo'not trust him, nor the Ruffian

Olaus, that Incendiary.

Go.

The Queen.

Enter Marpisa.

Qu.

O sir.

Ki.

There are more wounds in those sad accents,

Then their rebellion can give my Kingdome.

My boy, my child, Haraldus.

Ki.

What of him?

Qu.

Is sick, is dying sir.

Go.

Forbid it heavens, he was in health—

Qu.

But if I mean to see him

A live, they say I must make hast,

The comforts of my life expire with him.

Exit.

Go.

The Devils up in arms, and fates conspire

Against us.

Ki.

Mischiefes tumble like waves upon us.

Ho.

Sir, It will be necessary

You lend your person to direct, what shall

Be further done i'th City, Aquinus hath

Charge of the Gate and Walls, that offer

The first view to the Enemy.

Ki.

He is trusty, and

A daring Souldier; what at stand Gotharus?

Go.

I was thinking of the Queen sir, and Haraldus,

And grieve for the sweet child.

Ki.

Some feaver, would my

Son were in his state, but soon we shall

Conclude his destiny, if Aquinus prosper;

But to the walls.

Go.

I attend, my very soule

Is in a sweat, Hormenus.

Ho.

I wait on you.

Exeunt:

[Page 44]Enter Prince Turgesius, Olaus, Cortes, Reginaldus, Souldiers.

Pr.

The Gates are shut against us Souldiers.

Ol.

Let our Engines

Teare 'em, and batter down the walls.

Pr.

Good Uncle,

Your counsell I obey'd i'th wars abroad,

We did there fight for honour, and might use

All the most horrid formes of death to fright

Our enemies, and cut our way to victory:

But give me leave to tell you sir, at home

Our conquest will be losse, and every wound

We give our Country, is a crimson teare

From our own heart, they are a viperous brood

Gnaw through the bowels of their parent, I

Will rather dye without a monument,

Then have it bear my name, to have defaced

One heap of stones.

Enter Gotharus on the walls, Ho. Aqui.

Cor.

Gotharus on the walls?

Ol.

Hormonus and Aquinus? now a speech,

And 'twere at Gallowes would become him better.

Go.

Thus from my master, to the Prince of Norway,

We did expect, and had prepar'd to meet

Your victory with triumphs, and with Garlands

Due to your fate and valours, entertain'd you▪

Nor has your Army sacrific'd so many

Warm drops of blood, as we have shot up prayers

That you might prosper, and return the pledge

Of all our hope and glory. But when pride

Of your own fames, and conquest in a war,

Hath poyson'd the obedience of a Sonne,

And tempted you to advance your sword, new bath'd

[Page 45]In enemies blood 'gainst your Countries bosome;

Thus we receive you, and declare your pietie,

And faith lost to your Country, and your Father.

Pr.

My Lord, all this concerns not me, we have

But done our dutyes, and return to lay

The Trophies at his feet, whose justice did

Make us victorious more then our own valour,

And now without all titles but his sonne,

I dare hells accusation, to blast

My humble thoughts.

Go.

Sir, give us leave to feare,

Not your own nature, calme as the soft aire,

When no rude wind conspires a mutiny—

Ol.

Leave Rethorique, and to'th point, why do not

The Gates spread to receive us? and your joyes

Shoot up in acclamations? I would have

Thy house give good example to the City▪

And make us the first-born fire.

Go.

Good heaven knows,

How willingly I would sacrifice my selfe,

To do a grateful service to the Prince:

And I could wish my Lord, you were less passionate,

And not inflame his Highnesse gentle spirit

To these attempts.

Pr.

I am ignorant Gotharus

Of what you mean, where is the King my father?

Aq.

Where a sad father is, to know his Sonne

Bring arms against his life.

Pr.

How now Aquinus,

Ol.

Dare you be saucy?

O that Gentleman

Is angry, his head akes with the remembrance of

My Truncheon.

Aq.

'Twas a valiant act,

And did become the greatness of Olaus,

Who by the priviledge of his birth, may do

[Page 46]A wrong and boast it.

Ol.

Shall these Groomes affront us?

Pr.

Have you commission to be thus insolent,

They do not know us?

Go.

Yes, and in our hearts

Bleed, that our fears of your unjust demand,

Compell us to this separation.

Pr.

Demands? is it injustice for a Sonne

To aske his fathers blessing? by thy duty

Gotharus, I command thee, tell my father

His Sonne desires access, let me but speak with him.

Go.

I have not in your absence sir neglected,

What did become my service to your highnesse,

To take his anger off.

Pr.

What Riddles this?

Go.

But let me with a pardon tell your Grace,

The Letters that you sent, were not so dutyfull,

You were to blame, to chide and Article

So with a King and Father; yet I said,

And pawn'd my Conscience 'twas no act of yours,

I mean intyre, but wrought and form'd by some

Rash spirits, to corrupt you with ambition,

Feeding your youth with thought of hasty empire

To serve their ends, whose counsell all this while

Did starve that sweetness in you we all hop'd for.

Ol.

Devices! more devices!

Pr.

I am amaz'd,

And if the King will not vouchsafe me conference,

I shall accuse thy cunning to have poyson'd

My Fathers good opinion.

Enter King.

Go.

Innocence

May thus be stain'd, pray let your justice clear me.

Ki.

What would our Sonne?

Pr.

Thus pay his filiall duty.

