Enter the new usurping Tyrant; the Nobles of his faction, Memphonius, Sophonirus, Helvetius, with others; the right heir Govianus, deposed. A sennet.
TYRANT
Thus high, my lords, your powers and constant loves
Hath fixed our glories like unmoved stars
That know not what it is to fall or err.
We're now the kingdom's love, and he that was
Flattered awhile so stands before us now
Readier for doom than dignity.
GOVIANUS
So much
Can the adulterate friendship of mankind,
False fortune's sister, bring to pass on kings,
And lay usurpers sunning in their glories
Like adders in warm beams.
TYRANT
There was but one
In whom my heart took pleasure (amongst women),
One in the whole creation, and in her
You dared to be my rival. Was't not bold?
Now we are king, she'll leave the lower path
And find the way to us. Helvetius,
It is thy daughter. Happier than a king
And far above him, for she kneels to thee
Whom we have kneeled to, richer in one smile
That came from her than she in all thy blessings!
If thou be'st proud, thou art to be forgiven;
It is no deadly sin in thee. While she lives,
High lust is not more natural to youth
Than that to thee: be not afraid to die in't;
'Tis but the sin of joy. There is no gladness
But has a pride it lives by--that's the oil
That feeds it into flames. Let her be sent for,
And honourably attended, as beseems
Her that we make our queen. My [lords] Memphonius
And Sophonirus, take into your care
The royal business of my heart. Conduct her
With a respect equal with that to us.
If more, it shall be pardon'd; so still err.
You honour us, but ourself honours her.
MEMPHONIUS
[Aside] Strange fortune! Does he make his queen of her?
Exit Memphonius.
SOPHONIRUS
[Aside] I have a wife; would she were so preferred!
I could be but her subject; so I'm now.
I allow her her one friend to stop her mouth
And keep her quiet; give him his table free,
And the huge feeding of his great stone-horse
With which he rides in pomp about the city
Only to speak to gallants in bay-windows.
Marry, his lodging he pays dearly for:
He gets me all my children; there I save by't.
Beside, I draw my life out by the bargain
Some twelve years longer than the times appointed,
When my young prodigal gallant kicks up's heels
At one and thirty, and lies dead and rotten
Some five and forty years before I'm coffined.
'Tis the right way to keep a woman honest;
One friend is barricado to a hundred
And keeps 'em out. Nay, more, a husband's sure
To have his children all of one man's getting,
And he that performs best can have no better.
I'm e'en as happy then that save a labour.
Exit Sophonirus.
TYRANT
Thy honours with thy daughter's love shall rise;
I shall read thy deservings in her eyes.
HELVETIUS
Oh, may they be eternal books of pleasure,
To show you all delight!
GOVIANUS
The loss of her sits closer to my heart
Than that of kingdom or the whorish pomp
Of this world's titles that with flattery swells us
And makes us die like beasts fat for destruction.
Oh, she's a woman, and her eye will stand
Upon advancement, never weary yonder;
But when she turns her head by chance and sees
The fortunes that are my companions,
She'll snatch her eyes off, and repent the looking.
TYRANT
'Tis well advised. We doom thee, Govianus,
To banishment forever from our kingdom.
GOVIANUS
What could be worse to one whose heart is locked
Up in another's bosom? Banishment!
And why not death? Is that too easy for me?
TYRANT
But that the world would call our way to dignity
A path of blood,
It should be the first act in all our reign.
GOVIANUS
She's lost forever. [To Nobles] Farewell, virtuous men,
Too honest for your greatness! Now y'are mightier
Than when we knew the kingdom, your styles heavier.
Then, ponderous nobility, farewell.
[FIRST] NOBLE
How's that, sir?
GOVIANUS
Weighty and serious. Oh, sir, is it you?
I knew you one and twenty and a lord
When your discretion sucked. Is't come from nurse yet?
You scorn to be a scholar; you were born better.
You have good lands; that's the best grounds of learning.
If you can conster but your doctor's bill,
Pierce your wife's waiting-women, and decline your tenants
Till they're all beggars, with new fines and rackings,
Y'are scholar good enough for a lady's son
That's born to living. If you list to read,
Ride but to th' city and bestow your looks
On the court library, the mercers' books;
They'll quickly furnish you. Do but entertain
A tailor for your tutor, to expound
All the hard stuff to you, by what name and title
Soever they be called.
[FIRST] NOBLE
I thank you, sir.
GOVIANUS
'Tis happy you have learned so much manners,
Since you have so little wit. Fare you well, sir.
TYRANT
Let him be stayed awhile.
[SECOND] NOBLE
Stay!
[FIRST] NOBLE
You must stay, sir.
GOVIANUS
He's not so honest, sure, to change his mind,
Revoke his doom. Hell has more hope on him.
TYRANT
We have not ended yet; the worst part's coming.
Thy banishment were gentle were that all.
But, t'afflict thy soul, before thou goest
Thou shalt behold the heav'n that thou must lose,
In her that must be mine.
Then to be banished, then to be deprived,
Shows the full torment we provide for thee.
GOVIANUS
Here's a right tyrant now; he will not bate me
Th' affliction of my soul; he will have all parts
Suffer together.
Enter [Memphonius and Sophonirus] with the Lady clad in black.
Now I see my loss;
I never shall recover't. My mind's beggared.
TYRANT
Black! Whence risse that cloud? Can such a thing be seen
In honour's glorious day, the sky so clear?
Why mourns the kingdom's mistress? Does she come
To meet advancement in a funeral garment?
Back! She forgot herself. 'Twas too much joy
That bred this error, and we heartily pardon't.
Go, bring me her hither like an illustrious bride
With her best beams about her: let her jewels
Be worth ten cities; that beseems our mistress,
And not a widow's case, a suit to weep in.
LADY
I am not to be altered.
TYRANT
How!
LADY
I have a mind
That must be shifted ere I cast off these,
Or I shall wear strange colours. 'Tis not titles
Nor all the bastard honours of this frame
That I am taken with. I come not hither
To please the eye of glory, but of goodness,
And that concerns not you, sir; you're for greatness.
I dare not deal with you. I have found my match,
And I will never loose him.
GOVIANUS
If there be man
Above a king in fortunes, read my story
And you shall find him there. Farewell, poor kingdom.
[To Tyrant] Take it to help thee; thou hast need on't
now.
I see thee in distress, more miserable
Than some thou lay'st taxations on, poor subjects.
Thou art all beset with storms, more overcast
Than ever any man that brightness flattered.
'Tis only wretchedness to be there with thee,
And happiness to be here.
TYRANT
Sure some dream crowned me.
If it were possible to be less than nothing,
I wake the man you seek for. There's the kingdom
Within yon valley fixed, while I stand here
Kissing false hopes upon a frozen mountain,
Without the confines. I am he that's banished;
The king walks yonder, chose by her affection,
Which is the surer side, for where she goes
Her eye removes the court. What is he here
Can spare a look? They're all employed on her.
Helvetius! Thou art not worth the waking neither.
I lose but time in thee. Go sleep again.
Like an old man, thou canst do nothing;
Thou tak'st no pain at all to earn thine honours.
Which way shall we be able to pay thee
To thy content, when we receive not ours?
The master of the work must needs decay
When he wants means and sees his servant play.
HELVETIUS
[To Lady] Have I bestowed so many blessings on thee
And do they all return to me in a curse?
Is that the use I ha' for 'em? Be not to me
A burden ten times heavier than my years.
Thou'dst wont to be kind to me and observe
What I thought pleasing. Go, entreat the king.
LADY
I will do more for you, sir; y'are my father.
I'll kiss him too.
[Kisses Govianus.]
HELVETIUS
How am I dealt withal!
LADY
Why, that's the usurper, sir; this is the king.
I happened righter than you thought I had.
And were all kingdoms of the earth his own
As sure as this is not, and this dear gentleman
As poor as virtue and almost as friendless,
I would not change this misery for that sceptre,
Wherein I had part with him. Sir, be cheerful.
'Tis not the reeling fortune of great state
Or low condition that I cast mine eye at;
It is the man I seek, the rest I loose
As things unworthy to be kept or noted.
Fortunes are but the outsides of true worth;
It is the mind that sets his master forth.
TYRANT
Has there so many bodies been hewn down,
Like trees in progress, to cut out a way
That was ne'er known, for us and our affections,
And is our game so crossed? There stands the first
Of all her kind that ever refused greatness.
A woman to set light by sovereignty!
What age bring her forth and hide that book?
'Tis their desire most commonly to rule
More than their part comes to: sometimes their husbands.
HELVETIUS
'Tis in your power, my lord, to force her to you
And pluck her from his arms.
TYRANT
Thou talk'st unkindly;
That had been done before thy thought begot it
If my affection could be so hard-hearted
To stand upon such payment. It must come
Gently and kindly, like a debt of love,
Or 'tis not worth receiving.
GOVIANUS
Now, usurper,
I wish no happier freedom than the banishment
That thou hast laid upon me.
TYRANT
[Aside] Oh, he kills me
At mine own weapon! 'Tis I that live in exile
Should she forsake the land. I'll feign some cause
Far from the grief itself to call it back.--
That doom of banishment was but lent to thee
To make a trial of thy factious spirit,
Which flames in thy desire. Thou wouldst be gone:
There is some combination betwixt thee
And foreign plots; thou hast some powers to raise,
Which to prevent, thy banishment we revoke,
Confine thee to thy house nearest our court,
And place a guard about thee. Lord Memphonius,
See it effected.
MEMPHONIUS
With best care, my lord.
GOVIANUS
Confine me? Here's my liberty in mine arms;
I wish no better to bring me consent.
Love's best freedom is close prisonment.
Exeunt Lady and Govianus [with Memphonius].
TYRANT
Methinks the day e'en darkens at her absence.
I stand as in a shade, when a great cloud
Muffles the sun, whose beams shine afar off
On tow'rs and mountains, but I keep the valleys,
The place that is last served.
HELVETIUS
My lord.
TYRANT
Your reason, sir.
HELVETIUS
Your grace is mild to all but your own bosom.
They should have both been sent to several prisons,
And not committed to each other's arms.
There's a hot durance. He'll ne'er wish more freedom.
TYRANT
'Tis true; let 'em be both forced back.
Stay, we command you!
Thou talk'st not like a statesman. Had my wrath
Took hold of such extremity at first,
They'd lived suspectful still, warned by their fears;
Where, now that liberty makes 'em more secure,
I'll take 'em at my pleasure. It gives thee
Freer access to play the father for us
And ply her to our will.
HELVETIUS
Mass, so it does,
Let a man think on't twice! Your grace hath happened
Upon a strange way, yet it proves the nearest.
TYRANT
Nay, more, to vex his soul give command straight
They be divided into several rooms,
Where he may only have a sight of her,
To his mind's torment, but his arms and lips
Locked up like felons from her.
HELVETIUS
Now you win me.
I like that cruelty passing well, my lord.
TYRANT
Give order with all speed.
HELVETIUS
Though I be old,
I need no spur, my lord. Honour pricks me.
I do beseech your grace, look cheerfully.
You shall not want content, if it be locked
In any blood of mine: the key's your own;
You shall command the wards.
TYRANT
Say'st thou so, sir?
I were ingrateful, then, should I see thee
Want honour, that provides content for me.
Exeunt. A flourish.
Enter Lord Anselmus, the deposed king's brother, with his friend Votarius.
VOTARIUS
Pray, sir, confine your thoughts and excuse me.
Methinks the deposed king your brother's sorrow
Should find you business enough.
ANSELMUS
How, Votarius!
Sorrow for him? Weak ignorance talks not like thee.
Why, he was never happier.
VOTARIUS
Pray prove that, sir.
ANSELMUS
H'as lost the kingdom, but his mind's restored.
Which is the larger empire? Prithee tell me.
Dominions have their limits; the whole earth
Is but a prisoner, nor the sea her jailor,
That with a silver hoop locks in her body;
They're fellow prisoners, though the sea look bigger
Because he is in office and pride swells him.
But the unbounded kingdom of the mind
Is as unlimitable as heav'n,
That glorious court of spirits, all honest courtiers.
Sir, if thou lov'st me, turn thine eye to me
And look not after him that needs thee not.
My brother's well attended; peace and pleasure
Are never from his sight. He has his mistress;
She brought those servants and bestowed them on him.
But who brings mine?
VOTARIUS
Had you not both long since
By a kind, worthy lady, your chaste wife?
ANSELMUS
That's it that I take pains with thee to be sure of.
What true report can I send to my soul
Of that I know not? We must only think
Our ladies are good people, and so live with 'em,
A fine security for them! Our own thoughts
Make the best fools of us; next to them, our wives.
But say she's all chaste, yet, is that her goodness?
What labour is't for woman to keep constant
That's never tried or tempted? Where's her fight?
The war's within her breast, her honest anger
Against the impudence of flesh and hell.
So let me know the lady of my rest
Or I shall never sleep well. Give not me
The thing that is thought good, but what's approved so.
So wise men choose. Oh, what a lazy virtue
Is chastity in a woman if no sin
Should lay temptation to't! Prithee set to her,
And bring my peace along with thee.
VOTARIUS
You put to me
A business that will do my words more shame
Than ever they got honour among women.
Lascivious courtings among sinful mistresses
Come ever seasonably, please best.
But let the boldest ruffian touch the ear
Of modest ladies with adulterous sounds,
Their very looks confound him and force grace
Into that cheek where impudence sets her seal.
That work is never undertook with courage
That makes his master blush. However, sir,
What profit can return to you by knowing
That which you do already, with more toil?
Must a man needs, in having a rich diamond,
Put it between a hammer and an anvil
And, not believing the true worth and value,
Break it in pieces to find out the goodness,
And in the finding lose it? Good sir, think on't!
Nor does it taste of wit to try their strengths
That are created sickly, nor of manhood.
We ought not to put blocks in women's ways,
For some too often fall upon plain ground.
Let me dissuade you, sir.
ANSELMUS
Have I a friend?
And has my love so little interest in him
That I must trust some stranger with my heart
And go to seek him out?
VOTARIUS
Nay, hark you, sir.
I am so jealous of your weakness
That, rather than you should lie prostituted
Before a stranger's triumph, I would venture
A whole hour's shaming for you.
ANSELMUS
Be worth thy word, then.
Enter Wife.
Yonder she comes. [Aside] I'll have an ear to you both.
I love to have such things at the first hand. [Retires.]
VOTARIUS
[Aside] I'll put him off with somewhat; guile in this
Falls in with honest dealing. Oh, who could move
Adultery to yon face? So rude a sin
May not come near the meekness of her eye.
My client's cause looks so dishonestly
I'll ne'er be seen to plead in't.
WIFE
What, Votarius!
VOTARIUS
Good morrow, virtuous madam.
WIFE
Was my lord
Seen lately here?
VOTARIUS
He's newly walked forth, lady.
WIFE
How was he attended?
VOTARIUS
Faith, I think with none, madam.
WIFE
That sorrow for the king his brother's fortune
Prevails too much with him, and leads him strangely
From company and delight.
VOTARIUS
[Aside] How she's beguiled in him!
There's no such natural touch, search all his bosom.--
That grief's too bold with him indeed, sweet madam,
And draws him from the pleasure of his time,
But 'tis a business of affection
That must be done. We owe a pity, madam,
To all men's misery, but especially
To those afflictions that claim kindred of us:
We're forced to feel 'em; all compassion else
Is but a work of charity, this, of nature,
And ties our pity in a bond of blood.
WIFE
Yet, sir, there is a date set to all sorrows.
Nothing is everlasting in this world.
Your counsel will prevail; persuade him, good sir,
To fall into life's happiness again
And leave the desolate path. I want his company.
He walks at midnight in thick shady woods
Where scarce the moon is starlight. I have watched him
In silver nights when all the earth was dressed
Up like a virgin in white innocent beams;
Stood in my window, cold and thinly clad,
T'observe him through the bounty of the moon
That liberally bestowed her graces on me.
And when the morning dew began to fall,
Then was my time to weep. H'as lost his kindness,
Forgot the way of wedlock, and become
A stranger to the joys and rites of love.
He's not so good as a lord ought to be;
Pray tell him so from me, sir.
VOTARIUS
That will I, madam.
Exit Wife.
Now must I dress a strange dish for his humour.
ANSELMUS
[Aside] Call you this courting? Life, not one word near
it!
There was no syllable but was twelve score off.
My faith, hot temptation! Woman's chastity
In such a conflict had great need of one
To keep the bridge. 'Twas dangerous for the time.
Why, what fantastic faiths are in these days
Made without substance! Whom should a man trust
In matters about love?
[Comes forward.]
VOTARIUS
Mass, here he comes too!
ANSELMUS
How now, Votarius? What's the news for us?
VOTARIUS
You set me to a task, sir, that will find
Ten ages work enough, and then unfinished.
Bring sin before her? Why, it stands more quaking
Than if a judge should frown on't. Three such fits
Would shake it into goodness, and quite beggar
The under-kingdom. Not the art of man,
Woman, or devil--
ANSELMUS
Oh, peace, man! Prithee, peace!
VOTARIUS
Can make her fit for lust.
ANSELMUS
Yet again, sir?
Where lives that mistress of thine, Votarius,
That taught thee to dissemble? I'd fain learn.
She makes good scholars.
VOTARIUS
How, my lord!
ANSELMUS
Thou art the son of falsehood. Prithee leave me.
How truly constant, charitable, and helpful
Is woman unto woman in affairs
That touch affection and the peace of spirit,
But man to man how crooked and unkind!
I thank my jealousy I heard thee all,
For I heard nothing; now thou'rt sure I did.
VOTARIUS
Now, by this light, then, wipe but off this score,
Since y'are so bent, and if I ever run
In debt again to falsehood and dissemblance
For want of better means, tear the remembrance of me
From your best thoughts.
ANSELMUS
For thy vow's sake, I pardon thee.
Thy oath is now sufficient watch itself
Over thy actions. I discharge my jealousy;
I ha' no more use for't now. To give thee way,
I'll have an absence made purposely for thee
And presently take horse. I'll leave behind me
An opportunity that shall fear no starting;
Let but thy pains deserve it.
VOTARIUS
I am bound to't.
ANSELMUS
For a small time, farewell, then. Hark thee--
VOTARIUS
Oh, good sir,
It will do wondrous well!
Exit Anselmus.
What a wild seed
Suspicion sows in him, and takes small ground for't!
How happy were this lord if he would leave
To tempt his fate and be resolved he were so;
He would be but too rich.
Man has some enemy still that keeps him back
In all his fortunes, and his mind is his,
And that's a mighty adversary. I had rather
Have twenty kings my enemies than that part,
For let me be at war with earth and hell
So that be friends with me. I ha' sworn to make
A trial of her faith; I must put on.
