Actus primus, Scena prima.
Enter Iulia and Strazo.
Iulia.
THat shee should doo't?
Stroza.
Shee?
Iul.
May we build vpon't?
Str.
As on a base of Marble; I haue seene
Strange passages of loue, loose enterchanges
Of hands and eyes betwixt her and the Prince,
Madama looke too't.
Iul.
What hope hath he in one
So meanly bred? or shee t'obtaine a Prince
Of such discent and linnage?
Str.
What but this
That you must vndergoe the name of wife,
And she to intercept the sweetes of loue
Due to your bed.
Iul.
To be his strumpet Stroza?
Str.
Madame a woman may guesse vnhappily.
Iul.
Thou shouldst be honest Stroza.
Str.
Yes, many should
Be what they are not: but I alwayes was,
And euer will be one, (that's still my selfe.)
Iul.
The Generall Sforsaes daughter? is't not she?
Str.
Is that yet questioned? as if the chaste Court
Had saue her selfe one so degenerate,
So dissolutely wanton, so profuse
In prostitution too, so impudent
And blushlesse in her proud ambitious aime,
As if no man could her intemperance please,
Saue him whom Heauen hath destin'd to your bed.
Iul.
I neuer saw them yet familiar.
Str.
Ha, ha, as if they'd send for you to see't,
To witnesse what they most striue to conceale,
Be guld? be branded: 'lasto me, all's nothing,
I shall ne're smart for't, what is't to me?
If being a Bride, you haue a widdowed fortune;
If being married, you must throw your selfe
Vpon a desolate bed, and in your armes,
Claspe nought but Ayre, whilst his armes full of pleasure
Borrow'd from a stolne beauty, shall this grieue
Or trouble me? breake my sleepes? make me starte
At midnight vp, and fill the house with clamours?
Shall this bring strange brats to be bred and brought
Vp at my fire, and call me Dad? No: this
Concernes not me more then my loue to you
To your high Soueraignty.
Iul.
I now repent
Too late, since I too lauishly haue giuen him
The vtmost he could aske, and stretcht my honour
Beyond all lawfull bounds of modesty.
Hee's couetous of others, and neglects
His owne; but I will part those their stolne pleasures,
And crosse those lustfull sports they haue in chase,
Not be the pillow to my owne disgrace.
Exit.
Str.
The game's on foote, and there's an easie path
To my reuenge; this beauteous Millanois
Vnto th'Duke sole heire, still courted, crau'd,
And by the Parma Prince sollicited,
Which I still study how to breake, and cast
Aspersions betwixt both of strange dislike;
But wherein hath the other innocent Mayde
So iniur'd me, that I should scandall her?
Her Father is the Generall to the Duke:
For when I studdied to be rais'd by Armes,
And purchase me high eminence in Campe,
He crost my fortunes, and return'd me home
A Cashierd Captaine; for which iniury
I scandall all his meanes vnto the Duke,
And to the Princesse all his daughters vertues,
I labour to inuert, and bring them both
Into disgracefull hatred.
Enter Prince Parma.
Par.
Stroza?
Str.
My Lord?
Par.
Saw you the Princesse?
Str.
Iulia?
Par.
She?
Str.
I haue my Lord of late no eare of hers,
Nor she a tongue of mine; the, time hath bin
Till soothing Sycophantsand Court Parasites
Supplanted me.
Par.
I haue the power with her
To bring thee into grace.
Str.
Haue you the power
To keepe your selfe in? doe you smile my Lord?
Par.
I tell thee Stroza, I haue that interest
In Iulias bosome, that the proudest Prince
In Italy cannot supplant me thence.
Str.
Sir,
Ino way question it: but haue I not knowne
A Prince hath bin repulst, and meanest persons
Bosom'd? the Prince would once haue lookt vpon me,
When small intreaty would haue gain'd an eye,
An eare, a tongue, to speake yea, and a heart,
To thinke I could be secret.
Par.
What meanes Stroza?
Str.
But 'tis the fate of all mortality:
Man cannot long be happy; but my passion
Will make me turne blab, I shall out with all.
Par.
Whence comes this? 'tis suspicious, and I must be
Inquisitiue to know't.
Str.
A Iest my Lord,
I'le tell you a good Iest.
Par.
Prithee let's heare it.
Str.
What will you say, if at your meeting next
With this faire Princesse? shee begins to raue,
To raile vpon you, to exclaime on your
Inconstancy, and call the innocent name
Of some chaste Maide in question, whom perhaps
You neuer ey'd my Lord.
Par.
What of all this?
Str.
What but to excuse her owne: (I'le not say what)
Put off the purpos'd Contract: and my Lord
Come, come, I know you haue a pregnant wit.
Par.
We parted last with all the kindest greeting
Louers could adde fare-well with: but should this change
Suite thy report, I should be forc't to thinke
That, which cuen Oracles themselues could neuer
Force me to that she is.
Str.
All women are not
Sincerely constant, but obserue my Lord.
Enter Iulia, the Generals Wife, and Lauretta her Daughter.
Iul.
Minion is't you? there's for you, know your owne.
Str.
Obseru'd you that my Lord?
Inlia meets her and strikes her, then speakes.
Lau.
Why did you strike me Madame?
Iul.
Strumpet, why?
Dare you contest with vs?
Lau.
Who dare with Princesse? subiects must forbeare
Each step I treade I'le water with a teare.
Exeunt Mother and Lauretta weeping.
Str.
I spy a storme a comming, Ile to shelter.
Exit Stro.
Par.
Your meaning Madame?
Iul.
Did it Sir with yours
But correspond, it would be bad indeede.
Par.
VVhy did you strike that Lady?
Iul.
Cause you should pitty her.
Par.
Small cause for blowes.
Iul.
I strucke her publickly.
Par.
You giue her blowes in priuate.
Par.
Stroza still?
Iul.
Goe periurd and dispose thy false allurements
'Mongst them that will beleeue thee, thou hast lost
Thy credit here for euer.
Par.
I shall finde
Faith else-where then.
Iul.
Eye spread thy snares
To catch poore innocent Maides: and hauing tane them
In the like pit-fall, with their shipwrackt honours,
Make seasure of their liues.
Par.
Iniurious Lady,
All thou canst touch my Honour with, I cast
On thee, and henceforth I will flye thee as
A Basaliske. I haue found the change of lust,
Your loose inconstancy, which is as plaine
To me, as were it writ vpon thy brow,
You shall not cast me off: I hate thy sight,
And from this houre I will abiure thee quite.
Exit Parma.
Iul.
Ile call him backe: if Stroza be no villaine,
He is not worth my clamour. What was that startled
Within me? Oh I am dishonoured
Perpetually; for he hath left behinde
That pledge of his acquaintance, that will for euer
Cleaue to my blood in scandall, I must now
Sue, send, and craue, and what before I scorn'd
By prayers to grant, submissiuely implore.
Exit Iulia.
A flourish. Enter the Duke of Millenie, the Generals wife, and deliuers apetition with Stroza, Lauretta, and attendants.
Duke.
Lady your suite?
Wife.
So please your Grace peruse it,
It is included there.
Duk.
Our generals Wife?
Duk.
We know you Lady, and your beauteous Daughter,
Nay you shall spare your knee,
Str.
