The magic picture, a play: Altered from Massinger. By the Rev. H. Bate.

Table of contents

- [titlepage]

- DEDICATION. TO JOHN STRUTT, ESQ. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MALDON.

- ADVERTISEMENT.

- PROLOGUE, Spoken by Mr. AICKIN, in the Character of the Ghost of MASSINGER.

- Dramatis Personae.

- ACT I.

- SCENE I.

- SCENE II.

- ACT II.

- SCENE I.

- SCENE II.

- SCENE III.

- ACT III.

- SCENE I.

- SCENE II.

- SCENE III.

- SCENE IV.

- SCENE V.

- SCENE VI.

- ACT IV.

- SCENE I.

- SCENE II.

- SCENE III.

- SCENE IV.

- SCENE IV.

- SCENE V.

- ACT V.

- SCENE I.

- SCENE II.

- SCENE III.

- SCENE IV.

THE MAGIC PICTURE.

FINIS.

THE MAGIC PICTURE, A PLAY.

[ALTERED FROM MASSINGER.]

BY THE REV. H. BATE.

—Beware of JEALOUSY!

It is a green-ey'd Monster, which doth mock

The meat it feeds on!—

SHAKESPEAR.

LONDON: Printed for T. and J. EGERTON, Charing-cross; T. DAVIES, Russell-street, Covent-garden; KEARSLEY, Fleet-street; E. MACKLEW, Haymarket; and R. BALDWIN, Paternoster-row, 1783. PRICE ONE SHILLING AND SIXPENCE.

DEDICATION. TO JOHN STRUTT, ESQ. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MALDON.

DEAR SIR,

MY admiration of your unfeigned patriotism, was not excited, but confirmed by that singular, and manly instance, which made you revered by all, who could feel for the tarnished glory of their country!—To that public virtue in the individual I esteem, this Play is disinterestedly inscribed.—

I am, Sir, With great truth and regard, Your sincere, and Obedient servant H. BATE.
BRADWELL-LODGE, Nov: 13th, 1783.

ADVERTISEMENT.

TO prepare MASSINGER'S Tragi-Comedy, THE PICTURE, for a modern entertainment, proved a more arduous task than was at first conceived. After giving a different turn to the drama, by making the changes of the Picture, the effects of Eugenius's jealousy, instead of the magic art of Baptista, and expunging the gross indelicacies which overran the play, it was found that most of the characters required a little fresh modelling to complete the design of the present undertaking. Hence the necessity of new-writing no inconsiderable part of the dialogue, in imitation of the old Dramatist. Though enamoured with the beauties of the antique structure, the Alterer set about its reparation with the utmost dissidence, fearing, like an unskilful architect, he might destroy those venerable features he could not improve! What has been his success, the public decision must determine.

The same kind of irregular and broken measure, through necessity still prevails, except where the language could be reduced to the heroic verse without impairing the spirit of the dialogue.

As to the unities,—being so totally disregarded by MASSINGER himself, no use could possibly be made of them in the present alteration.

The performance of the MAGIC PICTURE was every thing that an Author could expect, or wish for. The friendship and liberality of Mr. HARRIS were zealously exerted on the occasion. Mr. SHIELD aided it with his harmonic powers; and every performer, by a well sustained character, united in it's support: but Miss YOUNGE'S SOPHIA was too striking a representation not to demand a particular acknowledgment.—To this fortunate combination of talents, THE MAGIC PICTURE chiefly stands indebted for the very flattering reception with which it has been honored!

London, Nov. 17, 1783.

PROLOGUE,
Spoken by Mr. AICKIN, in the Character of the Ghost of MASSINGER.

WRITTEN BY W. PEARCE, ESQ.

[A Bell tolls.]

REGARDLESS of yon bell, which strikes mine ear,

I, troubled shade of Massinger, appear!— [Ghost rises.

What frenzy cou'd impel the daring thought,

To seize the PIECE my lab'ring fancy wrought?

The PICTURE glowing with selected dies?—

O 'tis a deed to make a Spirit rise!

But why shou'd I meet favor from an age,

That martyrs even Shakespear in its rage?

How late had princely Hamlet cause to rave!—

Depriv'd of clowns to dig Ophelia's grave!

Where was the skull, whose fate remembrance wept?

And where the turf, on which poor Yorick slept?

By temp'rance sooth'd, each murmur here shall end:

'Tis dang'rous with a Gownsman to contend;—

One, charter'd over spirits giv'n to riot,

Whose pow'r can lay me in the Red-sea quiet!