Enter Wife.
A courtier's face and do't; mine own will shame me.
WIFE
This is most strange of all. How one distraction
Seconds another!
VOTARIUS
What's the news, sweet madam?
WIFE
H'as took his horse, but left his leave untaken.
What should I think on't, sir? Did ever lord
Depart so rudely from his lady's presence?
VOTARIUS
Did he forget your lip?
WIFE
He forgot all
That nobleness remembers.
VOTARIUS
I'm ashamed on him.
Let me help, madam, to repair his manners
And mend that unkind faith.
[Attempts to kiss her.]
WIFE
Sir, pray forbear!
You forget worse than he.
VOTARIUS
[Aside] So virtue save me,
I have enough already.
WIFE
'Tis himself
Must make amends, good sir, for his own faults.
VOTARIUS
[Aside] I would he'd do't, then, and ne'er trouble me in't.--
But, madam, you perceive he takes the course
To be far off from that. He's rode from home;
But his unkindness stays, and keeps with you.
Let whose will please his wife, he rides his horse;
That's all the care he takes. I pity you, madam;
Y'ave an unpleasing lord: would 'twere not so.
I should rejoice with you.
You're young; the very spring's upon you now:
The roses on your cheeks are but new blown.
Take you together, y'are a pleasant garden
Where all the sweetness of man's comfort breathes.
But what is it to be a work of beauty
And want the heart that should delight in you?
You still retain your goodness in yourselves,
But then you lose your glory, which is all.
The grace of every benefit is the use,
And is't not pity you should want your grace?
Look you like one whose lord should walk in groves
About the peace of midnight? Alas, madam,
'Tis to me wondrous how you should spare the day
From amorous clips, much less the general season
When all the world's a gamester.
That face deserves a friend of heart and spirit,
Discourse, and motion, indeed such a one
That should observe you, madam, without ceasing,
And not a weary lord.
WIFE
Sure I was married, sir,
In a dear year of love, when scarcity
And famine of affection vexed poor ladies,
Which makes my heart so needy; it ne'er knew
Plenty of comfort yet.
VOTARIUS
Why, that's your folly,
To keep your mind so miserably, madam.
Change into better times; I'll lead you to 'em.
What bounty shall your friend expect for his!
Oh, you that can be hard to your own heart,
How would you use your friend's? If I thought kindly,
I'd be the man myself should serve your pleasure.
WIFE
How, sir!
VOTARIUS
Nay, and ne'er miss you too. I'd not come sneaking
Like a retainer once a week or so
To show myself before you for my livery.
I'd follow business like a household servant;
Carry my work before me, and dispatch
Before my lord be up, and make no words on't:
The sign of a good servant.
WIFE
'Tis not friendly done, sir,
To take a lady at advantage thus,
Set all her wrongs before her, and then tempt her.
VOTARIUS
[Aside] Heart, I grow fond myself! 'Twas well she waked
me
Before the dead sleep of adultery took me;
'Twas stealing on me. Up, you honest thoughts,
And keep watch for your master! I must hence:
I do not like my health; 't 'as a strange relish.
Pray heav'n I plucked mine eyes back time enough!
I'll never see her more. I praised the garden,
But little thought a bed of snakes lay hid in't.
WIFE
[Aside] I know not how I am. I'll call my woman.--
Stay, for I fear thou'rt too far gone already.
VOTARIUS
[Aside] I'll see her but once more. Do thy worst, love;
Thou art too young, fond boy, to master me.--
I come to tell you, madam, and that plainly,
I'll see your face no more. Take 't how you please.
WIFE
You will not offer violence to me, sir,
In my lord's absence? What does that touch you
If I want comfort?
VOTARIUS
Will you take your answer?
WIFE
It is not honest in you to tempt woman;
When her distresses take away her strength,
How is she able to withstand her enemy?
VOTARIUS
I would fain leave your sight and I could possible.
WIFE
What is't to you, good sir, if I be pleased
To weep myself away, and run thus violently
Into the arms of death, and kiss destruction?
Does this concern you now?
VOTARIUS
Ay, marry, does it!
What serve these arms for but to pluck you back,
These lips but to prevent all other tasters
And keep that cup of nectar for themselves?
[Aside] Heart, I'm beguiled again! Forgive me, heav'n;
My lips have been naught with her. Sin's mere witchcraft.
Break all the engines of life's frame in pieces,
I will be master once, and whip the boy
Home to his mother's lap. Face, fare thee well.
Exit Votarius.
WIFE
Votarius? Sir? My friend? Thanks heav'n, he's gone,
And he shall never come so near again.
I'll have my frailty watched ever; henceforward
I'll no more trust it single; it betrays me
Into the hands of folly! Where's my woman?
Enter Leonella.
My trusty Leonella!
LEONELLA
Call you, madam?
WIFE
Call I; I want attendance. Where are you?
LEONELLA
Never far from you, madam.
WIFE
Pray be nearer,
Or there is some that will and thank you too;
Nay, perhaps bribe you to be absent from me.
LEONELLA
How, madam!
WIFE
Is that strange to a lady's woman?
There are such things i' th' world, many such buyers
And sellers of a woman's name and honour,
Though you be young in bribes, and never came
To the flesh market yet. Beshrew your heart
For keeping so long from me!
LEONELLA
What ail you, madam?
WIFE
Somewhat commands me, and takes all the power
Of myself from me.
LEONELLA
What should that be, lady?
WIFE
When did you see Votarius?
LEONELLA
[Aside] Is that next?
Nay, then, I have your ladyship in the wind.--
I saw him lately, madam.
WIFE
Whom didst see?
LEONELLA
Votarius.
WIFE
What have I to do with him
More than another man? Say he be fair,
And his parts proper both of mind and body,
You praise him but in vain in telling me so.
LEONELLA
[Aside] Yea, madam, are you prattling in your sleep?
'Tis well my lord and you lie in two beds.
WIFE
I was ne'er so ill. I thank you, Leonella,
My negligent woman! Here you showed your service.
LEONELLA
[Aside] Life, have I power or means to stop a sluice
At a high water? What would sh'ave me do in't?
WIFE
I charge thee, while thou liv'st with me, henceforward
Use not an hour's absence from my sight.
Exit [Wife].
LEONELLA
By my faith, madam, you shall pardon me.
I have a love of mine own to look to,
And he must have his breakfast. Pist! Bellarius!
Enter Bellarius muffled in his cloak.
BELLARIUS
Leonella?
LEONELLA
Come forth, and show yourself a gentleman,
Although most commonly they hide their heads
As you do there, methinks. And why a taffety muffler?
Show your face, man. I'm not ashamed on you.
BELLARIUS
I fear the servants.
LEONELLA
And they fear their mistress, and ne'er think on you.
Their thoughts are upon dinner and great dishes.
If one thing hap (impossible to fail to,
I can see so far in't) you shall walk boldly, sir,
And openly in view through every room
About the house; and let the proudest meet thee,
I charge you give no way to 'em.
BELLARIUS
How thou talk'st!
LEONELLA
I can avoid the fool, and give you reason for't.
BELLARIUS
'Tis more than I should do, if I asked more on thee.
I prithee tell me how.
LEONELLA
With ease, i'faith, sir.
My lady's heart is wondrous busy, sir,
About the entertainment of a friend too,
And she and I must bear with one another
Or we shall make but a mad house betwixt us.
BELLARIUS
I'm bold to throw my cloak off at this news,
Which I ne'er durst before, and kiss thee freelier!
What is he, sirrah?
LEONELLA
Faith, an indifferent fellow
With good long legs, a near friend of my lord's.
BELLARIUS
A near friend of my lady's, you would say!
His name, I prithee?
LEONELLA
One Votarius, sir.
BELLARIUS
What sayest thou?
LEONELLA
He walks under the same title.
BELLARIUS
The only enemy that my life can show me!
LEONELLA
Your enemy? Let my spleen then alone with him.
Stay you your anger; I'll confound him for you.
BELLARIUS
As how, I prithee?
LEONELLA
I'll prevent his venery;
He shall ne'er lie with my lady.
BELLARIUS
Troth, I thank you!
Life, that's the way to save him! Art thou mad?
Whereas the other way he confounds himself
And lies more naked to revenge and mischief.
LEONELLA
Then let him lie with her, and the devil go with him!
He shall have all my furtherance.
BELLARIUS
Why, now you pray heartily, and speak to purpose.
Exeunt.
Enter the Lady of Govianus, with a Servant.
LADY
Who is't would speak with us?
SERVANT
My lord your father.
LADY
My father? Pray make haste; he waits too long.
Entreat him hither.
[Exit Servant.]
In despite of all
The tyrant's cruelties, we have got that friendship
E'en of the guard that he has placed about us:
My lord and I have free access together,
As much as I would ask of liberty.
They'll trust us largely now, and keep sometimes
Three hours from us, a rare courtesy
In jailor's children.
Enter Helvetius.
Some mild news, I hope,
Comes with my father. No, his looks are sad.
There is some further tyranny. Let it fall;
Our constant suff'rings shall amaze it.
[Kneels to Helvetius.]
HELVETIUS
Rise;
I will not bless thee. Thy obedience
Is after custom, as most rich men pray,
Whose saint is only fashion and vainglory.
So 'tis with thee in thy dissembled duty:
There is no religion in't, no reverent love,
Only for fashion and the praise of men.
LADY
Why should you think so, sir?
HELVETIUS
Think? You come too late
If you seek there for me. I know't and see't.
I'll sooner give my blessing to a drunkard,
Whom the ridiculous power of wine makes humble
As foolish use makes thee. Base-spirited girl,
That canst not think above disgrace and beggary
When glory is set for thee and thy seed,
Advancement for thy father, beside joy
Able to make a latter spring in me
In this my fourscore summer, and renew me
With a reversion yet of heat and youth!
But the dejection of thy mind and spirit
Makes me, thy father, guilty of a fault
That draws thy birth in question, and e'en wrongs
Thy mother in her ashes being at peace
With heav'n and man. Had not her life and virtues
Been seals unto her faith, I should think thee now
The work of some hired servant, some house-tailor,
And no one part of my endeavour in thee!
Had I neglected greatness, or not rather
Pursued almost to my eternal hazard,
Thou'dst ne'er been a lord's daughter.
LADY
Had I been
A shepherd's, I'd been happier and more peaceful.
HELVETIUS
Thy very seed will curse thee in thy age
When they shall hear the story of thy weakness:
How in thy youth thy fortunes tendered thee
A kingdom for thy servant, which thou lefts
Basely to serve thyself. What dost thou in this
But merely cozen thy posterity
Of royalty and succession, and thyself
Of dignity present?
LADY
Sir, your king did well
'Mongst all his nobles to pick out yourself
And send you with these words. His politic grace
Knew what he did, for well he might imagine
None else should have been heard; they'd had their answer
Before the question had been half way thorough.
But, dearest sir, I owe to you a reverence,
A debt which both begins and ends with life,
Never till then discharged, 'tis so long-lasting.
Yet could you be more precious than a father,
Which, next a husband, is the richest treasure
Mortality can show us, you should pardon me
(And yet confess too that you found me kind)
To hear your words, though I withstood your mind.
HELVETIUS
Say you so, daughter? Troth, I thank you kindly.
I am in hope to rise well by your means,
Or you to raise yourself. We're both beholding to you.
Well, since I cannot win you, I commend you;
I praise your constancy and pardon you.
Take Govianus to you, make the most of him;
Pick out your husband there, so you'll but grant me
One light request that follows.
LADY
Heaven forbid else, sir!
HELVETIUS
Give me the choosing of your friend, that's all.
LADY
How, sir? My friend? A light request indeed.
Somewhat too light, sir, either for my wearing
Or your own gravity, and you look on't well.
HELVETIUS
Push, talk like a courtier, girl, not like a fool!
Thou know'st the end of greatness, and hast wit
Above the flight of twenty feathered mistresses
That glister in the sun of princes' favours.
Thou hast discourse in thee, fit for a king's fellowship,
A princely carriage and astonishing presence.
What should a husband do with all this goodness?
Alas, one end an't is too much for him;
Nor is it fit a subject should be master
Of such a jewel. 'Tis in the king's power
To take it for the forfeit; but I come
To bear thee gently to his bed of honours,
All force forgotten. He commends him to thee
With more than the humility of a servant,
That since thou wilt not yield to be his queen,
Be yet his mistress: he shall be content
With that or nothing; he shall ask no more.
And with what easiness that is performed,
Most of your women know. Having a husband,
That kindness costs thee nothing; y'ave that in
All over and above to your first bargain,
And that's a brave advantage for a woman
If she be wise, as I suspect not thee.
And having youth, and beauty, and a husband,
Thou'st all the wish of woman. Take thy time, then;
Make thy best market.
LADY
Can you assure me, sir,
Whether my father spake this, or some spirit
Of evil-wishing that has for a time
Hired his voice of him, to beguile me that way,
Presuming on his power and my obedience?
I'd gladly know, that I might frame my answer
According to the speaker.
HELVETIUS
How now, baggage!
Am I in question with thee? Does thy scorn cast
So think an ignorance before thine eyes
That I am forgotten too? Who is't speaks to thee
But I thy father?
Enter Govianus discharging a pistol. [Helvetius falls.]
GOVIANUS
The more monstrous he!
Art down but with the bare voice of my fury?
Up, ancient sinner; thou'rt but mocked with death.
I missed thee purposely; thank this dear creature.
Oh, hast thou been anything beside her father
I'd made a fearful separation on thee:
I would have sent thy soul to a darker prison
Than any made of clay, and thy dead body
As a token to the lustful king thy master!
Art thou struck down so soon with the short sound
Of this small earthen instrument, and dost thou
So little fear th' eternal noise of hell?
What's she? Does she not bear thy daughter's name?
How stirs thy blood, sir? Is there a dead feeling
Of all things fatherly and honest in thee?
Say thou couldst be content, for greatness' sake,
To end the last act of thy life in panderism
(As you perhaps will say your betters do),
Must it needs follow that unmanly sin
Can work upon the weakness of no woman
But hers whose name and honour natural love
Bids thee preserve more charily than eyesight,
Health, or thy sense? Can promotion's thirst
Make such a father? Turn a grave old lord
To a white-headed squire? Make him so base
To buy his honours with his daughter's soul
And the perpetual shaming of his blood?
Hast thou the leisure, thou forgetful man,
To think upon advancement at these years?
What wouldst thou do with greatness? Dost thou hope
To fray death with't, or hast thou that conceit
That honour will restore thy youth again?
Thou art but mocked, old fellow: 'tis not so;
Thy hopes abuse thee. Follow thine own business
And list not to the sirens of the world.
Alas, thou hadst more need kneel at an altar
Than to a chair of state,
And search thy conscience for thy sins of youth:
That's work enough for age; it needs no greater.
Thou'rt called within: thy very eyes look inward
To teach thy thoughts the way, and thy affections;
But miserable notes that conscience sings
That cannot truly pray, for flattering kings.
HELVETIUS
This was well searched indeed, and without favouring.
Blessing reward thee! Such a wound as mine
Did need a pitiless surgeon. Smart on, soul;
Thou't feel the less hereafter. Sir, I thank you;
I ever saw my life in a false glass
Until this friendly hour. With what fair faces
My sins would look on me! But now truth shows 'em,
How loathsome and how monstrous are their forms.
[Kneels to Govianus.]
Be you my king and master still; henceforward
My knee shall know no other earthly lord.
Well may I spend this life to do you service,
That sets my soul in her eternal way.
GOVIANUS
Rise, rise, Helvetius!
HELVETIUS
I'll see both your hands
Set to my pardon first.
GOVIANUS
Mine shall bring hers.
LADY
Now, sir, I honour you for your goodness chiefly.
Y'are my most worthy father: you speak like him;
The first voice was not his. My joy and reverence
Strive which should be most seen. [As they raise him]
Let our hands, sir,
Raise you from earth thus high, and may it prove
The first ascent of your immortal rising,
Never to fall again.
HELVETIUS
A spring of blessings
Keep ever with thee, and the fruit thy lord's.
GOVIANUS
I ha' lost an enemy and have found a father.
Exeunt.
Enter Votarius sadly.
VOTARIUS
All's gone; there's nothing but the prodigal left:
I have played away my soul at one short game
Where e'en the winner loses.
Pursuing sin, how often did I shun thee!
How swift art thou afoot, beyond man's goodness,
Which has a lazy pace! So was I catched.
A curse upon the cause! Man in these days
Is not content to have his lady honest,
And so rest pleased with her without more toil,
But he must have her tried, forsooth, and tempted;
And when she proves a quean then he lies quiet,
Like one that has a watch of curious making,
Thinking to be more cunning than the workman,
Never gives over tamp'ring with the wheels
Till either spring be weakened, balance bowed,
Or some wrong pin put in, and so spoils all.
How I could curse myself! Most business else
Delight[s] in the dispatch; that's the best grace to't.
Only this work of blind, repented lust
Hangs shame and sadness on his master's cheek.
Yet wise men take no warning--
Enter Wife.
Nor can I now.
Her very sight strikes my repentance backward;
It cannot stand against her. Chamber thoughts
And words that have sport in 'em, they're for ladies.
WIFE
My best and dearest servant!
VOTARIUS
Worthiest mistress!
Enter Leonella.
[LEONELLA]
Madam!
WIFE
Who's that? My woman? She's myself.
Proceed, sir.
LEONELLA
Not if you love your honour, madam.
I came to give you warning my lord's come.
VOTARIUS
How!
WIFE
My lord!
VOTARIUS
[Aside] His very name shoots like a fever through me,
Now hot, now cold. Which cheek shall I turn toward him,
For fear he should read guiltiness in my looks?
I would he would keep from home like a wise man;
'Tis no place for him now. I would not see him
Of any friend alive. It is not fit
We two should come together; we have abused
Each other mightily: he used me ill
To employ me thus, and I ha' used him worse.
I'm too much even with him.
Enter Anselmus.
Yonder's a sight on him.
WIFE
My loved and honoured lord! Most welcome, sir.
[They kiss.]
LEONELLA
[Aside] Oh, there's a kiss! Methinks my lord might taste
Dissimulation rank in't, if he had wit.
He takes but of the breath of his friend's lip.
A second kiss is here, but that she keeps
For her first friend. We women have no cunning!
WIFE
You parted strangely from me.
ANSELMUS
That's forgotten.
Votarius! I make speed to be in thine arms.
[Embraces Votarius.]
VOTARIUS
You never come too soon, sir.
ANSELMUS
How goes business?
VOTARIUS
Pray think upon some other subject, sir.
What news at court?
ANSELMUS
Pish, answer me!
VOTARIUS
Alas, sir, would you have me work by wonders,
To strike fire out of ice? Y'are a strange lord, sir.
