DAMON AND PITHIAS
	By Richard Edwards
	First Published 1571
	Newly Imprinted, as the same was shewed Be- fore the Queenes Maiestie, by the Children of her Graces Chappell, except the Prologue that is somewhat al- tered for the proper vse of them that hereafter shall haue occasion to plaie it, either in Priuate, or open Audience. Made by Maister Edwards, then beynge Maister of the Children. 1571.
	The Speakers’ Names:
	The Foreigners:
	Damon, a Gentleman of Greece.
	Pithias, a Gentleman of Greece.
	Stephano, Servant to Damon And Pithias.
	The Syracusans:
	Dionysius, the King of Syracuse.
	Eubulus, the King's Councillor.
	Aristippus, A Pleasant Gentleman.
	Will, Aristippus' Lackey.
	Carisophus, A Parasite.
	Jack, Carisophus' Lackey.
	Snap, the Porter.
	Gronno, The Hangman.
	Grim, The Collier.
	Settings, Scenes, Asides and Stage Directions.
	The entire play takes place in Syracuse in Sicily. All scene settings are the suggestion of the editor. The original quarto of Damon and Pithias did not assign scene numbers to the play; these have been added by your present editor. The original quarto does not indicate asides; the present edition adopts those suggested by Farmer. 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 Farmer.
	THE PROLOGUE.
1	ON every side, whereas I glance my roving eye,
2	Silence in all ears bent I plainly do espy:
	But if your eager looks do long such toys to see,
4	As heretofore in comical wise were wont abroad to be,
	Your lust is lost, and all the pleasures that you sought
6	Is frustrate quite of toying plays. A sudden change is wrought:
	For lo, our author's muse, that maskèd in delight,
8	Hath forced his pen against his kind no more such sports to write.
	Muse he that lust (right worshipful), for chance hath made this change,
10	For that to some he seemed too much in young desires to range:
	In which, right glad to please, seeing that he did offend,
12	Of all he humbly pardon craves: his pen that shall amend.
	And yet (worshipful audience) thus much I dare avouch,
14	In comedies the greatest skill is this, rightly to touch
	All things to the quick; and eke to frame each person so,
16	That by his common talk you may his nature rightly know.
	A roister ought not preach, that were too strange to hear;
18	But as from virtue he doth swerve, so ought his words appear:
	The old man is sober, the young man rash, the lover triumphing in toys;
20	The matron grave, the harlot wild, and full of wanton toys.
	Which all in one course they no wise do agree;
22	So correspondent to their kind their speeches ought to be.
	Which speeches well-pronounced, with action lively framed,
24	If this offend the lookers on, let Horace then be blamed,
	Which hath our author taught at school, from whom he doth not swerve,
26	In all such kind of exercise decorum to observe.
	Thus much for his defence (he saith), as poets erst have done,
28	Which heretofore in comedies the self-same race did run.
	But now for to be brief, the matter to express,
30	Which here we shall present, is this: Damon and Pithias.
	A rare ensample of friendship true − it is no legend-lie,
32	But a thing once done indeed, as histories do descry −
	Which done of yore in long time past, yet present shall be here,
34	Even as it were in doing now, so lively it shall appear.
	Lo, here in Syracusae th' ancient town, which once the Romans won,
36	Here Dionysius' palace, within whose court this thing most strange was done.
	Which matter mixed with mirth and care, a just name to apply,
38	As seems most fit, we have it termed a tragical comedy,
	Wherein talking of courtly toys − we do protest this flat! −
40	We talk of Dionysius’ court, we mean no court but that.
	And that we do so mean, who wisely calleth to mind
42	The time, the place, the author, here most plainly shall it find.
	Lo, this I speak for our defence, lest of others we should be shent:
44	But, worthy audience, we you pray, take things as they be meant;
	Whose upright judgment we do crave with heedful ear and eye
46	To hear the cause and see th' effect of this new tragical comedy.
48	[Exit.]
	SCENE I.
	In Town.
	Here entereth Aristippus.
1	Arist. Too strange (perhaps) it seems to some
2	That I, Aristippus, a courtier am become:
	A philosopher of late, not of the meanest name,
4	But now to the courtly behaviour my life I frame.
	Muse he that lust; to you of good skill
6	I say that I am a philosopher still.
	Lovers of wisdom are termed philosophy −
8	Then who is a philosopher so rightly as I?
	For in loving of wisdom proof doth this try,
10	That frustra sapit, qui non sapit sibi.
	I am wise for myself: then tell me of troth,
12	Is not that great wisdom, as the world go'th?
	Some philosophers in the street go ragged and torn,
14	And feeds on vile roots, whom boys laugh to scorn:
	But I in fine silks haunt Dionysius' palace,
16	Wherein with dainty fare myself I do solace.
	I can talk of philosophy as well as the best,
18	But the strait kind of life I leave to the rest.
	And I profess now the courtly philosophy,
20	To crouch, to speak fair, myself I apply
	To feed the king's humour with pleasant devices,
22	For which I am called Regius canis.
	But wot ye who named me first the king's dog?
24	It was the rogue Diogenes, that vile grunting hog.
	Let him roll in his tub, to win a vain praise:
26	In the court pleasantly I will spend all my days;
	Wherein what to do I am not to learn,
28	What will serve mine own turn I can quickly discern.
	All my time at school I have not spent vainly,
30	I can help one: is not that a good point of philosophy?
32	Here entereth Carisophus.
34	Caris. I beshrew your fine ears, since you came from school,
	In the court you have made many a wise man a fool:
36	And though you paint out your feigned philosophy,
	So God help me, it is but a plain kind of flattery,
38	Which you use so finely in so pleasant a sort,
	That none but Aristippus now makes the king sport.
40	Ere you came hither, poor I was somebody;
	The king delighted in me, now I am but a noddy.
42
	Arist. In faith, Carisophus, you know yourself best,
44	But I will not call you noddy, but only in jest.
	And thus I assure you, though I came from school
46	To serve in this court, I came not yet to be the king's fool;
	Or to fill his ears with servile squirrility.
48	That office is yours, you know it right perfectly.
	Of parasites and sycophants you are a grave bencher,
50	The king feeds you often from his own trencher.
	I envy not your state, nor yet your great favour −
52	Then grudge not at all, if in my behaviour
	I make the king merry with pleasant urbanity,
54	Whom I never abused to any man's injury.
56	Caris. By Cock, sir, yet in the court you do best thrive,
	For you get more in one day than I do in five.
58
	Arist. Why, man, in the court do you not see
60	Rewards given for virtue to every degree?
	To reward the unworthy − that world is done:
62	The court is changed, a good thread hath been spun
	Of dog's wool heretofore; and why? because it was liked,
64	And not for that it was best trimmed and picked:
	But now men's ears are finer, such gross toys are not set by;
66	Therefore to a trimmer kind of mirth myself I apply:
	Wherein though I please, it cometh not of my desert,
68	But of the king's favour.
70	Caris. It may so be; yet in your prosperity
	Despise not an old courtier: Carisophus is he,
72	Which hath long time fed Dionysius' humour:
	Diligently to please still at hand: there was never rumour
74	Spread in this town of any small thing, but I
	Brought it to the king in post by and by.
76	Yet now I crave your friendship, which if I may attain,
	Most sure and unfeigned friendship I promise you again:
78	So we two linked in friendship, brother and brother,
	Full well in the court may help one another.