For now I'm quite bereft of Magic arms;

And what could Merlin do without his charms!

The Sorc'rers art is lost—And yet this age

Exceeds the feats of Royal James's [*] page!

He wrote of wizzards visiting the moon;—

But what are broomsticks to an air balloon!

Not all the scenes, describ'd by Tasso's verse,

Where Daemons met, their rituals to rehearse,

Could match the horrors of that crimson day,

When ELLIOT'S machinations were at play!

And the Enchanter, CURTIS, whirl'd amain,

By spells of fire, the batteries of Spain!

But soft!—The brazen voice of War is mute;

And sounds of Peace are heard in each salute!

View me, then, as an herald of her way;

And in this wreath, the olive crown survey!

Bend with obedience to her soft'ning strains;

Nor arm against poor Massinger's remains!

Notes

*
Demonologia, a treatise written by James the First.
↵

Dramatis Personae.

EUGENIUS

Mr. WROUGHTON.

LADISLAUS

Mr. WHITFIELD.

EUBULUS

Mr. CLARKE.

BAPTISTA

Mr. HULL.

FERDINAND

Mr. DAVIES.

UBALDO

Mr. EDWIN.

RICARDO

Mr. WILSON.

HILLARIO

Mr. QUICK.

HONORIA

Mrs. BATES.

CORISCA

Mrs. WILSON.

ACANTHE

Miss PLATT.

SOPHIA

Miss YOUNGE.

COURTIERS, MASQUES, RUFFIANS, &c.

ACT I.

SCENE I.

The Curtain rising, discovers HILLARIO asleep at the foot of an old Oak.

Enter CORISCA.

CORISCA.

HILLARIO! arise, I say!

Nor any longer let the laughing sun

Imprint a burning shame upon thy forehead.

[HILLARIO rises.

Look, if you are a man, and see their tender parting:

What sighs and countless kisses they've exchang'd,

And full as quick as my poor heart repeats 'em.

HILLARIO.

You should be let blood Corisca!

Love's raging fever is abroad, my girl:

Let's feel thy pulse! one, two, three, four!

Ay, galloping like mad, as I suspected!

Why, thou hast all the symptoms of the malady!

CORISCA. [Placing his hand on his forehead.

Count there, my busy Doctor, and you'll find

The pulse of folly wildly beat! for shame!

Thou wert not wont, Hillario, to be blind:

I marvel, would you prosper in the world,

That you your betters do not imitate. [Pointing behind to EUGENIUS and SOPHIA.

HILLARIO.

Imitation! 'tis but a scurvy business at the best,

And in kissing it savours still more vilely,

Lacking the spirit that should keep it warm.

CORISCA.

Peace, they approach!

HILLARIO.

Mute as a pickled sturgeon.

Enter EUGENIUS (in a warlike habit) and SOPHIA.

EUGENIUS.

Since we must part, my love, farther to pass

Is not alone unwise, but even dangerous;

For on yon frontier height, the Turkish camp

Extends 'twixt us and the Hungarian line:

Be now discreet as ever, and pr'ythee wed

Thy understanding to thy constant patience!

SOPHIA.

You put it to the utmost trial now. [Weeping.

EUGENIUS.

Nay, no melting;

For the necessity that thus divides us,

Full oft have we recounted, and the cause

Wash'd with our blended tears.

SOPHIA.

If blest the hour that ratified our union,

How can Eugenius leave me?

EUGENIUS.

Not as some think, for mere desire of fame,

Or to be cry'd up by the public voice

For a brave soldier, do I appear in arms:

Such airy humours strike not me: Alas!

Too well thou know'st, with what a scanty hand

Fortune has dealt out our demeans; 'tis she

Enjoins it.

SOPHIA.

In you alone, my lord,

I've all abundance!

EUGENIUS.

In your own language I would answer you,

For thou hast been a right obedient wife:

And to my power (tho' short of your desert)

I hope I have not fail'd in th' indulgent husband.

We have long enjoy'd the sweets of love;

Yet, my Sophia,

We must not live such dotards in our pleasures,

As still to hug them to a certain loss.

SOPHIA.

Have you in me

Found any sign of discontent, my lord?

EUGENIUS.

