TextGrid Repository

The Revengers Tragædie.

As it hath been sundry times Acted,
by the Kings Maiesties
Seruants.

AT LONDON
Printed by G.ELD, and are to be sold at his
house in Fleete-lane at the signe of the
Printers-Presse.
1608.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

DUKE.
DUCHESS.
LUSSURIOSO, his son.
SPURIO, his bastard son.
AMBITIOSO younger brothers to Lussurioso.
SUPERUACUO
JUNIOR, the youngest son of the Duchess.
GRATIANA.
VINDICE brothers, sons of Gratiana.
HIPPOLITO
CASTIZA, their sister.
ANTONIO, an old lord.
PIERO, another lord.
DONDOLO, servant to Castiza.
Lords.
Judges.
Executioner.
Servants (two of whom are called NENCIO and SORDIDO).

[A2r]

Act 1

Scene 1.1

Enter VENDICI, the Duke, Dutchesse, LUSURIOSO her sonne, SPURIO the bastard, with a traine, passe ouer the Stage with Torch-light.

Vindi.DVke:

royall letcher; goe, gray hayrde adultery,

And thou his sonne, as impious steept as hee:

And thou his bastard true-begott in euill:

And thou his Dutchesse that will doe with Diuill,

Foure exlent Characters — O that marrow-lesse age,

Would stuffe the hollow Bones with dambd desires,

And stead of heate kindle infernall fires,

Within the spend-thrift veynes of a drye Duke,

A parcht and iuicelesse luxur. O God! one

That has scarce bloud inough to liue vpon.

And hee to ryot it like a sonne and heyre?

O the thought of that

Turnes my abused heart-strings into fret.

Thou sallow picture of my poysoned loue,

My studies ornament, thou shell of Death,

Once the bright face of my betrothed Lady,

When life and beauty naturally fild out

These ragged imperfections;

When two-heauen-pointed Diamonds were set

In those vnsightly Rings; — then 'twas a face

So farre beyond the artificiall shine

Of any womans bought complexion

That the vprightest man, (if such there be,

That sinne but seauen times a day) broke custome

And made vp eight with looking after her.

Oh she was able to ha made a Vsurers sonne

Melt all his patrimony in a kisse,

And what his father fiftie yeares told

To haue consumde, and yet his sute beene cold:

But oh accursed Pallace!

Thee when thou wert appareld in thy flesh,

The old Duke poyson'd,

Because thy purer part would not consent

[A2v]

Vnto his palsey-lust, for old men lust-full

Do show like young men angry, eager violent,

Out-bid like their limited performances —

O ware an old man hot, and vicious

"Age as in gold, in lust is couetous.

Vengence thou murders Quit-rent, and whereby

Thou shoust thy selfe Tennant to Tragedy,

Oh keepe thy day, houre, minute, I beseech,

For those thou hast determind: hum: who ere knew

Murder vnpayd? faith giue Reuenge her due

Sha's kept touch hetherto — be merry, merry,

Aduance thee, O thou terror to fat folkes

To haue their costly three-pilde flesh worne of

As bare as this — for banquets, ease and laughter,

Can make great men, as greatnesse goes by clay,

But wise men little are more great then they.

Enter his brother HIPPOLITO.

Hip.

Still sighing ore deaths vizard?

Vind.

Brother welcome,

What comfort bringst thou? how go things at Court?

Hip.

In silke and siluer brother: neuer brauer.

Vind.

Puh,

Thou playst vpon my meaning, pree-thee say

Has that bald Madam, Opportunity,

Yet thought vpon's, speake are we happy yet?

Thy wrongs and mine are for one scabberd fit.

Hip.

It may proue happinesse.

Vind.

What ist may proue?

Giue me to tast.

Hip.

Giue me your hearing then,

You know my place at Court.

Vind.

I; the Dukes Chamber.

But tis a maruaile thourt not turnd out yet!

Hip.

Faith I haue beene shooud at, but twas still my hap

To hold by th' Duchesse skirt, you geese at that,

Whome such a Coate keepes vp can nere fall flat,

But to the purpose.

Last euening predecessor vnto this,

[A3r]

The Dukes sonne warily enquird for me,

Whose pleasure I attended: he began,

By policy to open and vnhuske me

About the time and common rumour:

But I had so much wit to keepe my thoughts

Vp in their built houses, yet afforded him

An idle satisfaction without danger,

But the whole ayme, and scope of his intent

Ended in this, coniuring me in priuate,

To seeke some strange digested fellow forth:

Of ill-contented nature, either disgracst

In former times, or by new groomes displacst,

Since his Step-mothers nuptialls, such a bloud

A man that were for euill onely good;

To giue you the true word some base coynd Pander.

Vind.

I reach you, for I know his heate is such,

Were there as many Concubines as Ladies

He would not be contaynd, he must flie out:

I wonder how ill featurde, vilde proportiond

That one should be: if she were made for woman,

Whom at the Insurrection of his lust

He would refuse for once, heart, I thinke none,

Next to a skull, tho more vnsound then one.

Each face he meetes he strongly doates vpon.

Hip.

Brother y'aue truly spoke him.

He knowes not you, but Ile sweare you know him.

Vind.

And therefore ile put on that knaue for once,

And be a right man then, a man a'th Time,

For to be honest is not to be ith world,

Brother ile be that strange composed fellow.

Hip.

And ile prefer you brother.

Vind.

Go too then,

The smallst aduantage fattens wronged men

It may point out; occasion, if I meete her,

Ile hold her by the fore-top fast ynough;

Or like the French Moale heaue vp hayre and all.

I haue a habit that will fi t it quaintly.

Here comes our Mother.

[A3v]

Hip.

And sister.

Vind.

We must quoyne.

Women are apt you know to take false money,

But I dare stake my soule for these two creatures

Onely excuse excepted — that they'le swallow,

Because their sexe is easie in beleefe.

Moth.

What newes from Court fonne Carlo?

Hip.

Faith Mother,

Tis whisperd there the Duchesse yongest sonne

Has playd a Rape on Lord Antonios wife.

Moth.

On that relligious Lady!

Cast.

Royall bloud: monster he deserues to die,

If Italy had no more hopes but he.

Vin.

Sister y'aue sentenc'd most direct, and true,

The Lawes a woman, and would she were you:

Mother

I must take leaue of you.

Moth.

Leaue for what?

Vin.

I intend speedy trauaile.

Hip.

That he do's Madam.

Mo.

Speedy indeed!

Vind.

For since my worthy fathers funerall,

My life's vnnaturally to me, e'en compeld

As if I liu'd now when I should be dead.

Mot.

Indeed he was a worthy Gentleman

Had his estate beene fellow to his mind.

Vind.

The Duke did much deiect him.

Moth.

Much?

Vind.

To much.

And through disgrace oft smotherd in his spirit,

When it would mount, surely I thinke hee dyed

Of discontent: the Noblemans consumption.

Moth.

Most sure he did!

Vind.

Did he? lack, — you know all

You were his mid-night secretary.

Moth.

No.

He was to wise to trust me with his thoughts.

Vind.

Yfaith then father thou wast wise indeed,

"Wiues are but made to go to bed and feede.

Come mother, sister: youle bring me onward brother?

Hip.

I will.

[A4r]

Vind.

Ile quickly turne into another.

Exeunt.

Scene 1.2

Enter the old Duke, LUSSURIOSO, his sonne, the Duchesse: the Bastard, the Duchesse two sonnes AMBITIOSO, and SUPERUACUO, the third her yongest brought out with Officers for the Rape: two Iudges.

Duke.

Duchesse it is your yongest sonne, we're sory,

His violent Act has e'en drawne bloud of honor

And stained our honors,

Throwne inck vpon the for-head of our state

Which enuious spirits will dip their pens into

After our death; and blot vs in our Toombes.

For that which would seeme treason in our liues

Is laughter when we're dead; who dares now whisper

That dares not then speake out, and e'en proclaime,

With lowd words and broad pens our closest shame?

Iud.

Your grace hath spoke like to your siluer yeares

Full of confirmed grauity ; — for what is it to haue

A flattering false insculption on a Toombe:

And in mens hearts reproch? The boweld Corps,

May be seard in, but with free tongue I speake,

"The faults of great men through their seare clothes breake.

Duk.

They do, we're sory for't, it is our fate,

To liue in feare and die to liue in hate.

I leaue him to your sentance; dome him Lords

The fact is great; whilst I sit by and sigh.

Duch.

My gratious Lord I pray be mercifull,

Although his trespasse far exceed h is yeares,

Thinke him to be your owne as I am yours,

Call him not sonne in law: the law I feare

Wil fal too soone vpon his name and him:

Temper his fault with pitty.

Luss.

Good my Lord.

Then twill not tast so bitter and vnpleasant

Vpon the Iudges pallat, for offences

Gilt ore with mercy, show like fayrest women,

Good onely for their beauties, which washt of, no sin is ouglier.

Ambi.

I beseech your grace,

Be soft and mild, let not Relentlesse Law,

[A4v]

Looke with an iron for-head on our brother.

Spu.

He yeelds small comfort yet, hope he shall die,

And if a bastards wish might stand in force,

Would all the court were turnde into a coarse.

Duc.

No pity yet? must I rise fruitlesse then,

A wonder in a woman; are my knees,

Of such lowe-mettall — that without Respect —

1. Iudg.

Let the offender stand forth,

Tis the Dukes pleasure that Impartiall Doome,

Shall take first hold of his vncleane attempt,

A Rape! why tis the very core of lust,

Double Adultery.

Iuni.

So Sir.

2. Iud.

And which was worse,

Committed on the Lord Antonioes wife,

That Generall honest Lady, confesse my Lord!

What mou'd you toot?

Iuni.

Why flesh and blood my Lord.

What should moue men vnto a woman else?

Luss.

O do not iest thy doome, trust not an axe

Or sword too far; the Law is a wise serpent

And quickly can beguile thee of thy life.

Tho marriage onely has mad thee my brother,

I loue thee so far, play not with thy Death.

Iuni.

I thanke you troth, good admonitions faith,

If ide the grace now to make vse of them.

1.Iud.

That Ladyes name has spred such a faire wing

Ouer all Italy; that if our Tongs

Were sparing toward the Fact, Iudgement it selfe

Would be condemned and suffer in mens thoughts.

Iuni.

Well then tis done, and it would please me well

Were it to doe agen: sure shees a Goddesse,

For ide no power to see her, and to liue.

It falls out true in this for I must die,

Her beauty was ordaynd to be my scaffold,

And yet my thinks I might be easier ceast,

My fault being sport, let me but die in iest.

1.Iud.

This be the sentence.

[B1r]

Dut.

O keept vpon your Tongue, let it not slip,

Death too soone steales out of a Lawyers lip,

Be not so cruell-wise.

1.Iudg

Your grace must pardon vs,

'Tis but the Iustice of the Lawe.

Dut.

The Lawe

Is growne more subtill then a woman should be.

Spu.

Now, now he dyes, rid 'em away.

Dut.

O what it is to haue an old-coole Duke,

To bee as slack in tongue, as in performance.

1.Iudg.

Confirmde, this be the doome irreuocable.

Dut.

Oh!

1.Iudg.

To morrow early.

Dut.

Pray be a bed my Lord.

1.Iudg.

Your Grace much wrongs your selfe.

Ambi.

No 'tis that tongue,

Your too much right, dos do vs too much wrong.

1.Iudg.

Let that offender —

Dut.

Liue, and be in health.

1. Iudg.

Be on a Scaffold — Duk. Hold, hold, my Lord.

Spu.

Pax ont,

What makes my Dad speake now?

Duke.

We will defer the iudgement till next sitting.

In the meane time let him be kept close prisoner:

Guard beare him hence.

Ambi.

Brother, this makes for thee,

Feare not, weele haue a trick to set thee free.

Iuni.

Brother, I will expect it from you both; and in that hope

I rest.

Super.

Farewell, be merry.

Exit with a garde.

Spu.

Delayd, deferd; nay then if iudgement haue cold bloud,

Flattery and bribes will kill it.

Duke.

About it then my Lords with your best powers,

Mor

e serious businesse calls vpon our houres

Exe. manet Du.

Dut.

Wast euer knowne step-Dutchesse was so milde,

And calme as I? some now would plot his death,

With easie Doctors, those loose liuing men,

And make his witherd Grace fall to his Graue,

And keepe Church better.

Some second wife would do this, and dispatch

[B1v]

Her double loathd Lord at meate and sleepe.

Indeed 'tis true an old mans twice a childe.

Mine cannot speake; one of his single words,

Would quite haue freed my yongest deerest sonne

From death or durance, and haue made him walke

With a bold foote vpon the thornie law,

Wh ose Prickles should bow vnder him: but 'tis not,

And therefore wedlock faith shall be forgot,

Ile kill him in his fore-head, hate there feede,

That wound is deepest tho it neuer bleed:

And here comes hee whom my heart points vnto,

His bastard sonne, but my loues true-begot.

Many a wealthy letter haue I sent him,

Sweld vp with Iewels, and the timorous man

Is yet but coldy kinde;

That Iewel's mine that quiuers in his eare,

Moc

king his Maisters chilnesse and vaine feare.

Ha's spide me now.

Spu.

Madame? your Grace so priuate?

My duety on your hand.

Dut.

Vpon my hand sir, troth I thinke youde feare

To kisse my hand too if my lip stood there.

Spu.

Witnesse I would not Madam.

Dut.

Tis a wonder,

For ceremonie ha's made many fooles.

It is as easie way vnto a Dutchesse,

As to a Hatted-dame, (if her loue answer)

But that by timorous honors, pale respects,

Idle degrees of feare, men make their wayes

Hard of themselues — what haue you thought of me?

Spu.

Madam I euer thinke of you, in duty,

Regard and —

Dut.

Puh, vpon my loue I meane.

Spu.

I would 'twere loue, but 'tis a fowler name

Then lust; you are my fathers wife, your Grace may gesse now,

What I could call it.

Dut.

Why th'art his sonne but falsly,

Tis a hard question whether he begot thee.

[B2r]

Spu.

Ifaith 'tis true too; Ime an vncertaine man,

Of more vncertaine woman; may be his groome 'ath stable begot me, you know I know not; hee could ride a horse well, a shrowd suspition marry — hee was wondrous tall, hee had his length yfaith, for peeping ouer halfe shut holy-day windowes,
Men would desire him light; when he was a foote,
He made a goodly show vnder a Pent-house,
And when he rid, his Hatt would check the signes, and clatter
Barbers Basons.

Dut.

Nay set you a horse back once,

Youle nere light off.

Spu.

Indeed I am a beggar.

Dut.

That's more the signe thou'art Great — but to our loue.

Let it stand firme both in thought and minde.

That the Duke was thy Father, as no doubt then

Hee bid faire fort, thy iniurie is the more,

For had hee cut thee a right Diamond,

Thou hadst beene next set in the Duke-doomes Ring,

When his worne selfe like Ages easie slaue,

Had dropt out of the Collet into th' Graue.

What wrong can equall this? canst thou be tame

And thinke vppon't?

Spu.

No mad and thinke vpon't.

Dut.

Who would not be reuenged of such a father,

E'en in the worst way? I would thanke that sinne,

That could most iniury him, and bee in league with it.

Oh what a griefe 'tis, that a man should liue

But once ith world, and then to liue a Bastard,

The curse a'the wombe, the theefe of Nature,

Begot against the seauenth commandement,

Halfe dambd in the conception, by the iustice

Of that vnbribed euerlasting law.

Spu.

Oh Ide a hot-backt Diuill to my father.

Dut.

Would not this mad e'en patience, make bloud rough?

Who but an Eunuch would not sinne? his bed

By one false minute disinherited.

Spu.

