THE PICTURE
A True Hungarian History

By Philip Massinger

Performed 1629

First Published 1630

A Tragecomedie,

As it was often presented with good
allowance, at the Globe, and Blacke
Friers Play-houses, by the Kings
Maiesties Servants.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

The Hungarian Court:

Ladislaus, king of Hungary.

Honoria, the queen.

Acanthe, maid of honour.

Sylvia, maid of honour.

Ferdinand, general of the army.

Eubulus, an old counsellor.

Ubaldo, a wild courtier.

Ricardo, a wild courtier.

Bohemian Characters:

Mathias, a knight of Bohemia.

Sophia, wife to Mathias.

Hilario, servant to Sophia.

Corisca, Sophia's woman.

Julio Baptista, a great scholar.

Two Boys, representing Apollo and Pallas.

Two Posts, or Couriers.

A Guide.

Servants to the queen.

Servants to Mathias.

Maskers, Attendants, Officers, Captains, &c.

SCENE:

Partly in Hungary, and partly in Bohemia.

Settings, Scene Breaks and Stage Directions.

The original quarto does not provide settings for the play; all this edition's indicated settings are adopted from Gifford.
The original quarto of The Picture was divided into five Acts and multiple scenes, which organization we follow.
Finally, as is our normal practice, some stage directions have been added, and some modified, for purposes of clarity. Most of these minor changes are adopted from Gifford.