Put me to possible things and find 'em finished
At your return to me. I can say no more.
ANSELMUS
[Taking him aside] I see by this thou didst not try her
throughly.
VOTARIUS
How, sir, not throughly! By this light, he lives not
That could make trial of a woman better.
ANSELMUS
I fear thou wast too slack.
VOTARIUS
Good faith, you wrong me, sir.
She never found it so.
ANSELMUS
Then I've a jewel,
And nothing shall be thought too precious for her.
I may advance my forehead and boast purely.
Methinks I see her worth with clear eyes now.
Oh, when a man's opinion is at peace,
'Tis a fine life to marry! No state's like it.
[To Wife] My worthy lady, freely I confess
To thy wronged heart, my passion had alate
Put rudeness on me, which I now put off.
I will no more seem so unfashionable
For pleasure and the chamber of a lady.
WIFE
I'm glad you're changed so well, sir.
VOTARIUS
[Aside] Thank himself for't.
Exeunt Wife and Anselmus.
LEONELLA
[Aside] This comes like physic when the party's dead.
Flows kindness now, when 'tis so ill deserved?
This is the fortune still. Well, for this trick,
I'll save my husband and his friend a labour;
I'll never marry as long as I'm honest,
For commonly queans have the kindest husbands.
Exit Leonella, manet Votarius.
VOTARIUS
I do not like his company now; 'tis irksome.
His eye offends me. Methinks 'tis not kindly
We two should live together in one house,
And 'tis impossible to remove me hence.
I must not give way first. She is my mistress,
And that's a degree kinder than a wife.
Women are always better to their friends
Than to their husbands, and more true to them.
Then let the worst give place, whom she 'as least need on,
He that can best be spared, and that's her husband.
I do not like his overboldness with her;
He's too familiar with the face I love.
I fear the sickness of affection;
I feel a grudging on't. I shall grow jealous
E'en of that pleasure which she has by law,
I shall go so near with her!
Enter Bellarius passing over the stage.
Ha, what's he?
Life, 'tis Bellarius, my rank enemy!
Mine eye snatched so much sight of him. What's his business?
His face half darkened, stealing through the house
With a whoremaster's pace: I like it not.
This lady will be served like a great woman,
With more attendants, I perceive, than one;
She has her shift of friends. My enemy one?
Do we both shun each other's company
In all assemblies public, at all meetings,
And drink to one another in one mistress?
My very thought's my poison. 'Tis high time
To seek for help. Where is our head physician?
A doctor of my making and that lecher's!
Oh, woman, when thou once leav'st to be good,
Thou car'st not who stands next thee! Every sin
Is a companion for thee, for thy once-cracked honesty
Is like the breaking of whole money:
It never comes to good, but wastes away.
Enter Anselmus.
ANSELMUS
Votarius.
VOTARIUS
Ha!
ANSELMUS
We miss you, sir, within.
VOTARIUS
I missed you more without. Would you had come sooner, sir!
ANSELMUS
Why, what's the business?
VOTARIUS
You should ha' seen a fellow,
A common bawdy-house ferret, one Bellarius,
Steal through this room, his whorish barren face
Three-quarters muffled. He is somewhere hid
About the house, sir.
ANSELMUS
Which way took the villain,
That marriage felon, one that robs the mind,
Twenty times worse than any highway striker?
Speak, which way took he?
VOTARIUS
Marry, my lord, I think--
Let me see, which way was't now? Up yon stairs.
ANSELMUS
The way to chamb'ring! Did not I say still
All thy temptations were too faint and lazy?
Thou didst not play 'em home.
VOTARIUS
To tell you true, sir,
I found her yielding ere I left her last,
And wavering in her faith.
ANSELMUS
Did not I think so?
VOTARIUS
That makes me suspect him.
ANSELMUS
Why, partial man!
Couldst thou hide this from me, so dearly sought for,
And rather waste thy pity upon her?
Thou'rt not so kind as my heart praised thee to me.
Hark!
VOTARIUS
'Tis his footing, certain.
ANSELMUS
Are you chambered?
I'll fetch you from aloft.
Exit Anselmus.
VOTARIUS
He takes my work
And toils to bring me ease. This use I'll make on him:
His care shall watch to keep all strange thieves out
Whiles I familiarly go in and rob him
Like one that knows the house.
But how has rashness and my jealousy used me!
Out of my vengeance to mine enemy
Confessed her yielding, I have locked myself
From mine own liberty with that key. Revenge
Does no man good but to his greatest harm.
Suspect and malice, like a mingled cup,
Made me soon drunk. I knew not what I spoke,
And that may get me pardon.
Enter Anselmus, a dagger in his hand, with Leonella.
LEONELLA
Why, my lord!
ANSELMUS
Confess, thou mystical panderess! Run, Votarius,
To the back gate; the guilty slave leaped out
And scaped me so. This strumpet locked him up
In her own chamber!
Exit Votarius.
LEONELLA
Hold, my lord! I might;
He is my husband, sir!
ANSELMUS
Oh, soul of cunning!
Came that arch-subtlety from thy lady's counsel
Or thine own sudden craft? Confess to me
How oft thou hast been a bawd to their close actions,
Or all thy light goes out!
LEONELLA
My lord, believe me,
In troth, I love a man too well myself
To bring him to my mistress.
ANSELMUS
Leave thy sporting,
Or my next offer makes thy heart weep blood!
LEONELLA
Oh, spare that strength, my lord, and I'll reveal
A secret that concerns you, for this does not.
ANSELMUS
Back, back, my fury, then:
It shall not touch thy breast. Speak freely. What is't?
LEONELLA
Votarius and my lady are false gamesters;
They use foul play, my lord.
ANSELMUS
Thou liest!
LEONELLA
Reward me then
For all together; if it prove not so,
I'll never bestow time to ask your pity.
ANSELMUS
Votarius and thy lady! 'Twill ask days
Ere it be settled in belief. So, rise;
Go get thee to thy chamber.
Exit.
LEONELLA
A pox on you!
You hindered me of better business, thank you.
H'as frayed a secret from me; would he were whipped!
Faith, from a woman a thing's quickly slipped.
Exit.
Enter the Tyrant with Sophonirus, Memphonius, and other Nobles. A flourish.
TYRANT
My joys have all false hearts; there's nothing true to me
That's either kind or pleasant. I'm hardly dealt withal.
I must not miss her; I want her sight too long.
Where's this old fellow?
SOPHONIRUS
Here's one, my lord, of threescore and sev'nteen.
TYRANT
Push, that old limber ass puts in his head still!
Helvetius! Where is he?
MEMPHONIUS
Not yet returned, my lord.
Enter Helvetius.
TYRANT
Your lordship lies.
Here comes the kingdom's father. Who amongst you
Dares say this worthy man has not made speed?
I would fain hear that fellow.
SOPHONIRUS
[Aside] I'll not be he.
I like the standing of my head too well
To have it mended.
TYRANT
[To Helvetius] Thy sight quickens me.
I find a better health when thou art present
Than all times else can bring me! Is the answer
As pleasing as thyself?
HELVETIUS
Of what, my lord?
TYRANT
Of what? Fie, no! He did not say so, did he?
SOPHONIRUS
Oh, no, my lord, not he spoke no such word.
[Aside] I'll say as he would ha't, for I'd be loath
To have my body used like butcher's meat.
TYRANT
When comes she to our bed?
HELVETIUS
Who, my lord?
TYRANT
Hark!
You heard that plain amongst you?
SOPHONIRUS
Oh, my lord,
As plain as my wife's tongue, that drowns a sance bell.
[Aside] Let me alone to lay about for honour;
I'll shift for one.
TYRANT
When comes the lady, sir,
That Govianus keeps?
HELVETIUS
Why, that's my daughter.
TYRANT
Oh, is it so? Have you unlocked your memory?
What says she to us?
HELVETIUS
Nothing.
TYRANT
How thou tempt'st us!
What didst thou say to her, being sent from us?
HELVETIUS
More than was honest, yet it was but little.
TYRANT
How cruelly thou work'st upon our patience,
Having advantage 'cause thou art her father!
But be not bold too far; if duty leave thee,
Respect will fall from us.
HELVETIUS
Have I kept life
So long till it looks white upon my head,
Been threescore years a courtier, and a flatterer
Not above threescore hours, which time's repented
Amongst my greatest follies, and am I at these days
Fit for no place but bawd to mine own flesh?
You'll prefer all your old courtiers to good services.
If your lust keep but hot some twenty winters,
We are like to have a virtuous world of wives,
Daughters, and sisters, besides kinswomen
And cousin-germans removed up and down
Where'er you please to have 'em! Are white hairs
A colour fit for panders and flesh-brokers,
Which are the honoured ornaments of age,
To which e'en kings owe reverence as they're men
And greater in their goodness than their greatness?
And must I take my pay all in base money?
I was a lord born, set by all court grace,
And am I thrust now to a squire's place?
TYRANT
How comes the moon to change so in this man
That was at full but now in all performance,
And swifter than my wishes? I beshrew that virtue
That busied herself with him. She might have found
Some other work; the man was fit for me
Before she spoiled him. She has wronged my heart in't
And marred me a good workman. Now his art fails him,
What makes the man at court? This is no place
For fellows of no parts; he lives not here
That puts himself from action when we need him.
I take off all thy honours and bestow 'em
On any of this rank that will deserve 'em.
SOPHONIRUS
My lord, that's I. Trouble your grace no further.
I'll undertake to bring her to your bed
With some ten words. Marry, they're special charms:
No lady can withstand 'em; a witch taught me 'em.
If you doubt me, I'll leave my wife in pawn
For my true loyalty, and your majesty
May pass away the time till I return.
I have a care in all things.
TYRANT
That may thrive best
Which the least hope looks after, but, however,
Force shall help nature. I'll be too sure now.
Thy willingness may be fortunate; we employ thee.
SOPHONIRUS
Then I'll go fetch my wife, and take my journey.
TYRANT
Stay, we require no pledge; we think thee honest.
SOPHONIRUS
[Aside] Troth, the worse luck for me; we had both been
made by't:
It was the way to make my wife great too.
TYRANT
[To Helvetius] I'll teach thee to be wide and strange to
me!
Thou't feel thyself light shortly. I'll not leave thee
A title to put on, but the bare name
That men must call thee by, and know thee miserable.
HELVETIUS
'Tis miserable, king, to be of thy making
And leave a better workman. If thy honours
Only keep life in baseness, take 'em to thee,
And give 'em to the hungry. There's one gapes.
SOPHONIRUS
One that will swallow you, sir, for that jest,
And all your titles after.
HELVETIUS
The devil follow 'em!
There's room enough for him too. Leave me, thou king,
As poor as truth; the gentlewoman I now serve,
And never will forsake her for her plainness:
That shall not alter me!
TYRANT
No? Our guard within there!
Enter Guard.
[GUARD]
My lord?
TYRANT
Bear that old fellow to our castle prisoner.
Give charge he be kept close.
HELVETIUS
Close prisoner?
Why, my heart thanks thee. I shall have more time
And liberty to virtue in one hour
Than all those threescore years I was a courtier.
So by imprisonment I sustain great loss:
Heav'n opens to that man the world keeps close.
Exit [with Guard].
SOPHONIRUS
[Aside] But I'll not go to prison to try that.
Give me the open world; there's a good air.
TYRANT
I would fain send death after him, but I dare not;
He knows I dare not: that would give just cause
Of her unkindness everlasting to me.
His life may thank his daughter. Sophonirus,
Here, take this jewel, bear it as a token
To our heart's saint. 'Twill do thy words no harm.
Speech may do much, but wealth's a greater charm
Than any made of words, and, to be sure,
If one or both should fail, I provide farther.
Call forth those resolute fellows whom our clemency
Saved from a death of shame in time of war
For field offenses. Give 'em charge from us
They arm themselves with speed, beset the house
Of Govianus round, that if thou fail'st,
Or stay'st beyond the time thou leav'st with them,
They may with violence break in themselves
And seize on her for our use.
Exeunt. Manet Sophonirus.
SOPHONIRUS
They're not so saucy
To seize on her for their own, I hope,
As there are many knaves will begin first
And bring their lords the bottom. I have been served so
A hundred times myself, by a scurvy page
That I kept once;
But my wife loved him, and I could not help it.
A flourish. Exit.
Enter Govianus with his Lady and a Servant.
GOVIANUS
What is he?
SERVANT
An old lord come from court.
GOVIANUS
He should be wise by's years; he will not dare
To come about such business: 'tis not man's work.
Art sure he desired conference with thy lady?
SERVANT
Sure, sir.
GOVIANUS
Faith, thou'rt mistook; 'tis with me, certain.
Let's do the man no wrong; go, know it truly, sir.
SERVANT
[Aside] This a strange humour, we must know things twice.
Exit.
GOVIANUS
There's no man is so dull but he will weigh
The work he undertakes, and set about it
E'en in the best sobriety of judgment,
With all his senses watchful. Then his guilt
Does equal his for whom 'tis undertaken.
Enter Servant.
What says he now?
SERVANT
E'en as he said at first, sir.
H'as business to my lady from the king.
GOVIANUS
Still from the king! He will not come near, will he?
SERVANT
Yes, when he knows he shall, sir.
GOVIANUS
I cannot think it.
Let him be tried.
SERVANT
Small trial will serve him, I warrant you, sir.
[Exit.]
GOVIANUS
Sure honesty has left man. Has fear forsook him?
Yes, faith, there is no fear where there's no grace.
LADY
What way shall I devise to give him his answer?
Denial is not strong enough to serve, sir.
GOVIANUS
No, 't must have other helps.
Enter Sophonirus.
I see he dares.
Oh, patience, I shall lose a friend of thee!
SOPHONIRUS
I bring thee, precious lady, this dear stone
And commendations from the king my master.
GOVIANUS
[Drawing his sword] I set before thee, panderous lord,
this steel,
And much good do't thy heart! Fall to, and spare not!
[Stabs Sophonirus.]
LADY
'Las, what have you done, my lord?
GOVIANUS
Why, sent a bawd
Home to his lodging; nothing else, sweetheart.
SOPHONIRUS
Well, you have killed me, sir, and there's an end;
But you'll get nothing by the hand, my lord,
When all your cards are counted. There be gamesters,
Not far off, will set upon the winner
And make a poor lord on you ere th'ave left you.
I'm fetched in like a fool to pay the reck'ning,
Yet you'll save nothing by't.
GOVIANUS
What riddle's this?
SOPHONIRUS
There she stands by thee now, who yet ere midnight
Must lie by the king's side.
GOVIANUS
Who speaks that lie?
SOPHONIRUS
One hour will make it true: she cannot scape
No more than I from death; y'ave a great gain on't
And you look well about you, that's my comfort:
The house is round beset with armed men
That know their time, when to break in and seize on her.
LADY
My lord!
GOVIANUS
'Tis boldly done to trouble me
When I've such business to dispatch. Within there!
Enter Servant.
[SERVANT]
My lord?
GOVIANUS
Look out, and tell me what thou seest.
[Exit Servant.]
SOPHONIRUS
How quickly now my death will be revenged,
Before the king's first sleep! I depart laughing
To think upon the deed.
[Dies.]
GOVIANUS
'Tis thy banquet.
Down, villain, to thy everlasting weeping,
That canst rejoice so in the rape of virtue,
And sing light tunes in tempests, when near shipwrecked,
And have no plank to save us!
Enter Servant.
Now, sir, quickly.
SERVANT
Which way soe'er I cast mine eye, my lord,
Out of all parts a' th' house, I may see fellows
Gathered in companies and all whispering
Like men for treachery busy--
LADY
'Tis confirmed.
SERVANT
Their eyes still fixed upon the doors and windows.
GOVIANUS
I think thou'st never done; thou lov'st to talk on't.
'Tis fine discourse. Prithee find other business.
SERVANT
Nay, I am gone. I'm a man quickly sneaped.
Exit.
GOVIANUS
H'as flattered me with safety for this hour.
LADY
Have you leisure to stand idle? Why, my lord,
It is for me they come.
GOVIANUS
For thee, my glory,
The riches of my youth, it is for thee.
LADY
Then is your care so cold? Will you be robbed
And have such warning of the thieves? Come on, sir!
Fall to your business; lay your hands about you.
Do not think scorn to work. A resolute captain
Will rather fling the treasure of his bark
Into whales' throats than pirates should be gorged with't.
Be not less man than he. Thou art master yet,
And all's at thy disposing. Take thy time;
Prevent mine enemy. Away with me;
Let me no more be seen. I'm like that treasure
Dangerous to him that keeps it. Rid thy hands on't.
GOVIANUS
I cannot loose thee so.
LADY
Shall I be taken
And lost the cruel'st way? Then wouldst thou curse
That love that sent forth pity to my life,
Too late thou wouldst.
GOVIANUS
Oh, this extremity!
Hast thou no way to scape 'em but in soul?
Must I meet peace in thy destruction
Or will it ne'er come at me?
'Tis a most miserable way to get it.
I had rather be content to live without it
Than pay so dear for't, and yet lose it too.
LADY
Sir, you do nothing; there's no valour in you.
Y'are the worst friend to a lady in affliction
That ever love made his companion.
For honour's sake, dispatch me! Thy own thoughts
Should stir thee to this act more than my weakness.
The sufferer should not do't. I speak thy part,
Dull and forgetful man, and all to help thee!
Is it thy mind to have me seized upon
And borne with violence to the tyrant's bed,
There forced unto the lust of all his days?
GOVIANUS
Oh, no, thou liv'st no longer now I think on't.
I take thee at all hazard.
LADY
Oh, stay! Hold, sir!
GOVIANUS
Lady,
What had you made me done now? You never cease
Till you prepare me cruel 'gainst my heart,
And then you turn 't upon my hand and mock me.
LADY
Cowardly flesh,
Thou show'st thy faintness still; I felt thee shake
E'en when the storm came near thee. Thou'rt the same.
But 'twas not for thy fear I put death by;
I had forgot a chief and worthy business
Whose strange neglect would have made me forgotten
Where I desire to be remembered most.
I will be ready straight, sir.
[Kneels in prayer.]
GOVIANUS
Oh, poor lady,
Why might not she expire now in that prayer,
Since she must die, and never try worse ways?
'Tis not so happy, for we often see
Condemned men sick to death, yet 'tis their fortune
To recover to their execution
And rise again in heath to set in shame!
What if I steal a death unseen of her now,
And close up all my miseries, with mine eyes?
Oh, fie!
And leave her here alone? That were unmanly.
LADY
My lord, be now as sudden as you please, sir.
I am ready to your hand.
GOVIANUS
But that's not ready.
