The vnfortvnate lovers a tragedie : as it was lately acted with great applause at the private house in Black-Fryers by His Majesties servants / the author William Davenant ... D'Avenant, William, Sir, 1606-1668. 1643 Approx. 153 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 29 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A37192 Wing D348 ESTC R21264 12259780 ocm 12259780 57828

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A37192) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 57828) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 179:3) The vnfortvnate lovers a tragedie : as it was lately acted with great applause at the private house in Black-Fryers by His Majesties servants / the author William Davenant ... D'Avenant, William, Sir, 1606-1668. [8], 47, [1] p. Printed by R.H. and are to be sold by Francis Coles ..., London : 1643. Pepys referred to this play as The ungrateful lovers. First ed. Cf. NUC pre-1956. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.

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THE VNFORTVNATE LOVERS: A Tragedie; As it was lately Acted with great applauſe at the private Houſe in Black-Fryers; By His Majeſties Servants.

The Author William Davenaut, Servant to Her Majeſtie.

LONDON, Printed by R. H. and are to be ſold by Francis Coles at his Shop in the Old-Bayley, Anno Dom. 1643.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE PHILIP Earle of Pembroke and Montgomery, &c. My Noble Lord,

THe naturall affection, which by the ſucceſſive vertue of your Family you have alwayes borne to Poetry, ingages me in the abſence of the worthy Author, to preſent your Lordſhip this piece, that you, the beſt Maecenas of the age, might Patronize this beſt of Playes. Had Mr. Davenaut himſelfe beene preſent, hee would have elected no other Patron but your Lordſhip, and in his abſence I beſeech you accept this Worke of his; whoſe excellence, I hope, will excuſe his boldneſſe, who had no other ambition in the dedication, but that he might by publike profeſſion be knowne to be that which has long time been in his private affection,

The humble honourer of your Name and Family. W. H.
Prologue. WEre you but halfe ſo humble to confeſſe, As you are wiſe to know your happineſſe; Our Author would not grieve to ſee you ſit Ruling with ſuch unqueſtion'd power his wit: What would I give, that I could ſtill preſerve My loyaltie to him, and yet deſerve Your kinde opinion, by revealing now The cauſe of that great ſtorme which clouds his brow, And his cloſe murmurs, which ſince meant to you, I cannot thinke, or mannerly or true. Well; I begin to be reſolv'd, and let My melancholy tragicke Mounſieur fret; Let him the ſeverall harmeleſſe weapons uſe Of that all-daring triflle, call'd his Muſe; Yet I'll informe you what this very day Twice before witneſſe, I have heard him ſay, Which is, that you are growne exceſsive proud, For ten times more of wit then was allow'd Your ſilly Anceſtors in twenty yeere, Y'expect ſhould in two houres be given you here: For they he ſweares, to th' Theatre would come Ere they had din'd to take up the beſt roome; There ſit on benches, not adorn'd with Mats, And graciouſly did vaile their high-crown'd Hats To every halfe dreſs'd Player, as he ſtill Through th'hangings peep'd to ſee how th'houſe did fill. Good eaſie judging ſoules, with what delight They would expect a jigge or Target fight, A furious tale of Troy, which they ne're thought Was weekly written, ſo 'twere ſtrongly fought. Laught at a clinch, the ſhadow of a jeſt, And cry a paſsing good one I proteſt. Such dull and humble-witted people were Even your fore-fathers, whom wee govern'd here; And ſuch had you • een too hee ſweares, had not The Poets taught you how t'unweave a plot, And tract the winding Scenes, taught you to admit What was true ſenſe, not what did ſound like wit. Thus they have arm'd you'gainſt themſelves to fight, Made ſtrong and miſchievous from what they write: You have beene lately highly feaſted here With two great wits, that grac'd our Theatre, But, if to feed you often with delight, Will more corrupt then mend your appetite; Hee vowes to uſe you, which he much abhorres, As others did, your homely Anceſtors.
The Perſons in the Tragedie. Heildebrand King of the Lombards. Aſcoli Prince of Verona. Altophil A Duke and Generall. Rangone A Count, Captaine of the Guard to Aſcoli. Galeotto A politick ſtout ambitious favorite to Aſcoli. Morello A Gentleman, and creature to Galeotto. Gandolpho Brother to Morello, Captaine of the Fort in Verona. Rampino A young gallant ſouldier, much indebted and vexed by Creditors. Bruſco An old Captaine his companion. Hirco A ſouldier, companion to them both. Friskin An ambitious Taylor, to whom Rampino owes money. Arthiopa Miſtreſſe to Altophil. Amaranta Her Rivall, daughter to Galeotto. Fibbia A preciſe Widow, to whom alſo Rampino is indebted. A Carthuſian— Souldiers to Heildebrand, The Guard to Aſcoli.

The SCENE Verona.

The Vnfortunate Lovers.
ACT I. SCENE I. Enter Rampino, Bruſco, Hirco. Rampino. COme Gentlemen, I'll ſhew you the whole Court, Hirco (I thinke) was never here before. Bruſco. Never? he takes theſe o'r-growne babes, Theſe tender ſuckings Gyants of the guard For Colonels of Switzerland, each Uſher Of the preſence for a famous leader; Hirco. Yes, of women in the darke. Ramp. Why doſt thou ſneake and tread ſo baſhfully Behind? come boldly on, they'll thinke thee elſe A City ſpie that ſeekes for leave to arreſt. Bruſc. He lookes as if hee had a blacke Jacke under His cloake, and came to beg budge at the Buttery. Ramp. Move on, This is the preſence, Genlemen, Hence in your paſſage to the privie Chamber; You ſhould erect your fingers to your hayre, Which being ordered thus,—or, having uſed Your little Tortoiſe-combe to titubate Your empty heads; you may ſalute thoſe of But halfe a fortune thus with halfe a face, The favorite with your entire frame, here Hee is your Idoll, your Religion elſe Will be believ'd hereticall. Hirco. Rampino, walke no further into ſight, Our Generalls pleaſure was, wee ſhould not be Diſcovered, yet for feare it chance to make His comming knowne, 'tis ſudden, and by ſtealth. Enter Aſcoli, Galeotto, Amaranta, who whiſper together. Ramp. Young Aſcoli our Prince, Bruſco, retire. Bruſco. Since my laſt viſit to the Camp, he's growne Tall man; and he becomes his growth, wee that Purſue the ſullen buſineſſe of the warre, Long much to ſhew him to the foe; not in his Perfume and his ſilkes; but yron beſt. There he muſt change his gentle lookes, and learne To frowne; men thinke his courage great. Ramp. Bruſco, hee will make good in future Acts Of chivalrie mens beſt beliefe, and has A nature corrupted yet, with exeeciſe Of guilt, his ignorance in ſinne makes all His errors ſeeme but raſh miſtakes; and well That falſe Galeotto knowes how to ſubdue A heart, whoſe innocence is all The armour of his breaſt. Bruſc. Is that Galeotto his deare favorite? Ramp. It is; hee was a ſouldier in his youth, And had the lucke of earely victories, Which rais'd him to a reſtleſſe pride, ſuch as He ſince maintaines by wicked arts of Court, The horror of his thoughts ought make him ſad, 'Tis a melancholy doth cauſe him groane At night, but they're Mandrakes grounds and ſtill Bode death; nor is his mirth leſſe dangerous: For like the wanton play of Perpoiſes, It propheſies a ſtorme, and when he ſhakes His foe by the hand, 'tis not in kindneſſe, but To reach his pulſe, that hee may feele how ſoone Nature would kill whom he long ſince preſcribed. Bruſc. What Lady's that? his eyes ſo overlookes? Hirco. I could lie perdue with her all night i'th ſnow. Ramp. 'Tis faire Amaranta, Galeotto's daughter; The beauty of her minde, ſhines in her face: For ſhe is good as faire, and more to urge Her excellence, her vertues are ſo great, They overmatch his vice; but luckleſſe maide, She mournes within, and loves the noble Duke Our Generall, ev'n with a ſicke and waking heart. Aſcol. This newes hath much of joy, and ſome what too Of wonder in't, Duke Altophil our Generall So neere the towne, ſtolne hither to prevent The triumphs due unto his victory. Galeot. It is your Highneſſe cuſtome to give truſt To my intelligence, and this hath truth Enough to merit your beliefe; but as You ever have, vouchſafe your helpe to make Me proſperous; ſo I beſeech you now Aſſiſt my daughters penſive Love. This Duke Is high in worth, as in his blood, and may, If you procure him, chooſe her for his wife, By his alliance ſo confirme my family, That I ſhall need to feare no change of time, No angrie fate, but from your Princely ſelfe. Aſcol. Faire Amaranta, doſt thou love Duke Altophil? It is a choyce ſo excellent, you need Not bluſh to owne the paſſions of your heart. Amaranta. Sir ſince it was his vertues taught me how To love, I hope my modeſtie may give Me leave ſtill to confeſſe it to the world. Aſcol. His judgement ſeldome harbours neere his eyes, If he can looke on ſo much beauty, and Not wiſh to make it his, but Gentle maide, Truſt me, I ſhall perſwade him to this happineſſe With all my power and skill. Amaran. It is a favour that My prayer ſhall endevour to requite, Though I am doubtfull how to owne it from Mine owne deſires. Galeotto. Amaranta, peace. I am the elder begger Sir, and by Continuall practice want no confidence To aske your helpe at all neceſſities. Aſcol. This, Galeotto, is a kindneſſe to My ſelfe, I long to ſee thoſe nuptialls conſummate, Where each ſo much deſerves the others love; Let's in and make enquirie of the cauſe, Why his arrivall is ſo much conceal'd. —Exeunt Aſcoli, Galeotto, Amaranta. Bruſc. But why Rampino, ſince this Lady is So rarely qualified, and being heire To all her fathers wealth and hopes, doth not Our Generall make her lawfull miſtreſſe of His bed. Ramp. The cauſe is evident: for his Affections and his faith already are Ingag'd unto the beautifull Arthiopa. Bruſc. Arthiopa? The daughter of our old Dead Generall? alas, his fame was greater then His fortune, for he left her poore. Ramp. Moſt true; So poore, ſhe was conſtrain'd to live conceal'd Here in Verona, and become ('tis thought) Her Lovers chaſte and thankfull penſioner; And you have heard what ſtrange reports were oft Diſpers'd into our campe of her diſloyalty: Some ſawcily would ſtile it luſt, and thoſe Were puniſh'd for their looſe and ſlippery tongues. Bruſc. It ſeemes then our Duke Altophil retaines Her ſtill in's breaſt with's former confidence. Ramp. She growes the faſter to his heart, for hee Had ſtrong ſuſpicions to believe theſe tales By Galeotto forg'd, who ſtrives, it ſeemes, By this poore Ladies infamie, to make More eaſie roome for his faire daughters Love. Hirco. O, how full of miſchiefe are theſe wiſe men! Briſco. It would be long Hirco, ere wee could ſqueeze Such another plot out of thy leane head. Ramp. Never, though it were cruſhed to a circumference So ſmall, that he might make a Helmet of A Hazle-Nut. Hirco. Well Gentlemen, you'll find Our Generall an angry man ere night, Take that from my intelligence, though I Receiv'd it ſince wee came to towne i'th ſtreets. Bruſco. How, Hirco, come the newes? Hirco. The Lady that You call Arthiopa, this morning, was Arreſted in her Chamber by the Officers Of the Purgation houſe, and's thither ſent To ſuffer for unchaſtity. Ramp. The Divell made thee drunk with ſpirit of Sulphure. Hirco. I'm ſure this is the peoples language now, And talk'd on too, by children two foot high, And more three witneſſes (whom they believe Brib'd and ſuborn'd) have all depos'd againſt Her maiden-head; that was the phraſe. Ramp. Here will we knocke ere long, let them that have No money, take up plaſters upon truſt: Bruſco. Away, let's to Saint Laurence port, it was Our Generalls will we ſhould be expected there. —Exeunt omnes. Enter Galeotto, Morello. Galeot. Morello, I'me ſubdu'd with thy fine Arts; Thou art as ſwift to execute as to Contrive, how did our witneſſes behave Themſelves when they beheld Arthiopa? Morel. Good faith (my Lord) valiant Rogues that had Full oft o'rcome their conſciences before; And therefore, to reſiſt her bluſhes, thought It but an eaſie victory: the Articles Were many they did t' accuſe her chaſtity, Which they both read and ſwore to in a breath, And wiſh'd them longer for your Lordſhips ſake, Proteſting their good natures check'd them, cauſe They earn'd their money with ſo little paines. Galeot. How did the Governours o'th ſevere houſe Digeſt the imployment my requeſt did lay Upon their gravitie? Morello. They are a kinde Of more ſolemne Villaines, and like old fiſhes, Chooſe to demur and ſwim about the bait A while, ere they would catch what afterwards They ſwallowed greedily. Galeot. I thanke their tenderneſſe. Morello. It ſeem'd at firſt, as if her innocence And beauty would pervert their juſtice to Rebell againſt your Lordſhips power; but then Preſuming pity was a little too Effeminate for ancient Magiſtrates, They thought upon your gold, and had decreed Her to the whip, but that I interpos'd To mitigate their purchas'd wrath. Galeot. 