80
	Arist. By'r Lady, Carisophus, though you know not philosophy,
82	Yet surely you are a better courtier than I:
	And yet I not so evil a courtier, that will seem to despise
84	Such an old courtier as you, so expert and so wise.
	But where as you crave mine, and offer your friendship so willingly,
86	With heart I give you thanks for this your great courtesy:
	Assuring of friendship both with tooth and nail,
88	Whiles life lasteth, never to fail.
90	Caris. A thousand thanks I give you, O friend Aristippus.
92	Arist. O friend Carisophus.
94	Caris. How joyful am I, sith I have to friend Aristippus now!
96	Arist. None so glad of Carisophus' friendship as I, I make God a vow.
	I speak as I think, believe me.
98
	Caris. Sith we are now so friendly joined, it seemeth to me
100	That one of us help each other in every degree:
	Prefer you my cause, when you are in presence,
102	To further your matters to the king let me alone in your absence.
104	Arist. Friend Carisophus, this shall be done as you would wish:
	But I pray you tell me thus much by the way,
106	Whither now from this place will you take your journey?
108	Caris. I will not dissemble; that were against friendship.
	I go into the city some knaves to nip
110	For talk, with their goods to increase the king's treasure −
	In such kind of service I set my chief pleasure:
112	Farewell, friend Aristippus, now for a time.
114	[Exit Carisophus.]
116	Arist. Adieu, friend Carisophus − in good faith now,
	Of force I must laugh at this solemn vow.
118	Is Aristippus linked in friendship with Carisophus?
	Quid cum tanto asino talis philosophus?
120	They say, Morum similitudo consultat amicitias;
	Then how can this friendship between us two come to pass?
122	We are as like in condition as Jack Fletcher and his bolt;
	I brought up in learning, but he is a very dolt
124	As touching good letters; but otherwise such a crafty knave,
	If you seek a whole region, his like you cannot have:
126	A villain for his life, a varlet dyed in grain,
	You lose money by him if you sell him for one knave, for he serves for twain:
128	A flattering parasite, a sycophant also,
	A common accuser of men, to the good an open foe.
130	Of half a word he can make a legend of lies,
	Which he will avouch with such tragical cries,
132	As though all were true that comes out of his mouth.
	Where, indeed, to be hanged by and by,
134	He cannot tell one tale but twice he must lie.
	He spareth no man's life to get the king's favour,
136	In which kind of service he hath got such a savour
	That he will never leave. Methink then that I
138	Have done very wisely to join in friendship with him, lest perhaps I
	Coming in his way might be nipped; for such knaves in presence
140	We see ofttimes put honest men to silence:
	Yet I have played with his beard in knitting this knot:
142	I promised friendship; but − you love few words − I spake it, but I meant it not.
	Who marks this friendship between us two
144	Shall judge of the worldly friendship without any more ado.
	It may be a right patron thereof; but true friendship indeed
146	Of nought but of virtue doth truly proceed.
	But why do I now enter into philosophy
148	Which do profess the fine kind of courtesy?
	I will hence to the court with all haste I may;
150	I think the king be stirring, it is now bright day.
	To wait at a pinch still in sight I mean,
152	For wot ye what? a new broom sweeps clean.
	As to high honour I mind not to climb,
154	So I mean in the court to lose no time:
	Wherein, happy man be his dole, I trust that I
156	Shall not speed worst, and that very quickly.
158	[Exit.]
	SCENE II.
	In Town.
	Here entereth Damon and Pithias like mariners.
1	Damon. O Neptune, immortal be thy praise,
2	For that so safe from Greece we have passed the seas
	To this noble city Syracusae, where we
4	The ancient reign of the Romans may see.
	Whose force Greece also heretofore hath known,
6	Whose virtue the shrill trump of fame so far hath blown.
8	Pith. My Damon, of right high praise we ought to give
	To Neptune and all the gods, that we safely did arrive:
10	The seas, I think, with contrary winds never raged so;
	I am even yet so seasick that I faint as I go;
12	Therefore let us get some lodging quickly.
	But where is Stephano?
14
	Here entereth Stephano.
16
	Steph. Not far hence: a pox take these mariner-knaves;
18	Not one would help me to carry this stuff; such drunken slaves
	I think be accursed of the gods' own mouths.
20
	Damon. Stephano, leave thy raging, and let us enter Syracusae,
22	We will provide lodging, and thou shalt be eased of thy burden by and by.
24	Steph. Good master, make haste, for I tell you plain
	This heavy burden puts poor Stephano to much pain.
26
	Pith. Come on thy ways, thou shalt be eased, and that anon.
28
	[Exeunt.]
	SCENE III.
	In Town.
	Enter Carisophus.
1	Caris. It is a true saying, that oft hath been spoken,
2	The pitcher goeth so long to the water that he cometh home broken.
	My own proof this hath taught me, for truth, sith I
4	In the city have used to walk very slyly,
	Not with one can I meet, that will in talk join with me,
6	And to creep into men's bosoms, some talk for to snatch,
	By which into one trip or other, I might trimly them catch,
8	And so accuse them − now, not with one can I meet
	That will join in talk with me, I am shunned like a devil in the street.
10	My credit is cracked where I am known; but yet I hear say,
	Certain strangers are arrived, they were a good prey.
12	If happily I might meet with them, I fear not, I,
	But in talk I should trip them, and that very finely.
14	Which thing, I assure you, I do for mine own gain,
	Or else I would not plod thus up and down, I tell you plain.
16	Well, I will for a while to the court, to see
	What Aristippus doth; I would be loth in favour he should overrun me;
18	He is a subtle child, he flattereth so finely, that I fear me
	He will lick all the fat from my lips, and so outweary me.
20	Therefore I will not be long absent, but at hand,
	That all his fine drifts I may understand.
22
	[Exit.]
	SCENE IV.
	In Town.
	Here entereth Will and Jack.
1	Will. I wonder what my master Aristippus means now-a-days,
2	That he leaveth philosophy, and seeks to please
	King Dionysius with such merry toys:
4	In Dionysius' court now he only joys,
	As trim a courtier as the best,
6	Ready to answer, quick in taunts, pleasant to jest;
	A lusty companion to devise with fine dames,
8	Whose humour to feed his wily wit he frames.
10	Jack. By Cock, as you say, your master is a minion:
	A foul coil he keeps in this court; Aristippus alone
12	Now rules the roast with his pleasant devices,
	That I fear he will put out of conceit my master Carisophus.
14
	Will. Fear not that, Jack; for, like brother and brother,
16	They are knit in true friendship the one with the other;
	They are fellows, you know, and honest men both,
18	Therefore the one to hinder the other they will be loth.
20	Jack. Yea, but I have heard say there is falsehood in fellowship,
	In the court sometimes one gives another finely the slip:
22	Which when it is spied, it is laughed out with a scoff,
	And with sporting and playing quietly shaken off:
24	In which kind of toying thy master hath such a grace,
	That he will never blush, he hath a wooden face.
26	But, Will, my master hath bees in his head;
	If he find me here prating I am but dead.
28	He is still trotting in the city, there is somewhat in the wind;
	His looks bewray his inward troubled mind.
30	Therefore I will be packing to the court by and by;
	If he be once angry, Jack shall cry, woe the pie!
32
	Will. By'r Lady, if I tarry long here, of the same sauce shall I taste,
34	For my master sent me on an errand, and bade me make haste;
	Therefore we will depart together.
36
	[Exeunt.]
	SCENE V.
	In Town.
	Here entereth Stephano.
