{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1 \deff0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial;}
{\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;}{\f4\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times;}
{\f5\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Helvetica;}{\f6\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}Courier;}{\f7\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}Geneva;}
{\f8\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}Tms Rmn;}{\f9\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}Helv;}{\f10\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}MS Serif;}
{\f11\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}MS Sans Serif;}{\f12\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}New York;}{\f13\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}System;}
{\f14\fnil\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05000000000000000000}Wingdings;}{\f15\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq3{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f16\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f17\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}
{\f19\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f20\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f21\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f22\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial CE;}{\f23\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Cyr;}
{\f25\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Greek;}{\f26\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Tur;}{\f27\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Baltic;}{\f28\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f29\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}
{\f31\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f32\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f33\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;
\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;
\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright \fs20\cgrid \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive Default Paragraph Font;}}{\*\revtbl {Unknown;}}{\info{\title Extracted from English Verse Drama, published by Chadwyck-Healey Ltd}{\author Cassandra}
{\operator Cassandra}{\creatim\yr2004\mo8\dy1\hr22\min15}{\revtim\yr2004\mo8\dy1\hr22\min15}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages31}{\nofwords13425}{\nofchars76526}{\*\company }{\nofcharsws93979}{\vern71}}
\endnotes\aendnotes\aftnstart0\hyphhotz0\aftnnar\lytprtmet\hyphcaps0\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot \fet0\sectd \linex0\headery709\footery709\colsx709\endnhere\sectdefaultcl {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxta .}}
{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}
{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9
\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright \fs20\cgrid {\f2\lang3081 Extracted from English Verse Drama, published by Chadwyck-Healey Ltd.
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 ANTONIO'S Reuenge.
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 The second part of the Historie of Antonio and Mellida.
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 Motos soleo Componere fluctus.
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 ALCIONE.
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 The Prologue.
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 The rawish danke of clumzie winter ramps
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 The fluent summers vaine: and drizling sleere
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 Chilleth the wan bleak cheek of the numd earth,
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 Whilst snarling gusts nibble the iuyceles leaues,
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 From the nak't shuddring branch; and pils the skinne
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 From off the soft and delicate aspectes,
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 O, now, me thinks, a sullen tragick Sceane
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 Would suite the time, with pleasing congruence.
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 May we be happie in our weake deuoyer,
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 And all parte pleas'd in most wisht content:
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 But sweate of Hercules can nere beget
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 So blest an issue. Therefore we proclaime,
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 If any spirit breathes within this round,
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 Vncapable of waightie passion
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 (As from his birth, being hugged in the armes,
\par }\pard \nowidctlpar\widctlpar\adjustright {\f2\lang3081 And nuzzled twixt the breastes of happinesse)
\par
\par Who winkes, and shuts his apprehension vp
\par From common sense of what men were, and are,
\par Who would not knowe what men must be; let such
\par Hurrie amaine from our black visag'd showes:
\par We shall affright their eyes. But if a breast,
\par Nail'd to the earth with griefe: if any heart
\par Pierc't through with anguish, pant within this ring:
\par If there be any blood, whose heate is choakt
\par And stifled with true sense of misery:
\par If ought of these straines fill this consort vp,
\par Th'arriue most welcome. O that our power
\par Could lackie, or keepe wing with our desires;
\par That with vnused paize of stile and sense,
\par We might waigh massy in iudicious scale.
\par Yet heere's the prop that doth support our hopes;
\par When our Sceanes falter, or inuention halts,
\par Your fauour will giue crutches to our faults.
\par Exit.
\par
\par
\par
\par ACT. I.
\par
\par
\par SCEN. I.
\par
\par Enter Piero, vnbrac't, his armes bare, smeer'd in blood, a poniard in one hand
\par bloodie, and a torch in the other, Strotzo following him with a corde.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Ho, Gasper Strotzo, binde Feliches trunke
\par Vnto the panting side of Mellida.
\par Exit Str.
\par
\par Tis yet dead night, yet al the earth is cloucht
\par In the dull leaden hand of snoring sleepe:
\par No breath disturbs the quiet of the ayre.
\par No spirit moues vpon the breast of earth,
\par
\par Saue howling dogs, nightcrowes, & screeching owls,
\par Saue meager ghosts, Piero, and black thoughts.
\par One, two. Lord, in two houres what a toplesse mount
\par Of vnpeer'd mischiefe, haue these hands cast vp!
\par Enter Strotzo.
\par
\par I can scarce coope triumphing vengeance vp,
\par From bursting forth in bragart passion.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par My Lord, tis firmely saide that
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Andrugio sleepes in peace: this braine hath choakt
\par The organ of his breast. Feliche hangs,
\par But as a baite vpon the line of death,
\par To tice on mischiefe. I am great in blood,
\par Vnequald in reuenge. You horrid scouts,
\par That centinell swart night, giue lowde applause
\par From your large palms. First know, my hart was rais'd
\par Vnto Andrugios life, vpon this ground:
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Duke, tis reported
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par We both were riuals in our May of blood,
\par Vnto Maria, faire Ferraras heire.
\par He wan the Ladie, to my honours death:
\par And from her sweetes, cropt this Antonio:
\par For which, I burnt in inward sweltring hate,
\par And festred rankling malice in my breast,
\par Till I might belke reuenge vpon his eyes:
\par And now (\'f4 blessed now) tis done. Hell, night,
\par Giue lowde applause to my hypocrisie.
\par When his bright valour euen dazled sense,
\par In offring his owne heade, publick reproach
\par Had blurd my name. Speake Strotzo, had it not?
\par If then I had
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par It had, so please
\par
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par What had so please? Vnseasoned Sycophant,
\par Piero Sforza is no nummed Lord,
\par Senselesse of all true touch; stroake not the head
\par Of infant speach, till it be fully borne.
\par Goe to.
\par
\par
\par Strot.
\par How now? Fut, Ile not smother your speach.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Nay, right thine eyes: twas but a little splene:
\par (Huge plunge!
\par Sinn's growne a slaue, and must obserue slight euils.
\par Huge villaines are inforc't to clawe all diuels.)
\par Pish, sweete thy thoughts, and giue me
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Stroake not the heade of infant speach? Goe to?
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Nay, calme this storme. I euer held thy breast
\par More secret, and more firme in league of blood,
\par Then to be struck in heate with each slight puffe.
\par Giue me thy eares; Huge infamie
\par Presse downe my honour; if euen then, when
\par His fresh act of prowesse bloom'd out full,
\par I had tane vengeance on his hated head
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Why it had
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par Could I auoyde to giue a seeming graunt
\par Vnto fruition of Antonios loue?
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par No.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par And didst thou euer see, a Iudas kisse,
\par With a more couert touch of fleering hate?
\par
\par
\par Stro.
\par No.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par And hauing clipt them with pretence of loue,
\par Haue I not crusht them with a cruell wring?
\par
\par
\par Strot.
\par Yes.
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par Say, faith, didst thou ere heare, or reade, or see
\par
\par Such happie vengeance, vnsuspected death?
\par That I should drop strong poyson in the boawle,
\par Which I my selfe carous't vnto his health,
\par And future fortune of our vnitie,
\par That it should worke even in the husht of night,
\par And strangle him on sodaine; that faire showe
\par Of death, for the excessiue ioy of his fate,
\par Might choake the murder? Ha Strotzo, is't not rare?
\par Nay, but waigh it. Then Feliche stabd
\par (Whose sinking thought frighted my conscious hart)
\par And laid by Mellida, to stop the match,
\par And hale on mischiefe. This all in one night?
\par Is't to be equall'd thinkst thou? O, I could eate
\par Thy fumbling throat, for thy lagd censure. Fut,
\par Is't not rare?
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Yes.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par No? yes? nothing but no, and yes, dull lumpe?
\par Canst thou not hony me with fluent speach,
\par And euen adore my toplesse villany?
\par Will I not blast my owne blood for reuenge?
\par Must not thou straight be periur'd for reuenge?
\par And yet no creature dreame tis my reuenge.
\par Will I not turne a glorious bridall morne
\par Vnto a Stygian night? Yet naught but no, and yes?
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par I would haue told you, if the incubus,
\par That rides your bosome, would haue patience:
\par It is reported, that in priuate state,
\par Maria, Genoas Dutchesse, makes to Court,
\par Longing to see him, whom she nere shall see,
\par Her Lord Andrugio. Be like she hath receiu'd
\par
\par The newes of reconciliation:
\par Reconciliation with a death?
\par Poore Ladie shall but finde poore comfort in't.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par O, let me swoone for ioy. By heauen, I thinke
\par I ha said my prayers, within this month at least;
\par I am so boundlesse happie. Doth she come?
\par By this warme reeking goare, Ile marrie her.
\par Looke I not now like an inamorate?
\par Poyson the father, butcher the son, & marry the mother; ha?
\par Strotzo, to bed: snort in securest sleepe:
\par For see, the dapple gray coursers of the morne
\par Beat vp the light with their bright siluer hooues,
\par And chase it through the skye. To bed, to bed.
\par This morne my vengeance shall be amply fed.
\par
\par Exit.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA SECVNDA.
\par
\par Enter Luceo, Maria, and Nutriche.
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par Stay gentle Luceo, and vouchsafe thy hand.
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par O, Madam
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Nay, pree thee giue me leaue to say, vouchsafe,
\par Submisse intreats beseeme my humble fate.
\par Here let vs sit. O Luceo, fortunes gilt
\par Is rubd quite off from my slight tin-foild state,
\par And poore Maria must appeare vngrac't
\par Of the bright fulgor of gloss'd maiestie.
\par
\par
\par Luc.
\par Cheer vp your spirits Madam; fairer chance
\par Then that which courts your presence instantly,
\par Can not be formd by the quick mould of thought.
\par
\par
\par
\par Mari.
\par Art thou assur'd the dukes are reconcil'd?
\par Shall my wombes honour wed faire Mellida?
\par Will heauen at length grant harbour to my head?
\par Shall I once more clip my Andrugio?
\par And wreath my armes about Antonio's necke?
\par Or is glib rumor growne a parasite,
\par Holding a false glasse to my sorrowes eyes,
\par Making the wrinkl'd front of griefe seeme faire,
\par Though tis much riueld with abortiue care.
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par Most virtuous Princesse, banish straggling feare,
\par Keepe league with comfort. For these eyes beheld
\par Tke Dukes vnited; yon faint glimmering light
\par Nere peeped through the crannies of the east,
\par Since I beheld them drinke a sound carouse,
\par In sparkling Bacchus,
\par Vnto eache others health;
\par Your sonne assur'd to beautious Mellida:
\par And all clouds clear'd of threatning discontent.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par What age is morning of?
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par I thinke 'bout fiue.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Nutriche, Nutriche.
\par
\par
\par Nu.
\par
\par Be shrow your fingers marry, you haue disturb'd
\par the pleasure of the finest dreame. O God, I was euen
\par comming to it lawe. O Iesu, twas comming of the swetest.
\par Ile tell you now, me thought I was maried, and
\par mee thought I spent (O Lord why did you wake mee)
\par and mee thought I spent three spur Roials on the Fidlers
\par for striking vp a fresh horne pipe. Saint Vrsula, I
\par was euen going to bed, & you, mee thought, my husband
\par was euen putting out the tapers, when you, Lord
\par
\par I shall neuer haue such a dreame come vpon mee, as
\par long as
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Peace idle creature, peace.
\par When will the Court rise?
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par Madam, twere best you tooke some lodging vp,
\par And lay in priuate till the soile of griefe
\par Were cleard your cheeke, and new burnisht lustre
\par Cloath'd your presence, 'fore you sawe the Dukes,
\par And enterd, 'mong the proud Venetian States.
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par No Lucio, my deare Lord's wise, and knowes
\par That tinsill glitter, or rich purfled robes,
\par Curled haires, hung full of sparkling Carcanets,
\par Are not the true adornements of a wife.
\par So long as wiues are faithfull, modest, chaste,
\par Wise Lords affect them. Vertue doth not waste,
\par With each slight flame of crackling vanitie.
\par A modest eye forceth affection,
\par Whilest outward gainesse light lookes but entice.
\par Fairer then Natures faire is fowlest vice.
\par She that loues Art, to get her cheeke more louers,
\par Much outward gaudes slight inward grace discouers.
\par I care not to seeme faire, but to my Lord.
\par Those that striue most to please most strangers sight,
\par Follie may iudge most faire, wisdome most light.
\par Musique sounds a short straine.
\par
\par But harke, soft musique gently mooues the ayre:
\par I thinke the bridegroom's vp. Lucio, stand close.
\par O, now Marya, chalenge griefe to stay
\par Thy ioyes encounter. Looke Lucio, tis cleare day.
\par
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA TERTIA.
\par
\par Enter Antonio, Galeatzo, Matzagente, Balurdo, Pandulpho Feliche, Alberto,
\par Forobosco, Castilio, and a Page.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Darknesse is fled: looke, infant morn hath drawne
\par Bright siluer curtains, 'bout the couch of night:
\par And now Auroras horse trots azure rings,
\par Breathing faire light about the firmament,
\par Stand, what's that?
\par
\par
\par Mat.
\par And if a horned diuell should burst forth,
\par I would passe on him with a mortall stocke.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Oh, a horned diuell would prooue ominous,
\par Vnto a bridegroomes eyes,
\par
\par
\par Mat.
\par A horned diuel? good, good: ha ha ha, very good.
\par
\par
\par Al.
\par Good tand prince laugh not. By the ioyes of loue,
\par When thou dost girne, thy rusty face doth looke
\par Like the head of a rosted rabbit: fie vpont.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par By my troth, me thinks his nose is iust colour de Roy
\par
\par
\par Mat.