More plot for mee;
My brain's in labour, and must be deliuered
Of some new mischeife?
Duk.
You petition heere
For Men and Money I making a free relation
Of all your Husbands fortunes, how supplyes
Haue beene delay'd, and what extremities
He hath indurd at Naples dreadfull Seige;
We know them all, and withall doe acknowledge
All plentious blessings by the power of Heauen,
By him wee doe obtaine, and by his valour
Lady we greue he hath beene so neglected.
Wife.
O Roiall Sir, you still were Gratious,
But twixt your Vertues and his Merits there
Hath beene some interception, that hath stopt
The current of your fauours.
Duk.
All which shal bee remou'd, and hee appeare
Henceforth a bright starre in our courtly spheare.
Str.
But no such Comet here shall daze my sight,
Whilst I a Cloud am to Eclips that light
Exit Stroza.
Duk.
We sent out our Commissions two Monthes since
For Men and Money, nor was't our intent
It should bee thus delayd: though we are Prince,
We onely can command, to Execute
Tis not in vs but in our Officers,
We vnderstand that by their negligence
He has beene put to much extremity
Of Dearth and Famine; many a stormy night
Beene forc'd to roofe himselfe i'th open field,
Nay more then this, much of his owne reuenue
He hath expended, all to pay his Souldiers:
Yet Reuerend Madame, but forget what's past,
Though late, weele quit his merit at the last.
Enter Iulia and Stroza whispering.
Wife.
Your Highnesse is most Royall?
Stro.
Her Father shall be in the Campe releiu'd,
She grac'd in Court, how will she braue you then?
If suffer this take all? why the meanest Lady
Would neuer brooke an equall? you a Princesse?
And can you brooke a base competitor?
Iulia
It shall not, we are fixt and stand immou'd,
And will be swaid by no hand.
Duk.
Iulia?
Iulia.
A Sutor to that Lady Royall Father,
Before she be a widdow that you are
So priuate in discourse?
Duk.
O you mistake,
For shee the sutor is and hath obtain'd.
Iulia.
I'm glad I haue found you in the giuing vaine
Will you grant me one boone to?
Duk.
Question not,
To hast your Marriage with the former Prince,
Or at the least the contract, is't not that?
Iulia.
Say twere my Lord?
Duk.
It could not be denide
But speake? thy suite?
Iulia.
To haue this modest Gentlewoman
Banisht the Court,
Wife.
My Daughter Royall princesse,
Show vs some cause I beg it?
Iulia.
Lady though
You be i'th begging vaine, I am not now
In the giuing, will you leaue vs?
Lauretta.
Wherein O Heauen
Haue I deseru'd your wrath, that you should thus
Persue me? I haue searcht, indeed beyond
My vnderstanding, but yet cannot finde?
Wherein I haue offended by my chastity.
Iulia.
How chastitiy?
A thing long sought 'mongst Captains wiues and daughters,
Yet hardly can bee found.
Duk.
Faier Lady yeild
Vnto my daughters spleen her rage blowne 'ore,
Feare not, Ile make your peace, as for your suite
Touching your husband, that will I secure.
Iul.
Haste Stroza, vnto the Prince his chamber,
Giue him this letter, it concernes my honor,
My state, my life, all that I can call good
Depends vpon the safe deliuery
Of these few broken Letters.
Str.
Maddam, tis done—
Exit.
Iul.
VVhat stayes she to out-face me?
Lau.
Madam, I yeeld
VVay to your spleene, not knowing whence it growes,
Bearing your words more heauy then your blowes.
Wife.
Small hope there is to see the Father righted.
VVhen the child is thus wrong'd.
Enter a Souldier and Stroza.
Soul.
Must speake with the Duke,
Str.
Must fellow? stay your howre, and dance attendance
Vntill the Duke's at leisure.
Soul.
Ile doe neither,
I come in haste with newes,
Str.
VVhy then keepe out sir.
Soul.
Ha Milksop? know percullist gates
Though kept with Pikes & Muskets, could nere kepe me out
And dost thou thinke to shut me out with VVainscot?
Duk.
VVhat's he?
Soul.
A Souldier,
Duk.
VVhence?
Soul.
The Campe
Duk.
The newes?
Soul.
A mighty losse; a glorious victory
Duke
But which the greater?
Soul.
Tis vncertaine Sir:
But will you heare the best or bad newes first?
Duke.
Cheere me with conquest first, that being arm'd
With thy best newes, we better may endure
What sounds more fatall.
Soul.
Heare me then my Lord,
We sack't the Citty after nine Moneths siege,
Furnisht with store of all warres furniture,
Our (neuer to be praisd enough) braue Generall
Fought in the Cannons face, their number still
Increast, but our diminisht; their souldiers pay
Doubled, and ours kept backe: but we (braue spirits)
The losse we had of Coyne, the more we tooke
Vnto our selues of Courage, but when all
Our furniture was spent euen to one day,
And that to morrow we must be inforc't
To raise a shameful siege, then stood our General
(Our valiant Generall) vp, and breath'd vpon vs
His owne vndaunted spirit, which spred through
The Campe, return'd it doubly arm'd againe:
For he did meane to lay vpon one shott
His state and fortune, and then instantly
He bad vs arme and follow: On then he went,
We after him; oh! 'twas a glorious sight,
Fit for a Theater of Gods to see,
How we made vp and mauger all opposure,
Made way through raging stormes of showring bullets;
At last we came to hooke our ladders, and
By them to skale. The first that mounted, was
Our bold couragious Generall: after him
Ten thousand, so we instantly were made
Lords of the Citty, purchas'd in two houres
After a nine Moneths siege: all by the valour
Of our approued Generall.
Duke.
I neuer heard a brauer victory,
But what's our losse?
Soul.
Oh that, which ten such Conquests
Cannot make good, your worthy Generall.
Wife.
My Lord and husband? spare me passion,
I must with-draw to death.
Exit.
Duke.
How perish't he?
What dy'de he by the sword?
Soul.
Sword? No alas,
No sword durst byte vpon his noble flesh,
Nor bullet raze his skinne: he whom War feared,
The Cannon spar'd, no steele durst venture on.
No Duke, 'twas thy vnkinde ingratitude
Hath slaine braue Sforsa.
Duke.
Speake the cause?
Soul.
I shall:
This Citty seaz'd, his purpose was the spoyle
To giue his Souldiers; but when his seal'd Commission
He had vnript, and saw expresse command,
To deale no farther then to victory,
And that his great Authority was curb'd,
And giuen to others, that respect their profit
More then the worth of souldiers: euen for griefe,
That he could neither furnish vs with pay
Which was kept back, nor guerdon vs with spoile,
What was about him he distributed,
Euen to the best deseruers, as his garments,
His Armes, and Tent, then some few words spake,
And so opprest with griefe, his great heart brake.
Str.
There's one gone then.
Duke.
Attend for thy reward,
So leaue vs.
Soul.
Pray on whom shall I attend?
VVho is't must pay me?
Str.
I sir.
Soul.
You sir? tell me,
VVill it not cost me more the waiting for,
Then the summe comes to when it is receiu'd?
I doe but aske the question.
Str.
You are a bold
And saucy souldier.