'Tis but counterfet, if you bring no thought

To force our blessing in this rude manner, how

[Page 47]Dare you approach? dismiss your souldiers.

Ol.

Not the meanest knapsack,

That were a way to bring us to the mercy

Of wolves indeed, Gotharus grinds his teeth

Already at us.

Ki.

We shall talk with you sir

Hereafter, I command thee by thy duty

Thou ow'st a father and a King, dismiss

Your Troops.

Pr.

I will.

Ola.

You shall not, that were fine,

So we may run our heads into their noose,

You give away your safty.

Pr.

I will not

Dispute my power, let my intreat prevaile

For their dimission.

Ol.

You may dimiss

Your head and mine, and be laugh'd at, these men

Are honest, and dare fight for us.

Pr.

I know

Their loves, and will rewait; dear, dear Uncle.

Go.

How he prepares his Tragedy Aquinus,

Let not thy hand shake.

Aqu.

I am resolute.

Go.

And I, for thy reward, 'tis done, the souldiers

Disperse already.

Ol.

If any mischiefe follow this,

Thank your credulitie.

Pr.

May I now hope for access?

Ki.

Descend Gotharus and Aquinus

To meet the Prince, while he containes within

The piety of a Son, we shall imbrace him.

Pr.

When I degenerate, let me be accurst

By heaven and you.

Ol.

Are you not pale to think on't.

Pr.

It puzzels me to think my father guilty.

Ol.

[Page 48]

I do not like things yet.

As the Prince is going forth, a Pistoll is discharged within, he falls.

Pr.

O I am shot, I am murder'd.

Ol.

Inhumane Trayton, villaine.

Olaus wounds Aquinus.

Go.

So, so, his [...]nd has saved my execution,

'Tis not safe for me to stay, they are both sped rarely.

Exit.

Ol.

O my dear Cousin, treason, treason.

Ki.

Where?

Ol.

In thy own bosome, thou hast kil'd thy Sonne,

Convey his body, guard it safe, and this

Perfidious trunke i'le have it punish't

Past death, and scatter his torn flesh about

The world to affright mankind, thou art

A murthdren, no blood of mine▪

Go.

'Tis done,

And all the guilt dyes with Aquinus, falne

By Olaus sword most happily, who but

Prevented mine, this act concludes all feare.

Ki.

He was my sonne, I must needs drop a teare.

Exeunt.

Haraldus discovered sicke, Queen, Doctors.

Qu.

It is not possible, he [...]ch a feavor

By excess of wine? he was all temperance.

Do.

He had a soft and tender constitution,

Apt to be inflam'd, they that are most abstemious,

Feel the disorder with more violence.

Qu.

Where, who assisted him in this mis-fortune?

He had some company.

Do.

He was invited

He sayes by Sueno, and Helga, to a banquet,

Where in their mirth, they careless of his health,

[Page 49]Suffered him drink too much.

Qu.

They poyson'd him,

Go apprehend the murtherers of my child,

If he recover not, their death shall wait

Upon Haraldus; but pray you tell me Gentlemen,

Is there no hope of life, have you not art

Enough to cure a feavor?

Do.

We find Madam,

His disease more malignant by some thought

Or apprehensions of griefe.

Qu.

What griefe?

Y'are all impostors, and are Ignorant

But how to kill.

Ha.

Is not my mother come?

Qu.

Yes my deare sonne, and here shall weep my selfe

Till I turne Niobe, unlesse thou givest me

Some hope of thy own life.

Ha.

I would say something

Were you alone.

Qu.

Leave us; now my Haraldus,

How is it with my child?

Hal.

I know you love me,

Yet I must tell you truth, I cannot live,

And let this comfort you, death will not come

Unwelcome to your sonne, I do not dye

Against my will, and having my desires,

You have less cause to mourne.

Qu.

What is't has made

The thought of life unpleasant, which does court

Thy dwelling here with all delights that nature

And art can study for thee, rich in all things

Thy wish can be ambitious of, yet all

These treasures nothing to thy mothers love,

Which to enjoy thee would defer a while

Her thought of going to heaven.

Ha.

Oh take heed mother, heaven

[Page 50]Has a spatious eare and power to punish,

Your too much love with my eternal absence,

I begge your prayers and blessing.

Qu.

Th'art dejected,

Have but a will and live.

Ha.

'Tis in vaine mother.

Qu.

Sinke with a feavour into earth?

Look up, thou shalt not dye.

Ha.

I have a wound within

You do not see, more killing then all feavors.

Qu.

A wound? where? who has murder'd thee?

Ha.

Gotharus—

Qu.

Ha! furies persecute him.

Ha▪

Oh pray for him!

'Tis my duty, though he gave me death,

He is my father.

Qu.

How? thy father?

Ha.

He told me so, and with that breath destroy'd me,

I felt it strike upon my spirits; mother,

Would I had neer been born!

Qu.

Believe him not.

Ha.

Oh do not add another sinne to what

Is done already, death is charitable

To quit me from the scorn of all the world.

Qu.

By all my hopes Gotharus has abus'd thee,

Thou art the lawful burden of my wombe,

Thy father, Altomarus.

Ha.

Ha?

Qu.

Before whose spirit long since taken up,

To meet with Saints and Troops Angelicall,

I dare agen repeat thou art his Sonne.

Ha.

Ten thousand blessings now reward my mother!