\par I tel thee foole, my nose will abide no iest.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par No in truth, I doe not ieast, I speake truth. Truth
\par is the touchstone of all things: and if your nose
\par will not abide the truth, your nose will not abide the
\par touch: and if your nose will not abide the touch, your
\par nose is a copper nose, and must be nail'd vp for a slip.
\par
\par
\par Mat.
\par
\par I scorne to retort the obtuse ieast of a foole.
\par
\par Balurdo drawes out his writing tables, and writes.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Retort and obtuse, good words, very good words.
\par
\par
\par
\par Gal.
\par
\par Young Prince, looke sprightly; fie, a bridegroom
\par sadde!
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par In truth, if he were retort, and obtuse, no question,
\par hee would bee merrie: but and please my Genius,
\par I will be most retort and obtuse ere night. Ile tell you,
\par what Ile beare soone at night in my shielde, for my
\par deuice.
\par
\par
\par Gal.
\par
\par What, good Balurdo?
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par O, doe me right: sir Gefferey Balurdo: sir, sir, as
\par long as yee liue, sir.
\par
\par
\par Gal.
\par
\par What, good sir Geffery Balurdo?
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par Marry forsooth, Ile carrie for my deuice, my grand
\par fathers great stone-hors, flinging vp his head, & ierking
\par out his left legge. The word; Wighy Purt. As I am a
\par true knight, wil't not bee most retort and obtuse, ha?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Blowe hence these saplesse iestes. I tell you bloods
\par My spirit's heauie, and the iuyce of life
\par Creepes slowly through my stifned arteries.
\par Last sleep, my sense was steep't in horrid dreames:
\par Three parrs of night were swallow'd in the gulfe
\par Of rauenous time, when to my slumbring powers,
\par Two meager ghosts made apparition.
\par The on's breast seem'd fresh pauncht with bleeding wounds:
\par Whose bubling gore sprang in frighted eyes.
\par The other ghost assum'd my fathers shape:
\par Both cride Reuenge. At which my trembling ioynts
\par (Iced quite ouer with a froz'd cold sweate)
\par Leap't forth the sheets. Three times I gasp't at shades:
\par And thrice, deluded by erroneous sense,
\par I forc't my thoughts make stand; when loe, I op't
\par
\par A large bay window, through which the night
\par Struck terror to my soule. The verge of heauen
\par Was ringd with flames, and all the vpper vault
\par Thick lac't with flakes of fire; in midst whereof
\par A blazing Comet shot his threatning traine
\par Iust on my face. Viewing these prodigies,
\par I bow'd my naked knee, and pierc't the starre,
\par With an outfacing eye; pronouncing thus;
\par Deus imperat astris. At which, my nose straight bled:
\par Then doubl'd I my word, so slunke to bed.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par Verely, sir Gefferey had a monstrous strange dream
\par the last night. For mee thought I dreamt I was asleepe,
\par and me thought the ground yaun'd and belkt vp the
\par abhominable ghost of a mishapen Simile, with two
\par vgly Pages; the one called master, euen as going before;
\par and the other Mounser, euen so following after;
\par whil'st Signior Simile stalked most prodigiously in
\par the midst. At which I bewrayed the fearefulnesse of
\par my nature: and being readie to forsake the fortresse of
\par my wit, start vp, called for a cleane shirt, eate a messe
\par of broth, and with that I awakt.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I pree thee peace. I tell you gentlemen,
\par The frightfull shades of night yet shake my braine:
\par My gellied blood's not thaw'd: the sulphur damps,
\par That flowe in winged lightning 'bout my couch,
\par Yet stick within my sense, my soule is great,
\par In expectation of dire prodigies.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Tut, my young Prince, let not thy fortunes see
\par Their Lord a coward. He, thats nobly borne,
\par Abhorres to feare. Base feare's the brand of slaues.
\par
\par Hee that obserues, pursues, slinks back for fright,
\par Was neuer cast in mould of noble spright.
\par
\par
\par Ga.
\par Tush, there's a sun will straight exhale these damps
\par Of chilling feare. Come, shal's salute the bride?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Castilio, I pree the mixe thy breath with his:
\par Sing one of Signior Renaldo's ayres,
\par To rouse the slumbring bride from gluttoning,
\par In surfet of superfluous sleepe. Good Signior, sing.
\par CANTANT.
\par
\par What meanes this silence and vnmooued calme!
\par Boy, winde thy Cornet: force the leaden gates
\par Of lasie sleepe fly open, with thy breath,
\par My Mellida not vp? not stirring yet? vmh.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par That voice, should be my sonnes Antonio's.
\par Antonio?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Here, who cals? here stands Antonio.
\par
\par
\par Mari.
\par Sweete sonne.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Deare mother.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Faire honour of a chast and loyall bed,
\par Thy fathers beautie, thy sad mothers loue,
\par Were I as powrefull as the voice of fate,
\par Felicitie compleat should sweete thy state:
\par But all the blessings, that a poore banisht wretch,
\par Can powre vpon thy heade, take gentle sonne:
\par Liue, gratious youth, to close thy mothers eyes,
\par Lou'd of thy parents, till their latest hower:
\par How cheares my Lord, thy father? O sweet boy,
\par Part of him thus I clip, my deare, deare ioy.
\par
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Madam, last night I kist his princely hand,
\par And tooke a treasur'd blessing from his lips:
\par O mother, you arriue in Iubile,
\par And firme attonement of all boystrous rage:
\par Pleasure, vnited loue, protested faith,
\par Guard my lou'd father, as sworne Pensioners:
\par The Dukes are leagu'd in firmest bond of loue,
\par And you arriue euen in the Solsticie,
\par And highest point of sun-shine happinesse.
\par One windes a Cornet within.
\par
\par Harke Madam, how yon Cornet ierketh vp
\par His straind shrill accents, in the capering ayre;
\par As proud to summon vp my bright cheek't loue.
\par Now, mother, ope wide expectation:
\par Let loose your amplest sense, to entertaine
\par Th'impression of an obiect of such worth,
\par That life's too poore to
\par
\par
\par Gal.
\par Nay leaue Hyperboles.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I tel thee prince, that presence straight appears,
\par Of which thou canst not forme Hyperboles,
\par The trophy of tryumphing excellence:
\par The heart of beautie, Mellida appeares.
\par See, looke, the curtaine stirs, shine natures pride,
\par Loues vitall spirit, deare Antonio's bride.
\par The Curtain's drawne, and the bodie of Feliche, stabd thick with wounds,
\par appeares hung vp.
\par
\par What villaine bloods the window of my loue?
\par What slaue hath hung yon gorie ensigne vp,
\par In flat defiance of humanitie?
\par Awake thou faire vnspotted puritie.
\par
\par Death's at thy windowe, awake bright Mellida:
\par Antonio cals.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVARTA.
\par
\par Enter Piero as at first, with Forobosco.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par VVho giues these il-befitting attributes
\par Of chast, vnspotted, bright, to Mellida,
\par He lies as lowde as thunder, shee's vnchast,
\par Tainted, impure, blacke as the soule of hell.
\par
\par He drawes his rapier, offers to runne at Piero: but Maria holds his arme &
\par staies him.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Dog, I will make the eate thy vomit vp,
\par Which thou hast belk't gainst taintlesse Mellida.
\par Ramm't quicklie downe, that it may not rise vp
\par To imbraid my thoughts. Behold my stomack's:
\par Strike me quite through with the relentlesse edge
\par Of raging furie. Boy, Ile kill thy loue
\par Pandulfe Feliche, I haue stabd thy sonne:
\par Looke, yet his lifeblood reekes vpon this steele.
\par Albert, yon hangs thy friend. Haue none of you
\par Courage of vengeance? Forget I am your Duke.
\par Thinke Mellida is not Pieros bloode.
\par Imagine on slight ground, Ile blast his honour.
\par Suppose I sawe not that incestuous slaue,
\par Clipping the strumpet, with luxurious twines:
\par O, numme my sense of anguish, cast my life
\par In a dead sleepe, whilst lawe cuts off yon maine,
\par Yon putred vlcer of my roiall bloode.
\par
\par
\par Foro.
\par Keepe league with reason, gratious Soueraigne.
\par
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par There glowe no sparkes of reason in the world;
\par All are rak't vp in ashie beastlinesse.
\par The bulke of man's as darke as Erebus,
\par No branch of Reasons light hangs in his trunke:
\par There liues no reason to keepe league withall.
\par I ha no reason to be reasonable.
\par Her wedding eue, linkt to the noble blood
\par Of my most firmely reconciled friend,
\par And found euen clingd in sensualitie!
\par O heauen! O heauen! Were she as neare my heart
\par As is my liuer, I would rend her off.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVINTA.
\par
\par Enter Strozzo.
\par
\par
\par Sir.
\par VVhither, O whither shal I hurle vast griefe?
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par Here, into my breast: tis a place built wide
\par By fate, to giue receipt to boundlesse woes.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par O no; here throb those hearts, which I must cleaue
\par With my keene pearcing newes. Andrugio's dead.
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par Dead?
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par O me most miserable.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Dead, alas, how dead?
\par Giue seeming passion.
\par
\par Fut weepe, act, faine. Dead, alas, how dead?
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par The vast delights of his large so daine ioyes
\par Opned his powers so wide, that's natiue heate
\par So prodigally flow'd, t'exterior parts,
\par That thinner Citadell was left vnmand,
\par And so surpriz'd on sodaine by colde death.
\par
\par
\par
\par Mari.
\par O fatal, disastrous, cursed, dismall!
\par Choake breath and life. I breath, I liue too long.
\par Andrugio my Lord, I come, I come.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Be cheerefull Princesse, help Castilio,
\par The Ladie's swouned, helpe to beare her in.
\par Slow comfort to huge cares, is swiftest sin.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Courage, courage sweet Ladie, tis sir Gefferey Balurdo
\par bids you courage. Truly I am as nimble as an Elephant
\par about a Ladie.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Dead?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Dead.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Dead?
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Why now the womb of mischiefe is deliuer'd,
\par Of the prodigious issue of the night.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Ha, ha, ha.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par My father dead, my loue attaint of lust:
\par Thats a large lye, as vast as spatious hell:
\par Poore guiltlesse Ladie. O accursed lye.
\par What, whome, whether, which shall I first lament?
\par A deade father, a dishonour'd wife Stand.
\par Me thinkes I feele the frame of nature shake.
\par Cracks not the ioynts of earth to beare my woes?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Sweet Prince, be patient.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par S'lid sir, I will not in despight of thee.
\par Patience is slaue to fooles: a chaine that's fixt
\par Onely to postes, and senslesse log-like dolts.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Tis reasons glorie to commaund affects.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Lies thy cold father dead, his glossed eyes
\par New closed vp by thy sad mothers hands?
\par Hast thou a loue as spotlesse as the browe
\par Of clearest heauen, blurd with false defames?
\par Are thy moyst entrals crumpled vp with griefe
\par
\par Of parching mischiefs? Tel me, does thy hart
\par With punching anguish spur thy galled ribs?
\par Then come and let's sit and weep & wreath our arms:
\par Ile heare thy counsell.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Take comfort
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Confusion to all comfort: I defie it.
\par Comfort's a Parasite, a flattring Iack:
\par And melts resolu'd despaire. O boundlesse woe,
\par If there be any black yet vnknowen griefe:
\par If there be any horror yet vnfelt,
\par Vnthought of mischiefe in thy fiendlike power,
\par Dash it vpon my miserable heade.
\par Make me more wretch, more cursed if thou canst-
\par O, now my fate is more than I could feare:
\par My woes more waightie than my soule can beare.
\par
\par Exit
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Ha, ha, ha.
\par
\par
\par Al.
\par Why laugh you vncle? Thats my cuz, your son,
\par Whose brest hangs cased in his cluttered gore.
\par
\par
\par Pa.
\par True man, true: why, wherfore should I weepe?
\par Come sit, kinde Nephew: come on: thou and I
\par Will talke as Chorus to this tragedie.
\par Intreat the musick straine their instruments,
\par With a slight touch whilst we. Say on fair cuz.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par He was the very hope of Italy, Musick sounds softly.
\par The blooming honour of your drooping age.
\par
\par
\par P,
\par True cuz, true. They say that men of hope are crusht:
\par Good are supprest by base desertlesse clods,
\par That stifle gasping vertue. Look sweet youth,
\par How prouident our quick Venetians are,
\par Least houes of iades should trample on my boy:
\par Looke how they lift him vp to eminence,
\par Heaue him, boue reach of flesh. Ha, ha, ha.
\par
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Vncle, this laughter ill becomes your griefe.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Would'st haue me cry, run rauing vp & down,
\par For my sons losse? would'st haue me turn rank mad,
\par Or wring my face with mimick action;
\par Stampe, curse, weepe, rage, & then my bosome strike?
\par Away tis apish action, player-like.
\par If hee is guiltlesse, why should teares be spent?
\par Thrice blessed soule that dyeth innocent.
\par If he is leapred with so foule a guilt,
\par Why should a sigh be lent, a teare be spilt?
\par The gripe of chaunce is weake, to wring a teare,
\par From him that knowes what fortitude should beare.
\par Listen young blood. Tis not true valors pride,
\par To swagger, quarrell, sweare, stampe, raue, and chide,
\par To stab in fume of blood, to keepe lowde coyle,
\par To bandie factions in domestick broyles,
\par To dare the act of Sins, whose filth excels
\par The blackest customes of blinde Infidels.
\par No, my lou'd youth: he may of valour vaunt;
\par Whom fortunes lowdest thunder can not daunt,
\par Whom fretful gaules of chance, sterne fortunes siege;
\par Makes not his reason slinke, the soules faire liege,
\par Whose well pais'd action euer rests vpon
\par Not giddie humours, but discretion.