'Twas ſafely done, for ſuch ſeverity Would too much exaſperate her friends. Morel. Their ſentence is, ſhee muſt from that devout Chaſte Colledge march, veſted in white, and with A purifying Taper in her hand To the Cathedrall Church. Galeot. If Altophil doe breed his honour with Strict diſcipline, or have but any taſte Of wiſdome in her Love, this imputation will Divorce her from his eyes, my Amaranta then Hath no impediment to terrifie her hopes; Theſe miſchiefes make me more indebted to My braine, in that they are obſcurely laid, And I their guilty author am unknowne. —Enter Amaranta. Amaranta. O Sir, if either teares of fervent prayers Can move you to compaſſion, ſhew it now! My woman halfe deprived of breath with her Aſtoniſhment and haſt, imperfectly Hath told me newes ſo ſad, would make a fierce Young Thraſian-ſouldier weep before his Bride. Galeot. This newes were ſad indeed! what is it? is it hoh! Or, if it be too fearefull for ſpeech, Bring here thy Lute, and breath it in a ſong. Amaranta. My vertuous Rivall, poore Arthiopa, Is in diſtreſſe; ſhee ſuffers ſhame, ſuch vile Abuſe, as lips well taught, will bluſh to utter of afflicted Enemies. Galeot. What is this to mee? Amaranta. Sir ſhe's guiltleſly betray'd, I'll gage My yet unſpotted fame, nay, all The Treaſure of my ſoule ſhe's moſt innocent; Therefore I begge you would imploy your power To take her from the rigour of the Law. And puniſh thoſe that have perverted it To exerciſe their cruelty. Galeot. Away thou meeke religious foole, thee to Thy cloſet, goe; and wiſh thy needle forme In ſhadow'd works, ſome ruthfull Lovers death, Then weep the ſilly ſtory out, untill Thy teares ſtaine all thy ſilke; Hence from my ſight.— Amaran. Alas, thou wrong'd Arthiopa, thou canſt Not hope for truer griefe then mine. When other virgins ſhall lament thy death. —Exit, Galeot. Morello, haſte, and lay out ſeverall ſpies For Altophil's reproach, and bring mee word To whom his earlieſt viſits are adreſs'd. —Exeunt omnes. Enter Altophil, Rampino, Bruſco, Hirco. Altophil. Hah! gone? there's treachery of State in this, From her ſmall ſolitary manſion ta'en, Where ſhe liv'd cloyſter'd up, cag'd like a bird, To mourne my abſence in a penſive ſong; Forc'd thence, and by ſterne Officers, Hirco, What did the people ſay? Hirco. I know not, Sir, There is no truſting to their whiſperings: Their murmurs are but noyſe, uncertaine, Sir, And not to be believed. Altophil. Good ſouldier ſpeake, Deale juſty with his griefes; what did they ſay? Hirco. Why Sir, they talk'd as if, pray doe not heare't, All they diſcourſe is out of rage or drinke. Altophil. I pray thee vex me not with thy o'rewiſe Ill manner'd Love, it is not ſafe; what did they ſay? Ramp. S'light, tell the Generall. Hirco. Why if you needs will know, 'tis given out She was convey'd to the holy Colledge, Sir, The new purgation houſe, where witneſſes Have ſeverally depos'd ſhee was unchaſte. Altophil. Bliſters and rottenneſſe conſume thy tongue, Villaine, thou haſt talk'd away thy life. —drawes upon him. Bruſco. Oh, hold Sir, hold, can you enforce A ſlander from him, and then puniſh it Your ſelfe? your ſword upon your vaſſell too. Hirco, If Rogues will beare falſe witneſſe, can I help't Cauſe they loſe their ſoules, muſt I loſe my life? Ramp. Galeotto, Sir, the favorite, may be With argument enough ſuſpected Chiefe In this conſpiracie. Altophil. Thou doſt receive My jealous feares with truth too nak'd And evident to be conceal'd. What is That holy Colledge he's in, madneſſe nam'd? Ramp. A place to whip offenders for their luſt. Altoph. O heavens! why is your buſineſſe ſo remote And high that you can take no notice of Such wrongs as theſe? was this the houſe thought fit To entertaine Arthiopa? Furies And Fiends aſcend; take up your dwelling here: For all this goodly City I'll convert Into one ſpreading fume; a fire ſo large And hot, ſhall make the Rivers ſeethe, and Seas To boyle without the trouble of a ſtorme. Ramp. Kill all you meet, and burne the reſt that are Impriſon'd or aſleepe. Ramp. Let's thinke of rifling firſt, then fire ſhops after, Though I muſt needs weare ſilkes, I doe not like Flame-colour'd Taffata. Hirco. I'ld faine to the Mercers too, And fall a meaſuring with my yron yard. Altophil. Wy Bruſco, doſt thou ſtand ſo lamely now; When I perceive my injuries ſo great? Our patience will be held no vertue, but a ſinne, Draw up the ſcatter'd troopes that winter'd here. Bruſco. O Sir, eaſe your diſtemper with Your wiſer thoughts; the Prince you know's in towne, He's gracious, and will doe you right; loſe not The fame your noble youth hath juſtly merited, With one raſh act, which muſt be treaſon call'd; And ſo interpreted by all the Court: Then thinke what danger a commotion here Would urge, ſince Hildebrand the Lombards King, (Our watchfull enemy) is now within Ten leagues ſtrongly encamp'd.— Enter Carthuſian, Arthiopa, who is held by him, cloth'd in white, a Taper in her hand, people and boyes following her. Altophil. What meanes this ſad and baſhfull ſpectacle, My friends? What penitentiall Lady's that You wait on with ſuch needleſſe-courteſie? You, Sir, ſpeak, can you tell? are you all dumb? —they run from him as affraid. Here's one whoſe habite promiſes ſo much Civility as will afford me a reply. —ſpeakes to the Carthuſian. Pray, Sir, inſtruct me in this Ladies name, And what's the cauſe her penance is expos'd Thus to the publique view? Ramp. He's a Carthuſian, and by's order, ty'd To a concealement of his tongue; he muſt not ſpeake. Altophil. Sure I have had ſome knowledge of her face. Arthiopa. 'Tis Altophil, the Lord of all my vowes, Sweet Heaven let fall a cloud and hide me in't, That my ſhame ſince undeſerv'd may be, Conceal'd from all but you. I aske not for Revenge from men, their juſtice I have felt So cruell on my ſelfe, that I not dare Wiſh it to thoſe who thus have injur'd mee. Altophil. Mine eyes have been too bold; It is not fit they ſhould diſcover her In ſo much ſhame, yet it muſt be ſhe. O heart! heart! if ever thou wert made for love, Love would have weav'd thy ſtrings not of ſuch tough And ſtubborne wire, but ſilke, ſuch as would cracke With halfe that weight which hangs upon his griefe. Arthiopa!— Arthiopa. Flie, flie, my Lord, and follow not this light, It is that walking fire within the night Miſleads the traveller, and like an Unwholeſome miſt about it, needs muſt blaſt Whom it ſhall tempt to wander from his wits. Altophil. Stay, ſtay, 'tis inſtant death to take her hence; Though all your tyrants of the Law were here, They would fall downe, downe at her feet, and hide Their anticke faces, that doe fright poore priſoners more Then their falſe ſentence, when they're halfe aſleep. Forgive me reverend Sir, I know in this Your Office you but ſerve ſome high command; Lend me this Lady for a ſhort diſcourſe, And on my honour I'll reſtore her to Your charge; the Lawes ſhall be exactly ſatisfi'd. —takes her aſide. Arthiopa. Surely Altophil th'art lately come from heaven; For this is more then humane courteſie To owne a luckleſle virgine, ſo much loſt In ſorrow and diſtreſſe. Altophil. Preſerve thy teares; This is a wicked place, ſuch pretious drops Should not bedew unhallowed ground, thy infamy Is meant to me, and thou art puniſh'd for My envi'd Love; I muſt be ſo, the proofes Are pregnant that perſwade my faith. Arthiopa. My ſorrowes will ſeeme eaſie to me, though accompany'd with death, ſuch is the joy I take, that you believe mee guiltleſſe of A crime, which, though I bluſh to name, yet I Muſt owne before the world in puniſhment. The Angells, if they had but leaſure to Deſcend, would teſtifie I am betrayed. Altophil. And I Arthiopa, to vindicate Thy fame (yet ſhew obedience to the Lawes) In theſe injurious penitentiall weeds, Will leade thee ſtreight unto that Church, To which thy penance is preſcrib'd, and there I'll marry thee in ſcorne of all the dull Abuſed world; goe on. —Shee kneeles. Arthiopa. O, Sir, though I Am ſtrictly chaſte, moſt true and loyall to Your Love, reſpect the honour of your, Houſe (Renown'd in war, and forraigne▪ Courts) how will It be defil'd, when y'are ally'd not unto me Alone? but to my ſhame, that is a ſtaine So deepe and publique now, not all my teares, Though they could fall in ſhowres, will waſh't away? Altophil. Goe on, my reſolution needs no vowes. Bruſco. Where is your reaſon, Sir? you that are wiſe Enough to governe Armies in their rage, In your owne fury, now ſhould be ſo wiſe To rule your ſelfe; though this ſweet Ladies truth And vertues ſacred are, and firme to our Beliefe; yet in the high importance of A wife, you ſhould take care to match where not A ſingle doubt, though ne're ſo weake, could be By Envie urg'd? Arthiopa. Sir, you have borrow'd much Of time; much have you ſeene, and ſpeake from all Diſcreet experience, and your Love I know: You love your Duke; therefore in this advice You have my thanks ſincerely from my ſoule. Altophil. Old man, could'ſt thou convey thy heart into My breaſt, and ſo poſleſſe my griefe: could'ſt thou With my ſubdu'd moyſt eyes behold the great Gonſalvo's daughter, Miſtreſſe of my life, Diſgrac'd thus, like the peoples ſinfull off-ſpring In the ſtreet; how would it ſtir thy blood? And then to know her ſufferance treacherouſly Contriv'd by power; one that did malice all Our holy vowes, I'll not indure't;—burne, burne The towne; kill, kill all you meet. Hirco. Rampino, raiſe the old garriſon i'th Citadell, I'll to the Sconſe behind the bridge. Ramp. Since they doe love to ſee a ſouldiers Miſtreſſe In a white ſheet, wee'll ſee their wives in their Smockes too before night. Bruſc. Stay, ſtay, is this your love unto your Generall? Or thirit to pillage and to blood— Arthiopa. Sir, let me quench your anger with my teares; Upon my knees let me requeſt you leave Me to mine owne misfortune, and the Lawes, This dangerous act would voiolate all your Allegiance to the Prince. Bruſc. Thinke on your ſelfe, and us that muſt depend Upon your better hopes. Altoph. My faire white mourner, riſe; You with your Prieſty office, leade the way; 'Tis to the Church, ſhee ſhall obey the Law. Hold high the Taper, and move boldly on; Know injnr'd Hymen, 'tis thy torch, and this My wedding day; diſſwade me not, my ſoule Hath vow'd it, and 'tis ſeal'd in heav'n, you that Affect your Generall, follow, and afford Me ſtreight your ſhouts of joy, not wealth, Wiſdome nor honour, is to me above The fame and reſolution of my Love. Severall ſhouts are heard within. —Exeunt omne, and ſtreight ſe-
ACT II. SCENE I. Enter Bruſco, Hirco Bruſco. HIrco, have you appeas'd the mutiny The Generalls diſcontents did raiſe Amongſt his frie of friends, our tatter'd camp▪ Companions in the ſtreets? Hirco. All's quiet now, They ſadly weare their fingers in their pockets, Which they did hope ere this ſhould have beene us'd In telling Piſtolets and Chickeens. —Enter Rampino, Bruſco. Rampino, 'tis expected you bring peace. Ramp. Two houres I have beene preaching on A ſtall to certaine Carre-men that took't ill In a good cauſe they might not hang with our Caſt troops, to pull downe houſes, and to rob An hereticall new Church or two; but they Are gone ſwearing, and well edified: come, What newes? Is our Generall marry'd? Bruſco. Not yet. Ramp. How? not marri'd? Bruſco. No, ſome ſmall ſpie that watch'd Which way the current of his diſcontents Would runne, convey'd it to the Court, and ſtreight The Prince himſelfe ſent to forbid the banes. Ramp. The embers are but cover'd yet, I feare When they are ſtirr'd, the fire will flame agen. Bruſc. Our Duke convey'd the Lady to his houſe; Repair'd to Court, where the kind Prince with praiſe And joy rcceiv'd him in his open armes. Ramp. This qualifies the heat of our affaires. Bruſco. He then laid out for thoſe ſpies that were Suborn'd againſt his Ladies fame, who with Severe inquiry being produc'd, had ſtrict Examination from the Prince; a while They juſtified their oaths; but ſtill Falſhood betray'd it ſelfe: for when He urg'd for names of perſons, time and place, With doubtfull termes, and words diſ-joynted, they Began to ſtammer out their evidence; Then Altophil claimes leave he may preſent Their worſhips with an odde engine of pleaſure. Ramp. Which courteous politcians call a Rocke. Bruſc. The ſame, and each with painfull leiſure was Slowly wound up.