Speake it againe, and I may live, a stream

Of pious joy runnes through me, to my soule

Y'ave stroke a harmony next that in heaven;

Can you without a blush, call me your Child,

[Page 51]And sonne of Altomarus? all that's holy

Dwell in your blood for ever, speak it once,

But once agen.

Qu.

Were it my latest breath,

Thou art his and mine.

Enough, my tears do flow

To give you thanks for't; I would you could resolve me

But one truth more, why did my Lord Gotharus

Call me the issue of his blood?

Qu,

Alas, he thinks thou art—

Ha.

What are those words? I am undone

Agen.

Qu.

Ha?

Ha.

'Tis too late to call 'em back, he thinks I am his son—

Qu.

I have confess'd too much, and tremble with

The imagination, forgive me child,

And heaven, if there be mercy to a crime

So black, as I must now to quit thy fears,

Say I have been guilty off, we have been sinful,

And I was not unwilling to oblige

His active braine for thy advancement, by

Abusing his beliefe thou wer't his own,

But thou hast no such staine, thy birth is innocent,

Or may I perish ever, 'tis a strange

Confession to a child, but it may drop

A balsome to thy wound; live my Haraldus,

If not for this, to see my penitence,

And with what tears i'le wash away my sinne.

Ha.

I am no bastard then.

Qu.

Thou art not.

Ha.

But I am not found while you are lost,

No time can restore you,

My spirits faint.

Qu.

Will nothing comfort thee?

Ha.

My duty to the Kign.

Qu.

He's here.

Enter King.

Ki.

[Page 52]

How is't Haraldus?

Death sits in's face.

Ha.

Give me you blessing, and within my heart

Ile pray you may have many, my soul flyes

'Bove this vain world, good Mother close mine eyes

Qu.

Never dyed so much sweetnesse in his years.

Ki.

Be comforted, I have lost my sonne too,

The Prince is slaine, how now.

Enter officers with Helga.

Qu.

Justice upon the murderer of my sonne,

This villaine Helga, and his companion

Sueno, have kil'd him, where's the other?

Offi.

Fled Madam,

But Helga does confesse he made him drunk.

He.

But not dead drunk, I do beseech you Madam.

Ki.

Look here what your base surfet has destroy'd.

He.

'Twas Sueno as well as I, my Lord Gotharus

Gave us commission for what we did.

Qu.

Again Gotharus, sure he plotted this.

Ki.

Hang him up straight.

He.

I left no drink behind me,

If I must dye let me have equall justice,

And let one of your guard drink me to death sir;

Or if you please to let me live till

Sueno is taken, we will drink and reele

Out of the world together.

Ki.

Hence, and hang him.

Exeunt.

Enter Hormonus.

Ho.

Sir, you must make provision against

New danger, discontent is broke into

A wild rebellion, and many of your subjects

Gather in tumults, and give out they will

Revenge the Princes death.

Ki.

This I did feare,

Where's Gotharus? O my fright, my conscience,

[Page 53]Has furies in't, where's Gotharus?—

Ho.

Not in the Court.

Ki.

I tremble with confusions.

Exit.

Qu.

I am resolv'd, my joyes are all expir'd,

Nor can ambition more concern me now,

Gotharus has undone me in the death

Of my loved Sonne, his fate is next, while I

Move resolute i'le command his destiny.

Exit.

Enter Gotharus.

Ho.

How are we lost, the Prince Turgesius death

Is of no use, since 'tis unprofitable

To the great hope we stored up in Haraldus,

It was a cursed plot directed me

To raise his spirit, by those giddy engines

That have undone him, their souls reel to hell for't

How will Marpisa weep her selfe into

The obscure shades, and leave me here to grow

A statue with the wonder of our fate.

Enter Albina.

Al.

Sir.

Go.

Do not trouble me.

Al.

Although

I am not partner of your joyes or comfort,

Yet let your cruelty be so mindfull of me

I may divide your sorrows.

Go.

Would thy sufferings

Could ease me of the weight, I would

Empty my heart of all that's ill, to sinke thee,

And bury thee alive, thy sight is hatefull,

Aske me not why, but in obedience

Fly hence into some wildernesse. The Queeen.

Enter Queene.

Exit Alb.

Go.

Great Queen, did any sorrow lade my bosome,

But what does almost melt it for Haraldus,

[Page 54]Your presence would revive me, but it seems

Our hopes and joyes in him grew up so mighty,

Heaven became jealous, we should undervalue

The bliss of th'other world, and build in him

A richer Paradice.

Qu.

I have mourn'd already

A mothers part, and fearing thy excess

Of griefe, present my selfe to comfort thee,

Tears will not call him back, and 'twill become us

Since we two are the world unto our selves,

(Nothing without the circle of our arm's

Precious and welcome) to take heed our griefe

Make us not oversoon, like him that dead,

And our blood useless.

Go.

Were you present Madam,

When your Sonne dyed?

Qu.

I was.

Go.

And did you weepe;

And wish him live, and would not heaven at

Your wish, return his wandering Ghost agen?

Your voyce should make another out of Atomes;

I do adore the harmony, and from

One pleasant look, draw in more blessings

Then death knows how to kill.

Ma.

He is recovered from his passion.

Go.

Whats this? ha?

Qu.

Where?

Go.

Here, like a sudden winter

Struck on my heart, I am not well o'th sudden, ha?

Qu.