\par This heart in valour euen Ioue out-goes:
\par Ioue is without, but this 'boue sense of woes:
\par And such a one eternitie: Behold,
\par Good morrow sonne: thou bidst a fig for colde.
\par Sound lowder musick: let my breath exact,
\par You strike sad Tones vnto this dismall act.
\par
\par
\par
\par
\par
\par ACT. II.
\par
\par
\par SCEN. I.
\par
\par The Cornets sound a cynet.
\par
\par Enter two mourners with torches, two with streamers: Castilio & Forobosco,
\par with torches: a Heralde bearing Andrugio's helme & sword, the coffin: Maria
\par supported by Lucio and Alberto, Antonio by himselfe: Piero, and Strozzo
\par talking: Galeatzo and Matzagente, Balurdo & Pandulfo: the coffin set downe:
\par helme, sworde, and streamers hung vp, placed by the Herald: whil'st Antonio
\par and Maria wet their handkerchers with their teares, kisse them, and lay them on\'c9[d.
\par
\par
\par
\par THE TRAGEDIE OF GORBODVC
\par
\par
\par
\par
\par Thargument of the Tragedie.
\par Gorbodvc,
\par king of Brittaine, deuided his Realme in his lyfe time to his S\'banes, Ferrex
\par and Porrex. The Sonnes fell to dyuis\line
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Rot ther thou cearcloth that infolds the flesh
\par Of my loath'd foe; moulder to cr\'fabling dust:
\par Obliuion choake the passage of thy fame.
\par Trophees of honor'd birth droppe quickly downe:
\par Let naught of him, but what was vitious, liue.
\par Though thou art deade, thinke not my hate is dead:
\par I haue but newly twone my arme in the curld locks
\par Of snakie vengeance. Pale beetle-brow'd hate
\par But newly bustles vp. Sweet wrong, I clap thy thoughts.
\par O let me hug my bosome, rub my breast,
\par In hope of my what may happe. Andrugio rots:
\par Antonio liues: vmh: how long? ha, ha; how long?
\par
\par Antonio packt hence, Ile his mother wed,
\par Then cleare my daughter of supposed lust,
\par Wed her to Florence heire. O excellent.
\par Venice, Genoa, Florence, at my becke,
\par At Piero's nod, Balurdo, \'f4 ho.
\par O, twill be rare, all vnsuspected donne.
\par I haue bin nurst in blood, and still haue suckt
\par The steeme of reeking gore. Balurdo, ho?
\par
\par Enter Balurdo with a beard, halfe of, halfe on.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par When my beard is on, most noble prince, when
\par my beard is on.
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par
\par Why, what dost thou with a beard?
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par In truth, one tolde me that my wit was balde, &
\par that a Meremaide was halfe fish, and halfe fish: and
\par therefore to speake wisely, like one of your counsell,
\par as indeede it hath pleased you to make me, not onely
\par being a foole, of your counsell, but also to make me of
\par your counsell, being a foole; If my wit be bald, and a
\par Mermaid be halfe fish and halfe cunger, then I must be
\par forced to conclude the tyring man hath not glewd
\par on my beard halfe fast, enough. Gods bores, it wil not
\par stick to fal off.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par
\par Dost thou know what thou hast spoken all this while?
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par O Lord Duke, I would be sorie of that. Many
\par men can vtter that which, no man, but themselues can
\par conceiue: but I thanke a good wit, I haue the gift to
\par speake that which neither any man els, nor my selfe
\par vnderstands \emdash
\par
\par
\par Pi.
\par
\par Thou art wise. He that speaks he knows not what,
\par shal neuer sin against his own conscience: go to, thou
\par
\par art wise.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par Wise? O no. I haue a little naturall discretion, or
\par so: but for wise, I am somewhat prudent: but for wise,
\par \'f4 Lord.
\par
\par
\par Pie,
\par
\par Hold, take those keyes, open the Castle vault, &
\par put in Mellida.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par And put in Mellida? well, let me alone.
\par
\par
\par Pi.
\par Bid Forobosco, and Castilio guard,
\par Indeere thy selfe Piero's intimate.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Indeere, and intimate: good, I assure you. I will
\par indeere and intimate Mellida into the d\'fageon pres\'b3tly.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par
\par Will Pandulfo Feliche waite on me?
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par I will make him come, most retort and obtuse, to
\par you presently. I thinke, sir Ieffrey talks like a counseller.
\par Go to, gods neaks, I thinke I tickle it.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Ile seeme to winde yon foole with kindest arme.
\par He that's ambitious minded, and but man,
\par Must haue his followers beasts, dubd slauish sots:
\par Whose seruice is obedience, and whose wit
\par Reacheth no further then to admire their Lord,
\par And stare in adoration of his worth.
\par I loue, a slaue rak't out of common mud
\par Should seeme to sit in counsell with my heart.
\par High honour'd blood's too squemish to assent,
\par And lend a hand to an ignoble act.
\par Poyson from roses who could ere abstract?
\par How now Pandulfo, weeping for thy sonne?
\par
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA SECVNDA.
\par
\par Enter Pandulfo.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par No no, Piero, weeping for my sinnes:
\par Had I bin a good father, he had bin a gratious sonne.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Pollution must be purg'd.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Why taintst thou then the ayre with stench of flesh,
\par And humane putrifactions noysome sent?
\par I pray his bodie. Who lesse boone can craue,
\par Than to bestowe vpon the deade, his graue?
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Graue? why? think'st thou he deserues a graue,
\par That hath defil'd the temple of
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Peace, peace:
\par Me thinks I heare a humming murmur creepe
\par From out his gelli'd wounds. Looke on those lips,
\par Those now lawne pillowes, on whose tender softnesse,
\par Chaste modest speach, stealing from out his breast,
\par Had wont to rest it selfe, as loath to poast
\par From out so faire an Inne: look, look, they seeme to stir,
\par And breath defyance to black obloquie.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Think'st thou thy sonne could suffer wrongfully?
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par A wise man wrongfully, but neuer wrong
\par Can take: his breast's of such well tempered proofe,
\par It may be rac'd, not pearc't by sauage tooth
\par Of foaming malice: showers of dartes may darke
\par Heauens ample browe: but not strike out a sparke;
\par Much lesse pearce the Suns cheek. Such songs as these,
\par
\par I often dittied till my boy did sleepe:
\par But now I turne plaine foole (alas) I weepe.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Fore heauen he makes me shrug: wold a were deade:
\par He is a vertuous man. What has our court to doe
\par With vertue, in the diuels name! Pandulpho, harke.
\par My lustfull daughter dies: start not, she dies.
\par I pursue iustice, I loue sanctitie,
\par And an vndefiled temple of pure thoughts.
\par Shall I speake freely? Good Andrugio's dead:
\par And I doe feare a fetch; but (vmh) would I durst speake.
\par I doe mistrust; but (vmh) death: is he all, all man:
\par Hath he no part of mother in him, ha?
\par No licorish womanish inquisitiuenesse?
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Andrugio's deade!
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par I, and I feare, his owne vnnaturall blood,
\par To whome he gaue life, hath giuen death for life.
\par How could he come on, I see false suspect
\par Is vicde; wrung hardly in a vertuous heart.
\par Well, I could giue you reason for my doubts.
\par You are of honour'd birth, my very friende.
\par You know how god-like tis to roote out sin.
\par Antonio is a villaine. Will you ioyne
\par In oath with me, against the traitors life,
\par And sweare, you knewe, he sought his fathers death?
\par I lou'd him well, yet I loue iustice more:
\par Our friends we should affect, iustice adore.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par My Lord, the clapper of my mouth's not glibd
\par With court oyle, twill not strike on both sides yet.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Tis iust that subiectes acte commaunds of kings.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Commaund then iust and honorable things,
\par
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Euen so my selfe then will traduce his guilt.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par
\par Beware, take heed least guiltlesse blood be spilt.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Where onely honest deeds to kings are free,
\par It is no empire, but a beggery.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Where more than noble deeds to kings are free,
\par It is no empire, but a tyranny.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Tush iuicelesse graybeard, tis immunity,
\par Proper to princes, that our state exactes,
\par Our subiects not alone to beare, but praise our acts.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par O, but that prince that worthfull praise aspires,
\par From hearts, and not from lips, applause desires.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Pish, true praise, the brow of common men doth ring,
\par False, only girts the temple of a king,
\par He that hath strength, and's ignorant of power,
\par He was not made to rule, but to be rul'd.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Tis praise to doe, not what we can, but should.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Hence doting Stoick: by my hope of blisse,
\par Ile make thee wretched.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Defyance to thy power, thou rifted Iawne.
\par Now, by the lou'd heauen, sooner thou shalt
\par Rince thy foule ribs from the black filth of sinne,
\par That soots thy heart, then make me wretched. Pish,
\par Thou canst not coupe me vp. Hadst thou a Iaile
\par With trebble walles, like antick Babilon,
\par Pandulpho can get out. I tell thee Duke,
\par I haue ould Fortunatus wishing cappe:
\par And can be where I list, euen in a trice.
\par Ile skippe from earth into the armes of heauen:
\par And from tryumphall arch of blessednesse,
\par Spit on thy froathy breast. Thou canst not slaue
\par
\par Or banish me; I will be free at home,
\par Maugre the bearde of greatnesse. The port holes
\par Of sheathed spirit are nere corb'd vp:
\par But still stand open readie to discharge
\par Their pretious shot into the shrowds of heauen.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par O torture! slaue, I banish thee the towne,
\par Thy natiue seate of birth.
\par
\par
\par Pa.
\par How proud thou speak'st! I tell thee Duke, the blasts
\par Of the swolne cheekt winds, nor all the breath of kings
\par Can puffe me out my natiue seat of birth.
\par The earth's my bodies, and the heauen's my soules
\par Most natiue place of birth, which they will keepe:
\par Despite the menace of mortalitie \emdash
\par Why Duke:
\par That's not my natiue place, where I was rockt.
\par A wise mans home is wheresoere he is wise.
\par Now that, from man, not from the place doth rise.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Wold I were deafe (\'f4 plague) hence dotard wretch:
\par Tread not in court. All that thou hast, I seize.
\par His quiet's firmer then I can disease.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Goe, boast vnto thy flattring Sycophants;
\par Pandulpho's slaue, Piero hath orethrowne.
\par Loose Fortunes rags are lost; my owne's my owne.
\par Piero's going out, lookes backe, Exeunt at seuerall doores.
\par
\par Tis true Piero, thy vext heart shall see,
\par Thou hast but tript my slaue, not conquerd mee.
\par
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA TERTIA.
\par
\par Enter Antonio with a booke, Lucio, Alberto, Antonio in blacke.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Nay sweet be comforted, take counsell and
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Alberto, peace: that griefe is wanton sick,
\par Whose stomacke can digest and brooke the dyet
\par Of stale ill relisht counsell. Pigmie cares
\par Can shelter vnder patience shield: but gyant griefes
\par Will burst all couert.
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par My Lord, tis supper time.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Drinke deepe Alberto: eate, good Lucio:
\par But my pin'd heart shall eat on naught but woe.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par My Lord, we dare not leaue you thus alone.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par You cannot leaue Antonio alone.
\par The chamber of my breast is euen throngd,
\par With firme attendance, that forsweares to flinch.
\par I haue a thing sits here; it is not griefe,
\par Tis not despaire, nor the most plague
\par That the most wretched are infected with:
\par But the most greefull, despairing, wretched,
\par Accursed, miserable. O, for heauens sake
\par Forsake me now; you see how light I am,
\par And yet you force me to defame my patience.
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par Faire gentle prince
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Away, thy voice is hatefull: thou dost buzze,
\par
\par And beat my eares with intimations
\par That Mellida, that Mellida is light,
\par And stained with adulterous luxury:
\par I cannot brook't. I tell the Lucio,
\par Sooner will I giue faith, that vertue's scant
\par In princes courts, will be adorn'd with wreath
\par Of choyce respect, and indeerd intimate.
\par Sooner will I beleeue that friendships raine.
\par Will curbe ambition from vtilitie,
\par Then Mellida is light. Alas poore soule,
\par Didst ere see her (good heart) hast heard her speake?
\par Kinde, kinde soule. Incredulitie it selfe
\par Would not be so brasse hearted, as suspect so modest cheeks
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par My Lord
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Away, a selfe-one guilt doth onely hatch distrust:
\par But a chaste thought's as farre from doubt, as lust.
\par I intreat you leaue me.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Will you endeauour to forget your griefe?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I faith I will, good friend, I faith I will.
\par Ile come and eate with you. Alberto, see,
\par I am taking Physicke, heer's Philosophie.
\par Good honest leaue me, Ile drinke wine anone.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Since you enforce vs, faire prince, we are gone.
\par
\par Exeunt Alberto and Lucio.
\par
\par Antonio reades.
\par
\par
\par A.
\par
\par
\par Ferte fortiter: hoc est quo deum antecedatis. Ille enim extra
\par patientiam malorum; vos supra. Contemnite dolorem: aut
\par soluetur, aut soluet. Contemnite fortun\'e5: null\'fa tel\'fa, quo
\par feriret animum habet.
\par
\par
\par Pish, thy mother was not lately widdowed,
\par
\par Thy deare affied loue, lately defam'd,
\par With blemish of foule lust, when thou wrot'st thus.
\par Thou wrapt in furres, be aking thy lymbs 'fore fiers,
\par Forbidst the froz\'b3 Zone to shudder. Ha, ha: tis naught,
\par But fomie bubling of a fleamie braine,
\par Naught els but smoake. O what danke marrish spirit,
\par But would be fyred with impatience,
\par At my--- No more, no more: he that was neuer blest,
\par With height of birth, faire expectation
\par Of mounted fortunes, knowes not what it is
\par To be the pittied obiect of the worlde.