— Ramp. Like a huge Jack-weight, by a weake ſicke wench. Bruſc. Right, Sir, and then they both confeſs'd that Saint Goleotto brib'd them to this perjury. And know my joy-ſweet, wanting men of war, He is by'th Prince impriſon'd in the fort. Ramp. An excellent Prince, by this hand he ſha'not want: Firſt I'll forgive him all my pay; then Hirco, Thou ſhall lend him money. Hirco. Excuſe me, Sir, Upon ſecuritie, not elſe; I've been Too often bit that way already. Retire Gentlemen. Enter Aſcolt, Altophil, Galeotto, who is held by the Gard. Aſcol. Though thou haſt ſo behav'd thy ſelfe in war With wiſe directions, and a valiant arme, That fortune cannot boaſt a ſhare in thy Fam'd victories; yet I muſt chide thee Altophil, Since being mine, and ſo much lov'd, thou couldſt Unto a Lady give thy ſelfe away, Not freed by my conſent. Altoph. Sir, I have ask'd your pardon, and believe My joyes you did leſſen with your ſorrowes, To make them by your kindneſſe now more full. Aſcol. This ſeparation will be ſhort, for ſince Your Miſtreſſe innocence is by her falſe accuſers Clear'd unto the world, Your Nuptialls I will celebrate with all The glory I can adde to'th triumph of A friend; and you Galeotto, ſhall receive Such puniſhment as ſhall declare My juſtice equall to your crime. Galeot. Sir, I confeſſe your favour lifted me To hope alliance with the noble Duke, Which, had I lawfully contriv'd, perhaps, Th'ambition had not much been blam'd; But I am left: nor would I begge Forgiveneſſe of your Lawes, but of your ſelfe, And next my Lord of you; be pleas'd to thinke The wrong were not of malice but of pride. Altophil. Not the eldeſt Divell with his long practice had The skill to lay on me ſo great a wrong, But I could pardon it; unleſſe when I Perceive the whiteneſſe of my Miſtreſſe vertue ſtain'd, Betray'd to penance too, it were a cruelty The Fiends would ſooner weepe at then commend. Galeot. Then I'll provide to ſuffer, and to ſcorne That fate I cannot alter with my prayer. Aſcoli. Thou, once the health, art poyſon now to ſight, 'Tis wholſomer to looke upon the Baſiliske; Perſidious to my friend! but where's Rangone, That went to fetch your Miſtreſſe? Altophil, I never ſaw her yet; truſt mee you are A cunning Lover, ſo long conceal'd The beauty you admire —Enter Rangone, Arthiopa richly attyr'd. Rangone. Madam, your ſweetneſſe doth deſerve the beſt Of joyes; and I have brought you where they are. Aſcoli. What light is this, that ere the day is ſpent Breakes like a ſecond morning in our eyes, Whil'ſt all that's ſhining elſe ſhewes like a ſhade. About her beames, ſweet as the pretious ſmoake▪ Aſcending from the funerall fire o'th long▪ Liv'd bird of Arabia▪ — Rangone. You ſent me for this Lady, Sir, will you Not ſpeake to her? ſee where ſhee kneeles. Aſcoli. O riſe▪ if I have treſpaſs'd in neglect, Forgive thy beauty, and not it's that Hath forc'd my wonder to adore what I (Perhaps) by'th lawes of courteſie ſhould firſt Salute.— Arthiopa. Sir, though I never fear'd my ſtocke Of modeſtic ſo ſmall, that I could want It for my neceſſary uſe; yet I Shall need to borrow bluſhes, if you lay More beautie to my charge then I dare owne. Aſcoli. Where have I liv'd, that I could never heare Sweet muſique untill now? O Altophil! I finde the treaſure of thy love ſo great, That were it mine, I ſhould not blame The envie of a friend; ſince from the exceſſe Of judgement, when it values things at full, Our envie growes, it is our nicity 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 envie ſinne. Altophil. What meanes the Prince? Aſcoli. Was ſhe that was ſo delicate, and ſoft as is The purple fleece of Clowds? was ſhe thought fit T'indure the rigour o'th perverted Law? Convey the traytor hence, and never more Preſume to ſet thy treacherous foot upon The confines of my Land. Arthiop. I, ſo yo'uld vouchſafe to make my mercy an Example unto yours, I ſhall forgive his cruelties. Aſcoli. It were an injury to heaven; away, If the next time I in my Dominions ſpy This loathed face, thy life is forfeited. Galeot. Sir, I'll preſume yo'uld thinke my daughter had No ſhare in my unluckie guilt; therefore It were not like your uſuall juſtice, ſhe ſhould ſuffer in my loſſe. Aſcoli. She is too good for thy ſociety, Her vertues ſhall preſerve her here. Galeot. Peace crowne you at home, and victory abroad. —Exit with (the Gard. Aſcol. Know, Altophil, my darkeſt thoughts are not So ſecret to my ſelfe, but I dare truſt Thy knowledge with them, and be ſafe. Why then ſhould thy intentions or deſires Be hid from me? I faine would ſound thy breaſt With a new queſtion; prithee give me leave? Altophil. Sir, I am borne to follow your command. Aske what you pleaſe; if I want knowledge here To ſatisfie your doubt, I'll ſtudie to Know more; pray ſpeake. Aſcol. It is decree'd by th' powers above (whom no Dull earthly mediation can diſſwade Or alter) I muſt needs marry faire Arthiopa. Altophil. I look'd for comfort, Sir, From your conſent, not trouble from your doubts. Aſcoli. It is inevitable then, as the Conjunction of th'illuſtrious Planets are, That needs muſt meet; elſe all the Spheres will ſtreight Be out of tune; time breake his glaſſe, and throw The ſand in the Sunn's eyes to make him winke, And leave us in the darke. Speake, muſt it be? Or elſe you both will ſuffer an eclipſe? Make anſwer from thy kinde thoughts? is it Decreed? Altophil. It is: and nought can alter it but death. Aſcoli. How hardly then hath nature dealt with us: For we are priſoners all; all circumſcrib'd, And to our limits ty'd: the fortunate And luckleſſe are alike: for thou art with As ſtrict neceſſitie unto thy happineſſe Confin'd, as others to their evill fate. Altoph. To be her priſner, Sir, is to be free; Nor can I wiſh my bondage off, whil'ſt I Am fetter'd in her armes. Aſcol. You'll give mee leave To try how far your Miſtreſſe hath ingag'd Her faith, and not be jealous, Altophil. Altoph. I'll truſt ſuch vertue with mine enemy. —Aſcoli withdrawes with Arthiopa. Ah me! where is a Lovers wealth? what joy Is there of beauty, when once conceal'd, more then Of Jewels in the darke? but when reveal'd, We ſtand to th'hazard of anothers claime. Rangone. I doe not like this alteration in the Prince, If he doth love, I feare it is too late. Aſcol. Oh do not promiſe ſo much comfort in Your lookes, and in your language breathe diſpaire, 'Tis like fantaſtick April, that ere-while With gaudy Sunne beames ſmil'd upon the Spring, And in a minutes ſpace gathers the blacke Thicke clouds about his brow to make a ſtorme: Have you no pitie left? Arthiopa. My pitie, Sir, you'll hardly entertaine, Since it muſt come alone without reliefe. Aſcol. Why were you truſted with ſuch beautious wealth, And make ſuch haſtie bargaines for your ſelfe? Could you have skill to know the value of Your love, and give it all way at once? Arthiopa. Sir, I beſeech you doe not urge me to Deny, what in your gentler clemencie You ſhould forbeare to aske, heaven made my vowes, And they are Altophils. Aſcoli. No more, my treſpaſſe I'll decline, though I Augment my griefes; my Altophil farewell. —takes him by the hand▪ When thou doſt heare me ſicke, thinke what diſeaſe Arthiopa's neglect might once have bred In thee, then mourne me at that rate; Rangone, come, leade to the Cypreſſe grove. —Exit Aſcoli, Rangone. Altophil. Thou art as much unfortunate as faire. But ſmile upon thy ſtars, perhaps they may Be ſooth'd into a kinder influence. The Prince is noble, and in's wiſdome will Digeſt this fit that ſhakes him out of frame: Theſe Gentlemen have ſhar'd with mee the ſharpe Calamities of war; give them your hand. —Bruſc. Ramp. Hirc. kiſſe her hand. Take care my valiant friends here in the towne, You give example of a ſober diſcipline. —Exeunt Altophil, Arthiopa, Bruſc. A rare creature. Rang. No ſweet meat in the world Is like the conſerve of a Ladies hand. Hirco. She'll thinke o'th' Hircos this twelve-month by way Of a full buſſe; I laid it roundly on. Ramp. Why you came laſt, Sir, and kiſt but her wriſt, Her hand was melted before into my mouth; ah. —Enter Friskin, Ramp. ſpies him, and ſtarts backe. Bruſc. What Planet-ſtrucke? Hirco. 'Tis his Taylor, he owes him money. Ramp. How did the Raſcall finde me out? I ſhift My lodging as often as conveniently I can remove my Truncks; thrice in two dayes, Would's needle ſtucke acroſſe his throat. Friskin. Signior Rampino.— Ramp. Signior Friskin,—I thought it ſhould be you. And how deare heart, and how, how does thy wife? My Godſon too at nurſe; I've a little whiſtle For him, 'tis comming in the Generalls Court. Friskin. All well Signior, Doe the wars thrive, Sir; Is there any money ſtirring? Ramp. Faith ſome of us here, By our continuall practice, know a Ducket From a Counter, w've mauld King Hieldebrand. Friskin. We heare he is encamp'd ſom ten leagues hence. Ramp. Yes, we have put him to his Sallads, like A ſawcy Frog upon anothers meadow. Friskin. Signior, there is an old debt. Ramp. Do'ſt thou thinke I have forgot it? I prithee What skirt's in faſhion now the Jacket-way; Downe to the hammes? Friskin. No Sir, ſixe in a ranke; But Sir, the debt is old. Ramp. I, I, with all my heart; how are their cloaks? A ſquare-full cape ▪ Friskin. Juſt as you left them, Sir; Would you would thinke upon your debt. Ramp. Do'ſt thinke I doe not; I prithee bring me but A patterne of a Poliſh coat, I'd weare it looſe And ſhort; pray Gentlemen know my friend; believ't I'd rathet ſee him ſit croſſe-legg'd then any man In Lumbardy; his thimble on, and's needle thus— He'll runne a tilt through cloth two inches thicke. Bruſco. Is he ſo excellent? he ſhall make my cloaths. Hirco. And mine too, if he pleaſe. Friskin. Have they any ſorts; Sir, are they well ſtor'd? Ramp. A brace of rich cloſe curmudginely fellowes, Thou ſeeſt they care not what their outſide is, So their pockets be well lin'd. Friskin. It ſeemes they are a little careleſſe, Sir, indeed; Where is your lodging now? Ramp. In troth 'twill be in the old manſion neere The Palace yard, till ſix of clocke at night, But then I muſt remove, the Fidlers doe So often waken me with their mutton'd Gridyrons And good-morrowes, I cannot ſleepe for them; I'll ſend thee word where I ſhall fix. Friskin. And you'll remember, Sir, my bill Ramp. Do'ſt thinke I'll faile; I prithee bring thy weights Along with thee, we ſhall elſe wrangle about light gold. Friskin. Y'are welcome, Sir, to towne. Ramp. Away, leſt we be vex'd againe with new Solicitors for the old cauſe. —Exeunt omnes. Enter Galeotto, Gandolpho, Morello. Galeotto. Is Amaranta ſent for by the Prince? Morello. She is, but for what uſe I could not learne; My brother, whom your former bounties have Preferr'd, and late made Captaine of the Fort, Is come, Sir, to bewaile your miſeries, And proffer all his ſervice, to make knowne, Your loſſe cannot diſſwade his gratitude. Gandol. My Lord, from low deſervings you have rais'd Me to the beſt command this place affords A ſouldiers hope, but if my life can pay Your bountie, I will keepe it for that uſe. Galeotto. Your natures are ſo thankfull, Gentlemen, For little benefits, that I am taught, If ever I can reach my former power, T'oblige more friends, though with a greater charge. Morello. My Lord, your wiſdome hath the skill to cure A diſeaſe ſtronger then your fortune feeles. Galeotto. Greatneſſe hath ſtill a little taint i'th blood; And often 'tis corrupted neere the heart; But theſe are not diſeaſes held, till by The Monarch ſpide; who our ambition feeds Till't ſurfets with his love; nor doe wee ſtrive To cure or take it from our ſelves, but from His eyes, and then our medicine wee apply Like th'weapon-ſalve, not to our ſelves, but him Who was the ſword that made the wound; and this State-medicine is compos'd of flattering induſtry, And ſuch falſe cures as like to falſe alarmes Fright men to feare danger, when none is neere, Still vex'd, and buſie to no reall uſe, As drones that keepe moſt noyſe about the hive, And then devour the politique Court Flies What fooliſh Bees bring on their weary thighes. Morel. Theſe Lectures (my Gandolpho) ſhew a braine That will preſerve him, ſpight of power; my Lord, My broher is your owne, and wee will ſhare The hazard of your fortune. Galeotto. The Captaine hath a valiant ſoule; and I Perhaps may uſe him in a cloſe deſigne, That i'th ſucceſſe will richly pay his love. Gandolph. When y'are moſt confident of me, you can't Expect ſo much as I'll performe. Galeotto. Enough; Morello, Sir, ſhall undertake For my beliefe, to all you dare Make promiſe of; if you will pleaſe to bring Me to the Ports, where ſhort the allowance of My time will force mee take a ſad farewell, I'll breathe my love, and buſineſſe to you both —Exeunt. Enter Altophil, Arthiopa. Altoph. Gladneſſe poſſeſſe my Miſtreſſe thoughts; I'm told The Count Rangone from the Prince is now Alighted at my gates, good newes I hope; For though we live as in a covent here, Thou as my Nunne, to morrow may proclaime This houſe a Court, and you my cheerfull Bride. Arthiop. The frownes of heav'n is to the vertuous like Thoſe thicke darke clouds, poore wand'ring Sea-men ſpie, Which oft fore-tell their happineſſe, and ſhew The long expected land is neere —Enter Rangone, Amaranta her face vail'd. Rangone. Felicity and everlaſting fame Betide the noble Generall: thus I Am bid ſalute you from our mighty Prince. Altophil. I am the creaure of his power and will. Rangone. I with this