	ACT I.
	SCENE I.
	The Frontiers of Bohemia.
	Enter Mathias in armour, Sophia in a riding suit,
	Corisca, Hilario, with other Servants.
1	Math. Since we must part, Sophia, to pass further
2	Is not alone impertinent, but dangerous.
	We are not distant from the Turkish camp
4	Above five leagues, and who knows but some party
	Of his Timariots, that scour the country,
6	May fall upon us? − be now, as thy name,
	Truly interpreted, hath ever spoke thee,
8	Wise and discreet; and to thy understanding
	Marry thy constant patience.
10
	Soph. You put me, sir,
12	To the utmost trial of it.
14	Math. Nay, no melting;
	Since the necessity that now separates us,
16	We have long since disputed, and the reasons,
	Forcing me to it, too oft washed in tears.
18	I grant that you, in birth, were far above me,
	And great men, my superiors, rivals for you;
20	But mutual consent of heart, as hands,
	Joined by true love, hath made us one, and equal:
22	Nor is it in me mere desire of fame,
	Or to be cried up by the public voice,
24	For a brave soldier, that puts on my armour:
	Such airy tumours take not me. You know
26	How narrow our demeans are, and what's more,
	Having as yet no charge of children on us,
28	We hardly can subsist.
30	Soph. In you alone, sir,
	I have all abundance.
32
	Math. For my mind's content,
34	In your own language I could answer you.
	You have been an obedient wife, a right one;
36	And to my power, though short of your desert,
	I have been ever an indulgent husband.
38	We have long enjoyed the sweets of love, and though
	Not to satiety, or loathing, yet
40	We must not live such dotards on our pleasures,
	As still to hug them, to the certain loss
42	Of profit and preferment. Competent means
	Maintains a quiet bed; want breeds dissention,
44	Even in good women.
46	Soph. Have you found in me, sir,
	Any distaste, or sign of discontent,
48	For want of what's superfluous?
50	Math. No, Sophia;
	Nor shalt thou ever have cause to repent
52	Thy constant course in goodness, if Heaven bless
	My honest undertakings. 'Tis for thee
54	That I turn soldier, and put forth, dearest,
	Upon this sea of action, as a factor,
56	To trade for rich materials to adorn
	Thy noble parts, and shew them in full lustre.
58	I blush that other ladies, less in beauty
	And outward form, but in the harmony
60	Of the soul's ravishing music, the same age
	Not to be named with thee, should so out-shine thee
62	In jewèls, and variety of wardrobes;
	While you, to whose sweet innocence both Indies
64	Compared are of no value, wanting these,
	Pass unregarded.
66
	Soph. If I am so rich, or
68	In your opiniön, why should you borrow
	Additions for me?
70
	Math. Why! I should be censured
72	Of ignorance, possessing such a jewel
	Above all price, if I forbear to give it
74	The best of ornaments: therefore, Sophia,
	In few words know my pleasure, and obey me,
76	As you have ever done. To your discretion
	I leave the government of my family,
78	And our poor fortunes; and from these command
	Obedience to you, as to myself:
80	To the utmost of what's mine, live plentifully;
	And, ere the remnant of our store be spent,
82	With my good sword I hope I shall reap for you
	A harvest in such full abundance, as
84	Shall make a merry winter.
86	Soph. Since you are not
	To be diverted, sir, from what you purpose,
88	All arguments to stay you here are useless:
	Go when you please, sir. − Eyes, I charge you waste not
90	One drop of sorrow; look you hoard all up
	Till in my widowed bed I call upon you,
92	But then be sure you fail not. You blest angels,
	Guardians of human life, I at this instant
94	Forbear t'invoke you: at our parting, 'twere
	To personate devotiön. − My soul
96	Shall go along with you, and, when you are
	Circled with death and horror, seek and find you:
98	And then I will not leave a saint unsued to
	For your protectiön. To tell you what
100	I will do in your absence, would shew poorly;
	My actions shall speak for me: 'twere to doubt you
102	To beg I may hear from you; where you are
	You cannot live obscure, nor shall one post,
104	By night or day, pass unexamined by me.
	If I dwell long upon your lips, consider,
106
	[Kisses him.]
108
	After this feast, the griping fast that follows,
110	And it will be excusable; pray turn from me.
	All that I can, is spoken.
112
	[Exit Sophia.]
114
	Math. Follow your mistress.
116	Forbear your wishes for me; let me find them,
	At my return, in your prompt will to serve her.
118
	Hil. For my part, sir, I will grow lean with study
120	To make her merry.
122	Coris. Though you are my lord,
	Yet being her gentlewoman, by my place
124	I may take my leave; your hand, or, if you please
	To have me fight so high, I'll not be coy,
126	But stand a-tip-toe for't.
128	Math. O, farewell, girl!
130	[Kisses her.]
132	Hil. A kiss well begged, Corisca.
134	Coris. 'Twas my fee;
	Love, how he melts! I cannot blame my lady's
136	Unwillingness to part with such marmalade lips.
	There will be scrambling for them in the camp;
138	And were it not for my honesty, I could wish now
	I were his leaguer laundress; I would find
140	Soap of mine own, enough to wash his linen,
	Or I would strain hard for't.
142
	Hil. How the mammet twitters! −
144	Come, come; my lady stays for us.
146	Coris. Would I had been
	Her ladyship the last night!
148
	Hil. No more of that, wench.
150
	[Exeunt Hilario, Corisca, and the rest.]
152
	Math. I am strangely troubled: yet why I should nourish
154	A fury here, and with imagined food,
	Having no real grounds on which to raise
156	A building of suspicion she was ever
	Or can be false hereafter? I in this
158	But foolishly enquire the knowledge of
	A future sorrow, which, if I find out,
160	My present ignorance were a cheap purchase,
	Though with my loss of being. I have already
162	Dealt with a friend of mine, a general scholar,
	One deeply read in nature's hidden secrets,
164	And, though with much unwillingness, have won him
	To do as much as art can, to resolve me
166	My fate that follows. − To my wish, he's come.
168	Enter Baptista.
170	Julio Baptista, now I may affirm
	Your promise and performance walk together;
172	And therefore, without circumstance, to the point:
	Instruct me what I am.
174
	Bapt. I could wish you had
176	Made trial of my love some other way.
178	Math. Nay, this is from the purpose.
180	Bapt. If you can
	Proportion your desire to any mean,
182	I do pronounce you happy; I have found,
	By certain rules of art, your matchless wife
184	Is to this present hour from all pollution
	Free and untainted.
186
	Math. Good.
188
	Bapt. In reason, therefore,
190	You should fix here, and make no further search
	Of what may fall hereafter.
192
	Math. O, Baptista,
194	'Tis not in me to master so my passions;
	I must know further, or you have made good
196	But half your promise. While my love stood by,
	Holding her upright, and my presence was
198	A watch upon her, her desires being met too
	With equal ardour from me, what one proof
200	Could she give of her constancy, being untempted?
	But when I am absent, and my coming back
202	Uncertain, and those wanton heats in women
	Not to be quenched by lawful means, and she
204	The absolute disposer of herself,
	Without control or curb; nay, more, invited
206	By opportunity, and all strong temptations,
	If then she hold out −
208
	Bapt. As, no doubt, she will.
210
	Math. Those doubts must be made certainties, Baptista,
212	By your assurance; or your boasted art
	Deserves no admiration. How you trifle,
214	And play with my affliction! I am on
	The rack, till you confirm me.
216
	Bapt. Sure, Mathias,
218	I am no god, nor can I dive into
	Her hidden thoughts, or know what her intents are;
220	That is denied to art, and kept concealed
	Even from the devils themselves: they can but guess,
222	Out of long observation, what is likely;
	But positively to fortell that shall be,
224	You may conclude impossible. All I can,
	I will do for you; when you are distant from her
226	A thousand leagues, as if you then were with her,
	You shall know truly when she is solicited,
228	And how far wrought on.
230	Math. I desire no more.
232	Bapt. Take, then, this little model of Sophia,
	With more than human skill limned to the life;
234
	[Gives him a picture.]
236
	Each line and lineament of it, in the drawing
238	So punctually observed, that, had it motion,
	In so much 'twere herself.
240
	Math. It is indeed
242	An admirable piece; but if it have not
	Some hidden virtue that I cannot guess at,
244	In what can it advantage me?
246	Bapt. I'll instruct you:
	Carry it still about you, and as oft
248	As you desire to know how she's affected,
	With curious eyes peruse it: while it keeps
250	The figure it now has, entire and perfit,
	She is not only innocent in fact,
252	But unattempted; but if once it vary
	From the true form, and what's now white and red
254	Incline to yellow, rest most confident
	She's with all violence courted, but unconquered;
256	But if it turn all black, 'tis an assurance
	The fort, by composition or surprise,
258	Is forced, or with her free consent surrendered.
260	Math. How much you have engaged me for this favour,
	The service of my whole life shall make good.
262
	Bapt. We will not part so, I'll along with you,
264	And it is needful: with the rising sun
	The armies meet; yet, ere the fight begin,
266	In spite of opposition, I will place you
	In the head of the Hungarian general's troop,
268	And near his person.
270	Math. As my better angel,
	You shall direct and guide me.
272
	Bapt. As we ride
274	I'll tell you more.
276	Math. In all things I'll obey you.
278	[Exeunt.]
	ACT I, SCENE II.
	Alba Regalis, Hungary.
	A State-room in the Palace.
	Enter Ubaldo and Ricardo.
1	Ric. When came the post?
2
	Ubald. The last night.
4
	Ric. From the camp?
6
	Ubald. Yes, as 'tis said, and the letter writ and signed
8	By the general, Ferdinand.
10	Ric. Nay, then, sans question,
	It is of moment.
12
	Ubald. It concerns the lives
14	Of two great armies.
16	Ric. Was it cheerfully
	Received by the king?
18
	Ubald. Yes; for being assured
20	The armies were in view of one another,
	Having proclaimed a public fast and prayer
22	For the good success, he dispatched a gentleman
	Of his privy chamber to the general,
24	With absolute authority from him
	To try the fortune of a day.
26
	Ric. No doubt then
28	The general will come on, and fight it bravely.
	Heaven prosper him! This military art
30	I grant to be the noblest of professions;
	And yet, I thank my stars for't, I was never
32	Inclined to learn it; since this bubble honour
	(Which is, indeed, the nothing soldiers fight for),
34	With the loss of limbs or life, is, in my judgment,
	Too dear a purchase.
36
	Ubald. Give me our court-warfare:
38	The danger is not great in the encounter
	Of a fair mistress.
40
	Ric. Fair and sound together
42	Do very well, Ubaldo; but such are,
	With difficulty to be found out; and when they know
44	Their value, prized too high. By thy own report,
	Thou wast at twelve a gamester, and since that,
46	Studied all kinds of females, from the night-trader
	I' the street, with certain danger to thy pocket,
48	To the great lady in her cabinet;
	That spent upon thee more in cullises,
50	To strengthen thy weak back, than would maintain
	Twelve Flanders mares, and as many running horses:
52	Besides apothecaries and chirurgeons' bills,
	Paid upon all occasions, and those frequent.
54
	Ubald. You talk, Ricardo, as if yet you were
56	A novice in those mysteries.
58	Ric. By no means;
	My doctor can assure the contrary:
60	I lose no time. I have felt the pain and pleasure,
	As he that is a gamester, and plays often,
62	Must sometimes be a loser.
64	Ubald. Wherefore, then,
	Do you envy me?
66
	Ric. It grows not from my want,
68	Nor thy abundance; but being, as I am,
	The likelier man, and of much more experience,
70	My good parts are my curses: there's no beauty,
	But yields ere it be summoned; and, as nature
72	Had signed me the monopoly of maidenheads,
	There's none can buy till I have made my market.
74	Satiety cloys me; as I live, I would part with
	Half my estate, nay, travel o'er the world,
76	To find that only phoenix in my search,
	That could hold out against me.
78
	Ubald. Be not rapt so;
80	You may spare that labour. As she is a woman,
	What think you of the queen?
82
	Ric. I dare not aim at
84	The petticoat royal, that is still excepted:
	Yet, were she not my king's, being the abstract
86	Of all that's rare, or to be wished in woman,
	To write her in my catalogue, having enjoyed her,
88	I would venture my neck to a halter − but we talk of
	Impossibilities: as she hath a beauty
90	Would make old Nestor young; such majesty
	Draws forth a sword of terror to defend it,
92	As would fright Paris, though the queen of love
	Vowed her best furtherance to him.
94
	Ubald. Have you observed
96	The gravity of her language, mixed with sweetness?
98	Ric. Then at what distance she reserves herself
	When the king himself makes his approaches to her.
100
	Ubald. As she were still a virgin, and his life
102	But one continued wooing.
104	Ric. She well knows
	Her worth, and values it.
106
	Ubald. And so far the king is
108	Indulgent to her humours, that he forbears
	The duty of a husband, but when she calls for't.
110
	Ric. All his imaginatiöns and thoughts
112	Are buried in her; the loud noise of war
	Cannot awake him.
114
	Ubald. At this very instant,
116	When both his life and crown are at the stake,
	He only studies her content, and when
118	She's pleased to shew herself, music and masques
	Are with all care and cost provided for her.
120
	Ric. This night she promised to appear.
122
	Ubald. You may
124	Believe it by the diligence of the king,
	As if he were her harbinger.
126
	[Enter Ladislaus, Eubulus,
128	and Attendants with perfumes.]
130	Ladis. These rooms
	Are not perfumed, as we directed.
132
	Eubu. Not, sir!
134	I know not what you would have; I am sure the smoke
	Cost treble the price of the whole week's provision
136	Spent in your majesty's kitchens.
138	Ladis. How I scorn
	Thy gross comparison! When my Honoria,
140	The amazement of the present time, and envy
	Of all succeeding ages, does descend
142	To sanctify a place, and in her presence
	Makes it a temple to me, can I be
144	Too curious, much less prodigal, to receive her?
	But that the splendour of her beams of beauty
146	Hath struck thee blind −
148	Eubu. As dotage hath done you.
150	Ladis. Dotage? O blasphemy! is it in me
	To serve her to her merit? Is she not
152	The daughter of a king?
154	Eubu. And you the son
	Of ours, I take it; by what privilege else
156	Do you reign over us? for my part, I know not
	Where the disparity lies.
158
	Ladis. Her birth, old man,
160	(Old in the kingdom's service, which protects thee),
	Is the least grace in her: and though her beauties
162	Might make the Thunderer a rival for her,
	They are but superficial ornaments,
164	And faintly speak her: from her heavenly mind,
	Were all antiquity and fiction lost,
166	Our modern poets could not, in their fancy,
	But fashion a Minerva far transcending
168	The imagined one whom Homer only dreamt of.
	But then add this, she's mine, mine, Eubulus!
170	And though she knows one glance from her fair eyes
	Must make all gazers her idolaters,
172	She is so sparing of their influence,
	That, to shun superstitiön in others,
174	She shoots her powerful beams only at me.
	And can I, then, whom she desires to hold
176	Her kingly captive above all the world,
	Whose natiöns and empires, if she pleased,
178	She might command as slaves, but gladly pay
	The humble tribute of my love and service,
180	Nay, if I said of adoration, to her,
	I did not err?
182
	Eubu. Well, since you hug your fetters,
184	In Love's name wear them! You are a king, and that
	Concludes you wise, your will, a powerful reason:
186	Which we, that are foolish subjects, must not argue.
	And what in a mean man I should call folly,
188	Is in your majesty remarkable wisdom:
	But for me, I subscribe.
190
	Ladis. Do, and look up,
192	Upon this wonder.
194	Loud music.
	Enter Honoria in state under a Canopy;
196	her train borne up by Sylvia and Acanthe.
198	Ric. Wonder! It is more, sir.
200	Ubald. A rapture, an astonishment.
202	Ric. What think you, sir?
204	Eubu. As the king thinks; that is the surest guard
	We courtiers ever lie at. Was prince ever
206	So drowned in dotage? Without spectacles
	I can see a handsome woman, and she is so:
208	But yet to admiration look not on her.
	Heaven, how he fawns! and, as it were his duty,
210	With what assurèd gravity she receives it!
	Her hand again! O she at length vouchsafes
212	Her lip, and as he had sucked nectar from it,
	How he's exalted! Women in their natures
214	Affect command; but this humility
	In a husband and a king marks her the way
216	To absolute tyranny.
218	[The king seats her on his throne.]
220	So! Juno's placed
	In Jove's tribunal: and, like Mercury,
222	(Forgetting his own greatness), he attends
	For her employments. She prepares to speak;
224	What oracles shall we hear now?
226	Hon. That you please, sir,
	With such assurances of love and favour,
228	To grace your handmaid, but in being yours, sir,
	A matchless queen, and one that knows herself so,
230	Binds me in retribution to deserve
	The grace conferred upon me.
232
	Ladis. You transcend
234	In all things excellent: and it is my glory,
	Your worth weighed truly, to depose myself
236	From absolute command, surrendering up
	My will and faculties to your disposure:
238	And here I vow, not for a day or year,
	But my whole life, which I wish long to serve you,
240	That whatsoever I in justice may
	Exact from these my subjects, you from me
242	May boldly challenge: and when you require it,
	In sign of my subjection, as your vassal,
244	Thus I will pay my homage.
246	Hon. O forbear, sir!
	Let not my lips envy my robe; on them
248	Print your allegiance often: I desire
	No other fealty.
250
	Ladis. Gracious sovereign!
252	Boundless in bounty!
254	Eubu. Is not here fine fooling!
	He's, questionless, bewitched. Would I were gelt,
256	So that would disenchant him! though I forfeit
	My life for't, I must speak. − By your good leave, sir –
258	I have no suit to you, nor can you grant one,
	Having no power: you are like me, a subject,
260	Her more than serene majesty being present.
	And I must tell you, 'tis ill manners in you,
262	Having deposed yourself, to keep your hat on,
	And not stand bare, as we do, being no king,
264	But a fellow-subject with us. − Gentlemen ushers,
	It does belong to your place, see it reformed;
266	He has given away his crown, and cannot challenge
	The privilege of his bonnet.
268
	Ladis. Do not tempt me.
270
	Eubu. Tempt you! in what? in following your example?
272	If you are angry, question me hereafter,
	As Ladislaus should do Eubulus,
274	On equal terms. You were of late my sovereign,
	But weary of it, I now bend my knee
276	To her divinity, and desire a boon
	From her more than magnificence.
278
	Hon. Take it freely. −
280	Nay, be not moved; for our mirth's sake let us hear him.
282	Eubu. 'Tis but to ask a question: Have you ne'er read
	The story of Semiramis and Ninus?
284
	Hon. Not as I remember.
286
	Eubu. I will then instruct you,
288	And 'tis to the purpose: this Ninus was a king,
	And such an impotent loving king as this was,