My Lord, make use of this, 'tis Cordial,

Gives him a box of poyson.

I am often subject to these passions,

And dare not walk without this Ivory box

To prevent danger, they are pleasant,

'Tis a most happy opportunity.

Go.

Let me present my thanks to my preserver,

[Page 55] Enter Albina.

And kiss your hand.

Qu.

Our lips will meet more lovingly.

Al.

My heart will break.

Qu.

Your Lady, we are betray'd,

She see us kiss, and I shall hate her for't.

Go.

Does this offend your vertue?

Alb.

Y'are merciless,

You shall be a less▪ Tyrant sir to kill me,

Injurious Queen!

Qu.

Shall I be here affronted?

I shall not think Gotharus worth my love,

To let her breath forth my dishonour, which

Her passion hath already dared to publish,

Nor wanted she before an impudence

To throw this poyson in my face.

Go.

I'le tame her.

Exit.

Alb.

I wo'not curse you Madam, but you are

The Cruel'st of all woman kind,

I am prepared to meet your tyrannies.

Enter Gotharus with a Pistol, at the other doore, a servant.

Ser.

My Lord,

We are undone, the common people are

In arms, and violently assault our house,

Threatning your Lordship with a thousand deaths,

For the good Prince, whose murther they exclaime

Contriv'd by you.

Go.

The frends of hell will shew more mercy to me,

Where shall I hide me?

Qu.

Alas they'l kill me too.

Se.

There's no staying, they have broke the wall of the first Court,

Down at some window sir.

Albina takes up the Pistoll.

Go.

[Page 56]

Helpe me, O help me, i' me lost.

Within—

Down with the doors,

This way, this way.

Enter Rebels.

Al.

He that first moves this way

Comes on his death, I can dispatch but one,

And take your choise.

Alas good Madam, we do not come to trouble you

You have sorrow enough, we would talk

With my Lord your pagan husband.

I, I, where is he?

That Traytor.

Murderer of our Prince.

Al.

Y'are not well informed,

Aquinus kill'd the Prince.

But by my Lords correction

We know his heart, and do meane to eat it.

Therefore let him appeare, knock down the Lady

You with the long bill.

Al.

How dare you runne the hazard of your lives

And fortunes, thus like out-laws, without authority

To break into our houses, when you have done,

What fury leads you to 't, you will buy too dear

Repentance at the Gallows.

Hang the Gallowes, and give us my Lord your husband.

Enter Servant.

Ser.

He's escap'd Madam, now they may search.

Enter more Rebels.

Al.

But where's the Queene, she must not be betrai'd.

This way, this way, he got out of a window,

And leap'd a wall, follow, follow.

Within—

Follow, follow, follow.

Al.

O my poor Gotharus.

Enter Queen.

Al.

Madam, you are secure, though you pursued

My death, I wish you safety,

Qu.

I have been

[Page 57]Too cruell, but my fate compell'd me to't.

Exit.

Al.

I am become the extreamest of all miseries.

Oh my unhappy Lord.

Exit.

Enter Sueno.

Su.

Helga is hanged, what will become of me?

I think I were best turn Rebel, there's no hope

To walk without a guard, and that I shall not

Want to the Gallowes, heathen Halberdiers

Are used to have a care, and do rejoyce

To see men have good ends.

Enter Gotharus.

Go.

I am pursued.

Su.

My Lord Gotharus? worse and worse, oh for a mist before his eyes.

Go.

You sha'not betray me sir.

Su.

Hold my Lord, I am your servant, honest Sueno.

Go.

Sueno, off with that case, it may secure me,

Quickly, or—

Su.

Oh my Lord, you shall command my skin,

Alas poor Gentleman, I'm glad I have it

To do your Lordship service.

Go.

Nay, your beard too?

Su.

Yes, yes, any thing:

Alas my good Lord, how comes this?

Go.

Leave your untimely prating, help,

You'l not betray me.

Su.

I'le first be hanged.

VVithin

—Follow, follow.

Go.

Hell stop their throats; so, so, now thy reward

Su.

It was my duty, troth sir I will have nothing.

Go.

Yes, take that, and that, for killing of Haraldus.

VVounds him.

Now I'm sure you will not prate.

Su.

O murther.

VVithin

—Follow, follow.

Go.

[Page 58]

I cannot scape, oh help invention.

He bloodies himselfe with Sueno's blood, and falls down as dead.

Enter Rebels.

This way they say he went, what's he?

One of our company I think,

Who kil'd him?

I know not.

Lets away, if we can find that Traytor,

He shall pay for all▪

Oh that I had him here, I'de teach him—

This way, this way.

Su.

Oh.

Stay, There's one groans.

Su.

Oh—

Nay 'twas here abouts, another dead?

He has good cloathes, Gotharus? the very cur.

'Tis Gotharus, I have seen the dog.

'Tis he, 'tis he.

Su.

Oh.

Exit Gotha.

Now 'tis not he, if thou canst speak my friend—

Su.

Gotharus murdered me, and shifted cloathes,

He cannot be far off, oh.

Thats he that lyes dead yonder, O that he were

Alive againe, that we might kill him one after another.

He's gone:

The Devill he is, follow, follow.

This way, he cannot scape us, farewell friend,

i'le doe thee a courtecy.

Follow, follow.

Exit.

Enter Olaus, Prince, Aquinus.

Ol.