\par O, poore Antonio, thou maist sigh.
\par
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Aye me.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par And curse.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Black powers.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par And cry.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par O heauen.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par And close laments with
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par O me most miserable.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Woe for my deare deare sonne.
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par Woe for my deare, deare husband.
\par
\par
\par Mel.
\par Woe for my deare deare loue.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Woe for me all, close all your woes in me:
\par In me Antonio, ha? Where liue these sounds?
\par I can see nothing; griefe's inuisible,
\par And lurkes in secret angles of the heart.
\par Come sigh againe, Antonio beares his part.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par O here, here is a vent to passe my sighes.
\par I haue surcharg'd the dungeon with my plaints.
\par Prison, and heart will burst, if void of vent.
\par
\par I, that is Phoebe, empresse of the night,
\par That gins to mount; \'f4 chastest deitie:
\par If I be false to my Antonio,
\par If the least soyle of lust smeers my pure loue,
\par Make me more wretched, make me more accurst
\par Then infamie, torture, death, hell and heauen
\par Can bound with amplest power of thought: if not,
\par Purge my poore heart, with defamations blot.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Purge my poore heart from defamations blot!
\par Poore heart, how like her vertuous selfe she speakes.
\par Mellida, deare Mellida, it is Antonio:
\par Slinke not away, tis thy Antonio.
\par
\par
\par Mel.
\par How found you out, my Lord (alas) I knowe
\par Tis easie in this age, to finde out woe.
\par I haue a sute to you.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par What is't, deare soule?
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Kill me, I faith Ile winke, not stir a iot.
\par For God sake kill mee: insooth, lou'd youth,
\par I am much iniur'd; looke, see how I creepe.
\par I cannot wreake my wrong, but sigh and weepe.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par May I be cursed, but I credit thee.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par To morrowe I must die.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Alas, for what?
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par For louing thee; tis true my sweetest breast.
\par I must die falsely: so must thou, deare heart.
\par Nets are a knitting to intrappe thy life.
\par Thy fathers death must make a Paradice
\par To my (I shame to call him) father. Tell me sweet,
\par Shall I die thine? dost loue mee still, and still?
\par
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I doe.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Then welcome heauens will.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par
\par Madam, I will not swell like a Tragedian, in forced
\par passion of affected straines.
\par
\par If I had present power of ought but pittying you, I
\par would be as readie to redresse your wrongs, as to pursue
\par your loue. Throngs of thoughts crowde for their
\par passage, somewhat I will doe.
\par Reach me thy hand: thinke this is honors bent,
\par To liue vnslau'd, to die innocent.
\par
\par
\par Mel.
\par Let me entreat a fauour, gratious loue.
\par Be patient, see me die, good doe not weepe:
\par Goe sup, sweete chuck, drinke, and securely sleepe.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I faith I cannot, but Ile force my face
\par To palliate my sicknesse.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Giue me thy hand. Peace on thy bosome dwel:
\par Thats all my woe can breath: kisse. Thus farewell.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Farewell: my heart is great of thoughts,
\par Stay doue:
\par And therefore I must speake: but what? \'f4 Loue!
\par By this white hand: eno more: reade in these teares,
\par What crushing anguish thy Antonio beares.
\par
\par Antonio kisseth Mellida's hand: then Mellida goes from the grate.
\par
\par
\par Mel.
\par God night good harte,
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Thus heate from blood, thus soules from bodies part.
\par
\par Enter Piero and Strozzo.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par He greeues, laughe Strozzo: laugh, he weepes.
\par Hath he teares? \'f4 pleasure! hath he teares?
\par Now doe I scourge Andrugio with steele whips
\par
\par Of knottie vengeance. Strozzo, cause me straight
\par Some plaining dittie to augment despaire.
\par Tryumph Piero: harke, he groanes, \'f4 rare!
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Beholde a prostrate wretch laid on his toumbe.
\par His Epitaph, thus; Ne plus vltra. Ho.
\par Let none out woe me: mine's Herculean woe.
\par
\par CANTANT.
\par
\par Exit Piero at the end of the song.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVARTA.
\par
\par Enter Maria.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par May I be more cursed then heauen can make me;
\par If I am not more wretched
\par Then man can conceiue me. Sore forlorne
\par Orphant, what omnipotence can make thee happie?
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par How now sweete sonne? good youth,
\par what dost thou?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Weepe, weepe.
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par Dost naught but weepe, weepe?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Yes mother, I do sigh, and wring my hands,
\par Beat my poore breast, and wreath my tender armes.
\par Harke yee; Ile tel you wondrous strange, str\'e5ge news.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par What my good boy, starke mad?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I am not.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Alas, is that strange newes?
\par
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Strange news? why mother, is't not wondrous strange
\par I am not mad? I run not frantick, ha?
\par Knowing my fathers trunke scarce colde, your loue
\par Is sought by him that doth pursue my life?
\par Seeing the beautie of creation,
\par Antonio's bride, pure heart, defam'd, and stoad
\par Vnder the hatches of obscuring earth.
\par Heu quo labor, quo vota ceciderunt mea!
\par
\par Enter Piero.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Good euening to the faire Antonio,
\par Most happie fortune, sweete succeeding time,
\par Rich hope: think not thy fate a bankrout though
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par
\par Vmh, the diuell in his good time and tide forsake
\par thee.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par How now? harke yee Prince.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par God be with you.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Nay, noble blood, I hope yee not suspect
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Suspect, I scorn't. Here's cap & leg; good night:
\par Thou that wants power, with dissemblance fight.
\par Exit Antonio.
\par
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par Madam, O that you could rem\'b3ber to forget
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par I had a husband and a happie sonne.
\par
\par
\par Pi.
\par Most powreful beautie, that inchanting grace
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Talke not of beautie, nor inchanting grace.
\par My husband's deade, my son's distraught, accurst.
\par Come, I must vent my griefes, or heart will burst.
\par Exit Maria.
\par
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Shee's gone (& yet she's here) she hath left a print
\par Of her sweete graces fixt within my heart,
\par As fresh as is her face. Ile marrie her.
\par
\par Shee's most fair, true, most chaste, most false: because
\par Most faire, tis firme Ile marrie her.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVINTA.
\par
\par Enter Strotzo.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par My Lord,
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par Ha, Strotzo, my other soule, my life,
\par Deare, hast thou steel'd the point of thy resolue?
\par Wilt not turne edge in execution?
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par No.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Doe it with rare passion, and present thy guilt,
\par As if twere wrung out with thy conscience gripe.
\par Sweare that my daughter's innocent of lust,
\par And that Antonio brib'd thee to defame
\par Her maiden honour, on inueterate hate
\par Vnto my bloode; and that thy hand was feed
\par By his large bountie, for his fathers death.
\par Sweare plainly that thou chok'tst Andrugio,
\par By his sons onely egging. Rush me in
\par Whil'st Mellida prepares her selfe to die:
\par Halter about thy necke, and with such sighs,
\par Laments and acclamations lyfen it,
\par As if impulsiue power of remorse.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Ile weepe.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par I, I, fall on thy face and cry; why suffer you
\par So lewde a slaue as Strotzo is to breath?
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Ile beg a strangling, growe importunate
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par As if thy life were loathsome to thee: then I
\par Catch straight the cords end; and, as much incens'd
\par With thy damn'd mischiefes, offer a rude hand,
\par
\par As readie to girde in thy pipe of breath:
\par But on the sodaine straight Ile stand amaz'd,
\par And fall in exclamations of thy vertues.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Applaud my agonies, and penitence.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Thy honest stomack, that could not disgest
\par The crudities of murder: but surcharg'd,
\par Vomited'st them vp in Christian pietie.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Then clip me in your armes.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par And call thee brother, mount thee straight to state,
\par Make thee of counsell; tut, tut, what not, what not?
\par Thinke ont, be confident, pursue the plot.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Looke here's a troop, a true rogues lips are mute.
\par I doe not vse to speake, but execute.
\par
\par He layes finger on his mouth, and drawes his dagger.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par So, so; run headlong to confusion:
\par Thou slight brain'd mischiefe, thou art made as durt,
\par To plaster vp the bracks of my defects.
\par Ile wring what may be squeas'd from out his vse:
\par And good night Strozzo. Swell plump bold heart.
\par For now thy tide of vengeance rowleth in:
\par O now Tragoedia Cothurnata mounts.
\par Piero's thoughts are fixt on dire exploites.
\par Pell mell: confusion, and black murder guides
\par The organs of my spirit: shrinke not heart.
\par Capienda rebus in malis pr\'e6ceps via est.
\par
\par
\par FINIS ACTVS SECVNDI.
\par
\par
\par
\par ACT. III.
\par
\par
\par SCEN. I.
\par
\par A dumbe showe. The cornets sounding for the Acte.
\par
\par Enter Castilio and Forobosco, Alberto and Balurdo, with polaxes: Strozzo
\par talking with Piero, seemeth to send out Strotzo. Exit Strotzo. Enter Strotzo,
\par Maria, Nutriche, and Luceo. Piero passeth through his guard, and talkes with
\par her with seeming amorousnesse: she seemeth to reiect his suite, flyes to the
\par toumbe, kneeles, and kisseth it. Piero bribes Nutriche and Lucio: they goe to
\par her, seeming to solicite his suite. She riseth, offers to goe out, Piero
\par stayeth her, teares open his breast, imbraceth and kisseth her, and so they
\par goe all out in State.
\par
\par Enter two pages, the one with two tapers, the other with a chafing dish: a
\par perfume in it. Antonio, in his night gowne, and a night cap, vnbrac't,
\par following after.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par The black iades of swart night trot foggy rings
\par
\par Bout heauens browe. (12) Tis now starke
\par deade night.
\par Is this Saint Markes Church?
\par
\par
\par 1. Pa.
\par It is, my Lord.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Where stands my fathers hearse?
\par
\par
\par 2. Pa.
\par Those streamers beare his armes. I, that is it.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Set tapers to the toumbe, & lampe the Church.
\par Giue me the fire. Now depart and sleepe.
\par Exeunt pages.
\par
\par
\par I purifie the ayre with odorous fume.
\par Graues, valts, and toumbes, groane not to beare my weight,
\par Colde flesh, bleake trunkes, wrapt in your half-rot shrowdes,
\par I presse you softly, with a tender foote.
\par Most honour'd sepulchre, vouchsafe a wretch,
\par Leaue to weepe ore thee. Toumb, Ile not be long
\par Ere I creepe in thee, and with bloodlesse lips
\par Kisse my cold fathers cheeke. I pree thee, graue,
\par Prouide soft mould to wrap my carcasse in.
\par Thou royal spirit of Andrugio, where ere thou houerst
\par (Ayrie intellectt) I heaue vp tapers to thee (viewe thy son)
\par In celebration of dewe obsequies.
\par Once euery night, Ile dewe thy funerall hearse
\par With my religious teares,
\par O blessed father of a cursed son,
\par Thou diedst most happie, since thou liuedst not
\par To see thy sonne most wretched, and thy wife
\par Pursu'd by him that seekes my guiltlesse blood.
\par O, in what orbe thy mightie spirit soares,
\par Stoop and beat downe this rising fog of shame,
\par That striues to blur thy blood, and girt defame
\par About my innocent and spotlesse browes.
\par Non est mori miserum, sed miser\'e8 mori.
\par
\par
\par And.
\par Thy pangs of anguish rip my cerecloth vp:
\par And loe the ghoast of ould Andrugio
\par Forsakes his coffin. Antonio, reuenge.
\par I was impoyson'd by Piero's hand:
\par Reuenge my bloode; take spirit gentle boy:
\par Reuenge my bloode. Thy Mellida, is chaste:
\par
\par Onely to frustrate thy pursuite in loue,
\par Is blaz'd vnchaste. Thy mother yeelds consent
\par To be his wife, & giue his bloode a sonne,
\par That made her husbandlesse, and doth complot
\par To make her sonlesse: but before I touch
\par The banks of rest, my ghost shall visite her.
\par Thou vigor of my youth, iuyce of my loue,
\par Seize on reuenge, graspe the sterne bended front
\par Of frowning vengeance, with vnpaized clutch.
\par Alarum Nemesis, rouze vp thy blood,
\par Inuent some stratageme of vengeance:
\par Which but to thinke on, may like lightning glide,
\par With horor through thy breast; remember this.
\par Scelera non vlcisceris, nisi vincis.
\par
\par Exit Andrugio's ghost.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA SECVNDA.
\par
\par Enter Maria, her haire about her eares: Nutriche, and Lucio, with Pages, and
\par torches.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par VVhere left you him? shewe mee good boyes, away.
\par
\par
\par Nut.
\par Gods mee, your haire.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par
\par Nurse, tis not yet prowde day:
\par The neat gay mistes of the light's not vp,
\par Her cheekes not yet flurd ouer with the paint
\par Of borrowed crimsone; the vnpranked world
\par
\par Wears yet the night-cloathes: let flare my loosed hair.
\par I scorne the presence of the night.
\par Where's my boy? Run: Ile range about the Church,
\par Like frantick Bachanell, or Iasons wife,
\par Inuoking all the spirits of the graues,
\par To tell me where. Hah? O my poore wretched blood,
\par What dost thou vp at midnight, my kinde boy?
\par Deare soule, to bed: \'f4 thou hast struck a fright
\par Vnto thy mothers panting
\par
\par
\par O quisquis noua
\par Supplicia functis dirus vmbrarum arbiter
\par Disponis, quisquis exeso iaces
\par Pauidus sub antri, quisquis venturi times
\par Montis ruinam, quisquis auidorum feres,
\par Rictus leonum, & dira furiarum agmina
\par Implicitus horres, Antonii vocem excipe
\par Properantis ad vos Vlciscar.