No my Sophia,

Nor shalt thou e'er have reason to repent

Thy constant course in goodness, if heav'n smile

Upon my honest undertakings. 'Tis for thee

That I turn soldier, and cheerfully embark

Upon this sea of action, there to trade

For rich materials; nobly to adorn

Thy lovely person; and to th' admiring world

Display it in full lustre. Oft I've blush'd

That other ladies, inferior ev'n in beauty

And outward form, but in the harmony

Of the soul's ravishing music not to be nam'd

With thee, in splendour should outshine thee,

While you, devoid of these, past unregarded.

SOPHIA.

If I'm so rich in your opinion, why for me

Would you additions borrow?

EUGENIUS.

Why? Should I not be justly censured

Of ignorance, possessing such a jewel

Above all price, if I forbore to give it

The best of ornaments? Therefore, Sophia,

In few words, know my pleasure, and as briefly

As you have ever done, obey me; to your discretion

I leave the government of my family,

And our poor fortunes: to the uttermost

Of what is mine, live plentifully,

And ere the remnant of our store be spent,

I hope, with my good sword, to reap for you

A harvest, that shall make a merry winter.

SOPHIA.

Since you are not

To be by me diverted from your purpose,

Go when you please, my poor impatient soul

Must follow after you. To tell you,

What in your absence I will do, would shew

But poorly; my actions best will speak it.—

It were to doubt your love, should I request

That I might hear from you; but by night or day,

No courier, unexamin'd, shall pass by.—

Adieu! [throwing herself in his arms.

If thus within your arms I dwell too long,

Think of the cruel fast that must succeed

This short dear feast, and you'll excuse it.

Pray turn from me, all that I can is spoken!

[Exit SOPHIA.

EUGENIUS.

Follow thy mistress strait, Corisca;

Forbear your wishes for me. Those let me find

At my return, in your prompt will to serve her.

HILLARIO.

Fly, Corisca.

For my own poor part, Sir, I will grow lean with hard study

To make my mistress merry.

(Exeunt HILLARIO and CORISCA.

EUGENIUS.

I'm strangely troubled! yet why nourish thus

A fury here, and with imagin'd food,

Having no real grounds on which to raise

A doubt she ever was, or can be false?

In this, I do but foolishly enquire

The knowledge of a future sorrow. [Muses.

Enter BAPTISTA.

BAPTISTA.

(Aside.) Still brooding o'er imaginary ills

Which Fate herself might ne'er decree—My scheme

May cool this self-rais'd fever in his mind,

If to that credit I have gain'd in th' arts,

Credulity but lend the lover's ear;

Friendship at least approves of the device.

EUGENIUS.

I've consulted with a friend of mine,

One deeply read in Nature's hidden secrets;

And, tho' with much reluctance, him have won

To do as much as Art enables him

To resolve me of my future fate. [Seeing BAPTISTA.

Here to my wish he comes.

Now, my Baptista!

BAPTISTA.

If you can

Proportion your desire to any mean,

I'd pronounce you happy. I have found

By certain rules of Art, your matchless wife

Is to the present hour unspotted.

EUGENIUS.

Good!

BAPTISTA.

In reason, therefore, you should be content,

And make no search of what may fall hereafter.

EUGENIUS.

O Baptista!

'Tis not in me to master so my passions.

I must know farther, or you have made good

But half your promise. While my Love stood by

Holding her's upright—how, thus untempted,

Could she give proof of well-tried constancy?

But when I'm absent, and my coming back

Uncertain—she, without controul or curb,

The absolute disposer of herself—nay, more,

By strong temptations press'd on ev'ry side—

If then she holds out—

BAPTISTA.

As no doubt she will:

EUGENIUS.

These doubts must be made certainties

By your assurance, or your boasted Art

Will lose its admiration.

BAPTISTA.

I cannot dive into her hidden thoughts,

And learn her close intents, with all my skill;

But what I can, I readily will do.—

Will it content you, if, while distant far,

You there shall know, as if you then were with her,

When, and how far, by Love, she e'er be wrought on?

EUGENIUS.

I ask no more.

BAPTISTA.

Take then this little model of Sophia,

With more than human skill pourtray'd;

Each line and lineament of the drawing

So punctually observ'd, that, had it motion,

'Twould ev'n dispute originality with her. [Gives him the Miniature.

EUGENIUS.

It is indeed an admirable piece!

Whence came it?

BAPTISTA.

Of that no matter now—

EUGENIUS.

But if it have not some concealed charm

Of which I know not, wherefore must I bear

Her lovely counterfeit?

BAPTISTA.