Soul.
You are a cunning slaue,
And cowardly Courtier.
Duke.
See all things be dispatcht
Touching conditions of attoned peace
'Twixt vs and Naples: see that souldier to
Haue his reward.
Soul.
Come will you pay me sir?
Exit Soul.
Str.
Sir, will you walke: as for your saucinesse
I'le teach you a Court-tricke: you shal be taught
How to attend.
Duke.
But that our General's lost:
Str.
Is't not now peace, what should a Generall doe?
Had he return'd, he would haue lookt for honours,
This suite and that for such a follower:
Now Royall sir, that debt is quite discharg'd.
Duke.
But for his wife, we must be mindefull of her,
And see we doe so.
Exit Duke.
Iul.
Speake, will he come?
Str.
Madam, I found him ready to depart
The Court with expedition: but at my vrgence
He promis't you a parley.
Iul.
It is well:
If prayers or teares can moue him, Ile make way
To saue my owne shame, and enforce his stay.
Exeunt.
Enter three souldiers: one without an arme.
1 Soul.
Come fellow souldiers, doe you know the reason
That we are summon'd thus vnto the house
Of our dead Generall?
2 Soul.
Sure 'tis about
Our pay.
3 Soul.
But stand aside, here comes the Lady.
Enter the Mother, Lauretta, and Clowne.
Wife.
Are all these Gentlemen summond together,
That were my Husbands followers, and whose fortunes
Expir'd in him?
Clo.
They are if please your Ladiship: though I was neuer Tawny-coate, I haue playd the summoners part, and the rest are already paide, onely these three attend your Ladiships re∣muneration.
Wife.
VVelcome Gentlemen,
My Husband led you on to many dangers
Two yeares, and last to pouerty: His reuenewes
Before hand he sold to maintaine his Army,
VVhen the Dukes pay still fail'd, you know you were
Stor'd euer from his Coffers.
1 Soul.
He was a right
And worthy Generall.
2 Soul.
He was no lesse.
Clo.
He was no lesse; and all you know hee was no more, well, had he liu'd, I had beene plac't in some house of office or other ere this time.
Wife.
It was his will, which to my vtmost power
I will make good, to satisfie his souldiers
To the vtmost farthing. All his Gold and Iewels
I haue already added, yet are we still
To score to souldiery? what is your summe?
1 Soul.
Pay for three Moneths.
Wife.
There's double that in Gold.
1 Soul.
I thanke your Ladiship.
Wife.
VVhat yours?
2 Soul.
VVhy Madam,
For foure Moneths pay.
Wife.
This Iewell mounts that.
2 Soul.
I am treble satisfied.
Wife.
You are behinde hand too:
Clo.
Ey but Madam, I thinke he be no true souldier.
Wife.
No true Souldier your reason?
Clo.
Marry because he walkes without his Armes.
Wife.
The Dukes Treasure
Cannot make good that losse, yet are we rich
In one thing:
Nothing we haue that were of nothing made,
Nothing we haue, my Husbands debts are payd.
Morrow Gentlemen.
All.
Madam, Hearts, Swords and hands, rest still
At your command.
Wife.
Gentlemen I'me sorry that I cannot pay you better,
Vnto my wishes and your owne desert,
'Tis plainely seene great Persons oft times fall,
And the most Rich cannot giue more then all.
Good morrow Gentlemen,
All.
May you be euer happy.
Exeunt Souldiers.
Clo.
I but Madam, this is a hard case being truly conside∣red, to giue away all, why your Shoe-maker, though he hath many other Tooles to worke with, he will not giue away his All.
Wife.
All ours was his alone, it came by him.
And for his Honour it was paid againe.
Clo.
VVhy, say I had a peece of Meate, I had a mind to, I might perhaps giue away a Modicum, a Morcell, a Frag∣ment or so, but to giue away and bee a hungry my selfe, I durst not doo't for my Guts, or say I should meete with a friend that had but one Penny in his Purse, that should giue mee a Pot of Ale, that should drinke to me, and drinke vp all, I'le stand too't there's no Conscience in't.
Lau.
VVhat hath beene done was for my Fathers Honor.
Clo.
Shee might haue giuen away a little, and a little, but
VVhen all is gone, what's left for me?
Wife.
VVee will leaue Millaine and to Florence straight,
Though wee are poore, yet where we liue vnknowne
'Tis the lesse griefe, sirrah, will you consort
VVith vs, and beare a part in our misfortunes?
Clo.
Troth Madam, I could find in my heart to goe with you but for one thing.
Wife.
What's that?
Clow.
Because you are too liberall a Mistresse: and that's a fault seldome found among Ladies: For looke, you vse o giue away all, and I am all that is left; and I am affraide when you come into a strange Countrey, you'le giue away me too, so that I shall neuer liue to be my owne man.
Wife.
Tush, feare it not.
Clow.
Why then I'le goe with you inspite of your teeth.
Wife.
Leaue Milleine then, to Florence be our guide,
Heauen when man failes, must for our helpe prouide.
Exeūt.
Actus Secundus, Scena prima.
Enter Parma reading a Letter: after him Iulia.
Par.
This Letter came from you, 'tis your Character.
Iul.
That hand in Contract you so long haue had,
Should not seeme strange to you now.
Par.
You are with-childe,
So doth your Letter say: what change your face?
Iu.
My blushes must speake for me.
Par.
And this Childe
You would bestow on me: y are very liberall Lady,
You giue me more then I did meane to aske.
Iu.
And yet but what's your owne Sir, I am serious,
And it will ill become your Oathes and Vowes
To iest at my vndoeing.
Par.
You would say
Rather your doing.
Iu.
In doing thus, you should vndoe me quite.
Par.
What doe you weepe, that late did rayle in clamor?
Your thunders turnd to showres? It is most strange.
Iu.
You haue dishonoured me, and by your flattery
Haue rob'd me of my chaste Virginity:
Yet ere I yeelded, we were man and wife,
Sauing the Churches outward Ceremony.
Par.
But Lady, you that would be wonne by me
To such an act of lust, would soone consent
Vnto another.
Iu.
Can this be found in man?
Par.
This Strozas language moues me, and I intend
To try what patience, constancy, and loue
There can be found in woman: why do you weepe?
You are not hungry, for your bellie's full;
Lady, be rul'd by me: take the aduice
A Doctor gaue a Gentleman of ate,
That sent to him to know, whether Tobacco
Were good for him or no: My friend quoth he,
If thou didst neuer loue it, neuer take it;
If thou didst euer loue it, neuer leaue it:
So I to thee; if thou wert as thou hast
Beene alwayes honest, I could wish thee still
So to continue; but being a broken Lady,
Your onely way's to make vse of your Talent,
Farewell, I'le to my Countrey.
Exit Parma.
Iu.
Oh miserable,
Let me but reckon vp ten thousand ills
My loosenesse hath committed, the aspersion
And scandalous reputation of my Childe,
My Father too, 'tmust come vnto his care,
Oh—
Enter Milleine.
Duke.
Iulia.
Iu.
Away.
Duke.
Come hither, but one word.
Iu.
That all those blacke occurrents should conspire,
And end in my disgrace.
Duke.
Ha! what's the businesse?
Iu.