\par
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Alas my son's distraught. Sweete boy appease
\par Thy mutining affections.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par By the astonning terror of swart night,
\par By the infectious damps of clammie graues,
\par And by the mould that presseth downe
\par My deade fathers sculle: Ile be reueng'd.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Wherefore? on whom? for what? go, go to bed
\par Good dutious sonne. Ho, but thy idle
\par
\par
\par An.
\par So I may sleepe toumb'd in an honour'd hearse,
\par So may my bones rest in that Sepulcher,
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Forget not dutie sonne: to bed, to bed.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par May I be cursed by my fathers ghost,
\par And blasted with incensed breath of heauen,
\par
\par If my heart beat on ought but vengeance,
\par May I be numd with horror, and my vaines
\par Pucker with sing'ing torture, if my braine
\par Disgest a thought, but of dire vengeance:
\par May I be fetter'd slaue to coward Chaunce,
\par If blood, heart, braine, plot ought saue vengeance.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Wilt thou to bed? I wonder when thou sleepst.
\par Ifaith thou look'st sunk-ey'd; go couch thy head:
\par Now faith tis idle: sweet, sweet sonne to bed.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I haue a prayer or two, to offer vp,
\par For the good, good Prince, my most deare, dear Lord,
\par The Duke Piero, and your vertuous selfe:
\par And then when those prayers haue obtain'd successe,
\par In sooth Ile come (beleeue it now) and couch
\par My heade in downie moulde: but first Ile see
\par You safely laide. Ile bring yee all to bed.
\par Piero, Maria, Strotzo, Luceo,
\par Ile see you all laid: Ile bringe you all to bed,
\par And then, ifaith, Ile come and couch my head,
\par And sleepe in peace.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Looke then, wee goe before.
\par
\par Exeunt all but Antonio.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I, so you must, before we touch the shore
\par Of wisht reuenge. O you departed soules,
\par That lodge in coffin'd trunkes, which my feet presse
\par (If Pythagorian Axiomes be true,
\par Of spirits transmigration) fleete no more
\par To humane bodies, rather liue in swine,
\par Inhabit wolues flesh, scorpions, dogs, and toads,
\par Rather then man. The curse of heauen raines
\par
\par In plagues vnlimitted through all his daies.
\par His mature age growes onely mature vice,
\par And ripens onely to corrupt and rot
\par The budding hopes of infant modestie.
\par Still striuing to be more then man, he prooues
\par More then a diuell, diuelish suspect, diuelish crueltie:
\par All hell-straid iuyce is powred to his vaines,
\par Making him drunke with fuming surquedries,
\par Contempt of heauen, vntam'd arrogance,
\par Lust, state, pride, murder.
\par
\par
\par And.
\par Murder.
\par
\par
\par Fel.
\par Murder.
\par
\par
\par Pa.
\par Murder.
\par
\par From aboue and beneath.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I, I will murder: graues and ghosts
\par Fright me no more, Ile suck red vengeance
\par Out of Pieros wounds Piero's wounds.
\par
\par Enter two boyes, with Piero in his night gown & night cap.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Maria, loue Maria: she tooke this Ile.
\par Left you her here? On lights away:
\par I thinke we shall not warme our beds to day.
\par
\par Enter Iulio, Forobosco, and Castilio.
\par
\par
\par Iul.
\par Ho, father? father?
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par How now Iulio, my little prettie sonne?
\par Why suffer you the childe to walke so late.
\par
\par
\par Foro.
\par He will not sleepe, but cals to followe you,
\par Crying that bug-beares & spirits haunted him.
\par
\par Antonio offers to come, nere and stab, Piero presently withdrawes.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par No, not so.
\par This shall be sought for; Ile force him feede on life
\par Till he shall loath it. This shall be the close.
\par
\par Of vengeance straine.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Away there: Pages, leade on fast with light.
\par The Church is full of damps: tis yet deade night.
\par
\par Exit all, sauing Iulio.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA TERTIA.
\par
\par
\par Iul.
\par Brother Antonio, are you here ifaith?
\par Why doe you frowne? Indeed my sister said,
\par That I should call you brother, that she did,
\par When you were married to her. Busse me; good
\par Truth, I loue you better then my father, deede.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Thy father? Gratious, \'f4 bounteous heauen!
\par I doe adore thy Iustice; Venit in nostras manus
\par Tandem vindicta, venit & tota quidem.
\par
\par
\par Iul.
\par Truth, since my mother dyed, I lou'd you best.
\par Something hath angred you; pray you look merily.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I will laugh, and dimple my thinne cheeke,
\par With capring ioy; chuck, my heart doth leape
\par To graspe thy bosome. Time, place, and blood,
\par How fit you close togither! Heauens tones
\par Strike not such musick to immortall soules,
\par As your accordance sweetes my breast withall.
\par Me thinks I pase vpon the front of Ioue,
\par And kick corruption with a scornefull heele,
\par Griping this flesh, disdaine mortalitie.
\par O that I knewe which ioynt, which side, which lim
\par Were father all, and had no mother in't:
\par That I might rip it vaine by vaine; and carue reuenge
\par In bleeding races: but since 'tis mixt together,
\par Haue at aduenture, pel mell, no reuerse.
\par
\par Come hither boy. This is Andrugio's hearse.
\par
\par
\par Iul.
\par O God, youle hurt me. For my sisters sake,
\par Pray you doe not hurt me. And you kill me, deede,
\par Ile tell my father
\par
\par
\par An.
\par O, for thy sisters sake, I flagge reuenge.
\par
\par
\par Andr.
\par Reuenge.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Stay, stay, deare father, fright mine eyes no more.
\par Reuenge as swift as lightning bursteth forth,
\par And cleares his heart. Come, prettie tender childe,
\par It is not thee I hate, not thee I kill.
\par Thy fathers blood that flowes within thy veines,
\par Is it I loath; is that, Reuenge must sucke.
\par I loue thy soule: and were thy heart lapt vp
\par In any flesh, but in Piero's bloode,
\par I would thus kisse it: but being his: thus, thus,
\par And thus Ile punch it, Abandon feares.
\par Whil'st thy wounds bleede, my browes shall gush out teares.
\par
\par
\par Iuli.
\par So you will loue me, doe euen what you will.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par
\par Now barkes the Wolfe against the full cheekt
\par Moone.
\par Now Lyons halfe-clamd entrals roare for food.
\par Now croakes the toad, & night crowes screech aloud,
\par Fluttering 'bout casements of departing soules.
\par Now gapes the graues, and through their yawnes let loose
\par Imprison'd spirits to reuisit earth:
\par And now swarte night, to swell thy hower out,
\par Behold I spurt warme bloode in thy blacke eyes.
\par
\par From vnder the stage agroane.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Howle not thou pury mould, groan not ye graues.
\par
\par Be dumbe all breath. Here stands Andrugio's sonne,
\par Worthie his father. So: I feele no breath.
\par His iawes are falne, his dislodg'd soule is fled:
\par And now there's nothing, but Piero, left.
\par He is all Piero, father all. This blood,
\par This breast, this heart, Piero all:
\par Whome thus I mangle. Spright of Iulyo,
\par Forget this was thy trunke. I liue thy friend.
\par Maist thou be twined with the softst imbrace
\par Of cleare eternitie: but thy fathers blood,
\par I thus make incense of, to vengeance.
\par Ghost of my poysoned Syre, sucke this fume:
\par To sweete reuenge perfume thy circling ayre,
\par With smoake of bloode. I sprinkle round his goare,
\par And dewe thy hearse, with these fresh reeking drops.
\par Loe thus I heaue my blood-died handes to heauen:
\par Euen like insatiate hell, still crying; More.
\par My heart hath thirsting Dropsies after goare.
\par
\par Sound peace, and rest, to Church, night ghosts, and
\par graues.
\par Blood cries for bloode; and murder murder craues.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVARTA.
\par
\par Enter two Pages with torches. Marya, her hayre loose, and Nutriche.
\par
\par
\par Nut.
\par
\par Fy, fie; to morrowe your wedding day, and
\par weepe! Gods my comfort. Andrugio could do
\par well: Piero may doe better. I haue had foure husbands
\par
\par my selfe. The first I called, Sweete Duck; the second,
\par Deare Heart; the third, Prettie Pugge: But the fourth
\par most sweete, deare, prettie, all in all: he was the verie
\par cockeall of a husband. What, Ladie? your skinne is
\par smooth, your bloode warme, your cheeke fresh, your
\par eye quick: change of pasture makes fat calues: choice
\par of linnen, cleane bodies; and (no question) variety of
\par husbands perfect wiues. I would you should knowe
\par it, as fewe teeth as I haue in my heade, I haue red Aristotles
\par Problemes, which saith; that woman receiueth
\par perfection by the man. What then be the men? Goe
\par to, to bed, lye on your backe, dream not on Piero. I say
\par no more: to morrowe is your wedding: doe, dreame
\par not of Piero.
\par
\par Enter Balurdo with a base Vyole.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par
\par What an idle prate thou keep'st? good nurse
\par goe sleepe.
\par I haue a mightie taske of teares to weepe.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Ladie, with a most retort and obtuse legge
\par I kisse the curled locks of your loose haire. The Duke
\par hath sent you the most musicall sir Gefferey, with his
\par not base, but most innobled Viole, to rock your baby
\par thoughts in the Cradle of sleepe.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par
\par I giue the noble Duke respectiue thanks.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par
\par Respectiue; truely a verie prettie word. Indeed
\par Madam, I haue the most respectiue fiddle. Did you euer
\par smell a more sweete sounde. My dittie must goe
\par thus; verie wittie, I assure you: I my selfe in an humorous
\par passion made it, to the tune of my mistresse Nutriches
\par beautie. Indeede, verie prettie, verie retort, and
\par
\par obtuse; Ile assure you tis thus.
\par
\par
\par My mistresse eye doth oyle my ioynts,
\par And makes my fingers nimble:
\par O loue, come on, vntrusse your points,
\par My fiddlestick wants Rozzen.
\par My Ladies dugges are all so smooth,
\par That no flesh must them handle:
\par Her eyes doe shine, for to say footh,
\par Like a newe snuffed candle.
\par
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par Truelie, verie patheticall, and vnuulgar.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par Patheticall, and vnuulgar; words of worth, excellent
\par words. In sooth, Madam, I haue taken a murre,
\par which makes my nose run most patheticallie, and vnvulgarlie.
\par Haue you anie Tobacco?
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Good Signior, your song.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par Instantlie, most vnvulgarlie, at your seruice.
\par Truelie, here's the most patheticall rozzen. Vmh.
\par
\par CANTANT.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par In sooth, most knightlie sung, & like sir Gefferey.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par Why, looke you Ladie, I was wade a knight only
\par for my voice; & a counseller, only for my wit.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par
\par I beleeue it. God night, gentle sir, god night.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par
\par You will giue me leaue to take my leaue of my
\par mistresse, and I will do it most famously in rime.
\par
\par
\par Farewell, adieu: Saith thy loue true,
\par As to part loath.
\par Time bids vs parte, Mine owne sweete heart,
\par God blesse vs both.
\par
\par Exit Balurdo.
\par
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par God night Nutriche. Pages, leaue the roome.
\par The life of night growes short, tis almost dead.
\par Exeunt Pages and Nutriche.
\par
\par
\par O thou cold widdowe bed, sometime thrice blest,
\par By the warme pressure of my sleeping Lord:
\par Open thy leaues, and whilst on thee I treade,
\par Groane out. Alas, my deare Andrugio's deade.
\par Maria draweth the courtaine: and the ghost of Andrugio is displayed, sitting
\par on the bed.
\par
\par Amazing terror, what portent is this?
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVINTA.
\par
\par
\par And.
\par Disloyal to our Hymniall rites,
\par What raging heat rains in thy str\'fapet blood?
\par Hast thou so soone forgot Andrugio?
\par Are our loue-bands so quickly cancelled?
\par Where liues thy plighted faith vnto this breast?
\par O weake Marya! Go to, calme thy feares.
\par I pardon thee, poore soule, O shed no teares,
\par Thy sexe is weake. That black incarnate fiende
\par May trippe thy faith, that hath orethrowne my life:
\par I was impoyson'd by Piero's hand.
\par Ioyne with my sonne, to bend vp straind reuenge.
\par Maintaine a seeming fauour to his suite,
\par Till time may forme our vengeance absolute.
\par
\par Enter Antonio, his armes bloody: a torch and a poniard.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par See, vnamaz'd, I will beholde thy face,
\par Outstare the terror of thy grimme aspect,
\par Daring the horred'st obiect of the night.
\par Looke how I smoake in blood, reeking the steame
\par
\par Of foming vengeance. O my soule's inthroan'd
\par
\par In the tryumphant chariot of reuenge.
\par Me thinks I am all ayre, and feele no waight
\par Of humane dirt clogge. This is Iulios bloode.
\par Rich musique, father; this is Iulio's blood.
\par Why liues that mother?
\par
\par
\par And.
\par Pardon ignorance. Fly deare Antonio:
\par Once more assume disguise, and dog the Court
\par In fained habit, till Piero's blood
\par May euen ore-flowe the brimme of full reuenge.
\par Exit Antonio.
\par
\par Peace, and all blessed fortunes to you both.
\par Fly thou from Court, be pearelesse in reuenge:
\par Sleepe thou in rest, loe here I close thy couch.
\par Exit Maria to her bed, Andrugio drawing the Curtaines.
\par
\par And now yee sootie coursers of the night,
\par Hurrie your chariot into hels black wombe.
\par Darkenesse, make flight; Graues, eat your dead again:
\par Let's repossesse our shrowdes. Why lags delay?
\par Mount sparkling brightnesse, giue the world his day.