I'll instruct you:

Carry it still about you, and as oft

As you have wish to know how she's affected,

With curious eye peruse it: while it holds

The beauteous image that it now presents

Entire and perfect, know that she remains

Not only innocent, but unattempted.

But if th' harmonious colouring should change,

And, from its softly blended white and red,

Incline to jealous yellow, rest assur'd

She is with ardor woo'd, tho' yet unconquer'd.

Should it assume a fatal sable hue,

Her virtue, and your honor, are no more!

EUGENIUS.

Thanks, my Baptista.

So much have you engag'd me by this favor,

That the service of my life will scarce repay it.

Adieu!

BAPTISTA.

Not yet; for I have more t' impart:

That as we ride along; for I'm not quite so old,

But I may see you join th' Hungarian troops,

And with the rising Sun behold the conflict.

EUGENIUS.

As my better angel then,

You shall direct and guide me!—Come.

Our chargers there.

[Exeunt EUGENIUS and BAPTISTA.

SCENE II.

The COURT of LADISLAUS.

Enter UBALDO and RICARDO.

RICARDO.

Came the courier from the camp last night?

UBALDO.

Yes, as 'tis said, with a letter

From the General Ferdinand.

RICARDO.

Sans question then it is of moment?

UBALDO.

To those who carry lives in either army.

RICARDO.

Was it chearfully received by the King?

UBALDO.

So, so:—soon however as assur'd

The lines approach'd within each other's view,

He dispatch'd an officer to Ferdinand,

With absolute authority from him,

To try the fortune of the day.

RICARDO.

The General then, no doubt, will fight it bravely.

Heav'n prosper him! This military art

I grant to be the noblest of professions;

And yet, I thank my stars! I never was

Inclin'd to learn it; for that bubble honor,

The pretty nothing for which these soldiers fight,

Is, in my judgment, of too dear a purchase.

UBALDO.

Give me our court warfare; eh! Ricardo?

The danger's not so great in the encounter

Of a mistress—the conflict there costs no limbs—

Thou, by thy own report, Ricardo,

Wast a wag when young, and since that time

Hast studied every rank, from the night trader

I' th' street, with certain danger to thy pocket,

To the gay high-flier in the cabinet.

RICARDO.

You talk, Ubaldo, as though you would appear

A novice in love's mysteries; or perhaps

My better genius gives you cause for envy.

UBALDO.

No, thanks to my stars! I no man envy

From my own want, or his abundance;

To tell thee plainly, being, as you see,

The likelier man, and of much more experience,

There's no beauty

But yields ere it be summon'd; and as nature

Has stamp'd me the monopolist of maidens,

There's no man can buy till I have made my market.

RICARDO.

Ha, ha, ha!

UBALDO.

As I live I jest not. Why I'd part

With half my estate, nay, travel o'er the globe

To find that only Phoenix in my search,

That could wing out of my sure shot.

RICARDO.

Who will dare doubt the dexterity of him

That twangs so long a bow? Pray, what d'ye think

Of the Queen?

UBALDO.

No, no, Ricardo; I never yet did aim

At the lip-royal—that I still except:

Yet were she not our Sov'reign's own soft dove,

I would venture this neck to a halter,

To write her in my am'rous catalogue.

RICARDO.

Have you but mark'd with what reserve she looks

When the King himself makes his approach to her,

As she were still a virgin, and his life

But one continued wooing?

UBALDO.

Yes, and how she oft has swoon'd when she has heard

Of other women fam'd for charms or honors.

RICARDO.

I marvel that she does not banish hence

All other female virtue from her court.

UBALDO.

Well, where 'twill end I know not, for the King

Is so indulgent to her humours, that ev'n now,

When both his crown and life are at the stake,

He only studies her content—and when

She's pleas'd to shew herself, music and masques

Are with all care and cost provided.

RICARDO.

This night she promis'd to appear.

UBALDO.

She did, and will, no doubt; for prithee mark

The bustle of her royal harbinger.

Enter LADISLAUS, EUBULUS, and Attendants, with perfumes.

LADISLAUS.

These rooms are not perfum'd as we directed.

EUBULUS.

No, Sir? I am sure the od'rous incense

Cost treble the price of the whole week's provision

Spent in your royal houshold.

LADISLAUS.

How, Eubulus! when my Honoria

Descends to sanctify a place, and make

For me a temple; say, were it not profane

To deck it only with a careless hand?

EUBULUS.