1	Steph. Ofttimes I have heard, before I came hether,
2	That no man can serve two masters together;
	A sentence so true, as most men do take it,
4	At any time false that no man can make it:
	And yet by their leave, that first have it spoken,
6	How that may prove false, even here I will open:
	For I, Stephano, lo, so named by my father,
8	At this time serve two masters together,
	And love them alike: the one and the other
10	I duly obey, I can do no other.
	A bondman I am, so nature hath wrought me,
12	One Damon of Greece, a gentleman, bought me.
	To him I stand bound, yet serve I another,
14	Whom Damon my master loves as his own brother:
	A gentleman too, and Pithias he is named,
16	Fraught with virtue, whom vice never defamed.
	These two, since at school they fell acquainted,
18	In mutual friendship at no time have fainted.
	But lovèd so kindly and friendly each other,
20	As though they were brothers by father and mother.
	Pythagoras' learning these two have embraced,
22	Which both are in virtue so narrowly laced,
	That all their whole doings do fall to this issue,
24	To have no respect but only to virtue:
	All one in effect, all one in their going,
26	All one in their study, all one in their doing.
	These gentlemen both, being of one condition,
28	Both alike of my service have all the fruition:
	Pithias is joyful, if Damon be pleased:
30	If Pithias be served, then Damon is eased.
	Serve one, serve both (so near), who would win them:
32	I think they have but one heart between them.
	In travelling countries we three have contrived
34	Full many a year, and this day arrived
	At Syracusae in Sicilia, that ancient town,
36	Where my masters are lodged; and I up and down
	Go seeking to learn what news here are walking
38	To hark of what things the people are talking.
	I like not this soil, for as I go plodding,
40	I mark there two, there three, their heads always nodding,
	In close secret wise, still whispering together.
42	If I ask any question, no man doth answer:
	But shaking their heads, they go their ways speaking;
44	I mark how with tears their wet eyes are leaking;
	Some strangeness there is, that breedeth this musing.
46	Well, I will to my masters, and tell of their using,
	That they may learn, and walk wisely together:
48	I fear we shall curse the time we came hether.
50	Exit.
	SCENE VI.
	The Palace.
	Here entereth Aristippus and Will.
1	Arist. Will, didst thou hear the ladies so talk of me?
2	What aileth them? from their nips shall I never be free?
4	Will. Good faith, sir, all the ladies in the court do plainly report
	That without mention of them you can make no sport:
6	They are your plain-song to sing descant upon;
	If they were not, your mirth were gone.
8	Therefore, master, jest no more with women in any wise;
	If you do, by Cock, you are like to know the price.
10
	Arist. By'r Lady, Will, this is good counsel: plainly to jest
12	Of women, proof hath taught me, it is not the best:
	I will change my copy, howbeit I care not a quinch;
14	I know the galled horse will soonest winch:
	But learn thou secretly what privily they talk
16	Of me in the court: among them slyly walk,
	And bring me true news thereof.
18
	Will. I will sir, master thereof have no doubt, for I
20	Where they talk of you will inform you perfectly.
22	Arist. Do so, my boy: if thou bring it finely to pass,
	For thy good service thou shalt go in thine old coat at Christmas.
24
	[Exeunt.]
	SCENE VII.
	In Town.
	Enter Damon, Pithias, Stephano.
1	Damon. Stephano, is all this true that thou hast told me?
2
	Steph. Sir, for lies hitherto ye never controlled me.
4	O, that we had never set foot on this land,
	Where Dionysius reigns with so bloody a hand!
6	Every day he showeth some token of cruelty,
	With blood he hath filled all the streets in the city:
8	I tremble to hear the people's murmuring,
	I lament to see his most cruel dealing:
10	I think there is no such tyrant under the sun.
	O, my dear masters, this morning what hath he done!
12
	Damon. What is that? tell us quickly.
14
	Steph. As I this morning passed in the street,
16	With a woful man (going to his death) did I meet.
	Many people followed, and I of one secretly
18	Asked the cause, why he was condemned to die.
	[Who] whispered in mine ear, nought hath he done but thus,
20	In his sleep he dreamed he had killed Dionysius:
	Which dream told abroad, was brought to the king in post,
22	By whom, condemned for suspicion, his life he hath lost,
	Marcia was his name, as the people said.
24
	Pith. My dear friend Damon, I blame not Stephano
26	For wishing we had not come hither, seeing it is so,
	That for so small cause such cruel death doth ensue.
28
	Damon. My Pithias, where tyrants reign, such cases are not new,
30	Which fearing their own state for great cruelty,
	To sit fast as they think, do execute speedily
32	All such as any light suspicion have tainted.
34	Steph. [Aside] With such quick carvers I list not be acquainted.
36	Damon. So are they never in quiet, but in suspicion still,
	When one is made away, they take occasion another to kill:
38	Ever in fear, having no trusty friend, void of all peoples' love,
	And in their own conscience a continual hell they prove.
40
	Pith. As things by their contraries are always best proved,
42	How happy are then merciful princes, of their people beloved!
	Having sure friends everywhere, no fear doth touch them:
44	They may safely spend the day pleasantly, at night securè dormiunt in utramque aurem.
	O my Damon, if choice were offered me, I would choose to be Pithias,
46	As I am (Damon's friend) rather than to be King Dionysius.
48	Steph. And good cause why; for you are entirely beloved of one,
	And as far as I hear, Dionysius is beloved of none.
50
	Damon. That state is most miserable; thrice happy are we,
52	Whom true love hath joined in perfect amity:
	Which amity first sprung − without vaunting be it spoken, that is true −
54	Of likeness of manners, took root by company, and now is conserved by virtue;
	Which virtue always through worldly things do not frame,
56	Yet doth she achieve to her followers immortal fame:
	Whereof if men were careful for virtue's sake only,
58	They would honour friendship, and not for commodity.
	But such as for profit in friendship do link,
60	When storms come, they slide away sooner than a man will think.
	My Pithias, the sum of my talk falls to this issue,
62	To prove no friendship is sure, but that which is grounded on virtue.
64	Pith. My Damon, of this thing there needs no proof to me,
	The gods forbid, but that Pithias with Damon in all things should agree.
66	For why is it said, Amicus alter ipse,
	But that true friends should be two in body, but one in mind?
68	As it were, one transformed into another? which against kind
	Though it seem, yet in good faith, when I am alone,
70	I forget I am Pithias, methinks I am Damon.
72	Steph. [Aside] That could I never do, to forget myself; full well I know,
	Wheresoever I go, that I am pauper Stephano: −
74	But I pray you, sir, for all your philosophy,
	See that in this court you walk very wisely.
76	You are but newly come hither; being strangers, ye know
	Many eyes are bent on you in the streets as ye go:
78	Many spies are abroad, you can not be too circumspect.
80	Damon. Stephano, because thou art careful of me, thy master, I do thee praise:
	Yet think this for a surety: no state to displease
82	By talk or otherwise my friend and I intend: we will here,
	As men that come to see the soil and manners of all men of every degree.
84	Pythagoras said, that this world was like a stage,
	Whereon many play their parts: the lookers-on, the sage.
86	Philosophers are, saith he, whose part is to learn
	The manners of all nations, and the good from the bad to discern.
88
	Steph. Good faith, sir, concerning the people they are not gay,
90	And as far as I see, they be mummers; for nought they say,
	For the most part, whatsoever you ask them.