'Tis the hard'st work that ever man was put to;
I know not which way to begin to come to't.
Believe me, I shall never kill thee well;
I shall but shame myself. It were but folly,
Dear soul, to boast of more than I can perform.
I shall not have the power to do thee right in't.
Thou deserv'st death with speed, a quick dispatch,
The pain but of a twinkling, and so sleep.
If I do't, I shall make thee live too long
And so spoil all that way. I prithee excuse me.
LADY
I should not be disturbed and you did well, sir.
I have prepared myself for rest and silence
And took my leave of words. I am like one
Removing from her house, that locks up all,
And rather than she would displace her goods,
Makes shift with anything for the time she stays.
Then look not for more speech; th' extremity speaks
Enough to serve us both had we no tongues!
Knock.
Hark!
WITHIN
Lord Sophonirus!
GOVIANUS
Which hand shall I take?
LADY
Art thou yet ignorant? There is no way
But through my bosom.
GOVIANUS
Must I lose thee then?
LADY
Th'are but thine enemies that tell thee so.
His lust may part me from thee, but death, never;
Thou canst not lose me there, for, dying thine,
Thou dost enjoy me still. Kings cannot rob thee.
Knock.
WITHIN
Do you hear, my lord?
LADY
Is it yet time, or no?
Honour remember thee!
GOVIANUS
I must; come. Prepare thyself.
LADY
Never more dearly welcome.
[Govianus] runs at her [with his sword] and falls by the way in a sound.
Alas, sir!
My lord, my love! Oh, thou poor-spirited man!
He's gone before me. Did I trust to thee,
And hast thou served me so? Left all the work
Upon my hand, and stole away so smoothly?
There was not equal suffering shown in this;
And yet I cannot blame thee. Every man
Would seek his rest. Eternal peace sleep with thee!
[Taking his sword] Thou art my servant now; come, thou
hast lost
A fearful master, but art now preferred
Unto the service of a resolute lady,
One that knows how to employ thee, and scorns death
As much as great men fear it. Where's hell's ministers,
The tyrant's watch and guard? 'Tis of much worth,
When with this key the prisoner can slip forth!
Kills herself. Knock.
GOVIANUS
How now! What noise is this? I heard doors beaten.
A great knocking again.
Where are my servants? Let men knock so loud
Their master cannot sleep!
Knock.
WITHIN
The time's expired,
And we'll break in, my lord!
GOVIANUS
Ha! Where's my sword?
I had forgot my business. [Sees the Lady.] Oh, 'tis done,
And never was beholding to my hand!
Was I so hard to thee, so respectless of thee,
To put all this to thee? Why, it was more
Than I was able to perform myself
With all the courage that I could take to me.
It tired me; I was fain to fall, and rest.
And hast thou, valiant woman, overcome
Thy honour's enemies with thine own white hand,
Where virgin-victory sits, all without help?
Eternal praise go with thee! Spare not now;
Make all the haste you can. I'll plant this bawd
Against the door, the fittest place for him,
That when with ungoverned weapons they rush in,
Blinded with fury, they may take his death
Into the purple number of their deeds,
And wipe it off from mine.
[Places the body of Sophonirus against the door.] Knock within.
How now, forbear!
My lord's at hand.
WITHIN
My lord, and ten lords more,
I hope the king's officers are above 'em all.
[They attempt to open the door.]
GOVIANUS
Life, what do you do? Take heed!
Enter the Fellows well weaponed [and stab Sophonirus].
Bless the old man!
My lord, All-Ass, my lord, he's gone!
FIRST [FELLOW]
Heart, farewell he, then!
We have no eyes to pierce thorough inch boards.
'Twas his own folly. The king must be served,
And shall. The best is, we shall ne'er be hanged for't,
There's such a number guilty.
GOVIANUS
Poor my lord!
He went some twice ambassador, and behaved himself
So wittily in all his actions!
SECOND [FELLOW]
My lord! What's she?
GOVIANUS
Let me see.
What should she be? Now I remember her.
Oh, she was a worthy creature
Before destruction grew so inward with her!
FIRST [FELLOW]
Well, for her worthiness, that's no work of ours.
You have a lady, sir; the king commands her
To court with speed, and we must force her thither.
GOVIANUS
Alas, she'll never strive with you; she was born
E'en with the spirit of meekness. Is't for the king?
FIRST [FELLOW]
For his own royal and most gracious lust,
Or let me ne'er be trusted.
GOVIANUS
Take her, then.
SECOND [FELLOW]
Spoke like an honest subject, by my troth.
I'll do the like myself to serve my prince.
Where is she, sir?
GOVIANUS
Look but upon yon face,
Then do but tell me where you think she is.
SECOND [FELLOW]
Life, she's not here!
GOVIANUS
She's yonder.
FIRST [FELLOW]
Faith, she's gone
Where we shall ne'er come at her, I see that.
GOVIANUS
No, nor thy master neither. Now I praise
Her resolution; 'tis a triumph to me
When I see those about her.
SECOND [FELLOW]
How came this, sir?
The king must know.
GOVIANUS
From yon old fellow's prattling.
All your intents he revealed largely to her,
And she was troubled with a foolish pride
To stand upon her honour, and so died.
'Twas a strange trick of her. Few of your ladies
In ord'nary will believe it: they abhor it;
They'll sooner kill themselves with lust than for it.
FIRST [FELLOW]
We have done the king good service to kill him,
More than we were aware on; but this news
Will make a mad court. 'Twill be a hard office
To be a flatterer now; his grace will run
Into so many moods there'll be no finding on him:
As good seek a wild hare without a hound now.
A vengeance of your babbling! These old fellows
Will hearken after secrets as their lives,
But keep 'em in e'en as they keep their wives.
ALL [FELLOWS]
We have watched fairly.
Exeunt [with the body of Sophonirus]. Manet Govianus.
GOVIANUS
What a comfort 'tis
To see 'em gone without her! Faith, she told me
Her everlasting sleep would bring me joy,
Yet I was still unwilling to believe her,
Her life was so sweet to me, like some man
In time of sickness that would rather wish,
To please his fearful flesh, his former health
Restored to him, than death; when, after trial,
If it were possible, ten thousand worlds
Could not entice him to return again
And walk upon the earth from whence he flew.
So stood my wish, joyed in her life and breath;
Now gone, there is no heav'n but after death!
Come, thou delicious treasure of mankind,
To him that knows what virtuous woman is
And can discretely love her. The whole world
Yields not a jewel like her, ransack rocks
And caves beneath the deep. Oh, thou fair spring
Of honest and religious desires,
Fountain of weeping honour, I will kiss thee
After death's marble lip! Thou'rt cold enough
To lie entombed now by my father's side.
Without offence in kin[d]red there I'll place thee,
With one I loved the dearest next thee.
Help me to mourn, all that love chastity.
Exit [with her body].
Enter Votarius with Anselmus' [Wife].
VOTARIUS
[Prithee] forgive me, madam; come, thou shalt.
WIFE
I'faith, 'twas strangely done, sir.
VOTARIUS
I confess it.
WIFE
Is that enough to help it, sir? 'Tis easy
To draw a lady's honour in suspicion,
But not so soon recovered and confirmed
To the first faith again from whence you brought it.
Your wit was fetched out about other business
Or such forgetfulness had never seized you.
VOTARIUS
'Twas but an overflowing, a spring tide
In my affection, raised by too much love,
And that's the worst words you can give it, madam.
WIFE
Jealous of me?
VOTARIUS
Life, you'd 'a' sworn yourself, madam,
Had you been in my body, and changed cases,
To see a fellow with a guilty pace
Glide through the room, his face three quarters nighted,
As if a deed of darkness had hung on him--
WIFE
I tell you twice, 'twas my bold woman's friend.
Hell take her impudence!
VOTARIUS
Why, I have done, madam.
WIFE
Y'ave done too late, sir. Who shall do the rest now?
Confessed me yielding! Was thy way too free?
Why didst thou long to be restrained? Pray speak, sir.
VOTARIUS
A man cannot cozen you of the sin of weakness,
Or borrow it of a woman for one hour,
But how he's wondered at, where, search your lives,
We shall ne'er find it from you. We can suffer you
To play away your days in idleness,
And hide your imperfections with our loves,
Or the most part of you would appear strange creatures,
And now 'tis but our chance to make an offer
And snatch at folly, running, yet to see
How earnest y'are against us, as if we had robbed you
Of the best gift your natural mother left you!
WIFE
'Tis worth a kiss, i'faith, and thou shalt ha't
Were there not one more left for my lord's supper.
And now, sir, I've bethought myself.
VOTARIUS
That's happy!
WIFE
You say we're weak, but the best wits on you all
Are glad of our advice, for aught I see,
And hardly thrive without us.
VOTARIUS
I'll say so too.
To give you encouragement and advance your virtues
'Tis not good always to keep down a woman.
WIFE
Well, sir, since y'ave begun to make my lord
A doubtful man of me, keep on that course
And ply his faith still with that poor belief
That I'm inclining unto wantonness.
Take heed you pass no further now.
VOTARIUS
Why, dost think
I'll be twice mad together in one moon?
That were too much for any freeman's son
After his father's funeral.
WIFE
Well, then thus, sir.
Upholding still the same, as being emboldened
By some loose glance of mine, you shall attempt,
After y'ave placed my lord in some near closet,
To thrust yourself into my chamber rudely,
As if the game went forward to your thinking.
Then leave the rest to me. I'll so reward thee
With bitterness of words--but prithee pardon 'em--
My lord shall swear me into honesty
Enough to serve his mind all his life after.
Nay, for a need, I'll draw some rapier forth,
That shall come near my hand as 'twere by chance,
And set a lively face upon my rage.
But fear thou nothing; I too dearly love thee
To let harm touch thee.
VOTARIUS
Oh, it likes me rarely!
I'll choose a precious time for't.
WIFE
Go thy ways; I'm glad I had it for thee.
Exit Votarius. Enter Leonella.
[LEONELLA]
Madam, my lord entreats your company.
WIFE
Pshaw ye!
LEONELLA
Pshaw ye!
My lords entreats your company.
WIFE
What [now]?
Are ye so short-heeled?
LEONELLA
I am as my betters are, then!
WIFE
How came you by such impudence alate, minion?
Y'are not content to entertain your playfellow
In your own chamber closely, which I think
Is large allowance for a lady's woman.
There's many a good knight's daughter is in service
And cannot get such favour of her mistress
But what she has by stealth; she and the chambermaid
Are glad of one between 'em: and must you
Give such bold freedom to your long-nosed fellow
That every room must take a taste of him?
LEONELLA
Does that offend your ladyship?
WIFE
How think you, forsooth?
LEONELLA
Then he shall do't again!
WIFE
What!
LEONELLA
And again, madam,
So often till it please your ladyship;
And when you like it, he shall do't no more.
WIFE
What's this?
LEONELLA
I know no difference, virtuous madam,
But in love all have privilege alike.
WIFE
Y'are a bold quean!
LEONELLA
And are not you my mistress?
WIFE
This well, i'faith!
LEONELLA
[Aside] You spare not your own flesh no more than I;
Hell take me and I spare you!
WIFE
[Aside] Oh, the wrongs
That ladies do their honours when they make
Their slaves familiar with their weaknesses!
They're ever thus rewarded for that deed:
They stand in fear e'en of the grooms they feed.
I must be forced to speak my woman fair now,
And be first friends with her. Nay, all too little.
She may undo me at her pleasure else;
She knows the way so well, myself not better.
My wanton folly made a key for her
To all the private treasure of my heart;
She may do what she list.--Come, Leonella,
I am not angry with thee.
LEONELLA
Pish!
WIFE
Faith, I am not.
LEONELLA
Why, what care I and you be?
WIFE
Prithee forgive me.
LEONELLA
I have nothing to say to you.
WIFE
Come, thou shalt wear this jewel for my sake.
A kiss, and friends; we'll never quarrel more.
LEONELLA
Nay, choose you, faith. The best is, and you do,
You know who'll have the worst on't.
WIFE
[Aside] True: myself.
LEONELLA
[Aside] Little thinks she I have set her forth already.
I please my lord, yet keep her in awe too.
WIFE
One thing I had forgot: I prithee, wench,
Steal to Votarius closely and remember him
To wear some privy armour then about him,
That I may feign a fury without fear.
LEONELLA
Armour? When, madam?
WIFE
See now, I chid thee
When I least thought upon thee; thou'rt my best hand:
I cannot be without thee. Thus then, sirrah.
To beat away suspicion from the thoughts
Of ruder list'ning servants about house,
I have advised Votarius at fit time
Boldly to force his way into my chamber,
The admittance being denied him, and the passage
Kept strict by thee, my necessary woman.
La, there I should ha' missed thy help again!
At which attempt, I'll take occasion
To dissemble such an anger, that the world
Shall ever after swear us to their thoughts
As clear and free from any fleshly knowledge
[As] nearest kindred are, or ought to be,
Or what can more express it, if that failed.
LEONELLA
You know I'm always at your service, madam.
But why some privy armour?
WIFE
Marry, sweetheart,
The best is yet forgotten. Thou shalt hang
A weapon in some corner of the chamber,
Yonder, or there--
LEONELLA
Or anywhere. Why, i'faith, madam,
Do you think I'm to learn now to hang a weapon?
As much as I'm uncapable of what follows,
I've all your mind without book. Think it done, madam.
WIFE
Thanks, my good wench. I'll never call thee worse.
Exit Wife.
LEONELLA
Faith, y'are like to ha't again, and you do, madam.
Enter Bellarius.
BELLARIUS
What, art alone?
LEONELLA
Cuds me, what make you here, sir?
You're a bold, long-nosed fellow!
BELLARIUS
How!
LEONELLA
So my lady says.
Faith, she and I have had a bout for you, sir,
But she got nothing by't.
BELLARIUS
Did not I say still
Thou wouldst be too adventurous?
LEONELLA
Ne'er a whit, sir!
I made her glad to seek my friendship first.
BELLARIUS
By my faith, that showed well. If you come off
So brave a conqueress, to't again, and spare not.
I know not which way you should get more honour.
LEONELLA
She trusts me now to cast a mist, forsooth,
Before the servants' eyes. I must remember
Votarius to come once with privy armour
Into her chamber, when with a feigned fury
And rapier drawn, which I must lay a' purpose
Ready for her dissemblance, she will seem
T'act wonders for her juggling honesty.
BELLARIUS
I wish no riper vengeance. Canst conceive me?
Votarius is my enemy.
LEONELLA
That's stale news, sir.
BELLARIUS
Mark what I say to thee. Forget of purpose
That privy armour; do not bless his soul
With so much warning, nor his hated body
With such sure safety. Here express thy love.
Lay some empoisoned weapon next her hand,
That in that play he may be lost forever;
I'd have him kept no longer. Away with him!
One touch will set him flying; let him go.
LEONELLA
Bribe me but with a kiss, it shall be so.
Exeunt.
Enter Tyrant wondrous [discontentedly], Nobles [including Memphonius] afar off.
[FIRST] NOBLE
My lord.
TYRANT
Begone, or never see life more!
I'll send thee far enough from court! Memphonius!
Where's he now?
MEMPHONIUS
Ever at your highness' service.
TYRANT
How dar'st thou be so near when we have threatened
Death to thy fellow? Have we lost our power,
Or thou thy fear? Leave us, in time of grace;
'Twill be too late anon.
MEMPHONIUS
[Aside] I think 'tis so
With thee already.
TYRANT
Dead! And I so healthful!
There's no equality in this. Stay!
MEMPHONIUS
Sir?
TYRANT
Where is that fellow brought the first report to us?
MEMPHONIUS
He waits without.
TYRANT
I charge thee, give command
That he be executed speedily,
As thou't stand firm thyself.
MEMPHONIUS
[Aside] Now, by my faith,
His tongue has helped his neck to a sweet bargain!
Exit Memphonius.
TYRANT
Her own fair hand so cruel! Did she choose
Destruction before me? Was I no better?
How much am I exalted to my face,
And, where I would be graced, how little worthy!
There's few kings know how rich they are in goodness,
Or what estate they have in grace and virtue.
There is so much deceit in glozers' tongues,
The truth is taken from us. We know nothing
But what is for their purpose: that's our stint;
We are allowed no more. Oh, wretched greatness!
I'll cause a sessions for my flatterers
And have 'em all hanged up. 'Tis done too late.
Oh, she's destroyed, married to death and silence,
Which nothing can divorce: riches, nor laws,
Nor all the violence that this frame can raise.
I've lost the comfort of her sight forever.
I cannot call this life that flames within me,
But everlasting torment lighted up
To show my soul her beggary! A new joy
Is come to visit me in spite of death.
It takes me of that sudden, I'm ashamed
Of my provision, but a friend will bear.
Within there!
Enter [Soldiers].
FIRST SOLDIER
Sir?
SECOND SOLDIER
My lord?
TYRANT
The men I wished for,
For secrecy and employment. Go, give order
That Govianus be released.
FOURTH SOLDIER
Released, sir?
TYRANT
Set free!
[Exit Fourth Soldier.]
And then I trust he will fly the kingdom
And never know my purpose. Run, sir, you;
Bring me the keys of the cathedral straight.
FIRST SOLDIER
[Aside] Are you so holy now? Do you curse all day
And go to pray at midnight?
Exit.
TYRANT
Provide you, sirs, close lanthorns and a pickaxe.
Away, be speedy!
SECOND SOLDIER
[Aside] Lanthorns and a pickaxe?
Life, does he mean to bury himself alive, trow?
[Exeunt Second and Third Soldiers.]
TYRANT
Death nor the marble prison my love sleeps in
Shall keep her body locked from mine arms;
I must not be so cozened. Though her life
Was like a widow's state made o'er in policy
To defeat me and my too-confident heart,
'Twas a most cruel wisdom to herself,
As much to me that loved her.
Enter [First Soldier with keys].
What, returned?
FIRST SOLDIER
Here be the keys, my lord.
TYRANT
I thank thy speed.
[Enter Second and Third Soldiers with lanterns and a pickaxe.]
Here comes the rest full furnished. Follow me,
And wealth shall follow you.
Exit.
FIRST SOLDIER
Wealth! By this light,
We go to rob a church. I hold my life
The money will ne'er thrive; that's a sure saw:
"What's got from grace is ever spent in law."
Exeunt. Enter [Memphonius].
[MEMPHONIUS]
What strange fits grow upon him! Here alate
His soul has got a very dreadful leader.
What should he make in the cathedral now,
The hour so deep in night? All his intents
Are contrary to man, in spirit or blood.
He waxes heavy in his noble minds;
His moods are such, they cannot bear the weight,
Nor will not long, if there be truth in whispers.
The honourable father of the state,
Noble Helvetius, all the lords agree
By some close policy shortly to set free.