If all men were such,
I should be sorry that a man begot me,
Although he were my father.
Duke.
Iulia, how's that?
Iul.
Oh Sir, you come to know whether Tobacco be good for you or no; Ile tell you, if you neuer tooke it, neuer take it then, or it you euer vs'd it, take it still; Nay, I'me an excel∣lent Philistian growne of late I tell you.
Duke.
What meane these strange Anagrams?
I am thy Father and I loue thee sweete.
Iul.
Loue me thou dost not.
Duke.
VVhy thou doest know I doe.
Iul.
I say thou doest not: lay no wager with me,
For if thou dost, there will be two to one
On my side against thee.
Duke.
Ha! I am thy Father
Why Iulia?
Iu.
How my Father! then doe one thing
For me your Daughter
Duke.
One thing? any thing,
Ey all things.
Iu.
Instantly then draw your sword
And pierce me to the heart.
Duke.
I loue thee not so ill,
To be the Author of thy death.
Iu.
Nor I my selfe so well, as to desire
A longer life: if you be then my Father,
Punish a sinne that hath disgrac't your Daughter,
Scandald your blood, and poyson'd it with mud.
Duke.
Be plaine with vs.
Iu.
See, I am strumpeted,
A bastard issue growes within my wombe.
Duke.
VVhose fact?
Iu.
Prince Parmaes.
Duke.
Stroza.
Str.
My Lord.
Duke.
Search out
Prince Parma, bring the Traytour backe againe
Dead or aliue.
Str.
My Lord, he is a Prince.
Duke.
No matter; for his head shall be the ransome
Of this foule Treason. When I say begon.
But as for thee base and degenerate—
Iul.
Doe shew your selfe a Prince: let her no longer
Liue, that hath thus disgrac't your Royall Blood.
Duke.
Nature preuailes 'boue honour: her offence
Merits my vengeance, but the name of Childe
Abates my Swords keene edge: yet Royalty
Take th'vpper hand of pitty: kill the strumpet,
And be renown'd for Iustice.
Iul.
Strike, I'le stand.
Duke.
How easie could I period all my care,
Could I her kill, and yet her Infant spare:
A double Murder I must needes commit,
To ruine that which neuer offended yet.
Oh Heauen! in this I your assistance craue,
Punish the faulter, and the innocent saue.
Iul.
You are not true to your owne honour Father.
To let me longer liue.
Duke.
Oh Iulia, Iulia,
Thou hast ouerwhelm'd vpon my aged head
Mountaines of griefe, t'oppresse me to my graue.
Is Parma found?
Str.
My Lord, hee's priuately
Fled from the Court
Duke.
Then flye thou after villaine.
Str.
Sir, are you madde?
Duke.
What's to be done? Alacke,
I cannot change a father and a Prince
Into a euiell Hang-man: tell me Iulia,
Is thy guilt yet but priuate to thy selfe?
Iul.
It is my Lord.
Duke.
Conceale it then: wee'le study
To salue thy honour, and to keepe thy loosenesse
From all the world conceal'd, compresse thy griefe,
And I will study how to shadow mine.
Wipe from thy cheekes these teares: oh cursed Age,
When Children 'gainst their Parents all things dare,
Yet Fathers still proue Fathers in their care.
Exeunt.
Enter Mother, Lauretta, and Clowne.
Moth.
Oh misery beyond comparison!
When saue the Heauens we haue no roofe at all
To shelter vs.
Clow.
That word all
Stickes more in my stomacke then my victuals can: For in∣deede wee can get none to eate now; I told you, you were so prodiga'l we should pinch for't.
Wife
What place may wee call this? what Clime? what Prouince?
Clow.
Why this is the Duke-dome of Florence, and this is the Forrest where the hard-hearted Duke hunts many a Hart: and there's no Deere so deare to him, but hee'le kill it: as goodly a large place to starue in, as your Ladiship can de∣sire to see in a Summers day.
Wife
Yet here, since no man knowes vs, no man can
Deride our misery: better dye staru'd,
Then basely begge.
Clow.
How better starue then begge; all the Ladies of Florence shal neuer make me of that beleefe. I had rather beg a thousand times, then starue once, doe you scorne begging? Your betters doe not, no Madam; get me a Snap-sacke, I'le to Florence: I'le make all the high wayes ring of me with for the Lords sake. I haue studied a Prayer for him that giues, and a Poxe take him that giues nothing: I haue one for the Horse-way, another for the Foote-way, and a third for the turning-ftile. No Madam, begging is growne a gentleman∣like Calling here in our Countrey.
Wife
I haue yet one poore piece of Gold reseru'd,
Step to the Vilage by and fetch some Wine.
Clow.
You had better keepe your Gold, and trust to my begging Oratory, yet this is the worst they can say to mee,
that I am my Ladies Bottle-man.
Exit Clowne.
Wife
Here's a strange change: we must be patient,
Yet can I not but weepe thinking on thee.
Lau.
Madam on me? there is no change of Fortune
Can puffe me or deiect me; I am all one
In rich abundance and penurious want:
So little doe my miseries vexe me,
Or the faire Princesse wrong, that I will end
My passions in a Song.
A Song.
Sound Hornes within.
Wife
It seemes the Duke is Hunting in the Forrest,
Here let vs rest our selues, and listen to
Their Tones, for nothing but mishap here lies;
Sing thou faire Childe, I'le keepe tune with my eyes.
Winde hornes. And enter the Prince of Florence & Mounsieur.
Prince
This way the voyce was, let vs leaue the Chace.
Moun.
Behold my Lord two sad deiected Creatures
Throwne on the humble verdure.
Prince
Here's beauty mixt with teares, that pouerty
Was neuer bred in Cottage: I'le farther question
Their state and fortune.
Wife
Wee're discouered,
Daughter arise.
Prince
What are you gentle Creatures?
Nay answere not in teares.
If you by casuall losse, or by the hand
Of Fortune haue beene crusht beneath these sorrowes,
He demands your griefe
That hath as much will as ability
To succour you, and for your owne faire sake;
Nay beautious Damsell, you neede not question that.
Lau.
If by the front we may beleeue the heart,
Or by the out-side iudge the inward vertue:
You faire Sir, haue euen in your selfe alone
All that this world can promise; for I ne're
Beheld one so compleate; and were I sure
Although you would not pitty, yet at least
You would not mocke our misery: I would relate
A Tale should make you weepe.
Prince.
Sweete if the Prologue
To thy sad passion mooue thus: what will the Sceane
And tragicke act it selfe doe? Is thatt Gentlewoman
Your Mother sweete?
Lau.
My wretched Mother Sir.
Prince.
Pray of what Prouince?
Lau.
Milleine.
Prince.
What fortune there?
Lau.
My Father was a Noble Gentleman,
Rank't with the best in Birth, and which did adde
To all his other vertues, a bold Souldier;
But when he dy'de—
Prince.
Nay, proceede beauteous Lady,
How was your Father stil'd?
Lau.
To tell you that,
Were to exclaime vpon my Prince, my Countrey
And their Ingratitude: For he being dead,
With him our fortunes and our hopes both fail'd;
My Mother loath to liue ignobly base,
Where once she flourisht, hauing spent her meanes
Not loosely nor in riot, but in the honour
Of her dead Husband: left th'ingratefull Land,
Rather to spend her yeares in pouerty,
Mongst those that neuer knew her height of Fortune,
Then with her thankelesse Friends and Countrey-men,
Fled here to perish.