290	But now he's none; this Ninus (pray you observe me)
	Doted on this Semiramis, a smith's wife
292	(I must confess, there the comparison holds not,
	You are a king's daughter, yet, under your correction,
294	Like her, a woman); this Assyrian monarch,
	Of whom this is a pattern, to express
296	His love and service, seated her, as you are,
	In his regal throne, and bound by oath his nobles,
298	Forgetting all allegiance to himself,
	One day to be her subjects, and to put
300	In executiön whatever she
	Pleased to impose upon them: − pray you command him
302	To minister the like to us, and then
	You shall hear what followed.
304
	Ladis. Well, sir, to your story.
306
	Eubu. You have no warrant, stand by; let me know
308	Your pleasure, goddess.
310	Hon. Let this nod assure you.
312	Eubu. Goddess-like, indeed! as I live, a pretty idol!
	She knowing her power, wisely made use of it;
314	And fearing his inconstancy, and repentance
	Of what he had granted (as, in reason, madam,
316	You may do his), that he might never have
	Power to recall his grant, or question her
318	For her short government, instantly gave order
	To have his head struck off.
320
	Ladis. Is't possible?
322
	Eubu. The story says so, and commends her wisdom
324	For making use of her authority.
	And it is worth your imitation, madam:
326	He loves subjection, and you are no queen,
	Unless you make him feel the weight of it.
328	You are more than all the world to him, and that
	He may be so to you, and not seek change
330	When his delights are sated, mew him up
	In some close prison (if you let him live,
332	Which is no policy), and there diet him
	As you think fit, to feed your appetite;
334	Since there ends his ambition.
336	Ubald. Devilish counsel!
338	Ric. The king's amazed.
340	Ubald. The queen appears, too, full
	Of deep imaginations; Eubulus
342	Hath put both to it.
344	Ric. Now she seems resolved:
	I long to know the issue.
346
	[Honoria descends from the throne.]
348
	Hon. Give me leave,
350	Dear sir, to reprehend you for appearing
	Perplexed with what this old man, out of envy
352	Of your unequal graces, showered upon me,
	Hath, in his fabulous story, saucily
354	Applied to me. Sir, that you only nourish
	One doubt Honoria dares abuse the power
356	With which she is invested by your favour;
	Or that she ever can make use of it
358	To the injury of you, the great bestower,
	Takes from your judgment. It was your delight
360	To seek to me with more obsequiousness
	Than I desired: and stood it with my duty
362	Not to receive what you were pleased to offer?
	I do but act the part you put upon me,
364	And though you make me personate a queen,
	And you my subject, when the play, your pleasure,
366	Is at a period, I am what I was
	Before I entered, still your humble wife,
368	And you my royal sovereign.
370	Ric. Admirable!
372	Hon. I have heard of captains taken more with dangers
	Than the rewards; and if, in your approaches
374	To those delights which are your own, and freely,
	To heighten your desire, you make the passage
376	Narrow and difficult, shall I prescribe you,
	Or blame your fondness? or can that swell me
378	Beyond my just proportion?
380	Ubald. Above wonder!
382	Ladis. Heaven make me thankful for such goodness.
384	Hon. Now, sir,
	The state I took to satisfy your pleasure,
386	I change to this humility; and the oath
	You made to me of homage, I thus cancel,
388	And seat you in your own.
390	[Leads the king to the throne.]
392	Ladis. I am transported
	Beyond myself.
394
	Hon. And now, to your wise lordship:
396	Am I proved a Semiramis? or hath
	My Ninus, as maliciously you made him,
398	Cause to repent the excess of favour to me,
	Which you call dotage?
400
	Ladis. Answer, wretch!
402
	Eubu. I dare, sir,
404	And say, however the event may plead
	In your defence, you had a guilty cause;
406	Nor was it wisdom in you, I repeat it,
	To teach a lady, humble in herself,
408	With the ridiculous dotage of a lover,
	To be ambitious.
410
	Hon. Eubulus, I am so;
412	Tis rooted in me; you mistake my temper.
	I do profess myself to be the most
414	Ambitious of my sex, but not to hold
	Command over my lord; such a proud torrent
416	Would sink me in my wishes: not that I
	Am ignorant how much I can deserve,
418	And may with justice challenge.
420	Eubu. [Aside] This I looked for;
	After this seeming humble ebb, I knew
422	A gushing tide would follow.
424	Hon. By my birth,
	And liberal gifts of nature, as of fortune,
426	From you, as things beneath me, I expect
	What's due to majesty, in which I am
428	A sharer with your sovereign.
430	Eubu. Good again!
432	Hon. And as I am most eminent in place,
	In all my actiöns I would appear so.
434
	Ladis. You need not fear a rival.
436
	Hon. I hope not;
438	And till I find one, I disdain to know
	What envy is.
440
	Ladis. You are above it, madam.
442
	Hon. For beauty without art, discourse, and free
444	From affectation, with what graces else
	Can in the wife and daughter of a king
446	Be wished, I dare prefer myself, as −
448	Eubu. I
	Blush for you, lady. Trumpet your own praises!
450	This spoken by the people had been heard
	With honour to you. Does the court afford
452	No oil-tongued parasite, that you are forced
	To be your own gross flatterer?
454
	Ladis. Be dumb,
456	Thou spirit of contradictiön!
458	Hon. The wolf
	But barks against the moon, and I contemn it.
460
	[A horn sounded within.]
462
	The masque you promised?
464
	Ladis. Let them enter.
466
	Enter a Post.
468
	How!
470
	Eubu. Here's one, I fear, unlooked for.
472
	Ladis. From the camp?
474
	Post. The general, victorious in your fortune,
476	Kisses your hand in this, sir.
478	[Delivers a letter.]
480	Ladis. That great Power,
	Who at his pleasure does dispose of battailes,
482	Be ever praised for't! Read, sweet, and partake it:
	The Turk is vanquished, and with little loss
484	Upon our part, in which our joy is doubled.
486	Eubu. But let it not exalt you; bear it, sir,
	With moderation, and pay what you owe for't.
488
	Ladis. I understand thee, Eubulus. − I'll not now
490	Enquire particulars. −
492	[Exit Post.]
494	− Our delights deferred,
	With reverence to the temples; there we'll tender
496	Our souls' devotiöns to His dread might,
	Who edged our swords, and taught us how to fight.
498
	[Exeunt.]
	ACT II.
	SCENE I.
	Bohemia.
	A Room in Mathias' House.
	Enter Hilario and Corisca.
1	Hil. You like my speech?
2
	Coris. Yes, if you give it action
4	In the delivery.
6	Hil. If! I pity you.
	I have played the fool before; this is not the first time,
8	Nor shall be, I hope, the last.
10	Coris. Nay, I think so too.
12	Hil. And if I put her not out of her dumps with laughter,
	I'll make her howl for anger.
14
	Coris. Not too much
16	Of that, good fellow Hilario: our sad lady
	Hath drank too often of that bitter cup;
18	A pleasant one must restore her. With what patience
	Would she endure to hear of the death of my lord;
20	That, merely out of doubt he may miscarry,
	Afflicts herself thus?
22
	Hil. Umph! 'tis a question
24	A widow only can resolve. There be some
	That in their husbands’ sicknesses have wept
26	Their pottle of tears a day; but being once certain
	At midnight he was dead, have in the morning
28	Dried up their handkerchiefs, and thought no more on't.
30	Coris. Tush, she is none of that race; if her sorrow
	Be not true and perfit, I, against my sex,
32	Will take my oath woman ne'er wept in earnest.
	She has made herself a prisoner to her chamber,
34	Dark as a dungeon, in which no beam
	Of comfort enters. She admits no visits;
36	Eats little, and her nightly music is
	Of sighs and groans, tuned to such harmony
38	Of feeling grief, that I, against my nature,
	Am made one of the consort. This hour only
40	She takes the air, a custom every day
	She solemnly observes, with greedy hopes,
42	From some that pass by, to receive assurance
	Of the success and safety of her lord.
44	Now, if that your device will take −
46	Hil. Ne'er fear it:
	I am provided cap-à-pe, and have
48	My properties in readiness.
50	Soph. [within] Bring my veil, there.
52	Coris. Be gone, I hear her coming.
54	Hil. If I do not
	Appear, and, what's more, appear perfit, hiss me.
56
	[Exit Hilario.]
58
	Enter Sophia.
60
	Soph. I was flattered once, I was a star, but now
62	Turned a prodigious meteor, and, like one,
	Hang in the air between my hopes and fears;
64	And every hour, the little stuff burnt out
	That yields a waning light to dying comfort,
66	I do expect my fall, and certain ruin.
	In wretched things more wretched is delay;
68	And Hope, a parasite to me, being unmasked,
	Appears more horrid than Despair, and my
70	Distraction worse than madness. Even my prayers,
	When with most zeal sent upward, are pulled down
72	With strong imaginary doubts and fears,
	And in their sudden precipice o'erwhelm me.
74	Dreams and fantastic visions walk the round
	About my widowed bed, and every slumber's
76	Broken with loud alarms: can these be then
	But sad presages, girl?
78
	Coris. You make them so,
80	And antedate a loss shall ne'er fall on you.
	Such pure affectiön, such mutual love,
82	A bed, and undefiled on either part,
	A house without contention, in two bodies
84	One will and soul, like to the rod of concord,
	Kissing each other, cannot be short-lived,
86	Or end in barrenness. − If all these, dear madam,
	(Sweet in your sadness,) should produce no fruit,
88	Or leave the age no models of yourselves,
	To witness to posterity what you were;
90	Succeeding times, frighted with the example,
	But hearing of your story, would instruct
92	Their fairest issue to meet sensually,
	Like other creatures, and forbear to raise
94	True Love, or Hymen, altars.
96	Soph. O Corisca,
	I know thy reasons are like to thy wishes;
98	And they are built upon a weak foundation,
	To raise me comfort. Ten long days are past,
100	Ten long days, my Corisca, since my lord
	Embarked himself upon a sea of danger,
102	In his dear care of me. And if his life
	Had not been shipwracked on the rock of war,
104	His tenderness of me (knowing how much
	I languish for his absence) had provided
106	Some trusty friend, from whom I might receive
	Assurance of his safety.
108
	Coris. Ill news, madam,
110	Are swallow-winged, but what's good walks on crutches:
	With patiënce expect it, and, ere long,
112	No doubt you shall hear from him.
114	[A sowgelder's horn without.]
116	Soph. Ha! What's that?
118	Coris. [Aside]
	The fool has got a sowgelder's horn. − A post,
120	As I take it, madam.
122	Soph. It makes this way still;
	Nearer and nearer.
124
	Coris. From the camp, I hope.
126
	Enter a Post, with a horn;
128	followed by Hilario, in antic armour,
	with long white hair and beard.
130
	Soph. The messenger appears, and in strange armour,
132	Heaven! if it be thy will −
134	Hil. It is no boot
	To strive; our horses tired, let's walk on foot:
136	And that the castle, which is very near us,
	To give us entertainment, may soon hear us,
138	Blow lustily, my lad, and drawing nigh-a,
	Ask for a lady which is cleped Sophia.
140
	Coris. He names you, madam.
142
	Hil. For to her I bring,
144	Thus clad in arms, news of a pretty thing,
	By name Mathias.
146
	[Exit Post.]
148
	Soph. From my lord? O sir,
150	I am Sophia, that Mathias' wife.
	So may Mars favour you in all your battailes,
152	As you with speed unload me of the burthen
	I labour under, till I am confirmed
154	Both where and how you left him!
156	Hil. If thou art,
	As I believe, the pigsney of his heart,
158	Know he's in health, and what's more, full of glee;
	And so much I was willed to say to thee.
160
	Soph. Have you no letters from him?
162
	Hil. No more words.
164	In the camp we use no pens, but write with swords;
	Yet, as I am enjoined, by word of mouth
166	I will proclaim his deeds from north to south;
	But tremble not, while I relate the wonder,
168	Though my eyes like lightning shine, and my voice thunder.
170	Soph. This is some counterfeit braggart.
172	Coris. Hear him, madam.
174	Hil. The rear marched first, which followed by the van,
	And winged with the battalia, no man
176	Durst stay to shift a shirt, or louse himself;
	Yet, ere the armies joined, that hopeful elf,
178	Thy dear, thy dainty duckling, bold Mathias,
	Advanced, and stared like Hercules or Golias.
180	A hundred thousand Turks, it is no vaunt,
	Assailed him; every one a Termagaunt:
182	But what did he, then! with his keen-edge spear
	He cut and carbonated them: here and there
184	Lay legs and arms; and, as 'tis said truly
	Of Bevis, some he quartered all in three.
186
	Soph. This is ridiculous.
188
	Hil. I must take breath;
190	Then, like a nightingale, I'll sing his death.
192	Soph. His death!
194	Hil. [Aside to Corisca] I am out.
196	Coris. Recover, dunder-head.
198	Hil. How he escaped, I should have sung, not died;
	For, though a knight, when I said so, I lied.
200	Weary he was, and scarce could stand upright,
	And looking round for some courageous knight
202	To rescue him, as one perplexed in woe,
	He called to me, “Help, help, Hilario!
204	My valiant servant, help!”
206	Coris. He has spoiled all.
208	Soph. Are you the man of arms, then? I'll make bold
	To take off your martial beard, you had fool's hair
210	Enough without it. Slave! how durst thou make
	Thy sport of what concerns me more than life,
212	In such an antic fashion? Am I grown
	Contemptible to those I feed? − you, minion,
214	Had a hand in it too, as it appears;
	Your petticoat serves for bases to this warrior.
216
	Coris. We did it for your mirth.
218
	Hil. For myself, I hope,
220	I have spoke like a soldier.
222	Soph. Hence, you rascal!
	I never but with reverence name my lord,
224	And can I hear it by thy tongue profaned,
	And not correct thy folly? but you are
226	Transformed and turned knight-errant; take your course,
	And wander where you please; for here I vow
228	By my lord's life, (an oath I will not break,)
	Till his return, or certainty of his safety,
230	My doors are shut against thee.
232	[Exit Sophia.]
234	Coris. You have made
	A fine piece of work on't! How do you like the quality?
236	You had a foolish itch to be an actor,
	And may stroll where you please.
238
	Hil. Will you buy my share?
240
	Coris. No, certainly; I fear I have already
242	Too much of mine own: I'll only, as a damsel,
	(As the books say,) thus far help to disarm you;
244	And so, dear Don Quixote, taking my leave,
	I leave you to your fortune.
246
	[Exit Corisca.]
248
	Hil. Have I sweat
250	My brains out for this quaint and rare invention,
	And am I thus rewarded? I could turn
252	Tragedian and roar now, but that I fear
	'Twould get me too great a stomach, having no meat
254	To pacify colon: what will become of me?
	I cannot beg in armour, and steal I dare not:
256	My end must be to stand in a corn field,
	And fright away the crows, for bread and cheese;
258	Or find some hollow tree in the highway,
	And there, until my lord return, sell switches:
260	No more Hilario, but Dolorio now,
	I'll weep my eyes out, and be blind of purpose
262	To move compassiön; and so I vanish.
264	[Exit Hilario.]
	ACT II, SCENE II.
	Alba Regalis, Hungary.
	An Ante-room in the Palace.
	Enter Eubulus, Ubaldo, Ricardo, and others.
1	Eubu. Are the gentlemen sent before, as it was ordered
2	By the king's directiön, to entertain
	The general?
4
	Ric. Long since; they by this have met him,
6	And given him the bienvenu.
8	Eubu. I hope I need not
	Instruct you in your parts.
10
	Ubald. How! us, my lord!
12	Fear not; we know our distances and degrees
	To the very inch where we are to salute him.
14
	Ric. The state were miserable, if the court had none
16	Of her own breed, familiar with all garbs
	Gracious in England, Italy, Spain, or France;
18	With form and punctuality to receive
	Stranger ambassadors: for the general,
20	He's a mere native, and it matters not
	Which way we do accost him.
22
	Ubald. Tis great pity
24	That such as sit at the helm provide no better
	For the training up of the gentry. In my judgment
26	An academy erected, with large pensions
	To such as in a table could set down
28	The congees, cringes, postures, methods, phrase,
	Proper to every nation −
30
	Ric. O, it were
32	An admirable piece of work!
34	Ubald. And yet rich fools
	Throw away their charity on hospitals
36	For beggars and lame soldiers, and ne'er study
	The due regard to compliment and courtship,
38	Matters of more import, and are indeed
	The glories of a monarchy.
40
	Eubu. These, no doubt,
42	Are state points, gallants, I confess; but, sure,
	Our court needs no aids this way, since it is
44	A school of nothing else. There are some of you
	Whom I forbear to name, whose coining heads
46	Are the mints of all new fashions, that have done
	More hurt to the kingdom by superfluous bravery,
48	Which the foolish gentry imitate, than a war,
	Or a long famine; all the treasure, by
50	This foul excess, is got into the merchant,
	Embroiderer, silkman, jeweller, tailor's hand,
52	And the third part of the land too, the nobility
	Engrossing titles only.
54
	Ric. My lord, you are bitter.
56
	[A trumpet.]
58
	Enter a Servant.
60
	Serv. The general is alighted, and now entered.
62
	Ric. Were he ten generals, I am prepared,
64	And know what I will do.
66	Eubu. Pray you, what, Ricardo?
68	Ric. I'll fight at compliment with him.
70	Ubald. I'll charge home too.
72	Eubu. And that's a desperate service; if you come off well.
74	Enter Ferdinand, Mathias, Baptista, and two Captains.
76	Ferd. Captain, command the officers to keep
	The soldier, as he marched, in rank and file,
78	Till they hear further from me.
80	[Exeunt Captains.]
82	Eubu. Here's one speaks
	In another key; this is no canting language
84	Taught in your academy.
86	Ferd. Nay, I will present you
	To the king myself.
88
	Math. A grace beyond my merit.
90
	Ferd. You undervalue what I cannot set
92	Too high a price on.
94	Eubu. With a friend's true heart,
	I gratulate your return.
96
	Ferd. Next to the favour
98	Of the great king, I am happy in your friendship.
100	Ubald. By courtship, coarse on both sides!
102	Ferd. Pray you, receive
	This stranger to your knowledge; on my credit,
104	At all parts he deserves it.
106	Eubu. Your report
	Is a strong assurance to me. Sir, most welcome.
108
	Math. This said by you, the reverence of your age
110	Commands me to believe it.
112	Ric. This was pretty;
	But second me now. − I cannot stoop too low
114	To do your excellence that due observance
	Your fortune claims.
116
	Eubu. He ne'er thinks on his virtue!
118
	Ric. For being, as you are, the soul of soldiers,
120	And bulwark of Bellona −
122	Ubald. The protection
	Both of the court and king −
124
	Ric. And the sole minion
126	Of mighty Mars −
128	Ubald. One that with justice may
	Increase the number of the worthies −
130
	Eubu. Hoyday!
132
	Ric. It being impossible in my arms to circle
134	Such giant worth −
136	Ubald. At distance we presume
	To kiss your honoured gauntlet.
138
	Eubu. What reply now
140	Can he make to this foppery?
142	Ferd. You have said,
	Gallants, so much, and hitherto done so little,
144	That, till I learn to speak, and you to do,
	I must take time to thank you.
146
	Eubu. As I live,
148	Answered as I could wish. How the fops gape now!
150	Ric. This was harsh and scurvy.
152	Ubald. We will be revenged
	When he comes to court the ladies, and laugh at him.
154
	Eubu. Nay, do your offices, gentlemen, and conduct