[Exit.]
[IV.iii. A cathedral, before the Lady's tomb]
Enter the Tyrant [with Soldiers] again at a farther door, which opened brings [them] to the tomb where the Lady lies buried. The tomb here discovered, richly set forth.
TYRANT
Softly, softly.
Let's give this place the peace that it requires.
The vaults e'en chide our steps with murmuring sounds,
For making bold so late. It must be done.
FIRST SOLDIER
I fear nothing but the whorish ghost of a quean I kept once.
She swore she would so haunt me I should never pray in quiet for
her, and I have kept myself from church this fifteen year to prevent
her.
TYRANT
The monument woos me; I must run and kiss it.
Now trust me if the tears do not e'en stand
Upon the marble. What slow springs have I!
'Twas weeping to itself before I came.
How pity strikes e'en through insensible things
And makes them shame our dullness!
Thou house of silence, and the calms of rest
After tempestuous life, I claim of thee
A mistress, one of the most beauteous sleepers
That ever lay so cold, not yet due to thee
By natural death, but cruelly forced hither
Many a fair year before the world could spare her.
We miss her 'mongst the glories of our court
When they be numbered up. All thy still strength,
Thou grey-eyed monument, shall not keep her from us.
[To Second Soldier] Strike, villain, though the echo rail
us all
Into ridiculous deafness! Pierce the jaws
Of this cold, ponderous creature.
SECOND SOLDIER
Sir!
TYRANT
Why strik'st thou not?
SECOND SOLDIER
I shall not hold the axe fast, I'm afraid, sir.
TYRANT
Oh, shame of men! A soldier and so limber?
SECOND SOLDIER
'Tis out of my element to be in a church, sir.
Give me the open field and turn me loose, sir.
TYRANT
True, there thou hast room enough to run away.
[To First Solider] Take thou the axe from him.
FIRST SOLDIER
I beseech your grace,
'Twill come to a worse hand. You'll find us all
Of one mind for the church, I can assure you, sir.
TYRANT
Nor thou?
THIRD SOLDIER
I love not to disquiet ghosts,
Of any people living; that's my humour, sir!
TYRANT
Oh, slaves of one opinion! Give me't from thee,
Thou man made out of fear! [Seizes the axe.]
SECOND SOLDIER
[Aside] By my faith, I'm glad
I'm rid on't. I that was ne'er before in cathedral
And have the batt'ring of a lady's tomb
Lie hard upon my conscience at first coming:
I should get much by that! It shall be a warning to me;
I'll ne'er come here again.
TYRANT
[Striking the tomb] No, wilt not yield?
Art thou so loath to part from her?
FIRST SOLDIER
[Aside] Life, what means he?
Has he no feeling with him? By this light, if I be not afraid
to stay any longer, I'm a stone-cutter. Very fear will go nigh
to turn me of some religion or other, and so make me forfeit my
lieutenantship.
TYRANT
Oh, have we got the mastery? Help, you vassals!
Freeze you in idleness and can see us sweat?
SECOND SOLDIER
We sweat with fear as much as work can make us.
TYRANT
Remove the stone that I may see my mistress.
Set to your hands, you villains, and that nimbly,
Or the same axe shall make you all fly open!
ALL [SOLDIERS]
Oh, good my lord!
TYRANT
I must not be delayed!
FIRST SOLDIER
This is ten thousand times worse than ent'ring upon a breach.
'Tis the first stone that ever I took off
From any lady; marry, I have brought 'em many:
Fair diamonds, sapphires, rubies.
[They remove the stone.]
TYRANT
Oh, blessed object!
I never shall be weary to behold thee;
I could eternally stand thus and see thee.
Why, 'tis not possible death should look so fair;
Life is not more illustrious when health smiles on't.
She's only pale, the colour of the court,
And most attractive; mistresses most strive for't
And their lascivious servants best affect it.
Where be these lazy hands again?
SOLDIERS
My lord!
TYRANT
Take up her body.
FIRST SOLDIER
How, my lord!
TYRANT
Her body!
FIRST SOLDIER
She's dead, my lord!
TYRANT
True; if she were alive,
Such slaves as you should not come near to touch her.
Do't, and with all best reverence; place her here.
FIRST SOLDIER
Not only, sir, with reverence, but with fear.
You shall have more than your own asking once.
I am afraid of nothing but she'll rise
At the first jog, and save us all a labour.
SECOND SOLDIER
Then we were best take her up and never touch her.
FIRST SOLDIER
Life, how can that be? Does fear make thee mad?
I've took up many a woman in my days,
But never with less pleasure, I protest!
TYRANT
Oh, the moon rises! What reflection
Is thrown about this sanctified building
E'en in a twinkling! How the monuments glister,
As if death's palaces were all massy silver
And scorned the name of marble! Art thou cold?
I have no faith in't yet; I believe none.
Madam! 'Tis I, sweet lady. Prithee speak!
'Tis thy love calls on thee, thy king, thy servant.
No? Not a word? All prisoners to pale silence?
I'll prove a kiss.
FIRST SOLIDER
[Aside] Here's fine chill venery!
'Twould make a pander's heels ache. I'll be sworn
All my teeth chatter in my head to see't.
TYRANT
By th' mass, thou'rt cold indeed! Beshrew thee for't!
Unkind to thine own blood? Hard-hearted lady!
What injury hast thou offered to the youth
And pleasure of thy days! Refuse the court
And steal to this hard lodging: was that wisdom?
Oh, I could chide thee with mine eye brimful,
And weep out my forgiveness when I ha' done!
Nothing hurt thee but want of woman's counsel:
Hadst thou but asked th' opinion of most ladies,
Thou'dst never come to this; they would have told thee
How dear a treasure life and youth had been.
'Tis that they fear to lose; the very name
Can make more gaudy tremblers in a minute
Than heaven or sin or hell: those are last thought on.
And where got'st thou such boldness from the rest
Of all thy timorous sex, to do a deed here
Upon thyself would plunge the world's best soldier
And make him twice bethink him, and again,
And yet give over? Since thy life has left me,
I'll clasp the body for the spirit that dwelt in't,
And love the house still for the mistress' sake.
Thou art mine now, spite of destruction
And Govianus, and I will possess thee.
I once read of a Herod, whose affection
Pursued a virgin's love, as I did thine,
Who for the hate she owed him killed herself,
As thou too rashly didst, without all pity.
Yet he preserved her body dead in honey,
And kept her long after her funeral.
But I'll unlock the treasure house of art
With keys of gold, and bestow all on thee.
Here, slaves, receive her humbly from our arms.
Upon your knees, you villains! All's too little
If you should sweep the pavement with your lips.
FIRST SOLDIER
[Aside] What strange brooms he invents!
TYRANT
So reverently
Bear her before us gently to our palace.
Place you the stone again where first we found it.
Exeunt [with body]. Manet First Soldier.
FIRST SOLDIER
Life, must this on now to deceive all comers
And covet emptiness? 'Tis for all the world
Like a great city-pie brought to a table
Where there be many hands that lay about:
The lid's shut close when all the meat's picked out,
Yet stands to make a show and cozen people.
Exit.
Enter Govianus in black, a book in his hand, his Page carrying a torch before him.
GOVIANUS
Already mine eye melts. The monument
No sooner stood before it but a tear
Ran swiftly from me to express her duty.
Temple of honour, I salute thee early,
The time that my griefs rise. Chamber of peace,
Where wounded virtue sleeps locked from the world,
I bring to be acquainted with thy silence
Sorrows that love no noise; they dwell all inward,
Where truth and love in every man should dwell.
Be ready, boy; give me the strain again.
'Twill show well here; whilst in my grief's devotion
At every rest mine eye lets fall a bead
To keep the number perfect.
Govianus kneels at the tomb [wondrous] passionately. His Page sings.
The song.
Never lady earned her fame
In virtue's war with greater strife;
To preserve her constant name
She gave up beauty, youth, and life.
There she sleeps,
And here he weeps,
The lord unto so rare a wife.
Weep, weep, and mourn lament,
You virgins that pass by her,
For if praise come by death again,
I doubt few will lie nigh her.
GOVIANUS
Thou art an honest boy. 'Tis done like one
That has a feeling of his master's passions
And the unmatched worth of his dead mistress.
Thy better years shall find me good to thee,
When understanding ripens in thy soul,
Which truly makes the man, and not long time.
Prithee withdraw a little, and attend me
At cloister door.
PAGE
It shall be done, my lord.
[Exit.]
GOVIANUS
Eternal maid of honour, whose chaste body
Lies here like virtue's close and hidden seed,
To spring forth glorious to eternity
At the everlasting harvest--
WITHIN
I am not here.
GOVIANUS
What's that? Who is not here? I'm forced to question it.
Some idle sounds the beaten vaults send forth.
On a sudden, in a kind of noise like a wind, the doors clattering, the tombstone flies open, and a great light appears in the midst of the tomb; his Lady, as went out, standing just before him all in white, stuck with jewels, and a great crucifix on her breast.
Mercy, look to me! Faith, I fly to thee!
Keep a strong watch about me! Now thy friendship!
Oh, never came astonishment and fear
So pleasing to mankind! I take delight
To have my breast shake and my hair stand stiff.
If this be horror, let it never die!
Came all the pains of hell in that shape to me,
I should endure 'em smiling. Keep me still
In terror, I beseech thee. I'd not change
This fever for felicity of man
Or all the pleasures of ten thousand ages.
LADY
Dear lord, I come to tell you all my wrongs.
GOVIANUS
Welcome! Who wrongs the spirit of my love?
Thou art above the injuries of blood;
They cannot reach thee now. What dares offend thee?
No life that has the weight of flesh upon't
And treads as I do can now wrong my mistress.
LADY
The peace that death allows me is not mine;
The monument is robbed. Behold, I'm gone;
My body taken up.
GOVIANUS
'Tis gone indeed!
What villain dares so fearfully run in debt
To black eternity?
LADY
He that dares do more:
The tyrant!
GOVIANUS
All the miseries below
Reward his boldness!
LADY
I am now at court
In his own private chamber. There he woos me
And plies his suit to me with as serious pains
As if the short flame of mortality
Were lighted up again in my cold breast,
Folds me within his arms and often sets
A sinful kiss upon my senseless lip,
Weeps when he sees the paleness of my cheek,
And will send privately for a hand of art
That may dissemble life upon my face
To please his lustful eye.
GOVIANUS
Oh, piteous wrongs!
Inhuman injuries without grace or mercy!
LADY
I leave 'em to thy thought, dearest of men.
My rest is lost; thou must restore 't again.
GOVIANUS
Oh, fly me not so soon!
LADY
Farewell, true lord.
Exit Lady.
GOVIANUS
I cannot spare thee yet. I'll make myself
Over to death too, and we'll walk together
Like loving spirits; I prithee let's do so!
She's snatched away by fate, and I talk sickly.
I must dispatch this business upon earth
Before I take that journey.
I'll to my brother for his aid or counsel.
So wrong'd! Oh, heav'n, put armour on my spirit!
Her body I will place in her first rest,
Or in th' attempt lock death into my breast.
Exit.
V.[i. Anselmus' house, the bedchamber]
Enter Votarius with Anselmus the husband.
VOTARIUS
You shall stand here, my lord, unseen, and hear all.
Do I deal now like a right friend with you?
ANSELMUS
Like a most faithful.
VOTARIUS
You shall have her mind e'en as it comes to me,
Though I undo her by't. Your friendship, sir,
Is the sweet mistress that I only serve.
I prize the roughness of a man's embrace
Before the soft lips of a hundred ladies.
ANSELMUS
And that's an honest mind of thee.
VOTARIUS
Lock yourself, sir,
Into that closet, and be sure none see you.
Trust not a creature. We'll have all run clear
E'en as the heart affords it.
ANSELMUS
'Tis a match, sir.
VOTARIUS
Troth, he says true there. 'Tis a match indeed.
He does not know the strength of his own words,
For, if he did, there were no mast'ring on him!
H'as cleft the pin in two with a blind man's eyes.
Though I shoot wide, I'll cozen him of the game.
Exit. [Enter] Leonella above in a gallery with her love Bellarius.
LEONELLA
Dost thou see thine enemy walk?
BELLARIUS
I would I did not.
LEONELLA
Prithee rest quiet, man; I have fee'd one for him:
A trusty catchpole, too, that will be sure on him.
Thou know'st this gallery well: 'tis at thy use now;
'T'as been at mine full often. Thou mayst sit
Like a most private gallant in yon corner,
See all the play and ne'er be seen thyself.
BELLARIUS
Therefore I chose it.
LEONELLA
Thou shalt see my lady
Play her part naturally, more to the life
Than she's aware on.
BELLARIUS
There must I be pleased.
Thou'rt one of the actors; thou't be missed anon.
LEONELLA
Alas, a woman's action's always ready.
Yet I'll down now I think on't.
BELLARIUS
Do; 'tis time, i'faith.
Descendet Leonella.
ANSELMUS
[Aside] I know not yet where I should plant belief,
I am so strangely toss'd between two tales.
I'm told by my wife's woman the deed's done,
And in Votarius' tongue 'tis yet to come:
The castle is but upon yielding yet;
'Tis not delivered up. Well, we shall find
The mystery shortly. I will entertain
The patience of a prisoner i' th' meantime.
Locks himself in. Enter Anselmus' [Wife] and Leonella.
WIFE
[Aside to her] Is all set ready, wench?
LEONELLA
Push, madam, all.
WIFE
[Aloud] Tell me not so. She lives not for a lady
That has less peace than I.
LEONELLA
Nay, good sweet madam,
You would not think how much this passion alters you.
It drinks up all the beauty of your cheek;
I promise you, madam, you have lost much blood.
WIFE
Let it draw death upon me, for till then
I shall be mistress of no true content.
Who could endure hourly temptation
And bear it as I do?
LEONELLA
Nay, that's most certain,
Unless it were myself, again. I can do't;
I suffer the like daily. You should complain, madam.
WIFE
Which way? Were that wisdom? Prithee, wench, to whom?
LEONELLA
To him that makes all whole again, my lord,
To one that, if he be a kind, good husband,
Will let you bear no more than you are able.
WIFE
Thou know'st not what thou speak'st. Why, my lord's he
That gives him the house-freedom, all his boldness,
Keeps him a' purpose here to war with me.
LEONELLA
Now I hold wiser of my lord than so.
He knows the world; he would not be so idle.
WIFE
I speak sad truth to thee. I am not private
In mine own chamber, such his imprudence is.
Nay, my repenting time is scarce blessed from him;
He will offend my prayers.
LEONELLA
Out upon him!
I believe, madam, he's of no religion.
WIFE
He serves my lord, and that's enough for him,
And [preys] upon poor ladies like myself:
There's all the gentleman's devotion!
LEONELLA
Marry, the devil of hell give him his blessing!
WIFE
Pray watch the door, and suffer none to trouble us
Unless it be my lord.
LEONELLA
[Aside] 'Twas finely spoke, that;
My lord indeed is the most trouble to her.
Now must I show a piece of service here.
How do I spend my days! Life, shall I never
Get higher than a lady's doorkeeper?
I must be married as my lady is, first,
And then my maid may do as much for me.
WIFE
Oh, miserable time! Except my lord
Do wake in honourable pity to me
And rid this vicious gamester from his house,
Whom I have checked so often, here I vow
I'll imitate my noble sister's fate,
Late mistress to the worthy Govianus,
And cast away my life as [she] did hers.
Enter Votarius to the door within.
LEONELLA
Back! Y'are too forward, sir. There's no coming for you.
VOTARIUS
How, Mistress Len, my lady's smock-woman!
Am I no farther in your duty yet?
LEONELLA
Duty! Look for't of them you keep under, sir.
VOTARIUS
You'll let me in?
LEONELLA
Who would you speak withal?
VOTARIUS
With the best lady you make curtsy to.
LEONELLA
She will not speak with you.
VOTARIUS
Have you her mind?
I scorn to take her answer of her broker.
LEONELLA
Madam!
WIFE
What's there? How now, sir, what's your business?
We see your boldness plain.
VOTARIUS
I came to see you, madam.
WIFE
Farewell, then; though 'twas impudence too much
When I was private.
VOTARIUS
Madam!
WIFE
Life, he was born
To beggar all my patience!
VOTARIUS
I'm bold
Still to prefer my love. Your woman hears me not.
WIFE
Where's modesty and honour? Have I not thrice
Answered thy lust?
LEONELLA
[Aside] Byrlady, I think oft'ner.
WIFE
And dar'st thou yet look with temptation on us?
Since nothing will prevail, come death, come vengeance!
I will forget the weakness of my kind
And force thee from my chamber!
[Thrusts at him with the sword.]
VOTARIUS
How now, lady!
'Ud's life, you prick me, madam!
WIFE
[Aside to him] Prithee peace;
I will not hurt thee.--Will you yet be gone, sir?
LEONELLA
He's upon going, I think.
VOTARIUS
Madam! Heart, you deal false with me! Oh, I feel it!
Y'are a most treacherous lady! This thy glory?
My breast is all afire! Oh!
[Dies.]
LEONELLA
Ha, ha, ha!
ANSELMUS
[Coming from the closet] Ha! I believe her constancy too
late,
Confirmed e'en in the blood of my best friend!
[Seizing the sword] Take thou my vengeance, thou bold,
perjurious strumpet,
That durst accuse thy virtuous lady falsely!
Kills Leonella. Enter Bellarius [descending from the gallery].
BELLARIUS
[Aside] Oh, deadly poison after a sweet banquet!
What make I here? I had forgot my heart.
I am an actor too, and never thought on't;
The blackness of this season cannot miss me.--
[Drawing a sword] Sirrah, you, lord!
WIFE
Is he there? Welcome, ruin!
BELLARIUS
There is a life due to me in that bosom
For this poor gentlewoman.
ANSELMUS
And art thou then receiver?
I'll pay thee largely, slave, for thy last scape!
They make a dangerous pass at one another. The Wife purposely runs between, and is killed by them both.
WIFE
I come, Votarius!
[Dies.]
ANSELMUS
[To Bellarius] Hold, if manhood guide thee!
[Kneeling beside his Wife] Oh, what has fury done?
BELLARIUS
What has it done now?
Why, killed an honourable whore, that's all.
ANSELMUS
Villain, I'll seal that lie upon thy heart!
A constant lady!
BELLARIUS
To the devil, as could be!
Heart, must I prick you forward? Either up
Or, sir, I'll take my chance. Thou couldst kill her
Without repenting that deserved more pity,
And spend'st thy time and tears upon a quean--
ANSELMUS
Slave!
BELLARIUS
That was deceived once in her own deceit!
[They fight and wound each other mortally.]