Prince.
More then her Charming beauty
Her passion moues me: where inhabit you?
Lau.
Here, euery where.
Prince.
Beneath these Trees?
Lau.
We haue
No other roofe then what kinde Heauen lends.
Prince.
Gentle Creature,
Had you not told me that your Birth was Noble,
I should haue found it in your face and gesture.
Mounsieur.
Mounsieur
My Lord.
Prince.
Goe winde thy Horne abroad, and call to vs
Some of our traine: we pitty these two Ladies,
And we will raise thier hope: Cheere you old Madam,
You shall receiue some bounty from a Prince.
Enter a Hunts-man.
Who keepes the Lodge below?
Hunts.
Your Highnesse Hunts-man.
Prince.
Command him to remoue, and instantly
We giue it to these Ladies: besides, adde
Vnto our Guest three thousand pounds a yeare:
We'le see it furnisht too with Plate and Hangings.
'Las pretyt Maide, your father's dead you say,
We'le take you now to our owne Patronage,
And trust me Lady, whiel wee're Prince of Florence,
You shall not want nor foode, nor harborage.
Wife
Pardon Great Sir, this our neglect of duty
Vnto a Prince so gracious and compleate
In vertuous indowments.
Lau.
To excuse
Our former negligence, behold I cast
Me at your foote.
Prince
Arise sweete, pray your name?
Lau.
Lauretta.
Prince
Faire Lauret, you shall be henceforth ours,
Oh Mounsieur! I ne're saw where I could loue
Till now.
Moun.
How now my Lord, remember pray,
What you are to this poore deiected Maide.
Prince
Well Mounsieur, well; when e're I match, pray Heauen,
We loue so well: but loue and toyle hath made vs
Euen somewhat thirsty, would we had some Wine.
Enter Clowne.
Clow.
Nay, now I thinke I haue fitted you with a Cup of
Npsit.
Moun.
How now sirrah, what are you?
Clow.
What am I? Nay what art thou?
I thinke you le proue little better then a smell-smocke,
That can finde out a pretty wench in such a Corner.
Wife
Pace sirrah, 'tis the Prince.
Clow.
What if he be? he may loue a Wench as well as a∣nother man.
Prince
What hast thou there?
Clow.
A bottle of Wine and a Manchet that my Lady sent me for.
Prince
Thou ne're couldst come to vs in better time,
Reach it vs Mounsieur.
Moun.
Your bottle quickly sirrah, come I say.
Clow.
Yes, when? can you tell? doe you thinke I am such an Asse, to part so lightly with my liquor? Know thou my friend, before I could get this bottle fill'd, I was glad to change a piece of Gold, and call for the rest againe. And doe you thinke I'le loose my liquor, and haue no Gold nor rest a∣gaine? Not so my Friend, not so.
Moun.
There's Gold sir.
Clow.
Madam, will you giue me a Licence to sell VVine?
I could get no Pate in the Forrest but a woodden Dish.
Wife
Fill to the Prince Lauretia.
Lau.
Will it please
Your Highnesse drinke out of a woodden Mazer?
Prince
Yes sweete with thee in any thing: you know
Wee are a Prince, and you shall be our taster.
Lau.
Why should I loue this Prince? his bounteous gifts
Exalt me not, but make me much more poore,
I'me more deiected then I was before.
Wife
Sir.
Moun.
Lady, thankes: I feare me he is caught,
But if he be, my Counsell must diuert him.
Clow.
The bottome of the bottle is at your seruice Sir,
Shall you and I part stakes?
Moun.
Tcie's more Gold for you.
Clow.
I had rather you had broke my pate then my draught, but harke you Sir, are you as a man should say, a belonger to?
Hunt.
A belonger to? what's that sir?
Clow.
Oh ignorant! are you a follower?
Hunt.
I seldome goe before when my betters are in place.
Clow.
A Seruing-man I take it.
Hunt.
Right sir.
Clow.
I desire you the more complement: I haue the cour∣tesie of the Forrest for you.
Hunt.
And I haue the courtesie of the Court for you sir.
Clow.
That's to bring me to the Buttery hatch, and neuer make me drinke.
Prince
Sirrah, conduct those Ladies to the Lodge,
And tell the Keeper we haue stor'd for him,
A better fortune; you shall heare further from vs,
You vsher them.
Hunt.
Come Ladies will you walke?
Clow.
How now sawce-boxe, know your manners: was not I Gentleman vsher before you came? Am not I hee that did the bottle bring? Come Ladies follow me.
Exit Clowne with Ladies, with Huntsman.
Moun.
Your purpose Sir, is to loue this Lady,
And hazard all your hopes.
Prince
Oh gentle Friend,
Why was I borne high? but to raise their hopes
That are deiected: so much for my bounty.
Moun.
But for your loue.
Prince
It is with no intent
To make the Maide my wife, because I know
Her fortunes cannot equall mine.
Moun.
Then 'twere more dishonorable
To strumpet her.
Prince
Still thou mistak'st, mine
Is honourable loue, and built on vertue;
Nor would I for the Emperours Diademe,
Corrupt her whom I loue.
Moun.
Braue Prince I'me glad
That ere I kept thy Company.
Prince
Come Mounsieur, night steales on, not many yeares
Shall passe me, but I purpose to reuisite
This my new Mistresse, my auspicious fate
To thee my happy loue I consecrate.
Exeunt.
A Dumbe show. Enter the Duke of Millein, a Midwife with a young Childe, and after them Stroza: the Duke shewes the Childe to Stroza, hee takes it: then the Duke sweares them both to secrecy vpon his Sword, and exit with the Midwife: then Stroza goes to hide it, and Parma dogs him: when hee hath laid the Childe in a Corner, he departs in haste, and Parma takes up the Childe and speakes.
Par.
Thou shouldst be mind: and durst I for my Head
Euen in the open Court I'de challenge thee.
But I haue so incenst th'offended Duke,
And layd such heauy spots vpon her head,
I cannot doo't wiht safety: methinkes this Child
Doth looke me in the face, as if 'twould call
Me Father, and but this suspected Stroza
Stuft my too credulous eares with iealousies.
For thee sweete Babe I'le sweare, that if not all,
Part of my blood runnes in thy tender veynes,
For those few drops I will not see the perish;
Be it for her sake whom once I lou'd,
And shall doe euer: Oh iniurious Stroza!
I now begin to feare; for this sweete Babe
Hath in his face no bastardy, but shewes
A Princely semblance: but Stroza and the Duke,
This will I keepe as charie as her honour,
The which I prize aboue the Vniuerse.
Though she were forc't to be unnaturall,
I'le take to me this Infants pupillage;
Nor yet resolu'd, till I a way haue found
To make that perfect which is yet vnsound.
Exit.
Explicit Actus Secundus.
Enter Milleine with Lords and Iulia.
Milleine
Forbeare my Lords for a few priuate words:
Faire Daughter, wee'le not chide you farther now
Nor adde vnto your blushes: by our rude
Reproofes your faults are couered with these your sighes,
Since all your fire of lust is quencht in ashes.