I, there's the vengeance that my birth was wrapt in,

Ile be reuenged for all; now hate begin,

[B2v]

Ile call foule Incest but a Veniall sinne.

Dut.

Cold still: in vaine then must a Dutchesse woo?

Spu.

Madam I blush to say what I will doo.

Dut.

Thence flew sweet comfort, earnest and farewell.

Spu.

Oh one incestuous kisse picks open hell.

Dut.

Faith now old Duke; my vengeance shall reach high,

Ile arme thy brow with womans Herauldrie.

Exit.

Spu.

Duke, thou didst do me wrong, and by thy Act

Adultery is my nature;

Faith if the truth were knowne, I was begot

After some gluttonous dinner, some stirring dish

Was my first father; when deepe healths went round,

And Ladies cheekes were painted red with Wine,

Their tongues as short and nimble as their heeles

Vttering words sweet and thick; and when they rise,

Were merrily disposed to fall agen,

In such a whispring and with-drawing houre,

When base-male-Bawds kept Centinell at stair-head,

Was I stolne softly; oh — damnation met

The sinne of feasts, drunken adultery.

I feele it swell me; my reuenge is iust.

I was begot in impudent Wine and Lust:

Step-mother I consent to thy desires,

I loue thy mischiefe well, but I hate thee,

And those three Cubs thy sonnes, wishing confusion

Death and disgrace may be their Epitaphs;

As for my brother the Dukes onely sonne,

Whose birth is more beholding to report

Then mine, and yet perhaps as falsely sowne

(Women must not be trusted with their owne)

Ile loose my dayes vpon him — hate all I.

Duke

on thy browe Ile drawe my Bastardie.

For indeed a bastard by nature should make Cuckolds,

Because he is the sonne of a Cuckold-maker.

Exit.

Scene 1.3

Enter VINDICI and HIPPOLITO, VINDICI in disguise to attend L.LUSSURIOSO the Dukes sonne.

Vind.

What brother? am I farre inough from my selfe?

Hip.

As if another man had beene sent whole

[B3r]

Into the world, and none wist how he came.

Vind.

It will confirme me bould: the child a'th Court.

Let blushes dwell i'th Country. Impudence!

Thou Goddesse of the pallace, Mistris of Mistresses

To whom the costly-perfumd people pray,

Strike thou my fore-head into dauntlesse Marble;

Mine eyes to steady Saphires: turne my visage,

And if I must needes glow, let me blush inward

That this immodest season may not spy

That scholler in my cheekes, foole-bashfullnes,

That Maide in the old time, whose flush of Grace

Would neuer suffer her to get good cloaths;

Our maides are wiser; and are lesse ashamd,

Saue Grace the bawde I seldome heare Grace nam'd!

Hip.

Nay brother you reach out a'th Verge now, — Sfoote the

Dukes

sonne, settle your lookes.

Vind.

Pray let me not be doubted.

Hip.

My Lord —

Luss.

Hipolito? — be absent leaue vs.

Hip.

My Lord after long search, wary inquiryes

And politick siftings, I made choise of yon fellow,

Whom I gesse rare for many deepe imployments;

This our age swims within him: and if Time

Had so much hayre, I should take him for Time,

He is so neere kinne to this present minute.

Luss.

Tis ynough,

We thank thee: yet words are but great-mens blanckes.

Gold tho it be dum do's vtter the best thankes.

Hip.

Your plenteous honor — an exlent fellow my Lord.

Exit.

Luss.

So, giue vs leaue — welcome,bee not far off, we must bee

better acquainted, push, be bould with vs, thy hand.

Vind.

With all my heart yfaith. How dost sweete Musk-cat?

When shall we lie togither?

Luss.

Wondrous knaue!

Gather him into bouldnesse, sfoote the slaue's

Already as familiar as an Ague,

And shakes me at his pleasure. Friend I can

Forget my selfe in priuate, but else where,

I pray do you remember me.

[B3v]

Vind.

Oh very well sir — I conster my selfe sawcy!

Luss.

What hast beene,

Of what profession?

Vind.

A bone-setter!

Luss.

A bone-setter!

Vind.

A bawde my Lord,

One that setts bones togither.

Luss.

Notable bluntnesse!

Fit, fit for me, e'en traynd vp to my hand.

Thou hast beene Scriuener to much knauery then?

Vind.

Foole, to abundance sir; I haue been e witnesse

To the surrenders of a thousand virgins,

And not so little,

I haue seene Patrimonyes washt a peices

Fruit-feilds turnd into bastards,

And in a world of Acres,

Not so much dust due to the heire t'was left too

As would well grauell a petition!

Luss.

Fine villaine! troth I like him wonderously

Hees e'en shapt for my purpose. Then thou knowst

Ith world strange lust.

Vind.

O Dutch lust! fulsome lust!

Druncken procreation, which begets so many drunckards;

Some father dreads not (gonne to bedde in wine) to slide from the mother,

And cling the daughter-in-law,

Some Vncles are adulterous with their Neeces,

Brothers with brothers wiues, O howre of Incest!

Any kin now next to the Rim ath sister

Is mans meate in these dayes, and in the morning

When they are vp and drest, and their maske on,

Who can perceiue this? saue that eternall eye

That see's through flesh and all, well: — If anything be dambd,

It will be twelve a clock at night; that twel ue

Will neuer scape;

It is the Iudas of the howers; wherein,

Honest saluation is betrayde to sin.

Luss.

In troth it is too; but let this talke glide.

It is our bloud to erre, tho hell gapte lowde.

[B4v]

Ladies know Lucifer fell, yet still are proude!

Now sir? wert thou as secret as thou'rt subtil,

And deepely fadomd into all estates

I would embrace thee for a neere imployment,

And thou shouldst swell in money, and be able

To make lame beggers crouch to thee.

Vind.

My Lord?

Secret? I nere had that disease ath mother

I praise my father: why are men made closse?

But to keep thoughts in best. I grant you this,

Tell but some woman a secret ouer night,

Your doctor may finde it in the vrinall ith morning,

But my Lord —

Luss.

So, thou'rt confirmed in mee

And thus I enter thee.

Vind.

This Indian diuill,

Will quickly enter any man, but a Vsurer —

He preuents that, by entring the diuill first.

Luss.

Attend me, I am past my depth in lust

And I must swim or drowne, all my desires

Are leueld at a Virgin not far from Court,

To whom I haue conuayde by Messenger

Many waxt Lines, full of my neatest spirit,

And iewells that were able to rauish her

Without the helpe of man; all which and more

Shee foolish chast sent back, the messengers

Receiuing frownes for answeres.

Vind.

Possible?

Tis a rare Phoenix who ere she bee,

If your desires be such, she so repugnant,

In troth my Lord ide be reuengde and marry her,

Luss.

Push; the doury of her bloud & of her fortunes,

Are both too meane, — good ynough to be bad withal —

Ime one of that number can defend

Marriage is good: yet rather keepe a friend.

Giue me my bed by stealth — theres true delight;

What breeds a loathing in't, but night by night?

Vind.

A very fine relligion!

[B4v]

Luss.

Therefore thus,

Ile trust thee in the businesse of my heart

Because I see thee wel experienc'st

In this Luxurious day wherein we breath.

Go thou, and with a smooth enchaunting tongue

Bewitch her eares, and Couzen her of all Grace.

Enter vpon the portion of her soule,

Her honor, which she calls her chastity

And bring it into expence, for honesty

Is like a stock of money layd to sleepe,

Which nere so little broke, do's neuer keep.

Vind.

You haue gint the Tang yfaith my Lord.

Make knowne the Lady to me, and my braine

Shall swell with strange Inuention: I will moue it

Till I expire with speaking, and drop downe

Without a word to saue me; — but ile work —

Luss.

We thanke thee, and will raise thee: — receiue her name,

It is the only daughter, to Madame Gratiana the late widdow.

Vind.

Oh, my sister, my sister? —

Luss.

Why dost walke aside?

Vind.

My Lord, I was thinking how I might begin

As thus, oh Ladie — or twenty hundred deuices,

Her very bodkin will put a man in.

Luss.

I, or the wagging of her haire.

Vind.

No, that shall put you in my Lord.

Luss.

Shal't? why content, dost know the daughter then?

Vind.

O exlent well by sight.

Luss.

That was her brother

That did prefer thee to vs.

Vind.

My Lord I thinke so,

I knew I had seene him some where —

Luss.

And therefore pree-thee let thy heart to him,

Be as a Virgin, closse.

Vind.

Oh my good Lord.

Luss.

We may laugh at that simple age within him.

Vind.

Ha,ha, ha.

Luss.

Himselfe being made the subtill instrument,

To winde vp a good fellow.

Vind.

That's I my Lord.

Luss.

That's thou.

[C1r]

To entice and worke his sister.

Vind.

A pure nouice!

Luss.

T'was finely manag'd.

Vind.

Gallantly carried;

A prety-perfumde villaine.

Luss.

I'ue bethought me

If she prooue chast still and immoueable,

Venture vpon the Mother, and with giftes

As I will furnish thee, begin with her.

Vin.

Oh fie, fie, that's the wrong end my Lord. Tis meere impossible

that a mother by any gifts should become a bawde to her

owne Daughter!

Luss.

Nay then I see thou'rt but a puny in the subtill Mistery of

a woman: — why tis held now no dainty dish: The name

Is so in league with age that now adaies

It do's Eclipse three quarters of a Mother.

Vind.

Dost so my Lord?

Let me alone then to Eclipse the fourth.

Luss.

Why well sayd, come ile furnish thee, but first sweare to

be true in all.

Vind.

True?

Luss.

Nay but sweare!

Vind.

Sweare? — I hope your honor little doubts my fayth.

Luss.

Yet for my humours sake cause I loue swaaring.

Vind.

Cause you loue swearing, slud I will.

Luss.

Why ynough,

Ere long looke to be made of better stuff.

Vind.

That will do well indeed my Lord.

Luss.

Attend me.

Exit.

Vind.

Oh.

Now let me burst, I'ue eaten Noble poyson.

We are made strange fellowes, brother, innocent villaines.

Wilt not be angry when thou hearst on't, thinkst thou?

Ifayth thou shalt; sweare me to foule my sister.

Sword I durst make a promise of him to thee,

Thou shalt dis-heire him, it shall be thine honor,

And yet now angry froath is downe in me,

It would not proue the meanest policy

In this disguize to try the fayth of both;

Another might haue had the selfe same office,

[C1v]

Some slaue, that would haue wrought effectually,

I and perhaps ore-wrought em, therefore I,

Being thought trauayld, will apply my selfe,

Vnto the selfe same forme, forget my nature,

As if no part about me were kin to 'em,

So touch 'em, — tho I durst almost for good,

Venture my lands in heauen vpon their good.

Exit.

Scene 1.4

Enter the discontented Lord ANTONIO, whose wife the Duchesses yongest Sonne rauisht; he Discouering the body of her dead to certaine Lords: and Hippolito.

L. Ant.

Draw neerer Lords and be sad witnesses

Of a fayre comely building newly falne,

Being falsely vndermined: violent rape

Has playd a glorious act, behold my Lords

A sight that strikes man out of me.

Piero.

That vertuous Lady?

Ant.

President for wiues!

Hip.p.

The blush of many weomen, whose chast presence

Would ene call shame vp to their cheekes,

And make pale wanton sinners haue good colours, —

L . Ant.

Dead!

Her honor first drunke poyson, and her life,

Being fellowes in one house did pledge her honour.

Pier.

O greefe of many!

L.Anto.

I markt not this before.

A prayer Booke the pillow to her cheeke,

This was her rich confection, and another

Plac'd in her right hand, with a leafe tuckt vp,

Poynting to these words.

Melius virtute mori, Quam per Dedecus viuere.

True and effectuall it is indeed.

Hip.

My Lord since you enuite vs to your sorrowes,

Lets truely tast 'em, that with equall comfort,

As to our selues we may releiue your wrongs;

We haue greefe too, that yet walkes without Tong,

Curae leues loquuntur, Maiores stupent.

L. Ant.

You deale with truth my Lord.

Lend me but your Attentions, and Ile cut

Long greefe into short words: last reuelling night,

[C2r]

When Torch-light made an artificiall noone

About the Court, some Courtiers in the maske,

Putting on better faces then their owne,

Being full of frawde and flattery: amongst whome,

The Duchesse yongest sonne (that moth to honor)

Fild vp a Roome; and with long lust to eat

Into my wearing; amongst all the Ladyes,

Singled out that deere forme; who euer liu'd,

As cold in Lust, as shee is now in death;

(Which that step Duches-Monster knew to well;)

And therefore in the height of all the reuells,

When Musick was hard lowdest, Courtiers busiest,

And Ladies great with laughter; — O Vitious minute!

Vnfit but for relation to be spoke of,

Then with a face more impudent then his vizard

He harried her amidst a throng of Panders,

That liue vppon damnation of both kindes,

And fed the rauenous vulture of his lust,

(O death to thinke ont) she her honor forcst,

Deemd it a nobler dowry for her name,

To die with poyson then to liue with shame.

Hip.

A wondrous Lady; of rare fire compact,

Sh'as made her name an Empresse by that act.

Pier.

My Lord what iudgement followes the offender?

L.Ant.

Faith none my Lord it cooles and is deferd.

Pier.

Delay the doome for rape?

L.Ant.

O you must note who tis should die,

The Duchesse sonne, sheele looke to be sauer,

"Iudgement in this age is nere kin to fauour.

Hip.

Nay then step forth thou Bribelesse officer;

I bind you all in steele to bind you surely,

Heer let your oths meet, to be kept and payd,

Which else will sticke like rust, and shame the blade;

Strengthen my vow, that if at the next sitting,

Iudg

ement speake all in gold, and spare the bloud

Of such a serpent, e'en before their seats,

To let his soule out, which long since was found

Guilty in heauen.

[C2v]

All. We sweare it and will act it.

L.Anto.

Kind Gentlemen, I thanke you in mine Ire.

Hip.

Twere pitty

The ruins of so faire a Monument,

Should not be dipt in the defacers bloud.

Piero.

Her funerall shall be wealthy, for her name

Merits a toombe of pearle; my Lord Antonio,

For this time wipe your Lady from your eyes,

No doubt our greefe and youres may one day court it,

When we are more familiar with Reueng.

L.Anto.

That is my comfort Gentlemen, and I ioy

In this one happines aboue the rest,

Which will be cald a mircle at last,

That being an old-man ide a wife so chast.

Exeunt.

Act 2

Scene 2.1

Enter CASTIZA the sister.

Cast.

How hardly shall that mayden be beset,

Whose onely fortunes, are her constant thoughts,

That has no other childes-part but her honor,

That Keepes her lowe and empty in estate.

Maydes and their honors are like poore beginners,

Were not sinne rich there would be fewer sinners;

Why had not vertue a reuennewe? well,

I know the cause, twold haue impouerish'd hell.

How now Dondolo?

Enter DONDOLO.

Don. Madona,

there is one as they say a thing of flesh and blood,

a man I take him by his beard that would very desireously mouth

to mouth with you.

Cast.

Whats that?

Don.

Show his teeth in your company.

Cast.

I vnderstand thee not.

Don.

Why speake with you Madona!

Cast.

Why say so mad-man, and cut of a great deale of durty

way; had it not beene better spoke in ordinary words that one

would speake with me?

Don.

Ha, ha, thats as ordinary as two shillings, I would striue

[C3r]

a litle to show my selfe in my place, a Gentleman-vsher scornes to vse

the Phrase and fanzye of a seruingman.

Cast.

Yours be your one sir, go direct him hether,

I hope some happy tidings from my brother,

That lately trauayld, whome my soule affects.

Here he comes.