gentle greeting muſt preſent The richeſt treaſure nature in her laſt Declining ſtocke of beauty could afford The world, behold it and admire. —Unvailes Amaranta, who weepes. Her eyes diſſolving thus in teares, ſhould teach Thy heart to melt; for know, thou cruell Lord, She long hath chaſtly ſickned for thy love. Altophil. Alas, unluckie maid! how can thy griefes Expect comfort from him that knowes not to Redreſſe his owne? Amaranta. Yet, Sir, I hope 'tis in Your power t'excuſe th'unwilling error of My modeſty; I ſurely am the firſt Sad Lady ever was conſtrain'd to ſeeke Her Lover, and then woo him too, but 'tis The Prince hath forc'd mee here to nouriſh my Affection with your reall ſight, that elſe Had been conceal'd, and with your ſhadow fed. Arthiopa. Poore Amaranta, I muſt needs lament The malice of thy fortune, though My pity ſhewes unkindneſſe to my ſelfe. Rangone. Sir, my Commiſſion's to aske, if you Can love and celebrate this Ladie for Your wife; and our kinde Prince, beſides the forfeited Poſſeſſions of her fathers wealth, will to her dowrie adde honours and lands, untill You ſhare his royaltie. Altophil. Too ſoone this am'rous Riddle is reſolv'd; He Loves Arthiopa, and would Enforce mee wed this Ladie, to aſſure More eaſie way for's owne deſires. Arthiopa. O, Altophil, were I not well Inſtructed in thy loyaltie, how ſoone Her beautie, and theſe ſoothing hopes would throw Me cold into the armes of death. Altophil. Sir, you muſt carry to the Prince what I Was never wont to ſend; a harſh deniall of His ſuite: and give me leave to ſay 'tis troubleſome, And too ſevere. Amaranta. How am I lately hardened with the uſe Of ſorrowes, that I can liſten to My angrie doome and live? Rangone. Summon your wiſe, Your kinder thoughts, and make ſuch reply As I may joy in the deliverie; And ſoone procure a mutuall happineſſe. Altophil. To court me to a better knowledge of my bliſſe Then I alreadie underſtand, Were but a vaine attempt; I am reſolv'd Within the chaſte embraces of theſe armes To live or die. Amaranta. My eares have forfeited their facultie, Why ſhould they ſtill preſerve their ſenſe, that could Not for a while be deafe, but needs muſt hearken to My evill fate? Rangone. Sir, pardon mine obedience to my Prince; For I ſhall execute a ſad command: You of the Guard, lay hold upon the Duke. —Enter the Guard, and ſeize on Altophil. Altophil. Feare not, Arthiopa, ſome joy remaines I'th hopes we ſhall not be divided in Our ſufferings. Rangone. Shee is my pris'ner, Sir, And muſt to Court, whilſt you and Amaranta ſtay Confin'd together in this houſe. Altopil. Falſe Prince, how cunning is thy crueltie? Arthiopa, Leſt we had courage left t'expect an end Of all our calamities, this way was found To make us yet more certaine of deſpaire. Rangone. In this, Sir, you perceive the intricate Though powerfull influence of love, that doth Pervert moſt righteous natures to attempt Unjuſt deſignes, his Godhead is not full knowne, And's miſeries have beene but dully taught To men: for I am charged to ſay this new Conſtraint is but a ſad experiment To trie if you to Amaranta can Pay equall love for hers, and nice Arthiopa, Returne unto the Prince, what's paſſions now May challenge as a debt. Arthiopa. O, my true Lord, Shall wee ne'r meet agen, and tell our thoughts? Which ſtill we found too like, as if we two Had but one heart wherein we gave them formes? Altophil. 'T were ſinne to have no hope, wee'll change our ſtarres, For there are many more will gladly take Protection of our loves. Rangone. My time was limited, my witneſſe is Become my charge, and muſt to Court. Arthiopa. Sir, give me leave, but to ſalute this Lady, Whoſe friendſhip, though of noble worth, I ſhall Too ſoone receive, too ſoone (I feare) forſake; You, gentle Amaranta, muſt enjoy Your bleſſed habitation here, here with My Lord, whom I would faine commend, not to Your care, but your neglect; for know, We in our virgin-baſhfulneſſe eſteeme Solicitation and addreſſe, a more Undoubted ſinne, then our diſdaine. Amaran. Madam, I'm here a pris'ner too, and will Expect like others, in harſh times diſtreſs'd His pitie, not reliefe; I'll hope for that, If you'll permit without a jealouſie. Arthiopa. Preſerve me in thy kind remembrance, Altophil. Altophil. What other uſe have I of memory, When I have conceal'd the records of thee? Arth. Sir, I am loath to leave this Ladie here, Impriſonment is cruell to a Maid; Was it the Princes will ſhee needs muſt ſtay? Rangone. I have receiv'd it in a ſtrict command. Arthiopa. O, Altophil! Sir, let me hide mine eyes; It were ſome crime 'gainſt them, thus to forſake Their chiefeſt joy, and let them ſee it too. Altophil. Since Amaranta, wee Muſt ſtrive to woo, let's learne no mortall love That's dangerous, and quickly ends; but trie To make't eternall which is firſt to die. —Exeunt omnes.
ACT III. SCENE I. Enter Bruſco, Rampino, Hirco, their ſwords drawne, a noyſe of Drummes firſt heard a farre off. Rampino. ALl's loſt, the towne is taken, w'are betray'd, That curſed Traytor Galeotto ſold Us like tame feeble ſheep to Heildebrand, The Lombards King, whom falſe Morello (taught Ly's maſters Art) gave in the ſleepie houre Of night a ſecret entrance through the Weſterne Port. Hirco, No courage left? is th'Citadell ſurpriz'd? Bruſco. Paſt all recoverie? Gandolpho, hee That was preferr'd to the command of it Some two yeeres ſince, by'th treacherous favorite, At his deſigne made a ſurrender to The filching King, that hath not overcome, But ſtolne us to captivitie. Ramp. What drowſie ignorance poſſeſs'd the Prince To truſt with ſuch important power, one whom He knew a traytor to that Villaines luſt? Bruſc. I, there his reaſon ſhew'd herſelfe bewitch'd; When he had baniſh'd Galeotto, and Incens'd his very ſoule to all malignitie That his invenom'd gall could ere produce; Then to put truſt in thoſe he had preferr'd? —Enter Rangone. Rangone. O Gentlemen? to what unſeaſonable uſe Doe you advance your weapons, as you meant To threaten the victorious foe? when we Are ſo much paſt the likelihood of helpe, That all reſiſtance you can make is but To haſten on the for feit of your lives. Bruſco. If channells muſt o'reflow with blood, they ſhall Be fed from proudeſt veines that higheſt ſwell; Theirs who would emptie ours ſhall open too▪ Ramp. Why ſhould we calmly die, as if we had Drunke cold Mandragona, and breathe our ſoules Out in our ſleepe, departing with leſſe noyſe Then men that dreame they die; let's venture to Regaine the Fort. Hirco. There are enow to make Scalladoes left, that have not yeelded up Their armes; if wee muſt fall, it is as good Doe't climbing as thus ſtanding ſtill. Rang. Your forces are too weake, 'tis fortifi'd Alreadie with two Regiments of Switz. I know you thinke, I am as much inclin'd To hazard, as that man, who dares the moſt In glory or revenge: but this attempt Will onely ſerve t'incenſe ſterne Heildebrand Againſt our Prince and Altophil; who with Arthiopa are priſoners, and given To Galeotto's power as a reward: Firſt promiſs'd him to purchaſe his loſt faith. Bruſco. The Prince our Generall, and his Miſtreſſe too All ta'ne? the deſtinies are growne too curſt, —Drummes a farre off. Stand cloſe, and make this paſſage good. Enter Heildebrand, Goleotto, Morello, Gandolpho, Souldiers. Heildebrand. What left miſ-taken ſoules are theſe? who but A piece and remnant of diſcourag'd ſtrength Preſume defiance ſtill, when all the reſt Have ſafely yeelded to our power? Bid them (Galeotto) give their weapons up. Galeot. Why, Gentlemen doe you vainly tempt A danger from his wrath, that not delights To ruine where his mercy is implor'd? Preſent him your improfitable ſwords, And I'll procure a full aſſurance of Your lives and liberties. Rangone. Kindneſſe ſounds ill in a traytors tongue, If you had loyall held unto your Prince, Such mediation had been out of uſe. Galeot. This language is too bold; it doth proclaime Your anger great, and your diſcretion ſmall▪ But ſuch untimely choller, know, I can As eaſily forgive as ſcorne, and will Requite it, (if you'll yet ſubmit) with a Protection of your throats, that elſe are in Great danger to ſwallow no more new wine. Morel. The counſell that hee gives you is not fit To be refus'd. Gandolpho. Y'our brothers of the campe; is it not better To live and ſpend your pay, when you can get it, Then die, and have it laid out in fun'rall plums? Heildebr. If you will hazard death we can afford it, If you with taking but a little paines Stand ſtill and ſmile whil'st it is done, If you'll Deſerve to live, you ſhall enjoy the ſame Kinde mercy wee afford the towne; be free And ſtill protected by your former lawes; But firſt yeeld up your ſwords. Bruſce. Our ſwords are all our wealth, take thoſe away And we are left to poverty and ſhame. Hirco. Your grant already hath allow'd our Citizens The preſervation of their lands and goods, Ramp. Shall we fare worſe then retailers of ſmall wares? Heildebrand. The tribute of your Armes wee'll but poſſeſſe Till night; and then on th' honour of a King, They ſhall be all reſtor'd. Rangone. In our reſiſtance, Gentlemen, vainly We give away our lives; let us preſerve Them rather for our Princes future uſe. Bruſco. Since it muſt be, make anſwer as you pleaſe. Rangone. Upon your Kingly word we yeeld. Heildebr. Diſarme, and leade them to our Court du-gard, Where, when you have enroll'd their names, take care That our engagement be made good. —Souldiers take away their ſwords. Ramp. I pray looke to the Ribbon on The Hilt, it is a widowes favour. —Exeunt Rang. Bruſco, Ramp. Hirco, ſouldiers. Heildebr. Where's (Galeotto) your priſoners? Galeotto. Safely confin'd in my owne houſe, and now, According to your royall grant, I crave The full diſpoſing of their lives. Heildeb. Take our conſent, we ne're will leſſen what At firſt our bountie did aſſure; but then Your ſecret promiſe muſt be ſtraight perform'd. Galeotto. At night, or let mee forfeit all your truſt. Heildebr. Leade to the City-Senate, that wee may Receive their homage, and confirme their Lawes, Still weare your ſecret promiſe in your thoughts. —Exeunt omnes. Enter Aſcoli, Altophil, Arthiopa, their armes bound. Aſcoli. My fall from Soveraigne title and command, My loſſe of that which nature worſt can miſſe, My pleaſant liberty; thus being bound Like a cheap ſlave, that's ſold for leſſe, then buyes The conqueror the riots of one meale. Not all theſe ſuffrings make me mourne ſo much As my ſhort ſeparation of your loves. Yet, when I ſaw her faith was ſo oblig'd And knit unto your vertues, Altophil, I did reſigne my nuptiall hopes, and gave Her loyaltie the praiſe and reverence due Unto a Saint. Arthiopa. Your uſage, Sir, I have Confeſs'd, was noble, though unfortunate, And I ſhall finde ſcarce teares enough left to lament My owne captivitie, when I behold My mourning Lords and yours. Altophil. Would there were here Some flowrie banke, ſhaded with Cypreſſe, Ewe And Sycamore, whoſe melancholie brow Hangs o're a little diſcontented brooke That ever murmurs, as it wiſely knew It travell'd to ſome River that muſt ſoone Convey it to the Sea, where they are both In trouble with the bounds and loſt. Here wee Would ſit, comparing mighty Courts to greater Seas, Where Lovers like ſmall Rivelets are vex'd A while, and then o'rewhelm'd▪ A rurall reſidence Neere Woods and Meads, though it be humble, is The place, where we may love and be ſecure. Altophil. Why then did my too valiant father, and Thy ſelfe diſquiet all the peacefull world With hunting after fame? loaden and cruſh'd In heavie armour for the chaſe? toyling To get us this renowne and eminence, Which ſince hath ruin dour content? O that We firſt had met in Shepheards homely weeds! Altophil. I, my Arthiopa, or that wee now Might ſo enjoy our libertie; then if Ambition did inflame my thoughts to aime At victories, I ſhould not combate for a Crowne, But wreſtle for ſome Chaplet wreath'd by thee Of Daffadills and Pinks. Aſcoli. How kindly wee Should take o'th Celeſtiall Governours, If they would make theſe wiſhes reall truth? And mee ſome neighb'ring Villager that came To joy, and wonder at your loves, to court The beauties of your Miſtreſſe mind, my Altophil, Such Rivalſhip is noble, though 'tis new. Enter Galeotto, Gandolpho, Morello, Souldiers. Altophil. Appeare, and let thy rage inflict her worſt. Las! poore Traytor! how dull thy miſchiefes are, How weake, that canſt iuvent no puniſhment To quit thy daughters ſtill neglected Love! But what wee'll ſuffer, and embrace with ſcorne▪ Aſcoli. Performe thy malice; come, that wee may laugh To thinke how all poſterity will urge Thy deeds in railing Proverbs to expreſſe Diſloyaltie. Arthiopa. And Maids, when they but heare thy name, Shall croſſe themſelves in ſuperſtitious feare. Morello. Theſe are but dang'rous crabbed complements To him that holds your lives in his command. Galeot. Right, Sir, if I could eaſily remove My gall from off my liver to my heart; But now I take no joy in bitterneſſe: Thus I requite their wrath, unbind them ſtraight. —Souldier unbind them. Altophil. How's this! What may the courteſie portend? Galeot. Waſte not your wonder, Sir, it is no dreame. Altophil. His ſinfull nature is converted ſure. Galeot. Now, being all made free, you, Altophil, And faire Arthiopa, have but exchang'd Theſe fetters to be joyn'd in everlaſting bonds. Start not, they are but Matrimoniall cords; And eaſie to be worne, though ne're unty'd Such manacles you'll gladly enter in. Arthiop. My prayers have found the neereſt way to heaven, How quickly they were heard. Thoſe ſtaines are all Wip'd off, that ſo disfigur'd thee, thy brow Is quite unwrinckled now, and growes ſo ſmooth, Thou wilt not know it in thy former glaſſe Aſcol. Galeotto! this reſtores thee to thy kinde Eſteeme agen; whil'ſt I behold their happinſſe, I can forgive thy ſtealth upon my ſtate. Galeot. Convey thoſe Lovers to their bridall chamber, And let the ceremoniall rites be ſuch As I directed them. Altophil. Come my Arthiopa, gladneſſe ſhall leave No roome for Virgin-bluſhes in thy cheeks. —Exeunt Morello, Altophil, Arthiopa. Aſcol. Is my employment void, muſt I not goe And helpe to celebrate this bleſſed houre? Galeot. No, Sir, you have a greater buſineſſe of Your owne, and may be thought as happy too, If you will prove as wiſe in your conſent As I am kind to offer it. Aſcoli. Inſtruct me better what you meane. Galeot. You ſee how your moſt rigourous doome upon My perſon and my wealth, enforc'd mee to Such wayes in my revenge, as ſince have made Me apt for more ambitious hopes then thoſe I loſt; This froward Duke held my alliance in Unhallowed worth: Now hee is more in my Contempt; for you (his Maſter, Sir) I thinke Fitter to chooſe my daughter as a wife. Aſcoli. There's myſtery in this diſcourſe. Galeot. 