Iul.
Durst I presume my Lord, to know
Whither you have send my sonne?
Mil.
I'le not haue it question'd.
I striue to salue thy honour, and thou seek'st
To publish thy disgrace: my study is
Where I may picke thee out a noble Husband,
To shadow these dishonours, and keepe thee
From the like scandall.
Iul.
Whom but Parmaes Prince.
Mil.
Oh name him not thou strumpet.
Iul.
I haue done.
Mil.
There's a Prince of noble hopes and fortunes,
The Prince of Florence: what if I sent to him
About a speedy Marriage? for I feare,
Delay may breed strange doubts.
Iul.
Since I haue lost the name of Child,
I am a seruant now and must obey.
Enter Stroza and Lords.
Mil.
Stroza.
Str.
Your eare my Lord, 'tis done.
Mil.
Laid out?
Str.
To safety as I hope.
Mil.
What, and suspectlesse?
Str.
Vnlesse the silent Groue of Trees should blabe,
There is no feare of scandall, mantled close,
I left the sucking Babe where the next passenger
Must finde it needes, and so it hapned for
Some two yeares after,
Passing that way to know where 'twas become,
'Twas gone, and by some courteous hand I hope
Remou'd to gentle fosterage.
Mil.
My excellent friend,
For this wee'le bosome thee: your counsel Stroza,
Our Daughter's growne to yeares, and we intend
To picke her out a Husband, in whose issue
Her name may flourish, and her honours liue:
All Lords
Most carefully deuis'd.
Mil.
But where my Lords
May we prouide a match to equall her?
1 Lord
Ferrara hath a faire and hopefull Heire.
2 Lord
And so hath Mantua.
3 Lord
How do you prize the Noble Florentine?
1 Lord
In fame no whit inferiour.
2 Lord
But in state
Many degrees excelling: aime no further
Sir, if that may be accepted.
Duke
To Florence then wee'le streight dispatch Embassa∣dours,
Stroza, bee't your care to mannage this high businesse.
Oh to see
How Parents loue descends: and how soe're
The Children proue vngratefull and vnkinde,
Though they deride, we weepe our poore eyes blinde.
Excum.
Enter Clowne gallant, and the Huntiman.
Clow.
Nay, nay, the case is alter'd with mee since you saw me last: I was neuer in any hope to purchase any other suite then that I wore yesterday; but now I can say Ecce sig∣num, the case is alter'd. Now euery begger comes vpon me with good Gentleman, good Gentleman: when yesterday Gen∣tlemen would haue shun'd the way for feare I should haue begg'd of them. Then comes another vpon mee with good your Worship, good your Worship, then doe I double my fyles, and cast him a two pence.
Hunt.
Sirrah, thou may st thanke the Prince for this.
Clow.
Tnou say'st true; for he hath chang'd our woodden Dishes to Si uer Coblets: goodly large Arras that neuer yet deseru'd hanging, he hath caus'd to be hang'd round about the Chamber: My Lady and Mistresse, now my Lady and Mistresse lyes ouer head and cares in Downe and Feathers: well, if they be rui'd by me, I would haue them to keepe their beds.
Hunt.
Why wouldst thou haue them lye a bed all day?
Clow.
Oh dull ignorant ! I meane knowing how hard they haue bin lodg'd in the Forrest; I would not haue them sell a∣way their beds, and lie vpon the boords.
Hunt.
Oh now I vnderstand you sir.
Clow,
Ey, ey; thou may'st get much vnderstanding by keeping my company: But Sir, does not the new Gowne the Prince sent my Mistresse, become her most incompa∣rably?
Hunt.
'Tis true: 'tis strange to see how Apparrell makes or maries.
Clow.
Right: for yeasterday thou wouldst haue taken me for a very Clowne, a very Clowne; and now to see, to see.—
Enter Mother and the young Lady gallant.
Wife
Sirrah.
Clow.
Madam.
Lau.
To see if the Tayler that made your Gowne, hath put ne're an Mvner your Girdle, there belongs more to bea∣ten Stin then sirrah.
Lau.
What thinke you Mother of the Prince his bounty,
His venue, and perfection?
Wife
He's a mirrour, and deserues a name
Amongst the famous Worthies.
Lau.
Highe.
Wife
Why sigh you?
Lau.
Pray tell me one thing Mother: when you were
Of my yeares, and first lou'd, how did you feele
Your selfe?
Wife
Loue Daughter?
Clow.
Shee talkes: Now, if shee should be enuamored of my comely shape; for I haue (as they say) such a foolish yong and relenting heart I should neuer say her nay, I should ne∣uer weare off this stand further off.
Lau.
Stand farther off sir.
Clow.
No, I'le assure your Ladiship 'tis beaten Sattin.
Lau.
Then take your Sattin farther.
Clow.
Your Ladiship hath coniur'd me, and I will auoide
Satan.
Lau.
Had you not sometimes musings, sometimes extasies,
VVhen some delicate aboue other
VVas present?
Wife
I aduise you curbe your sence in time,
Or you will bring your selfe into the way
Of much dishonour.
Lau.
And speake you by experience Mother? then
I doe begin to feare lest that his shape
Should tempt me, or his bounty worke aboue
My strength and patience; pray Mother leaue vs neuer,
Lest that without your Company, my loue
Contending with my weakenesse, should in time
Get of the vpper hand.
Wife
For this I loue thee.
Enter Clowne running.
Clow.
So hoe Mistris Madam, yonder is the Prince, and two or three Gentlemen come riding vpon the goodliest Hor∣ses that euer I set my eyes vpon: and the Princes Horse did no sooner see me, but he weeighed and wagg'd his tayle: now I thinking he had done it to take acquaintance of me, said a∣gaine to him, Gramery Horse; so I left them, and came to tell your Ladiship.
Lau.
Goe see them stabled, my soule leapt within me
To heare the Prince but named.
Enter Prince and Mounsieur.
Prince
Now my faire Friend.
Lau.
Your hand-mayd mighty Prince.
Prince
Looke Mounsieur,
Can she be lesse then Noble? nay deserues she
Thus habited, to be tearm'd lesse then Royall,
What thinkst thou Mounsieur?
Moun.
Faith my Lord,
I neuer loue a woman for her habite,
When sir I loue, I'le fee my lone starke naked.
Prince
Right courteous Lady,
Our bounty is too sparing for your worth,
Yet such as 'tis accept it.
Wife
Royall Sir,
'Tis beyond hope or merit.
Prince
I prithee Mounsieur,
A little comp ement with that old Lady,
Whilst I conferre with her.
Moun.
I thanke you Sir:
See, you would make me a sir Panderus,
Hee talkes with the old Lady.
Yet farre as I can see you, I will trust you.
Sweete Lady, how long is't—nay keepe that hand,
Since those fierce warres 'twixt Florence and great Millaine
Nay that hand still.
Prince
And haue you ne're a loue then?
Lau.
Yes my Lord:
I should belye my owne thoughts to deny,
And say I had none.
Prince
Pray acquaint me with him,
And for thy sake I'le giue him state and Honours,
And make him great in Florence. Is he of birth?
Lau.