\par Exit Andrugio.
\par
\par
\par
\par Explicit Actus tertius.
\par
\par
\par
\par
\par ACT. IIII.
\par
\par
\par SCEN. I.
\par
\par Enter Antonio in a fooles habit, with a little toy of a walnut shell, and
\par sope, to make bubbles: Maria, and Alberto.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Away with this disguise in any hand.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Fie, tis vnsuting to your elate spirite:
\par Rather put on some transshap't caualier,
\par Some habit of a spitting Critick, whose mouth
\par Voids nothing but gentile and vnuulgar
\par Rheume of censure: rather assume.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Why then should I put on the verie flesh
\par Of solid folly. No, this cockscombe is a crowne
\par Which I affect, euen with vnbounded zeale.
\par
\par
\par Al.
\par Twil twhart your plot, disgrace your high resolue.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par By wisdomes heart there is no essence mortal,
\par That I can enuie, but a plumpe cheekt foole:
\par O, he hath a patent of immunities
\par Confirm'd by custome, seald by pollicie,
\par As large as spatious thought.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par You can not presse among the courtiers,
\par And haue accesse to
\par
\par
\par An.
\par What? not a foole? Why friend, a golden asse,
\par A babl'd foole are sole canonicall,
\par Whil'st pale cheekt wisdome, and leane ribd arte
\par
\par Are kept in distance at the halberts point:
\par All held Apocrypha, not worth suruey,
\par Why, by the Genius of that Florentine,
\par Deepe, deepe obseruing, sound brain'd Macheueil,
\par He is is not wise that striues not to seeme foole.
\par When will the Duke holde feed Intelligence,
\par Keepe warie obseruation in large pay,
\par To dogge a fooles act?
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par I, but such faining, known, disgraceth much.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Pish, most things that morally adhere to soules,
\par VVholly exist in drunke opinion:
\par VVhose reeling censure, if I valew not,
\par It valewes naught.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par You are transported with too slight a thought,
\par If you but meditate of what is past,
\par And what you plot to passe.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Euen in that, note a fooles beatitude:
\par He is not capeable of passion,
\par VVanting the power of distinction,
\par He beares an vnturnd sayle with euery winde:
\par Blowe East, blowe West, he stirs his course alike.
\par I neuer sawe a foole leane: the chub-fac't fop
\par Shines sleeke with full cramm'd fat of happinesse,
\par Whil'st studious contemplation sucks the iuyce
\par From wisards cheekes: who making curious search
\par For Natures secrets, the first innating cause
\par Laughes them to scorne, as man doth busie Apes
\par When they will zanie men. Had heauen bin kinde,
\par Creating me an honest senselesse dolt,
\par A good poore foole, I should want sense to feele
\par
\par The stings of anguish shoot through euery vaine,
\par I should not know what twere to loose a father:
\par I should be deade of sense, to viewe defame
\par Blur my bright loue; I could not thus run mad,
\par As one confounded in a maze of mischiefe,
\par Staggerd, starke feld with brusing stroke of chance.
\par I should not shoote mine eyes into the earth,
\par Poring for mischiefe, that might counterpoise
\par Enter Luceo.
\par
\par mischiefe, murder and
\par How now Lucio?
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par My Lord, the Duke, with the Venetian States,
\par Approach the great hall to iudge Mellida.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Askt he for Iulio yet?
\par
\par
\par Lu.
\par No motion of him: dare you trust this habit?
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Alberto, see you streight rumour me dead:
\par Leaue me, good mother, leaue me Luceo,
\par Forsake me all. Now patience hoope my sides,
\par Exeunt omnes, sauing Antonio.
\par
\par With steeled ribs, least I doe burst my breast
\par With struggling passions. Now disguise stand bolde.
\par Poore scorned habits, oft choyce soules infould.
\par
\par The Cornets sound a Cynet.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA SECVNDA.
\par
\par Enter Castilio, Forobosco, Balurdo, & Alberto, with polaxes: Luceo bare. Piero
\par & Maria talking together: two Senators, Galeatzo, and Matzagente, Nutriche.
\par
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Intreat me not: ther's not a beauty liues,
\par Hath that imperiall predominance
\par Ore my affectes, as your inchanting graces:
\par Yet giue me leaue to be my selfe.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par A villaine.
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par Iust.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Most iust.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Most iust and vpright in our iudgement seat.
\par Were Mellida mine eye, with such a blemish
\par Of most loath'd loosenesse, I would scratch it out.
\par Produce the strumpet in her bridall robes,
\par That she may blush t'appeare so white in showe,
\par And blacke in inward substance. Bring her in.
\par Exeunt Forobosco and Castilio.
\par
\par I holde Antonio, for his fathers sake,
\par So verie dearely, so entirely choyce,
\par That knewe I but a thought of preiudice,
\par Imaigin'd 'gainst his high innobled blood,
\par I would maintaine a mortall feude, vndying hate
\par Gainst the conceiuers life. And shall Iustice sleepe
\par In fleshly Lethargie, for myne owne bloods fauour,
\par When the sweete prince hath so apparant scorne
\par By my (I wil not call her) daughter. Goe,
\par Conduct in the loued youth Antonio:
\par Exit Alberto to fetch Antonio.
\par
\par He shall beholde me spurne my priuate good.
\par Piero loues his honour more then's blood.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par The diuell he does more then both.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par Stand backe there, foole; I do hate a foole most
\par most pathetically. O these that haue no sappe of of retort
\par
\par and obtuse wit in them: faugh.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par
\par Puffe; holde world: puffe, hold bubble; Puffe,
\par holde world: puffe, breake not behinde: puffe, thou
\par art full of winde; puffe, keepe vp by winde: puffe, 'tis
\par broake: & now I laugh like a good foole at the breath
\par of mine owne lips, he, he, he, he, he.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par You foole.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par You foole, puffe.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par I cannot disgest thee, the vnuulgar foole. Goe
\par foole.
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par Forbeare, Balurdo, let the foole alone,
\par Come hither (ficto) Is he your foole?
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Yes, my lou'd Lord.
\par
\par
\par Pi.
\par Would all the States in Venice were like thee.
\par O then I were secur'd.
\par He that's a villaine, or but meanely sowl'd,
\par Must stil conuerse, and cling to routes of fooles,
\par That can not search the leakes of his defectes.
\par O, your vnsalted fresh foole is your onely man:
\par These vinegar tart spirits are too pearcing,
\par Too searching in the vnglewd ioynts of shaken wits.
\par Finde they a chinke, they'l wriggle in and in,
\par And eat like salt sea in his siddowe ribs,
\par Till they haue opened all his rotten parts,
\par Vnto the vaunting surge of base contempt,
\par And sunke the tossed galleasse in depth
\par Of whirlepoole Scorne. Giue me an honest fopp:
\par Dud a dud a? why loe sir, this takes he
\par As grateful now, as a Monopolie.
\par
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA TERTIA.
\par
\par The still flutes sound softly.
\par
\par Enter Forobosco, and Castilio: Mellida supported by two waiting women.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par All honour to this royall confluence.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Forbeare (impure) to blot bright honours name,
\par With thy defiled lips. The fluxe of sinne
\par Flowes from thy tainted bodie: thou so foule,
\par So all dishonour'd, canst no honour giue,
\par No wish of good, that can haue good effect
\par To this graue senate, and illustrate bloodes.
\par Why staies the doome of death?
\par
\par
\par 1. Sen.
\par Who riseth vp to manifest her guilt?
\par
\par
\par 2. Sen.
\par You must produce apparant proofe, my Lord.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Why, where is Strotzo? he that swore he saw
\par The verie acte: and vow'd that Feliche fled
\par Vpon his sight: on which, I brake the breast
\par Of the adulterous letcher, with fiue stabbes.
\par Goe fetch in Strotzo. Now thou impudent,
\par If thou hast any droppe of modest bloode
\par Shrowded within thy cheeks; blush, blush for shame,
\par That rumor yet may say, thou felt'st defame.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Produce the diuel,; let your Strotzo come:
\par I can defeat his strongest argument,
\par VVhich
\par
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par With what?
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par With teares, with blushes, sighes, & clasped hands,
\par With innocent vpreared armes to heauen:
\par With my vnnookt simplicitie. These, these
\par Must, will, can only quit my heart of guilt.
\par Heauen permits not taintlesse blood be spilt.
\par If no remorse liue in your sauage breast
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par Then thou must die
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Yet dying, Ile be blest.
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par Accurst by me.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Yet blest, in that I stroue
\par To liue, and die
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par My hate.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Antonyo's loue.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Antonio's loue!
\par
\par Enter Strotzo, a corde about his necke.
\par
\par
\par Stro.
\par O what vasWhat villanie are they decocting now? Vmh.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par In me conuertite ferrum, O proceres.
\par Nihil iste, necista.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Lay holde on him. What strange portent is this?
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par I will not flinch. Death, hel more grimly stare
\par Within my heart, then in your threatning browes.
\par Record, thou threefolde garde of dreadest power,
\par What I here speake, is forced from my lips,
\par
\par By the pulsiue straine of conscience,
\par I haue a mount of mischiefe clogs my soule,
\par As waightie as the high-nol'd Appenine:
\par Which I must straight disgorge, or breast will burst.
\par I haue defam'd this Ladie wrongfully,
\par By instigation of Antonio:
\par Whose reeling loue, tost on each fancies surge,
\par Began to loath before it fully ioyed.
\par
\par Exit Forobosco.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Goe, seize Antonio, guard him strongly in.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par By his ambition, being only brib'd,
\par Feed by his impious hand, I poysoned
\par His aged father: that his thirstie hope
\par Might quench their dropsie of aspiring drought,
\par With full vnbounded quaffe.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Seize me Antonio
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par O why permit you now such scum of filth
\par As Strotzo is, to liue, and taint the ayre,
\par With his infectious breath!
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par My selfe will be thy strangler, vnmatcht slaue.
\par
\par Piero comes from his chaire, snatcheth the cords end, & Castilio aydeth him;
\par both strangle Strotzo.
\par
\par
\par Str.
\par Now change your
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par
\par I, pluck Castilio: I change my humour? plucke
\par Castilio.
\par Dye, with thy deathes intreats euen in thy iawes.
\par Now, now, now, now, now, my plot begins to worke.
\par Why, thus should States-men doe,
\par That cleaue through knots of craggie pollicies,
\par Vse men like wedges, one strike out another;
\par
\par Till by degrees the tough and knurly trunke
\par Be riu'd in sunder. Where's Antonio?
\par
\par Enter Alberto, running.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par O black accursed fate. Antonyo's drown'd.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Speake, on thy faith, on thy allegeance, speake.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par As I doe loue Piero, he is drownde.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par In an inundation of amazement.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par I, is this the close of all my straines in loue?
\par O me most wretched maide.
\par
\par
\par Pit.
\par Antonio drownde? how? how? Antonio drownd?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Distraught and rauing, from a turrets top
\par He threwe his bodie in the high swolne sea,
\par And as he headlong topsie turuie dingd downe,
\par He still cri'd Mellida.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par My loues bright crowne.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par He still cry'd Mellida?
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par Daughter, me thinks your eyes should sparkle ioy,
\par Your bosome rise on tiptoe at this news.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par Aye me.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par How now? Ay me? why, art not great of thanks
\par To gratious heauen, for the iust reuenge
\par Vpon the author of thy obloquies!
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Sweete beautie, I could sigh as fast as you,
\par But that I knowe that, which I weepe to knowe,
\par His fortunes should be such he dare not showe
\par His open presence.
\par
\par
\par Mell.
\par I knowe he lou'd me dearely, dearely, I:
\par And since I cannot liue with him, I dye.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Fore heauen, her speach falters, look she swouns.
\par Conuey her vp into her priuate bed.
\par
\par Maria, Nutriche, and the Ladies beare out Mellida, as being swouned.
\par
\par I hope sheele liue. If not
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Antonio's dead, the foole wil follow too, he, he, he.
\par Now workes the sceane; quick obseruation scud
\par To coate the plot, or els the path is lost:
\par My verie selfe am gone, my way is fled:
\par I, all is lost, if Mellida is deade.
\par Exit Antonio.
\par
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Alberto, I am kinde, Alberto, kinde.
\par I am sorie for thy couz, ifaith I am,
\par Goe, take him downe, and beare him to his father:
\par Let him be buried, looke yee, Ile pay the priest.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Please you to admit his father to the Court?
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par No.
\par
\par
\par Al.
\par Please you to restore his lands & goods againe?
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par No.
\par
\par
\par Al.
\par Please you vouchsafe him lodging in the city?
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Gods fut, no, thou odde vnciuill fellow:
\par I thinke you doe forget sir, where you are.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par I know you doe forget sir, where you must be.
\par
\par
\par Foro.
\par You are too malepert, ifaith you are.
\par Your honour might doe well to
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Peace Parasite, thou bur, that only sticks
\par Vnto the nappe of greatnesse.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Away with that same yelping cur, away.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par I, I am gone: but marke, Piero, this.
\par There is a thing cald scourging Nemesis.
\par Exit Alb.
\par
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par Gods neakes he has wrong, that he has: and
\par S'fut, and I were as he, I would beare no coles, lawe I,
\par I begin to swell, puffe.
\par
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par How now foole, fop, foole?
\par
\par Foole, fop, foole? Marry muffe. I pray you, how manie
\par fooles haue you seene goe in a suite of Sattin? I
\par hope yet, I doe not look a foole ifaith: a foole? Gods
\par bores, I scorn't with my heele. S'neaks, and I were
\par worth but three hundred pound a yeare more, I could
\par sweare richly: nay, but as poore as I am, I will sweare
\par the fellowe hath wrong.
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par Young Galeatzo? I, a proper man.