So, so, in this disguise you may to'th Army,

Who though they seem to scatter, are to meet

[Page 59]By my directions, honest Aquinus, you

You wait on the Prince, but sir—

Whispers.

Cor.

Were you not wounded?

Aq.

I prepared a privie Coat, for that I knew Gotharus

Would have been too busie with my flesh else,

But he thinks I'm slaine by the Duke, and hugges

His fortune in't.

Pr.

You'l follow.

Ol.

And bring you news, perhaps the Rabble are

In hot pursuite after the Polititian,

He cannot scape them, they'l teare him like

So many hungry Mastives.

Exit.

Pr.

I could wish they had him.

Ol.

Lose no time, Cortes stay you with me,

Not that I think my house will want your guard.

Cor.

Command me sir.

Ol.

Whas ever such a practise by a father,

To take away his Sonnes life?

Pr.

I would hope he may not be so guilty, yet I know not

How his false terrors multiplied by the Art

Of this Gotharus may prevaile upon him,

And win consent.

Ol.

Aquinus has been faithfull,

And deceived all their treasons, but the Prince

Is still thought dead, this empty Coffine shall

Confirme the people in his funerall,

To keep their thoughts revengeful,

VVithin.

Follow, follow—

Till we are possest of him that plotted all.

Cor.

The cry draws this way,

They are excellent Blood-hounds.

Enter Gotharus.

Go.

As you are men, defend me from the rage

Of the devouring multitude; I have

[Page 60]Deserv'd your anger, and a death, but let not

My limbs inhumanely be torne by them,

O save me.

VVithin.

Follow, foll—

Ol.

Blest occasion.

Go.

I am forced to take your house, and now implore

Your mercy, but to rescue me from them,

And be your own revenger, yet my life

Is worth your preservation for a time,

Do it, and i'le reward you with a story

You'l not repent to know.

Ol.

You cannot be safe here,

Their rage is high, and every doore

Must be left open to their violence,

Unlesse you will obscure you in this Coffin,

Prepared for the sweet Prince that's murder'd,

And but expects his body which is now imbalming.

Go.

That, O y'are charitable.

VVithin.

Follow, fol—

Go.

Their noise is Thunder to my soul,

He goes into the Coffin.

So, so.

Enter Rebels.

Ola.

How now Gentlemen, what means this Tumult,

Do you know that I possesse this dwelling?

Reb.

Yes my Lord,

But we were told my Lord Gotharus entred,

And we beseech you give him to our justice,

He is the common enemy, and we know he killed the Prince.

Ol.

You may search if you please,

He can presume of small protection here,

But I much thank you for your loyalties,

And service to the Prince, whose bloodless ruines

Are there, and do but wait when it will please

[Page 61]His father to reverse a cruell sentence,

That keeps him from a buriall with his Ancestors,

We are forbid to do him rights of funerall.

How, not bury him?

Forbid to bury our good Prince? we'l bury him,

And see what Priest dare not assist us.

Not bury him? we'l do't, and carry his body in triumph

Through the City, and see him laid i'th great Tombs

Not bury our Prince? that were a jest indeed.

Cor.

'Tis their love and duty.

We'l pull the Church down, but we'l have our will.

Deare Prince, how sweet he smels.

Come Countrymen march, and see who dares

Take his body from us.

Cor.

You cannot helpe.

Ol.

They'l bury him alive.

Cor.

He's in a fright.

Ol.

So may all Traytors thrive.

Exeunt.

Act. 5.

Enter King and Queene.

Ki.

OH I am lost, and my soul bleeds to thinke

By my own dotage upon thee.

Qu.

I was curst

When I first saw thee, poor wind-shaken King!

I have lost my Sonne.

Ki.

Thy honour impious woman,

Of more price then a Sonne, or thy own life,

I had a sonne too, whom my rashness sent

To another world, my poor Turgesius,

[Page 62]What sorcery of thy tongue and eyes betraid me?

Qu.

I would I had been a Basilisk, to have shot

A death to thy dissembling heart, when I

Gave my selfe up thy Queen; I was secure,

Till thou with the temptation of greatness

And flattery, didst poyson my sweet peace,

And shall thy base feares leave me now a prey

To Rebels?

Ki.

I had been happy to have left

Thee sooner, but be gone, get to some wildernesse

Peopled with Serpents, and engender with

Some Dragon like thy self.

Qu.

Ha, ha.

Ki.

Dost laugh thou prodigie? thou shame of woman?

Qu.

Yes, and despise thee dotard, vex till thy soul

Break from thy rotten flesh, I will be merry

At thy last groan.

Ki.

O my poor boy! my sonne!

His wound is printed here, that false Gotharus,

Your wanton Goat I feare, practis'd with thee

His death.

Qu.

'Twas thy own act and timerous heart, in hope

To be secure, I glory in the mention

Thou murderer of thy sonne.

Enter Hormenus.

Ho.

Oh sir, if ever, stand upon your guard,

The Army which you thought scattered and broke,

Is grown into a great and threatning body,

Lead by the Duke Olaus your lov'd Uncle,

Is marching hither, all your subjects fly to him.

Exit.

Qu.

Ha, ha.

Ki.

Curse on thy spleene, is this a time for laughter,

When horror should afflict thy guilty soule?

Hence mischiefe.

Qu.

[Page 63]

Not to obey thee, (shadow of a King)

Am I content to leave thee, and but I wo'not

Prevent thy greater sorrow and vexation,

Now I would kill thee coward.