A mighty Duke-domes Heire.
Prince
How now my Lauretta?
I prithee sweete where liues he?
Lau.
In his Countrey.
Prince
Honour me so much
As let me know him.
Lau.
In that your Grace must pardon me.
Prince
Must? then I will. Is he of presence sweete?
Lau.
As like your Grace as one Prince to another.
Prince
Honour me so much then, as let me know him.
Lau.
In that excuse me Sir.
Prince
Thee, loue I will
In all things: wherefore study you?
Lau.
Why my Lord?
I was euen wishing you a mighty harme;
But pardon me 'twas out euen vnawares.
Prince
Harme? there's none can come from thee Lauretta,
Thou art all goodnesse, nay confesse it sweete.
Lau.
I was wishing with my selfe that you were poore:
Oh pardon me my Lord, a poore, a poore man.
Prince.
Why my Lauretta?
Lau.
Sir, because that little
I haue, Might doe you good: I would you had
No, money, nay, no meanes: but I speake idly,
Pray pardon me my Lord.
Prince.
By all my hopes
I haue in Florence, would thou wert a Dutchesse,
That I might court thee vpon equall tearmes;
Or that I were of low deiected fortunes,
To ranke with thee in Birth: for to enioy
Thy beauty, were a greater Dowre then Florence
Great Duke-dome.
Enter Clowne.
Clow.
Oh my Lord, my Lord,
Are you close at it? and you too crabbed Age, and you the—there's Rods in pisse for some of you.
Prince.
Now sir, the newes?
Clow.
Oh my Lord, there's a Nobleman come from the
Court to speake with you.
Prince.
Mounsieur, vpon my life 'tis some Embassadour.
Moun.
Good Sir make haste, lest I be challeng'd for you.
Prince.
No worthy Friend, for me thou shalt not suffer,
At our best leasur'd houres we meane to visite you;
Now giue me leaue to take a short fare-well.
Exeunt Prince and Mounsieur.
Lau.
Your pleasure is your owne,
To part from him I am rent quite asunder.
Clow.
And you can but keepe your leggs close,
Let him rend any thing else and spare not.
Exeunt.
Enter Florence and Lords with Stroza Embassadour.
Flo.
Speake the true Tenor of your Embassie.
Str.
If Florence prize the Duke of Millaines loue,
His indear'd Amity: If he haue minde
To mixe with him in conanguinity,
To strengthen both your Realmes: he make the proiect
To your faire Treaty, that your hopefull Heire
Shall with the princeise Iulia his faire Daughter,
Be ioyn'd in Marriage; her large Dowre shall be
A spacious Duke-dome after his decease.
But which my Lord counts most, is a faire League
'Twixt your diuided Duke-domes.
Florence
We doe conceite you:
But for the Dowre you craue?
Str.
Ten thousand Crownes
By th'yeare.
Flo.
'Tis granted: onely our Sonnes consent
Is wanting: but see here, he wisht for comes.
Enter Prince and Mounsicur.
Prince
Mounsieur what are those?
Moun.
Embassadours my Lord.
Prince
Whence are these Lords?
Duke
From Millaine.
Prince
Their businesse Royall Sir?
Flo.
About a match,
Which if you't please, we highly shall applaud.
They offer you a faire and vertuous Princesse
Vnto your bed:
Prince
Vnto my bed my Lord?
I am not so affraide of spirits Sir,
But I can lye alone without a bed-fellow.
Flo.
'Tis the faire Princesse Iulia you must Marry.
Prince
Marry my Lord?
Flo.
I marry must you Sir,
Or you diuorce your selfe from our deare loue.
Prince
But is she faire?
Stro.
As euer Hellen was.
Prince.
What, and as Charte?
Stroza.
It were not Princely in you, Royall Sir,
To question such a Princesse Chastity;
I could haue instanc'd Lucrece.
Prince.
Would you had,
For both were rauisht.
Moun.
How's this my Lord?
They offer loue and beauty, which being both
So freely offer'd, doe deserue acceptance,
Stroza,
Your answere Sir?
Prince.
That I am yours:
The States; and if you please
So to dispose me, hers: what ere she be,
Come friend, I must impart my Loue this newes,
Or it will rend my heart.
Exit Prince.
Stroza.
I shall returne this answere.
Florens.
Faithfully
As we intend it: But you first shall taste
The bounty of our Court, with royall Presents
Both to the Duke your master, and the Princesse;
It done, prepare we for this great solemnity,
Of Hymeneall Iubilies. Fixt is the day,
Wherein rich Florens shall her pompe display.
Exeunt.
Enter Parma and a Lord of Millaine.
Parm.
Onely to you, of all the Millaine Peeres,
I dare expose my safety.
Lord.
In these armes
My Lord, you are Sanctuared.
Parm.
I doe not doubt it:
But I pray you tell me, since I left the Court,
How is my absence taken?
Lord.
Of the Duke,
With much distaste.
Parm.
But of the Princesse Iulia?
Lord
Full two Moneths
Shee kept her Chamber, grieuously distracted,
They say, meere griefe for your departure hence.
Parm.
Brauely manag'd,
The Duke I see was more kind to her fame,
Then to his prettie grand-childe; well Ile salt it all,
But what thinke you if after all I should
Send Letters to her, or Ambassadors?
I should not win her, for I know
Th'aue her heart in bondage.
Lord
Why worthy Prince,
Haue you not heard the newes: Shee hath beene offered
Vnto the Florentine, the match accepted,
And the Nuptiall day the tenth of the next Moneth.
Parm.
No more: Pray leaue mee Sir.
Lord.
I will: Pray Sir
Regard your safety.
Exit Lord.
Parm.
To bee married, Ruimus in vestitum semper,
I did neglect her, but being deni'd,
I doate vpon her beautie: Methinkes 'tis fit,
If I begot the Child? I wed the Mother:
The Prince, I pitie hee should bee so wrong'd,
And I the Instrument: Now helpe mee braine,
That neare was wont to fayle mee: 'Tis decreed
Something to Plot, although I faile to speede.
Exit Parma.
Enter Clowne, Mother, and Lauretta.
Clowne
I wonder you should bee so sad and melanchollie,
Ile lay a yeeres wages before hand Ile tell your disease,
As well as any Doctor in Florence, and
Let me but feele your pulse.
Lauret.
Away, you are a foole, and trouble vs.
Clowne
That's no matter whether I bee a foole or a phisitian,
If I loose, Ile pay, that's certaina.
Wife
Try the fooles counsell daughter, but bee sure
To forfit, and to pay.
Lauret.
Now sir, your skill.
Clowne
Nay, I must feele your pulse first, for if a Womans pulse bee neere a place, I know there's few heere of my yeeres but would bee glad to turne Doctors.
Lauret.
Now sir, you see I doe not smile.
Clowne
Nay, if it bee nothing else, Ile fetch that will cure you presently.
Exit Clowne.
Wife
Child I must chide you, you giue too much way vnto this humour: It alters much your beautie.
Enter the Clowne.
Clowne
Oh young Mistris, where are you, the Prince,
The Prince.
Lauret.
Oh Mother, doe you heare the newes, the Prince,
The Prince is comming. Where is hee, oh where?