92	The soil is such, that to live here I cannot like.
94	Damon. Thou speakest according to thy learning, but I say,
	Omnis solum fortis patria, a wise man may live everywhere;
96	Therefore, my dear friend Pithias,
	Let us view this town in every place,
98	And then consider the people's manners also.
100	Pith. As you will, my Damon; − but how say you, Stephano?
	Is it not best, ere we go further, to take some repast?
102
	Steph. In faith, I like well this question, sir: for all your haste,
104	To eat somewhat I pray you think it no folly;
	It is high dinner time, I know by my belly.
106
	Damon. Then let us to our lodging depart: when dinner is done,
108	We will view this city as we have begun.
110	[Exeunt.]
	SCENE VIII.
	In Town.
	Here entereth Carisophus.
1	Caris. Once again in hope of good wind, I hoise up my sail,
2	I go into the city to find some prey for mine avail:
	I hunger while I may see these strangers that lately
4	Arrived: I were safe, if once I might meet them happily.
	Let them bark that lust at this kind of gain,
6	He is a fool that for his profit will not pain:
	Though it be joined with other men's hurt, I care not at all:
8	For profit I will accuse any man, hap what shall.
	But soft, sirs, I pray you hush: what are they that comes here?
10	By their apparel and countenance some strangers they appear.
	I will shroud myself secretly, even here for a while,
12	To hear all their talk, that I may them beguile.
14	Here entereth Damon and Stephano.
16	Steph. A short horse soon curried; my belly waxeth thinner,
	I am as hungry now, as when I went to dinner:
18	Your philosophical diet is so fine and small
	That you may eat your dinner and supper at once, and not surfeit at all.
20
	Damon. Stephano, much meat breeds heaviness: thin diet makes thee light.
22
	Steph. I may be lighter thereby, but I shall never run the faster.
24
	Damon. I have had sufficiently discourse of amity,
26	Which I had at dinner with Pithias; and his pleasant company
	Hath fully satisfied me: it doth me good to feed mine eyes on him.
28
	Steph. Course or discourse, your course is very coarse; for all your talk
30	You had but one bare course, and that was pike, rise, and walk.
	And surely, for all your talk of philosophy,
32	I never heard that a man with words could fill his belly.
	Feed your eyes, quoth you? the reason from my wisdom swerveth,
34	I stared on you both, and yet my belly starveth.
36	Damon. Ah, Stephano, small diet maketh a fine memory.
38	Steph. I care not for your crafty sophistry.
	You two are fine, let me be fed like a gross knave still;
40	I pray you, licence me for a while to have my will,
	At home to tarry, whiles you take view of this city!
42	To find some odd victuals in a corner I am very witty.
44	Damon. At your pleasure, sir: I will wait on myself this day;
	Yet attend upon Pithias, which for a purpose tarrieth at home:
46	So doing, you wait upon me also.
48	Steph. With wings on my feet I go.
50	[Exit Stephano.]
52	Damon. Not in vain the poet saith, Naturam furcâ expellas, tamen usque recurret;
	For train up a bondman to never so good a behaviour,
54	Yet in some point of servility he will savour:
	As this Stephano, trusty to me his master, loving and kind,
56	Yet touching his belly a very bondman I him find.
	He is to be borne withal, being so just and true,
58	I assure you, I would not change him for no new. −
	But methinks this is a pleasant city;
60	The seat is good, and yet not strong; and that is great pity.
62	Caris. [Aside] I am safe, he is mine own.
64	Damon. The air subtle and fine, the people should be witty
	That dwell under this climate in so pure a region:
66	A trimmer plot I have not seen in my peregrination.
	Nothing misliketh me in this country,
68	But that I heard such muttering of cruelty:
	Fame reporteth strange things of Dionysius,
70	But kings' matters passing our reach, pertain not to us.
72	[Carisophus comes forward.]
74	Caris. Dionysius, quoth you? since the world began,
	In Sicilia never reigned so cruel a man:
76	A despiteful tyrant to all men; I marvel, I,
	That none makes him away, and that suddenly.
78
	Damon. My friend, the gods forbid so cruel a thing
80	That any man should lift up his sword against the king!
	Or seek other means by death him to prevent,
82	Whom to rule on earth the mighty gods have sent.
	But, my friend, leave off this talk of King Dionysius.
84
	Caris. Why, sir? he cannot hear us.
86
	Damon. What then? An nescis longas regibus esse manus?
88	It is no safe talking of them that strikes afar off.
	But leaving kings' matters, I pray you show me this courtesy,
90	To describe in few words the state of this city.
	A traveller I am, desirous to know
92	The state of each country, wherever I go:
	Not to the hurt of any state, but to get experience thereby.
94	It is not for nought, that the poet doth cry,
	Die mihi musa virum, captae post tempore Trojae,
96	Qui mores hominum multorum vidit et urbes.
	In which verses, as some writers do scan,
98	The poet describeth a perfect wise man:
	Even so I, being a stranger, addicted to philosophy,
100	To see the state of countries myself I apply.
102	Caris. Sir, I like this intent, but may I ask your name without scorn?
104	Damon. My name is Damon, well known in my country, a gentleman born.
106	Caris. You do wisely to search the state of each country
	To bear intelligence thereof, whither you lust. −
108	[Aside] He is a spy. −
	Sir, I pray you, have patience awhile, for I have to do hereby:
110	View this weak part of this city as you stand, and I very quickly
	Will return to you again, and then will I show
112	The state of all this country, and of the court also.
114	[Exit Carisophus.]
116	Damon. I thank you for your courtesy. This chanceth well that I
	Met with this gentleman so happily,
118	Which, as it seemeth, misliketh something,
	Else he would not talk so boldly of the king,
120	And that to a stranger: but lo, where he comes in haste.
122	Enter Carisophus and Snap.
124	Caris. This is he, fellow Snap, snap him up: away with him.
126	Snap. Good fellow, thou must go with me to the court.
128	Damon. To the court, sir? and why?
130	Caris. Well, we will dispute that before the king. Away with him quickly.
132	Damon. Is this the courtesy you promised me, and that very lately?
134	Caris. Away with him, I say.
136	Damon. Use no violence, I will go with you quietly.
138	[Exeunt omnes.]
	SCENE IX.
	The Palace.
	Here entereth Aristippus.
1	Arist. Ah, sirrah, by'r Lady, Aristippus likes Dionysius’ court very well,
2	Which in passing joys and pleasures doth excel.
	Where he hath dapsiles caenas, geniales lectos, et auro,
4	Fulgentem tyranni zonam.
	I have plied the harvest, and stroke when the iron was hot;
6	When I spied my time, I was not squeamish to crave, God wot!
	But with some pleasant toy I crept into the king's bosom,
8	For which Dionysius gave me Auri talentum magnum −
	A large reward for so simple services.
10	What then? the king's praise standeth chiefly in bountifulness:
	Which thing though I told the king very pleasantly,
12	Yet can I prove it by good writers of great antiquity:
	But that shall not need at this time, since that I have abundantly:
14	When I lack hereafter, I will use this point of philosophy:
	But now, whereas I have felt the king's liberality,
16	As princely as it came, I will spend it as regally:
	Money is current, men say, and current comes of Currendo:
18	Then will I make money run, as his nature requireth, I trow.
	For what becomes a philosopher best,
20	But to despise money above the rest?
	And yet not so despise it, but to have in store
22	Enough to serve his own turn, and somewhat more.
	With sundry sports and taunts yesternight I delighted the king,
24	That with his loud laughter the whole court did ring,
	And I thought he laughed not merrier than I, when I got this money.