\par Florence, a goodly citie: it shall be so.
\par Ile marrie her to him instantly.
\par Then Genoa mine, by my Mariaes match,
\par Which Ile solemnize ere next setting Sun.
\par Thus Venice, Florence, Genoa, strongly leagu'd.
\par Excellent, excellent. Ile conquer Rome,
\par Pop out the light of bright religion:
\par And then, helter skelter, all cock sure.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par Goe to, tis iust, the man hath wrong: go to.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Goe to, thou shalt haue right. Go to Castilio,
\par Clap him into the Palace dungeon:
\par Lappe him in rags, and let him feede on slime
\par That smeares the dungeon cheeke. Away with him.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par In verie good truth now, Ile nere do so more;
\par this one time and
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Away with him, obserue it strictly, goe.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par Why then, \'f4 wight, alas poore knight.
\par O, welladay, sir Gefferey. Let Poets roare,
\par And all deplore: for now I bid you god night.
\par
\par Exit Balurdo with Castilio.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par O pittious end of loue: \'f4 too too rude hand
\par
\par Of vnrespectiue death! Alas, sweete maide.
\par
\par
\par Pi.
\par Forbear me heauen. What intend these plaints?
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par The beautie of admir'd creation,
\par The life of modest vnmixt puritie,
\par Our sexes glorie, Mellida is
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par What? \'f4 heauen, what?
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Deade.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par May it not sad your thoughts, how?
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Being laid vpon her bed, she graspt my h\'e5d,
\par And kissing it, spake thus, Thou very pore,
\par Why dost not weepe? The Iewell of thy browe,
\par The rich adornement, that inchac't thy breast,
\par Is lost: thy son, my loue is lost, is deade.
\par And doe I liue to say Antonio's deade?
\par And haue I liu'd to see his vertues blurd,
\par With guiltlesse blots! O world thou art too subtile,
\par For honest natures to conuerse withall.
\par Therefore Ile leaue thee; farewell mart of woe,
\par I fly to clip my loue, Antonio.
\par With that her head sunk down vpon her brest:
\par Her cheeke chang'd earth, her senses slept in rest:
\par Vntill my foole, that press'd vnto the bed,
\par Screch't out so lowd, that he brought back her soule,
\par Calde her againe, that her bright eyes gan ope,
\par And starde vpon him: he audatious foole,
\par Dar'd kisse her hand, wisht her soft rest, lou'd bride;
\par She fumbled out, thanks good, and so she dide.
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par And so she dide: I doe not vse to weepe:
\par But by thy loue (out of whose fertile sweete,
\par I hope for as faire fruite) I am deepe sad:
\par
\par I will not stay my mariage for all this.
\par Castilio Forobosco, all
\par Straine all your wits, winde vp inuention
\par Vnto his highest bent: to sweete this night,
\par Make vs drinke Lethe by your queint conceipts;
\par That for two daies, obliuion smother griefe:
\par But when my daughters exequies approach,
\par Let's all turne sighers. Come, despight of fate,
\par Sound lowdest musick, lets pase out in state.
\par
\par The Cornets sound. Exeunt.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVARTA.
\par
\par Enter Antonio solus, in fooles habit.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I heauen, thou maist, thou maist omnipotence.
\par What vermine bred of putrifacted slime,
\par Shall dare to expostulate with thy decrees!
\par O heauen, thou maist indeede: she was all thine,
\par All heauenly, I did but humbly beg
\par To borrowe her of thee a little time.
\par Thou gau'st her me, as some weake breasted dame
\par Giueth her infant, puts it out to nurse;
\par And when it once goes high-lone, takes it back.
\par She was my vitall blood, and yet, and yet,
\par Ile not blaspheame, Looke here, beholde,
\par Antonio puts off his cap, and lyeth iust vpon his back.
\par
\par I turne my prostrate breast vpon thy face,
\par And vent a heauing sigh. O heare but this;
\par
\par I am a poore poore Orphant; a weake, weak childe,
\par The wrack of splitted fortune, the very Ouze,
\par The quick sand that deuours all miserie.
\par Beholde the valiant'st creature that doth breath.
\par For all this, I dare liue, and I will liue,
\par Onely to numme some others cursed bloode,
\par With the dead palsie of like misery.
\par Then death, like to a stifling Incubus,
\par Lie on my bosome. Loe sir, I am sped.
\par My breast is Golgotha, graue for the deade.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVINTA.
\par
\par Enter Pandulpho, Alberto, and a Page, carrying Feliches trunke in a winding
\par sheete, and lay it twhart Antonios breast.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Antonio, kisse my foote: I honour thee,
\par In laying thwart my blood vpon thy breast.
\par I tell thee boy, he was Pandulphos sonne:
\par And I doe grace thee with supporting him,
\par Young man.
\par The dominering Monarch of the earth,
\par He who hath naught that fortunes gripe can seize,
\par He who is all impregnably his owne,
\par
\par Hee whose great heart heauen can not force with
\par force,
\par Vouchsafes his loue. Non seruio Deo, sed assentio.
\par
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I ha lost a good wife.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par
\par Didst finde her good, or didst thou make her
\par good?
\par If found, thou maist refinde, because thou hadst her.
\par If made, the worke is lost: but thou that mad'st her
\par Liu'st yet as cunning. Hast lost a good wife?
\par Thrice blessed man that lost her whilst she was good,
\par Faire, young, vnblemisht, constant, louing, chaste.
\par I tell thee youth, age knows, yong loues seeme grac't,
\par VVhich with gray cares, rude iarres, are oft defac't.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par But shee was full of hope.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par May be, may be: but that, which may be, stood,
\par Stands now without all may; she died good,
\par And dost thou grieue?
\par
\par
\par Alberto.
\par I ha lost a true friend.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par I liue incompast with two blessed soules.
\par Thou lost a good wife, thou lost a trew friend, ha?
\par Two of the rarest lendings of the heauens:
\par But lendings: which at the fixed day of pay
\par Set downe by fate, thou must restore againe.
\par O what vnconscionable soules are here?
\par Are you all like the spoke-shaues of the Church?
\par Haue you no mawe to restitution?
\par Hast lost a true friend, cuz? then thou hadst one.
\par I tell thee youth, tis all as difficult
\par To finde true friend in this apostate age
\par (That balkes all right affiance twixt two hearts)
\par As tis to finde a fixed modest heart,
\par Vnder a painted breast. Lost a true friend?
\par O happie soule that lost him whilst he was true.
\par
\par Beleeue it cuz, I to my teares haue found,
\par Oft durts respect makes firmer friends vnsounde.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par You haue lost a good sonne.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Why there's the c\'bafort ont, that he was good:
\par Alas, poore innocent.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Why weepes mine vncle?
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Ha, dost aske me why? ha? ha?
\par Good cuz, looke here.
\par He showes him his sonnes breast.
\par
\par Man will breake out, despight Philosophie.
\par Why, all this while I ha but plaid a part,
\par Like to some boy, that actes a Tragedie,
\par Speakes burly words, and raues out passion:
\par But, when he thinks vpon his infant weaknesse,
\par He droopes his eye. I spake more then a god;
\par Yet am lesse then a man.
\par I am the miserablest sowle that breathes.
\par
\par Antonio starts vp.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par S'lid, sir ye lye: by th'heart of griefe, thou lyest.
\par I scorn't that any wretched should suruiue,
\par Outmounting me in that Superlatiue,
\par Most miserable, most vnmatcht in woe:
\par Who dare assume that, but Antonio?
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Wilt still be so? and shall yon blood-hound liue?
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Haue I an arme, a heart, a sword, a sowle?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Were you but priuate vnto what we know
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Ile knowe it all; first let's interre the dead:
\par Let's dig his graue, with that shall dig the heart,
\par Liuer, and intrals of the murderer.
\par
\par They strike the stage with their daggers, and the graue openeth.
\par
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Wilt sing a Dirge boy?
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par No, no song: twill be vile out of tune.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par
\par Indeede he's hoarce: the poore boyes voice is
\par crackt.
\par
\par
\par Pa.
\par Why cuz? why shold it not be hoarce & crackt,
\par When all the strings of natures symphony
\par Are crackt, & iar? why should his voice keepe tune,
\par When ther's no musick in the breast of man?
\par Ile say an honest antick rime I haue;
\par (Helpe me good sorrow-mates to giue him graue.)
\par They all helpe to carie Feliche to his graue.
\par
\par Death, exile, plaints, and woe,
\par Are but mans lackies, not his foe.
\par No mortall scapes from fortunes warre,
\par Without a wound, at least a scarre.
\par Many haue led these to the graue:
\par But all shall followe, none shall saue.
\par Bloode of my youth, rot and consume,
\par Virtue, in dirt, doth life assume:
\par With this ould sawe, close vp this dust;
\par Thrice blessed man that dyeth iust.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par The gloomie wing of night begins to stretch
\par His lasie pinion ouer all the ayre:
\par We must be stiffe and steddie in resolue.
\par Let's thus our hands, our hearts, our armes inuolue.
\par
\par They wreath their armes.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Now sweare we by this Gordian knot of loue,
\par By the fresh turnd vp mould that wraps my sonne;
\par By the deade browe of triple Hecate:
\par Ere night shall close the lids of yon bright stars,
\par
\par Weele sit as heauie on Pieros heart,
\par As AEtna doth on groning Pelorus.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Thanks good old man.
\par Weele cast at royall chaunce.
\par Let's thinke a plot; then pell mell vengeance.
\par
\par Exeunt, their armes wreathed.
\par
\par
\par
\par The Cornets sounde for the Acte.
\par
\par The dumbe showe.
\par
\par
\par ACT. V.
\par
\par
\par SCEN. I.
\par
\par Enter at one dore, Castilio and Forobosco, with halberts: foure Pages with
\par torches: Luceo bare: Piero, Maria and Alberto, talking: Alberto drawes out his
\par dagger, Maria her knife, ayming to menace the Duke. Then Galeatzo betwixt two
\par Senators, reading a paper to them: at which, they all make semblance of
\par loathing Piero, and knit their fists at him; two Ladies and Nutriche: all
\par these goe softly ouer the Stage, whilst at the other doore enters the ghost of
\par Andrugio, who passeth by them, tossing his torch about his heade in triumph.
\par All forsake the Stage, sauing Andrugio, who speaking, begins the Acte.
\par
\par
\par And.
\par Venit dies, temp\'fasque, quo reddat suis
\par Animam squallentem sceleribus.
\par The fist of strenuous vengeance is clutcht,
\par And sterne Vindicta towreth vp aloft,
\par That she may fal with a more waightie paise,
\par And crush liues sap from out Pieros vaines.
\par
\par Now gins the leprous cores of vlcered sins
\par Wheale to a heade: now is his fate growne mellow,
\par Instant to fall into the rotten iawes
\par Of chap-falne death. Now downe lookes prouid\'b3ce,
\par T'attend the last act of my sons reuenge.
\par Be gratious, Obseruation, to our sceane:
\par For now the plot vnites his scattred limbes
\par Close in contracted bands. The Florence Prince
\par (Drawne by firme notice of the Dukes black deeds)
\par Is made a partner in conspiracie.
\par The States of Venice are so swolne in hate
\par Against the Duke, for his accursed deeds
\par (Of which they are confirm'd by some odde letters
\par Found in dead Strotzos studie, which had past
\par Betwixt Piero and the murdring slaue)
\par That they can scarce retaine from bursting foorth
\par In plaine reuolt. O, now tryumphes my ghost;
\par Exclaiming, heauen's iust; for I shall see,
\par The scourge of murder and impietie.
\par
\par Exit.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA SECVNDA.
\par
\par Balurdo from vnder the Stage.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Hoe, who's aboue there, hoe? A murren on
\par all Prouerbes. They say, hunger breakes thorough
\par stone walles; but I am as gant, as leane ribd famine:
\par yet I can burst through no stone walles. O, now
\par sir Gefferey, shewe thy valour, breake prison, and be
\par
\par hangd. Nor shall the darkest nooke of hell containe
\par the discontented sir Balurdos ghost. Well, I am out
\par well, I haue put off the prison to put on the rope. O
\par poore shotten herring, what a pickle art thou in! O
\par hunger, how thou dominer'st in my guts! O, for a fat
\par leg of Ewe mutton in stewde broth; or drunken song
\par to feede on. I could belch rarely, for I am all winde.
\par O colde, colde, colde, colde, colde. O poore knight,
\par \'f4 poore sir Gefferey; sing like an Vnicorne, before
\par thou dost dip thy horne in the water of death; \'f4 cold,
\par \'f4 sing, \'f4 colde, \'f4 poore sir Geffrey, sing, sing.
\par
\par CANTAT.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA TERTIA.
\par
\par Enter Antonio and Alberto, at seuerall doores, their rapiers drawne, in their
\par masking attyre.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Vindicta.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Mellida.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Alberto.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Antonio.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Hath the Duke supt?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Yes, and tryumphant reuels mount aloft.
\par The Duke drinkes deepe to ouerdowe his griefe.
\par The court is rackt to pleasure, each man straines
\par To faine a iocund eye. The Florentine
\par
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Young Galeatzo?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par
\par Euen he is mightie on our part. The States of
\par Venice.
\par
\par Enter Pandulpho running, in masking attyre.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par
\par Like high-swoln floods, driue down the muddie
\par dammes
\par Of pent allegeance. O, my lustie bloods,
\par Heauen sits clapping of our enterprise.
\par I haue beene labouring generall fauour firme,
\par And I doe finde the citizens growne sick
\par With swallowing the bloodie crudities
\par Of black Pieros acts; they faine would cast
\par And vomit him from off their gouernement.