156	The general to the presence.
158	Ric. Keep your order.
160	Ubald. Make way for the general.
162	[Exeunt all but Eubulus.]
164	Eubu. What wise man,
	That, with judicious eyes, looks on a soldier,
166	But must confess that fortune's swinge is more
	O'er that profession, than all kinds else
168	Of life pursued by man? They, in a state,
	Are but as chirurgeöns to wounded men,
170	E'en desperate in their hopes: while pain and anguish
	Make them blaspheme, and call in vain for death:
172	Their wives and children kiss the chirurgeon's knees,
	Promise him mountains, if his saving hand
174	Restore the tortured wretch to former strength.
	But when grim death, by Æsculapius' art,
176	Is frighted from the house, and health appears
	In sanguine colours on the sick man's face,
178	All is forgot; and, asking his reward,
	He's paid with curses, often receives wounds
180	From him whose wounds he cured: so soldiers,
	Though of more worth and use, meet the same fate,
182	As it is too apparent. I have observed,
	When horrid Mars, the touch of whose rough hand
184	With palsies shakes a kingdom, hath put on
	His dreadful helmet, and with terror fills
186	The place where he, like an unwelcome guest,
	Resolves to revel, how the lords of her, like
188	The tradesman, merchant, and litigious pleader,
	And such-like scarabs, bred in the dung of peace,
190	In hope of their protection, humbly offer
	Their daughters to their beds, heirs to their service,
192	And wash with tears their sweat, their dust, their scars:
	But when those clouds of war, that menaced
194	A bloody deluge to the affrighted state,
	Are, by their breath, dispersed, and over-blown,
196	And famine, blood, and death, Bellona's pages,
	Whipt from the quiet continent to Thrace;
198	Soldiers, that, like the foolish hedge-sparrow,
	To their own ruin, hatch this cuckoo peace,
200	Are straight thought burthensome; since want of means,
	Growing from want of action, breeds contempt:
202	And that, the worst of ills, falls to their lot,
	Their service, with the danger, soon forgot.
204
	Enter a Servant.
206
	Serv. The queen, my lord, hath made choice of this room,
208	To see the masque.
210	Eubu. I'll be a looker on:
	My dancing days are past.
212
	Loud music.
214	Enter Ubaldo, Ricardo, Ferdinand, Honoria,
	Mathias, Sylvia, Acanthe, Baptista, Captains, and
216	others. As they pass, a Song in praise of war.
218	Ladis. This courtesy
	To a stranger, my Honoria, keeps fair rank
220	With all your rarities. − After your travail,
	Look on our court delights; but first, from your
222	Relation, with erected ears, I'll hear
	The music of your war, which must be sweet,
224	Ending in victory.
226	Ferd. Not to trouble
	Your majesties with description of a battle
228	Too full of horror for the place, and to
	Avoid particulars, which should I deliver,
230	I must trench longer on your patience than
	My manners will give way to; − in a word, sir,
232	It was well fought on both sides, and almost
	With equal fortune, it continuing doubtful
234	Upon whose tents plumed Victory would take
	Her glorious stand. Impatient of delay,
236	With the flower of our prime gentlemen, I charged
	Their main battalia, and with their assistance
238	Brake in; but, when I was almost assured
	That they were routed, by a stratagem
240	Of the subtile Turk, who opening his gross body,
	And rallying up his troops on either side,
242	I found myself so far engaged, for I
	Must not conceal my errors, that I knew not
244	Which way with honour to come off.
246	Eubu. I like
	A general that tells his faults, and is not
248	Ambitious to engross unto himself
	All honour, as some have, in which, with justice,
250	They could not claim a share.
252	Ferd. Being thus hemmed in,
	Their scimitars raged among us; and, my horse
254	Killed under me, I every minute looked for
	An honourable end, and that was all
256	My hope could fashion to me: circled thus
	With death and horror, as one sent from Heaven,
258	This man of men, with some choice horse, that followed
	His brave example, did pursue the tract
260	His sword cut for them, and, but that I see him
	Already blush to hear what he, being present,
262	I know would wish unspoken, I should say, sir,
	By what he did, we boldly may believe
264	All that is writ of Hector.
266	Math. General,
	Pray spare these strange hyperboles.
268
	Eubu. Do not blush
270	To hear a truth; here are a pair of monsieurs,
	Had they been in your place, would have run away,
272	And ne'er changed countenance.
274	Ubald. We have your good word still.
276	Eubu. And shall, while you deserve it.
278	Ladis. Silence; on.
280	Ferd. He, as I said, like dreadful lightning thrown
	From Jupiter's shield, dispersed the armèd gyre
282	With which I was environed; horse and man
	Shrunk under his strong arm: more, with his looks
284	Frighted, the valiant fled, with which encouraged,
	My soldiers, (like young eaglets preying under
286	The wings of their fierce dam,) as if from him
	They took both spirit and fire, bravely came on.
288	By him I was remounted, and inspired
	With treble courage; and such as fled before
290	Boldly made head again; and, to confirm them,
	It suddenly was apparent, that the fortune
292	Of the day was ours; each soldier and commander
	Performed his part; but this was the great wheel
294	By which the lesser moved; and all rewards
	And signs of honour, as the civic garland,
296	The mural wreath, the enemy's prime horse,
	With the general's sword, and armour, (the old honours
298	With which the Romans crowned their several leaders,)
	To him alone are proper.
300
	Ladis. And they shall
302	Deservedly fall on him. Sit; 'tis our pleasure.
304	Ferd. Which I must serve, not argue.
306	Hon. You are a stranger,
	But, in your service for the king, a native,
308	And, though a free queen, I am bound in duty
	To cherish virtue wheresoe'er I find it:
310	This place is yours.
312	Math. It were presumption in me
	To sit so near you.
314
	Hon. Not having our warrant.
316
	[Music within.]
318
	Ladis. Let the masquers enter: by the preparation,
320	'Tis a French brawl, an apish imitation
	Of what you really perform in battaile:
322	And Pallas, bound up in a little volume,
	Apollo, with his lute, attending on her,
324	Serve for the induction.
326	Enter two boys, dressed as Apollo with his lute
	and Pallas: a Dance; after which a Song by Pallas,
328	in praise of the victorious soldiers.
330	Though we contemplate to express
	The glory of your happiness,
332	That, by your powerful arm, have been
	So true a victor, that no sin
334	Could ever taint you with a blame
	To lessen your deserved fame.
336
	Or, though we contend to set
338	Your worth in the full height, or get
	Celestial singers, crowned with bays,
340	With flourishes to dress your praise:
	You know your conquest; but your story
342	Lives in your triumphant glory.
344	Ladis. Our thanks to all.
	To the banquet that's prepared to entertain them:
346
	[Exeunt Masquers, Apollo, and Pallas.]
348
	What would my best Honoria?
350
	Hon. May it please
352	My king, that I, who, by his suffrage, ever
	Have had power to command, may now entreat
354	An honour from him.
356	Ladis. Why should you desire
	What is your own? whate'er it be, you are
358	The mistress of it.
360	Hon. I am happy in
	Your grant: my suit, sir, is, that your commanders,
362	Especially this stranger, may, as I
	In my discretion shall think good, receive
364	What's due to their deserts.
366	Ladis. What you determine
	Shall know no alteratiön.
368
	Eubu. The soldier
370	Is like to have good usage, when he depends
	Upon her pleasure! Are all the men so bad,
372	That, to give satisfaction, we must have
	A woman treasurer? Heaven help all!
374
	Hon. [To Mathias] With you, sir,
376	I will begin, and, as in my esteem
	You are most eminent, expect to have
378	What's fit for me to give, and you to take.
	The favour in the quick dispatch being double, −
380	Go fetch my casket, and with speed.
382	[Exit Acanthe.]
384	Eubu. The kingdom
	Is very bare of money, when rewards
386	Issue from the queen's jewel-house. Give him gold
	And store, no questiön the gentleman wants it. −
388	Good madam, what shall he do with a hoop ring,
	And a spark of diamond in it, though you take it,
390
	Re-enter Acanthe with a Casket.
392
	For the greater honour, from your majesty's finger?
394	'Twill not increase the value. He must purchase
	Rich suits, the gay caparisons of courtship,
396	Revel and feast, which, the war ended, is
	A soldier's glory; and 'tis fit that way
398	Your bounty should provide for him.
400	Hon. You are rude,
	And by your narrow thoughts proportion mine.
402	What I will do now shall be worth the envy
	Of Cleopatra. Open it; see here
404
	[Honoria descends from the state.]
406
	The lapidary's idol! Gold is trash,
408	And a poor salary, fit for grooms; wear these
	As studded stars in your armour, and make the sun
410	Look dim with jealousy of a greater light
	Than his beams gild the day with: when it is
412	Exposed to view, call it Honoria's gift,
	The queen Honoria's gift, that loves a soldier;
414	And, to give ornament and lustre to him,
	Parts freely with her own! Yet, not to take
416	From the magnificence of the king, I will
	Dispense his bounty too, but as a page
418	To wait on mine; for other tosses, take
	A hundred thousand crowns: − your hand, dear sir, −
420
	[Takes off the king's signet.]
422
	And this shall be thy warrant.
424
	Eubu. I perceive
426	I was cheated in this woman: now she is
	In the giving vein to soldiers, let her be proud,
428	And the king dote, so she go on, I care not.
430	Hon. This done, our pleasure is, that all arrearages
	Be paid unto the captains, and their troops;
432	With a large donative, to increase their zeal
	For the service of the kingdom.
434
	Eubu. Better still:
436	Let men of arms be used thus, if they do not
	Charge desperately upon the cannon's mouth,
438	Though the devil roared, and fight like dragons, hang me!
	Now they may drink sack: but small beer, with a passport
440	To beg with as they travel, and no money,
	Turns their red blood to buttermilk.
442
	Hon. Are you pleased, sir,
444	With what I have done?
446	Ladis. Yes, and thus confirm it,
	With this addition of mine own: You have, sir,
448	From our loved queen received some recompense
	For your life hazarded in the late action;
450	And, that we may follow her great example
	In cherishing valour, without limit ask
452	What you from us can wish.
454	Math. If it be true,
	Dread sir, as 'tis affirmed, that every soil,
456	Where he is well, is to a valiant man
	His natural country, reason may assure me
458	I should fix here, where blessings beyond hope,
	From you, the spring, like rivers, flow unto me.
460	If wealth were my ambition, by the queen
	I am made rich already, to the amazement
462	Of all that see, or shall hereafter read
	The story of her bounty; if to spend
464	The remnant of my life in deeds of arms,
	No region is more fertile of good knights,
466	From whom my knowledge that way may be bettered,
	Than this your warlike Hungary; if favour,
468	Or grace in court could take me, by your grant,
	Far, far, beyond my merit, I may make
470	In yours a free election; but, alas! sir,
	I am not mine own, but by my destiny
472	(Which I cannot resist) forced to prefer
	My country's smoke, before the glorious fire
474	With which your bounties warm me. All I ask, sir,
	Though I cannot be ignorant it must relish
476	Of foul ingratitude, is your gracious license
	For my departure.
478
	Ladis. Whither?
480
	Math. To my own home, sir,
482	My own poor home; which will, at my return,
	Grow rich by your magnificence. I am here
484	But a body without a soul; and, till I find it
	In the embraces of my constant wife,
486	And, to set off that constancy, in her beauty
	And matchless excellencies without a rival,
488	I am but half myself.
490	Hon. And is she then
	So chaste and fair as you infer?
492
	Math. O, madam,
494	Though it must argue weakness in a rich man,
	To shew his gold before an armèd thief,
496	And I, in praising of my wife, but feed
	The fire of lust in others to attempt her;
498	Such is my full-sailed confidence in her virtue,
	Though in my absence she were now besieged
500	By a strong army of lascivious wooers,
	And every one more expert in his art,
502	Than those that tempted chaste Penelope;
	Though they raised batteries by prodigal gifts,
504	By amorous letters, vows made for her service,
	With all the engines wanton appetite
506	Could mount to shake the fortress of her honour,
	Here, here is my assurance she holds out,
508
	[Kisses the picture.]
510
	And is impregnable.
512
	Hon. What's that?
514
	Math. Her fair figure.
516
	Ladis. As I live, an excellent face!
518
	Hon. You have seen a better.
520
	Ladis. I ever except yours: − nay, frown not, sweetest,
522	The Cyprian queen, compared to you, in my
	Opinion, is a negro. As you ordered,
524	I'll see the soldiers paid; and, in my absence,
	Pray use your powerful arguments, to stay
526	This gentleman in our service.
528	Hon. I will do
	My part.
530
	Ladis. On to the camp.
532
	[Exeunt Ladislaus, Ferdinand, Eubulus,
534	Baptista, Captains and others.]
536	Hon. [Aside] I am full of thoughts,
	And something there is here I must give form to,
538	Though yet an embryon: − You, signiors,
	Have no business with the soldier, as I take it,
540	You are for other warfare; quit the place,
	But be within call.
542
	Ric. Employment, on my life, boy!
544
	Ubald. If it lie in our road, we are made for ever.
546
	[Exeunt Ubaldo and Ricardo.]
548
	Hon. You may perceive the king is no way tainted
550	With the disease of jealousy, since he leaves me
	Thus private with you.
552
	Math. It were in him, madam,
554	A sin unpardonable to distrust such pureness,
	Though I were an Adonis.
556
	Hon. I presume
558	He neither does nor dares: and yet the story
	Delivered of you by the general,
560	With your heroic courage, which sinks deeply
	Into a knowing woman's heart, besides
562	Your promising presence, might beget some scruple
	In a meaner man; but more of this hereafter.
564	I'll take another theme now, and conjure you
	By the honours you have won, and by the love
566	Sacred to your dear wife, to answer truly
	To what I shall demand.
568
	Math. You need not use
570	Charms to this purpose, madam.
572	Hon. Tell me, then,
	Being yourself assured 'tis not in man
574	To sully with one spot th' immaculate whiteness
	Of your wife's honour, if you have not, since
576	The Gordian of your love was tied by marriage,
	Played false with her?
578
	Math. By the hopes of mercy, never.
580
	Hon. It may be, not frequenting the converse
582	Of handsome ladies, you were never tempted,
	And so your faith's untried yet.
584
	Math. Surely, madam,
586	I am no woman-hater; I have been
	Received to the society of the best
588	And fairest of our climate, and have met with
	No common entertainment, yet ne'er felt
590	The least heat that way.
592	Hon. Strange! and do you think still,
	The earth can show no beauty that can drench
594	In Lethe all remembrance of the favour
	You now bear to your own?
596
	Math. Nature must find out
598	Some other mould to fashion a new creature
	Fairer than her Pandora, ere I prove
600	Guilty, or in my wishes or my thoughts,
	To my Sophia.
602
	Hon. Sir, consider better;
604	Not one in our whole sex?
606	Math. I am constant to
	My resolutiön.
608
	Hon. But dare you stand
610	The oppositiön, and bind yourself
	By oath for the performance?
612
	Math. My faith else
614	Had but a weak foundation.
616	Hon. I take hold
	Upon your promise, and enjoin your stay
618	For one month here.
620	Math. [Aside] I am caught!
622	Hon. And if I do not
	Produce a lady, in that time, that shall
624	Make you confess your error, I submit
	Myself to any penalty you shall please
626	To impose upon me: in the mean space, write
	To your chaste wife, acquaint her with your fortune:
628	The jewèls that were mine you may send to her,
	For better confirmation; I'll provide you
630	Of trusty messengers: but how far distant is she?
632	Math. A day's hard riding.
634	Hon. There is no retiring;
	I’ll bind you to your word.
636
	Math. Well, since there is
638	No way to shun it, I will stand the hazard,
	And instantly make ready my dispatch:
640	Till then, I'll leave your majesty.
642	[Exit Mathias.]
644	Hon. How I burst
	With envy, that there lives, besides myself,
646	One fair and loyal woman! 'twas the end
	Of my ambitiön to be recorded
648	The only wonder of the age, and shall I
	Give way to a competitor? Nay, more,
650	To add to my affliction, the assurances
	That I placed in my beauty have deceived me:
652	I thought one amorous glance of mine could bring
	All hearts to my subjection; but this stranger,
654	Unmoved as rocks, contemns me. But I cannot
	Sit down so with mine honour: I will gain
656	A double victory, by working him
	To my desire, and taint her in her honour,
658	Or lose myself: I have read that sometime poison
	Is useful. − To supplant her, I'll employ,
660	With any cost, Ubaldo and Ricardo,
	Two noted courtiers, of approvèd cunning
662	In all the windings of lust's labyrinth;
	And in corrupting him, I will outgo
664	Nero's Poppӕa: if he shut his ears
	Against my Siren notes, I'll boldly swear
666	Ulysses lives again; or that I have found
	A frozen cynic, cold in spite of all
668	Allurements; one whom beauty cannot move,
	Nor softest blandishments entice to love.
670
	[Exit Honoria.]
	ACT III.
	SCENE I.
	Bohemia.
	A Space near the Entrance to Mathias’ House.
	Enter Hilario, with a pitcher of water, and a wallet.
1	Hil. Thin, thin provision! I am dieted
2	Like one set to watch hawks; and, to keep me waking,
	My croaking guts make a perpetual larum.
4	Here I stand sentinel; and, though I fright
	Beggars from my lady's gate, in hope to have
6	A greater share, I find my commons mend not.
	I looked this morning in my glass, the river,
8	And there appeared a fish called a poor John,
	Cut with a lenten face, in my own likeness;
10	And it seemed to speak, and say, Good-morrow, cousin!
	No man comes this way but has a fling at me:
12	A chirurgeon passing by, asked at what rate
	I would sell myself; I answered, For what use?
14	To make, said he, a living anatomy,
	And set thee up in our hall, for thou art transparent
16	Without dissection; and, indeed, he had reason,
	For I am scoured with this poor purge to nothing.
18	They say that hunger dwells in the camp; but till
	My lord returns, or certain tidings of him,
20	He will not part with me: − but sorrow's dry,
	And I must drink howsoever.
22
	Enter Ubaldo, Ricardo, and a Guide.
24
	Guide. That's her castle,
26	Upon my certain knowledge.
28	Ubald. Our horses held out
	To my desire. I am afire to be at it.
30
	Ric. Take the jades for thy reward: before I part hence,
32	I hope to be better carried. Give me the cabinet:
	So; leave us now.
34
	Guide. Good fortune to you, gallants!
36
	[Exit Guide.]
38
	Ubald. Being joint agents, in a design of trust too,
40	For the service of the queen, and our own pleasure,
	Let us proceed with judgment.
42
	Ric. If I take not
44	This fort at the first assault, make me an eunuch,
	So I may have precedence.
46
	Ubald. On no terms.
48	We are both to play one prize; he that works best
	In the searching of this mine, shall carry it,
50	Without contention.