As I am now. The poison I prepared
Upon that weapon for mine enemy's bosom
Is bold to take acquaintance of my blood too,
And serves us both to make up death withal.
ANSELMUS
I ask no more of destiny but to fall
Close by the chaste side of my virtuous mistress.
If all the treasure of my weeping strength
Be left so wealthy but to purchase that,
I have the dear wish of a great man's spirit.
[Dragging himself to her] Yet favour me, oh, yet! [Reaching
her] I thank thee, fate.
I expire cheerfully and give death a smile.
Anselmus [seemingly] dies.
BELLARIUS
Oh, rage! I pity now mine enemy's flesh.
Enter Govianus with Servants.
GOVIANUS
Where should he be?
FIRST SERVANT
My lady, sir, will tell you.
She's in her chamber here.
SECOND SERVANT
[Seeing the bodies] Oh, my lord!
GOVIANUS
Peace!
My honourable brother, madam, all,
So many dreadful deeds, and not one tongue
Left to proclaim 'em?
BELLARIUS
Yes, here, if a voice
Some minute long may satisfy your ear;
I've that time allowed it.
GOVIANUS
'Tis enough.
Bestow it quickly ere death snatch it from thee.
BELLARIUS
That lord, your brother, made his friend Votarius
To tempt his lady. She was won to lust,
The act revealed here by her serving-woman.
But that wise, close adulteress, stored with art
To prey upon the weakness of that lord,
Dissembled a great rage upon her love
And indeed killed him; which so won her husband,
He slew this right discoverer in his fury,
Who being my mistress, I was moved in heart
To take some pains with him, and h'as paid me for't.
As for the cunning lady, I commend her.
She performed that which never woman tried:
She ran upon two weapons and so died.
Now you have all, I hope I shall sleep quiet.
Dies.
ANSELMUS
Oh, thunder that awakes me e'en from death
And makes me curse my confidence with cold lips!
I feel his words in flames about by soul;
H'as more than killed me.
GOVIANUS
Brother!
ANSELMUS
I repent the smile
That I bestowed on destiny! A whore!
[To Wife] I fling thee thus from my believing breast
With all the strength I have; my rage is great
Although my veins grow beggars. Now I sue
To die far from thee; may we never meet!
Were my soul bid to joy's eternal banquet,
And were assured to find thee there a guest,
I'd sup with torments and refuse that feast.
Oh, thou beguiler of man's easy trust!
"The serpent's wisdom is in women's lust."
Dies.
GOVIANUS
Is death so long a-coming to mankind
It must be met halfways? 'Las, the full time
Is to eternity but a minute, a [ .]
Was that so long to stay? Oh, cruel speed!
There's few men pay their debts before their day;
If they be ready at their time, 'tis well,
And but a few that are so. What strange haste
Was made among these people! My heart weeps for't.
[To Servants] Go, bear those bodies to a place more comely.
[Servants carry out the bodies.]
Brother, I came for thy advice, but I
Find thee so ill a counsellor to thyself
That I repent my pains and depart sighing.
The body of my love is still at court;
I am not well to think on't. The poor spirit
Was with me once again about it, troth,
And I can put it off no more for shame,
Though I desire to have it haunt me still
And never give me over, 'tis so pleasing.
I must to court. I've plighted my faith to't;
'T'as opened me the way to the revenge.
Tyrant, I'll run thee on a dangerous shelf,
Though I be forced to fly this land myself.
Exit.
Enter Tyrant with attendants.
TYRANT
In vain my spirit wrestles with my blood;
Affection will be mistress here on earth.
The house is hers; the soul is but a tenant.
I ha' tasked myself but with the abstinence
Of one poor hour, yet cannot conquer that;
I cannot keep from sight of her so long:
I starve mine eye too much. Go, bring her forth,
As we have caused her body to be decked
In all the glorious riches of our palace.
[Exit an attendant.]
Our mind has felt a famine for the time;
All comfort has been dear and scarce with us.
The times are altered since. Strike on, sweet harmony!
Music.
A braver world comes toward us.
Enter [First and Second] Soldiers with the Lady. They bring the body in a chair, dressed up in black velvet which sets out the paleness of the hands and face, and a fair chain of pearl 'cross her breast, and the crucifix above it. He stands silent awhile, letting the music play, beckoning the Soldiers that bring her in to make obeisance to her, and he himself makes a low honour to the body and kisses the hand. A song within, in voices.
Song.
TYRANT
How pleasing art thou to us even in death!
I love thee yet, above all women living,
And shall do sev'n year hence.
I can see nothing to be mended in thee
But the too constant paleness of thy cheek.
I'd give the kingdom but to purchase there
The breadth of a red rose, in natural colour,
And think it the best bargain
That ever king made yet; but fate's my hindrance,
And I must only rest content with art,
And that I'll have in spite on't! Is he come, sir?
SECOND SOLDIER
Who, my lord?
TYRANT
Dull! The fellow that we sent
For a court schoolmaster, a picture-drawer,
A ladies' forenoon tutor. Is he come, sir?
FIRST SOLDIER
Not yet returned, my lord.
TYRANT
The fool belike
Makes his choice carefully, for so we charged him,
To fit our close deeds with some private hand.
It is no shame for thee, most silent mistress,
To stand in need of art,
When youth and all thy warm friends has forsook thee.
Women alive are glad to seek her friendship
To make up the fair number of their graces,
Or else the reck'ning would fall short sometimes,
And servants would look out for better wages.
Enter Third Soldier with Govianus [disguised].
SECOND SOLIDER
He's come, my lord.
TYRANT
Depart, then.
[Exeunt First and Second Soldiers and attendants. Manet Third Soldier.]
Is that he?
THIRD SOLDIER
The privat'st I could get, my lord.
GOVIANUS
[Aside] Oh, heav'n, marry patience to my spirit!
Give me a sober fury, I beseech thee,
A rage that may not overcharge my blood
And do myself most hurt! [To the Lady] 'Tis strange to
me
To see thee here at court, and gone from hence.
Didst thou make haste to leave the world for this?
And kept in the worst corner!
Oh, who dares play with destiny but he
That wears security so thick upon him
The thought of death and hell cannot pierce through!
TYRANT
[To Third Soldier] 'Twas circumspectly carried. Leave
us; go.
[Exit Third Soldier.]
Be nearer, sir. Thou'rt much commended to us.
GOVIANUS
It is the hand, my lord, commends the workman.
TYRANT
Thou speak'st both modesty and truth in that.
We need that art that thou art master of.
GOVIANUS
My king is master both of that and me.
TYRANT
Look on yon face and tell me what it wants.
GOVIANUS
Which, that, sir?
TYRANT
That! What wants it?
GOVIANUS
Troth, my lord,
Some thousand years' sleep and a marble pillow.
TYRANT
What's that? [Aside] Observe it still: all the best arts
Hath the most fools and drunkards to their masters.--
Thy apprehension has too gross a film
To be employed at court. What colour wants she?
GOVIANUS
By my troth, all, sir. I see none she has,
Nor none she cares for.
TYRANT
[Aside] I am overmatched here.
GOVIANUS
A lower chamber with less noise were kindlier
For her, poor woman, whatsoe'er she was.
TYRANT
But how if we be pleased to have it thus,
And thou well hired to do what we command?
Is not your work for money?
GOVIANUS
Yes, my lord.
I would not trust at court and I could choose.
TYRANT
Let but thy art hide death upon her face,
That now looks fearfully on us, and but strive
To give our eye delight in that pale part
Which draws so many pities from these springs,
And thy reward for't shall outlast thy end,
And reach to thy friend's fortunes, and his friend.
GOVIANUS
Say you so, my lord? I'll work out my heart, then,
But I'll show art enough.
TYRANT
About it, then.
I never wished so seriously for health
After long sickness.
GOVIANUS
[Aside] A religious trembling shakes me by the hand
And bids me put by such unhallowed business,
But revenge calls for't, and it must go forward.
'Tis time the spirit of my love took rest;
Poor soul, 'tis weary, much abused and toiled.
[He paints her face and secretly applies poison to her lips.]
TYRANT
Could I now send for one to renew heat
Within her bosom, that were a fine workman!
I should but too much love him. But alas,
'Tis as unpossible for living fire
To take hold there,
As for dead ashes to burn back again
Into those hard, tough bodies whence they fell.
Life is removed from her now, as the warmth
Of the bright sun from us when it makes winter
And kills with unkind coldness. So is't yonder;
An everlasting frost hangs now upon her.
And as in such a season men will force
A heat into their bloods with exercise,
In spite of extreme weather, so shall we
By art force beauty on yon lady's face
Though death sit frowning on't a storm of hail
To beat it off. Our pleasure shall prevail.
GOVIANUS
My lord.
TYRANT
Hast done so soon?
GOVIANUS
That's as your grace
Gives approbation.
TYRANT
Oh, she lives again!
She'll presently speak to me. Keep her up;
I'll have her swoon no more: there's treachery in't.
Does she not feel warm to thee?
GOVIANUS
Very little, sir.
TYRANT
The heat wants cherishing, then. Our arms and lips
Shall labour life into her. Wake, sweet mistress!
'Tis I that call thee at the door of life. [Kisses her.]
Ha!
I talk so long to death, I'm sick myself.
Methinks an evil scent still follows me.
GOVIANUS
Maybe 'tis nothing but the colour, sir,
That I laid on.
TYRANT
Is that so strong?
GOVIANUS
Yes, faith, sir,
'Twas the best poison I could get for money.
[Removes his disguise.]
TYRANT
Govianus!
GOVIANUS
Oh, thou sacrilegious villain!
Thou thief of rest, robber of monuments!
Cannot the body after funeral
Sleep in the grave for thee? Must it be raised
Only to please the wickedness of thine eye?
Does all things end with death and not thy lust?
Hast thou devised a new way to damnation,
More dreadful than the soul of any sin
Did ever pass yet between earth and hell?
Dost strive to be particularly plagued
Above all ghosts beside? Is thy pride such
Thou scorn'st a partner in thy torments too?
TYRANT
What fury gave thee boldness to attempt
This deed, for which I'll doom thee with a death
Beyond the Frenchman's tortures?
GOVIANUS
I smile at thee.
Draw all the death that ever mankind suffered
Unto one head to help thine own invention,
And make my end as rare as this thy sin
And full as fearful to the eyes of women,
My spirit shall fly singing to his lodging
In midst of that rough weather. Doom me, tyrant.
Had I feared death, I'd never appeared noble
To seal this act upon me, which e'en honours me
Unto my mistress' spirit: it loves me for't.
I told my heart 'twould prove destruction to't,
Who, hearing 'twas for her, charged me to do't.
TYRANT
Thy glories shall be shortened! Who's within there?
Enter the ghost [of the Lady] in the same form as the [body of the] Lady is dress'd in the chair.
I called not thee, thou enemy to firmness,
Mortality's earthquake!
GOVIANUS
Welcome to mine eyes
As is the dayspring from the morning's womb
Unto that wretch whose nights are tedious
As liberty to captives, health to labourers,
And life still to old people, never weary on't,
So welcome art thou to me! The deed's done,
Thou queen of spirits; he has his end upon him.
Thy body shall return to rise again,
For thy abuser falls, and has no pow'r
To vex thee farther now.
[LADY]
My truest love,
Live ever honoured here and blessed above.
[Exit.]
TYRANT
Oh, if there be a hell for flesh and spirit,
'Tis built within this bosom!
Enter Nobles [including Memphonius].
My lords, treason!
GOVIANUS
Now, death, I'm for thee. Welcome!
TYRANT
Your king's poisoned!
MEMPHONIUS
The king of heav'n be praised for't!
TYRANT
Lay hold on him,
On Govianus!
MEMPHONIUS
E'en with the best loves
And truest hearts that ever subjects owed.
TYRANT
How's that? I charge you both, lay hands on him!
MEMPHONIUS
Look you, my lord, your will shall be obeyed.
Enter Helvetius.
Here comes another; we'll have his hand too.
HELVETIUS
You shall have both mine, if that work go forward,
Beside my voice and knee.
TYRANT
Helvetius!
Then my destruction was confirmed amongst 'em;
Premeditation wrought it! Oh, my torments!
ALL [NOBLES]
Live Govianus long our virtuous king!
Flourish.
TYRANT
That thunder strikes me dead.
[Dies.]
GOVIANUS
I cannot better
Reward my joys than with astonished silence,
For all the wealth of words is not of power
To make up thanks for you, my honoured lords!
I'm like a man plucked up from many waters,
That never looked for help, and am here placed
Upon this cheerful mountain where prosperity
Shoots forth her richest beam.
MEMPHONIUS
Long-injured lord,
The tyranny of his actions grew so weighty,
His life so vicious--
HELVETIUS
To which this is witness--
Monster in sin!--this, the disquieted body
Of my too resolute child in honour's war--
MEMPHONIUS
That he become as hateful to our minds--
HELVETIUS
As death's unwelcome to a house of riches,
Or what can more express it.
GOVIANUS
Well, he's gone,
And all the kingdom's evils perish with him.
And since the body of that virtuous lady
Is taken from her rest, in memory
Of her admired mistress, 'tis our will
It receive honour dead, as it took part
With us in all afflictions when it lived.
Here place her in this throne; crown her our queen,
The first and last that ever we make ours,
Her constancy strikes so much firmness in us.
That honour done, let her be solemnly borne
Unto the house of peace from whence she came
As queen of silence.
The spirit [of the Lady] enters again and stays to go out with the body, as it were attending it.
Oh, welcome, blessed spirit!
Thou need'st not mistrust me; I have a care
As jealous as thine own. We'll see it done
And not believe report. Our zeal is such
We cannot reverence chastity too much.
Lead on!
I would those ladies that fill honour's rooms
Might all be borne so honest to their tombs.
Recorders or other solemn music plays them out.
On October 31, 1611, Master of the Revels Sir George Buc, the
government censor, cleared an untitled manuscript of a play, and
it is by his makeshift title that we now refer to The Second
Maiden's Tragedy. (Buc was probably thinking of Beaumont
and Fletcher's The Maid's Tragedy, which otherwise has
no relationship to this play.) This unique manuscript, most likely
a prompter's copy, exists in four hands: the scribe who made the
fair copy from the author's draft, a "literary corrector"
whom W. W. Greg conjectures is the author (the hand is not Middleton's),
the playhouse prompter, and Buc. Three other hands--later owners
of the manuscript--appear on the verso of the last leaf (image below), variously
assigning the play, the second and third canceling the preceding
name: the first two authors, Thomas Goffe and George Chapman,
have been universally rejected, and the third, William Shakespeare,
is highly doubtful, although he still has his supporters [most
recently Charles Hamilton, Cardenio, or The Second Maiden's
Tragedy, by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher (1994),
an interesting but problematic study]. Middleton's authorship
has gained the strongest support, primarily on account of solid
stylistic and thematic parallels, mostly with The Revenger's Tragedy but also with his other works (especially No Wit, No Help like a Woman's, written about the same time). In-depth
analyses of this issue are to be found in R. H. Barker's "The
Authorship of The Second Maiden's Tragedy and The Revenger's
Tragedy," Shakespeare Association Bulletin 20
(1945), Samuel Schoenbaum's Middleton's Tragedies (1970),
David Lake's The Canon of Thomas Middleton's Plays (1975)
and Anne Lancashire's 1978 Revels edition of The Second Maiden's
Tragedy.
The aim of this edition is to provide a readable electronic text
and a reasonably informative glossary, and not to recapitulate
or catalogue the excellent work that has gone before. Lancashire's
remarkable edition offers a wealth of information (except where
noted, I have followed her editorial criteria regarding marginal
prompter's notes, addition slips, censorial deletions, etc.),
and for deeper inquiry into The Second Maiden's Tragedy,
I know of no better place to start.
GOVIANUS: His name links him to Jove, signifying his rightful claim as king, God's ordained representative on earth.
MEMPHONIUS: Lancashire conjectures his name is derived from "Memphian = Egyptian, the name thus implying undesirable foreign ways or heretical religious beliefs."
SOPHONIRUS: ironically derived from sophos (Gk.), "wise"
HELVETIUS: "Helvetian was used in Jacobean times as an adjective denoting Protestantism; in Webster's Duchess of Malfi, for instance, the Geneva Bible, which had a strong Puritan bias in its translation and notes, is apparently referred to in the phrase 'the Helvetian translation'.... Relevant to Helvetius' conversion in II.i may be the Geneva Bible's title-page quotation from Exodus 14:13, 'Feare ye not, stand stil, and beholde the saluacion of the Lord, which he wil shewe to you this day'" (Lancashire). His conversion is Helvetius' most important role in the play, and would seem to indicate the reasoning behind his name.
VOTARIUS: His Latinate name signifies both "vow-maker" (his promise to Anselmus to test his wife's fidelity) and "votary" (of the Wife, which he ends up becoming). Their subplot is taking from the Tale of the Curious Impertinent in Don Quixote; cf. http://milton.mse.jhu.edu:8003/quixote/Translation.html (this site incorrectly identifies Philip Massinger as the author of The Second Maiden's Tragedy).
BELLARIUS: "wager of war"
I.i.
A sennet: a set of notes on a trumpet or cornet to mark a ceremonial entrance or exit. This is the first of several marginal notes in MS made by a playhouse prompter. Such notes are incorporated into the text unless they are redundant with scribal s.d.'s, but they will not always been indicated as prompter's notes.
Thus high: The Tyrant's throne stands upon a raised platform.
unmoved stars: According to medieval astrology, the stars that controlled men's fate were fixed and incorruptible; on the other hand, meteors were corruptible and subject to change. The Tyrant uses the metaphor to, in a sense, validate the support of his usurpation. Cf. The Changeling V.iii, The Revenger's Tragedy V.i & V.iii, The Roaring Girl I.ii, The Bloody Banquet V.ii, Julius Caesar I.iii & II.i, Richard II II.iv.
fortune: Later in this scene, the Lady mentions "reeling fortune," alluding to Fortune's wheel. Cf. roar.html#FORTUNE for the Elizabethan/Jacobean symbolism of the goddess Fortune; also cf. The Revenger's Tragedy II.i, The Roaring Girl I.ii, Hengist, King of Kent D.S.i, The Nice Valour II.i.