Enter VINDICE her brother disguised.

Vin.

Lady the best of wishes to your sexe,

Faire skins and new gownes.

Cast.

Oh they shall thanke you sir,

Whence this?

Vin.

Oh from a deere and worthy friend,

mighty!

Cast.

From whome?

Vin.

The Dukes sonne!

Cast.

Receiue that!

A boxe ath eare to her Brother.

I swore I'de put anger in my hand,

And passe the Virgin limits of my selfe,

To him that next appear'd in that base office,

To be his sinnes Atturney; beare to him

That figure of my hate vpon thy cheeke

Whilst tis yet hot, and Ile reward thee fort,

Tell him my honor shall haue a rich name,

When seuerall harlots shall share his with shame.

Farewell commend me to him in my hate!

Exit.

Vin.

It is the sweetest Boxe,

That ere my nose came nye,

The finest drawne-worke cuffe that ere was worne,

Ile loue this blowe for euer, and this cheeke

Shall still hence forward take the wall of this.

Oh Ime aboue my tong: most constant sister,

In this thou hast right honorable showne;

Many are cald by their honour that haue none,

Thou art approu'd for euer in my thoughts.

It is not in the power of words to taynt thee,

And yet for the saluation of my oth,

As my resolue in that poynt; I will lay

Hard seige vnto my Mother, tho I know,

[C3v]

A Syrens tongue could not bewitch her so.

Masse fitly here she comes, thankes my disguize,

Madame good afternoone.

Moth.

Y'are welcome sir.

Vind.

The Next of Italy commends him to you,

Our mighty expectation, the Dukes sonne.

Moth.

I thinke my selfe much honord, that he pleases

To ranck me in his thoughts.

Vind.

So may you Lady:

One that is like to be our suddaine Duke,

The Crowne gapes for him euery tide, and then

Commander ore vs all, do but thinke on him,

How blest were they now that could pleasure him

E'en with any thing almost.

Moth.

I, saue their honor.

Vind.

Tut, one would let a little of that go too

And nere be seene in't: nere be seene in't, marke you,

Ide winck and let it go —

Moth.

Marry but I would not.

Vind.

Marry but I would I hope, I know you would too,

If youd that bloud now which you gaue your daughter,

To her indeed tis, this wheele comes about;

That man that must be all this, perhaps ere morning

(For his white father do's but moulde away)

Has long desirde your daughter.

Moth.

Desirde?

Vind.

Nay but heare me,

He desirs now that will command hereafter,

Therefore be wise, I speake as more a friend

To you then him; Madam, I know y'are poore,

And lack the day, there are too many poore Ladies already —

Why should you vex the number? tis despisd,

Liue wealthy, rightly vnderstand the world,

And chide away that foolish — Country girle

Keepes company with your daughter, chastity.

Moth.

O fie, fie, the riches of the world cannot hire a mother to

such a most vnnaturall taske.

Vind.

No, but a thousand Angells can;

Men haue no power, Angells must worke you too't

[C4r]

The world descends into such base-borne euills

That forty Angells can make fourescore diuills,

There will be fooles still I perceiue, still fooles.

Would I be poore deiected, scornd of greatnesse,

Swept from the Pallace, and see other daughters

Spr

ing with the dewe ath Court, hauing mine owne

So much desir'd and lou'd — by the Dukes sonne?

No, I would raise my state vpon her brest

And call her eyes my Tennants, I would count

My yearely maintenance vpon her cheekes:

Take Coach vpon her lip, and all her partes

Should keepe men after men, and I would ride

In pleasure vpon pleasure:

You tooke great paines for her, once when it was,

Let her requite it now, tho it be but some;

You brought her forth, she may well bring you home.

Moth.

O heauens! this ouer-comes me.

Vind.

Not I hope, already?

Moth.

It is too strong for me, men know that know vs,

We are so weake their words can ouerthrow vs.

He toucht me neerely, made my vertues bate

When his tongue struck vpon my poore estate.

Vind.

I e'en quake to proceede, my spirit turnes edge.

I feare me she's vnmotherd, yet ile venture,

"That woman is all male, whome none can Enter.

What thinke you now Lady, speake are you wiser?

What sayd aduancement to you: thus it sayd!

The daughters fal lifts vp the mothers head:

Did it not Madame? but ile sweare it does

In may places, tut, this age feares no man,

"Tis no shame to be bad, because tis common.

Moth.

I that's the comfort on't.

Vind.

The comfort on't!

I keepe the best for last, can these perswade you

To forget heauen — and —

Moth.

I these are they.

Vind.

Oh!

Moth.

That enchant our sexe,

These are the means that gouerne our affections, — that woman

[C4v]

Will not be troubled with the mother long,

That sees the comfortable shine of you,

I blush to thinke what for your sakes Ile do!

Vind.

O suffring heauen with thy inuisible finger,

Ene at this Instant turne the pretious side

Of both mine eye-balls inward, not to see my selfe.

Mot.

Looke you sir.

Vin.

Holla.

Mot.

Let this thanke your paines.

Vind.

O you'r a kind Madam.

Mot.

Ile see how I can moue.

Vind.

Your words will sting.

Mot.

If she be still chast Ile nere call her mine.

Vind.

Spoke truer then you ment it.

Enter CASTIZA.

Mot.

Daughter Castiza.

Cast.

Madam.

Vind.

O shees yonder.

Meete her: troupes of celestiall Soldiers gard her heart.

Yon dam has deuills ynough to take her part.

Cast.

Madam what makes yon euill offic'd man,

In presence of you?

Mot.

Why?

Cast.

He lately brought

Immodest writing sent from the Dukes sonne

To tempt me to dishonorable Act.

Mot.

Dishonorable Act? — good honorable foole,

That wouldst be honest cause thou wouldst be so,

Producing no one reason but thy will.

And t'as a good report, pretely commended,

But pray by whome? meane people; ignorant people,

The better sort Ime sure cannot abide it.

And by what rule should we square out our liues,

But by our betters actions? oh if thou knew'st

What t'were to loose it, thou would neuer keepe it:

But theres a cold curse layd vpon all Maydes,

Whilst others clip the Sunne they clasp the shades!

Vir

ginity is paradice, lockt vp.

You cannot come by your selues without fee.

And twas decreed that man should keepe the key!

Deny aduancement, treasure, the Dukes sonne!

Cast.

I cry you mercy. Lady I mistooke you,

[D1r]

Pray did you see my Mother; which way went you?

Pray God I haue not lost her.

Vind.

Prittily put by.

Moth.

Are you as proud to me as coye to him?

Doe you not know me now?

Cast.

Why are you shee?

The worlds so changd, one shape into another,

It is a wise childe now that knowes her mother.

Vind.

Most right ifaith.

Mother.

I owe your cheeke my hand,

For that presumption now, but Ile forget it.

Come you shall leaue those childish hauiours,

And vnderstand your Time; Fortunes flow to you;

What will you be a Girle?

If all feard drowning, that spye waues a shoare,

Gold would grow rich, and all the Marchants poore.

Cast.

It is a pritty saying of a wicked one, but me thinkes now

It does not show so well out of your mouth,

Better in his.

Vind.

Faith bad inough in both,

Were I in earnest as Ile seeme no lesse.

I wonder Lady your owne mothers words,

Cannot be taken, nor stand in full force.

'Tis honestie you vrge; what's honestie?

'Tis but heauens begger; and what woman is so foolish to keepe honesty,

And be not able to keepe her-self? No,

Times are growne wiser and will keepe lesse charge,

A Maide that h'as small portion now entends,

To breake vp house, and liue vpon her friends.

How blest are you, you haue happinesse alone;

Others must fall to thousands, you to one,

Sufficient in him-selfe to make your fore-head

Dazle the world with Iewels, and petitionary people

Start at your presence.

Mother.

Oh if I were yong, I should be rauisht.

Cast.

I to loose your honour.

Vind.

Slid how can you loose your honor?

[D1v]

To deale with my Lords Grace?

Heele adde more honour to it by his Title,

Your Mother will tell you how.

Mother.

That I will.

Vind.

O thinke vpon the pleasure of the Pallace,

Secured ease and state; the stirring meates,

Ready to moue out of the dishes, that e'en now quicken when their eaten,

Banquets abroad by Torch-light, Musicks, sports,

Bare-headed vassailes, that had nere the fortune

To keepe on their owne Hats, but let hornes were em.

Nine Coaches waiting — hurry, hurry, hurry.

Cast.

I to the Diuill.

Vind.

I to the Diuill, to th' Duke by my faith.

Moth.

I to the Duke: daughter youde scorne to think ath'

Diuill and you were there once.

Vin.

True, for most there are as proud as he for his heart ifaith.

Who'de sit at home in a neglected roome,

Dealing her short-liu'de beauty to the pictures,

That are as vse-lesse as old men, when those

Poorer in face and fortune then her-selfe,

Walke with a hundred Acres on their backs,

Faire Medowes cut into Greene fore-parts — oh

It was the greatest blessing euer happened to women;

When Farmers sonnes agreed, and met agen,

To wash their hands, and come vp Gentlemen;

The common-wealth has flourisht euer since;

Lands that were meat by the Rod, that labors spar'd,

Taylors ride downe, and measure em by the yeard;

Faire trees, those comely fore-tops of the Field,

Are cut to maintaine head-tires — much vntold.

All thriues but Chastity, she lyes a cold.

Nay shall I come neerer to you, marke but this:

Why are there so few honest women, but because 'tis the poorer

profession? that's accounted best, thats best followed, least in trade,

least in fashion, and thats not honesty — beleeue it, and doe but note

the loue and deiected price of it:

Loose but a Pearle, we search and cannot brooke it.

But that once gone, who is so mad to looke it.

[D2r]

Mother.

Troth he sayes true.

Cast.

False, I defie you both:

I haue endur'd you with an eare of fire,

Your Tongues haue struck hotte yrons on my face;

Mother, come from that poysonous woman there.

Mother.

Where?

Cast.

Do you not see her? shee's too inward then:

Slaue perish in thy office: you heauens please,

Hence-forth to make the Mother a disease,

Which first begins with me, yet I'ue out-gon you.

Exit.

Vind.

O Angels clap your wings vpon the skyes,

And giue Virgin Christall plaudities.

Mot.

Peeuish, coy, foolish — but returne this answer,

My Lord shall be most welcome, when his pleasure

Conducts him this way. I will sway mine owne;

Women with women can worke best alone.

Exit.

Vind.

Indeed Ile tell him so;

O more vnciuill, more vnnaturall,

Then those base-titled creatures that looke downe-ward!

Why do's not heauen turne black, or with a frowne

Vndoo the world — why do's not earth start vp,

And strike the sinnes that tread vppon't? — oh;

Wert not gold and women; there would be no damnation,

Hell would looke like a Lords Great Kitchin without fire in't;

But 'twas decreed before the world began,

That they should be the hookes to catch at man.

Exit.

Scene 2.2

Enter LUSSURIOSO, with HIPPOLITO, VINDICIES brother.

Luss.

I much applaud thy iudgement, thou art well read in a fellow,

And 'tis the deepest Arte to studie man;

I know this, which I neuer learnt in schooles,

The world's diuided into knaues and fooles.

Hip.

Knaue in your face my Lord, behinde your back.

Luss.

And I much thanke thee, that thou hast preferd

A fellow of discourse — well mingled,

And whose braine Time hath seasond.

Hip.

True my Lord,

[D2v]

We shall finde season once I hope; — O villaine!

To make such an vnnaturall slaue of me; — but —

Luss.

Masse here he comes.

Hip.

And now shall I haue free leaue to depart.

Luss.

Your absence, leaue vs.

Hip.

Are not my thoughts true?

I must remooue; but brother you may stay;

Heart, we are both made Bawdes a new-found way.

Exit.

Luss.

Now, we're an euen number; a third mans dangerous,

Especially her brother: say, be free,

Haue I a pleasure toward?

Vind.

Oh my Lord.

Luss.

Rauish me in thine answer; art thou rare,

Hast thou beguilde her of saluation,

And rubd hell ore with hunny; is she a woman?

Vind.

In all but in Desire.

Luss.

Then shee's in nothing, — I bate in courage now.

Vind.

The words I brought,

Might well haue made indifferent honest, naught.

A right good woman in these dayes is changde

Into white money with lesse labour farre,

Many a Maide has turn'd to Mahomet,

With easier working; I durst vndertake

Vpon the pawne and forfeit of my life

With halfe those words to flat a Puritanes wife,

But she is closse and good; — yet 'tis a doubt by this time; oh the

mother, the mother?

Luss.

I neuer thought their sex had beene a wonder,

Vntill this minute; what fruite from the Mother?

Vind.

Now must I blister my soule, be forsworne,

Or shame the woman that receiu'd mee first.

I will be true, thou liu'st not to proclaime;

Spoke to a dying man, shame ha's no shame.

My Lord.

Luss.

Whose that?

Vind.

Heres none but I my Lord.

Luss.

What would thy hast vtter?

Vind.

Comfort.

Luss.

Welcome.

Vind.

The Maide being dull, hauing no minde to trauell

Into vnknowne lands, what did me I straight,

[D3r]

But set spurs to the Mother; golden spurs

Will put her to a false gallop in a trice.

Luss.

Ist possible that in this

The Mother should be dambd before the daughter?

Vin.

Oh, that's good manners my Lord, the Mother for her age

must goe formost you know.

Lu. Thou'st spoke that true! but where comes in this comfort?

Vind.

In a fine place my Lord — the vnnaturall mother,

Did with her tong so hard beset her honor,

That the poore foole was struck to silent wonder,

Yet still the maid like an vnlighted Taper,

Was cold and chast, saue that her Mothers breath,

Did blowe fire on her cheekes; the girle departed,

But the good antient Madam halfe mad, threwe me

These promissing words, which I took deepely note of;

My Lord shall be most wellcome —

Luss.

Faith I thanke her.

Vin.

When his pleasure conducts him this way —

Luss.

That shall be soone ifaith.

Vind.

I will sway mine owne —

Luss.

Shee do's the wiser I commend her fort.

Vind.

Women with women can worke best alone.

Luss.

By this light and so they can; giue'em their due, men are

not comparable to 'em.

Vind.

No thats true, for you shall haue one woman knit more in a hower

then any man can Rauell agen in seauen and twenty yeare.

Luss.

Now my desires are happy, Ile make 'em free-men now;

Thou art a pretious fellow, faith I loue thee,

Be wise and make it thy reuennew, beg, leg.

What office couldst thou be Ambitious for!

Vind.

Office my Lord? marry if I might haue my wish I would haue one

that was neuer begd yet.

Luss.

Nay then thou canst haue none.

Vind.

Yes my Lord I could picke out another office yet, nay

and keepe a horse and drab vppont.

Luss.

Prethee good bluntnes tell me.

Vind.

Why I would desire but this my Lord, to haue all the

fees behind the Arras; and all the farthingales that fal plumpe about

[D4v]

twelue a clock at night vpon the Rushes.

Luss.

Thou'rt a mad apprehensiue knaue, dost thinke to make

any great purchase of that!

Vind.

Oh tis an vnknowne thing my Lord, I wonder ta's been

mist so long.

Luss.

Well, this night ile visit her, and tis till then

A yeare in my desires — farwell, attend,

Trust me with thy preferment.

Exit.

Vind.

My lou'd Lord;

Oh shall I kill him ath wrong-side now! no!

Sword thou wast neuer a back-biter yet.

Ile peirce him to his face, he shall die looking vpon me.

Thy veines are sweld with lust, this shall vnfill e'm,

Great men were Gods, if beggers could not kil e'm.

Forgiue me heauen, to call my mother wicked,

Oh lessen not my daies vpon the earth.