26	But, mumbudget, for Carisophus I espy
	In haste to come hither: I must handle the knave finely.
28
	Here entereth Carisophus [with Jack.]
30
	O Carisophus, my dearest friend, my trusty companion!
32	What news with you? where have you been so long?
34	Caris. My best beloved friend Aristippus, I am come at last;
	I have not spent all my time in waste.
36	I have got a prey, and that a good one, I trow.
38	Arist. What prey is that? fain would I know.
40	Caris. Such a crafty spy I have caught, I dare say,
	As never was in Sicilia before this day;
42	Such a one as viewed every weak place in the city,
	Surviewed the haven and each bulwark in talk very witty:
44	And yet by some words himself he did bewray.
46	Arist. I think so in good faith, as you did handle him.
48	Caris. I handled him clerkly, I joined in talk with him courteously:
	But when we were entered, I let him speak his will, and I
50	Sucked out thus much of his words, that I made him say plainly,
	He was come hither to know the state of the city;
52	And not only this, but that he would understand
	The state of Dionysius' court and of the whole land.
54	Which words when I heard, I desired him to stay,
	Till I had done a little business of the way,
56	Promising him to return again quickly; and so did convey
	Myself to the court for Snap the tipstaff, which came and upsnatched him,
58	Brought him to the court, and in the porter's lodge dispatched him.
	After I ran to Dionysius, as fast as I could,
60	And bewrayed this matter to him, which I have you told;
	Which thing when he heard, being very merry before,
62	He suddenly fell in a dump, and foaming like a boar,
	At last he swore in great rage that he should die
64	By the sword or the wheel, and that very shortly.
	I am too shamefast: for my travail and toil
66	I crave nothing of Dionysius, but only his spoil:
	Little hath he about him, but a few motheaten crowns of gold,
68	Cha pouched them up already, they are sure in hold:
	And now I go into the city, to say sooth,
70	To see what he hath at his lodging to make up my mouth.
72	Arist. My Carisophus, you have done good service. But what is the spy's name?
74	Caris. He is called Damon, born in Greece, from whence lately he came.
76	Arist. By my troth, I will go see him, and speak with him too, if I may.
78	Caris. Do so, I pray you; but yet by the way,
	As occasion serveth, commend my service to the king.
80
	Arist. Dictum sapienti sat est: friend Carisophus, shall I forget that thing?
82	No, I warrant you: though I say little to your face,
	I will lay on mouth for you to Dionysius, when I am in place. −
84	[Aside] If I speak one word for such a knave, hang me.
86	Exit Aristippus.
88	Caris. Our fine philosopher, our trim learned elf,
	Is gone to see as false a spy as himself.
90	Damon smatters as well as he of crafty philosophy,
	And can turn cat in the pan very prettily:
92	But Carisophus hath given him such a mighty check,
	As I think in the end will break his neck.
94	What care I for that? why would he then pry,
	And learn the secret estate of our country and city?
96	He is but a stranger, by his fall let others be wise:
	I care not who fall, so that I may rise.
98	As for fine Aristippus, I will keep in with him −
	He is a shrewd fool to deal withal, he can swim:
100	And yet by my troth, to speak my conscience plainly,
	I will use his friendship to mine own commodity.
102	While Dionysius favoureth him, Aristippus shall be mine;
	But if the king once frown on him, then good night, Tomalin:
104	He shall be as strange as though I never saw him before.
	But I tarry too long, I will prate no more. −
106	Jack, come away.
108	Jack. At hand, sir.
110	Caris. At Damon's lodging, if that you see
	Any stir to arise, be still at hand by me:
112	Rather than I will lose the spoil I will blade it out.
114	[Exeunt.]
	SCENE X.
	In Town.
	Here entereth Pithias and Stephano.
1	Pith. What strange news are these! ah, my Stephano,
2	Is my Damon in prison, as the voice doth go?
4	Steph. It is true, O cruel hap! he is taken for a spy,
	And as they say, by Dionysius' own mouth condemned to die.
6
	Pith. To die! Alas! For what cause?
8
	Steph. A sycophant falsely accused him: other cause there is none. −
10	That, O Jupiter, of all wrongs the revenger,
	Seest thou this unjustice, and wilt thou stay any longer
12	From heaven to send down thy hot consuming fire,
	To destroy the workers of wrong, which provoke thy just ire? −
14	Alas! Master Pithias, what shall we do,
	Being in a strange country, void of friends and acquaintance too? −
16	Ah, poor Stephano, hast thou lived to see this day
	To see thy true master unjustly made away?
18
	Pith. Stephano, seeing the matter is come to this extremity,
20	Let us make virtue our friend of mere necessity.
	Run thou to the court, and understand secretly
22	As much as thou canst of Damon's cause, and I
	Will make some means to entreat Aristippus:
24	He can do much, as I hear, with King Dionysius.
26	Steph. I am gone, sir. Ah, I would to God my travail and pain
	Might restore my master to his liberty again!
28
	[Exit Stephano.]
30
	Pith. Ah woful Pithias! sith now I am alone,
32	What way shall I first begin to make my moan?
	What words shall I find apt for my complaint?
34	Damon, my friend, my joy, my life, is in peril. Of force I must now faint.
	But, O music, as in joyful times thy merry notes did borrow,
36	So now lend me thy yearnful tunes to utter my sorrow.
38	Here Pithias sings and the regals play.
40	Awake, ye woful wights,
	That long have wept in woe:
42	Resign to me your plaints and tears,
	My hapless hap to show.
44	My woe no tongue can tell,
	Ne pen can well descry:
46	O, what a death is this to hear,
	Damon my friend must die!
48
	The loss of worldly wealth
50	Man's wisdom may restore,
	And physic hath provided too
52	A salve for every sore:
	But my true friend once lost,
54	No art can well supply:
	Then, what a death is this to hear,
56	Damon my friend should die!
58	My mouth, refuse the food,
	That should my limbs sustain:
60	Let sorrow sink into my breast,
	And ransack every vein:
62	You Furies, all at once
	On me your torments try:
64	Why should I live, since that I hear
	Damon my friend should die!
66
	Gripe me, you greedy grief
68	And present pangs of death,
	You sisters three, with cruël hands
70	With speed now stop my breath:
	Shrine me in clay alive,
72	Some good man stop mine eye:
	O death, come now, seeing I hear
74	Damon my friend must die!
76	He speaketh this after the song.
78	In vain I call for death, which heareth not my complaint: −
	But what wisdom is this, in such extremity to faint?
80	Multum juvat in re malâ animus bonus.
	I will to the court myself, to make friends, and that presently.
82	I will never forsake my friend in time of misery −
	But do I see Stephano amazed hither to run?
84
	Here entereth Stephano.
86
	Steph. O Pithias, Pithias, we are all undone!
88	Mine own ears have sucked in mine own sorrow;
	I heard Dionysius swear that Damon should die to-morrow.
90
	Pith. How earnest thou so near the presence of the king,
92	That thou mightest hear Dionysius speak this thing?
94	Steph. By friendship I gat into the court, where in great audience
	I heard Dionysius with his own mouth give this cruel sentence
96	By these express words: that Damon the Greek, that crafty spy,
	Without further judgment to-morrow should die:
98	Believe me, Pithias, with these ears I heard it myself.
100	Pith. Then how near is my death also! Ah, woe is me!
	Ah my Damon, another myself, shall I forego thee?