52	Ric. Make you your approaches
	As I directed.
54
	Ubald. I need no instruction;
56	I work not on your anvil. I'll give fire
	With mine own linstock; if the powder be dank,
58	The devil rend the touch-hole! Who have we here?
	What skeleton's this?
60
	Ric. A ghost! or the image of famine!
62	Where dost thou dwell?
64	Hil. Dwell, sir! my dwelling is
	In the highway: that goodly house was once
66	My habitatiön, but I am banished,
	And cannot be called home till news arrive
68	Of the good knight Mathias.
70	Ric. If that will
	Restore thee, thou art safe.
72
	Ubald. We come from him,
74	With presents to his lady.
76	Hil. But are you sure
	He is in health?
78
	Ric. Never so well: conduct us
80	To the lady.
82	Hil. Though a poor snake, I will leap
	Out of my skin for joy. Break, pitcher, break!
84	And wallet, late my cupboard, I bequeath thee
	To the next beggar; thou, red herring, swim
86	To the Red Sea again: methinks I am already
	Knuckle deep in the fleshpots; and, though waking, dream
88	Of wine and plenty!
90	Ric. What's the mystery
	Of this strange passiön?
92
	Hil. My belly, gentlemen,
94	Will not give me leave to tell you; when I have brought you
	To my lady's presence, I am disenchanted:
96	There you shall know all. Follow; if I outstrip you,
	Know I run for my belly.
98
	Ubald. A mad fellow.
100
	[Exeunt.]
	ACT III, SCENE II.
	A Room in Mathias' House.
	Enter Sophia and Corisca.
1	Soph. Do not again delude me.
2
	Coris. If I do,
4	Send me a-grazing with my fellow, Hilario.
	I stood, as you commanded, in the turret,
6	Observing all that passed by; and even now,
	I did discern a pair of cavaliers,
8	For such their outside spoke them, with their guide,
	Dismounting from their horses; they said something
10	To our hungry sentinel, that made him caper
	And frisk i' the air for joy: and, to confirm this,
12	See, madam, they're in view.
14	Enter Hilario, Ubaldo, and Ricardo.
16	Hil. News from my lord!
	Tidings of joy! these are no counterfeits,
18	But knights indeed. Dear madam, sign my pardon,
	That I may feed again, and pick up my crumbs;
20	I have had a long fast of it.
22	Soph. Eat, I forgive thee.
24	Hil. O comfortable words! Eat, I forgive thee!
	And if in this I do not soon obey you,
26	And ram in to the purpose, billet me again
	In the highway. Butler and cook, be ready,
28	For I enter like a tyrant.
30	[Exit Hilario.]
32	Ubald. Since mine eyes
	Were never happy in so sweet an object,
34	Without inquiry, I presume you are
	The lady of the house, and so salute you.
36
	Ric. This letter, with these jewèls, from your lord,
38	Warrant my boldness, madam.
40	[Delivers a letter and a casket.]
42	Ubald. In being a servant
	To such rare beauty, you must needs deserve
44	This courtesy from a stranger.
46	[Salutes Corisca.]
48	Ric. You are still
	Beforehand with me. − Pretty one, I descend
50	To take the height of your lip; and, if I miss
	In the altitude, hereafter, if you please,
52	I will make use of my Jacob's staff.
54	[Salutes Corisca.]
56	Coris. These gentlemen
	Have certainly had good breeding, as it appears
58	By their neat kissing, they hit me so pat on the lips,
	At the first sight.
60
	[In the interim, Sophia reads the letter,
62	and opens the casket.]
64	Soph. Heaven, in thy mercy, make me
	Thy thankful handmaid for this boundless blessing,
66	In thy goodness showered upon me!
68	Ubald. I do not like
	This simple devotion in her; it is seldom
70	Practised among my mistresses.
72	Ric. Or mine.
	Would they kneel to I know not who, for the possession
74	Of such inestimable wealth, before
	They thanked the bringers of it? the poor lady
76	Does want instruction, but I'll be her tutor,
	And read her another lesson.
78
	Soph. If I have
80	Shown want of manners, gentlemen, in my slowness
	To pay the thanks I owe you for your travail,
82	To do my lord and me, howe'er unworthy
	Of such a benefit, this noble favour,
84	Impute it, in your clemency, to the excess
	Of joy that overwhelmed me.
86
	Ric. She speaks well.
88
	Ubald. Polite and courtly.
90
	Soph. And howe'er it may
92	Increase the offence, to trouble you with more
	Demands touching my lord, before I have
94	Invited you to taste such as the coarseness
	Of my poor house can offer; pray you connive
96	On my weak tenderness, though I entreat
	To learn from you something he hath, it may be,
98	In his letter left unmentioned.
100	Ric. I can only
	Give you assurance that he is in health,
102	Graced by the king and queen.
104	Ubald. And in the court
	With admiration looked on.
106
	Ric. You must therefore
108	Put off these widow's garments, and appear
	Like to yourself.
110
	Ubald. And entertain all pleasures
112	Your fortune marks out for you.
114	Ric. There are other
	Particular privacies, which on occasion
116	I will deliver to you.
118	Soph. You oblige me
	To your service ever.
120
	Ric. Good! "your service"; mark that.
122
	Soph. In the mean time, by your good acceptance make
124	My rustic entertainment relish of
	The curiousness of the court.
126
	Ubald. Your looks, sweet madam,
128	Cannot but make each dish a feast.
130	Soph. It shall be
	Such, in the freedom of my will to please you.
132	I'll shew you the way; this is too great an honour,
	From such brave guests, to me so mean an hostess.
134
	[Exeunt.]
	ACT III, SCENE III.
	Alba Regalis, Hungary.
	An Outer-room in the Palace.
	Enter Acanthe, and four or five Servants in vizards.
1	Acan. You know your charge; give it action, and expect
2	Rewards beyond your hopes.
4	1st Serv. If we but eye them,
	They are ours, I warrant you.
6
	2nd Serv. May we not ask why
8	We are put upon this?
10	Acan. Let that stop your mouth;
12	[Gives them money.]
14	And learn more manners, groom. 'Tis upon the hour
	In which they use to walk here: when you have them
16	In your power, with violence carry them to the place
	Where I appointed; there I will expect you:
18	Be bold and careful.
20	[Exit Acanthe.]
22	Enter Mathias and Baptista.
24	1st Serv. These are they.
26	2nd Serv. Are you sure?
28	1st Serv. Am I sure I am myself?
30	2nd Serv. Cease on him strongly; if he have but means
	To draw his sword, 'tis ten to one we smart for't:
32	Take all advantages.
34	Math. I cannot guess
	What her intents are; but her carriage was
36	As I but now related.
38	Bapt. Your assurance
	In the constancy of your lady is the armour
40	That must defend you. Where's the picture?
42	Math. Here,
	And no way altered.
44
	Bapt. If she be not perfit,
46	There is no truth in art.
48	Math. By this, I hope,
	She hath received my letters.
50
	Bapt. Without question:
52	These courtiers are rank riders, when they are
	To visit a handsome lady.
54
	Math. Lend me your ear.
56	One piece of her entertainment will require
	Your dearest privacy.
58
	1st Serv. Now they stand fair;
60	Upon them.
62	[They rush forward.]
64	Math. Villains!
66	1st Serv. Stop their mouths. We come not
	To try your valours; kill him if he offer
68	To ope his mouth. − We have you: 'tis in vain
	To make resistance. Mount them and away.
70
	[Exeunt with Mathias and Baptista.]
	ACT III, SCENE IV.
	A Gallery in the same.
	Enter Servants with lights,
	Ladislaus, Ferdinand, and Eubulus.
1	Ladis. 'Tis late. Go to your rest; but do not envy
2	The happiness I draw near to.
4	Eubu. If you enjoy it
	The moderate way, the sport yields, I confess,
6	A pretty titillation; but too much of’t
	Will bring you on your knees. In my younger days
8	I was myself a gamester; and I found
	By sad experience, there is no such soaker
10	As a young spongy wife; she keeps a thousand
	Horse-leeches in her box, and the thieves will suck out
12	Both blood and marrow! I feel a kind of cramp
	In my joints, when I think on't: but it may be queens,
14	And such a queen as yours is, has the art −
16	Ferd. You take leave
	To talk, my lord.
18
	Ladis. He may, since he can do nothing.
20
	Eubu. If you spend this way too much of your royal stock,
22	Ere long we may be pewfellows.
24	Ladis. The door shut! −
	Knock gently; harder. So here comes her woman.
26	Take off my gown.
28	Enter Acanthe.
30	Acan. My lord, the queen by me
	This night desires your pardon.
32
	Ladis. How, Acanthe!
34	I come by her appointment; 'twas her grant;
	The motion was her own.
36
	Acan. It may be, sir;
38	But by her doctors she is since advised,
	For her health's sake, to forbear,
40
	Eubu. I do not like
42	This physical letchery, the old downright way
	Is worth a thousand on't.
44
	Ladis. Prithee, Acanthe,
46	Mediate for me.
48	[Offering her a ring.]
50	Eubu. O the fiends of hell!
	Would any man bribe his servant, to make way
52	To his own wife? if this be the court state,
	Shame fall on such as use it!
54
	Acan. By this jewel,
56	This night I dare not move her, but to-morrow
	I will watch all occasiöns.
58
	Ladis. Take this,
60	To be mindful of me.
62	[Exit Acanthe.]
64	Eubu. 'Slight, I thought a king
	Might have ta'en up any woman at the king's price.
66	And must he buy his own, at a dearer rate
	Than a stranger in a brothel?
68
	Ladis. What is that
70	You mutter, sir?
72	Eubu. No treason to your honour:
	I'll speak it out, though it anger you; if you pay for
74	Your lawful pleasure in some kind, great sir,
	What do you make the queen? cannot you clicket
76	Without a fee, or when she has a suit
	For you to grant?
78
	[Ladislaus draws his sword.]
80
	Ferd. O hold, sir!
82
	Ladis. Off with his head!
84
	Eubu. Do, when you please; you but blow out a taper
86	That would light your understanding, and, in care of’t,
	Is burnt down to the socket. Be as you are, sir,
88	An absolute monarch: it did show more king-like
	In those libidinous Caesars, that compelled
90	Matrons and virgins of all ranks to bow
	Unto their ravenous lusts; and did admit
92	Of more excuse than I can urge for you,
	That slave yourself to the imperious humour
94	Of a proud beauty.
96	Ladis. Out of my sight!
98	Eubu. I will, sir,
	Give way to your furious passion; but when reason
100	Hath got the better of it, I much hope
	The counsaile that offends now will deserve
102	Your royal thanks. Tranquillity of mind
	Stay with you, sir! − [Aside] I do begin to doubt
104	There's something more in the queen's strangeness than
	Is yet disclosed; and I will find it out,
106	Or lose myself in the search.
108	[Exit.]
110	Ferd. Sure he is honest,
	And from your infancy hath truly served you:
112	Let that plead for him; and impute this harshness
	To the frowardness of his age.
114
	Ladis. I am much troubled,
116	And do begin to stagger. Ferdinand, good night!
	To-morrow visit us. Back to our own lodgings.
118
	[Exeunt.]
	ACT III, SCENE V.
	Another Room in the same.
	Enter Acanthe and the vizarded Servants,
	with Mathias and Baptista blindfolded.
1	Acan. You have done bravely. Lock this in that room,
2	There let him ruminate; I'll anon unhood him:
4	[They carry off Baptista.]
6	The other must stay here. As soon as I
	Have quit the place, give him the liberty
8	And use of his eyes; that done, disperse yourselves
	As privately as you can: but, on your lives,
10	No word of what hath passed.
12	[Exit Acanthe.]
14	1 Serv. If I do, sell
	My tongue to a tripe-wife. − Come, unbind his arms: −
16	You are now at your own disposure; and however
	We used you roughly, I hope you will find here
18	Such entertainment as will give you cause
	To thank us for the service: and so I leave you.
20
	[Exeunt Servants.]
22
	Math. If I am in prison, 'tis a neat one.
24	What Oedipus can resolve this riddle? Ha!
	I never gave just cause to any man
26	Basely to plot against my life: − but what is
	Become of my true friend? for him I suffer
28	More than myself.
30	Acan. [within] Remove that idle fear;
	He's safe as you are.
32
	Math. Whosoe'er thou art,
34	For him I thank thee. I cannot imagine
	Where I should be: though I have read the tales
36	Of errant-knighthood, stuffed with the relations
	Of magical enchantments; yet I am not
38	So sottishly credulous to believe the devil
	Hath that way power.
40
	[Music above.]
42
	Ha! Music!
44
	[Singing from above, a song of pleasure.]
46
	The blushing rose, and purple flower,
48	Let grow too long, are soonest blasted;
	Dainty fruits, though sweet, will sour,
50	And rot in ripeness, left untasted.
	Yet here is one more sweet than these:
52	The more you taste the more she'll please.
54	Beauty that's enclosed with ice,
	Is a shadow chaste as rare;
56	Then how much those sweets entice,
	That have issue full as fair!
58	Earth cannot yield, from all her powers,
	One equal for dame Venus' bowers.
60
	Math. A song too! certainly, be it he or she
62	That owes this voice, it hath not been acquainted
	With much affliction. Whosoe'er you are
64	That do inhabit here, if you have bodies,
	And are not mere aërial forms, appear,
66
	Enter Honoria, masked.
68
	And make me know your end with me. Most strange!
70	What have I conjured up? sure, if this be
	A spirit, it is no damned one. What a shape's here!
72	Then, with what majesty it moves! If Juno
	Were now to keep her state among the gods,
74	And Hercules to be made again her guest,
	She could not put on a more glorious habit,
76	Though her handmaid, Iris, lent her various colours,
	Or old Oceanus ravished from the deep
78	All jewèls shipwracked in it. − As you have
	Thus far made known yourself, if that your face
80	Have not too much divinity about it
	For mortal eyes to gaze on, pérfit what
82	You have begun, with wonder and amazement
	To my astonished senses.
84
	[Honoria pulls off her mask.]
86
	How! the queen!
88
	[Kneels.]
90
	Hon. Rise, sir, and hear my reasons, in defence
92	Of the rape (for so you may conceive) which I,
	By my instruments, made upon you. You, perhaps,
94	May think what you have suffered for my lust
	Is a common practice with me; but I call
96	Those ever-shining lamps, and their great Maker,
	As witnesses of my innocence: I ne'er looked on
98	A man but your best self, on whom I ever
	(Except the king) vouchsafed an eye of favour.
100
	Math. The king, indeed, and only such a king,
102	Deserves your rarities, madam; and, but he,
	'Twere giant-like ambitiön in any,
104	In his wishes only, to presume to taste
	The nectar of your kisses; or to feed
106	His appetite with that ambrosia, due
	And proper to a prince; and, what binds more,
108	A lawful husband. For myself, great queen,
	I am a thing obscure, disfurnished of
110	All merit that can raise me higher than,
	In my most humble thankfulness for your bounty,
112	To hazard my life for you; and, that way,
	I am most ambitious.
114
	Hon. I desire no more
116	Than what you promise. If you dare expose
	Your life, as you profess, to do me service,
118	How can it be better employed than in
	Preserving mine? which only you can do,
120	And must do, with the danger of your own;
	A desperate danger too! If private men
122	Can brook no rivals in what they affect,
	But to the death pursue such as invade
124	What law makes their inheritance; the king,
	To whom you know I am dearer than his crown,
126	His health, his eyes, his after hopes, with all
	His present blessings, must fall on that man,
128	Like dreadful lightning, that is won by prayers,
	Threats, or rewards, to stain his bed, or make
130	His hoped-for issue doubtful.
132	Math. If you aim
	At what I more than fear you do, the reasons
134	Which you deliver, should, in judgment, rather
	Deter me, than invite a grant, with my
136	Assurèd ruin.
138	Hon. True; if that you were
	Of a cold temper, one whom doubt, or fear,
140	In the most horrid forms they could put on,
	Might teach to be ingrateful. Your denial
142	To me, that have deserved so much, is more,
	If it can have addition.
144
	Math. I know not
146	What your commands are.
148	Hon. Have you fought so well
	Among armed men, yet cannot guess what lists
150	You are to enter, when you are in private
	With a willing lady: one, that, to enjoy
152	Your company this night, denied the king
	Access to what's his own? If you will press me
154	To speak in plainer language −
156	Math. Pray you, forbear;
	I would I did not understand too much!
158	Already, by your words, I am instructed
	To credit that, which, not confirmed by you,
160	Had bred suspicion in me of untruth,
	Though an angel had affirmed it. But suppose
162	That, cloyed with happiness, which is ever built
	On virtuous chastity, in the wantonness
164	Of appetite, you desire to make trial
	Of the false delights proposed by vicious lust;
166	Among ten thousand, every way more able
	And apter to be wrought on, such as owe you
168	Obedience, being your subjects, why should you
	Make choice of me, a stranger?
170
	Hon. Though yet reason
172	Was ne'er admitted in the court of love,
	I'll yield you one unanswerable. As I urged,
174	In our last private conference, you have
	A pretty promising presence; but there are
176	Many, in limbs and feature, who may take,
	That way, the right-hand file of you: besides,
178	Your May of youth is past, and the blood spent
	By wounds, though bravely taken, renders you
180	Disabled for love's service: and that valour
	Set off with better fortune, which, it may be,
182	Swells you above your bounds, is not the hook
	That hath caught me, good sir. I need no champion,
184	With his sword, to guard my honour or my beauty;
	In both I can defend myself, and live
186	My own protection.
188	Math. If these advocates,
	The best that can plead for me, have no power,
190	What can you find in me else, that may tempt you,
	With irrecoverable loss unto yourself,
192	To be a gainer from me?
194	Hon. You have, sir,
	A jewèl of such matchless worth and lustre,
196	As does disdain comparison, and darkens
	All that is rare in other men; and that
198	I must or win or lessen.
200	Math. You heap more
	Amazement on me: What am I possessed of
202	That you can covet? make me understand it,
	If it have a name.
204
	Hon. Yes, an imagined one;
206	But is, in substance, nothing; being a garment
	Worn out of fashion, and long since given o'er
208	By the court and country: 'tis your loyalty
	And constancy to your wife; 'tis that I dote on,
210	And does deserve my envy: and that jewel,
	Or by fair play or foul, I must win from you.
212
	Math. These are mere contraries. If you love me, madam,
214	For my constancy, why seek you to destroy it?
	In my keeping it, preserve me worth your favour.
216	Or, if it be a jewèl of that value,
	As you with laboured rhetoric would persuade me,
218	What can you stake against it?
220	Hon. A queen's fame,
	And equal honour.
222
	Math. So, whoever wins,
224	Both shall be losers.
226	Hon. That is that I aim at:
	Yet on the die I lay my youth, my beauty,
228	This moist palm, this soft lip, and those delights
	Darkness should only judge of.
230
	[Kisses him.]
232
	Do you find them
234	Infectious in the trial, that you start,
	As frighted with their touch?
236
	Math. Is it in man
238	To resist such strong temptations?
240	Hon. [Aside] He begins
	To waver.
242
	Math. Madam, as you are gracious,
244	Grant this short night's deliberation to me;
	And, with the rising sun, from me you shall
246	Receive full satisfaction.
248	Hon. Though extremes
	Hate all delay, I will deny you nothing;
250	This key will bring you to your friend; you are safe both;
	And all things useful that could be prepared
252	For one I love and honour, wait upon you.
	Take counsaile of your pillow, such a fortune
254	As with affection's swiftest wings flies to you,