And lay usurpers sunning...beams: cf. Women Beware Women III.ii & IV.ii, A Game at Chess IV.iv for verbal parallels.
path: Lancashire elaborates on the Christian symbolism that begins to develop at this point, here an allusion to the paths of salvation and destruction (which the Tyrant inverts).
lust: healthy vigor; cf. The Roaring Girl II.ii, The Nice Valour III.i, A Fair Quarrel I.i, the "Lusty Servant" in A Yorkshire Tragedy
[lords]: l. (MS)
still: always
friend: lover. Lancashire adds Sophonirus to Middleton's gallery of contented cuckolds--Allwit (A Chaste Maid in Cheapside), the Captain (The Phoenix), Gallipot (The Roaring Girl), Knavesbee (Anything for a Quiet Life)--as well as other examples of the period.
stop her mouth: kiss, possibly with bawdy innuendo; cf. Much Ado about Nothing II.i & V.iv, Blurt, Master Constable V.iii.
table: supply of food
stone-horse: stallion, with the bawdy innuendo
bay-windows: used by prostitutes to display themselves; cf. Women Beware Women III.i, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside V.i.
Marry: a common oath derived from the name of the Virgin Mary
lodging: with the bawdy innuendo
I draw my life out: Sexual intercourse was believed to shorten one's life-span; cf. The Witch V.iii, The Old Law V.i, The Widow III.ii
barricado: barrier
stand/Upon: 1) remain fixed upon, 2) insist upon, 3) value, set store by
yonder: i.e., looking toward advancement
whose heart is locked/Up in another's bosom: cf. Women Beware Women III.i.
styles heavier: Possibly a jibe at the declining standards of knighthood. Almost immediately after he was crowned, James I began conferring many new knighthoods, considered lavish and undiscriminating by those who felt that these "carpet knights" cheapened the rank. Cf. The Phoenix I.vi, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside I.ii, The Witch II.i, A Yorkshire Tragedy i, Chapman's Bussy D'Ambois I.ii.
[FIRST] NOBLE: 3 Noblemª (MS); Memphonius and Sophonirus having been counted as the first two nobles explains the numbering difference here and with the following nobles' s.p.'s.
sucked: i.e., was an infant
conster: construe = 1) interpret, 2) analyze grammatically; cf. The Revenger's Tragedy I.iii. Govianus sets off on a string of puns on scholarship.
bill: 1) list of charges, 2) prescription (presumably for treatment of venereal disease)
Pierce: 1) penetrate, with the bawdy innuendo, 2) a homophone of parse
decline: 1) ruin, 2) recite grammatical cases
rackings: extortions; to rack rent = to rent at an excessively high rate; cf. A Trick to Catch the Old One I.i, The Family of Love I.ii, Anything for a Quiet Life I.i, No Wit, No Help like a Woman's II.i.
mercers' books: Mercers dealt in costly fabrics, and gallants quickly ran up debts for costly apparel; cf. A Trick to Catch the Old One I.i, The Phoenix I.ii, The Roaring Girl III.i.
lose: loose (MS), a frequent spelling of "lose" at this time. Here and elsewhere in the play, both words are possible in context (loose = release).
bate: subtract from
risse: rose
case: garment
altered: 1) in appearance, i.e., her black clothing, 2) affected mentally, i.e., persuaded
strange colours: express allegiance to a foreign power, a military image
I have a mind...strange colours: cf. No Wit, No Help like a Woman's I.ii.
frame: earth; cf. Hamlet II.ii.
bastard honours of this frame: cf. No Wit, No Help like a Woman's I.ii.
hast: hadst (MS)
'Tis only wretchedness...be here: Lancashire has a good eye for visual realization: "The full effectiveness of I.i when staged obviously depends upon a clear physical separation, as suggested in these lines, of Govianus and the Tyrant, who stand for, respectively, goodness and greatness.., right and wrong, the spiritual (or mental) and the worldly (or fleshly). The Lady physically joins Govianus...to show her alignment with goodness; the nobles surround the Tyrant, as a physical demonstration of the bastard honours of this frame which the corrupt man can easily win.... The stage division of characters into two groups, with movement between the two, would be an effective means of establishing visually (even in such details as costuming) the poles (thematic and otherwise) of the play, and would doubtless be repeated at the end of V.ii, but there with the dying Tyrant alone and the nobles surrounding the victorious Govianus."
There's the kingdom...confines: Founded on "the medieval idea of Fortune's palace as located on a mountain (which is sometimes of ice, or is otherwise slippery...), up which men toil only to realise too late that they would have been happier had they remained in the valley below, and in the end tumble down" (Lancashire).
removes: 1) persuades out of a purpose or resolve, here, their resolve to support the usurpation, 2) just possibly an allusion to the legal definition, to transfer for trial from one court of law to another, i.e., their reconsideration that an ultimate divine punishment supersedes the Tyrant's punishment for breaking ranks
poor as virtue: a commonplace; cf. Women Beware Women I.i.
reeling fortune: cf. note on Fortune above
Fortunes are but the outside of true worth: a variation of "poor virtue"; cf. A Mad World, My Masters IV.iii, Twelfth Night I.ii.
trees in progress: "Progress is here used in the special sense of a state journey made by the ruling monarch through a part of his territories. The villages and towns through which he passed were expected to entertain him; and the great estates of the nobility, at which he halted, had to provide food and lodging as well. Doubtless the general building and repairs inspired by the progress...wreaked considerable havoc on timer supplies in the progress area.... A specific reference is also possible here to an abuse against which Bacon spoke in Parliament on 27 April 1604: the unlawful and excessive demolition of trees, during progresses, by royal purveyors" (Lancashire).
set light by: value little, despise
book: "used figuratively, as 'that in which we may read, and find instruction'" (Lancashire)
unkindly: 1) cruelly, 2) against the natural ties of kinship; cf. A Fair Quarrel IV.iii, No Wit, No Help like a Woman's I.i.
stand upon: demand, with possible bawdy innuendo; cf. The Phoenix IV.i, The Old Law II.ii, A Mad World, My Masters II.v.
valleys: The Tyrant's mental topography has already begun to change: he is now "below" Govianus in fortune.
Your reason: i.e., for speaking
several: separate; cf. The Changeling II.i, A Trick to Catch the Old One I.iii, The Old Law V.i.
hot: 1) severe, 2) lustful
durance: imprisonment; cf. The Revenger's Tragedy I.ii.
suspectful: suspicious
Mass: by the Mass, an oath
nearest: most direct
strange way, yet it proves the nearest: cf. No Wit, No Help like a Woman's I.ii.
Honour: i.e., honors, state titles, although here and in the last line of the scene ironically glancing at inherent honor
pricks: spurs, urges
wards: "Each of the incisions in the bit of a key, corresponding to the 'wards' of the lock.... In untechnical (literary and popular) use these applications are sometimes reversed, the word being taken to denote the cavities of the lock or the solid parts of the key" (OED).
I.ii.
What labour is't...tempted: cf. More Dissemblers besides Women I.ii
But let the boldest ruffian...blush: cf. Hengist, King of Kent III.i
blocks: obstacles
interest in: claim on
jealous: 1) fearful, 2) suspiciously careful
prostituted: shamed
somewhat: something
natural: 1) affectionate, 2) innately moral or just
business: Lancashire notes Votarius' commerce-oriented language here, juxtaposed to his sexually implicit language later.
We owe a pity, madam...blood: This passage reveals the dynamic of Votarius' struggle; his noble sentiments ironically offer him a way to rationalize his lust. It is only after he hears of the Wife's lamented chastity (she is, after all, only human, and does not have the Lady's almost superhuman strength of character) that Votarius mentions the possibility of being tempted. Perhaps like Angelo in Measure for Measure he is attracted by the very thing he defends, the idea of her honour.
scarce: barely
starlight: i.e., as bright as starlight
dew began to fall: Dew was believed to fall from the sky.
keep the bridge: "Anselmus refers to a well known
story of heroic defence against enormous odds: the legend of Horatius
Cocles, who is traditionally said to have held back, at first
with two companions and then single-handed, an entire Etruscan
army at the head of the wooden Sublician bridge until it could
be destroyed by the Romans behind him" (Lancashire). Illustration: an early 16th-century sword hilt plaquette, cast by Giovanni di Fondulino Fonduli of Crema, depicting Horatius Cocles’ defense of the bridge.
unfinished: i.e., remain unfinished
wipe but off this score: forget what has gone before, the image coming from a tavern customer's bill being marked in chalk on a slate
bent: 1) determined, resolute, 2) deflected from the course of truth (?), 3) couched to spring (?)
presently: immediately
starting: being startled, i.e., by sudden discovery; cf. The Revenger's Tragedy II.ii, No Wit, No Help like a Woman's V.i, The Phoenix II.iii.
bound: 1) pledged, 2) fated (Votarius' subconscious second meaning)
Hark thee: Some editors have Anselmus whisper to Votarius, but this is not necessarily the case (they are alone, after all). I think it more likely Votarius is cutting him off, communicating that Anselmus has said enough already and does not need to urge him anymore to test his wife's fidelity, something Votarius at once recoils from and delights in.
so: i.e., happy
I had rather...friends with me: ironically echoing Anselmus' observations about Govianus at the beginning of the scene
whose: whoever
he rides his horse: "Riding" commonly has bawdy innuendo (in Middleton, e.g., The Revenger's Tragedy I.ii, The Roaring Girl II.i & III.iii); "wife" is grammatically balanced by the "horse/whores" pun (cf. The Changeling IV.iii, The Old Law III.ii, The Phoenix IV.ii, A Woman Killed with Kindness, The Merry Devil of Edmonton).
blown: blossomed
Take you together: on the whole
clips: embrace sexually
general season...gamester: i.e., night; gamester = gambler and/or lecher
dear: full of scarcity, said of a time when prices for provisions, etc. are high; the implication is that she is paying dearly for her marriage to Anselmus.
mind: desires
miserably: meanly, meagerly
kindly: i.e., you would use my heart kindly
dispatch: with bawdy innuendo, like the whole of this speech
make no words on't: keep it secret
Heart: God's heart, an oath
fond: foolish
relish: 1) taste, flavor, 2) pleasing flavor. The OED does not list an example of this second, less neutral (and regarding Votarius, more telling) definition until 1665, but it is supported (sometimes arguably, sometimes unquestionably) by usages in Middleton and Shakespeare: The Changeling V.ii, Hengist, King of Kent III.iii, Anything for a Quiet Life III.i (Webster's share?), As You Like It III.ii, Measure for Measure I.i, Two Gentlemen of Verona II.i.
fond boy: Cupid
touch: matter to
and: if
possible: possibly
naught: naughty, immoral, unchaste; cf. The Revenger's Tragedy II.i, 1 The Honest Whore IV.i, The Roaring Girl I.ii, A Fair Quarrel V.i.
engines: parts
life's frame: human body, i.e., his own
mother's lap: i.e., ideally true love (Venus) should keep physical desires (Cupid) under control
Thanks: thanks be to
single: alone
young: inexperienced
in the wind: to have in the wind = to scent, detect
service: 1) as a waiting-woman, sarcastically, 2) as a bawd by allowing her to be alone with Votarius
sluice: drain for carrying off surplus water, such as on a dam, here with the bawdy innuendo
[Wife]: lady (MS)
breakfast: i.e., a "meal" that breaks a (sexual) fast
Although most commonly...methinks: As usual, Lancashire provides a number of interpretations: "Leonella may mean that gentlemen usually behave like Bellarius (i.e., muffling themselves, or hiding in doorways) when in his position, or that gentlemen commonly find themselves in his position (and so behave as he does); or Bellarius may be wearing, as part of his attempt at concealment of his identity, one of the large hats fashionable at this time..; or this may involve the old joke about the horns of the cuckold, Leonella, while referring to Bellarius' actual muffling, implying that gentlemen commonly are cuckolds but try to conceal the fact." "Head" does present a common bawdy pun; in Middleton, cf. A Fair Quarrel IV.iv, The Roaring Girl IV.ii, No Wit, No Help like a Woman's III.i, Anything for a Quiet Life II.iv, A Trick to Catch the Old One I.ii, The Family of Love II.iii
taffety: taffeta, ornate silk fabric identifying Bellarius as a gallant, preoccupied with his appearance
avoid the fool: escape being called a fool; cf. King Lear I.iv.
bear: Lancashire notes that a pause after this word would emphasize the bawdy pun.
mad house: 1) mad household, 2) lunatic asylum. "The irony of the lines is that, in taking lovers, the two women have already created a 'mad house'--i.e., a household ruled by passion instead of reason" (Lancashire).
sirrah: This form of address for servants was sometimes used for women.
The only enemy that my life can show me: cf. More Dissemblers besides Women III.ii.
spleen: regarded as the seat of impulsive behavior and passions, here malice, elsewhere violent anger (The Revenger's Tragedy II.iii), sexual desire (as in The Old Law III.iii, Anything for a Quiet Life III.ii), and melancholy (as in The Witch I.i).
venery: pursuit of sexual pleasure, often with the pun on the sport of hunting game; cf. The Witch I.i, The Family of Love IV.iv, A Trick to Catch the Old One I.ii, The Phoenix III.i, The Roaring Girl Prol., Northward Ho! III.i, Westward Ho! III.iv.
II.i.
jailor's children: Those of the clan of jailors; jailors were proverbially cruel.
sad: 1) sorrowful, 2) serious
You come too late...me: i.e., I don't think so, I know so.
heat: The human body supposedly grew colder as it aged.
house-tailor: Tailors were proverbially dishonest, and Middleton's plays often echo the popular contempt: cf. Anything for a Quiet Life II.ii, Your Five Gallants III.v, The Changeling I.ii, The Puritan III.i., The Nice Valour I.i. Lancashire mentions their proverbial effeminacy (cf. A Chaste Maid in Cheapside IV.i), and such parentage might explain in Helvetius' mind his daughter's lack of resolve.
cozen: cheat
politic: crafty, cunning, scheming, shrewd; cf. The Changeling V.ii, No Wit, No Help like a Woman's V.i, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside II.ii, The Phoenix I.vi, The Revenger's Tragedy I.iii & V.i, A Yorkshire Tragedy iii, The Bloody Banquet I.i, A Fair Quarrel IV.ii.
thorough: through
too light: 1) trivial, 2) wanton, 3) of little density (for the pun on wearing), 4) of little physical weight (for the pun on gravity)
Push: a hallmark oath of Middleton's (e.g., cf. The Changeling III.iv, A Trick to Catch the Old One II.i, Your Five Gallants II.i, The Revenger's Tragedy I.iii, The Roaring Girl II.i, The Old Law II.i), and one examined in contrast to Rowley's "Tush!" in one of the earliest attribution studies (1897).
feathered: adorned with plumes, richly dressed
glister: glisten
husband: i.e., Govianus, a mere subject because no longer king
end an't: piece of it
for the forfeit: because of others' neglect or unworthiness
first bargain: marriage; n.b. Helvetius' commercial language
brave: fine, excellent
Take thy time: make the best of your opportunity (while you are still young); cf. III.i, A Fair Quarrel III.ii.
baggage: wanton; cf. A Chaste Maid in Cheapside passim, A Fair Quarrel IV.iv, The Roaring Girl III.iii, Romeo and Juliet III.v, Pericles IV.ii, The Comedy of Errors III.i, The Merry Wives of Windsor IV.ii.
earthen: earthly
act: the common theatrical metaphor; cf., e.g., the Seven Ages speech in As You Like It II.vii.
(As you perhaps will say your betters do): One of the several passages marked for omission by George Buc. Lancashire's appendices investigate the likely and various reasons for alterations of the scribal copy; I will cite just this one contemporary parallel. Helvetius' pandering of his daughter in exchange for political gain parallels the situation in 1611 of the Earl of Northampton. Court gossip had it that he schemed for his (very willing) grand-niece Frances (then still married to the Earl of Essex) to be mistress to and then to marry first Prince Henry and then Sir Robert Carr, a rising star in James' court, whom she did marry in 1613 and with whom she later got into trouble for the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury. Audiences would probably not have missed the allusion had it been included in performance, but George Buc took care of it. And who had secured Buc's appointment as government censor? Northampton. (Cf. Beatrice White's Cast of Ravens, William McElwee's The Murder of Sir Thomas Overbury.) Below: the politicos, from left to right, Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton (1540-1614); Frances Carr, Countess of Somerset (?1593-1632); Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset (?1587-1645); Sir Thomas Overbury (1581-1613); Robert Devereux, third Earl of Essex (1591-1646).
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squire: 1) gallant attending on young women, 2) pimp; cf. A Fair Quarrel IV.iv The word comes to indicate the rank of minor nobility in II.iii, when Helvetius is stripped of his titles and is "thrust into a squire's place."
fray: frighten away
conceit: fancy
list: listen
sirens: temptations, from the monsters of classical mythology, part women, part birds, who, by their sweet singing, lured sailors to destruction upon the rocks; cf. No Wit, No Help like a Woman's IV.ii, The Revenger's Tragedy II.i, The Bloody Banquet I.ii, the character in The Old Law.
miserable notes: i.e., miserable are the notes
for flattering: because they flatter
searched: probed, as with a wound
glass: mirror
Be you my king and master still: "Helvetius' change of political allegiance is presented in moral and spiritual terms, as a conversion from greatness to goodness, from the earthly to the divine.... The scene's end is also reminiscent of the laying-on-of-hands of religious confirmation" (Lancashire).
Y'are my most worthy...not his: cf. Castiza's (feigned) confusion and re-recognition of her mother's identity in The Revenger's Tragedy II.i & IV.iv. Lancashire notes other Middletonian parallels involving those kneeling to parents and being asked to rise: The Old Law IV.ii, No Wit, No Help like a Woman's II.ii.
spring: a young growth on a tree or plant, a shoot or sprig
II.ii
quean: whore, strumpet; cf. No Wit, No Help like a Woman's I.ii, A Yorkshire Tragedy v, Your Five Gallants III.ii, The Witch III.ii, A Trick to Catch the Old One III.iv, The Family of Love IV.iii, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside II.ii, The Roaring Girl II.i, The Nice Valour II.i.
watch: Sometimes used as a metaphor for the female (sometimes the male) sex organ. Lancashire cites parallels in Women Beware Women IV.i, A Mad World, My Masters IV.i, Romeo and Juliet II.iv, and As You Like It II.vii; there are other examples from The Roaring Girl II.ii (Middleton's share), and No Wit, No Help like a Woman's I.i (implicit in an early speech by Sandfield, and later by Savorwit) and II.i.
curious: intricate
balance bowed: The mechanism which regulates the watch's speed becomes bent; the three malfunctions of the watch have sexual equivalents of infertility, impotency, and cuckoldry (the pin/penis pun occurs in V.i).