'Tis eaſie, Sir, when you conceive, that I By marriage now remove Arthiopa From your deſires. Aſcoli. But I have made a vow, Since ſhe ſeverely did refuſe the firſt Moſt lawfull paſſions that I ever felt, All other beauty ſhall appeare too late. Galeotto. Thoſe are but ſilly vowes, which Amoriſts In choller make, when they have vainly ſpent A froſtie night, with ſinging Madrigalls To ſome coy Miſtreſſe; whil'ſt her windowes ſhut, Conſider, this perform'd, my power with Heildebrand May keepe you yet in your Dominions free, Some ſlender yeerly tribute being paid. Aſcoli. It is not in your will to force my Love. Galeotto. Sir, if I ſhould, it were but juſtice, and Divine; ſince in my abſence you conſpir'd T'enforce brave Altophil to make her his; That your deſires might ſuffer no impediment When they ſhould court Arthiopa. Aſcoli. Thou rudely doſt awake Thoſe thoughts that faine would ſleepe; I'll heare no more, Galeotto. Goe, bind him then, and leade him where he was Before reſtrain'd; you ſhall have time to meditate, And make your reſolutions of more worth. Gandolpho. My Lord, I'll watch him like your Sentinell. Aſcoli. Slave, doſt thou uſe me as fond children doe Their Birds, ſhew me my freedome in a ſtring; And when th'aſt play'd with me enough, ſtraight pull Me backe agen to languiſh in my Cage? This inſolence will make her chiefe in hell. ——Exeunt omnes. Enter Hirco, Friskin, Fibbia. Fibbia. Well, this is a good King, the Lawes ſhall have Their courſe; it matters not who raignes, as long As ev'ry one may come by their owne; if Seignior Rampino pay me not, I can Arreſt him now. Friskin. Troth Miſtreſſe Fibbia's in the right; For thus to faile his day, is ſuch a thing, Heaven wil never bleſſe him. Fibbia. Never, 'Tis impoſſible he ſhould come to good That failes his day. Heaven keepe my friends from failing of their day. Hirco. Who would have though 't'ad been ſo great a ſin; But the truth is, I ne're ſtudied Divinitie: All that I reade is in the Muſter-booke. Friskin. But, as you told us, Sir, Is he ſo great Already with the new King? Hirco. Upon my honour, hee ſent him juſt now A ſword for a preſent, and thus to me, Becauſe I am his friend. Friskin. Yours (Seignior) is not very rich. Hirco. No, a plaine bandall Hilt; it was his great Great grandfathers, but there are no ſuch blades worne now. —Enter Rampino. I've told your friends here, how much you are In favour now at Court, and they rejoyce, Heartily, beare up; and make it good, Sir, we have reaſon to be glad; I pray How came't about? may wee learne a little of the State devices? Ramp. Troth partly merit, for you know I weare my cloaths as well as another man; Beſides, I had the lucke to be moſt neere A kinne to him that did betray the Fort. Friskin. Ah, Seignior! if you could have betray'd it Your ſelfe, then we had been all made. Ramp. Well, no time loſt, we may have occaſion To betray ſomewhat hereafter; men that Will riſe, muſt not be tender of Their labour and good will. Fibbia. Seignior, y'are in the right: For if we labour in our Calling, heaven Will helpe us to betray ſomething or other For our good, Ramp. Miſtreſle Fibbia, I owe you For much profitable counſell. Fibbia. I, Sir, and money for other things. Ramp. Wee'll talke of that anon. Shew mee another Of thy ſtanding that beares her yeeres like thee; It ſhall coſt mee foure Duckets but I'll Get thy picture, and by thy ſide I'll have Young Antiphones thy ſonne drawne too, Eating of Cherries in a green coat. Friskin. Seignior, this was the day you promis'd me. Ramp. I, I muſt talke with you; d'you heare, you ſhall Worke for the King. Friskin. Who? I Sir, alas! Ramp. Come, it muſt be ſo, his Taylor dy'd this morning. Friskin. I pray, Seignior. Hirco. 'Tis very true, He fell madde with ſtudying of new faſhions. Friskin. I ſhall be thankfull if you'll uſe your power. Ramp. You can i'th long vacation ev'ry yeere Travell to Paris, and inſtruct your ſelfe O'th neweſt modell, and beſt cut. Friskin. I have a brother lives there, Sir, he is A Shoe-maker, and lately ſent me poſt A patterne of the fineſt Spur-leather; I was ſo admir'd at Court. Ramp. Write for him ſtraight, he ſhall be preferr'd too, If he bee kowne to trim at's pairing-knife, He cannot miſſe th' reverſion of that place. Friskin. If the houſe of the! Friskins riſe, none of Your worthy iſſue ſhall want a ſecond. Fibbia. Seignior, my money's due ſince Lammas laſt; Shall I know your mind? Ramp. Sweet Miſtreſſe Fibbia, you ſhall receive our whole Diſcourſe; I'm ſtudying to preferre your neighbour here At Court. Now, if you'll chooſe any imployment In the Queens ſide, your hopes ſtand faire; ſhe now Lies in at Mantua. Let me ſee—what thinke You of a Rockers place to the young Prince? Fibbia. Why truly, Sir, ſo I may carry my Small ſonne a long, I would be loth to leave him Behind in a lone houſe. Ramp. You muſt buy him a new Hat; and d'you heare, Let him abſtaine from Ginger-bread, 't will ſpoyle His growth. Fibbia. A little, Sir, on holy dayes. Ramp. You will be ſelfe-will'd. Fibbia. He alwayes had a care of my ſonne. Ramp. Friskin, and you may viſit me to morrow, And know more. Friskin. I'll bring my meaſure with me, it is long Since I wrought for your worſhip. Ramp. Doe, doe, farewell; Hirco, make haſte, and ſhift the ayre; There's nothing ſo contagious as the breath Of Creditors. —Exeunt omnes. Enter Morello, Altophil, Arthiopa. Altophil. Rich hangings of the anticke Perſian Loome, Venetian Tapers guilt, and bedding of Italian Nunnes imbroaderie, purl'd and imboſs'd. Galeotto ſhewes his bountie great to decke Our Bridall chamber, with ſuch forraigne pomp; But where's the Prieſt, that with his holy words Should make us fit to enter here? Morello. Roſting the Pigge he receiv'd in his laſt tythes. Altophil. Your mirth is ſomewhat ſtrange; does it become you? Morello. How little are you prais'd in th' affaires And ſoules of men, to thinke this ſumptuous bed Within, and furniture could entertaine An enemie? Altophil. For whom was it prepar'd? Morello. For mighty Heildebrand, the Lombards King, Who, when hee gave the Prince, and you ſecure Undoubted priſoners to my Maſters will, He had a promiſe made, the enſuing night He ſhould enjoy that Lady in his armes. Arthiopa. Ah mee! what prodigies are here? Altophil. Villaine, take that for thy intelligence. —Strikes him. Morel. So fierce in your rewards! what! how, ſeize on the Duke? tie his offenſive armes, the Lady too! —Enter ſouldiers, lay hold on him. Altophil. My ſenſe is ſo much dull'd with often uſe Of my calamities, that they are now Become my ſport; what followes, Sir? I doe Beſeech you would proceed. Morello. Souldiers, avoyd the roome. —Exeunt ſouldiers, Know, Sir, the wiſe Galeotto to make full Witty and new his bounty to the King, Ordain'd that you this Lady's Lover, ſhould Upon your knees preſent her to his Iuſt: Your proud neglect of Amaranta then Is ſubtilly repay'd. Altophil. O! damn'd infernall Dog. Morello. I'll leave you, Sir, take leiſure, and reſolve T'accept of this imployment, or to die. —Exit. Altophil. How divers are the changes of his tyrannie; Erewhile he flatter'd us with pleaſant ſhewes Of comfortable hope; then ſuddenly Preſents us with more horrid formes then death. Arthiopa. Death is our happieſt expectation now; The grave is ever quiet, though 'tis cold; But Altophil, alas! when wee have ſlept A many thouſand yeeres; who is't can tell If I againe ſhall know thee when I wake? —Exit Amaranta▪ Amaran. The chiefeſt bleſſings that are bred above Fall on you both; like Summer ſhowers that come To ripen what before was but i'th infancie Of growth: Firſt, Altophil, on you that are Moſt noble to the world, though much behind To mee; next on your Bride, whoſe vetues ſhine So cleare, that I muſt checke my envie, and Pretend ſome joy to ſee her fortunate. Altophil. Can this be Amaranta's voyce? is ſhee Perverted too, and taught to mocke at our Diſtreſſe? Arthiopa. This ill beſeemes a Maidens tenderneſſe. Amaranta. Forbid it goodneſſe; if you ſuffer ought, That I ſhould make your miſeries my ſcorne; For juſt heaven knowes, my father with great ſtewes Of kindneſſe, and of hope lately diſturb'd My Oriſons, with newes hee had deſign'd The Prince to marry me, which, Altopil, Was but unwelcome hope, ſince my beſt Love Ruſt die with thy diſdaine; then told me all Theſe preparations were to celebrate Your Nuptialls with! Arthiopa. Altophil. My Nuptiall Rites! this was a feign'd diſguiſe To hide his foule laſcivious purpoſe from Thy baſhfull ſight. Amar. My Lord, though he hath wrong'd you much, do not Miſconſtrue him as fit for all impieties. Altophil. Alas! it is too drie A truth; witneſſe theſe bonds, witneſſe thoſe griefes That hang upon Arthiopa like blacke Wet clouds upon the mornings cheeke; know ſhe Is here deſign'd for th'luſt of Heildebrand: And I by your obdurate fathers will, Muſt be inforc'd to ſee and ſuffer it. Amaranta. Horror! why ſhould I tarry here, And liſten to ſuch things as are not fit To be believ'd? Altophil. Stay Amaranta, ſtay; If thou art pitifull, and haſt that heaven Within thy heart, that with ſuch lively truth Is figur'd in thy face, expreſſe it now. Thou knoweſt the ſecret paſſages and doores Of this thy fathers houſe, convey with thy Beſt skill; and truſt my Miſtreſſe to ſome darke Unuſuall place, where ſhe may reſt ſecure And ſafe from violence. Arthiopa. Upon my knees I begge If yet the ſoftneſſe of thy mothers nature Have any reſidence within thy breaſt: Looke like a Virgin on a Virgins moane; And let thy mercy finde ſome way to hide My honour from the reach of wicked men. Altophil. This ſad neceſſity hath made my joynts Stiffned with Winter-marches in the war, Now ſupple as a Courtiers knee, that waits Upon a Tyrants Throne. Behold how low I fall to be my Miſtreſſe advocate.— Amarant. Let me henceforth in darkneſſe dwell; for why Should I againe make uſe of day, that could Endure to ſee th'elected Monarch of My vaſſall'd Love, thus humbled at my feet? Riſe, Sir, riſe ſweet Arthiopa, though it Seemes ſtrange (though you my Rivallare) I ſhould Aſſiſt your fortune, whoſe felicity Muſt ruine mine; yet I will juſtly doe't With hazard of my life. Altophil. What ſtrange malicious courteſie (you ſtarres) Was this? to make the firſt election of My love ſo excellent, and with Arthiopa, So fill my breaſt, that there no roome was left To entertaine the Ladies true Affection, till it came too late. Arthiopa. And I could not confirme My owne chiefe happineſſe; but whilſt I foyld The chaſte proceedings of her hope. Amar. Firſt, I'lluntie theſe miſ-becomming bonds —Unbinds them. Now, follow mee with ſlow and wary feet, Strong guards are ſeverally diſpers'd beneath; You cannot voyd the houſe; but there's a vault Deepe buried under yonder Turrets frame, Where I'll conceale you both, 'till I perſwade My father ceaſe his irreligious wrath. Altophil. This kindneſſe to thy Rivall ſhall become (In all ſucceeding times) a ſtory fit To ſoften ev'ry amorous Ladies eare; Fame loud ſhall ſing it, and preſerve it long, The muſicke of her trumpet, not her tongue. —Exeunt.