	Will not be often tendered.
256
	[Exit Honoria.]
258
	Math. How my blood
260	Rebels! I now could call her back − and yet
	There's something stays me: if the king had tendered
262	Such favours to my wife, 'tis to be doubted
	They had not been refused: but, being a man,
264	I should not yield first, or prove an example
	For her defence of frailty. By this, sans question,
266	She's tempted too; and here I may examine
268	[Looks on the picture.]
270	How she holds out. She's still the same, the same
	Pure crystal rock of chastity. Perish all
272	Allurements that may alter me! The snow
	Of her sweet coldness hath extinguished quite
274	The fire that but even now began to flame:
	And I by her confirmed, − rewards nor titles,
276	Nor certain death from the refusèd queen,
	Shall shake my faith; since I resolve to be
278	Loyal to her, as she is true to me.
280	[Exit Mathias.]
	ACT III, SCENE VI.
	Bohemia.
	A Gallery in Mathias' House.
	Enter Ubaldo and Ricardo.
1	Ubald. What we spake on the volley begins to work;
2	We have laid a good foundation.
4	Ric. Build it up,
	Or else 'tis nothing: you have by lot the honour
6	Of the first assault; but, as it is conditioned,
	Observe the time proportioned: I'll not part with
8	My share in the achievement: when I whistle,
	Or hem, fall off.
10
	Enter Sophia.
12
	Ubald. She comes. Stand by, I'll watch
14	My opportunity.
16	[They walk aside.]
18	Soph. I find myself
	Strangely distracted with the various stories,
20	Now well, now ill, then doubtfully, by my guests
	Delivered of my lord: and, like poor beggars
22	That in their dreams find treasure, by reflection
	Of a wounded fancy, make it questionable
24	Whether they sleep or not; yet, tickled with
	Such a fantastic hope of happiness,
26	Wish they may never wake. In some such measure,
	Incredulous of what I see and touch,
28	As 'twere a fading apparition, I
	Am still perplexed, and troubled; and when most
30	Confirmed 'tis true, a curious jealousy
	To be assured, by what means, and from whom,
32	Such a mass of wealth was first deserved, then gotten,
	Cunningly steals into me. I have practised,
34	For my certain resolution, with these courtiers.
	Promising private conference to either,
36	And, at this hour: if in search of the truth,
	I hear, or say, more than becomes my virtue,
38	Forgive me, my Mathias.
40	Ubald. Now I make in. −
42	[Comes forward.]
44	Madam, as you commanded, I attend
	Your pleasure.
46
	Soph. I must thank you for the favour.
48
	Ubald. I am no ghostly father; yet, if you have
50	Some scruples touching your lord you would be resolved of,
	I am prepared.
52
	Soph. But will you take your oath,
54	To answer truly?
56	Ubald. On the hem of your smock, if you please,
	A vow I dare not break, it being a book
58	I would gladly swear on.
60	Soph. To spare, sir, that trouble,
	I'll take your word, which, in a gentleman,
62	Should be of equal value. Is my lord, then,
	In such grace with the queen?
64
	Ubald. You should best know,
66	By what you have found from him, whether he can
	Deserve a grace or no.
68
	Soph. What grace do you mean?
70
	Ubald. That special grace, if you will have it, he
72	Laboured so hard for between a pair of sheets,
	Upon your wedding night, when your ladyship
74	Lost you know what.
76	Soph. Fie! be more modest,
	Or I must leave you.
78
	Ubald. I would tell a truth
80	As cleanly as I could, and yet the subject
	Makes me run out a little.
82
	Soph. You would put, now,
84	A foolish jealousy in my head, my lord
	Hath gotten a new mistress.
86
	Ubald. One! a hundred;
88	But under seal I speak it: I presume
	Upon your silence, it being for your profit.
90	They talk of Hercules' fifty in a night,
	Twas well; but yet to yours he was a piddler:
92	Such a soldier and a courtier never came
	To Alba Regalis; the ladies run mad for him,
94	And there is such contentiön among them,
	Who shall engross him wholly, that the like
96	Was never heard of.
98	Soph. Are they handsome women?
100	Ubald. Fie! no; coarse mammets: and what's worse, they are old too,
	Some fifty, some threescore, and they pay dear for't,
102	Believing that he carries a powder in his breeches
	Will make them young again; and these suck shrewdly.
104
	[Ricardo whistles]
106
	Ric. [Aside to Ubaldo]
108	Sir, I must fetch you off.
110	Ubald. I could tell you wonders
	Of the cures he has done, but a business of import
112	Calls me away; but, that dispatched, I will
	Be with you presently.
114
	[Steps aside.]
116
	Soph. There is something more
118	In this than bare suspicion.
120	Ric. [Comes forward] Save you, lady;
	Now you look like yourself! I have not looked on
122	A lady more complete, yet have seen a madam
	Wear a garment of this fashion, of the same stuff too,
124	One just of your dimensions: sat the wind there, boy!
126	Soph. What lady, sir?
128	Ric. Nay, nothing; and methinks
	I should know this ruby: very good! 'tis the same.
130	This chain of orient pearl, and this diamond too,
	Have been worn before; but much good may they do you!
132	Strength to the gentleman's back! he toiled hard for them
	Before he got them.
134
	Soph. Why, how were they gotten?
136
	Ric. Not in the field with his sword, upon my life;
138	He may thank his close stiletto. −
140	[Ubaldo hems.]
142	− [Aside] Plague upon it!
	Run the minutes so fast? − Pray you, excuse my manners;
144	I left a letter in my chamber window,
	Which I would not have seen on any terms; fie on it,
146	Forgetful as I am! but I'll straight attend you.
148	[Steps aside.]
150	Soph. This is strange. His letters said these jewèls were
	Presented him by the queen, as a reward
152	For his good service, and the trunks of clothes
	That followed them this last night, with haste made up
154	By his direction.
156	Ubald. [Comes forward] I was telling you
	Of wonders, madam.
158
	Soph. If you are so skilful,
160	Without premeditation answer me;
	Know you this gown, and these rich jewèls?
162
	Ubald. Heaven,
164	How things will come out! But that I should offend you,
	And wrong my more than noble friend your husband,
166	(For we are sworn brothers,) in the discovery
	Of his nearest secrets, I could −
168
	Soph. By the hope of favour
170	That you have from me, out with it.
172	Ubald. 'Tis a potent spell
	I cannot resist; why, I will tell you, madam,
174	And to how many several women you are
	Beholding for your bravery. This was
176	The wedding gown of Paulina, a rich strumpet,
	Worn but a day, when she married old Gonzaga,
178	And left off trading.
180	Soph. O my heart!
182	Ubald. This chain
	Of pearl was a great widow's, that invited
184	Your lord to a masque, and the weather proving foul,
	He lodged in her house all night, and merry they were;
186	But how he came by it, I know not.
188	Soph. Perjured man!
190	Ubald. This ring was Julietta's, a fine piece,
	But very good at the sport: this diamond
192	Was madam Acanthe's, given him for a song
	Pricked in a private arbour, as she said,
194	When the queen asked for't; and she hard him sing too,
	And danced to his hornpipe, or there are liars abroad.
196	There are other toys about you the same way purchased;
	But, paralleled with these, not worth the relation.
198	You are happy in a husband, never man
	Made better use of his strength: would you have him waste
200	His body away for nothing? if he holds out,
	There's not an embroidered petticoat in the court,
202	But shall be at your service.
204	Soph. I commend him,
	It is a thriving trade; but pray you leave me
206	A little to myself.
208	Ubald. You may command
	Your servant, madam. −
210
	[Steps aside.]
212
	She's stung unto the quick, lad.
214
	Ric. I did my part; if this potion work not, hang me!
216	Let her sleep as well as she can to-night, tomorrow
	We'll mount new batteries.
218
	Ubald. And till then leave her.
220
	[Exeunt Ubaldo and Ricardo.]
222
	Soph. You Powers, that take into your care the guard
224	Of innocence, aid me! for I am a creature
	So forfeited to despair, hope cannot fancy
226	A ransom to redeem me. I begin
	To waver in my faith, and make it doubtful,
228	Whether the saints, that were canónized for
	Their holiness of life, sinned not in secret;
230	Since my Mathias is fallen from his virtue
	In such an open fashion. Could it be, else,
232	That such a husband, so devoted to me,
	So vowed to temperance, for lascivious hire
234	Should prostitute himself to common harlots!
	Old and deformed too! Was't for this he left me,
236	And on a feigned pretence, for want of means
	To give me ornament? − or to bring home
238	Diseases to me? Suppose these are false,
	And lustful goats; if he were true and right,
240	Why stays he so long from me, being made rich,
	And that the only reason why he left me?
242	No, he is lost; and shall I wear the spoils
	And salaries of lust! they cleave unto me
244	Like Nessus' poisoned shirt: no, in my rage
	I'll tear them off, and from my body wash
246	The venom with my tears. Have I no spleen,
	Nor anger of a woman? shall he build
248	Upon my ruins, and I, unrevenged,
	Deplore his falsehood? no; with the same trash
250	For which he had dishonoured me, I'll purchase
	A just revenge: I am not yet so much
252	In debt to years, nor so mis-shaped, that all
	Should fly from my embraces: Chastity,
254	Thou only art a name, and I renounce thee!
	I am now a servant to voluptuousness.
256	Wantons of all degrees and fashions, welcome!
	You shall be entertained; and, if I stray,
258	Let him condemn himself, that led the way.
260	[Exit.]
	ACT IV.
	SCENE I.
	Alba Regalis, Hungary.
	A Room in the Palace.
	Enter Mathias and Baptista.
1	Bapt. We are in a desperate strait; there's no evasion,
2	Nor hope left to come off, but by your yielding
	To the necessity; you must feign a grant
4	To her violent passion, or −
6	Math. What, my Baptista?
8	Bapt. We are but dead else.
10	Math. Were the sword now heaved up,
	And my neck upon the block, I would not buy
12	An hour's reprieve with the loss of faith and virtue,
	To be made immortal here. Art thou a scholar,
14	Nay, almost without parallel, and yet fear
	To die, which is inevitable! You may urge
16	The many years that, by the course of nature,
	We may travel in this tedious pilgrimage,
18	And hold it as a blessing; as it is,
	When innocence is our guide: yet know, Baptista,
20	Our virtues are preferred before our years,
	By the great Judge: to die untainted in
22	Our fame and reputation is the greatest;
	And to lose that, can we desire to live?
24	Or shall I, for a momentary pleasure,
	Which soon comes to a period, to all times
26	Have breach of faith and perjury remembered
	In a still-living epitaph? no, Baptista,
28	Since my Sophia will go to her grave
	Unspotted in her faith, I'll follow her
30	With equal loyalty: −
32	[Takes out the picture.]
34	But look on this,
	Your own great work, your masterpiece, and then,
36	She being still the same, teach me to alter! −
	Ha! sure I do not sleep! or, if I dream,
38	This is a terrible vision! I will clear
	My eyesight; perhaps melancholy makes me
40	See that which is not.
42	Bapt. It is too apparent.
	I grieve to look upon't: besides the yellow,
44	That does assure she's tempted, there are lines
	Of a dark colour, that disperse themselves
46	O'er every miniature of her face, and those
	Confirm −
48
	Math. She is turned whore!
50
	Bapt. I must not say so.
52	Yet, as a friend to truth, if you will have me
	Interpret it, in her consent and wishes
54	She's false, but not in fact yet.
56	Math. Fact, Baptista!
	Make not yourself a pander to her looseness,
58	In labouring to palliate what a visor
	Of impudence cannot cover. Did e'er woman
60	In her will decline from chastity, but found means
	To give her hot lust fuël? It is more
62	Impossible in nature for gross bodies,
	Descending of themselves, to hang in the air;
64	Or with my single arm to underprop
	A falling tower; nay, in its violent course
66	To stop the lightning, than to stay a woman
	Hurried by two furies, lust and falsehood,
68	In her full career to wickedness!
70	Bapt. Pray you, temper
	The violence of your passion.
72
	Math. In extremes
74	Of this condition, can it be in man
	To use a moderation? I am thrown
76	From a steep rock headlong into a gulf
	Of misery, and find myself past hope,
78	In the same moment that I apprehend
	That I am falling: and this, the figure of
80	My idol, few hours since, while she continued
	In her perfection, that was late a mirror,
82	In which I saw miraculous shapes of duty,
	Staid manners with all excellency a husband
84	Could wish in a chaste wife, is on the sudden
	Turned to a magical glass, and does present
86	Nothing but horns and horror.
88	Bapt. You may yet,
	And 'tis the best foundation, build up comfort
90	On your own goodness.
92	Math. No, that hath undone me;
	For now I hold my temperance a sin
94	Worse than excess, and what was vice, a virtue.
	Have I refused a queen, and such a queen,
96	Whose ravishing beauties at the first sight had tempted
	A hermit from his beads, and changed his prayers
98	To amorous sonnets, to preserve my faith
	Inviolate to thee, with the hazard of
100	My death with torture, since she could inflict
	No less for my contempt; and have I met
102	Such a return from thee! I will not curse thee,
	Nor, for thy falsehood, rail against the sex;
104	Tis poor, and common: I'll only, with wise men,
	Whisper unto myself, howe'er they seem,
106	Nor present, nor past times, nor the age to come,
	Hath heretofore, can now, or ever shall,
108	Produce one constant woman.
110	Bapt. This is more
	Than the satirists wrote against them.
112
	Math. There's no language
114	That can express the poison of these aspics,
	These weeping crocodiles, and all too little
116	That hath been said against them. But I'll mould
	My thoughts into another form; and, if
118	She can outlive the report of what I have done,
	This hand, when next she comes within my reach,
120	Shall be her executioner.
122	Enter Honoria and Acanthe.
124	Bapt. The queen, sir.
126	Hon. Wait our command at distance: −
128	[Exit Acanthe.]
130	− Sir, you too have
	Free liberty to depart.
132
	Bapt. I know my manners,
134	And thank you for the favour.
136	[Exit Baptista.]
138	Hon. Have you taken
	Good rest in your new lodgings? I expect now
140	Your resolute answer; but advise maturely,
	Before I hear it.
142
	Math. Let my actions, madam,
144	For no words can dilate my joy, in all
	You can command, with cheerfulness to serve you,
146	Assure your highness; and, in sign of my
	Submission and contrition for my error,
148	My lips, that but the last night shunned the touch
	Of yours as poison, taught humility now,
150	Thus on your foot, and that too great an honour
	For such an undeserver, seal my duty.
152	A cloudy mist of ignorance, equal to
	Cimmerian darkness, would not let me see, then,
154	What now, with adoratiön and wonder,
	With reverence I look up to: but those fogs
156	Dispersed and scattered by the powerful beams
	With which yourself, the sun of all perfection,
158	Vouchsafe to cure my blindness; like a suppliant,
	As low as I can kneel, I humbly beg
160	What you once pleased to tender.
162	Hon. [Aside] This is more
	Than I could hope! − What find you so attractive
164	Upon my face, in so short time to make
	This sudden metamorphosis? pray you, rise;
166	I, for your late neglect, thus sign your pardon.
168	[Kisses him.]
170	Ay, now you kiss like a lover, and not as brothers
	Coldly salute their sisters.
172
	Math. I am turned
174	All spirit and fire.
176	Hon. Yet, to give some allay
	To this hot fervour, 'twere good to remember
178	The king, whose eyes and ears are everywhere;
	With the danger too that follows, this discovered.
180
	Math. Danger! a bugbear, madam; let me ride once
182	Like Phaeton in the chariot of your favour,
	And I contemn Jove's thunder: though the king,
184	In our embraces stood a looker on,
	His hangman, and with studied cruelty, ready
186	To drag me from your arms, it should not fright me
	From the enjoying that a single life is
188	Too poor a price for. O, that now all vigour
	Of my youth were re-collected for an hour,
190	That my desire might meet with yours, and draw
	The envy of all men, in the encounter,
192	Upon my head! I should − but we lose time;
	Be gracious, mighty queen.
194
	Hon. Pause yet a little:
196	The bounties of the king, and, what weighs more,
	Your boasted constancy to your matchless wife,
198	Should not so soon be shaken.
200	Math. The whole fabric,
	When I but look on you, is in a moment
202	O'erturned and ruined; and, as rivers lose
	Their names when they are swallowed by the ocean,
204	In you alone all faculties of my soul
	Are wholly taken up; my wife and king,
206	At the best, as things forgotten.
208	Hon. [Aside] Can this be?
	I have gained my end now.
210
	Math. Wherefore stay you, madam?
212
	Hon. In my consideration what a nothing
214	Man's constancy is.
216	Math. Your beauties make it so
	In me, sweet lady.
218
	Hon. And it is my glory:
220	I could be coy now, as you were, but I
	Am of a gentler temper; howsoever,
222	And in a just return of what I have suffered
	In your disdain, with the same measure grant me
224	Equal deliberation: I ere long
	Will visit you again; and when I next
226	Appear, as conquered by it, slave-like wait
	On my triumphant beauty.
228
	[Exit Honoria.]
230
	Math. What a change
232	Is here beyond my fear! but by thy falsehood,
	Sophia, not her beauty, is't denied me
234	To sin but in my wishes? what a frown,
	In scorn, at her departure, she threw on me!
236	I am both ways lost; storms of contempt and scorn
	Are ready to break on me, and all hope
238	Of shelter doubtful: I can neither be
	Disloyal, nor yet honest; I stand guilty
240	On either part; at the worst, Death will end all;
	And he must be my judge to right my wrong,
242	Since I have loved too much, and lived too long.
244	[Exit Mathias.]
	ACT IV, SCENE II.
	Bohemia.
	A Room in Mathias' House.
	Enter Sophia, with a book and a note.
1	Soph. Nor custom, nor example, nor vast numbers
2	Of such as do offend, make less the sin.
	For each particular crime a strict account
4	Will be exacted; and that comfort which
	The damned pretend, fellows in misery,
6	Takes nothing from their torments: every one
	Must suffer in himself the measure of
8	His wickedness. If so, as I must grant,
	It being unrefutable in reason,
10	Howe'er my lord offend, it is no warrant
	For me to walk in his forbidden paths:
12	What penance then can expiate my guilt,
	For my consent (transported then with passion)
14	To wantonness? the wounds I give my fame
	Cannot recover his; and, though I have fed
16	These courtiers with promises and hopes,
	I am yet in fact untainted, and I trust
18	My sorrow for it, with my purity,
	And love to goodness for itself, made powerful,
20	Though all they have alleged prove true or false,
	Will be such exorcisms as shall command
22	This fury, jealousy, from me. What I have
	Determined touching them, I am resolved
24	To put in execution. − Within, there!
26	Enter Hilario, Corisca, with other Servants.
28	Where are my noble guests?
30	Hil. The elder, madam,
	Is drinking by himself to your ladyship's health,
32	In muskadine and eggs; and, for a rasher
	To draw his liquor down, he hath got a pie
34	Of marrowbones, potatoes, and eringos,
	With many such ingredients; and, 'tis said,
36	He hath sent his man in post to the next town