I cannot honor her; by this I feare me

Her tongue has turnd my sister into vse.

I was a villaine not to be forsworne

To this our lecherous hope, the Dukes sonne,

For Lawiers, Merchants, some diuines and all,

Count beneficiall periury a sin small.

It shall go hard yet, but ile guard her honor

And keepe the portes sure.

Enter HIPPOL.

Hip.

Brother how goes the world? I would know newes of you

But I haue newes to tell you.

Vind.

What in the name of knauery!

Hipo.

Knauery fayth,

This vicious old Duke's worthily absude —

The pen of his bastard writes him Cuckold!

Vind.

His bastard?

Hip.ip.

Pray beleeue it, he and the Duchesse

By night meete in their linnen, they haue beene seene

By staire-foote pandars!

Vind.

Oh sin foule and deepe,

Great faults are winckt at when the Duke's asleepe,

See, see, here comes the Spurio.

[D4r]

Hip.

Monstrous Luxur!

Enter SPURIO and Servants.

Vind.

Vnbrac'd: two of his valiant bawdes with him.

O There's a wicked whisper; hell is in his eare.

Stay let's obserue his passage —

Spu.

Oh but are you sure on't?

Ser.

My Lord most sure on't, for twas spoke by one,

That is most inward with the Dukes sonnes lust:

That he intends within this houre to steale

Vnto Hippolitoes sister, whose chast life

The mother has corrupted for his vse.

Sp.

Sweete word, sweete occasion, fayth then brother

Ile disinherit you in as short time,

As I was when I was begot in hast:

Ile dam you at your pleasure: pretious deed

After your lust, oh twill be fine to bleede,

Come let our passing out be soft & wary.

Exeunt.

Vi.

Marke, there, there, that step, now to the Duches,

This their second meeting writes the Duke Cuckold

With new additions, his hornes newly reuiu'd:

Night! thou that lookst like funerall Heraulds fees

Torne downe betimes ith morning, thou hangst fittly

To Grace those sins that haue no grace at all.

No w tis full sea a bed ouer the world;

Theres iugling of all sides; some that were Maides

E'en at Sun set are now perhaps ith Toale-booke;

This woman in immodest thin apparell

Lets in her friend by water, here a Dame

Cunning, nayles lether-hindges to a dore,

To auoide proclamation.

Now Cuckolds are a quoyning, apace, apace, apace, apace.

And carefull sisters spinne that thread ith night,

That does maintaine them and their bawdes ith daie!

Hip.

You flow well brother.

Vind.

Puh I'me shallow yet,

Too sparing and too modest; shall I tell thee?

If euery trick were told that's dealt by night

There are few here that would not blush out right.

Hip.

I am of that beleefe too.

Vind.

Whose this comes!

[D4v]

Enter LUSSURIOSO.

The Dukes sonne vp so late, — brother fall back,

And you shall learne some mischiefe, — my good Lord.

Luss.

Piato, why the man I wisht for, come,

I do embrace this season for the fittest

To tast of that young Lady.

Vind.

Heart, and hell.

Hip.

Dambd villaine.

Vind.

I ha no way now to crosse it, but to kill him.

Luss.

Come only thou and I.

Vin.

My Lord my Lord.

Luss.

Why dost thou start vs?

Vind.

Ide almost forgot — the bastard!

Luss.

What of him!

Vind.

This night, this houre — this minute, now.

Luss.

What! what!

Vin.

Shadowes the Duchesse —

Luss.

Horrible word.

Vind.

And like strong poyson eates

Into the Duke your fathers fore-head.

Luss.

Oh.

Vind.

He makes horne royall.

Luss.

Most ignoble slaue!

Vind.

This is the fruite of two beds.

Luss.

I am mad.

Vind.

That passage he trod warily.

Luss.

He did!

Vind.

And husht his villaines euery step he tooke.

Luss.

His villaines! ile confound them.

Vind.

Take e'm finely, finely now.

Luss.

The Duchesse Chamber-doore shall not controule mee.

Hip.

Good, happy, swift, there's gunpowder ith Court,

Exeunt.

Wilde fire at mid-night, in this heedlesse fury.

He may show violence to crosse himselfe,

Ile follow the Euent.

Exit.

Luss.

Where is that villaine!

Enter againe.

Vind.

Softly my Lord and you may take e'm twisted.

Luss.

I care not how!

Vind.

Oh twill be glorious,

To kill e'm doubled, when their heapt, be soft my Lord.

Luss.

Away! my spleene is not so lazy; thus, and thus,

Ile shake their eye-lids ope, and with my sword

Shut e'm agen for euer; — villaine, strumpet —

Exeunt LUSSURIOSO and VINDICE. Re-enter again with the DUKE and DUCHESS.

Duk.

You vpper Guard defend vs.

Duch.

Treason, treason.

Duk.

Oh take mee not in sleepe, I haue great sins, I must haue daies,

Nay months deere sonne, with penitential heaues,

To lift 'em out, and not to die vncleere,

[E1r]

O thou wilt kill me both in heauen and here.

Luss.

I am amazde to death.

Duke.

Nay villaine traytor,

Worse then the fowlest Epithite, now Ile gripe thee

Ee'n with the Nerues of wrath, and throw thy head

Amongst the Lawyers gard.

Enter Nobles and sonnes.

1.Noble.

How comes the quiet of your Grace disturbd?

Duke.

This boye that should be my selfe after mee,

Would be my selfe before me, and in heate

Of that ambition bloudily rusht in

Intending to despose me in my bed.

2.Noble.

Duty and naturall-loyalty for-fend.

Dut.

He cald his Father villaine; and me strumpet,

A word that I abhorre to file my lips with.

Ambi.

That was not so well done Brother.

Luss.

I am abusde — I know ther's no excuse can do me good.

Vind.

Tis now good policie to be from sight;

His vicious purpose to our sisters honour

Is crost beyond our thought.

Hip.

You little dreamt his Father slept heere.

Vind.

Oh 'twas farre beyond me.

But since it fell so; — without fright-full word,

Would he had kild him, twould haue easde our swords.

Duk.

Be comforted our Duchesse, he shall dye.

dissemble a flight.

Luss.

Where's this slaue-pander now! out of mine eye,

Guiltie of this abuse.

Enter SPURIO with his villaines.

Spu.

Y'are villaines, Fablers,

You haue knaues chins, and harlots tongues, you lie,

And I will dam you with one meale a day.

1.Ser.

O good my Lord!

Spu.

Sbloud you shall neuer sup.

2.Ser.

O I bessech you sir.

Spu.

To let my sword — Catch cold so long and misse him.

1.Ser.

Troth my Lord — Twas his intent to meete there.

Spu.

Heart hee's yonder!

Ha! what newes here! is the day out ath-socket,

[E1v]

That it is Noone at Mid-night? the Court vp?

How comes the Guard so sawcie with his elbowes?

Luss.

The Bastard here?

Nay then the truth of my intent shall out.

My Lord and Father heare me.

Duke.

Beare him hence.

Luss.

I can with loyaltie excuse.

Duke.

Excuse? to prison with the Villaine,

Death shall not long lag after him.

Spu.

Good ifaith, then'tis not much amisse.

Luss.

Brothers, my best release lies on your tongues,

I pray perswade for mee.

Ambi.

It is our duties: make your selfe sure of vs.

Sup.

Weele sweat in pleading.

Luss.

And I may liue to thanke you.

Exeunt.

Ambi.

No, thy death shall thanke me better.

Spu.

Hee's gon: Ile after him,

And know his trespasse, seeme to beare a part

In all his ills, but with a Puritane heart.

Exit.

Amb.

Now brother, let our hate and loue be wouen

So subtilly together, that in speaking one word for his life,

We may make three for his death,

The craftiest pleader gets most gold for breath.

Sup.

Set on, Ile not be farre behinde you brother.

Duke.

Ist possible a sonne should bee disobedient as farre as the

sword: it is the highest, he can goe no farther.

Ambi.

My gratious Lord, take pitty, —

Duke.

Pitty boyes!

Ambi.

Nay weed be loth to mooue your Grace too much,

Wee know the trespasse is vnpardonable,

Black, wicked, and vnnaturall.

Sup.

In a sonne, oh Monstrous.

Ambi.

Yet my Lord,

A Dukes soft hand stroakes the rough head of law,

And makes it lye smooth.

Duk.

But my hand shall nere doot.

Amb.

That as you please my Lord.

Super.

Wee must needs confesse,

Some father would haue enterd into hate,

So deadly pointed, that before his eyes,

Hee would ha seene the execution sound,

[E2r]

Without corrupted fauour.

Ambi.

But my Lord,

Your Grace may liue the wonder of all times,

In pardning that offence which neuer yet

Had face to beg a pardon.

Duke.

Hunny, how's this?

Ambi.

Forgiue him good my Lord, hee's your owne sonne,

And I must needs say 'twas the vildlier done.

Superv.

Hee's the next heire — yet this true reason gathers,

None can possesse that dispossesse their fathers:

Be mercifull; —

Duke.

Here's no Step-mothers-wit,

Ile trie 'em both vpon their loue and hate.

Amb.

Be mercifull — altho —

Duke.

You haue preuaild,

My wrath like flaming waxe hath spent it selfe,

I know 'twas but some peeuish Moone in him: goe, let him bee releasd.

Superv.

Sfoote how now Brother?

Amb.

Your Grace doth please to speake beside your spleene,

I would it were so happy.

Duke.

Why goe, release him.

Superv.

O my good Lord, I know the fault's too weighty,

And full of generall loathing; too inhumaine,

Rather by all mens voyces worthy death.

Duke.

Tis true too; here then, receiue this signet, doome shall passe,

Direct it to the Iudges, he shall dye

Ere many dayes, make hast.

Ambi.

All speed that may be,

We could haue wisht his burthen not so sore,

We knew your Grace did but delay before.

Exeunt.

Duke.

Here's Enuie with a poore thin couer or't,

Like Scarlet hid in lawne, easily spide through.

This their ambition by the Mothers side,

Is dangerous, and for saftie must be purgd;

I will preuent their enuies: sure it was

But some mistaken furie in our sonne,

Which these aspiring boyes would climbe vpon:

He shall bee releasde suddainly.

Enter Nobles.

1.Nob.

Good morning to your Grace.

Duke.

Welcome my Lords.

2.Nob.

Our knees shall take away the office of our feete for euer,

[E2v]

Vnlesse your Grace bestow a fathers eye,

Vpon the Clouded fortunes of your sonne,

And in compassionate vertue grant him that,

Which makes e'en meane men happy; liberty.

Duk.

How seriously their loues and honors woo

For that, which I am about to pray them doo —

Which, rise my Lords, your knees signe his release,

We freely pardon him.

1.Nob.

We owe your Grace much thankes, and he much duety.

Duk.

It well becomes that Iudge to nod at crimes,

Exeunt.

That dos commit greater himselfe and liues:

I may forgiue a disobedient error,

That expect pardon for adultery

And in my old daies am a youth in lust:

Many a beauty haue I turnd to poyson

In the deniall, couetous of all,

Age hot, is like a Monster to be seene:

My haires are white, and yet my sinnes are Greene.

Act 3

Scene 3.1

Enter AMBITIOSO, and SUPERUACUO.

Sup.

Brother, let my opinion sway you once,

I speake it for the best, to haue him die

Surest and soonest; if the signet come

Vnto the iudges hands, why then his doome

Will be deferd till sittings and Court-daies:

Iuries and further, — Fayths are bought and sold,

Oths in these daies are but the skin of gold.

Amb.

In troth tis true too!

Super.

Then lets set by the Iudges

And fall to the Officers; tis but mistaking

The Duke our fathers meaning, and where he nam'd,

Ere many daies, tis but forgetting that

And, haue him die i'th morning.

Amb.

Excellent,

Then am I heire — Duke in a minute.

Super.

Nay,

And he were once pufft out, here is a pinne

[E3r]

Should quickly prick your bladder.

Amb.

Blest occasion,

He being packt, weele haue some trick and wile,

To winde our yonger brother out of prison,

That lies in for the Rape; the Ladies dead,

And peoples thoughts will soone be buried.

Super.

We may with safty do't, and liue and feede;

The Duchesse-sonnes are too proud to bleed.

Am. We are yfaith to say true, — come let's not linger.

Ile to the Officers, go you before,

And set an edge vpon the Executioner.

Sup.

Let me alone to grind him.

Exit.

Amb.

Meete; farewell.

I am next now, I rise iust in that place

Where thou'rt cut of-vpon thy Neck kind brother.

The falling of one head, lifts vp another.

Exit

Scene 3.2

Enter with the Nobles, LUSSURIOSO from pryson

Luss.

My Lords, I am so much indebted to your loues,

For this, O this deliuery.

I. Nob.

But our dueties, my Lord, vnto the hopes that growe in you.

Luss.

If ere I liue to be my selfe ile thanke you.

O liberty thou sweete and heauenly Dame;

But hell for pryson is too milde a name.

Exeunt.

Scene 3.3

Enter AMBITIOSO, and SUPERUACUO, with Officers

Am.

Officers, heres the Dukes signet, your firme warrant,

Brings the command of present death along with it

Vnto our brother, the Dukes sonne; we are sorry

That we are so vnnaturally employde

In such an vnkinde Office, fitter farre

For enemies then brothers.

Super.

But you know,

The Dukes command must be obayde.

1. Offi.

It must and shal my Lord-this morning then,

So suddainely?

Am. I alasse poore-good-soule,

Hee must breake fast betimes, the executioner

Stands ready to put forth his cowardly valour.

2. Offi.

Already?

[E3v]

Sup.

Already ifaith, O sir, destruction hies,

And that is least Impudent, soonest dyes.

1. Offi.

Troth you say true my Lord; we take our leaues,

Our Office shall be sound, weele not delay

The third part of a minute.

Amb.

Therein you showe

Your selues good men, and vpright officers.

Pray let him die as priuat as he may,

Doe him that fauour, for the gaping people

Will but trouble him at his prayers,

And make him curse, and sweare, and so die black.

Will you be so far Kind?

1. Off.

It shall be done my Lord.

Amb.

Why we do thanke you, if we liue to be,

You shall haue a better office.

2. Off.

Your good Lord-shippe.

Sup.

Commend vs to the scaffold in our teares.

1. Off.

Weele weepe and doe your commendations.

Exeunt.

Amb.

Fine fooles in office!

Sup.

Things fall out so fit.

Amb.

So happily, come brother ere next clock,

His head will be made serue a bigger block.

Exeunt.

Scene 3.4

Enter in prison IUNIOR Brother. Iuni. Keeper.

Keep.

My Lord.

Iuni.

No newes lately from our brothers?

Are they vnmindfull of vs?

Keep.

My Lord a messenger came newly in and brought this from 'em.

Iuni.

Nothing but paper comforts?

I look'd for my deliuery before this,

Had they beene worth their oths — prethee be from vs.

Now what say you forsooth, speake out I pray,

Letter.

Brother be of good cheere,

Slud it begins like a whore with good cheere,

Thou shalt not be long a prisoner.

Not fiue and thirty yeare like a banqrout, I think so,

We haue thought vpon a deuice to get thee out by a tricke!

By a tricke, pox a your tricke and it be so long a playing.

And so rest comforted, be merry and expect it suddaynely!

Be merry, hang merry, draw and quarter merry, Ile be mad!

[E4r]

Ist not strange that a man should lie in a whole month for a woman? well, wee shall see how suddaine our brothers will bee in their promise. I must expect still a trick! I shall not bee long a prisoner! how now, what newes?

Keeper.

Bad newes my Lord I am discharg'd of you.

Iunio.

Slaue calst thou that bad newes? I thanke you brothers.

Keep.