ACT IV. SCENE I. Enter Heildebrand, Galeotto. Heildebrand. THeſe ornaments ſhew much magnificence And wealth, the proſperous Monarch of the Eaſt Might here vouchſafe to ſleepe, though when his bold And ſuperſtitious fables made him thinke The Sunne was marryed, and would ſend his gliſtring wife To be his Concubine. Galeotto. Theſe Tapers, Sir, And theſe refulgent Stones, will all grow darke, When you behold Arthiopa; who now (That you may find my promiſe juſt) you ſhall Embrace; where is ſhee? ha, death on this ſlave. Morello told me that he left her here; Her Lover too, faſt bound to my diſpoſe. —Enter Amaranta. Amaranta! what divell counſell'd thee To this untimely viſit in the night? Amaranta. It was a carefull Angell, Sir, that to Prevent the dangers on your ſoule, hath given Me order to dehort your rage, which ſo Purſues Arthiopa. Galeotto. Where is ſhee? ſpeake, Where's Altophil? remov'd and hid by thee? Heildebr. Her beauties make his faint deſcription more Like envie then juſt praiſe; the niceſt maid In Lombardy, ſtrictly compar'd, lookes like A wither'd Lapland Nurſe; my teeming wife Shewes foule and tauny to her, as ſh'ad beene The ſooty off-ſpring of a Moore. Galeot. Why do'ſt not ſpeake, I know ſhe can't eſcape The confines of my houſe, my guards are made Too watchfull and too ſtrong, Where is ſhe? Speake. —Shee kneeles. Amaranta. Sir, I confeſſe I've hid her from your wrath, And till this great diſtemper of your mind is cur'd, It were not ſafe ſhe ſhould appeare. Heildebr. Galeotto, Why do'ſt let this Lady kneele? Such humbleneſſe ſhewes ill, the pleaſure of An am'rous beauty is her pride. Galeot. The poſture's comely, Sir, it is my daughter. Heildebr. Hah! his daughter! this courteſie is new And exquiſite, I love a Parent for my Bawd! Galeotto. Tell mee, thou troubleſome delight of holineſſe; Where thy bewitching Rivall is conceal'd, Or I'll torment thee till thou wake thy dead Unluckie mother with thy groanes. Heildebr. Galeotto, hold, do'ſt thou uſe force? Galeot. The Lady that I promis'd for your ſolace, Sir, S'hath wickedly remov'd from hence. Heildebr. What Lady's that? Galeot. The faire Arthiopa. Heildebr. There is none faire but ſhe, all beauty elſe She turnes to blacke companions of the night; My judgement is too ſtrong, cheat not mine eares With the falſe muſicke of a name: Alas! My gentle Excellence, waſte not thoſe teares, Whoſe ſoveraigne power would better nature, where She weakly doth reſide, and falling in The Spring, convert a Canker to a Roſe. Come, mourne no more. Amaranta. Sir, you are mercifull, And by the great prerogative of your Command, may ſoone procure an eaſier weight Then he hath laid upon the innocent. Heildebr. Believe't he ſhall not practiſe violence; To Bed ſweet beauty, goe, he is reclaim'd; Upon thy life purſue her not: thy lookes Are growne too terrible to court her now. —Exit Amaranta. Galeotto. But will you then forgoe my promiſe, Sir? Heildebr. Your firſt aſſurance was, her Love ſhould Preſent her willingly into mine armes, And that I muſt expect there is no eaſe, Nor pleaſure in reſtraint. Galeotto. You meane Arthiopa. I'll fetch her, Sir, if you'll but let me force This wayward foole to tell where ſhee's conceal'd. Heildebr. This is that faire Arthiopa whom I'll enjoy. Galeotto. Perſwade my daughter to your bed▪ alas, you Are marryed, Sir. Heildebr. Or thy ambition elſe Were happily ſo bold to thinke: I'll chooſe Her for my wife. Galeotto. In troth the other way Is but un wholeſome kinde of love; Yet may be fit enough for loſt Arthiopa; If you'll take leiſure 'till I finde her out: But to betray a daughter. Heildebr. You lately could betray Your countrey, Sir, why not a daughter now? Mocke not my rais'd deſires, bring her to night; Not forc'd by terror, or outragious ſtrength, But by the ſoothings of thy tongue wrought to A willing, liberall conſent; goe, do't, Or thou ſhalt bleed. —Exit. Galeotto. Peace to your majeſty: This foole in a religious pity hath Deſtroy'd her ſelfe, i'th choyceſt houre of time, When I deſign'd ſhe ſhould be wedded to The Prince: for dull looſe Heildebrand, If th'other had but ſatisfi'd his luſt, In drunken bountie would ſurrender all His conqueſt here, t'endow and make her great. What is our humane cunning, our obſcure And vicious wiſdome worth? ſince at this play Of policie, that Gameſter cannot winne That hath not skill, but power to help his ſinne. —Exit. Enter Aſcoli unbound, Rangone, Gandolpho. Rangone. I heare the Lady, Sir, and Altophil Are pris'ners ſtill, and by that traytor were But led to counterfeit delights. Aſcoli. My owne calamities ſoone vaniſh from My thoughts, when I remember theirs; you ſee This Captaine gives my hands their liberty; But expect hee's now ſo farre reſtor'd, That hee'll contrive the freedome of My perſon and my minde. Rangone. Gandolpho, know The counſell I have breath'd, will ſhortly, when Your reaſon and your piety conſult, Advance your profit much, your honour more. Ascoli. Your error paſt I have forgiven; as well Aſſur'd Galeotto's cunning did ſeduce Your eaſie nature in pretence of gratitude To doe perfidious things to th'State and mee; But your amendment now ſhall have as full Reward as if the memory were loſt, Of all your former guilt. Rangone. How excellent repentance ſhewes! it may, Perhaps, proceed too ſlow, but when 'Tis reall, never comes too late. Gandolph. Sir, thus dejected on the earth, I begge Your pardon, and ſhould riſe made happy, though Not innocent, if you believe that I Was wrought into my crime, by him that found A ſubtile uſe of my unskilfull Love▪ Aſcol. My faith is willingly confirm'd, and you Call'd backe to all the favour you forſooke; The Citadell continues ſtill in your Command, though with bold ſtrangers new inforc'd▪ And by your power a ſecret entrance may Be ſoone devis'd for a ſurprize. Rangone. The abſence of your perſon, Sir, which is So much lamented now, when you appeare, Will adde a courage equall to the joy Our ſouldiers ſhall receive; and though diſpers'd, The towne may yeeld enough for this deſigne. Gandolpho. What valour, or long practiſe in the war (Made perfect with much doubtfull enterprize) Can doe, we ſhortly will atchieve: but for A while you muſt reſt cloſe in durance here. Aſcoli. My patience is ſo wiſe, it will perſwade Meto't, Rangone, come; the dangers which Theſe Lovers feare, are ſuch as we would faine Prevent, or elſe adventure to revenge. —Exeunt. Enter Heildebrand, Galeotto, Arthiopa. Galeot. The beames of your bright beautie could not be So hid, but I muſt finde them out. Arthiopa. My life I now eſteeme not worthy of my care, Since you have ſever'd mee from Altophil. Galeot. Your Lover yet is ſafe; but if you uſe The King with cruelty, expect the like On him.—I knew, when he beheld —aſide. Her luſtre ſhine, my Amaranta would Be free; already he growes hot: This fire Like thoſe that Chymiſts keepe, muſt ſtill In ſecret burne, whilſt gazers voyd the roome. —Exit. Heildebr. Which way ſhall I redeeme the error of My former wonder, that in ignorance Committed fond I dolatrie to one Who in her greateſt beauty may become Thy worſhipper, and not decline her owne Prerogative; though ſhee excell a throng On others that are comely too. Altophil. Sir, I am hither forc'd By a perverſe and trecherous Counſellor; His tongue hath much envenom'd your chaſte eares, And would perſwade you a horrid ſinne; But all my comfort is, your nature hath Been ſtill ſo rightly taught, you'll eaſily▪ Reſiſt temptations of greater ſtrength, Heildebr. Know thou art hither come, to lay thy white Attractive hand upon my Scepter; and Give lawes to me, to make decrees of war And peace; fold up my Enfignes, then command, Then ſtraight unfold agen, untill they ſpread Their bloodie ſtreamers in a forraigne Land; But then my pretious ſweetneſſe you muſt love. Arthiop. Your goodneſſe, Sir, I will, but if your thoughts Are prompted to attempt unlawfull deeds, Sure all the righteous world muſt hate you then; Nor would I be the laſt ſhould frowne upon A wicked Lover, though a King. Heildebr. Such cold diſcourſe befits an hermitage, Where age and hunger make a rev'rend Pretence, to hate the pleaſure, when (alas) They have out-liv'd the appetite; you muſt Come neerer yet.— Arthiop. O! thinke upon your honour, Sir, and what Protects it, heaven. Heildebr. It is ſome pleaſure to Delay thoſe thoughts a while, draw neere, make mee▪ Acquainted with your lips; why ſhould they want Impreſſion that ſo eaſily ſwell; that are So ſoft, and fit to take the ſeale of love? Arthiop. You'll fright my ſoule from this unfortunate Weake Tenement, where ſhe unwillingly Hath dwelt of late; and now 'tis ſhaken ſo With that ſtrong tempeſt in your lookes, She dares not longer ſtay. Heildebr. Let her come forth, and in my boſome reſt. Arthiop. No, Sir, her ſecond dwelling is above The ſtars, where ſhe will tell ſuch tales of you, If you perſiſt, the earth ſhall grow too hot For your abode, and ſhortly after, hell Too cold; they'll mend, and multiply their fires Againſt you come. Heildebr. Were you leſſe faire, ſuch coyneſſe would diſſwade. Arthiop. If you continue in this exerciſe Of impious power, be ſtill a King; but may You live to know, your title given you for A ſcorne, no ſubjects left you to obey; More enemies to conquer what you have, 'Till be ſo little, and ſo cheape; this in Your age, when miſeries doe moſt perplex, And ſtrength is quite decay'd that ſhould ſupport The waight which younger patience thinks no load. Heildebr. Are you ſo excellent at curſes, Lady? Arthiop. But better far at bleſſings, Sir; if you Subvert the furious danger of your will, Be ſtill a King; and may your Scepter grow Within your hand, as heaven had given it A root: may it bud forth, increaſe in boughes, Till't ſpread to the Platan tree, and yeeld A comfortable ſhade, where other Kings May ſit delighted, and ſecure from all The ſtormes of war and tyrannie. Heildebrand. Leave me, away, That cloſet make your priſon untill night, Where you ſhall harbour ſafe from him that would Betray your Virgin-wealth, but looke not backe: For then you ſhare the guilt of my next crime, You carrie in your face the fire that feeds My flame; which, if I ſee, 'twill kindle ſoone What I will ſtrive to quench. —Exeunt ſeverall wayes. Enter Altophil bound agen. Altophil. Arthiopa, Arthiopa! O that The double concave of this diſmall place Could but reverberate her name, I would Be mock'd, though with a ſound of happineſſe Rather then quite depriv'd; the Ghoſts Of impious men walke and reviſit the Relinquiſh'd earth; but ſhe is gone like things Moſt excellent: the ſoules of Votaries Who once departed, know this fulſome world So much unfit to mingle with their pure Refin'd ayre, that they will returne. Arthiopa, — Enter Amaranta, with a ſword drawne. Amaranta. What voyce is that, which with Such fatall accent doth bemone ſome great Eternall loſſe. Altophil. Arthiopa is gone, The ſecret Vault where thou didſt leave us ſafe Enclos'd was by Morello found, who with Rude help of murthers enforc'd her from Mine armes, and left mee bound. Amaranta. I fear'd ſome danger neer Which made mee haſte to thy redreſſe; once more (My Lord) let me give freedome to your ſtrength. —Unbinds him. Here, take this ſword, 'tis a moſt pretious jewell, And like a relique hath hung long within Our armourie: if falſe Morello ſhall Returne to threaten death, defend your ſelfe. Altophil. I would this bountie had been earlyer brought▪ Amaranta. My feares are ſo increas'd, I dare not ſtay To ſee the end of thy uncertaine fate. Be watchfull and conceal'd. —Exit. Altophil. The unwearied courteſies Of this ſoft maid, afflict my memorie: Since my affections were ſo far bequeath'd And ſpent, ere they became her due, that now I cannot pay her, equall love for love, But to anothers loſſe.