\par Now is the plot of mischiefe ript wide ope:
\par Letters are found twixt Strotzo and the Duke,
\par So cleare apparent: yet more firmely strong
\par By suiting circumstance; that as I walkt
\par Muffled, to eues-drop speech, I might obserue
\par The grauer States-men whispering fearefully.
\par Here one giues nods & hums, what he would speake:
\par The rumour's got 'mong troope of citizens,
\par Making lowde murmur, with confused dinne:
\par One shakes his head, and sighes; O ill vs'd powre:
\par Another frets, and sets his grinding teeth,
\par Foaming with rage; and sweares this must not be.
\par Here one complots, and on a sodaine starts,
\par And cries; \'f4 monstrous, \'f4 deepe villanie!
\par All knit there nerues, and from beneath swoln brows
\par Appeares a gloting eye of much mislike:
\par Whilst swart Pieros lips reake steame of wine,
\par
\par Swallowes lust-thoughts, deuours all pleasing hopes,
\par With strong imagination of, what not?
\par O, now Vindicta; that's the word we haue:
\par A royall vengeance, or a royall graue.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Vindicta.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par I am a colde.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Who's there? sir Geffrey?
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par A poor knight, god wot: the nose of thy knight-hoode
\par is bitten off with cold. O poore sir Geffrey, cold,
\par cold.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par What chance of fortune hath tript vp his heels,
\par And laid him in the kennell? ha?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par I will discourse it all. Poore honest soule,
\par Hadst thou a beuer to clasp vp thy face,
\par Thou shouldst associate vs in masquery,
\par And see reuenge.
\par
\par
\par Ba.
\par
\par Nay, and you talke of reuenge, my stomack's vp,
\par For I am most tyrannically hungry. A beuer? I haue
\par a headpeece, a skull, a braine of proofe, I warrant yee.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par
\par Slinke to my chamber then, and tyre thee.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Is there a fire?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par
\par Yes.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Is there a fat leg of Ewe mutton?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par
\par Yes.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par And a cleane shirt?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par
\par Yes.
\par
\par Exit.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Then am I for you, most pathetically, & vnvulgarly, law.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par
\par Resolued hearts, time curtals night, opportunity
\par shakes vs his foretop. Steel your thoughts, sharp your
\par resolue, imbold\'b3 your spirit, grasp your swords; alarum
\par mischief, & with an vnd\'e5ted brow, out scout the grim
\par
\par Of most menacing perill.
\par Harke here, proud pomp shoots mounting tryumph vp,
\par Borne in lowde accents to the front of Ioue.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par O now, he that wants sowle to kill a slaue,
\par Let him die slaue, and rot in pesants graue.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par
\par Giue me thy hand, and thine, most noble heart,
\par Thus will wee liue, and, but thus, neuer part.
\par Exeunt twin'd together.
\par
\par
\par Cornets sound a Cynet.
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVARTA.
\par
\par Enter Castilio and Forobosco, two Pages with torches, Lucio bare, Piero and
\par Maria, Galeatzo, two Senators and Nutriche.
\par
\par Piero to Maria.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Sit close vnto my breast, heart of my loue,
\par Aduance thy drooping eyes,
\par Thy sonne is drownde,
\par Rich happinesse that such a sonne is drownde.
\par Thy husband's deade, life of my ioyes most blest,
\par In that the saplesse logge, that prest thy bed
\par With a vnpleasing waight, being lifted hence,
\par Euen I Piero, liue to warme his place.
\par I tell you, Ladie, had you view'd vs both,
\par With an vnprtiall eye, when first we woo'd
\par Your maiden beauties, I had borne the prize,
\par
\par Tis firme I had: for, faire, I ha done that
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Murder.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Which he would quake to haue aduentur'd;
\par Thou know'st I haue.
\par
\par
\par Mari.
\par Murdred my husband.
\par
\par
\par Pier.
\par Borne out the shock of war, & done, what not,
\par That valour durst. Do'st loue me fairest? say.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par As I doe hate my son, I loue thy soule.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Why then Io to Hymen, mount a loftie note:
\par Fill red cheekt Bacchus, let Lyeus flote
\par In burnisht gobblets. Force the plump lipt god,
\par Skip light lauoltaes in your full sapt vaines.
\par Tis well brim full. Euen I haue glut of blood:
\par Let quaffe carouse; I drinke this Burdeaux wine
\par Vnto the health of deade Andrugio,
\par Feliche, Strotzo, and Antonios ghosts.
\par Would I had some poyson to infuse it with;
\par That hauing done this honour to the dead,
\par I might send one to giue them notice ont.
\par I would indeere my fauour to the full.
\par Boy, sing alowd, make heauens vault to ring
\par With thy breaths strength. I drink. Now lowdly sing.
\par
\par CANTAT.
\par
\par The song ended, the Cornets sound a Cynet.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA QVINTA.
\par
\par
\par Enter Antonio, Pandulfo, and Alberto, in maskery, Balurdo, and a torch bearer.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Call Iulio hither; where's the little sowle?
\par I sawe him not to day. Here's sport alone
\par For him, ifaith; for babes and fooles, I know,
\par Relish not substance, but applaud the showe.
\par
\par To the conspirators as they stand in ranke for the measure.
\par
\par To Antonio.
\par
\par
\par Gal.
\par All blessed fortune crown your braue attempt.
\par To Pandulpho.
\par
\par I haue a troope to second your attempt.
\par To Alberto.
\par
\par The Venice States ioyne hearts vnto your hands.
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par By the delights in contemplation
\par Of comming ioyes, 'tis magnificent.
\par Your grace my mariage eue with sumptuous pompe.
\par Sound still, lowde musick. O, your breath giues grace
\par To curious feete, that in proud measure pase.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Mother, is Iulios bodie
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par Speake not, doubt not; all is aboue all hope.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Then will I daunce and whirle about the ayre.
\par Me thinks I am all sowle, all heart, all spirit.
\par Now murder shall receiue his ample merite.
\par
\par The measure.
\par
\par While the measure is dauncing, Andrugios ghost is placed betwixt the musick
\par houses.
\par
\par
\par
\par Pie.
\par Bring hither suckets, canded delicates.
\par Weele taste some sweet meats, gallants, ere we sleep.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par
\par Weele cooke your sweete meats, gallants,
\par with tart sower sawce.
\par
\par
\par And.
\par Here will I sit, spectator of reuenge,
\par And glad my ghost in anguish of my foe.
\par
\par The maskers whisper with Piero.
\par
\par
\par Piero.
\par Marry and shall; ifaith I were too rude,
\par If I gainesaide so ciuill fashion.
\par The maskers pray you to forbeare the roome,
\par Till they haue banqueted. Let it be so:
\par No man presume to visite them, on death.
\par The maskers whisper againe.
\par
\par Onely my selfe? O, why with all my heart.
\par Ile fill your consort; here Piero sits:
\par Come on, vnmaske, lets fall to
\par
\par The conspirators binde Piero, pluck out his tongue, and tryumph ouer him.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Murder and torture: no prayers, no entreats.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Weele spoyle your oratory. Out with his tong.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I haue't Pandulpho: the vaines panting bleede,
\par Trickling fresh goare about my fist. Bind fast; so, so.
\par
\par
\par And.
\par Blest be thy hand, I taste the ioyes of heauen,
\par Viewing my sonne tryumph in his blacke bloode.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par
\par Downe to the dungeon with him, Ile duugeon
\par with him; Ile foole you: sir Gefferey will be sir Geffrey.
\par Ile tickle you.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Beholde, black dogge.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Grinst thou, thou snurling curre?
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Eate thy black liuer.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par To thine anguish see
\par
\par A foole tryumphant in thy misery.
\par Vex him Balurdo.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par He weepes: now doe I glorifie my hands,
\par I had no vengeance, if I had no teares.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Fal to, good Duke. \'f4 these are worthlesse cates,
\par You haue no stomack to them; looke, looke here:
\par Here lies a dish to feast thy fathers gorge.
\par Here's flesh and blood, which I am sure thou lou'st.
\par
\par Piero seemes to condole his sonne
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Was he thy flesh, thy son, thy dearest sonne?
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par So was Andrugio my dearest father.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par So was Feliche my dearest sonne.
\par
\par Enter Maria.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par So was Andrugio my dearest husband.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par My father found no pittie in thy blood.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Remorse was banisht, when thou slew'st my son.
\par
\par
\par Ma.
\par When thou impoysoned'st my louing Lord,
\par Exilde was pietie.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Now, therefore, pittie, piety, remorse,
\par Be aliens to our thoughts: grim fier-ey'd rage
\par Possesse vs wholly.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Thy son? true: and which is my most joy,
\par I hope no bastard, but thy very blood
\par Thy true begotten, most legitimate
\par And loued issue: there's the comfort ont.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Scum of the mud of hell.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Slime of all filth.
\par
\par
\par Mar.
\par Thou most detested toad.
\par
\par
\par Bal.
\par Thou most retort and obtuse rascall.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par Thus charge we death at thee: remember hel,
\par And let the howling murmurs of black spirits,
\par
\par The horrid torments of the damned Ghosts
\par Affright thy sowle, as it descendeth downe
\par Into the intrals of the vgly deepe.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Sa, sa; no, let him die, and die, and stil be dying,
\par They offer to runne all at Piero, and on a sodain stop.
\par
\par And yet not die, till he hath di'd and di'd
\par Ten thousand deathes in agonie of heart.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Now pel mell; thus the hand of heauen chokes
\par The throate of murder. This for my fathers blood.
\par
\par He stabs Piero.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par This for my sonne.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par This for them all.
\par And this, and this; sinke to the heart of hell.
\par
\par They run all at Piero with their Rapiers.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par Murder for murder, blood for blood doth yell.
\par
\par
\par Andr.
\par Tis done, and now my sowle shal sleep in rest.
\par Sons that reuenge their fathers blood, are blest.
\par
\par The curtaines being drawne, Exit Andrugio.
\par
\par
\par
\par SCENA SEXTA.
\par
\par Enter Galeatzo, two Senators, Luceo, Forobosco, Castilio, and Ladies.
\par
\par
\par 1. Sen.
\par Whose hand presents this gory spectacle?
\par
\par
\par Anto.
\par Mine.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par No: mine.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par No: mine.
\par
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par I will not loose the glorie of the deede,
\par Were all the tortures of the deepest hell
\par Fixt to my limbs. I pearc't the monsters heart,
\par With an vndaunted hand.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par By yon bright spangled front of heauen twas I:
\par Twas I sluc't out his life bloode.
\par
\par
\par Alb.
\par Tush, to say truth, twas all.
\par
\par
\par 2. Sen.
\par Blest be you all, and may your honours liue
\par Religiously helde sacred, euen for euer and euer.
\par
\par
\par
\par Gal. To Antonio.
\par
\par Thou art another Hercules to vs,
\par In ridding huge pollution from our State.
\par
\par
\par 1. Sen.
\par Antonio, beliefe is fortified,
\par With most inuincible approuem\'b3ts of much wrong,
\par By this Piero to thee. We haue found
\par Beadroles of mischiefe, plots of villany,
\par Laide twixt the Duke and Strotzo: which we found
\par Too firmely acted.
\par
\par
\par 2. Sen.
\par Alas poore Orphant.
\par
\par
\par An.
\par Poore? standing tryumphant ouer Belzebub?
\par Hauing large interest for blood; & yet deem'd poor?
\par
\par
\par 1. Sen.
\par What satisfaction outward pomp can yield,
\par Or cheefest fortunes of the Venice state,
\par Claime freely. You are well seasond props,
\par And will not warpe, or leane to either part.
\par Calamity gives man a steddy heart.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par We are amaz'd at your benignitie:
\par But other vowes constraine another course.
\par
\par
\par Pan.
\par We know the world, and did we know no more,
\par Wee would not liue to know: but since constraint
\par Of holy bands forceth vs keepe this lodge
\par
\par Of durts corruption, till dread power cals
\par Our soules appearance, we will liue inclos'd
\par In holy verge of some religious order,
\par Most constant votaries.
\par
\par The curtaines are drawne, Piero departeth.
\par
\par
\par Ant.
\par First let's cleanse our hands,
\par Purge hearts of hatred, and intoumbe my loue:
\par Ouer whose hearse, Ile weepe away my braine
\par In true affections teares,
\par For her sake, here I vowe a virgine bed.
\par She liues in me, with her my loue is deade.
\par
\par
\par 2. Sen.
\par We will attend her mournfull exequies,
\par Conduct you to your calme sequestred life,
\par And then
\par
\par
\par Maria.
\par Leaue vs, to meditate on misery;
\par To sad our thought with contemplation
\par Of past calamities. If any aske
\par Where liues the widdowe of the poisoned Lord?
\par Where lies the Orphant of a murdred father?
\par Where lies the father of a butchered son?
\par Where liues all woe? conduct him to vs three;
\par The downe-cast ruines of calamitie.
\par
\par
\par And.
\par Sound dolefull tunes, a solemne hymn aduance,
\par To close the last act of my vengeance:
\par And when the subiect of your passion's spent,
\par Sing Mellida is deade, all hearts will relent,
\par In sad condolement, at that heauie sound,
\par Neuer more woe in lesser plot was found.
\par And, \'f4, if euer time create a Muse,
\par
\par That to th'immortall fame of virgine faith,
\par Dares once engage his pen to write her death,
\par Presenting it in some black Tragedie.
\par May it proue gratious, may his stile be deckt
\par With freshest bloomes of purest elegance;
\par May it haue gentle presence, and the Sceans suckt vp
\par By calme attention of choyce audience:
\par And when the closing Epilogue appeares,
\par Instead of claps, may it obtaine but teares.
\par
\par CANTANT.
\par
\par Exeunt omnes.
\par
\par
\par
\par Antonij vindict\'e6.
\par
\par
\par
\par FINIS.
\par
\par }}