My Lord twill proue so; here come the Officers,

Into whose hands I must commit you.

Iunio.

Ha, Officers, what, why?

1. Offi.

You must pardon vs my Lord,

Our Office must be sound, here is our warrant —

The signet from the Duke; you must straight suffer.

Iunior.

Suffer? ile suffer you to be gon, ile suffer you

To come no more, what would you haue me suffer?

2. Offi.

My Lord those words were better chang'd to praiers,

The times but breife with you, prepare to die.

Iunior.

Sure tis not so.

3. Offi.

It is too true my Lord.

Iunior.

I tell you tis not, for the Duke my father

Deferd me till next sitting, and I looke

E'en euery minute, threescore times an houre,

For a release, a trick wrought by my brothers.

1. Offi.

A trick my Lord? if you expect such comfort,

Your hopes as fruitlesse as a barren woman:

Your brothers were the vnhappy messengers,

That brought this powerfull token for your death.

Iunior.

My brothers, no, no.

2. Offi.

Tis most true my Lord.

Iunior.

My brothers to bring a warrant for my death?

How strange this showes?

3. Offi.

There's no delaying time.

Iunior.

Desire e'm hether, call e'm vp, my brothers!

They shall deny it to your faces.

1. Offi.

My Lord,

They're far ynough by this, at least at Court,

And this most strickt command they left behind e'm,

When griefe swum in their eyes, they show'd like brothers,

Brim-full of heauy sorrow: but the Duke

Must haue his pleasure.

[E4v]

Iunio.

His pleasure?

1. Off.

These were their last words which my memory beares,

Commend vs to the Scaffold in our teares.

Iunior.

Pox drye their teares, what should I do with teares?

I hate em worse then any Cittizens sonne

Can hate salt water; here came a letter now,

New-bleeding from their Pens, scarce stinted yet,

Would Ide beene torne in peeces when I tore it,

Looke you officious whoresons words of comfort,

Not long a Prisoner.

1. Off.

It sayes true in that sir, for you must suffer presently.

Iunior.

A villanous Duns vpon the letter — knauish exposition,

Looke you then here sir: Weele get thee out by a trick sayes hee.

2. Off.

That may hold too sir, for you know a Trick is commonly

foure Cardes, which was meant by vs foure officers.

Iunior.

Worse and worse dealing.

1. Off.

The houre beckens vs,

The heads-man waites, lift vp your eyes to heauen.

Iunior.

I thanke you faith; good pritty-holsome counsell,

I should looke vp to heauen as you sedd,

Whilst he behinde me cozens me of my head,

I thats the Trick.

3. Off.

You delay too long my Lord.

Iunior.

Stay good Authorities Bastards, since I must

Through Brothers periurie dye, O let me venome

Their soules with curses.

1. Off.

Come tis no time to curse.

Iunior.

Must I bleed then, without respect of signe? well —

My fault was sweet sport, which the world approoues,

I dye for that which euery woman loues.

Exeunt

Scene 3.5

Enter VINDICI with HIPPOLITO his brother.

Vind.

O sweete, delectable, rare, happy, rauishing.

Hip.

Why what's the matter brother?

Vin.

O tis able to make a man spring vp, & knock his for-head

Against yon siluar seeling.

Hip.

Pre-thee tell mee,

Why may not I pertake with you? you vowde once

To giue me share to euery tragick thought.

Vind.

Byth' Masse I think I did too,

Then Ile diuide it to thee, — the old Duke

Thinking my outward shape, and inward heart

[F1r]

Are cut out of one peice; (for he that prates his secrets,

His heart stands ath out side) hires me by price:

To greete him with a Lady,

In some fit place vaylde from the eyes ath Court,

Some darkned blushlesse Angle, that is guilty

Of his fore-fathers lusts, and great-folkes riots,

To which I easily (to maintaine my shape)

Consented, and did wish his impudent grace

To meete her here in this vn-sunned lodge,

Where-in tis night at noone, and here the rather,

Because vnto the torturing of his soule,

The Bastard and the Duchesse haue appoynted

Their meeting too in this luxurious circle,

Which most afflicting sight will kill his eyes

Before we kill the rest of him.

Hip.

Twill yfaith, most dreadfully digested,

I see not how you could haue mist me brother.

Vind.

True, but the violence of my ioy forgot it.

Hip.

I, but where's that Lady now?

Vind.

Oh at that word,

I'me lost againe, you cannot finde me yet

I'me in a throng of happy Apprehensions.

Hee's suted for a Lady; I haue tooke care

For a delitious lip, a sparkling eye —

You shall be witnesse brother;

Be ready, stand with your hat off.

Exit.

Hip.

Troth I wonder what Lady it should be?

Yet tis no wonder, now I thinke againe,

To haue a Lady stoope to a Duke, that stoopes vnto his men.

Tis common to be common, through the world:

And there's more priuate common shadowing vices,

Then those who are knowne both by their names and prices.

Tis part of my alleagance to stand bare

To the Dukes Concubine, — and here she comes.

Enter VINDICE, with the skull of his loue drest up in Tires.

Vind.

Madame his grace will not be absent long.

Secret? nere doubt vs Madame; twill be worth

Three veluet gownes to your Ladyship — knowne?

[F1v]

Few Ladies respect that — disgrace? a poore thin shell,

Tis the best grace you haue to do it well.

Ile saue your hand that labour, ile vnmaske you.

Hip.

Why brother, brother.

Vind.

Art thou beguild now? tut, a Lady can,

At such all hid, beguile a wiser man.

Haue I not fitted the old surfetter

With a quaint peice of beauty? age and bare bone

Are ere allied in action; here's an eye,

Able to tempt a greatman — to serue God,

A prety hanging lip, that has forgot now to dissemble;

Me thinks this mouth should make a swearer tremble,

A drunckard claspe his teeth, and not vndo e'm,

To suffer wet damnation to run through e'm.

Heres a cheeke keepes her colour; let the winde go whistle,

Spo

ut Raine, we feare thee not, be hot or cold

Alls one with vs; and is not he absurd,

Whose fortunes are vpon their faces set,

That feare no other God but winde and wet?

Hip.

Brother y'aue spoke that right;

Is this the forme that liuing shone so bright?

Vind.

The very same,

And now me thinkes I cold e'en chide my selfe,

For doating on her beauty, tho her death

Shall be reuengd after no common action;

Do's the Silke-worme expend her yellow labours

For thee? for thee dos she vndoe herselfe?

Are Lord-ships sold to maintaine Lady-ships

For the poore benefit of a bewitching minute?

Why dos yon fellow falsify hie-waies

And put his life betweene the Iudges lippes,

To refine such a thing, keepes horse and men

To beate their valours for her?

Surely wee're all mad people, and they

Whome we thinke are, are not; we mistake those,

Tis we are mad in scence, they but in clothes.

Hip.

Faith and in clothes too we, giue vs our due.

Vind.

Dos euery proud and selfe-affecting Dame

[F2r]

Camphire her face for this? and grieue her Maker

In sinfull baths of milke, — when many an infant starues,

For her superfluous out-side, fall for this?

Who now bids twenty pound a night, prepares

Musick, perfumes, and sweete-meates? all are husht,

Thou maist lie chast now! it were fine me thinkes,

To haue thee seene at Reuells, forgetfull feasts,

And vncleane Brothells; sure twould fright the sinner

And make him a good coward, put a Reueller

Out off his Antick amble

And cloye an Epicure with empty dishes.

Here might a scornefull and ambitious woman

Looke through and through her selfe,-see Ladies, with false formes

You deceiue men, but cannot deceiue wormes.

Now to my tragick businesse, looke you brother,

I haue not fashiond this onely — for show

And vselesse property; no, it shall beare a part

E'en in it owne Reuenge. This very skull,

Whose Mistris the Duke poysoned, with this drug

The mortall curse of the earth, shall be reuengd

In the like straine, and kisse his lippes to death.

As much as the dumbe thing can, he shall feele:

What fayles in poyson, weele supply in steele.

Hip.

Brother I do applaud thy constant vengeance,

The quaintnesse of thy malice aboue thought.

Vind.

So tis layde on: now come and welcome Duke,

I haue her for thee, I protest it brother:

Me thinkes she makes almost as faire a sine

As some old gentlewoman in a Periwig.

Hide thy face now for shame, thou hadst neede haue a Maske now;

Tis vaine when beauty flowes, but when it fleetes

This would become graues better then the streetes.

Hip.

You haue my voice in that; harke, the Duke's come.

Vind.

Peace, let's obserue what company he brings,

And how he dos absent e'm, for you knowe

Heele wish all priuate, — brother fall you back a little

With the bony Lady.

Hip.

That I will.

Vind.

So, so, — now 9. years vengeance crowde into a minute!

[F2v]

Enter the DUKE, talking to his gentlemen.

Duk.

You shall haue leaue to leaue vs, with this charge,

Vpon you liues, if we be mist by'th Duchesse

Or any of the Nobles, to giue out,

We're priuately rid forth.

Vind.

Oh happinesse!

Duk.

With some few honorable gentlemen you may say,

You may name those that are away from Court.

Gentle. Your will and pleasure shall be done my Lord.

Exeunt the gentlemen.

Vind.

Priuatly rid forth,

He striues to make sure worke on't — your good grace?

Duk.

Piato, well done; hast brought her, what Lady ist?

Vind.

Faith my Lord a Country Lady, a little bashfull at first as most of them are, but after the first kisse my Lord the worst is past with them; your grace knowes now what you haue to doo; sha's some-what a graue looke with her — but —

Duk.

I loue that best, conduct her.

Vind.

Haue at all.

Duk.

In grauest lookes the Greatest faultes seeme lesse

Giue me that sin thats rob'd in Holines.

Vind.

Back with the Torch; brother raise the perfumes.

Duk.

How sweete can a Duke breath? age has no fault,

Pleasure should meete in a perfumed mist,

Lady sweetely encountred. I came from Court, I must bee bould

with you, oh, what's this, oh!

Vind.

Royall villaine, white diuill!

Duke.

Oh.

Vind.

Brother — place the Torch here, that his affrighted eyeballs

May start into those hollowes. Duke, dost knowe

Yon dreadfull vizard? view it well, tis the skull

Of Gloriana, whom thou poysonedst last.

Duk.

Oh, tas poysoned me.

Vind.

Didst not know that till now?

Duk.

What are you two?

Vind.

Villaines all three! — the very ragged bone

Has beene sufficiently reuengd.

Duk.

Oh, Hippolito? call treason.

Hip.

Yes my good Lord, treason, treason, treason.

stamping on him.

Duk.

Then I'me betrayde.

Vind.

Alasse poor Lecher in the hands of knaues,

A slauish Duke is baser then his slaues.

[F3r]

Duk.

My teeth are eaten out.

Vind.

Hadst any left?

Hip.

I thinke but few.

Vin.

Then those that did eate are eaten.

Duk.

O my tongue.

Vind.

Your tongue? twill teach you to kisse closer,

Not like a Flobbering Dutchman — you haue eyes still:

Looke monster, what a Lady hast thou made me,

My once bethrothed wife.

Duk.

Is it thou villaine? nay then —

Vind.

T'is I, 'tis Vindici, tis I.

Hip.

And let this comfort thee: our Lord and Father

Fell sick vpon the infection of thy frownes,

And dyed in sadnesse; be that thy hope of life.

Duke.

Oh!

Vind.

He had his toung, yet greefe made him die speechlesse.

Puh, tis but early yet, now ile begin

To stick thy soule with Vlcers, I will make

Thy spirit grieuous sore, it shall not rest,

But like some pestilent man tosse in thy brest — (marke me duke)

Thou'rt a renowned, high, and mighty Cuckold.

Duke.

Oh!

Vind.

Thy Bastard, thy bastard rides a hunting in thy browe.

Duke.

Millions of deaths.

Vind.

Nay to afflict thee more,

Here in this lodge they meete for damned clips,

Those eyes shall see the incest of their lips.

Duke.

Is there a hell besides this, villaines?

Vind.

Villaine?

Nay heauen is iust, scornes are the hires of scornes,

I nere knew yet Adulterer with-out hornes.

Hip.

Once ere they dye 'tis quitted.

Vind.

Harke the musicke,

Their banquet is preparde, they're comming —

Duke.

Oh, kill me not with that sight.

Vin.

Thou shalt not loose that sight for all thy Duke-doome.

Duke.

Traytors, murderers!

Vin.

What? is not thy tongue eaten out yet?

Then weele inuent a silence; brother stifle the Torch.

Duke.

Treason, murther!

Vind.

Nay faith, weele haue you husht now with thy dagger.

Naile downe his tongue, and mine shall keepe possession

About his heart, if hee but gaspe hee dyes,

[F3v]

Wee dread not death to quittance iniuries;-Brother,

If he but winck, not brooking the foule obiect,

Let our two other hands teare vp his lids,

And make his eyes like Comets shine through bloud;

When the bad bleedes, then is the Tragedie good.

Hip.

Whist, brother, musick's at our eare, they come.

Enter the Bastard meeting the Dutchesse.

Spu.

Had not that kisse a taste of sinne 'twere sweete.

Dutch.

Why there's no pleasure sweet but it is sinfull.

Spu.

True, such a bitter sweetnesse fate hath giuen;

Best side to vs, is the worst side to heauen.

Dutch.

Push, come: 'tis the old Duke thy doubtfull Father,

The thought of him rubs heauen in thy way,

But I protest by yonder waxen fire,

Forget him, or ile poyson him.

Spu.

Madam, you vrge a thought which nere had life.

So deadly doe I loath him for my birth,

That if hee tooke mee haspt within his bed,

I would adde murther to adultery,

And with my sword giue vp his yeares to death.

Dutch.

Why now thou'rt sociable, lets in and feast.

Lowdst Musick sound: pleasure is Banquets guest.

Exeunt.

Duk.

I cannot brooke —

Vind.

The Brooke is turnd to bloud.

Hip.

Thanks to lowd Musick.

Vind.

Twas our friend indeed,

'Tis state in Musicke for a Duke to bleed:

The Duke-dome wants a head, tho yet vnknowne,

As fast as they peepe vp, lets cut 'em downe.

Exeunt.

Scene 3.6

Enter the Dutchesse two sonnes, AMBITIOSO and SUPERVACUO.

Amb.

Was not this execution rarely plotted?

We are the Dukes sonnes now.

Super.

I you may thanke my policie for that.

Amb.

Your policie, for what?

Super.

Why wast not my inuention brother,

To slip the Iudges, and in lesser compasse,

Did not I draw the modell of his death,

Aduizing you to suddaine officers,

And een extemporall execution?

Amb.

Heart, twas a thing I thought on too.

[F4r]

Sup.

You thought ont too, sfoote slander not your thoughts

With glorious vntruth, I know twas from you.

Amb.

Sir I say, twas in my head.

Spu.

I, like your braines then,

Nere to come out as long as you liu'd.

Amb.

You'd haue the honor on't forsooth, that your wit

Lead him to the scaffold.

Super.

Since it is my due,

Ile publisht, but Ile ha't in spite of you.

Amb.

Me thinks y'are much too bould, you should a little

Remember vs brother, next to be honest Duke.

Sup.

I, it shall be as easie for you to be Duke,

As to be honest, and that's neuer ifaith.

Amb.

Well, cold he is by this time, and because

Wee're both ambitious, be it our amity,

And let the glory be sharde equally.

Sup.

I am content to that.

Amb.

This night our yonger brother shall out of prison;

I haue a trick.

Sup.

A trick, pre-thee what ist?

Amb.

Weele get him out by a wile.

Sup.

Pre-thee what wile?

Amb.

No sir, you shall not know it, till't be done,

For then you'd sweare twere yours.

Super.

How now, whats he?

Amb.