Well; since you so closely hug your fetters,

In love's name wear them; you are King, and that

Concludes you wise—for me, I do subscribe.

LADISLAUS.

Do, and looking up, behold this wonder!

The Scene rising to soft music, discovers HONORIA in State, under a Canopy, attended by the Court.

RICARDO.

Wonder! it is more, great Sir!

UBALDO.

Rapture! enchantment!

What think you? [To Eubulus.

EUBULUS.

As the King thinks: that is the surest guard,

At least for you court butterflies—for me,

I can see a handsome woman (an' she be so)

Without spectacles,

But yet to adoration look not on her;

Heav'n, how he fawns!

And with what assured gravity she takes it,

As if it were his duty.

Oh, she at last vouchafes

Her hand; and, as if he had suck'd nectar from it,

How he's exalted!—She's about to speak,

What oracles shall we hear now?

HONORIA.

Since you are pleas'd

With such assurances of love and favour

To grace your handmaid, but in being yours, Sir,

A matchless Queen;

I'm bound in gratitude to deserve

The grace conferr'd upon me.

LADISLAUS.

You transcend in all things, Madam;

And 'tis my glory to depose myself

From absolute command—surrendering up

My will and faculties to your disposure.

And here I vow, not for a day or year,

But my whole life,

That whatsoever I in justice may

Exact from these my subjects, you from me

May boldly challenge.—And, when you require it,

In sign of my subjection as your vassal,

Thus will I pay my homage. [Kneels to her.

HONORIA.

O, forbear, Sir,

Let not my lips envy my robe, on them

Print your allegiance often. I desire

No other tribute!

LADISLAUS.

Gracious Sov'reign,

Boundless in bounty!

EUBULUS.

Is not here fine fooling? (Aside.)

He's questionless bewitch'd!

RICARDO.

There's dainty picking

For all that. (Aside.)

EUBULUS.

'Though my old life I forfeit

For it, yet I must speak. By your good leave, Sir;

I have no suit to you, nor can you grant one,

Having no power. You are like me, a subject,

Her more than serene Majesty being present;

And I must tell you, 'tis ill manners in you,

Having depos'd yourself, to keep your hat on,

And not stand bare, as we do. Gentlemen ushers,

It does belong to you to see 't reform'd;

He has given away his crown, and cannot challenge

The privilege of his bonnet. [Tauntingly.

LADISLAUS.

Do not tempt me.

RICARDO.

(Aside.) A devilish rough councellor this.

UBALDO.

The King seems all amazement!

RICARDO.

The Queen too has her share

Of deep imaginations. Eubulus

Hath put both to't.

UBALDO.

Now she seems resolv'd.

RICARDO.

I long to know the issue.

HONORIA.

Give me leave,

Dear Sir, to reprehend you for appearing

Perplex'd, with what this privileg'd old man

Hath in his taunting irony applied.

—You know it was your own delight

To sue to me with more humility

Than I desir'd, yet 'twas my duty to obey;

I do but act the part you put upon me;

And though you make me personate a Queen,

And you my subject; when the play, your pleasure,

Is at an end, I then am what I was,

Still your humble wife, and you my King.

RICARDO.

Admirable, on my troth!

HONORIA.

(To Eubulus.) And now to your wise Lordship

Hath my King

Cause to repent th' excess of favor to me,

Which you dislike? speak! nay, boldly too;

For I'm not ignorant what I can deserve,

And may with justice challenge.

EUBULUS.

This I look'd for;

After a seeming humble ebb, I knew

A gushing tide would follow. (Aside.)

HONORIA.

By my birth,

And liberal gifts of nature, as of fortune,

From you, as what's beneath me, I expect

What's due to Majesty, in which I am

A sharer with your Sov'reign.

EUBULUS.

Good again.

HONORIA.

And as I am most eminent in place,

In all my actions I would appear so.

LADISLAUS.

You need not fear a rival.

HONORIA.

I hope not.

And 'till I find one, I disdain to know

What envy is.

LADISLAUS.

You are above it, Madam.

HONORIA.

For beauty without art, discourse, and free

From affectation, with what graces else

Can in the wife and daughter of a King

Be wish'd, I dare prefer myself.

EUBULUS.

Does the Court afford

No oil-tongu'd parasite, that you are forc'd

To be your own gross flatterer?

LADISLAUS.

Be dumb

Thou ceaseless spirit of contradiction,

Or thy age, with all its boasted bluntness,

Will not another hour protect thee. [A Trumpet.