Treason, treason.

Qu.

I, I, Who comes to your rescue?

Ki.

Are all fled?

Qu.

Slaves do it naturally.

Ki.

Canst thou hope to scape?

Qu.

I am mistress of my fate, and do not feare

Their inundation, their Army comming,

It does prepare my triumph, they shall give

Me libertie, and punish thee to live.

Ki.

Undone, forsaken, miserable King!

Exeunt severally.

Enter Prince, Olaus, Cortes, Aquinus, Souldiers.

Pr.

Worthy Aquinus, I must honour thee,

Thou hast preserv'd us all, thy service will

Deserve a greater monument then thanks.

Aq.

Thank the Duke, for breaking o' my pate.

Ol.

I know 'twas well bestow'd, but we have now

Proof of thy honest heart.

Aq.

But what with your highness favour, do you meane

To do with your father?

Pr.

Pay my duty to him,

He may be sensible of his cruelty,

And not repent to see me live.

Ol.

But with your favour, something else must be

Considered, there's a thing he calls his Queen,

A limbe of Lucifer, she must be rosted

For the Armies satisfaction.

Aq.

They'l ne'r digest her,

The Kings hounds may be kept hungry

Enough perhaps, and make a feast upon her.

Pr.

I wonder how the rabble will bestow

[Page 64]The Coffin.

Ol.

Why, they'l bury him alive

I hope.

Pr.

Did they suppose my body there?

Ol.

I'm sorry, he will fare so much the better,

I would the Queen were there to comfort him,

Oh they would smell, and sweat together rarely.

Aq.

He dare as soon be damn'd as make a noise,

Or stirre, or cough.

Ol.

If he should sneeze.

Cor.

'Tis his best course to go into the ground

With silence.

Pr.

March on, stay, what Trumpets that?

Enter Rebels with a Trumpet before the Coffin marching.

Ol.

They are no enemies, I know the Coffin.

Aq.

What rusty Regiment ha' we here?

Ol.

They are going to bury him, he's not yet discovered;

Oh do not hinder 'em, 'tis a work of charity:

Yet now I do consider better on't,

You may do well to shew your selfe, that may

Be a meanes to waken the good Gentleman,

And make some sport before the rascall smell,

And yet he's in my nostrill, he has perfum'd

His box already.

Om. Reb.

'Tis he, 'tis he, the Prince alive! hey.

They see the Prince throw downe the Coffin, and runne to kneele and embrace him.

Aq.

What would he give but for a knife to cut

His own throat now?

Om. Rebel.

Our noble Prince alive?

Pr.

That owes himselfe to all your loves.

Aq.

What? what trinkets ha' you there?

Reb.

The Duke Olaus told us 'twas the Princes body,

[Page 65]Which we resolv'd to bury with magnificence.

Aq.

So it appeares.

Ol.

'Tis better as it is.

2. Reb.

There's something in't, my shoulder is still sensible,

Lets search, stand off—

Ol.

Now do you sent him Gentlemen? he wo'd forgive

The hangman to dispatch him out o'th way;

Now will these Masties use him like a Cat,

Most dreadfull Rogues at an execution:

Now, now.

1. Reb.

'Tis a man, ha Gotharus, the thing we whet our teeth for.

Om. Reb.

Out with the traytor, and with the murderer, hey, drag him.

Ol.

I told you.

1 Reb.

Hold, know your dutie fellow renagades,

We do beseech thee high and mighty Prince,

Let us dispose of what we brought, this traytor

He was given us by the Duke, fortune has

Thrown him into our teeth.

Ol.

And they'l devour him.

Om.

We beseech your highness.

Ol.

I doe acknowledge it, good sir grant their boone,

And try the Caniballs.

Ile have an arme.

Ile have a legge, I am a Shoomaker,

His shinbone may be useful.

I want a signe, give me his head.

Pr.

Stay, let's first see him, is he not stifled?

I had rather my wife were speechlesse.

Ol.

The Coffin sir was never close.

Pr.

He does not stirre.

We'l make him stir, hang him, he's but asleepe.

He's dead, hum.

Ol.

Dead? Then the Devill is not so wise as I took him.

Pr.

He's dead, and has prevented all their fury.

Aq.

[Page 66]

He was not smother'd, the Coffin had aire enough.

Ol.

He might ha' liv'd to give these Gentlemen some content.

1 Reb.

Oh let us teare his limbs.

Pr.

Let none use any violence to his body,

I feare he has met reward above your punishment.

Let me have but his clothes.

He is a Taylor.

Onely to cut out a sute for a Tarytor by 'em,

Or any man, my conscience would wish hang'd.

Let me have a button for a relique—

Pr.

No more.

Ol.

There is some mystery in his death.

Enter King.

The King? obscure a little nephew—

Ki.

To whom now must I kneel? where is the King?

For I am nothing, and deserve to be so,

Unto you Uncle must I bow, and give

My Crown, pray take it, with it give me leave

To tell you, what it brings the hapless wearer,

Beside the outside glory: for I am

Read in the miserable fate of Kings.

You thinke it glorious to command, but are

More suject then the poorest payes you dutie,

And must obey your fears, your want of sleepe,

Rebellion from your Vassals, wounds even from

Their very tongues, whose quietnesse you sweat for,

For whose dear health you waste, and fright your

Strength to palenesse, and your blood into a frost.