102
	Steph. Sir, there is no time of lamenting now: it behoveth us
104	To make means to them which can do much with Dionysius,
	That he be not made away, ere his cause be fully heard; for we see
106	By evil report things be made to princes far worse than they be.
	But lo, yonder cometh Aristippus, in great favour with King Dionysius,
108	Entreat him to speak a good word to the king for us,
	And in the mean season I will to your lodging to see all things safe there.
110
	[Exit Stephano.]
112
	Pith. To that I agree: but let us slip aside his talk to hear.
114
	[Pithias retires.]
116
	Here entereth Aristippus
118
	Arist. Here is a sudden change indeed, a strange metamorphosis,
120	This court is clean altered: who would have thought this?
	Dionysius, of late so pleasant and merry,
122	Is quite changed now into such melancholy,
	That nothing can please him: he walketh up and down,
124	Fretting and chaffing, on every man he doth frown;
	Insomuch that, when I in pleasant words began to play,
126	So sternly he frowned on me, and knit me up so short −
	I perceive it is no safe playing with lions but when it please them;
128	If you claw where it itch not you shall disease them,
	And so perhaps get a clap; mine own proof taught me this,
130	That it is very good to be merry and wise.
	The only cause of this hurly-burly is Carisophus, that wicked man,
132	Which lately took Damon for a spy, a poor gentleman,
	And hath incensed the king against him so despitefully,
134	That Dionysius hath judged him to-morrow to die.
	I have talked with Damon, whom though in words I found very witty,
136	Yet was he more curious than wise in viewing this city:
	But truly, for aught I can learn, there is no cause why
138	So suddenly and cruelly he should be condemned to die:
	Howsoever it be, this is the short and long,
140	I dare not gainsay the king, be it right or wrong:
	I am sorry, and that is all I may or can do in this case:
142	Nought availeth persuasion where froward opinion taketh place.
144	[Pithias comes forward.]
146	Pith. Sir, if humble suits you would not despise,
	Then bow on me your pitiful eyes.
148	My name is Pithias, in Greece well known,
	A perfect friend to that woful Damon,
150	Which now a poor captive in this court doth lie,
	By the king's own mouth, as I hear, condemned to die;
152	For whom I crave your mastership's goodness,
	To stand his friend in this his great distress.
154	Nought hath he done worthy of death; but very fondly,
	Being a stranger, he viewed this city:
156	For no evil practices, but to feed his eyes.
	But seeing Dionysius is informed otherwise,
158	My suit is to you, when you see time and place,
	To assuage the king's anger, and to purchase his grace:
160	In which doing you shall not do good to one only,
	But you shall further two, and that fully.
162
	Arist. My friend, in this case I can do you no pleasure.
164
	Pith. Sir, you serve in the court, as fame doth tell.
166
	Arist. I am of the court indeed, but none of the council.
168
	Pith. As I hear, none is in greater favour with the king than you at this day.
170
	Arist. The more in favour, the less I dare say.
172
	Pith. It is a courtier's praise to help strangers in misery.
174
	Arist. To help another, and hurt myself, it is an evil point of courtesy.
176
	Pith. You shall not hurt yourself to speak for the innocent.
178
	Arist. He is not innocent whom the king judgeth nocent.
180
	Pith. Why, sir, do you think this matter past all remedy?
182
	Arist. So far past that Dionysius hath sworn Damon to-morrow shall die.
184
	Pith. This word my trembling heart cutteth in two.
186	Ah, sir, in this woful case what wist I best to do?
188	Arist. Best to content yourself when there is no remedy,
	He is well relieved that foreknoweth his misery:
190	Yet, if any comfort be, it resteth in Eubulus,
	The chiefest councillor about King Dionysius:
192	Which pitieth Damon's case in this great extremity,
	Persuading the king from all kind of cruelty.
194
	Pith. The mighty gods preserve you for this word of comfort.
196	Taking my leave of your goodness, I will now resort
	To Eubulus, that good councillor:
198	But hark! methink I hear a trumpet blow.
200	Arist. The king is at hand, stand close in the prease. Beware, if he know
	You are friend to Damon he will take you for a spy also.
202	Farewell, I dare not be seen with you.
204	Here entereth King Dionysius, Eubulus
	the Councillor, and Gronno the Hangman.
206
	Diony. Gronno, do my commandment: strike off Damon's irons by and by.
208	Then bring him forth, I myself will see him executed presently.
210	Gron. O mighty king, your commandment will I do speedily.
212	Diony. Eubulus, thou hast talked in vain, for sure he shall die.
	Shall I suffer my life to stand in peril of every spy?
214
	Eub. That he conspired against your person his accuser cannot say:
216	He only viewed your city, and will you for that make him away?
218	Diony. What he would have done the guess is great: he minded me to hurt
	That came so slyly to search out the secret estate of my court.
220	Shall I still live in fear? no, no: I will cut off such imps betime,
	Lest that to my farther danger too high they climb.
222
	Eub. Yet have the mighty gods immortal fame assigned
224	To all worldly princes, which in mercy be inclined.
226	Diony. Let fame talk what she list, so I may live in safety.
228	Eub. The only mean to that is to use mercy.
230	Diony. A mild prince the people despiseth.
232	Eub. A cruel king the people hateth.
234	Diony. Let them hate me, so they fear me.
236	Eub. That is not the way to live in safety.
238	Diony. My sword and power shall purchase my quietness.
240	Eub. That is sooner procured by mercy and gentleness.
242	Diony. Dionysius ought to be feared.
244	Eub. Better for him to be well beloved.
246	Diony. Fortune maketh all things subject to my power.
248	Eub. Believe her not, she is a light goddess; she can laugh and low'r.
250	Diony. A king's praise standeth in the revenging of his enemy.
252	Eub. A greater praise to win him by clemency.
254	Diony. To suffer the wicked live it is no mercy.
256	Eub. To kill the innocent it is great cruelty.
258	Diony. Is Damon innocent, which so craftily undermined Carisophus,
	To understand what he could of King Dionysius?
260	Which surviewed the haven and each bulwark in the city,
	Where battery might be laid, what way best to approach? shall I
262	Suffer such a one to live, that worketh me such despite?
	No, he shall die, then I am safe: a dead dog cannot bite.
264
	Eub. But yet, O mighty [king], my duty bindeth me
266	To give such counsel, as with your honour may best agree:
	The strongest pillars of princely dignity,
268	I find this justice with mercy and prudent liberality:
	The one judgeth all things by upright equity,
270	The other rewardeth the worthy, flying each extremity.
	As to spare those which offend maliciously,
272	It may be called no justice, but extreme injury:
	So upon suspicion of such things not well-proved,
274	To put to death presently whom envious flattery accused,
	It seemeth of tyranny; and upon what fickle ground all tyrants do stand,
276	Athens and Lacedemon can teach you, if it be rightly scanned.
	And not only these citizens, but who curiously seeks
278	The whole histories of all the world, not only of Romans and Greeks,
	Shall well perceive of all tyrants the ruinous fall,
280	Their state uncertain, beloved of none, but hated of all.
	Of merciful princes to set out the passing felicity
282	I need not: enough of that even these days do testify.
	They live devoid of fear, their sleeps are sound, they dread no enemy,
284	They are feared and loved, and why? they rule with justice and mercy,
	Extending justice to such as wickedly from justice have swerved:
286	Mercy unto those where opinion, simpleness have mercy deserved.
	Of liberty nought I say, but only this thing,
288	Liberty upholdeth the state of a king
	Whose large bountifulness ought to fall to this issue,
290	To reward none but such as deserve it for virtue.
	Which merciful justice if you would follow, and provident liberality;
292	Neither the caterpillars of all courts, et fruges consumere nati,
	Parasites with wealth puffed up, should not look so high;
294	Nor yet for this simple fact poor Damon should die.
296	Diony. With pain mine ears have heard this vain talk of mercy.
	I tell thee, fear and terror defendeth kings only:
298	Till he be gone whom I suspect, how shall I live quietly,
	Whose memory with chilling horror fills my breast day and night violently?