	For a pound of ambergris, and half a peck
38	Of fishes called cantharides.
40	Coris. The younger
	Prunes up himself, as if this night he were
42	To act a bridegroom's part; but to what purpose,
	I am ignorance itself.
44
	Soph. Continue so.
46
	[Gives the servants the note.]
48
	Let those lodgings be prepared as this directs you:
50	And fail not in a circumstance, as you
	Respect my favour.
52
	1st Serv. We have our instructions.
54
	2nd Serv. And punctually will follow them.
56
	[Exeunt Servants.]
58
	Enter Ubaldo.
60
	Hil. Here comes, madam,
62	The lord Ubaldo.
64	Ubald. [To Corisca] Pretty one, there's gold
	To buy thee a new gown;
66	[To Hilario] and there's for thee;
	Grow fat, and fit for service. − I am now,
68	As I should be, at the height, and able to
	Beget a giant. O my better angel!
70	In this you shew your wisdom, when you pay
	The letcher in his own coin; shall you sit puling,
72	Like a patient grizzle, and be laughed at? no:
	This is a fair revenge. Shall we to't?
74
	Soph. To what, sir?
76
	Ubald. The sport you promised.
78
	Soph. Could it be done with safety?
80
	Ubald. I warrant you; I am sound as a bell, a tough
82	Old blade, and steel to the back, as you shall find me
	In the trial on your anvil.
84
	Soph. So; but how, sir,
86	Shall I satisfy your friend, to whom, by promise,
	I am equally engaged?
88
	Ubald. I must confess,
90	The more the merrier; but, of all men living,
	Take heed of him; you may safer run upon
92	The mouth of a cannon when it is unlading,
	And come off colder.
94
	Soph. How! is he not wholesome?
96
	Ubald. Wholesome! I'll tell you, for your good: he is
98	A spittle of diseases, and, indeed,
	More loathsome and infectiöus; the tub is
100	His weekly bath: he hath not drank this seven years,
	Before he came to your house, but compositions
102	Of sassafras and guiacum; and dry mutton
	His daily portion; name what scratch soever
104	Can be got by women, and the surgeons will resolve you,
	At this time or at that Ricardo had it.
106
	Soph. Bless me from him!
108
	Ubald. 'Tis a good prayer, lady,
110	It being a degree unto the pox
	Only to mention him: if my tongue burn not, hang me,
112	When I but name Ricardo.
114	Soph. Sir, this caution
	Must be rewarded.
116
	Ubald. [Aside] I hope I have marred his market, −
118	But when?
120	Soph. Why, presently; follow my woman,
	She knows where to conduct you, and will serve
122	To-night for a page. Let the waistcoat I appointed,
	With the cambric shirt perfumed, and the rich cap,
124	Be brought into his chamber.
126	Ubald. Excellent lady!
	And a caudle too in the morning.
128
	Coris. I will fit you.
130
	[Exeunt Ubaldo and Corisca.]
132
	Enter Ricardo.
134
	Soph. So hot on the scent! Here comes the other beagle.
136
	Ric. [To Hilario]
138	Take purse and all.
140	Hil. If this company would come often,
	I should make a pretty term on't.
142
	Soph. For your sake
144	I have put him off; he only begged a kiss,
	I gave it, and so parted.
146
	Ric. I hope better:
148	He did not touch your lips?
150	Soph. Yes, I assure you.
	There was no danger in it?
152
	Ric. No! eat presently
154	These lozenges of forty crowns an ounce,
	Or you are undone.
156
	Soph. What is the virtue of them?
158
	Ric. They are preservatives against stinking breath,
160	Rising from rotten lungs.
162	Soph. If so, your carriage
	Of such dear antidotes, in my opinion,
164	May render yours suspected.
166	Ric. Fie! no; I use them
	When I talk with him, I should be poisoned else,
168	But I'll be free with you: he was once a creature,
	It may be, of God's making, but long since
170	He is turned to a druggist's shop; the spring and fall
	Hold all the year with him; that he lives, he owes
172	To art, not nature; she has given him o'er.
	He moves like the fairy king, on screws and wheels,
174	Made by his doctor's recipes, and yet still
	They are out of joint, and every day repairing.
176	He has a regiment of whores he keeps
	At his own charge in a lazar-house; but the best is,
178	There's not a nose among them. He's acquainted
	With the green water, and the spitting pill's
180	Familiar to him: in a frosty morning
	You may thrust him in a pottle-pot; his bones
182	Rattle in his skin, like beans tossed in a bladder.
	If he but hear a coach, the fomentation,
184	The friction with fumigation, cannot save him
	From the chine-evil. In a word, he is
186	Not one disease, but all; yet, being my friend,
	I will forbear his character, for I would not
188	Wrong him in your opiniön.
190	Soph. The best is,
	The virtues you bestow on him, to me
192	Are mysteries I know not; but, however,
	I am at your service. − Sirrah, let it be your care
194	To unclothe the gentleman, and with speed; delay
	Takes from delight.
196
	Ric. Good! there's my hat, sword, cloak:
198	A vengeance on these buttons! off with my doublet,
	I dare shew my skin; in the touch you will like it better. −
200	Prithee cut my codpiece-points, and, for this service,
	When I leave them off, they are thine.
202
	Hil. I'll take your word, sir.
204
	Ric. Dear lady, stay not long.
206
	Soph. I may come too soon, sir.
208
	Ric. No, no; I am ready now.
210
	Hil. This is the way, sir.
212
	[Exeunt Hilario and Ricardo.]
214
	Soph. I was much to blame to credit their reports
216	Touching my lord, that so traduce each other,
	And with such virulent malice, though I presume
218	They are bad enough: but I have studied for them
	A way for their recovery.
220
	[A noise of clapping a door;
222	Ubaldo appears above, in his shirt.]
224	Ubald. What dost thou mean, wench?
	Why dost thou shut the door upon me? Ha!
226	My clothes are ta'en away too! shall I starve here?
	Is this my lodging? I am sure the lady talked of
228	A rich cap, a perfumed shirt, and a waistcoat;
	But here is nothing but a little fresh straw,
230	A petticoat for a coverlet, and that torn too,
	And an old woman's biggin for a night-cap.
232
	Re-enter Corisca below.
234
	'Slight, 'tis a prison, or a pigsty. Ha!
236	The windows grated with iron! I cannot force them,
	And if I leap down here, I break my neck;
238	I am betrayed. Rogues! Villains! let me out;
	I am a lord, and that's no common title,
240	And shall I be used thus?
242	Soph. Let him rave, he's fast;
	I'll parley with him at leisure.
244
	Ricardo entering with a great noise above, as fallen.
246
	Ric. Zounds! have you trapdoors?
248
	Soph. The other bird's i' the cage too, let him flutter.
250
	Ric. Whither am I fallen? into hell!
252
	Ubald. Who makes that noise, there?
254	Help me, if thou art a friend.
256	Ric. A friend! I am where
	I cannot help myself; let me see thy face.
258
	Ubald. How, Ricardo! Prithee, throw me
260	Thy cloak, if thou canst, to cover me; I am almost
	Frozen to death.
262
	Ric. My cloak! I have no breeches;
264	I am in my shirt, as thou art; and here's nothing
	For myself but a clown's cast suit.
266
	Ubald. We are both undone.
268	Prithee, roar a little − Madam!
270	Re-enter Hilario below, in Ricardo's suit.
272	Ric. Lady of the house!
274	Ubald. Grooms of the chamber!
276	Ric. Gentlewomen! Milkmaids!
278	Ubald. Shall we be murdered?
280	Soph. No, but soundly punished,
	To your deserts.
282
	Ric. You are not in earnest, madam?
284
	Soph. Judge as you find, and feel it; and now hear
286	What I irrevocably purpose to you.
	Being received as guests into my house,
288	And with all it afforded entertained,
	You have forgot all hospitable duties;
290	And, with the defamation of my lord,
	Wrought on my woman weakness, in revenge
292	Of his injuries, as you fashioned them to me,
	To yield my honour to your lawless lust.
294
	Hil. Mark that, poor fellows.
296
	Soph. And so far you have
298	Transgressed against the dignity of men,
	Who should, bound to it by virtue, still defend
300	Chaste ladies' honours, that it was your trade
	To make them infamous: but you are caught
302	In your own toils, like lustful beasts, and therefore
	Hope not to find the usage of men from me:
304	Such mercy you have forfeited, and shall suffer
	Like the most slavish women.
306
	Ubald. How will you use us?
308
	Soph. Ease, and excess in feeding, made you wanton.
310	A pleurisy of ill blood you must let out,
	By labour, and spare diet that way got too,
312	Or perish for hunger. − Reach him up that distaff
	With the flax upon it; − though no Omphale,
314	Nor you a second Hercules, as I take it,
	As you spin well at my command, and please me,
316	Your wages, in the coarsest bread and water,
	Shall be proportionable.
318
	Ubald. I will starve first.
320
	Soph. That's as you please.
322
	Ric. What will become of me now?
324
	Soph. You shall have gentler work; I have oft observed
326	You were proud to shew the fineness of your hands,
	And softness of your fingers; you should reel well
328	What he spins, if you give your mind to it, as I'll force you. −
	Deliver him his materials. − Now you know
330	Your penance, fall to work; hunger will teach you:
	And so, as slaves to your lust, not me, I leave you.
332
	[Exeunt Sophia and Corisca.]
334
	Ubald. I shall spin a fine thread out now!
336
	Ric. I cannot look
338	On these devices, but they put me in mind
	Of rope-makers.
340
	Hil. Fellow, think of thy task.
342	Forget such vanities; my livery there,
	Will serve thee to work in.
344
	Ric. Let me have my clothes yet;
346	I was bountiful to thee.
348	Hil. They are past your wearing,
	And mine by promise, as all these can witness.
350	You have no holidays coming, nor will I work
	While these and this lasts; and so when you please
352	You may shut up your shop windows.
354	[Exit Hilario.]
356	Ubald. I am faint,
	And must lie down.
358
	Ric. I am hungry too, and cold.
360	O cursèd women!
362	Ubald. This comes of our whoring.
	But let us rest as well as we can to-night,
364	But not o'ersleep ourselves, lest we fast tomorrow.
366	[Exeunt.]
	ACT IV, SCENE III.
	Alba Regalis, Hungary.
	A Room in the Palace.
	Enter Ladislaus, Honoria, Eubulus, Ferdinand,
	Acanthe, and Attendants.
1	Hon. Now you know all, sir, with the motives why
2	I forced him to my lodging.
4	Ladis. I desire
	No more such trials, lady.
6
	Hon. I presume, sir,
8	You do not doubt my chastity.
10	Ladis. I would not;
	But these are strange inducements.
12
	Eubu. By no means, sir.
14	Why, though he were with violence seized upon,
	And still detained, the man, sir, being no soldier,
16	Nor used to charge his pike when the breach is open,
	There was no danger in't! You must conceive, sir,
18	Being religious, she chose him for a chaplain,
	To read old homilies to her in the dark;
20	She's bound to it by her canons.
22	Ladis. Still tormented
	With thy impertinence!
24
	Hon. By yourself, dear sir,
26	I was ambitious only to o'erthrow
	His boasted constancy in his consent;
28	But for fact I contemn him: I was never
	Unchaste in thought; I laboured to give proof
30	What power dwells in this beauty you admire so;
	And when you see how soon it hath transformed him,
32	And with what superstition he adores it,
	Determine as you please.
34
	Ladis. I will look on
36	This pageant, but −
38	Hon. When you have seen and heard, sir,
	The passages which I myself discovered,
40	And could have kept concealed, had I meant basely,
	Judge as you please.
42
	Ladis. Well, I'll observe the issue.
44
	Eubu. How had you ta'en this, general, in your wife?
46
	Ferd. As a strange curiosity; but queens
48	Are privileged above subjects, and 'tis fit, sir.
50	[Exeunt.]
	ACT IV, SCENE IV.
	Another Room in the same.
	Enter Mathias and Baptista.
1	Bapt. You are much altered, sir, since the last night,
2	When the queen left you, and look cheerfully,
	Your dulness quite blown over.
4
	Math. I have seen a vision
6	This morning makes it good; and never was
	In such security as at this instant,
8	Fall what can fall: and when the queen appears,
	Whose shortest absence now is tedious to me,
10	Observe the encounter.
12	Enter Honoria: Ladislaus, Eubulus, Ferdinand,
	and Acanthe, with others, appear above.
14
	Bapt. She already is
16	Entered the lists.
18	Math. And I prepared to meet her.
20	Bapt. I know my duty.
22	[Going.]
24	Hon. Not so, you may stay now,
	As a witness of our contract.
26
	Bapt. I obey
28	In all things, madam.
30	Hon. Where's that reverence,
	Or rather superstitious adoration,
32	Which, captive-like to my triumphant beauty
	You paid last night? No humble knee, nor sign
34	Of vassal duty! sure this is the foot
	To whose proud cover, and then happy in it,
36	Your lips were glued; and that the neck then offered,
	To witness your subjection, to be trod on:
38	Your certain loss of life in the king's anger
	Was then too mean a price to buy my favour;
40	And that false glow-worm fire of constancy
	To your wife, extinguished by a greater light
42	Shot from our eyes − and that, it may be, (being
	Too glorious to be looked on,) hath deprived you
44	Of speech and motion: but I will take off
	A little from the splendour, and descend
46	From my own height, and in your lowness hear you
	Plead as a suppliant.
48
	Math. I do remember
50	I once saw such a woman.
52	Hon. How!
54	Math. And then
	She did appear a most magnificent queen,
56	And what's more, virtuóus, though somewhat darkened
	With pride, and self-opinion.
58
	Eubu. Call you this courtship?
60
	Math. And she was happy in a royal husband,
62	Whom envy could not tax unless it were
	For his too much indulgence to her humours.
64
	Eubu. Pray you, sir, observe that touch, 'tis to the purpose;
66	I like the play the better for't.
68	Math. And she lived
	Worthy her birth and fortune: you retain yet
70	Some part of her angelical form; but when
	Envy to the beauty of another woman,
72	Inferior to hers, one that she never
	Had seen, but in her picture, had dispersed
74	Infection through her veins, and loyalty,
	Which a great queen, as she was, should have nourished,
76	Grew odious to her −
78	Hon. I am thunderstruck.
80	Math. And lust in all the bravery it could borrow
	From majesty, howe'er disguised, had ta'en
82	Sure footing in the kingdom of her heart,
	The throne of chastity once, how, in a moment,
84	All that was gracious, great, and glorious in her,
	And won upon all hearts, like seeming shadows
86	Wanting true substance, vanished!
88	Hon. How his reasons
	Work on my soul!
90
	Math. Retire into yourself;
92	Your own strengths, madam, strongly manned with virtue,
	And be but as you were, and there's no office
94	So base, beneath the slavery that men
	Impose on beasts, but I will gladly bow to.
96	But as you play and juggle with a stranger,
	Varying your shapes like Thetis, though the beauties
98	Of all that are by poets' raptures sainted
	Were now in you united, you should pass
100	Pitied by me, perhaps, but not regarded.
102	Eubu. If this take not, I am cheated.
104	Math. To slip once
	Is incident, and excused by human frailty;
106	But to fall ever, damnable. We were both
	Guilty, I grant, in tendering our affection;
108	But, as I hope you will do, I repented.
	When we are grown up to ripeness, our life is
110	Like to this [magic] picture. While we run
	A constant race in goodness, it retains
112	The just proportion; but the journey being
	Tedious, and sweet temptation in the way,
114	That may in some degree divert us from
	The road that we put forth in, ere we end
116	Our pilgrimage, it may, like this, turn yellow,
	Or be with blackness clouded: but when we
118	Find we have gone astray, and labour to
	Return unto our never-failing guide,
120	Virtue, contrition, with unfeignèd tears,
	The spots of vice washed off, will soon restore it
122	To the first pureness.
124	Hon. I am disenchanted:
	Mercy, O mercy, heavens!
126
	[Kneels.]
128
	Ladis. I am ravished
130	With what I have seen and heard.
132	Ferd. Let us descend,
	And hear the rest below.
134
	Eubu. This hath fallen out
136	Beyond my expectation.
138	[They descend.]
140	Hon. How have I wandered
	Out of the track of piety! and misled
142	By overweening pride, and flattery
	Of fawning sycophants, (the bane of greatness,)
144	Could never meet till now a passenger,
	That in his charity would set me right,
146	Or stay me in my precipice to ruin.
	How ill have I returned your goodness to me!
148	The horror, in my thought of’t, turns me marble:
	But if it may be yet prevented −
150
	Re-enter Ladislaus, Eubulus, Ferdinand,
152	Acanthe, and others, below.
154	O sir,
	What can I do to shew my sorrow, or
156	With what brow ask your pardon?
158	Ladis. Pray you, rise.
160	Hon. Never, till you forgive me, and receive
	Unto your love and favour a changed woman:
162	My state and pride turned to humility, henceforth
	Shall wait on your commands, and my obedience
164	Steered only by your will.
166	Ladis. And that will prove
	A second and a better marriage to me.
168	All is forgotten.
170	Hon. Sir, I must not rise yet,
	Till, with a free confession of a crime
172	Unknown to you yet, and a following suit,
	Which thus I beg, be granted.
174
	Ladis. I melt with you:
176	'Tis pardoned, and confirmed thus.
178	[Raises her.]
180	Hon. Know then, sir,
	In malice to this good knight's wife, I practised
182	Ubaldo and Ricardo to corrupt her.
184	Bapt. [Aside]
	Thence grew the change of the picture.
186
	Hon. And how far
188	They have prevailed, I am ignorant: now, if you, sir,
	For the honour of this good man, may be entreated
190	To travaile thither, it being but a day's journey,
	To fetch them off −
192
	Ladis. We will put on to-night.
194
	Bapt. I, if you please, your harbinger.
196
	Ladis. I thank you. −
198	Let me embrace you in my arms; your service
	Done on the Turk, compared with this, weighs nothing.
200
	Math. I am still your humble creature.
202
	Ladis. My true friend.
204
	Ferd. And so you are bound to hold him.
206
	Eubu. Such a plant
208	Imported to your kingdom, and here grafted,
	Would yield more fruit than all the idle weeds
210	That suck up your rain of favour.
212	Ladis. In my will
	I’ll not be wanting. Prepare for our journey.
214	In act be my Honoria now, not name,
	And to all aftertimes preserve thy fame.
216
	[Exeunt.]
	ACT V.
	SCENE I.
	Bohemia.
	A Hall in Mathias’ House.
	Enter Sophia, Corisca, and Hilario.
1	Soph. Are they then so humble?
2
	Hil. Hunger and hard labour
4	Have tamed them, madam; at the first they bellowed
	Like stags ta'en in a toil, and would not work
6	For sullenness; but when they found, without it
	There was no eating, and that to starve to death
8	Was much against their stomach; by degrees,
	Against their wills, they fell to it.
10
	Coris. And now feed on
12	The little pittance you allow, with gladness.
14	Hil. I do remember that they stopped their noses
	At the sight of beef and mutton, as coarse feeding
16	For their fine palates; but now, their work being ended,
	They leap at a barley crust, and hold cheese-parings,
18	With a spoonful of palled wine poured in their water,
	For festival-exceedings.
20
	Coris. When I examine
22	My spinster's work, he trembles like a prentice,
	And takes a box on the ear, when I spy faults
24	And botches in his labour, as a favour
	From a curst mistress.
26
	Hil. The other, too, reels well
28	For his time; and if your ladyship would please
	To see them for your sport, since they want airing,
30	It would do well, in my judgment; you shall hear
	Such a hungry dialogue from them!
32
	Soph. But suppose,
34	When they are out of prison, they should grow
	Rebellious?
36
	Hil. Never fear't; I'll undertake