Chamber thoughts: thoughts about the bedchamber
myself: confidante, although, as Lancashire notes, the Wife eventually becomes the moral "twin" of Leonella
Alas, poor vessels...still: n.b. the bawdy innuendo throughout this speech
throughly: thoroughly
She never found it so: Votarius uses the bawdy pun on "slack."
advance my forehead and boast purely: i.e., because his forehead is free from the horns of a cuckold
physic: medicine
honest: chaste
His eye offends me: cf. The Changeling III.iv, Michaelmas Term IV.iv.
in one house: with the bawdy innuendo; the body/house metaphor is thematically important and recurs throughout the play, especially in the Govianus plot
grudging: slight symptom of an approaching illness
rank: 1) absolute, 2) lustful
served: with the sexual innuendo (service = copulation, servant = lover)
head physician: i.e., the Wife (Votarius is suspicious of her whereabouts). There is the bawdy pun in the appellation insofar as the Wife is someone who relieves pent-up sexual desire (Lancashire cites contemporary writers who refer to bawds as surgeons who relieve swelling of the lower parts.) There may also be a cuckoldry pun: the Wife causes horns to grow on Anselmus' head.
lecher's: with the pun on leecher, i.e., physician. It is tempting to see a pun on leecher as someone who sticks to another for personal gain (because Votarius sees Bellarius as a "kept man"), but the first recorded usage in the OED is 1784.
stands: with the bawdy innuendo
breaking of whole money: Money was broken in pieces, or "clipped," in order to make change. Various puns are inherent in associating these coins with virginity: cf. Hengist, King of Kent III.i, The Witch II.ii, The Revenger's Tragedy V.iii, Blurt, Master Constable II.i, III.iii.
chamb'ring: sexual indulgence
dearly: 1) earnestly, 2) at a high price, a meaning Anselmus is unaware of, but has great dramatic irony as events play themselves out
I have locked myself...key: cf. A Mad World, My Masters I.ii.
mystical: secretive; cf. A Chaste Maid in Cheapside III.i, Your Five Gallants V.i, The Bloody Banquet IV.iii, The Family of Love IV.iv, Hengist, King of Kent V.ii, The Roaring Girl inscr.
scaped: escaped
close: secret
II.iii.
puts in his head: steps forth, involves himself
standing: condition, i.e., not struck off
not he spoke: a grammatical ellipsis, i.e., "not he--he spoke"
sance bell: sanctus bell, a bell rung at the sanctus of a Mass ("Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts"). The specific allusion may depend on another usage of sanctus, something repeated with wearisome iteration.
shift for one: succeed, with the pun on deceive
cousin-germans: first cousins
removed up and down: kidnapped and raped anywhere
set: established
What makes the man at court?: i.e., Why is he at court?
parts: abilities, talents
pass away the time: i.e., in sexual dalliance
That may thrive best...nature: "Sometimes the most unpromising (people) get the best results, but, on the other hand, you'll be helped by men (the "Fellows") I'll send with you (or perhaps the Tyrant alludes to the witch's charm, or even perhaps the jewel he sends her care of Sophonirus).
great: 1) in status, 2) pregnant
wide: distant
better workman: God
That shall not alter me: Helvetius, now converted, echoes his daughter from I.i.
field offenses: crimes in the area of battle, e.g., Bardolph's robbery of a church for which he is executed in Henry V III.vi
the time thou leav'st with them: i.e., the deadline you set with them
bottom: dregs, with bawdy innuendo; cf. A Mad World, My Masters V.ii, Michaelmas Term Induc.
III.i.
Small trial will serve him: Punning on "tried," the Servant is saying that Sophonirus' disreputable character is discerned quickly.
y'ave a great gain...comfort: "You'll gain a significant advantage if you look outside, that's the only comforting words I have for you."
business: The "business" Govianus alludes to is not readily apparent; perhaps the wound he gave Sophonirus was not mortal and he means to finish him off.
sneaped: reproved, snubbed; cf. 2 Henry IV II.i.
Prevent: anticipate, act before; cf. A Chaste Maid in Cheapside IV.i, The Family of Love II.iii, The Old Law I.i, The Phoenix II.iii, A Trick to Catch the Old One III.i, Your Five Gallants I.i, The Changeling V.iii, The Revenger's Tragedy I.iii, Hengist, King of Kent V.ii, The Nice Valour I.i.
strange: 1) abnormal, i.e., she rarely neglects her prayers, 2) extreme
did well: acted appropriately
hand: direction
sound: swoon
Alas, sir!/My lord...with thee: cf. Roxana's discovery of Horsus' and Vortiger's bodies in Hengist, King of Kent V.ii.
purple: bloody
All-Ass: pun on "alas"
inward: familiar
yonder: in heaven
In ord'nary: 1) ordinarily, 2) belonging to a regular staff, here ladies-in-waiting at court, 3) possibly ordinaries = eating-houses, here especially those that offered gambling after dinner, which attracted women of questionable reputation
kill themselves with lust: either by experiencing orgasm (to "die," i.e., petit mort) or by falling victim to disease
after trial: i.e., when death releases him from the trials of his earthly suffering, yet another variation of the medieval theme of contemptus mundi ("contempt of the world") in this play
discretely: with discernment
Fountain of weeping honour: alluding to the wound she has just given herself
IV.i.
[Wife]: Lady (MS)
[Prithee]: pry (MS). Lancashire conjectures this is a scribal error for the spelling "pry thee" which occurs elsewhere in the MS; an emendation to "Prithee" regularizes the meter.
'twas strangely done: They are talking about Votarius' having told Anselmus that the Wife is of a "yielding" temperament and has Bellarius as a lover.
spring tide...love: an appropriate description because the tides are controlled by the moon, which was believed to be the source of various maladies including lunacy (from Luna, the moon) and lovesickness, which has manifested itself in Votarius as jealousy; cf. The Witch IV.i, The Phoenix IV.i, The Changeling III.iii, The Revenger's Tragedy II.iii, The Roaring Girl V.ii, Hengist, King of Kent II.iii, The Nice Valour V.iii, The Winter's Tale II.ii.
deed of darkness: the sexual act; cf. The Old Law I.i, A Fair Quarrel V.i, King Lear III.iv, Pericles IV.vi
free: 1) unrestricted, 2) sexually familiar
snatch at folly, running: an allusion to the sport of Running at the Ring, where the tilter tried to thrust the point of his lance through a suspended ring, with the sexual pun on ring; cf. the same allusion in The Family of Love V.iii.
supper: like "breakfast" in I.ii, a sexual feeding; cf. Romeo and Juliet II.iv
keep down: with the bawdy innuendo
doubtful: full of doubt
twice mad together in one moon: cf. the note regarding lunacy earlier in this scene
freeman's son/After his father's funeral: i.e., an heir going mad spending an inheritance, a favorite joke of Middleton's
it likes me: I like it
precious: 1) opportune, 2) costly (foreshadowing how things turn out)
[now]: noe (MS)
short-heeled: wanton
closely: 1) secretly, 2) in confinement
in service: Knights sent their daughters to work as maids in the residences of the upper nobility in hopes of marrying her up the social ladder.
long-nosed: with the sexual innuendo
and I spare you: if I spare you
slaves: contemptuous term for servants
grooms: serving-men
set her forth: given an account of her
keep her in awe: control her by fear
remember: remind
privy: hidden
chid: chide (MS)
necessary: rendering necessary or useful service
[As]: are (MS)
hang a weapon: with the bawdy innuendo
without book: without the aid of a book
Cuds me: a corruption of "God's me"; variations include Cuds, Cuds my life, Cuds foot, Cuds bodkins: cf. V.i, The Old Law IV.i, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside II.i, Your Five Gallants IV.vii, The Phoenix V.i, A Trick to Catch the Old One II.i, The Changeling IV.i, No Wit, No Help like a Woman's I.iii.
juggling: 1) cheating, 2) fornicating
do not bless...warning: having benefit of prayer to ask forgiveness of sins; cf. Hamlet III.iii
IV.ii.
[discontentedly]: discontently (MS)
[FIRST]: 2 (MS)
time of grace: favor shown by granting a delay in the performance of an action, here a hunter (the Tyrant) giving the hunted animal (Memphonius) a head start
glozers': flatterers'; Lancashire cites G. P. V. Akrigg, Jacobean Pageant: "The court vice which most alarmed the Jacobeans was...sycophancy.... King James not only enjoyed admiration but poured forth his bounty upon those he found appreciative of his good qualities.... Flattery of the king became the orthodoxy of the court."
sessions: judicial trial
close lanthorns: lanterns with a closing panel to conceal the light
trow: think you
widow's state: Before she remarried, a widow could put her estate in trust which would prevent her new husband from taking possession of it; such a practise was becoming increasingly popular at this time.
made o'er: settled in the hands of trustees
policy: 1) prudence, 2) craftiness
By this light: an oath, with a pun on their lantern light
hold: wager
[Memphonius]: MR GOUGHE (MS); this s.d. supplied by the prompter is linked to the addition slip containing the speech by the symbol of a circle with a tail. Because the speaker
here knows of Helvetius' imprisonment, he could only be Memphonius
(or otherwise an unnamed lord). Like Richard Robinson, whose
name appears later in MS, Robert Gough was an actor with the King's
Men in 1611. His name probably inspired the first attribution
on the last leaf, to Thomas Goffe (who was only twenty and studying
at Oxford at the time).
very dreadful leader: i.e., the devil
minds: thoughts or feelings
IV.iii.
[them]: hym (MS)
tears: Lancashire identifies this as condensation on the stone.
springs: tears
limber: limp
humour: eccentricity; this is a formulaic response that would often appear in "humours comedies," wildly popular in the preceding decade, beginning with Jonson's Every Man in His Humour, and followed soon after by The Merry Wives of Windsor, in which Nym repeats this particular tag-line ad infinitum.
forfeit my lieutenantship: reflecting the irreligious nature of soldiers
have we got the mastery: the tomb is cracked and giving way
Set to: setto (MS); set to your hands = get to work
ent'ring upon a breach: advancing through a gap in a fortification, with the bawdy innuendo
stone: with the bawdy pun
diamonds, sapphires, rubies: cf. Your Five Gallants I.i, A Mad World, My Masters IV.iii for same grouping of gems
colour of the court: The preference was for pale skin.
here: in his arms
take her up and never touch her: "to take up" and "to touch" both have sexual innuendo
moon rises: "The Tyrant probably refers to the Lady's body, which is being lifted out of the tomb, and which may even be illustrious...literally as well as figuratively, light around a body or tomb, after death, being a common mark of a saint" (Lancashire).
prisoners: i.e., the words he wants her to speak
prove: attempt
pander's heels ache: As Lancashire conjectures, this phrase may derive from "to cool one's heels," i.e., to be forced to wait, and linked to the pander's job of guarding the brothel door for his clients.
By th' mass: an oath with an ironic religious reference
Herod: "According to Talmudic legend (but not historical
fact), when the rebelling slave, Herod, had killed all the other
members of her royal family Mariamne threw herself from the palace
roof to her death rather than marry him; Herod then preserved
her body in honey for seven years" (Lancashire). Illustration: Mariamne Leaving the Judgement Seat of Herod (1887), by Pre-Raphaelite painter John William Waterhouse.
all: any
city-pie: a pie baked in City of London; Lancashire notes other comparisons between a pie and a coffin in Richard II III.ii and (appropriately) Titus Andronicus V.ii.
lay about: attack vigorously; cf. The Changeling III.iv and the dangers involved with court smorgasbords
lid: top crust
IV.iv
her duty: my reverence to her
early: in the morning before sunrise, marking the passage of time since the Tyrant's visit
bead: tear, with a possible allusion to a rosary bead
number: rhythm
perfect: exact, with overtones of holy
[wondrous]: wrondrous (MS)
desert: merit
When understanding ripens...time: as was seen with Helvetius before his conversion
virtue's close and hidden...harvest: cf. 1 Corinthians 15; Govianus' book is either the Bible or more likely the Book of Common Prayer, in which the Corinthians passage appears.
On a sudden: suddenly. The prompter's marginal note "ENTER LADY/RICH ROBINSON" indicated that the boy actor who played the Lady was also to play her spirit.
first rest: original tomb
V.i.
I prize the roughness...ladies: The bond of male friendship was traditionally more esteemed than the relationship between a man and a woman.
match: bargain; Votarius makes the pun on "pairing" (between himself and the Wife) and possibly on "contest" (the following scene being his attempt to outwit Anselmus).
[Retires to closet.]: Exit (MS)
H'as cleft the pin in two with a blind man's eyes: The metaphor is from archery, where the pin is a small peg set in the bull's eye to be split by the shooter. Again, there is the pin-penis pun, and the allusion to the blind archer, Cupid.
fee'd: bribed
catchpole: sheriff's officer who acted as tax gatherer; cf. The Roaring Girl III.i, Blurt, Master Constable II.i, The Puritan III.v, A Fair Quarrel I.i, Westward Ho! III.ii, Munday's The Downfall of Robert, Earl of Huntington I.ii.
Thou mayst sit...play: The illustration is C. Walter Hodges'
conjecture (in The Globe Restored) of the Globe stage and
surrounding private boxes to which Leonella refers. (In some
theater houses, and for a price, gentlemen and gallants could
even sit on the edges of the stage.) The metaphor describing Bellarius'
vantage point indicates not only secrecy but his ability to become
part of the action quickly.
Descendet: descends (from the upper stage)
I am so strangely toss'd between two tales: cf. No Wit, No Help like a Woman's I.iii.
[Wife]: Lady (MS)
again: however
blessed: protected
[preys]: pray (MS) but picking up on the pun
doorkeeper: bawd
I'll imitate my noble sister's fate: cf. Lancashire's thematic and structural comparison of this scene with III.i.
[she]: he (MS)
smock-woman: bawd (smock = woman's undergarment); cf. The Family of Love IV.iii "smock-frock," The Bloody Banquet I.iv "smock sentinels"
duty: 1) respect, 2) debt
keep under: with the bawdy innuendo
prefer: proffer
Byrlady: by our Lady, an oath (appears variously as berlady and be-lady); cf. A Trick to Catch the Old One IV.ii, The Puritan III.vi, The Roaring Girl III.ii, Hengist, King of KentI.ii.
'Ud's life: God's life, an oath; cf. The Roaring Girl III.ii "Ud's light" and IV.ii "'Ud's soul"
pass: thrust
prick: 1) urge, 2) prick with a sword
up: get up
death: the number of the dead
weeping: draining, an image derived from his bleeding wound
That lord, your brother...lady: Bellarius did not actually know about Anselmus' request to Votarius, nor about Wife's staged spurning of Votarius; his speech, however, is a convention of revenge drama, a recapping to those arriving on the scene of the motives and actions of the fallen.
ran upon two weapons and so died: with the bawdy innuendo
"The serpent's wisdom is in women's lust.": Quotation marks around lines were used to off sententiae, or aphorisms, to be noted down by the reader. These "gnomic pointers" were a favorite device of Middleton; e.g., cf. A Trick to Catch the Old One V.ii, The Revenger's Tragedy I.i. This is not the case of line in quotation marks near the end of IV.ii, where the Soldier is consciously quoting an old adage.
[ .]: There is a lacuna in MS; Lancashire conjectures "jot" or "whit."
revenge: As Lancashire notes, up to this point Govianus is not really out for revenge: he and the Lady have sought only her re-entombment. This speech also contains the element of the revenger's lament over his delay, and in the next scene, Govianus adopts a disguise, both conventions of revenge drama. This change in Govianus' temperament might be explained dramatically as a necessary adjustment in the nature of the drama and the audience's perception in order to prepare them for the Tyrant's death. Until now, the main plot has been driven by a strong Christian code--one might almost call it didactic, focusing the thoughts of the audience upon otherworldly salvation, where death is a release--as opposed to the worldly struggle for power and punishment in which the action of revenge drama is anchored. Here control of the moral dynamic of the plot shifts from the Lady to Govianus.
shelf: a relatively shallow ledge beneath the water surface, and therefore dangerous to ships
V.ii.
braver: more resplendent
pearl: Lancashire mentions that pearls symbolize the soul (cf. Matthew 13:46, the medieval Pearl) and are associated with tears (in Shakespeare cf. The Two Gentlemen of Verona III.i, King Lear IV.iii, King John II.i, Titus Andronicus V.i, Sonnet 34). In the Masque of the Four Elements (No Wit, No Help like a Woman's IV.ii), Water wears a chain of pearl, and Vindici's beloved is said to merit a "tomb of pearl" in The Revenger's Tragedy I.iv.
honour: bow; cf. Your Five Gallants V.i, The Changeling IV.iii
Though I could never know...prayers: This observation has implications for the audience: for many, witnessing a drama like this unfold before them, either "in real life" or on the stage, has more impact than church lessons learned and recited by rote.
To fit our close deeds with some private hand: i.e., keep it secret by finding someone who won't tell
servants would look out for better wages: i.e., lovers would look for someone more attractive
corner: Lancashire notes that possible bawdy connotations to "corner" are to be found in Your Five Gallants V.i, Measure for Measure IV.iii, and The Merchant of Venice III.v.
apprehension has too gross a film: wit is too clouded
hired: rewarded, remunerated
trust: 1) give credit (peers could not be arrested for debt), 2) possibly, trust to future favors or appointments
poison to her lips: cf. Vindici's m.o. in The Revenger's Tragedy III.v. There is also an eerie parallel regarding the art vs. nature argument of The Winter's Tale V.iii.
dead ashes: recalling "ashes to ashes" of the burial service
those: the those (MS)
strong: strong-smelling, which Govianus interprets as powerful
thou: Lancashire notes that once Govianus removes his disguise, he shifts from the polite/more respectful "you" to the informal "thou."
Frenchman's tortures: On May 27, 1610, Franois Ravaillac was tortured to death for assassinating the French king Henry IV. The event was widely reported in England and greatly distressed James (who was more than usually sensitive about such matters), which probably explains why the word "extremest" was substituted for "Frenchman's" in MS.
Unto one head: into one force
his lodging: heaven
same: shame (MS)
earthquake: Lancashire lists the many parallels involving biblical earthquakes.
dayspring from the morning's womb: dayspring = dawn; Lancashire cites Middleton's The Triumphs of Truth ("Before the day sprang from the morning's womb") and The Changeling IV.ii.
[LADY]: Spiritt (MS)
lay hands: seize, but the nobles interpret this as a consecratory laying on of hands
thunder: Thunder was mentioned and used for various reasons on the Elizabethan/Jacobean stage. Apart from the sheer spectacle involved in conjuring the supernatural (e.g., in Macbeth, 2 Henry VI, The Birth of Merlin), thunder expressed the voice of God, or the fact that chaos reigned in heaven because the natural order of things on earth (e.g., the death of kings) was, or was about to be, upset (cf. the omens in Julius Caesar I.iii & II.ii, and The Revenger's Tragedy V.iii). The significant difference here is that the thunder is in only the Tyrant's ears because he has usurped the throne in the first place. (Anselmus hears thunder as well in V.i.)
I'm like a man plucked up...beam: cf. No Wit, No Help like a Woman's II.iii.
jealous: suspiciously careful