One of the officers.

Enter the Officer.

Super.

Desired newes.

Amb.

How now my friend?

Off. My Lords, vnder your pardon, I am allotted

To that desertlesse office, to present you

With the yet bleeding head.

Sup.

Ha, ha, excellent.

Amb.

All's sure our owne: Brother, canst weepe thinkst thou?

Twould grace our Flattery much; thinke of some Dame,

Twill teach thee to dissemble.

Sup.

I haue thought, — Now for your selfe.

Amb.

Our sorrowes are so fluent,

Our eyes ore-flow our toungs; words spoake in teares

Are like the murmures of the waters, the sound

Is lowdly heard, but cannot be distinguisht.

Sup.

How dyed he pray?

Off. O full of rage and spleene.

Super.

He dyed most valiantly then, we're glad to heare it.

Off. We could not woe him once to pray.

Amb.

He showd himselfe a Gentleman in that: giue him his due.

[F4v]

Off. But in the steed of prayer, he drew forth oaths.

Super.

Then did hee pray deere heart,

Although you vnderstood him not.

Offi. My Lords,

E'en at his last, with pardon bee it spoake,

Hee curst you both.

Sup.

Hee curst vs? lasse good soule.

Amb.

It was not in our powers, but the Dukes pleasure —

Finely dissembled a both-sides, sweete fate,

O happy opportunitie.

Enter LUSSURIOSO.

Luss.

Now my Lords.

Both. Oh! —

Luss.

Why doe you shunne mee Brothers?

You may come neerer now;

The sauor of the prison has for-sooke mee,

I thanke such kinde Lords as your selues, Ime free.

Amb.

Aliue!

Super.

In health!

Amb.

Releasd?

We were both ee'n amazd with ioy to see it.

Luss.

I am much to thanke you.

Sup.

Faith we spar'd no toung, vnto my Lord the Duke.

Amb.

I know your deliuery brother

Had not beene halfe so sudden but for vs.

Sup.

O how we pleaded.

Luss.

Most deseruing brothers,

In my best studies I will thinke of it.

Exit LUSS.

Amb.

O death and vengeance.

Sup.

Hell and torments.

Amb.

Slaue camst thou to delude vs?

Off. Delude you my Lords?

Super.

I villaine, where's this head now?

Off. Why heere my Lord,

Iust after his deliuery, you both came

With warrant from the Duke to be-head your brother.

Amb.

I, our brother, the Dukes sonne.

Off. The Dukes sonne my Lord, had his release before you came.

Amb.

Whose head's that then?

Off. His whom you left command for, your owne brothers.

Amb.

Our brothers? oh furies —

Sup.

Plagues.

Amb.

Confusions.

Sup.

Darkenesse.

Amb.

Diuils.

Sup.

Fell it out so accursedly?

Amb.

So damnedly.

[G1r]

Sup.

Villaine Ile braine thee with it.

Off. O my good Lord!

Sup.

The Diuill ouer-take thee.

Amb.

O fatall.

Sup.

O prodigious to our blouds.

Amb.

Did we dissemble?

Sup.

Did we make our teares woemen for thee?

Amb.

Laugh and reioyce for thee.

Sup.

Bring warrant for thy death.

Amb.

Mock off thy head.

Super.

You had a trick, you had a wile forsooth.

Amb.

A murren meete'em, there's none of these wiles that euer come to good: I see now, there is nothing sure in mortalitie, but mortalitie; well, no more words, shalt be reuengd ifaith.

Come, throw off clouds now brother, thinke of vengeance,

And deeper setled hate; sirrah sit fast,

Weele pull downe all, but thou shalt downe at last.

Exeunt.

Act 4

Scene 4.1

Enter LUSSURIOSO with HIPPOLITO.

Luss.

Hippolito.

Hip.

My Lord:

Has your good Lordship ought to command me in?

Luss.

I pre-thee leaue vs.

Hip.

How's this? come and leaue vs?

Luss.

Hippolito.

Hip.

Your honor — I stand ready for any dutious emploiment.

Luss.

Heart, what makst thou here?

Hip.

A pritty Lordly humor:

He bids me to bee present, to depart; some-thing has stung his honor.

Luss.

Bee neerer, draw neerer:

Ye'are not so good me thinkes, Ime angry with you.

Hip.

With me my Lord? Ime angry with my selfe fort.

Luss.

You did preferre a goodly fellow to me.

Twas wittily elected, twas; I thought

Had beene a villaine, and he prooues a Knaue;

To mee a Knaue.

Hip.

I chose him for the best my Lord.

Tis much my sorrow, if neglect in him, breed discontent in you.

Luss.

Neglect, twas will: Iudge of it,

Firmely to tell of an incredible Act,

Not to be thought, lesse to be spoken of,

Twixt my Step-mother and the Bastard, oh,

Incestuous sweetes betweene'em.

[G1v]

Hip.

Fye my Lord.

Lus.

I in kinde loyaltie to my fathers fore-head,

Made this a desperate arme, and in that furie,

Committed treason on the lawfull bed,

And with my sword een rac'd my fathers bosome,

For which I was within a stroake of death.

Hip.

Alack,Ime sorry; sfoote iust vpon the stroake

Iars in my brother — twill be villanous Musick.

Enter VIND.

Vind.

My honored Lord.

Luss.

Away pre-thee forsake vs, heereafter weele not know thee.

Vind.

Not know me my Lord? your Lordship cannot choose.

Lus.

Begon I say, thou art a false knaue.

Vind.

Why the easier to be knowne, my Lord.

Lus.

Push, I shall prooue too bitter with a word,

Make thee a perpetuall prisoner,

And laye this yron-age vpon thee.

Vind.

Mum, for theres a doome would make a woman dum.

Missing the bastard next him, the winde's come about,

Now tis my brothers turne to stay, mine to goe out.

Exit VIN.

Lus.

Has greatly moou'd me.

Hip.

Much to blame ifaith.

Lus.

But ile recouer, to his ruine: twas told me lately,

I know not whether falslie, that you'd a brother.

Hip.

Who I? yes my good Lord, I haue a brother.

Lus.

How chance the Court neere saw him? of what nature?

How does he apply his houres?

Hip.

Faith to curse Fates,

Who, as he thinkes, ordaind him to be poore;

Keepes at home full of want and discontent.

Lus.

There's hope in him, for discontent and want

Is the best clay to mould a villaine off;

Hippolito, wish him repaire to vs,

If there be ought in him to please our bloud,

For thy sake weele aduance him, and builde faire

His meanest fortunes: for it is in vs

To reare vp Towers from cottages.

Hip.

It is so my Lord, he will attend your honour,

But hees a man, in whom much melancholy dwels.

[G2r]

Lus.

Why the better: bring him to Court.

Hip.

With willingnesse and speed.

Whom he cast off een now, must now succeed;

Brother disguise must off,

In thine owne shape now, ile prefer thee to him:

How strangely does himselfe worke to vndo him.

Exit.

Luss.

This fellow will come fitly, he shall kill

That other slaue, that did abuse my spleene,

And made it swell to Treason; I haue put

Much of my heart into him, hee must dye.

He that knowes great mens secrets, and proues slight,

That man nere liues to see his Beard turne white:

I he shall speede him: Ile employ the brother;

Slaues are but Nayles, to driue out one another.

Hee being of black condition, sutable

To want and ill content, hope of preferment

Will grinde him to an Edge —

The Nobles enter.

Good dayes vnto your honour.

Luss.

My kinde Lords, I do returne the like.

Sawe you my Lord the Duke?

Luss.

My Lord and Father, is he from Court?

Hees sure from Court,

But where, which way, his pleasure tooke we know not,

Nor can wee heare ont.

Luss.

Here come those should tell,

Sawe you my Lord and Father?

Not since two houres before noone my Lord,

And then he priuately ridde forth.

Lus.

Oh hees rod forth?

Twas wondrous priuately.

Theres none ith Court had any knowledge ont.

Lus.

His Grace is old, and sudden, tis no treason

To say, the Duke my Father has a humor,

Or such a Toye about him; what in vs

Would appeare light, in him seemes vertuous.

Tis Oracle my Lord.

Exeunt.

Scene 4.2

Enter VINDICE and HIPPOLITO, VIND. out of his disguise.

Hip.

So, so, all's as it should be, y'are your selfe.

Vind.

How that great-villaine puts me to my shifts.

[G2v]

Hip.

Hee that did lately in disguize reiect thee,

Shall now thou art thy selfe, as much respect thee.

Vind.

Twill be the quainter fallacie; but brother,

Sfoote what vse will hee put me to now thinkst thou?

Hip.

Nay you must pardon me in that, I know not:

H'as some employment for you: but what tis

Hee and his Secretary the Diuell knowes best.

Vind.

Well I must suite my toung to his desires,

What colour so ere they be; hoping at last

To pile vp all my wishes on his brest.

Hip.

Faith Brother he himselfe showes the way.

Vind.

Now the Duke is dead, the realme is clad in claye:

His death being not yet knowne, vnder his name

The people still are gouernd; well, thou his sonne

Art not long liu'd, thou shalt not ioy his death:

To kill thee then, I should most honour thee;

For twould stand firme in euery mans beliefe,

Thou'st a kinde child, and onely dyedst with griefe.

Hip.

You fetch about well, but lets talke in present,

How will you appeare in fashion different,

As well as in apparrell, to make all things possible?

If you be but once tript, wee fall for euer.

It is not the least pollicie to bee doubtfull;

You must change tongue : — familiar was your first.

Vind.

Why Ile beare me in some straine of melancholie,

And string myselfe with heauy-sounding Wyre,

Like such an Instrument, that speakes merry things sadly.

Hip.

Then tis as I meant,

I gaue you out at first in discontent.

Vind.

Ile turne my selfe, and then —

Hip.

Sfoote here he comes: hast thought vppont?

Vind.

Salute him, feare not me.

Luss.

Hippolito.

Hip.

Your Lordship.

Luss.

What's he yonder?

Hip.

Tis Vindici, my discontented Brother,

Whom, cording to your will I'aue brought to Court.

Luss.

Is that thy brother? beshrew me, a good presence,

I wonder h'as beene from the Court so long.

Come neerer.

[G3r]

Hip.

Brother, Lord Lussurioso the Duke sonne.

Snatches of his hat and makes legs to him.

Luss.

Be more neere to vs, welcome, neerer yet.

Vind.

How don you? god you god den.

Luss.

We thanke thee.

How strangly such a course-homely salute,

Showes in the Pallace, where we greete in fire

Nimble and desperate tongues; should we name

God in a salutation, twould neere be stood on't, — heauen!

Tell me, what has made thee so melancholy?

Vind.

Why, going to Law.

Luss.

Why will that make a man mellancholy?

Vind.

Yes, to looke long vpon inck and black buckrom —

I went mee to law in Anno Quadragesimo secundo, and I waded out of

it, in Anno sextagesimo tertio.

Luss.

What, three and twenty years in law?

Vind.

I haue knowne those that haue beene fiue and fifty, and

all about Pullin and Pigges.

Luss.

May it bee possible such men should breath,

To vex the Tearmes so much?

Vin.

Tis foode to some my Lord. There are olde men at the

present, that are so poysoned with the affectation of law-words,

(hauing had many suites canuast), that their common talke is

nothing but Barbery lattin: they cannot so much as pray, but in

law, that their sinnes may be remou'd, with a writ of Error, and

their soules fetcht vp to heauen, with a sasarara.

Luss.

It seemes most strange to me,

Yet all the world meetes round in the same bent:

Where the hearts set, there goes the tongues consent.

How dost apply thy studies fellow?

Vind.

Study? why to thinke how a great rich man lies a dying, and a poore Cobler toales the bell for him; how he cannot depart the world, and see the great chest stand before him, when hee lies speechlesse, how hee will point you readily to all the boxes, and when hee is past all memory, as the gosseps gesse, then thinkes hee of forffetures and obligations, nay when to all mens hearings he whurles and rotles in the throate hee's bussie threatning his poore Tennants; and this would last me now some seauen yeares thinking some seauen yeares thinking or there abouts? but, I haue a [G3v] conceit a comming in picture vpon this, I drawe it my selfe, which ifaith la Ile present to your honor, you shall not chose but like it for your Lordship shall giue me nothing for it.

Luss.

Nay you misstake me then,

For I am publisht bountifull inough,

Lets tast of your conceit.

Vin.

In picture my Lord.

Luss.

I, in picture.

Vin.

Marry this it is — A usuring Father to be boyling in hell,

and his sonne and Heire with a Whore dancing over him.

Hip.

Has par'd him to the quicke.

Lus.

The conceit's pritty ifaith,

But tak't vpon my life twill nere be likt.

Vind.

No, why Ime sure the whore will be likt well enough.

Hip.

I if she were out ath picture heede like her then himselfe.

Vin.

And as for the sonne and heire, he shall be an eyesore to

no young Reuellers, for hee shall bee drawne in cloth of gold breeches.

Luss.

And thou hast put my meaning in the pockets,

And canst not draw that out; my thought was this,

To see the picture of a vsuring father

Boyling in hell, our richmen would nere like it.

Vin.

O true cry you heartly mercy. I know the reason, for

some of'em had rather be dambd indeed, then dambd in colours.

Lus.

A parlous melancholy, has wit enough

To murder any man, and Ile giue him meanes.

I thinke thou art ill monied.

Vin.

Money, ho, ho,

Tas beene my want so long, tis now my scoffe.

Iue ene forgot what colour siluers off.

Lus.

It hits as I could wish.

Vin.

I get good cloths

Of those that dread my humour, and for table-roome,

I feed on those that cannot be rid of me.

Lus.

Somewhat to set thee vp withall.

Vin.

O mine eyes.

Lus.

How now man?

Vin.

Almost strucke blind.

This bright vnusuall shine, to me seemes proud,

I dare not looke till the sunne be in a cloud.

Lus.

I thinke I shall afecte his melancholy;

[G4r]

How are they now?

Vin.

The better for your asking.

Lus.

You shall be better yet if you but fasten

Truly on my intent; now yare both present

I will vnbrace such a closse priuate villyne,

Vnto your vengfull swords, the like nere heard of,

Who hath disgrac'd you much and inlur'd vs.

Hip.

Disgraced vs my Lord?

Lus.

I Hippolito.

I kept it here till now that both your angers

Might meete him at once.

Vin.

Ime couetuous

To know the villayne.

Lus.

You know him — that slaue Pandar,

Piato whome we threatened last

With irons perpetuall prisonment.

Vin.

All this is I.

Hip.

Ist he my Lord?

Lus.

Ile tell you, you first preferd him to me.

Vin.

Did you brother?

Hip.

I did indeed.

Lus.

And the ingreatfull villayne,

To quit that kindnes, strongly wrought with me,

Being as you see a likely man for pleasure,

With iewels to corrupt your virgin sister.

Hip.

Oh villaine.

Vin.

He shall surely die that did it.

Lus.

I far from thinking any Virgin harme,

Especially knowing her to be as chast

As that part which scarce suffers to be toucht,

Th'eye, would not endure him.

Vin.

Would you not my Lord?

Twas wondrous honorably donne.

Lus.

But with some fine frownes kept him out.

Vin.

Out slaue.

Lus.

What did me he but in reuenge of that,

Went of his owne free will to make infirme

Your sisters honor, whome I honor with my soule

For chast respect, and not preuayling there,

(As twas but desperate folly to attempt it,)

In meere spleene, by the way, way laies your mother,

Whose honor being a coward as it seemes,

[G4v]

Yeelded by little force.

Vind.

Coward indeed.

Luss.

He proud of their aduantage, (as he thought)

Brought me these newes for happy, but I, heauen forgiue mee for't —

Vind.