You are not certaine of a friend or servant,

To build your faith upon, your life is but

Your subjects murmur, & your death their sacrifice;

When looking past your selfe, to make them blest

In your succession, which a wife must bring you;

You may give up your libertie for a smile

[Page 67]As I ha' done, and in your bosome cherish

More danger then a warre or famine brings,

Or if you have a sonne—my spirits faile me

At naming of a sonne.

Pr.

Oh my deare father.

Ki.

Ha! do not fright me in my tears, which should

Be rather blood, for yeelding to thy death,

I have let fall my penitence, though I was

Counsel'd by him whose truth I now suspect,

In the amaze and puzzle of my state—

Pr.

Dear sir, Let not one thought afflict you more,

I am preserv'd to be your humble sonne still,

Although Gotharus had contriv'd my ruine,

'Twas counterplotted by this honest Captaine.

Ki.

I know not what to credit, art Turgesius?

Pr.

And do account your blessing, and forgiveness

(If I have err'd) above the whole worlds Empire▪

The Armie sir is yours.

Ol.

Upon conditions—

Pr.

Good sir—and all safety meant your person▪

Ol.

Right, but for your gipsie Queene, that Cocatrice.

Ki.

She's lost.

Ol.

The Devil find her.

Ki.

She's false.

Ol.

That Gentleman

Jack in a Box, if he could speake,

Would cleare that point.

Ki.

Forgive me gentle boy.

Pr.

Dear sir no more.

Aq.

Best dismiss these Gentlemen.

Ol.

The Princes bountie, now you may go home;

And d'ee heare, be drunk to night, the cause requires it.

We'l shew our selves good subjects.

Om.

Heaven bless the King and Prince, and the good Duke.

Exeunt.

Ki.

[Page 68]

My comforts are too mighty, let me poure

More blessings on my boy.

Pr.

Sir, I am blest▪

If I stand faire in your opinion.

Ki.

And welcome▪ good Olaus.

Ol.

Y'are deceiv'd,

I am a Ruffian, and my head must off

To please the Monkey Madam that bewitch'd you,

For being too honest to you.

Ki.

We are friends.

Ol.

Upon condition that you will —

Ki.

What?

Ol.

Now have I forgot what I would have,

Oh that my Ladie Circe that transform'd you,

May be sent — whether? I ha' forgot agen,

To the Devil, any whether, far enough:

A curse upon her, she troubles me both when

I think on her, and when I forget her.

Enter Albina.

Ki.

Gotharus wife, the sorrowful Albina.

Al.

If pittie dwell within your royal bosome,

Let me be heard; I come to find a husband,

Ile not believe what the hard hearted rebels

Told me, that he is dead, (they lov'd him not▪

And wish it so) for you would not permit

His murder here. You gave me, sir, to him

In holy marriage, i'le not say, what sorrow

My poor heart since hath been acquainted with,

But give him now to me, and i'le account

No blessing like that bountie; where, oh where

Is my poor Lord? none tell me? are you all

Silent, or deaf as Rocks? yet they sometimes

Do with their hollow murmurs, answer men.

This does increase my fears, none speak to me?

I aske my Lord from you sir, you once lov'd him,

[Page 69]He had your bosome, who hath torne him thence?

Why do you shake your head? and turn away?

Can you resolve me sir? the Prince alive?

Whose death they would revenge upon Gotharus.

O let me kisse your hand, a joy to see

You safe, doth interrupt my griefe, I may

Hope now my Lord is saf too, I like not

That melancholly gesture; why do you make

So dark your face, and hide your eies, as they

Would shew an interest in sorrow with me.

Where is my Lord? can you or any tell me

Where I may find the comfort of mine eies,

My husband; or but tell me that he lives,

And I will pray for you—then he is dead

Indeed I feare.

Pr.

Poor Ladie.

Aq.

Madam be comforted.

Al.

Why that's well said, I thank you gentle sir,

You bid me be comforted, blessing on you,

Shew me now reason for it, tell me something

I may believe.

Aq.

Madam, your husbands dead.

Al.

And did you bid me sir be comforted

For that? oh you were cruel▪ dead? who murdered him?

For though he lov'd not me in life, I must

Revenge his death.

Pr.

Alas you cannot.

Al.

No?

Will not heaven heare me think you? for i'le pray

That horror may pursue the guiltie head

Of his black murderer, you doe not know

How fierce and fatall is a widowes curse;

Who kil'd him? saie.

Aq.

We know not.

Al.

Y'are unjust.

Pr.

Pursue not sorrow with such inquisition

Ladie.

Al.

[Page 70]

Not I? who hath more interest?

Ki.

The knowledge of what circumstance depriv'd him

Of life, will not availe to his return;

Or if it would, none here know more, then that

He was brought hither dead in that inclosure.

Al.

Where?

Aq.

In that Coffin Ladie.

Al.

Was it charitie

Made this provision for him? oh my Lord

Now may I kisse thy wither'd lip, discharge

Upon thy bosome a poor widowes tears;

There's something tempts my heart to shew more dutie,

And wait on thee to death, in whose pale dresse

Thou dost invite me to be reconcil'd.

Ki.

Remove that Coffin.

Al.

Y'are uncharitable;

Is't not enough that he is rob'd of life

Among you, but you'l rob me of his bodie?