—What noyſe is that! A ſecond doore reveal'd? it opens too. —He ſteps behind the Arras. Enter Galeotto, Morello. Morello. Hee's truſs'd, and pinion'd like a Pullet, Sir, And you may ſoit him when you pleaſe. Galeot. Yes, he muſt die, for Amaranta loves Him ſo, her wiſhes elſe will ne're be quieted, Nor ſhe admit the Prince, though I could win His heart, he ſuffers for diſdaine of her; She ſhall appeare, and ſee it too, 'twill breed Her up to greatneſſe whoſe chiefe nouriſhment Is blood, when you have lock'd the doore, give her This key, and ſend her hither. Morello. If ſhee ſuſpect the cauſe, ſhe will not come. Galeot. I ſay ſhe muſt and wait you cloſe about The King, to watch th'event of his hot enterprize. —Exit Morello. Duke Altophil, where is your mighty grace? Altophil. Who is't that makes my title his bold mirth? Galeotto. His fetters off! a ſword too in his hand! This argues trecherie. —Strives to goe backe to the doore, Altophil ſteps betweene. Altophil. Nay, no retyring yet, I have been here reſerv'd your priſoner, But your dull bounty now hath made you mine. Galeot. The very ſword I won in duell from The fain'd La Rock, i'th vale of Chamberie, If 'twere taught t'obſerve as Wizards doe, This chance is ſo ſiniſter, 'twould mfuſe A ſuperſtitious trembling through my veines. Altophil. What is it makes your admiration ſtill Employ'd? this object of your crueltie? Galeotto. Who furniſh'd thee with ſuch a rich defence For reſcue of thy life? Altophil. Your daughter, Sir, Galeot. So true to him that hates her! and ſo falſe To me! deſtruction on her ſoule. Altophil. Your curſe will find ſuch little entertainment where Her vertues are, that it muſt ſoone returne Unto your ſelfe; the memory of her Would faine diſſwade my juſt revenge on thee. Where haſt thou left Arthiopa? Galeotto. With Heildebrand. Altophil. That fatall word calls backe my abſent and Relenting ſpirits to my arme, which grew With thoughts of mercy weake, but now it hath A ſtrength too dangerous for thy repulſe. —They fight a while, and part. Galeotto. Yo'are active, Sir, your nimble joynts are bath'd In Jeſtimine oyle. Altophil. And you are knowne a Maſter in This angry Art; your Rapier miracles Are chronicled by the hot fencing French; But I'll adventure ſome ſmall practice, Sir. —fight agen and ſever. Galeot. Pauſe, pauſe a while, and keepe your little breath, Since 'tis your laſt, to make your friend more ſport. Altophil. So merry? cauſe your divell is ſo learn'd, And taught you faigne in ſubtile lines, Proportion'd by a rule; ſtill ſtatue like, Standing as ſtiffe as if your poſture were In Braſſe, I'll diſcompoſe it ſtraight. —Fight agen, Galeotto is wounded, they ſever. Galeot. I did not thinke your skill ſo excellent, I ſhall drop downe without revenge, hence with A Hatchet, like a fenſleſſe tree, this to Requite your kindneſſe, Sir. —Fight, Galeotto is wounded, agen they ſever. Altophil. Laugh and be merry now; You are not tickled with a ſtraw, you ſee, This is a kind of ſport will make you bleed. Galeot. O my falſe fame, where art thou now, he bores And drills me where he liſt, as I were dead Already, and my breaſt, a boord us'd to An Augur, not a Sword; as if hee had Forecaſt how many holes would ſerve to make My obſcure heart tranſparent to the world. The Furies greet you, Sir. —Fight, Galeotto falls. Altophil. This for my much wrong'd Prince, this for Arthiopa.— And though a glorious villaine, yet like to A villaine fall, deſpis'd upon the earth; Not pitied in thy parting Grove. Galeot. O! O! your wrath and I together end. —Hee dies. Altophil. 'Tis ſtrange I ſcap'd without a wound, he was A cunning duelliſt, whoſe tread is that? —Enter Amaranta. Amaranta. Feare ſtill makes others ſwift to flie from danger, And me thu • ſlow t'incounter it, ſure I Have ſtay'd too long, where are you, Sir? Altophil. Sweet Amaranta, hide thine eyes. Amaranta. Can they be weary growne of ſeeing you? Altophil. But here's another object that will make them ſtart, Till they untie their ſtrings. Amaranta. Hah my father! mercie, how far is thy White throne remov'd from earth, that wretched I, Thy daily Orator, could not be heard? My blood will turne to teares at his dire Obſequie. O Altophil! thou cruell Lord, did I For this with ſeverall hazards of my life, And filiall faith, keepe thee from death? that ſword I gave you for defence, and ſtraight Perverting all my courteſies, you did Preſent it to my fathers breaſt. Altophil. Hee was a wicked man. Amarant. Were thy uncivill accuſations true; Yet for my ſake thou might'ſt have ſpar'd his life: For mee, whom though you could not love, I ne're deſerv'd to find your hatred in Such fierce extremes. Altophil. There was no help, but one Of us muſt fall, and I preſerv'd my ſelfe. Amaranta. Upon ſuch wiſe ſure cautions, my Indulgent nature ſcorn'd to meditate, When I deliver'd you from murthering hands, But made the danger haſtily mine owne. Altoph. Thoſe words like ſubtill lighting pierce, and ſoone Will kill me, though they make no wound. Here, take this ſword, revenge thy fathers cauſe, Revenge thy cauſe, whoſe love I have been forc'd To pay with ſome neglect, kill me and be juſt.— Amaranta. Did you but call't neglect? and ſaid that you Were forc'd to it? Altophil. So forc'd, as I ſhall ever be, ſince my Firſt plight was ſeal'd; there is no eaſe, no end Of that conſtraint. Amaranta. Still to lament, and never to belov'd.— Altophil. I am the ſource of all thy griefe; make haſte, Yis fit I die.— Amaranta. That ſentence is my doome. —Shee falls on the ſword, Altophil. Hold, Amaranta, hold; Where are our better Angells at ſuch times As theſe? Sweet virgin breathe a while.— Amarant. Goe, tell Anthropa ſhe needs not feare Her rivall now, my Bridall bed is in The earth. Altophil. O ſtay! there may be helpe, Amaranta. When you come neer my grave, if any flower Can grow on ſuch unluckie ground, pray water't with A ſingle teare, that's all I aske: mercy heaven. —She dies. Altophil. For ever gone I make much of her youſtars, She is the brighteſt ere ſhall come into Your numberleſſe ſocietie. Her laſt Salute was ſent unto Arthiopa, Till ſhee be ſafe I muſt not follow thee; But I will haſten, gentle maid, to weare Immortall wings, and thy new luſtre then Will be ſo knowne above, that if I ſtray, It can direct and light mee in the way. —Exit.
ACT V. SCENE I. Enter Aſcoli, Altophil. Aſcol. WHil'ſt we confine our motion to this darke Diviſion of the houſe, we are ſecure; The Guards beneath Rangone did corrupt, And made my entrance hither eaſily Atchived: but thou haſt told a piteous tale, The latter part will give poſterity A laſting cauſe to mourne, for though Galeotto ſuffered juſtly for his crimes, And I muſt ever praiſe that victory; Yet Amaranta's fate was moſt ſevere. Altophil. Alas! it is not good to name her, Sir; We ſhall but ſpoyle our thoughts, and urge them to A deſperate beliefe. Aſcol. Can your intelligence Aime at no report that may declare Your Miſtreſſe uſage with the King? Altophil. As paſſages are ſtopp'd, no ſouldiers voyce Is louder then a whiſper here, and thoſe Are breath'd in the darke. —Enter Arthiopa, her haire hanging looſe about her. Aſcoli. Looke where ſhee comes. Altophil. If that be ſhee That gives her ſorrow ſo much ornament With haire diſhevell'd, and unwilling lookes, Declin'd with ſighs that well may penetrate The ſpacious vault of heaven, though it were Arch'd With Onix and hard Chryſolite; If that be ſhe, perſwade your ſelfe to know Her, Sir, for I would faine preſerve her ſtill A ſtranger to my ſight. Arthiopa. I came to ſeeke Thee Altophil, but thou art found too ſoone. Why ſhould I vex a Lovers tenderneſſe? My lamentations are ſo great, they'ld ſerve T'infuſe a vertue in a furious eare, If pitie may be call'd a vertue, but I hope it is not ſo, for then the world Would much offend, that long hath wanted it. Altophil. What diſmall ſtory hangs upon thy tongue? Speake it aloud, to wake the deſtinies, Who ſure are faſt aſleep, thy ſufferance elſe Will make us thinke they take no care of what They can ſo eaſily create. Arthiopa. Fierce Heildebrand, That tyrant King! O! that my memory Can keepe a name ſhould be forgot by all The world! Aſcoli. He finds our militarie ſoules are now Growne tame, and meeke as Doves; hee'll ſhortly uſe No Iron Scepter here, wee can be aw'd And govern'd by a Reed. Arthiopa. To this perfidious King I was convey'd By Galeotto, falſer then himſelfe, Endur'd his ſinfull courtſhip, and ſubdu'd At firſt with threatning vowes, the furie of His will; ſo that he ſeem'd reſtor'd to grace. Altophil. And did hee fall agen? Arthiopa. His pietie Grew ſoone too high a bliſſe for him, With tedious ſteps he labour'd up the hill; Whoſe top being reach'd, his elevation ſhew'd So ſtrange, that it amaz'd his ignorance, And giddily he tumbled downe in far Leſſe ſpace then he could climbe. Aſcoli. A ſwift inconſtancie. Arthiopa. In a ſhort moment hee was quite Declin'd from good, ev'n to the extacie of vice: For in the blackeſt and moſt guiltie houre Of night, hee came and found my curtaines drawne; But ſo uncomely rude were his intents, That though I there had ſlept as in a Shrine, (A place which death or holineſſe did priviledge With reverend eſteeme) yet he would force His way; you ſacred powers conceive how fit It is the reſt ſhould make mee dumbe. Altophil. I have begun In blood, and muſt goe on; inhumane guilt Is ſo diſperſs'd and growne ſo ſtrong, that now Revenge from every valiant hand will be Acknowledged lawfull and Divine. Aſcoli. Let's haſten to our furious buſineſſe, come, I have ſome ſtrength in ambuſh neere the Fort; And bold Rangone waits within t'expect What hidden troopes I will command t'aſſault My Palace which this Monſter hath uſurp'd. Altophil. That charge conferre upon my care; Away, let's give him ſwift and ſilent death, Like Cannons, that deſtroy ere they are heard: Yet ſince we're ſever'd in our enterprize, Wee'll take a ſolemne leave for ever, Sir. Farewell,—our uſuall fortune can perſwade Us to no better confidence. Aſcoli. Yes, noble Altophil, Wee'll meet agen, I'll find thee, though i'th clouds. Altophil. I have of late been ſo much us'd To weepe, that I ſuſpect the chryſtall of Mine eyes is but a kind of Ice, which ſtill Each warmer change of weather ſtraight doth thaw. Aſcoli. The ſweeteſt, though moſt injur'd of thy ſex, Farewell, and thinke ſuch comfort yet remaines, As muſt not be deſpis'd, though but in hope. Arthiop. Sir, reaſon ſoone would ruine mine, if I Had any left; the cleane nice Ermine not Endures to live, when once the Hunter doth Her whiteneſſe ſoyle, though with a little ſtaine. Altophil. Arthiopa, come, we are lovers ſtill, Though too too much unfortunate; time ne're Could finde in all his old records, nor will The like ſucceed in's future Regiſter. ——Exeunt omnes. Enter Bruſco, Gandolpho, Rampino, Hirco. Bruſco. What lazie Elephants are theſe? huge Rogues That cannot dig through mould as ſoft as dough. Ramp. Is not the Myne yet finiſh'd? Gandolph. Have patience Gentlemen, I'm confident Th'ave reach'd off the Parapet, And ſtraight the powder will be laid. Ramp. But is the ambuſh well ſupply'd that ſhould Breake in upon the Garriſon when fire is given? Bruſco. Thoſe follow my direction, and are all Prepar'd to execute at their juſt time. Hirco. Then one ſucceſſe is ſure, for the old troopes Have ſent a private meſſage, they'll aſſault The City gates before the Sunne can riſe To ſhew them to the enemy. I know th'are led by brave Piſciero the Lievtenant to our Generall, and I Have planted thoſe will give them entrance, though They tread upon their mothers and their wives. Bruſco. It recreates my very lungs to thinke How this luxurious ſtupid Heildebrand In pleaſure ſnorts, and little thinks He ſhall be wak'd with an alarme. Gandolpho. You, Sir, muſt take important care, leſt in The ſtreets your conſultation be with throngs Of Fiends: for buſie members will be ſoone Obſerv'd; your quarter is the Weſterne bridge. Bruſco. But firſt attend about the Palace, to Expect your orders, they muſt be given you there. Rampino. Direct your ſelves; I am more watchfull then A ſicke Conſtable after his firſt ſleepe On a cold bench, Hirco, along with mee. —Exeunt omnes. Enter Heildebrand, Morello, Rangone. Morello. This is the Count Rangore, Sir, who was Before your Conqueſt here chiefe Captaine of The Guard unto the captive