What did your honour?

Luss.

In rage pusht him from mee,

Trampled beneath his throate, spurnd him, and bruizd:

Indeed I was too cruell to say troth.

Hip.

Most Nobly managde.

Vind.

Has not heauen an eare? Is all the lightning wasted?

Luss.

If I now were so impatient in a modest cause,

What should you be?

Vind.

Full mad, he shall not liue

To see the Moone change.

Luss.

He's about the Pallace,

Hippolito intice him this way, that thy brother

May take full marke of him.

Hip.

Heart — that shall not neede my Lord,

I can direct him so far.

Luss.

Yet for my hates sake,

Go, winde him this way; ile see him bleede my selfe.

Hip.

What now brother?

Vind.

Nay e'en what you will — y'are put to't brother.

Hip.

An impossible taske, Ile sweare,

To bring him hither, thats already here.

Exit Hippo

Luss.

Thy name, I haue forgot it?

Vin.

Vindice my Lord.

Luss.

Tis a good name that.

Vind.

I, a Reuenger.

Luss.

It dos betoken courage, thou shouldst be valiant,

And kill thine enemies.

Vind.

Thats my hope my Lord.

Luss.

This slaue is one.

Vind.

Ile doome him.

Luss.

Then ile praise thee.

Do thou obserue me best, and Ile best raise thee.

Enter HIP.

Vind.

Indeed, I thanke you.

Luss.

Now Hippolito, where's the slaue Pandar?

Hip.

Your good Lordship

Would haue a loathsome sight of him, much offensiue.

Hee's not in case now to be seene my Lord,

The worst of all the deadly sinnes is in him:

That beggerly damnation, drunkennesse.

[H1r]

Luss.

Then he's a double-seaue.

Vind.

Twas well conuaide, vpon a suddaine wit.

Luss.

What, are you both

Firmely resolud? ile see him dead my selfe.

Vind.

Or else, let not vs liue.

Luss.

You may direct your brother to take note of him.

Hip.

I shall.

Luss.

Rise but in this, and you shall neuer fall.

Vind.

Your honours Vassayles.

Luss.

This was wisely carried,

Deepe policie in vs, makes fooles of such:

Then must a slaue die, when he knowes too much.

Exit LUSS.

Vind.

O thou almighty patience, tis my wonder,

That such a fellow, impudent and wicked,

Should not be clouen as he stood:

Or with a secret winde burst open!

Is there no thunder left, or ist kept vp

In stock for heauier vengeance? there it goes!

Hip.

Brother we loose our selues.

Vind.

But I haue found it.

Twill hold, tis sure, thankes, thankes to any spirit,

That mingled it mongst my inuentions.

Hip.

What ist?

Vind.

Tis sound, and good, thou shalt pertake it,

I'me hir'd to kill my selfe.

Hip.

True.

Vind.

Pree-thee marke it,

And the old Duke being dead, but not conuaide,

For he's already mist too, and you know

Murder will peepe out of the closest huske.

Hip.

Most true.

Vind.

What say you then to this deuice,

If we drest vp the body of the Duke?

Hip.

In that disguise of yours.

Vind.

Y'are quick, y'aue reacht it.

Hip.

I like it wonderously.

Vind.

And being in drinck, as you haue publisht him,

To leane him on his elbowe, as if sleepe had caught him:

Which claimes most interest in such sluggy men.

Hip.

Good yet, but here's a doubt,

[H1v]

We, thought by'th Dukes sonne to kill pandar,

Shall when he is knowne be thought to kill the Duke.

Vind.

Neither, O thankes, it is substantiall.

For that disguize being on him, which I wore,

It will be thought I, which he calls the pandar, did kil the Duke,

& fled away in his apparell, leauing him so disguiz'd, to auoide

swift pursuite.

Hip.

Firmer, and firmer.

Vind.

Nay doubt not tis in graine, I warrant it hold collour.

Hip.

Lets about it.

Vind.

But by the way too, now I thinke on't, brother,

Lets coniure that base diuill out of our Mother.

Exeunt

Scene 4.3

Enter the Dutches arme in arme with the Bastard: he seemeth lasciuiously to her, after them, Enter SUPERUACUO, running with a rapier, his Brother stops him.

Spur

i. Madam, vnlock your selfe, should it be seene,

Your arme would be suspected.

Duch.

Who ist that dares suspect, or this, or these?

May not we deale our fauours where we please?

Spu.

I'me confident, you may.

Amb.

Sfoot brother hold.

Sup.

Woult let the Bastard shame vs?

Amb.

Hold, hold, brother; there's fitter time then now.

Sup.

Now when I see it.

Amb.

Tis too much seene already.

Sup.

Seene and knowne,

The Nobler she's, the baser is shee growne.

Amb.

If she were bent lasciuiously, the fault

Of mighty women, that sleepe soft, — O death,

Much she needes chuse such an vnequall sinner

To make all worse?

Sup.

A Bastard, the Dukes Bastard, Ahame heapt on shame.

Amb.

O our disgrace.

Most women haue small waste the world through-out,

But there desires are thousand miles about.

Sup.

Come stay not here, lets after, and preuent,

Or els theile sinne faster then weele repent.

Scene 4.4

Enter VINDICE and HIPPOLITO, bringing out there Mother one by one shoulder, and the other by the other, with daggers in their hands.

[H2r]

Vind.

O thou? for whom no name is bad ynough.

Moth.

What means my sonnes? what will you murder me?

Vind.

Wicked, vnnaturall parent.

Hip.

Feend of women.

Moth.

Oh! are sonnes turnd monsters? helpe.

Vind.

In vaine.

Moth.

Are you so barbarous to set Iron nipples

Vpon the brest that gaue you suck?

Vind.

That brest,

Is turned to Quarled poyson.

Moth.

Cut not your daies for't, am not I your mother?

Vind.

Thou dost vsurpe that title now by fraud

For in that shell of mother breeds a bawde.

Moth.

A bawde? O name far loathsomer then hell.

Hip.

It should be so knewst thou thy Office well.

Moth.

I hate it.

Vind.

Ah ist possible, you heavenly powers on hie,

That women should dissemble when they die.

Mot.

Dissemble.

Vind.

Did not the Dukes sonne direct

A fellow, of the worlds condition, hither,

That did corrupt all that was good in thee:

Made the vnciuilly forget thy selfe,

And worke our sister to his lust?

Moth.

Who I?

That had beene monstrous. I defie that man

For any such intent: none liues so pure,

But shall be soild with slander, — good sonne beleiue it not.

Vind.

Oh I'me in doubt,

Whether I'me my selfe, or no.

Stay, let me looke agen vpon this face.

Who shall be sau'd when mothers haue no grace?

Hip.

Twould make one halfe dispaire.

Vind.

I was the man,

Defie me, now? lets see, do't modestly.

Moth.

O hell vnto my soule.

Vind.

In that disguize, I sent from the Dukes sonne,

Tryed you, you, and found you base mettell,

[H2v]

As any villaine might haue donne.

Mo.

O no, no tongue but yours could haue bewitcht me so.

Vind.

O nimble in damnation, quick in tune,

There is no diuill could strike fire so soone:

I am confuted in a word.

Mot.

Oh sonnes, forgiue me, to my selfe ile proue more true,

You that should honor me, I kneele to you.

Vind.

A mother to giue ayme to her owne daughter.

Hip.

True brother, how far beyond nature'tis,

Tho many Mothers do't.

Vind.

Nay and you draw teares once, go you to bed,

Wet will make yron blush and change to red:

Brother it raines, twill spoile your dagger, house it.

Hip.

Tis done.

Vin.

Yfaith tis a sweete shower, it dos much good.

The fruitfull grounds, and meadowes of her soule,

Has beene long dry: powre downe thou blessed dew;

Rise Mother, trith this shower has made you higher.

Mot.

O you heauens! take this infectious spot out of my soule,

Ile rence it in seauen waters of mine eyes.

Make my teares salt ynough to tast of grace.

To weepe, is to our sexe naturally giuen:

But to weepe truely thats a gift from heauen.

Vind.

Nay Ile kisse you now: kisse her brother.

Lets marry her to our soules, wherein's no lust,

And honorably loue her.

Hip.

Let it be.

Vind.

For honest women are so sild and rare,

Tis good to cherish those poore few that are.

Oh you of easie waxe, do but imagine

Now the disease has left you how leprously

That Office would haue cling'd vnto your forehead.

All mothers that had any gracefull hue,

Would haue worne maskes to hide their face at you:

It would haue growne to this, at your foule name

Greene-collour'd maides would haue turnd red with shame.

Hip.

And then our sister of hire, and bassenesse.

Vind.

There had beene boyling lead agen,

The dukes sonnes great Concubine:

A drab of State, a cloath a siluer slut,

[H3r]

To haue her traine borne vp, and her soule traile i'th durt; great.

Hip.

To be miserably great, rich to be eternally wretched.

Vind.

O common madnesse:

Aske but the thriuingst harlot in cold bloud,

Sheed giue the world to make her honour good,

Perhaps youle say but onely to th' Dukes sonne,

In priuate; why, shee first begins with one,

Who afterward to thousand prooues a whore:

"Breake Ice in one place, it will crack in more.

Mother.

Most certainly applyed.

Hip.

Oh Brother, you forget our businesse.

Vind.

And well remembred, ioye's subtill elfe,

I thinke man's happiest, when he forgets himselfe:

Farewell once dryed, now holy-watred meade,

Our hearts weare Feathers, that before wore Lead.

Mother.

Ile giue you this, that one I neuer knew

Plead better, for, and gainst the Diuill, then you.

Vind.

You make me proud ont.

Hip.

Commend vs in all vertue to our sister.

Vind.

I for the loue of heauen, to that true maide.

Mother.

With my best words.

Vind.

Why that was motherly sayd.

Exeunt.

Mother.

I wonder now what fury did transport me?

I feele good thoughts begin to settle in me.

Oh with what fore-head can I looke on her

Whose honor I'ue so impiouslie beset?

And here shee comes.

Cast.

Now mother,you haue wrought with me so strongly,

That what for my aduancement,as to calme

The trouble of your tongue: I am content.

Mother.

Content,to what?

Cast.

To do as you haue wisht me,

To prostitute my brest to the Dukes sonne:

And to put my selfe to common Vsury.

Mother.

I hope you will not so.

Cast.

Hope you I will not?

That's not the hope you looke to be saued in.

Mother.

Truth but it is.

[H3v]

Cast.

Do not decieue your self;

I am,as you een out of Marble wrought.

What would you now, are yee not pleasde yet with me?

You shall not wish me to be more lasciuious

Then I intend to be.

Mother.

Strike not me cold.

Cast.

How often haue you chargd me on your blessing

To be a cursed woman — when you knew

Your blessing had no force to make me lewd,

You laide your cursse vpon me,that did more,

The mothers curse is heauy, where that fights,

Sonnes set in storme,and daughters loose their lights,

Moth.

Good childe,deare maide,if there be any sparke

Of heauenly intellectuall fire within thee, oh let my breath

Reiue it to a flame:

Put not all out,with womans wilfull follyes.

I am recouerd of that foule disease

That haunts too many mothers, kinde forgiue me,

Make me not sick in health — if then

My words preuailde when they were wickednesse,

How much more now when they are just and good?

Cast.

I wonder what you meane; are not you she

For whose infect perswasions I could scarce

Kneele out my prayers, and had much adoo

In three houres reading, to vntwist so much

Of the black serpent, as you wound about me?

Moth.

Tis vnfruitfull, held tedious to repeate whats past;

Ime now your present Mother.

Cast.

Push, now 'tis too late.

Moth.

Bethinke agen, thou knowst not what thou sayst.

Cast.

No? deny aduancement, treasure, the Dukes sonne?

Moth.

O see, I spoke those words, and now they poyson me:

What will the deed do then?

Aduancement, true: as high as shame can pitch.

For Treasure; who ere knew a harlot rich?

Or could build by the purchase of her sinne,

An hospitall to keepe their bastards in? The Dukes sonne,

Oh when woemen are young Courtiers, they are sure to be old beggars,

To know the miseries most harlots taste,

Thoudst wish thy selfe vnboyrne,when thou art vnchast.

Cast.

O mother let me twine about your necke,

[H4r]

And kisse you till my soule melt on your lips,

I did but this to trie you.

Moth.

O speake truth.

Cast,

Indeed I did not,for no tong has force to alter me from honest,

If maydens would, mens words could haue no power.

A vergin honor is a christall Tower,

Which being weake is guarded with good spirits,

Vntill she basely yeelds no ill inherits.

Mot.

O happy child I faith and thy birth hath saued me,

Mongst thousands daughters happiest of all others,

Buy thou a glasse for maides, and I for mothers.

Exeunt.

Enter VINDICE and HIPPOLITO.

Vin.

So, so, he leanes well, take heede you wake him not brother.

Hip.

I warant you my life for yours.

Vin.

Thats a good lay, for I must kill my selfe.

Brother thats I: that sits for me: do you marke it,

And I must stand ready here to make away my selfe yonder — I must sit to bee kild, and stand to kill my selfe, I could varry it not so little as thrice ouer agen, tas some eight returnes like Michelmas Tearme.

Hip.

Thats enow a conscience.

Vind.

But sirrah dos the Dukes sonne come single?

Hip.

No there's the hell on't, his faith's too feeble to go alone; hee brings flesh-flies after him, that will buzze against supper time, and hum for his comming out.

Vind.

Ah the fly-flop of vengeance beate 'em to peeces; here was the sweetest occasion, the fittest houre, to haue made my reueng familiar with him, show him the body of the Duke his father, and how quaintly hee died like a Polititian in hugger-mugger, made no man acquainted with it, and in Catastrophe slaine him ouer his fathers brest, and oh I'me mad to loose such a sweete opportunity.

Hip.

Nay push, pree-thee be content ! there's no remedy present, may not hereafter times open in as faire faces as this?

Vind.

They may if they can paint so well.

Hip.

Come, now to auoide al suspition, lets forsake this roome, and be going to meete the Dukes sonne.

Vind.

Content, I'me for any wether; heart step closse, here hee comes.

Enter LUSS.

Hip.

My honord Lord?

Lus.

Oh me; you both present?

Vin.

E'en newly my Lord, iust as your Lordship enterd now; about this place we had notice giuen hee should bee, but in some loathsome plight or other.

[H4v]

Hip.

Came your honour priuate?

Luss.

Priuate inough for this: onely a few

Attend my comming out.

Hip.

Death rotte those few.

Luss.

Stay, yonder's the slaue.

Vind.

Masse there's the slaue indeed my Lord;

Tis a good child, he calls his Father slaue.

Luss.

I, thats the villaine, the dambd villaine: softly,

Tread easie.

Vin.

Puh, I warrant you my Lord, weele stifle in our breaths.

Luss.

That will do well:

Base roague, thou sleepest thy last; tis policie

To haue him killd in's sleepe, for if he wakt

Hee would betray all to them.

Vind.

But my Lord.

Luss.

Ha, what sayst?

Vind.

Shall we kill him now hees drunke?

Lus.

I best of all.

Vind.

Why then hee will nere liue to be sober?

Lus.

No matter, let him reele to hell.

Vind.

But being so full of liquor, I feare hee will put out all the fire.

Lus.

Thou art a mad beast.

Vin.

And leaue none to warme your Lordships Gols withall;

For he that dyes drunke, falls into hell fire like a Bucket a water,

qush, qush.

Lus.

Come be ready, nake your swords, thinke of your wrongs;

This slaue has iniur'd you.

Vind.

Troth so he has, and he has paide well fort.

Lus.

Meete with him now.

Vin.

Youle beare vs out my Lord?

Lus.

Puh, am I a Lord for nothing thinke you? quickly, now.