300	My dreadful dreams of him bereaves my rest; on bed I lie
	Shaking and trembling, as one ready to yield his throat to Damon's sword.
302	This quaking dread nothing but Damon's blood can stay:
	Better he die than I to be tormented with fear alway.
304	He shall die, though Eubulus consent not thereto:
	It is lawful, for kings, as they list, all things to do.
306
	Here Gronno [and Snap] bring in
308	Damon, and Pithias meeteth him by the way.
310	Pith. O my Damon!
312	Damon. O my Pithias! seeing death must part us, farewell for ever.
314	Pith. O Damon, O my sweet friend!
316	Snap. Away from the prisoner: what a prease have we here?
318	Gron. As you commanded, O mighty king, we have brought Damon.
320	Diony. Then go to: make ready. I will not stir out of this place
	Till I see his head stroken off before my face.
322
	Gron. It shall be done, sir.
324	[To Damon] Because your eyes have made such a-do
	I will knock down this your lantern, and shut up your shop- window too.
326
	Damon. O mighty king, whereas no truth my innocent life can save,
328	But that so greedily you thrust my guiltless blood to have,
	Albeit (even for thought) for ought against your person:
330	Yet now I plead not for life, ne will I crave your pardon.
	But seeing in Greece my country, where well I am known,
332	I have worldly things fit for mine alliance, when I am gone,
	To dispose them, ere I die, if I might obtain leisure,
334	I would account it (O king) for a passing great pleasure:
	Not to prolong my life thereby, for which I reckon not this,
336	But to set my things in a stay: and surely I will not miss,
	Upon the faith which all gentlemen ought to embrace,
338	To return again, at your time to appoint, to yield my body here in this place.
	Grant me (O king) such time to despatch this injury,
340	And I will not fail when you appoint, even here my life to pay.
342	Diony. [Aside] A pleasant request! as though I could trust him absent,
	Whom in no wise I cannot trust being present. −
344	And yet though I swear the contrary, do that I require,
	Give me a pledge for thy return, and have thine own desire. −
346	[Aside] He is as near now as he was before.
348	Damon. There is no surer nor greater pledge than the faith of a gentleman.
350	Diony. It was wont to be, but otherwise now the world doth stand;
	Therefore do as I say, else presently yield thy neck to the sword.
352	If I might with my honour, I would recall my word.
354	Pith. Stand to your word, O king, for kings ought nothing say,
	But that they would perform in perfect deeds always;
356	A pledge you did require, when Damon his suit did meve,
	For which with heart and stretched hands most humble thanks I geve:
358	And that you may not say but Damon hath a friend
	That loves him better than his own life, and will do to his end,
360	Take me, O mighty king: my life I pawn for his:
	Strike off my head if Damon hap at his day to miss.
362
	Diony. What art thou, that chargest me with my word so boldly here?
364
	Pith. I am Pithias, a Greek born, which hold Damon my friend full dear.
366
	Diony. Too dear perhaps, to hazard thy life for him: what fondness moveth thee?
368
	Pith. No fondness at all, but perfect amity.
370
	Diony. A mad kind of amity! advise thyself well: if Damon fail at his day,
372	Which shall be justly appointed, wilt thou die for him, to me his life to pay?
374	Pith. Most willingly, O mighty king: if Damon fail, let Pithias die.
376	Diony. Thou seemest to trust his words that pawnest thy life so frankly.
378	Pith. What Damon saith, Pithias believeth assuredly.
380	Diony. Take heed for life, worldly men break promise in many things.
382	Pith. Though worldly men do so, it never haps amongst friends.
384	Diony. What callest thou friends? are they not men, is not this true?
386	Pith. Men they be, but such men as love one another only for virtue.
388	Diony. For what virtue dost thou love this spy, this Damon?
390	Pith. For that virtue which yet to you is unknown.
392	Diony. Eubulus, what shall I do? I would despatch this Damon fain,
	But this foolish fellow so chargeth me that I may not call back my word again.
394
	Eub. The reverent majesty of a king stands chiefly in keeping his promise.
396	What you have said this whole court beareth witness,
	Save your honour, whatsoever you do.
398
	Diony. For saving mine honour, I must forbear my will: go to. −
400	Pithias, seeing thou tookest me at my word, take Damon to thee:
	For two months he is thine: − unbind him, I set him free;
402	Which time once expired, if he appear not the next day by noon,
	Without further delay thou shalt lose thy life, and that full soon.
404	Whether he die by the way, or lie sick in his bed,
	If he return not then, thou shalt either hang or lose thy head.
406
	Pith. For this, O mighty king, I yield immortal thanks. O joyful day!
408
	Diony. Gronno, take him to thee: bind him, see him kept in safety:
410	If he escape, assure thyself for him thou shalt die. −
	Eubulus, let us depart, to talk of this strange thing within.
412
	Eub. I follow.
414
	[Exeunt.]
416
	Gron. Damon, thou servest the gods well to-day; be thou of comfort. −
418	As for you, sir, I think you will be hanged in sport.
	You heard what the king said; I must keep you safely:
420	By Cock, so I will; you shall rather hang than I.
	Come on your way.
422
	Pith. My Damon, farewell; the gods have thee in keeping.
424
	Damon. O my Pithias, my pledge, farewell; I part from thee weeping.
426	But joyful at my day appointed I will return again,
	When I will deliver thee from all trouble and pain.
428	Stephano will I leave behind me to wait upon thee in prison alone,
	And I, whom fortune hath reserved to this misery, will walk home.
430	Ah my Pithias, my pledge, my life, my friend, farewell.
432	Pith. Farewell, my Damon.
434	Damon. Loth am I to depart. Sith sobs my trembling tongue doth stay,
	O music, sound my doleful plaints, when I am gone my way.
436
	[Exit Damon.]
438
	Gron. I am glad he is gone, I had almost wept too. Come, Pithias,
440	So God help me, I am sorry for thy foolish case.
	Wilt thou venter thy life for a man so fondly?
442
	Pith. It is no venter: my friend is just, for whom I desire to die.
444
	Gron. Here is a madman! I tell thee, I have a wife whom I love well,
446	And if ich would die for her, chould ich were in hell.
	Wilt thou do more for a man than I would for a woman?
448
	Pith. Yea, that I will.
450
	Gron. Then come on your ways, you must to prison haste.
452	I fear you will repent this folly at last.
454	Pith. That shalt thou never see. But O music, as my Damon requested thee,
	Sound out thy doleful tunes in this time of calamity.
456
	[Exeunt.]
458
	Here the regals play a mourning song.
	SCENE XI.
	The Room of Damon and Pithias.
	Damon cometh in in mariner apparel,
	and Stephano with him.
1	Damon. Weep no more, Stephano, this is but destiny:
2	Had not this happed, yet I know I am born to die:
	Where or in what place, the gods know alone,
4	To whose judgment myself I commit. Therefore leave off thy moan,
	And wait upon Pithias in prison till I return again,
6	In whom my joy, my care and life doth only remain.
8	Steph. O my dear master, let me go with you; for my poor company
	Shall be some small comfort in this time of misery.