Clowne
Where is hee? Why at the Court; where should hee bee? I did but doo't to make you smile: Nay, Ile tickle you for a Doctor: Madam I haue a yeeres wages before hand.
Lauret.
Is hee not come then?
Clowne
No marrie is hee not.
Lawret.
My soule did leape within, to heare the Prince
But nam'd: It started euery ioynt.
Clowne
Nay Madam, the Prince is come.
Wife
Away, your foolerie's vnseasonable,
Weele not beleeue you.
Enter the Prince and Mounsieur.
Clowne
If you will not beleeue mee, will you beleeue these?
Lauret.
Welcome my Lord: And wherefore doe you sigh?
Prince
I figh Lauretta, cause I cannot chuse.
Lauret.
Nor could I chuse, should you but sigh againe.
Prince
Ile tell thee Loue, strange newes: I must be married.
Lauret.
Married my Lord!
Prince
Why doe you weepe? You blam'd mee now for sigh∣ing: Why doe you melt in teares? Sweet what's the cause?
Lauret.
Nay, nothing.
Prince
And as I told thee Sweete; I must bee married,
My Father and the State will haue it so;
And I came instantly to tell the newes
To thee Lauretta; As to one, from whom
I nothing can conceale.
Lauret.
Why should you grieue
For that? For I, my Lord, must haue a Husband too.
Prince
Must you? But when's the day?
Lauret.
When's yours my Lord?
Prince
The tenth of the next moneth.
Lauret.
The selfe same day,
And selfesame houre that you inioy your loue,
My Princely Husband I must then inioy.
Prince
But doe you loue him?
Lauret.
Not my selfe more deere.
Prince
How happie are you aboue mee faire friend,
That must inioy where you affect? When I
Am tide to others fancies: It was your promise
That I should know him further.
Lauret.
You shall see him
That day, as richly habited as the great
Heire of Florence: But royall Sir, what's shee
That you must bed then?
Prince
'Tis Iulia,
The Duke of Millaines daughter: Why change your Face?
Lauretta speakes to her selfe.
Lauret.
That shee that hates mee most should liue to inioy
Him I affect best: O my ominous fate,
I thought to haue hid mee from thee in these desarts,
But thou dost dogg mee euery where.
Shee Swounes.
Prince
Looke to her safety, not for the Crowne
Of Florence I would haue her perish.
Wife
Helpe to support her.
Exit with Mother and Clowne.
Prince
Oh Friend, that I should change my Royaltie
To weaknesse now: I doe thinke this lodge
A Pallace, and this Beautious Mayden-head
Of greater worth then Iulia.
Moun.
Come my Lord,
Lay by these idle thoughts, and make you ready
To entertaine your Bride.
Enter Parma disguised.
Parm.
The Prince, the Prince,
I come to seeke the Prince, and was directed
Vnto this place.
Prince
Thy newes.
Parm.
A Letter.
Prince
Whence?
Parm.
Reade, the Contents will shew you; their eyes are from mee, and I must hence.
Exit Parma.
The Prince reades.
Prince
The Millaine Princesse is betroathed; deflowred,
Not worthy of your loue, beleeue this true
Vpon a Prince his word; when you, shall bed her,
And find her flawd in her Virginitie,
You shall haue cause to thinke vpon his loue
From whom you had this caution;
But doe it with that Princely management,
Her honour bee not slandered: Hee that loues,
Admires, and honours you:
Where's hee that brought this Letter?
Moun.
Fled my Lord.
Prince
Poast after; bring him backe,
Could hee not set his hand to 't—
How now, the newes?
Moun.
Hee's fled vpon a milke white Gennet Sir,
Seeming t'out strip the winde, and I—lost him.
Prince
Thou hast lost mee quite.
Moun.
What meanes this passions Sir?
Prince
Mounsieur reade there,
What will confound thee: Oh if shee bee vnchast!
Could they find none but mee to worke vpon.
Moun.
It confounds mee my Lord.
Prince
If shee bee Chast,
How shall I wrong her, to question her faire Vertues?
Moun.
Right.
Prince
But if shee bee not right? I wrong my Honor,
Which after marriage, how shall I recall?
Moun.
'Tis certaine.
Prince
Yes: Oh how am I perplext!
Come, Ile to Court,
Ile not bee sway'd: Were shee a Potent Queene,
Where Counsell fayles mee, Ile once trust to spleene.
Exeunt.
Enter the Clowne with his Table-bookes.
Clowne.
Let me see, the Prince is to bee married to morrow, and my young Mistris meanes to keepe a Feast in the Forrest, in honour of his wedding at the Court: Now am I sent as Ca∣terer into the City to prouide them victualls, which they charg'd me to buy; no ordinary fare, no more it shall, and therefore I haue cast it thus; First and foremost, wee will haue—(yes downe it shall) we will haue a Gammon of Bacon roasted, and stufft with Oysters; And sixe Black-Puddings to bee serued vp in Sorrell-sops; A pickell'd shoulder of Mutton, and a surloyne of Beefe in White-broth, so much for the first course. Now, for the second, we will haue a Cherry-Tart cut into Rashers and broyled; A Custard Carbonado'd on the coales; A liue Eele
swimming in clowted Creame; And sixe Sheepes-heads baked, with the hornes peergout of the pasty-crust. The morrall is, because it is a wedding dinner.
Enter Stroza with another Lord.
Stro.
The ioyfull day's to morrow. Passe this plunge
And we are made for euer.
Clowne.
What, my old Polititian? hee that vndermin'd my old Lady and my yong Mistris? now that I could find but one stratagem to blow him vp; I would tosse him, I would blanket him i'th Ayre, and make him cut an Italian caper in the Clouds: These Polititians can doe more execution with a pen, in their studies, then a good Souldier with his sword in the field, but he hath spi'd mee.
Stro.
Thee friend I should haue knowne?
Clowne.
And you too, I should haue knowne, but whether for a friend, or no, ther's the question?
Stro.
Thou seru'st the Generall Sforsa.
Clow.
I confesse it; but whether you haue seru'd him well, or no, there hangs a Tale.
Stro.
How doth thy noble Lady, faire Lauretta?
They haue left Millaine long, reside they here
Neere to the City Florence?
Clow.
Some three miles off, here in the Forrest, not halfe an houres riding.
Stro.
I pray thee recommend me to them both,
And say, It shall goe hard with mine affaires
But Ile find season'd houres to visit them.
Clow.
You shall not want directions to find the place, come when you will, you shall be most heartily—poyson'd.
Stro.
Tell them, The newes that they are well
Is wondrous pleasing to me, and that power
I haue in Millaine is reseru'd for them,
To worke them into grace: I can but smile,
To see how close I haue plotted thier exile.
Now businesse calls me hence: farewell.
Exit.
Clow.
And behang'd, Monsieur Stroza, whose description
My Muse hath included in these few lines;
Stroza, Thy Head is of a compely Block,
And would shew well, crown'd with the combe of Cock:
His Face an Inne, his Brow a sluttish Roome,
His Nose the Chamberlaine, his Beard the Broome,
Or like New-market Heath, that makes theeues rich,
In which his Mouth stands iust like Deuills-ditch
And so farewell to your worship, graue Mounsieur Stroza,
For I must about my market.
Exeunt.