Prince. Heildebr. From Galeotto, Sir, is your affaire? Rangone. This Ring hee humbly ſends a preſent to —Ring Your Majeſty, it was the firſt rich pledge You gave him to confirme his new integritie, By which he would perſwade your royall thoughts; I am a meſſenger of truſt, with hope It may procure me privately your eare. Heildebr. Leave us, Morello, and attend within —Exit Morello. What is the cauſe hee can ſo ſoone neglect The homage of his dutie here? he did Not waite to day. Rangone. His daughter, Sir, is ſicke. O're whom ſo fondly he laments, that hee Supplies both her Phyſitians Art and diligence. Heildebr. Proceed to his requeſt. Rangone. Your wiſdome, Sir, wee'll much admire, To what a calme and eaſie ſufferance He hath reduc'd Arthiopa reclaim'd Her froſtie nature to ſuch warme, ſuch ſoft And feminine deſires as it is fit Her beautie ſhould poſſeſſe. Heildebr. Thou doſt bewicth me with thy newes. Rangone. Sir, ſhe no more retaines the ſeeming forwardneſſe And peeviſh rigour of a maid, But wonders why the Roman Lucrece did Complaine, becauſe enforc'd ſince boldly ſhe Concludes it now the onely ſubtill way To compaſſe pleaſure without ſinne. Heildebr. Wiſe Aracmes Philoſophy, hee'd read It to his Neece. Rangone. No queſtion, Galeotto had Good moderne Authors for his Doctrine, Sir, Elſe 'twould not thrive ſo well: his inſtant ſuite Unto your greatneſſe is, you would prepare To humble your occaſions to this night, As you may viſit him; and you ſhall find The Lady alter'd to your wiſh. Heildebrand. It lay not in the power of all his skill And vigilance, to ſend me a requeſt I would ſo willingly receive: this glad Aſſurance render him with my beſt thanks, And then returne to be my guide. —Exeunt. Enter Rampino, Hirco. Ramp. Stay here, and watch for more ſupplies; the word Is gone about, I've drawne to our confederacie From an obſcure blind lane, a race of ſuch Indebted wights, as have not ſeen the Sunne Since the laſt great eclipſe, when wonder more Than buſineſſe brought them out. Hirco. Have they any clothes? Ramp. Why, doſt thou thinke they goe to play a Prize? Is't of neceſſity they muſt appeare In ſcarlet Breeches, and cleane lac'd ſhirts? Swords they have all, although their ſcabbards are A little torne about the Chape, they'll ſerve To poke; leſſe men are ſqueamiſh, and won't let'em Enter their bodies, becauſe they are ruſtie. Hirco. I would not be a Serjeant in their way. Ramp. Straight when the hurry ſhall begin to riſe, Beware my Goſſip Goldſmiths ſhop; there be Among us that will drinke our mornings draughts In plate, without asking how much an ounce —Enter Friskin. Hirco. Looke there, you muſt weare an inviſible Ring. Enter Heildebrand, Rangone. Rangone. He ſaid I ſhould receive the Lady here; 'Tis ſtrange he failes: if Sir, it will become Your greatneſſe to expect a while, I'll ſeeke Galeotto out, and ſent her hither. Heildebr. The object may deſerve my patience, but take care Y'are ſwift in your returne. Rangone. If wiſhes can Conduce proſperity to the deſigne, Thou ſhalt not want them, Altophil, I'll guard The gates below to hinder all impediments. —Exit, ſtrange muſicke is heard above. Heildebr. This ſure is ſome preparative, although The ſound's not very amorous. The Song to a horrid tune. (1.) You Fiends and Furies come along, With Iron Crow and maſsie Prong; Come, drag your ſhackles and draw neere, To ſtirre a huge old Sea-coale Cake, That in our hollow hell did bake, Many a thouſand thouſand yeere. (2.) In Sulhp'rous broth Tereus hath boy'ld, Baſted with Brimſtone, Tarquin hath broy'ld Long, long enough, then make more roome Like ſmoakie flitches hang them by Vpon our ſootie walls to drie, A greater raviſher will come. (3.) If you want fire, fetch a ſupply, From Aetna and Puteoli, Yet ſtay a while, you need not ſtirre, Since if his glowing eyes ſhall chance, To cast on Proſerpine a glance, He is ſo hot hee'll raviſh her. —Enter Altophil. Heildeb. My ſenſes are growne ſicke I ſpeake! what art thou? Altophil. Men call mee Altophil. Heildebr. Hee I encounter'd in a battell on The banks of Sibaris? I'll rather meet Thee in that river, ſtemming againſt The tide, then thus wall'd in where horror dwells▪ I am betray'd!—— Altophil. Stirre not, you are confin'd, And cannot ſcape me now; for ſuch events As are preſcrib'd us in the ſecret booke Above, here wee ſhall both receive. Heildebr. I feare not mine, my ſingle valour is Enough, if thou art all mine enemies. Altophil. You come to viſit Galeotte, Sir▪ —Drawes the hangings. See where he rudely ſits ill manner'd Lord, That will not riſe to welcome ſuch a Potentate. Heildebr. Sleeping in death! ſuch nodding likes me not. Altophil. Survey him well; he was your Traytor, Sir, Goe hug him now; cheriſh the falſhood that Could ruine States, and draw a Nation to Captivity; open his head, where all His plots and policies are treaſur'd up, And take them out, it is not fit ſuch wealth Should lie conceal'd i'th grave. Heildebr. Is there no more Remaining of thoſe ſweating toyles, danger, And ſtudious wit that helps ambition to Aſcend, then ſuch a pale complexion and a cold dumb mockery of what we were? Altophil. Now, Sir, to entertaine your pretious time With new variety (although I knew You are in haſte) ſee Amaranta here. —Drawes the hangings further. Heildebr. She ſo alter'd and growne ſilent too? Altophil. This was a noble beauty once; repleat With all that gentle ornament Lovers In their kind paſſion, or Poets in Diviner fury could advance with praiſe. And this ſo ſanctifi'd a thing, you did Endeavour to corrupt, pray court her now, And thrid her teares like orientall Pearle, Take Rubies from her lips to darken all The Jewells in your Crowne, y've undertooke So much in counterfeit Hyperbole's, Blaſt her faire hand with your falſe ſighs; and ſweare 'Tis no Idolatry, you may; for looke How like a Goddeſſe a dead Lady ſhewes. Heildebr. I'll ſee no more; if they are fit for monuments, Why were they not interr'd before I came? Altophil. Yes, you muſt needs behold all that is gay And pleaſing here; 'twill make your welcome ſeeme More abſolute: come forth Arthiopa. —Enter Arthiopa, her haire diſhevell'd as before. Heildebr. This living ſpectacle diſturbs and frights My ſenſes more then all that's diſmall 'bout The dead; no traytor like to that within, My courage failes me now, which till this houre I truſted moſt. Altophil. Looke on the ruines you Have made of ſuch a building; Cherubims Would ſtrive to dwell in it, but that they knew They muſt diſpoſſeſſe a ſoule as good as they; ſee how it droops! Heildebr. The period of My vex'd injurious life drawes on apace. Atophil. Prepare your valour and your ſword, for love Unto the ſacred title which you beare, You ſhall not die ſurpriz'd, without defence, But try what uſefull ſtrength is left you, now Your vertue's gone. —Both draw. Heildebr. Stay then, I'll call to my remembrance all The noble deeds of my heroicke youth, Whilſt growing mighty with thoughts, I may Behave my ſelfe as if I had no guilt. Arthiopa. O hold my Lord! why ſhould you hazard thus The treaſure of your life? impoveriſhing the needy remnant of the vertuous world In my revenge, leave it to th'holy powers. Heildebr. Wilt thou be courteous to her, and deſiſt? Altophil. Move but a little backe, Arthiopa, Couldſt thou believe me worthy of thy love, Yet doubt my fortitude t'encounter him, Whoſe crimes have left him no aſſiſtant but What came from Hell; all that is good forſooke Him when hee injur'd thee.— Arthiopa. 'Tis weariſome to beg your ſafety now. Altophil. By all the fervour of our matuall vowes, I charge thee give me liberty to try What anger can performe when it is juſt. Arthiop I cannot diſobey, though when I ſee Your dangers I can die.— Heildebr. I am reſolv'd for thy aſſault, yet ſtay, That Ladies ſuffrings hang ſo heavie on My ſoule, that it foretells a longer ſleepe Then I would willingly begin; I wiſh Thou couldſt prepare me with a little wound, That might let out my luſtfull blood, and leave The reſt to ſtrengthen me for this dire cauſe.— Altophil. I'm good at opening of a veine; there Sir, —They fight, Heildebrand falls. Heild. Had that afflicted terror in her face Bin hid, 'th'adſt found more trouble in this victory.— I feele deſires of bliſſe, and thoſe I hope May proſper, though preſented very late. ——hee dies. Altophil. Depart, forgotten and forgiven.— Arthiopa. Why doſt thou ſhrinke? ſpeake Altophil: why doſt Thou bow like tyr'd undweeldie age? Altophil. His ſword has bin too buſie here, juſt here About the heart.— Arthiopa. The Region of thy love, I finde thou haſt a wound by perfect ſympathie, For mine growes ſicke, and doth deſire to bleed. Altohpil. How fares my Miſtreſſe? ſweet Arthiopa? Arthiopa. Your pulſe muſt give account of all my health. Altophil. Take't not unkindly I ſhall leave thee now, My eyes grow dimme, and I would furniſh them With everlaſting light. Arthiopa. O my deare Lord! Let me not thinke that voyce was yours. Altophil. Alas! that in a loyall Lover death Muſt argue ſome inconſtancie, ſince 'tis The firſt occaſion to forſake what wee May ne're enjoy agen▪ I ſhall not be forſaken▪ for I feele I can decay apace, and keepe you company In this long Journey to our laſt abode.— Altophil Firſt let's ſeeke our vowes upon our lips, They were ſo ſtrictly kept, that wee ſhall find Them warme, as if but newly breath'd. ——They kiſſe. Theſe are the funerall rites of love.— Arthiopa. Breake heart. It is the way to ſhew that thou wert true ——They both die. Within. Victory I the Fort is taken, victory!—Enter Aſcoli, Rangone, Gandolpho, Rampino, Bruſco, Hirco, and the Guard. Aſcoli. Your brother dy'd, Gandolpho, in the firſt Retreat; you and the ſouldiers ſtill ſhall ſhare My beſt affection and felicity. Omnes Rangone. Long live your Highneſſe. O Sir, the ſplendor of our triumphs are Eclips'd, wee came too late; behold, The Tyrant is not onely ſlaine, but here The valiant Generall lies, his Miſtreſſe too, Imbracing, though inſenſible of love. Aſcoli. Friendſhip and love are dead; I find My ſorrowes are too mighty for my tongue. Rangone. The King thus ſever'd from them it appeares He firſt was kill'd by Altophil, who ſtraight Fell after on a lingring hurt, Arthiopa (This ſeene) could need no other wound than griefe. Bruſco. The pride and comfort of the war is gone. Ramp. A Generall fit to leade the world againſt The force of Hell. Hirco. But now wee may hang up Our armes, and yeeld to ev'ry enemy. Rangone. Sir, though 'tis fit you mourne, yet take ſome care So to proceed, as that your Subjects may Be perfectly aſſur'd of our victory. Aſcoli. Beare hence theſe wofull objects of our firſt True Elegie; thy ſtatue, Altophil, Shall in my Palace ſtand, with ſad Arthiopa Lamenting ſtill; and Amaranta fix'd On th'other ſide, hiding her eyes, that found Too much of beauty in her Rivall's face; In laſting gold, by old Ephefian Art Deſign'd, this triple—Figure I'll aduance, Though it will little credit adde to Fate, That made ſuch Lovers ſo unfortunate. —Exeunt omnes.
Epilogue. OVr Poet in his furie hath profeſt, Yet gravely too, with's hand upon his breaſt, That he will neuer wiſh to ſee us thrive, If by an unhumble Epilogue we ſtrive To court from you that priviledge to day Which you ſo long have had to damne a Play: 'Las, Gentlemen, he knowes, to cry Playes downe Is halfe the buſineſſe Termers have in towne; And ſtill the reputation of their wit growes ſtrong, As they can firſt contemne, bee't right or wrong, Your wives and Countrey friends may power exact To finde a fault or two in every Act: But you by his conſent moſt kindly ſhall Enjoy the priviledge to raile at all: A happy freedome, which y'eſteeme no leſſe Then money, health, good wine, or Miſtreſſes; And he, he hopes, when age declines his wit From this our ſtage; to ſit and rule i'th pit; Heaven willingly, ſhall aſſume a Charter firme, As yours, to kill a Poet every Terme. And though he never had the confidence, To tax your judgement in his owne defence, Yet the next night when we your money ſhare, Hee'll ſhrew dly gueſſe what your opinions are. FINIS.