RICARDO.

A courier, my Liege.

LADISLAUS.

Bid him enter.

EUBULUS.

Here's one, I fear, unwelcome as myself.

Enter OFFICER.

LADISLAUS.

From the camp, Sir?

OFFICER.

Ay, my dread Liege, this from the general.

[The King reads the letters.

LADISLAUS.

'Tis well, my Queen! the gallant Ferdinand

Doth here inform us, that by rapid march

He hath so gain'd upon the Turkish lines,

That ere the setting of the sun, the fate

Of either Kingdom must be known. Let's in,

And there, in Council, wait th' approaching tidings.

[Exit King, &c.

ACT II.

SCENE I.

Enter HILLARIO and CORISCA.

HILLARIO.

SO, you like my speech?

CORISCA.

If you give it good action, i' th' delivery.

HILLARIO.

If! oh, how I pity you!

Why, I've play'd the fool before now.

CORISCA.

There I do agree with you.

HILLARIO.

Well, if I put not our mistress, the Lady Sophia,

Out of her dumps with laughter, I look not

For preferment.

CORISCA.

Do, and thou shalt be the best of Hillarios;

For she hath drank too oft the bitter cup,

A pleasant one must now restore her;

But think you she'll endure a jest about his death,

Since for his absence only she so grieves?

HILLARIO.

Um! that is a question which a widow

Only can resolve, and therefore worth the trying.

There be, who in their husband's sickness, have wept

Their pottle of tears a-day; but being assur'd

At midnight he was dead, i' th' morning

Dry'd up their handkerchiefs, and thought no more on't.

CORISCA.

Tush, she is none of that race: if her sorrow

Be not true, woman ne'er wept in earnest.

She has made herself a prisoner to her chamber,

Dark as a dungeon, in which no beam

Of comfort enters.

HILLARIO.

And yet there may be mischief done

In a dark bed-chamber; nay, I've heard

As much.

CORISCA.

Pooh! she admits no visits;

This hour she takes the air, with fondest hope

To receive assurance from some that may pass by

Of the success and safety of her Lord.

Now if your device will take—

HILLARIO.

Ne'er fear it:

I am provided cap-a-pee, having

I' th' summer-house my properties ready;

A courier's habit, and his sounding horn,

Found 'mongst our useless armoury.

(SOPHIA speaks within.) Bring my veil there.

CORISCA.

Be gone, I hear her coming.

HILLARIO.

I vanish: but if I don't appear,

And what's more, appear perfect, hoot at me.

[Exit HILLARIO.

Enter SOPHIA.

SOPHIA.

I was flatter'd once I was a star, but now

Like a prodigious meteor I appear,

Hung in the air between my hopes and fears,

And ev'ry hour

That yields a waning light to dying comfort,

I do expect my fall, and certain ruin.

In wretched things, more wretched is delay.

Dreams and fantastic visions walk their round

About my widow'd bed, and ev'ry slumber's

Broke with loud alarms: Can these be then

But sad presages, girl?

CORISCA.

You make 'em so,

And antedate a loss shall ne'er befal you;

Such pure affection, such mutual love,

A house without contention; in two bodies

One will and soul, like to the rod of concord

Kissing each other, cannot be short liv'd.

SOPHIA.

O, Corisca!

Too well I know thy reasons like thy wishes,

Are built upon a weak foundation,

To raise me comfort: since my Eugenius

Embark'd himself upon a sea of danger

In his dear care of me, I've naught but sorrow known;

'Tis strange, methinks, no tidings yet have reach'd us!

CORISCA.

Ill news, Madam,

Is swallow-wing'd, while good but creeps on crutches. [A horn sounds.

SOPHIA.

Ah! what's that?

CORISCA.

This should be a courier from the camp,

As I take it. [Sounds again.

SOPHIA.

It maketh this way still, and nearer yet!

The messenger appears, and in strange armour,

Heav'n, if it be thy will!

Enter HILLARIO disguised.

HILLARIO.

'Tis no boot to strive.

My horse being tir'd, I'll walk me on foot;

And that the castle, which is very near

To give me entertainment, may soon hear me,

I will another lusty blast! then drawing nigh,

Ask for the Lady who's 'yclep'd Sophia.

CORISCA.

He names you, Madam!

HILLARIO.

for to her I do convey,

Thus clad in arms, news of a gallant soul,

By name Eugenius.

SOPHIA.