Vind.

Sa, sa, sa: thumpe, there he lyes.

Lus.

Nimbly done, ha? oh, villaines, murderers,

Tis the old Duke my father.

Vind.

That's a iest.

Lus.

What stiffe and colde already?

O pardon me to call you from your names:

Tis none of your deed, — that villaine Piato

Whom you thought now to kill, has murderd him,

And left him thus disguizd.

Hip.

And not vnlikely.

Vind.

O rascall was he not ashamde,

To put the Duke into a greasie doublet?

[I1r]

Luss.

He has beene cold and stiff who knowes, how long?

Vind.

Marry that do I.

Luss.

No words I pray, off any thing entended.

Vind.

Oh my Lord.

Hip.p.

I would faine haue your Lordship thinke that we haue

small reason to prate.

Lus.

Faith thou sayst true; ile forth-with send to Court,

For all the Nobles, Bastard, Duchesse, all,

How here by miracle wee found him dead,

And in his rayment that foule villaine fled.

Vind.

That will be the best way my Lord, to cleere vs all: lets

cast about to be cleere

Luss.

Ho, Nencio, Sordido, and the rest.

Enter all.

1. My Lord.

2. My Lord.

Lus.

Be wittnesses of a strange spectacle:

Choosing for priuate conference that sad roome

We found the Duke my father gealde in bloud.

1. My Lord the Duke — run hie thee Nencio,

Startle the Court by signifying so much.

Vind.

Thus much by wit a deepe Reuenger can:

When murders knowne, to be the cleerest man.

We're fordest off, and with as bould an eye,

Suruay his body as the standers by.

Luss.

My royall father, too basely let bloud,

By a maleuolent slaue.

Hip.

Harke? he calls thee slaue agen.

Vin.

Ha's lost, he may.

Lus.

Oh sight, looke hether, see, his lips are gnawn with poyson.

Vin.

How — his lips? by th' masse they bee.

Lus.

O villaine — O roague — O slaue — O rascall.

Hip.

O good deceite, he quits him with like tearmes.

Enter other Lords and the DUCHESS.

Where.

Which way.

Amb.

Ouer what roofe hangs this prodigious Comet,

In deadly fire?

Lus.

Behold, behold my Lords the Duke my fathers murderd

by a vassaile, that owes this habit, and here left disguisde.

Duch.

My Lord and husband.

Reuerend Maiesty.

I haue seene these cloths, often attending on him.

Vin.

That Nobleman has bin ith Country, for he dos not lie.

[I1v]

Sup.

Learne of our mother; lets dissemble to,

I am glad hee's vanisht; so I hope are you.

Amb.

I you may take my word fort.

Spur.

Old Dad, dead?

I, one of his cast sinnes will send the Fates

Mos

t hearty commendations by his owne sonne,

Ile tug the new streame, till strength be done.

Lus.

Where be those two, that did affirme to vs

My Lord the Duke was priuately rid forth?

O pardon vs my Lords, hee gaue that charge

Vpon our liues if he were mist at Court,

To answer so; hee rode not any where,

We left him priuate with that fellow here.

Vind.

Confirmde.

Lus.

O heauens, that false charge was his death.

Impudent Beggars, durst you to our face,

Maintaine such a false answer? beare him straight to execution.

My Lord?

Luss.

Vrge me no more.

In this excuse, may be cal'd halfe the murther.

Vind.

Yo'ue sentencde well.

Luss.

Away see it be done.

Vind.

Could you not stick? see what confession doth.

Who would not lie when men are hangd for truth?

Hip.

Brother how happy is our vengeance.

Vin.

Why it hits, past the apprehension of indifferent wits.

Luss.

My Lord let post horse be sent,

Into all places to intrap the villaine.

Vin.

Post-horse ha ha.

Nob.

My Lord, we're som-thing bould to know our duety.

You fathers accidentally departed,

The titles that were due to him, meete you.

Lus.

Meete me? I'me not at leisure my good Lord,

I'ue many greefes to dispatch out ath way:

Welcome sweete titles — talke to me my Lords,

Of sepulchers, and mighty Emperors bones,

Thats thought for me.

Vind.

So, one may see by this,

How forraine markets goe:

Courtiers haue feete ath nines, and tongues ath twellues,

[I2r]

They flatter Dukes and Dukes flatter them-selves.

Nob.

My Lord it is your shine must comfort vs.

Luss.

Alas I shine in tears like the Sunne in Aprill.

Nobl.

Your now my Lords grace.

Luss.

My Lords grace? I perceiue youle haue it so.

Nobl.

Tis but your owne.

Luss.

Then heauens giue me grace to be so.

Vind.

He praies wel for him-selfe.

Nobl.

Madame all sorrowes,

Must runne their circles into ioyes, no doubt but time

Wil make the murderer bring forth him-selfe.

Vind.

He were an Asse then yfaith.

Nob.

In the meane season,

Let vs bethinke the latest-funerall honors

Due to the Dukes cold bodie, — and withall,

Calling to memory our new happinesse,

Spreade in his royall sonne, — Lords Gentlemen,

Prepare for Reuells.

Vind.

Reuells.

Nobl.

Time hath seuerall falls.

Greefes lift vp ioyes, feastes put downe funeralls.

Lus.

Come then my Lords, my fauours to you all.

The Duchesse is suspected fowly bent,

Ile beginne Dukedome with her banishment.

Hip.

Reuells.

Exeunt DUKE, NOBLES and DUCHESSE.

Vind.

I, thats the word, we are firme yet,

Strike one straine more, and then we crowne our wit.

Exeu. Bro.

Spu.

Well, haue the fayrest marke,-(so sayd the Duke when he begot me,)

And if I misse his heart or neere about,

Then haue at any; a Bastard scornes to be out.

Amb.

Not'st thou that Spurio brother?

Sup.

Yes I note him to our shame.

Amb.

He shall not liue, his haire shall not grow much longer;

in this time of Reuells tricks may be set a foote; seest thou yon new Moone?

it shall out-liue the new Duke by much, this hand shall

dispossesse him, then we're mighty.

A maske is treasons licence, that build vpon;

Tis murders best face when a vizard's on.

Exit Super.

[I2v]

Sup.

Ist so?'tis very good,

And do you thinke to be Duke then, kinde brother?

Ile see faire play, drop one, and there lies tother.

Exit SUPER.

Enter VINDICE and HIPPOLITO, with PIERO and other Lords.

Vind.

My Lords; be all of Musick, strike old griefes into other countries

That flow in too much milke, and haue faint liuers,

Not daring to stab home their discontents:

Let our hid flames breake out, as fire, as lightning,

To blast this villanous Dukedome vext with sinne;

Winde vp your soules to their full height agen.

Piero.

How?

Which way?

Any way: our wrongs are such,

We cannot iustly be reuengde too much.

Vind.

You shall haue all enough: — Reuels are toward,

And those few Nobles that haue long suppressd you,

Are busied to the furnishing of a Maske:

And do affect to make a pleasant taile ont,

The Masking suites are fashioning, now comes in

That which must glad vs all — wee to take patterne

Of all those suites, the colour, trimming, fashion,

E'en to an vndistinguisht hayre almost:

Then entring first, obseruing the true forme,

Within a straine or two we shall finde leasure,

To steale our swords out handsomly,

And when they thinke their pleasure sweete and good,

In midst of all their ioyes, they shall sigh bloud.

Pie.

Weightily, effectually.

Before the tother Maskers come.

Vind.

We're gone, all done and past.

Pie.

But how for the Dukes guard?

Vind.

Let that alone,

By one and one their strengths shall be drunke downe.

Hip.

There are fiue hundred Gentlemen in the action,

That will apply them-selues, and not stand idle.

Pier.

Oh let vs hug your bosomes.

Vin.

Come my Lords,

Prepare for deeds, let other times haue words.

Exeunt.

Act 5

Scene 5.1

In a dum shew, the possessing of the young Duke with all his Nobles: Then sounding Musick. A furnisht Table is brought forth: then enters the Duke & his Nobles to the banquet. A blasing-star appeareth.

3. Nob.

His Grace frounes?

[I3r]

Noble.

Many harmonious houres, and choisest pleasures,

Fill vp the royall numbers of your yeares.

Lus.

My Lords we're pleasd to thanke you. — tho we know,

Tis but your duety now to wish it so.

3. Nob.

His Grace frounes?

Nob.

That shine makes vs all happy.

3. Nob.

His Grace frounes?

2. Nob.

Yet we must say he smiles.

1. Nob.

I thinke we must.

Lus.

That foule-Incontinent Duchesse we haue banisht;

The Bastard shall not liue: after these Reuells

Ile begin strange ones; hee and the stepsonnes,

Shall pay their liues for the first subsidies.

We must not frowne so soone, else t'ad beene now.

1. Nob.

My gratious Lord, please you prepare for pleasure,

The maske is not far off.

Lus.

We are for pleasure.

Beshrew thee, what art thou? madst me start?

Thou hast committed treason, — A blazing star.

1. Nob.

A blazing star, 0 where my Lord?

Lus.

Spy out.

2. Nob.

See, see, my Lords, a wondrous-dreadful one.

Lus.

I am not pleasd at that ill-knotted fire,

That bushing-flaring star, — am not I Duke

It should not quake me now: had it appeard

Before, it I might then haue iustly feard,

But yet they say, whom art and learning Weds,

When stars were locks, they threaten great-mens heads.

Is it so? you are read my Lords.

1. Nob.

May it please your Grace,

It showes great anger.

Lus.

That dos not please our Grace.

2. Nob.

Yet here's the comfort my Lord, many times

When it seemes most it threatnes fardest off.

Lus.

Faith and I thinke so too.

1. Nob.

Beside my Lord,

You'r gracefully establisht with the loues

Of all your subiects: and for naturall death,

I hope it will be threescore years a comming.

Lus.

True? no more but threescore years?

1. Nob.

Fourescore I hope my Lord.

2. Nob.

And fiuescore, I.

3. Nob.

But tis my hope my Lord, you shall nere die.

[I3v]

Lus.

Giue me thy hand, these others I rebuke.

He that hopes so, is fittest for a Duke:

Thou shalt sit next me; take your places Lords,

We're ready now for sports, let 'em set on.

You thing ?we shall forget you quite anon!

3. Nob.

I heare 'em comming my Lord.

Enter the Maske of Reuengers the two Brothers, and two Lords more.

Lus.

Ah tis well.

Brothers, and Bastard, you dance next in hell.

The Reuengers daunce. At the end, steale out their swords, and these foure kill the foure at the Table, in their Chaires. It thunders.

Vind.

Marke, Thunder?

Dost know thy kue, thou big-voyc'st cryer?

Dukes

groanes are thunders watch-words.

Hip.

So my Lords, You haue ynough.

Vind.

Come lets away, no lingring.

Exeunt.

Hip.

Follow, goe.

Vind.

No power is angry when the lust-ful die;

When thunder claps, heauen likes the tragedy.

Exit VIN.

Lus.

Oh, oh.

Enter the other Maske of entended murderers; Step-sons; Bastard; and a fourth man, comming in dauncing, the Duke recouers a little in voyce, and groanes,-calls a guard, treason.

At which they all start out of their measure, and turning towards the Table, they finde them all to be murdered.

Spur.

Whose groane was that?

Lus.

Treason, a guard.

Amb.

How now? all murderd!

Super.

Murderd!

And those his Nobles?

Amb.

Here's a labour sau'd,

I thought to haue sped him. Sbloud how came this?

Spur.

Then I proclaime my selfe, now I am Duke.

Amb.

Thou Duke! brother thou liest.

Spu.

Slaue so dost thou!

Stabs AMBITIOSO.

Base villayne hast thou slaine my Lord and Maister.

Stabs SPURIO.

Enter the first men.

Vind.

Pistolls, treason, murder, helpe, guard my Lord the Duke.

Hip.

Lay hold vpon this Traytor!

Lus.

Oh.

Vind.

Alasse, the Duke is murderd.

Hip.

And the Nobles.

[I4r]

Vin.

Surgeons, Surgeons, — heart dos he breath so long?

Ant.

A piteous tragaedy, able to make

An old-mans eyes bloud-shot.

Luss.

Oh.

Vin.

Looke to my lord the Duke — a vengeance throttle him.

Confesse thou murdrous and vnhallowed man,

Didst thou kill all these?

None but the Bastard I.

Vin.

How came the Duke slaine then?

We found him so.

Luss.

O villaine.

Vin.

Harke.

Luss.

Those in the maske did murder vs.

Vin.

Law you now sir.

O marble impudence! will you confesse now?

Sbloud tis all false.

Ant.

Away with that foule monster,

Dipt in a Princes bloud.

Heart tis a lye.

Ant.

Let him haue bitter execution.

Vin.

New marrow ! no I cannot be exprest.

How faires my Lord the Duke?

Luss.

Farewel to al;

He that climes highest has the greatest fall.

My tong is out of office.

Vin.

Ayre Gentlemen, ayre.

Now thoult not prate ont, twas Vindice murdred thee.

Luss.

Oh.

Vin.

Murdred thy Father.

Luss.

Oh.

Vin.

And I am he — tell no-body — so so, the Dukes departed.

Ant.

It was a deadly hand that wounded him.

The rest, ambitious who should rule and sway,

After his death were so made all away.

Vin.

My Lord was vnlikely.

Hip.

Now the hope

Of Italy lyes in your reuerend yeares.

Vin.

Your hayre will make the siluer age agen,

When there was fewer but more honest men.

Anto.

The burdens weighty and will presse age downe;

May I so rule that heauen may keepe the crowne.

Vin.

The rape of your good Lady has beene quited,

With death on death.

Ant.

Iust is the Lawe aboue

[I4v]

But of al things it puts me most to wonder,

How the old Duke came murdred.

Vin.

Oh, my Lord.

Ant.

It was the strangeliest carried, I not hard of the like.

Hip.

Twas all donne for the best my Lord.

Vin.

All for your graces good; we may be bould to speake it now,

Twas some-what witty carried tho we say it.

Twas we two murdred him.

Ant.

You two?

Vin.

None else ifaith my Lord nay twas well managde.

Ant.

Lay hands vpon those villaines.

Vin.

How? on vs?

Ant.

Beare'em to speedy execution.

Vin.

Heart wast not for your good my Lord?

Ant.

My good! away with 'em; such an ould man as he,

You that would murder him would murder me.

Vin.

Ist come about?

Hip.

Sfoote brother you begun.

Vin.

May not we set as well as the Dukes sonne?

Thou hast no conscience, are we not reuengde?

Is there one enemy left aliue amongst those?

Tis time to die, when we are our selues our foes.

When murders shut deeds closse, this curse does seale 'em,

If none disclose 'em they them selues reueale 'em!

This murder might haue slept in tonglesse brasse,

But for our selues, and the world dyed an asse;

Now I remember too, here was Piato

Brought forth a knauish sentance — no doubt(said he) but time

Will make the murderer bring forth himselfe.

Tis well he died, he was a witch.

And now my Lord, since we are in for euer:

This worke was ours which else might haue beene slipt,

And if we list, we could haue Nobles clipt,

And go for lesse then beggers, but we hate

To bleed so cowardly; we haue ynough.

Yfaith, we're well, our Mother turnd, our Sister true,

We die after a nest of Dukes, adue.

Exeunt.

Ant.

How subtilly was that murder closde!, beare vp

Those tragick bodies, tis a heauy season:

Pray heauen their bloud may wash away all treason.

Exit

FINIS.

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Citation Suggestion for this Object: TextGrid Repository (2020). TEI. 3003 The revengerâ s tragedy. University of Oxford Text Archive. . https://hdl.handle.net/21.T11991/0000-001A-5AA5-5