Poor remnant of my Lord; I have not had

Indeed so many kisses a great while,

Pray do not envie me, for sure I sha'not

Die of this surfet, he thought not I was

So neare to attend him in his last and long

Progresse, that built this funerall tenement

Without a roome for me; the sad Albina

Must sleepe by her dead Lord, I feel death coming,

And as it did suspect, I durst not look

On his grim visage, he has drawn a curtaine

Of mist before my eies.

Ki.

Look to the Ladie.

Pr.

Look to Albina, our Physitians,

There is not so much vertue more i'th Kingdome:

If she survive this passion, she is worth

A Prince, and I will court her as my blessing.

Say, is there hope?

Phy.

There is.

Pr.

[Page 71]

Above your lives preserve her.

Phy.

With our best art and care.

Exit with Albina.

Ol.

She has almost made me woman too; but

Come to other businesse.

Enter Queene.

Aq.

Is not this the Queene?

Ol.

The Queen of hell, give her no hearing, but

Shoot, shoot her presently without more repentance,

There is a leacherous Devil in her eye,

Give him more fire, his hell's not hot enough,

Now shoot.

Pr.

Be temperate good sir.

Qu.

Nay let his cholerick highness be obey'd.

Aq.

She is shot-free.

Qu.

The Prince alive? where is Gotharus?

Ol.

Your friend that was.

Qu.

It is confest.

Ol.

Your Stallion.

Qu.

He has more titles sure.

Ol.

Let but some strangle her in her own haire.

Qu.

The office will become a noble hangman.

Ol.

Whore—

Qu.

Ile not spend my breath upon thee,

I have more use on't, does Gotharus live?

Aq.

You may conjecture Madam, if you turn

Your eyes upon that object.

Qu.

It has wrought then.

Ki.

What has wrought?

Qu.

His Physick sir,

For the state Megrim.

A wholsome poyson, which in his poor feares,

And fainting when the Rebels first pursu'd him,

It was my happinesse to minister

In my poor boyes revenge, kil'd by his practise.

Pr.

[Page 72]

Poyson'd.

Ol.

She is turn'd Doctor.

Qu.

He becomes

Deaths pale complexion, and now I'm prepar'd

Pr.

For what?

Qu.

To die.

Ol.

Prepar'd to be damn'd, a seven years killing

Will be too little.

Qu.

I pitty your poor rage,

I sha'not stay so long, nor shall you have

The honour sir to kill me.

Ol.

No, let me trie.

Qu.

Ha, ha.

Ol.

Dost thou laugh Helcat?

Qu.

Yes, and scorne all your furies, I was not

So improvident, to give Gotharus all

My cordiall, you may trust the operation,

Here's some to spare, if any have a mind

To taste, and be assur'd, will you my Lord?

'Twill purge your choler rarely.

Ol.

Ile not be your patient I thank you.

Qu.

This box was ever my companion,

Since I grew wicked with that Polititian,

To prevent shameful death, nor am I coy

To pleasure a friend in't.

Ol.

Devils charity.

Qu.

It works with method, and doth kill discreetly

Without a noise, your Mercury is a rude

And troublesome destroyer to this medicine;

I feel it gently seize upon my vitals,

'Tis now the time to steale into my heart.

Ki.

Hast thou no thought of heaven?

Qu.

Yes, I do think

Sometimes, but have not heart enough to pray;

Some vapour now rises 'twixt me and heaven,

I cannot see't, lust and ambition ruin'd me:

[Page 73]If greatnesse were a priviledge i'th other

World, it were a happiness to die a Queene,

I find my conscience too late, 'tis bloody,

And full of staines, oh I have been so wicked,

'Twere almost impudence to aske a pardon,

Yet for your own sakes pitty me; survive

All happie, and if you can, forgive, forgive.

Moritun.

Ki.

Those accents yet may be repentance.

Pr.

See's dead.

Ki.

Some take their bodies hence.

Pr.

Let them have buriall.

Ki.

'Tis in thee Turgesius

To dispose all, to whom I give my Crown;

Salute him King by my example.

Pr.

Stay,

Upon your dutie staie, will you be traytors,

Consent your lawful King should be depos'd?

Sir, do not wound your Son, and lay so great

A staine upon his hopeful, his green honour,

I now enjoy good mens opinions,

This change will make 'em think I did conspire,

And force your resignation, were it still

By justice and your selfe, it shall not touch

My brow, till death translate you to a Kingdome

More glorious, and you leave me to succeed,

Better'd by your example in the practise

Of a Kings power and dutie.

Ki.

This obedience

Will with excess of comfort kill thy father,

And hasten that command thou wouldst decline.

Pr.

Receive this Captain, and reward his faith

To you and me.

Ki.

Be Captaine of our guard.

And my good Uncle, to your eare I leave

The Souldiers, let the largesse speak our bountie

And your love.

Ol.

[Page 74]

I, this sounds well fellow Souldiers,

Trust me beside your pay for the Kings bountie.

Within Sol.

Heaven preserve

The King and Prince.

Ol.

Not a short prayer for me?

Om. Sol.

Heaven bless the Duke, heaven bless the Duke.

Ol.

Why so, money will do much.

Ki.

A bright daie shines upon us, come my sonne,

Too long a stranger to the Court, it now

Shall bid thee wellcome, I do feel my years

Slide off, and joy drown sorrow in my tears.

Exeunt omnes.

FINIS.

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