From my Lord? 'tis I,

I am that brave Eugenius's wife;

So may Mars favour you in all your battles,

As you with speed unload me of the burden

I labour under, till I am confirm'd,

Both where, and how you left him:

Have you no letters from him?

HILLARIO.

No; all mere word of mouth:

I' the camp we use no pens, but write with swords;

Know he's in health, and what's more, full of glory:

And now, I will proclaim his matchless deeds;

But tremble not while I relate the wonder,

Tho' I declare it in a voice of thunder!

SOPHIA.

This is some counterfeit braggard.

CORISCA.

Nay, hear him, Madam!

HILLARIO.

The rear march'd first, which follow'd by the van,

And winged with the swift battalia,

No man durst stay to shift his shirt,

Or disencumber it of its hopeful stock;

Yet e'er the armies join'd, that pickled elf,

Thy dainty duckling, bold Eugenius,

Advanc'd with gallant stride, like Hercules!

A hundred thousand Turks (it is no vaunt)

Assail'd him with their bashaws of nine tails;

But how did he receive e'm? With his keen lance

He did so cut and carbonade 'em, that

One half fled;—but t' other wanting legs

And arms, could neither fight, nor follow!

SOPHIA.

This is ridiculous.

HILLARIO.

I must take breath,

Then, like a nightingale, I'll sing his death.

CORISCA.

His death?

HILLARIO.

On my troth I'm out, my wit forsakes me. (Aside)

CORISCA.

Recover, dunderhead! (Aside)

HILLARIO.

How he escap'd I should have sung, not died,

For tho' a knight, when I said so, I fibb'd:

Weary he was, and scarce could stand an end,

When looking round for some courageous knight

To rescue him, as one perplex'd in woe,

He call'd to me—help, help, Hillario!

CORISCA.

He has spoil'd all! (Aside)

SOPHIA.

Are you the man of arms? Then I'll make bold

To take off your martial beaver; you had fool's hair

Enough without it—slave, how dar'st thou make

Thy sport of what concerns me more than life,

In such an antic fashion? Am I grown.

Contemptible to those I feed?—You, Corisca,

Had a hand in't too, as it appears.

CORISCA.

We did it only for your mirth, Madam.

HILLARIO.

For myself, I hope

I have spoke like a good soldier at least.

SOPHIA.

Hence, buffoon!

I never but with reverence name my Lord,

And shall I hear him by thy tongue profan'd?

But since you are

Transform'd, and turn'd knight-errant, take your course,

And wander where you please; for here I vow,

By my Lord's life, an oath I will not break,

Till his return, or certainty of his safety,

My doors are shut against thee.

[Exit SOPHIA.

CORISCA.

You have made

A fine piece of work on't! how do you like your reward?

You had a foolish itch to be an actor,

And may now stroll about where you please.

HILLARIO.

Will you buy my share o'th' profit, Corisca?

CORISCA.

No, I fear I have already

Too much of mine own—

And so, dear Don Quixote, taking my leave,

I leave you to your new fortune.

[Exit CORISCA.

HILLARIO.

Have I cudgell'd

My poor brain for this rare invention,

To be thus rewarded?—I could turn

Tragedian, and roar amain, but that I fear

'Twould get me too large a stomach, having

No meat to satisfy her cravings—Ah, poor me!

I cannot beg in armour, that would dishonour

More than myself; and steal I dare not!—

My end must be to stand in a corn field,

And fright away the crows for bread and cheese,

Or find some hollow tree in the highway,

And there sell switches till my Lord's return!

[Exit HILLARIO.

SCENE II.

Enter EUBULUS, RICARDO, and UBALDO, with wands of Office.

EUBULUS.

I like the issue of this stubborn battle:

Are the officers gone as by the King directed,

To receive the gallant General?

RICARDO.

Long since, and ere this have greeted him.

EUBULUS.

You know your office, Lords, on his arrival?

UBALDO.

Who, we? oh! fear not us, my Lord, I pray,

We know our distance and degrees.

RICARDO.

The state were miserable truly, if

The court had none of her own breed familiar

With all the gaits of form and punctilio,

To receive its visitors.

UBALDO.

'Tis a great pity

That such as sit at the helm, provide no better

For the training up of the gentry:—in my judgment

An academy erected, with large pensions

To such as miraculously speak

I'th' congees, cringes, postures, and the phrase

Proper to every nation.

RICARDO.

O, it were

An admirable piece of work.

UBALDO.