38	To lead them out by the nose with a coarse thread
	Of the one's spinning, and make the other reel after,
40	And without grumbling; and when you are weary of
	Their company, as easily return them.
42
	Coris. Dear madam, it will help to drive away
44	Your melancholy.
46	Soph. Well, on this assurance,
	I am content; bring them hither.
48
	Hil. I will do it
50	In stately equipage.
52	[Exit Hilario.]
54	Soph. They have confessed, then,
	They were set on by the queen, to taint me in
56	My loyalty to my lord?
58	Coris. 'Twas the main cause,
	That brought them hither.
60
	Soph. I am glad I know it;
62	And as I have begun, before I end
	I'll at the height revenge it; let us step aside,
64	They come: the object's so ridiculous,
	In spite of my sad thoughts, I cannot but
66	Lend a forced smile to grace it.
68	Re-enter Hilario, with Ubaldo spinning,
	and Ricardo reeling.
70
	Hil. Come away:
72	Work as you go, and lose no time, 'tis precious;
	You'll find it in your commons.
74
	Ric. Commons, call you it!
76	The word is proper; I have grazed so long
	Upon your commons, I am almost starved here.
78
	Hil. Work harder, and they shall be bettered.
80
	Ubald. Bettered!
82	Worser they cannot be: would I might lie
	Like a dog under her table, and serve for a footstool,
84	So I might have my belly full of that
	Her Iceland cur refuses!
86
	Hil. How do you like
88	Your airing? is it not a favour?
90	Ric. Yes;
	Just such a one as you use to a brace of greyhounds,
92	When they are led out of their kennels to scumber;
	But our case is ten times harder, we have nothing
94	In our bellies to be vented: if you will be
	An honest yeoman-fewterer, feed us first,
96	And walk us after.
98	Hil. Yeoman-fewterer!
	Such another word to your governor, and you go
100	Supperless to bed for't.
102	Ubald. Nay, even as you please;
	The comfortable names of breakfasts, dinners,
104	Collations, supper, beverage, are words
	Worn out of our remembrance.
106
	Ric. O for the steam
108	Of meat in a cook's shop!
110	Ubald. I am so dry
	I have not spittle enough to wet my fingers
112	When I draw my flax from my distaff.
114	Ric. Nor I strength
	To raise my hand to the top of my reeler . Oh!
116	I have the cramp all over me.
118	Hil. What do you think
	Were best to apply to it? A cramp-stone, as I take it,
120	Were very useful.
122	Ric. Oh! no more of stones,
	We have been used too long like hawks already.
124
	Ubald. We are not so high in our flesh now to need casting,
126	We will come to an empty fist.
128	Hil. Nay, that you shall not.
	So ho, birds! −
130
	[Holds up a piece of bread.]
132
	− How the eyasses scratch and scramble!
134	Take heed of a surfeit, do not cast your gorges;
	This is more than I have commission for; be thankful.
136
	Soph. Were all that study the abuse of women
138	Used thus, the city would not swarm with cuckolds,
	Nor so many tradesmen break.
140
	Coris. Pray you, appear now,
142	And mark the alteration.
144	[Sophia comes forward.]
146	Hil. To your work,
	My lady is in presence; shew your duties:
148	Exceeding well.
150	Soph. How do your scholars profit?
152	Hil. Hold up your heads demurely. Prettily,
	For young beginners.
154
	Coris. And will do well in time,
156	If they be kept in awe.
158	Ric. In awe! I am sure
	I quake like an aspen leaf.
160
	Ubald. No mercy, lady?
162
	Ric. Nor intermission?
164
	Soph. Let me see your work:
166	Fie upon't, what a thread's here! a poor cobbler's wife
	Would make a finer to sew a clown's rent startup;
168	And here you reel as you were drunk.
170	Ric. I am sure
	It is not with wine.
172
	Soph. O, take heed of wine;
174	Cold water is far better for your healths,
	Of which I am very tender: you had foul bodies,
176	And must continue in this physical diet,
	Till the cause of your disease be ta'en away,
178	For fear of a relapse; and that is dangerous:
	Yet I hope already that you are in some
180	Degree recovered, and that way to resolve me,
	Answer me truly; nay, what I propound
182	Concerns both; nearer: what would you now give,
	If your means were in your hands, to lie all night
184	With a fresh and handsome lady?
186	Ubald. How! a lady?
	O, I am past it; hunger with her razor
188	Hath made me an eunuch.
190	Ric. For a mess of porridge,
	Well sopped with a bunch of radish and a carrot,
192	I would sell my barony; but for women, oh!
	No more of women; not a doit for a doxy,
194	After this hungry voyage.
196	Soph. These are truly
	Good symptoms; let them not venture too much in the air,
198	Till they are weaker.
200	Ric. This is tyranny.
202	Ubald. Scorn upon scorn.
204	Soph. You were so
	in your malicióus intents to me,
206
	Enter a Servant.
208
	And therefore 'tis but justice − What's the business?
210
	Serv. My lord's great friend, signior Baptista, madam,
212	Is newly lighted from his horse, with certain
	Assurance of my lord's arrival.
214
	Soph. How?
216	And stand I trifling here? Hence with the mongrels
	To their several kennels; there let them howl in private;
218	I'll be no further troubled.
220	[Exeunt Sophia and Servant.]
222	Ubald. O that ever
	I saw this fury!
224
	Ric. Or looked on a woman
226	But as a prodigy in nature.
228	Hil. Silence;
	No more of this.
230
	Coris. Methinks you have no cause
232	To repent your being here.
234	Hil. Have you not learnt,
	When your states are spent, your several trades to live by,
236	And never charge the hospital?
238	Coris. Work but tightly,
	And we will not use a dish-clout in the house,
240	But of your spinning.
242	Ubald. O, I would this hemp
	Were turned to a halter!
244
	Hil. Will you march?
246
	Ric. A soft one,
248	Good general, I beseech you.
250	Ubald. I can hardly
	Draw my legs after me.
252
	Hil. For a crouch, you may use
254	Your distaff; a good wit makes use of all things.
256	[Exeunt.]
	ACT V, SCENE II.
	A Room in the same.
	Enter Sophia and Baptista.
1	Soph. Was he jealous of me?
2
	Bapt. There's no perfit love
4	Without some touch of’t, madam.
6	Soph. And my picture,
	Made by your devilish art, a spy upon
8	My actiöns! I ne'er sat to be drawn,
	Nor had you, sir, commission for't.
10
	Bapt. Excuse me;
12	At his earnest suit I did it.
14	Soph. Very good: −
	Was I grown so cheap in his opinion of me?
16
	Bapt. The prosperous events that crown his fortunes
18	May qualify the offence.
20	Soph. Good, the events: −
	The sanctuary fools and madmen fly to,
22	When their rash and desperate undertakings thrive well:
	But good and wise men are directed by
24	Grave counsels, and with such deliberation
	Proceed in their affairs, that chance has nothing
26	To do with them: howsoe'er, take the pains, sir,
	To meet the honour (in the king and queen's
28	Approaches to my house) that breaks upon me;
	I will expect them with my best of care.
30
	Bapt. To entertain such royal guests −
32
	Soph. I know it;
34	Leave that to me, sir.
36	[Exit Baptista.]
38	What should move the queen,
	So given to ease and pleasure, as fame speaks her,
40	To such a journey! or work on my lord
	To doubt my loyalty, nay, more, to take,
42	For the resolution of his fears, a course
	That is by holy writ denied a Christian?
44	'Twas impious in him, and perhaps the welcome
	He hopes in my embraces, may deceive
46
	[Trumpets sounded.]
48
	His expectatiön. The trumpets speak
50	The king's arrival: − help a woman's wit now,
	To make him know his fault, and my just anger!
52
	[Exit Sophia.]
	ACT V, SCENE III.
	A Hall in the Same.
	A Flourish. Enter Ladislaus, Ferdinand,
	Eubulus, Mathias, Baptista, Honoria,
	and Acanthe, with Attendants.
1	Eubu. Your majesty must be weary.
2
	Hon. No, my lord,
4	A willing mind makes a hard journey easy.
6	Math. Not Jove, attended on by Hermes, was
	More welcome to the cottage of Philemon
8	And his poor Baucis, than your gracious self,
	Your matchless queen, and all your royal train,
10	Are to your servant and his wife.
12	Ladis. Where is she?
14	Hon. I long to see her as my now-loved rival.
16	Eubu. And I to have a smack at her; 'tis a cordial
	To an old man, better than sack and a toast
18	Before he goes to supper.
20	Math. Ha! is my house turned
	To a wilderness? Nor wife nor servants ready,
22	With all rites due to majesty, to receive
	Such unexpected blessings! − You assured me
24	Of better preparatiön; hath not
	The excess of joy transported her beyond
26	Her understanding?
28	Bapt. I now parted from her,
	And gave her your directions.
30
	Math. How shall I beg
32	Your majesties' patience! sure my family's drunk,
	Or by some witch, in envy of my glory,
34	A dead sleep thrown upon them.
36	Enter Hilario and Servants.
38	Serv. Sir.
40	Math. But that
	The sacred presence of the king forbids it,
42	My sword should make a massacre among you.
	Where is your mistress?
44
	Hil. First, you are welcome home, sir:
46	Then know, she says she's sick, sir. −
	[Aside] There's no notice
48	Taken of my bravery!
50	Math. Sick at such a time!
	It cannot be: though she were on her death-bed,
52	And her spirit e'en now departed, here stand they
	Could call it back again, and in this honour,
54	Give her a second being. Bring me to her;
	I know not what to urge, or how to redeem
56	This mortgage of her manners.
58	[Exeunt Mathias, Hilario, and Servants.]
60	Eubu. There's no climate
	On the world, I think, where one jade's trick or other
62	Reigns not in women.
64	Ferd. You were ever bitter
	Against the sex.
66
	Ladis. This is very strange.
68
	Hon. Mean women
70	Have their faults, as well as queens.
72	Ladis. O, she appears now.
74	Re-enter Mathias with Sophia;
	Hilario following.
76
	Math. The injury that you conceive I have done you
78	Dispute hereafter, and in your perverseness
	Wrong not yourself and me.
80
	Soph. I am past my childhood,
82	And need no tutor.
84	Math. This is the great king,
	To whom I am engaged till death for all
86	I stand possessed of.
88	Soph. My humble roof is proud, sir,
	To be the canopy of so much greatness
90	Set off with goodness.
92	Ladis. My own praises flying
	In such pure air as your sweet breath, fair lady,
94	Cannot but please me.
96	Math. This is the queen of queens,
	In her magnificence to me.
98
	Soph. In my duty
100	I kiss her highness' robe.
102	Hon. You stoop too low
	To her whose lips would meet with yours.
104
	[Kisses her.]
106
	Soph. Howe'er
108	It may appear preposterous in women
	So to encounter, 'tis your pleasure, madam,
110	And not my proud ambition. –
	[Aside to Mathias] Do you hear, sir?
112	Without a magical picture, in the touch
	I find your print of close and wanton kisses
114	On the queen's lips.
116	Math. Upon your life be silent:
	And now salute these lords.
118
	Soph. Since you will have me,
120	You shall see I am experienced at the game,
	And can play it tightly.
122	[To Ferdinand] You are a brave man, sir,
	And do deserve a free and hearty welcome:
124	Be this the prologue to it.
126	[Kisses him.]
128	Eubu. An old man's turn
	Is ever last in kissing. − I have lips too,
130	However cold ones, madam.
132	Soph. I will warm them
	With the fire of mine.
134
	[Kisses him.]
136
	Eubu. And so she has! I thank you,
138	I shall sleep the better all night for't.
140	Math. [Aside to Sophia] You express
	The boldness of a wanton courtezan,
142	And not a matron's modesty; take up,
	Or you are disgraced for ever.
144
	Soph. How? with kissing
146	Feelingly, as you taught me? would you have me
	Turn my cheek to them, as proud ladies use
148	To their inferiors, as if they intended
	Some business should be whispered in their ear,
150	And not a salutation? what I do,
	I will do freely; now I am in the humour,
152	I'll fly at all: are there any more?
154	Math. Forbear,
	Or you will raise my anger to a height
156	That will descend in fury.
158	Soph. Why? you know
	How to resolve yourself what my intents are,
160	By the help of Mephostophilus, and your picture:
	Pray you, look upon't again. I humbly thank
162	The queen's great care of me while you were absent.
	She knew how tedious 'twas for a young wife,
164	And being for that time a kind of widow,
	To pass away her melancholy hours
166	Without good company, and in charity, therefore,
	Provided for me: out of her own store,
168	She culled the lords Ubaldo and Ricardo,
	Two principal courtiers for ladies' service,
170	To do me all good offices; and as such
	Employed by her, I hope I have received
172	And entertained them; nor shall they depart
	Without the effect arising from the cause
174	That brought them hither.
176	Math. Thou dost belie thyself:
	I know that in my absence thou wert honest,
178	However now turned monster.
180	Soph. The truth is,
	We did not deal, like you, in speculations
182	On cheating pictures; we knew shadows were
	No substances, and actual performance
184	The best assurance. I will bring them hither,
	To make good in this presence so much for me.
186	Some minutes space I beg your majesties' pardon. −
	You are moved now: champ upon this bit a little,
188	Anon you shall have another. − Wait me, Hilario.
190	[Exeunt Sophia and Hilario.]
192	Ladis. How now? turned statue, sir!
194	Math. Fly, and fly quickly,
	From this cursed habitation, or this Gorgon
196	Will make you all as I am. In her tongue
	Millions of adders hiss, and every hair
198	Upon her wicked head a snake more dreadful
	Than that Tisiphone threw on Athamas,
200	Which in his madness forced him to dismember
	His proper issue. O that ever I
202	Reposed my trust in magic, or believed
	Impossibilities! or that charms had power
204	To sink and search into the bottomless hell
	Of a false woman's heart!
206
	Eubu. These are the fruits
208	Of marriage! an old bachelor as I am,
	And, what's more, will continue so, is not troubled
210	With these fine fagaries.
212	Ferd. Till you are resolved, sir,
	Forsake not hope.
214
	Bapt. Upon my life, this is
216	Dissimulation.
218	Ladis. And it suits not with
	Your fortitude and wisdom to be thus
220	Transported with your passion.
222	Hon. You were once
	Deceived in me, sir, as I was in you;
224	Yet the deceit pleased both.
226	Math. She hath confessed all;
	What further proof should I ask?
228
	Hon. Yet remember
230	The distance that is interposed between
	A woman's tongue and her heart; and you must grant,
232	You build upon no certainties.
234	Re-enter Sophia, Corisca, and Hilario,
	with Ubaldo and Ricardo in rags,
236	spinning and reeling, as before.
238	Eubu. What have we here?
240	Soph. You must come on, and shew yourselves.
242	Ubald. The king!
244	Ric. And queen too! would I were as far under the earth
	As I am above it!
246
	Ubald. Some poet will,
248	From this relation, or in verse or prose,
	Or both together blended, render us
250	Ridiculous to all ages.
252	Ladis. I remember
	This face, when it was in a better plight:
254	Are not you Ricardo?
256	Hon. And this thing, I take it,
	Was once Ubaldo.
258
	Ubald. I am now I know not what.
260
	Ric. We thank your majesty for employing us
262	To this subtle Circe.
264	Eubu. How, my lord! turned spinster!
	Do you work by the day, or by the great?
266
	Ferd. Is your theorbo
268	Turned to a distaff, signior? and your voice,
	With which you chanted, Room for a lusty gallant!
270	Tuned to the note of Lachrymae?
272	Eubu. Prithee tell me,
	For I know thou'rt free, how oft, and to the purpose,
274	You've been merry with this lady.
276	Ric. Never, never.
278	Ladis. Howsoever, you should say so for your credit,
	Being the only court-bull.
280
	Ubald. O, that ever
282	I saw this kicking heifer!
284	Soph. You see, madam,
	How I have cured your servants, and what favours
286	They with their rampant valour have won from me.
	You may, as they are physic’d, I presume,
288	Trust a fair virgin with them; they have learned
	Their several trades to live by, and paid nothing
290	But cold and hunger for them: and may now
	Set up for themselves, for here I give them over. −
292	And now to you, sir; why do you not again
	Peruse your picture, and take the advice
294	Of your learnèd consort? these are the men, or none,
	That made you, as the Italian says, a becco.
296
	Math. I know not which way to entreat your pardon,
298	Nor am I worthy of it. My Sophia,
	My best Sophia; here before the king,
300	The queen, these lords, and all the lookers on,
	I do renounce my error, and embrace you,
302	As the great example to all aftertimes,
	For such as would die chaste and noble wives,
304	With reverence to imitate.
306	Soph. Not so, sir;
	I yet hold off. However I have purged
308	My doubted innocence, the foul aspersions,
	In your unmanly doubts, cast on my honour,
310	Cannot so soon be washed off.
312	Eubu. Shall we have
	More jiggobobs yet?
314
	Soph. When you went to the wars,
316	I set no spy upon you, to observe
	Which way you wandered, though our sex by nature
318	Is subject to suspiciöns and fears;
	My confidence in your loyalty freed me from them.
320	But, to deal as you did, 'gainst your religion,
	With this enchanter, to survey my actions,
322	Was more than woman's weakness; therefore know,
	And 'tis my boon unto the king, I do
324	Desire a separation from your bed;
	For I will spend the remnant of my life
326	In prayer and meditation.
328	Math. O take pity
	Upon my weak condition, or I am
330	More wretched in your innocence, than if
	I had found you guilty. Have you shown a jewel
332	Out of the cabinet of your rich mind,
	To lock it up again? − She turns away.
334	Will none speak for me? shame and sin hath robbed me
	Of the use of my tongue.
336
	Ladis. Since you have conquered, madam,
338	You wrong the glory of your victory,
	If you use it not with mercy.
340
	Ferd. Any penance
342	You please to impose upon him, I dare warrant
	He will gladly suffer.
344
	Eubu. Have I lived to see
346	But one good woman, and shall we for a trifle,
	Have her turn nun? I will first pull down the cloister.
348	To the old sport again, with a good luck to you!
	‘Tis not alone enough that you are good,
350	We must have some of the breed of you: will you destroy
	The kind and race of goodness? I am converted,
352	And ask your pardon, madam, for my ill opinion
	Against the sex; and shew me but two such more,
354	I'll marry yet, and love them.
356	Hon. She that yet
	Ne'er knew what 'twas to bend but to the king,
358	Thus begs remission for him.
360	Soph. O, dear madam,
	Wrong not your greatness so.
362
	Omnes. We are all suitors.
364
	Ubald. I do deserve to be hard among the rest.
366
	Ric. And we have suffered for it.
368
	Soph. I perceive
370	There's no resistance: but, suppose I pardon
	What's past, who can secure me he'll be free
372	From jealousy hereafter?
374	Math. I will be
	My own security: go, ride, where you please;
376	Feast, revel, banquet, and make choice with whom,
	I'll set no watch upon you; and, for proof of it,
378	This cursèd picture I surrender up
	To a consuming fire.
380
	Bapt. As I abjure
382	The practice of my art.
384	Soph. Upon these terms
	I am reconciled; and for these that have paid
386	The price of their folly, I desire your mercy.
388	Ladis. At your request they have it.
390	Ubald. Hang all trades now!
392	Ric. I will find a new one, and that is, to live honest.
394	Hil. These are my fees.
396	Ubald. Pray you, take them, with a mischief!
398	Ladis. So, all ends in peace now.
	And, to all married men, be this a caution,
400	Which they should duly tender as their life,
	Neither to dote too much, nor doubt a wife.
402
	[Exeunt Omnes.]
	FINIS