10
	Damon. O Stephano, hast thou been so long with me,
12	And yet dost not know the force of true amity?
	I tell thee once again, my friend and I are but one:
14	Wait upon Pithias, and think thou art with Damon.
	Whereof I may not now discourse, the time passeth away;
16	The sooner I am gone, the shorter shall be my journey:
	Therefore farewell, Stephano, commend me to my friend Pithias,
18	Whom I trust to deliver in time out of this woful case.
20	Steph. Farewell, my dear master, since your pleasure is so. −
	O cruel hap! O poor Stephano!
22	O cursed Carisophus, that first moved this tragedy! −
	But what a noise is this? is all well within, trow ye?
24	I fear all be not well within, I will go see. −
	Come out, you weasel: are you seeking eggs in Damon's chest?
26	Come out, I say: wilt thou be packing? by Cock, you were best.
28	[Carisophus and Jack enter; Stephano grabs Carisophus.]
30	Caris. How durst thou, villain, to lay hands on me?
32	Steph. Out, sir knave, or I will send ye.
	Art thou not content to accuse Damon wrongfully,
34	But wilt thou rob him also, and that openly?
36	Caris. The king gave me the spoil: to take mine own wilt thou let me?
38	Steph. Thine own, villain! where is thine authority?
40	Caris. I am authority of myself; dost thou not know?
42	Steph. By'r Lady, that is somewhat; but have you no more to show?
44	Caris. What if I have not?
46	Steph. Then for an earnest penny take this blow.
48	[Stephano beats Carisophus.]
50	I shall bumbast you, you mocking knave; chill put pro in my purse for this time.
52	Caris. Jack, give me my sword and target.
54	[Stephano steps between Carisophus and Jack.]
56	Jack. I cannot come to you, master, this knave doth me let. Hold, master.
58	Steph. Away, Jackanapes, else I will colpheg you by and by: −
	Ye slave, I will have my pennyworths of thee therefore, if I die.
60	About, villain!
62	Caris. O citizens, help to defend me.
64	Steph. Nay, they will rather help to hang thee.
66	Caris. Good fellow, let us reason this matter quietly: beat me no more.
68	Steph. Of this condition I will stay, if thou swear, as thou art an honest man,
	Thou wilt say nothing to the king of this when I am gone.
70
	Caris. I will say nothing: here is my hand, as I am an honest man.
72
	Steph. [Aside] Then say on thy mind: I have taken a wise oath on him, have I not, trow ye?
74	To trust such a false knave upon his honesty?
	As he is an honest man (quoth you?) he may bewray all to the king,
76	And break his oath for this never a whit − but, my franion, I tell you this one thing:
	If you disclose this I will devise such a way,
78	That whilst thou livest, thou shalt remember this day.
80	Caris. You need not devise for that, for this day is printed in my memory;
	I warrant you, I shall remember this beating till I die:
82	But seeing of courtesy you have granted that we should talk quietly,
	Methinks in calling me knave you do me much injury.
84
	Steph. Why so, I pray thee heartily?
86
	Caris. Because I am the king's man: keeps the king any knaves?
88
	Steph. He should not; but what he doth, it is evident by thee,
90	And as far as I can learn or understand,
	There is none better able to keep knaves in all the land.
92
	Caris. O sir, I am a courtier: when courtiers shall hear tell
94	How you have used me, they will not take it well.
96	Steph. Nay, all right courtiers will ken me thank; and wot you why?
	Because I handled a counterfeit courtier in his kind so finely.
98	What, sir? all are not courtiers that have a counterfeit show:
	In a troop of honest men some knaves may stand, ye know,
100	Such as by stealth creep in under the colour of honesty,
	Which sort under that cloak do all kinds of villainy.
102	A right courtier is virtuous, gentle, and full of urbanity,
	Hurting no man, good to all, devoid of villainy:
104	But such as thou art, fountains of squirrility and vain delights;
	Though you hang by the court, you are but flatt'ring parasites;
106	As well deserving the right name of courtesy,
	As the coward knight the true praise of chivalry.
108	I could say more, but I will not, for that I am your well-willer.
	In faith, Carisophus, you are no courtier but a caterpillar,
110	A sycophant, a parasite, a flatterer, and a knave.
	Whether I will or no, these names you must have:
112	How well you deserve this by your deeds it is known,
	For that so unjustly thou hast accused poor Damon,
114	Whose woful case the gods help alone.
116	Caris. Sir, are you his servant, that you pity his case so?
118	Steph. No, bum troth, goodman Grumb, his name is Stephano:
	I am called Onaphets, if needs you will know.
120	[Aside] The knave beginneth to sift me, but I turn my name in and out,
	Cretizo cum Cretense, to make him a lout.
122
	Caris. What mumble you with yourself, Master Onaphets?
124
	Steph. I am reckoning with myself how I may pay my debts.
126
	Caris. You have paid me more than you did owe me.
128
	Steph. Nay, upon a farther reckoning, I will pay you more, if I know
130	Either you talk of that is done, or by your sycophantical envy
	You prick forth Dionysius the sooner, that Damon may die:
132	I will so pay thee, that thy bones shall rattle in thy skin.
	Remember what I have said; Onaphets is my name.
134
	[Exit.]
136
	Caris. The sturdy knave is gone, the devil him take;
138	He hath made my head, shoulders, arms, sides, and all to ache. −
	Thou whoreson villain boy, why didst thou wait no better?
140	As he paid me, so will I not die thy debtor.
142	[Strikes him.]
144	Jack. Master, why do you fight with me? I am not your match, you see:
	You durst not fight with him that is gone, and will you wreak your anger on me?
146
	Caris. Thou villain, by thee I have lost mine honour.
148	Beaten with a cudgel like a slave, a vacaboun, or a lazy lubber,
	And not given one blow again. Hast thou handled me well?
150
	Jack. Master, I handled you not, but who did handle you very handsomely, you can tell.
152
	Caris. Handsomely! thou crack-rope.
154
	Jack. Yea, sir, very handsomely: I hold you a groat
156	He handled you so handsomely that he left not one mote in your coat.
158	Caris. O, I had firked him trimly, thou villain, if thou hadst given me my sword.
160	Jack. It is better as it is, master, believe me, at a word.
	If he had seen your weapon, he would have been fiercer,
162	And so perhaps beat you worse, I speak it with my heart.
	You were never at the dealing of fence-blows, but you had four away for your part.
164	It is but your luck, you are man good enough;
	But the Welsh Onaphets was a vengeance-knave, and rough.
166	Master, you were best go home and rest in your bed,
	Methinks your cap waxeth too little for your head.
168
	Caris. What! doth my head swell?
170
	Jack. Yea, as big as a codshead, and bleeds too.
172
	Caris. I am ashamed to show my face with this hue,
174
	Jack. No shame at all; men have been beaten far better than you.
176
	Caris. I must go to the chirurgeon's; what shall I say, when I am a-dressing?
178
	Jack. You may say truly you met with a knave's blessing.
180
	[Exeunt.]
182
	SCENE XII.
	The Palace.
	Here entereth Aristippus.
1	Arist. By mine own experience I prove true that many men tell,
2	To live in court not beloved, better be in hell:
	What crying out, what cursing is there within of Carisophus,
4	Because he accused Damon to King Dionysius!
	Even now he came whining and crying into the court for the nonce,
6	Showing that one Onaphets had broke his knave’s sconce.
	Which strange name when they heard every man laughed heartily,
8