And yet rich fools

Throw away their charity on hospitals

For beggars and lame soldiers, and ne'er study

The due regard to compliment, and court breeding.

EUBULUS.

Our court needs no aid this way, since it is

A school of nothing else. There are some of you

Whom I forbear to name, whose coining heads

Are the mint of all new fashions, that have done

More hurt to the kingdom by superflous foppery,

Which the foolish gentry imitate, than a war

Or a long famine; all the treasure by

This foul excess, is got into the hands of

Silk-men, tailors, and embroiderers!

Nay, the third part of the land too, our nobles

Engrossing titles only!

UBALDO.

My Lord, you are bitter.

RICARDO.

Sharp as a hoar-frost. [A trumpet.

Enter a SERVANT.

SERVANT.

The general is alighted, and now enter'd.

RICARDO.

Were he ten generals, I am prepar'd,

And know what I will do.

UBALDO.

Pr'ythee what, Ricardo?

RICARDO.

Why, I'll fight at compliments with him.

UBALDO.

Will you? then I'll charge him too, on the same gage.

EUBULUS.

Take care, gallants, you do not find this

A more desperate service than you think for. [Flourish.

Enter FERDINAND, EUGENIUS, and attendant Officers.

FERDINAND.

(To an Officer.) Captain, command the Officers to keep

The troops still dress'd in rank and file,

Till they have further orders.

[Exit OFFICER.

EUBULUS.

Here's one speaks

In a different key! this is no canting prattle

Taught in your academy of compliments. [To Ric. and Ubal.

FERDINAND.

Nay, I will present you to the King myself.

EUGENIUS.

That is a grace will go beyond my merit.

FERDINAND.

You undervalue what I cannot set

Too high a price on.

EUBULUS.

With a friend's true heart

I congratulate your return.

FERDINAND.

Next to the favour

Of my Prince, I'm happy in your friendship.

UBALDO.

By courtliness, coarse enough on both sides!

FERDINAND.

Pray you receive

This stranger; by our knowledge, on my credit

At all parts he deserves it.

EUBULUS.

Your report

Is a strong assurance to me.—Sir, most welcome.

EUGENIUS.

The reverence of your age commands me

To believe it.

RICARDO.

This was pretty!

UBALDO.

But now for my attack.— [apart]—You'll second me?

RICARDO.

I cannot stoop so low, to do your Excellence

That due observance which your fortune claims.

EUBULUS.

The prig forgets his virtue and his valour.

RICARDO.

For being, as you are, the soul of soldiers,

And bulwark of Bellona—

UBALDO.

The protection

Both of the Court, and King—

RICARDO.

And the sole minion

Of mighty Mars!

EUBULUS.

Hey dey!

RICARDO.

It being impossible in my arms to circle

Such giant worth—

UBALDO.

At distance we presume

To kiss your honoured gauntlet.

EUBULUS.

What reply now

Can he make to this foppery?

FERDINAND.

You have said,

Gallants, so much, and hitherto done so little,

That till I learn to speak, and you to act,

I must take time to thank you.

EUBULUS.

As I live, answered as I could wish.

How the fops gape now!

RICARDO.

This was harsh, and scurvy.

UBALDO.

We will be reveng'd

When he comes into the circle o'th' court ladies.

EUBULUS.

Nay, do your offices, gentlemen, and conduct

The General to the presence.

RICARDO.

Keep your order.

UBALDO.

Make way for the General.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.

The Royal Saloon.

The Curtain rising, discovers LADISLAUS, HONORIA, FERDINAND, EUGENIUS, BAPTISTA, &c. attended by ACANTHE, and the Court.

FULL CHORUS.

Crown'd with conquest! view the chief,

Destin'd for the state's relief!

Valour bids the wreath be bound,

To entwine his temples round:

Bids us such a hero prize,

And exalt him to the skies!

LADISLAUS.

This courtesy

To the General, my Honoria, keeps fair rank

With all your virtues!

After your warfare, [To Ferdinand.

Look on our court delights; but first from your

Relation, with delighted ears, I'll hear

The music of your war, which must be sweet,

Ending in victory.

FERDINAND.

Not to trouble

Your Majesties with the description of a battle,

Too full of horror for the place, I'll be as brief as possible.

It was well fought on both sides, and almost

With equal fortune; it continuing doubtful

Upon whose tents plum'd victory would take

Her glorious stand. Impatient of delay,

With the flower of our prime gentlemen, I charg'd

Their main battalia, and with their assistance

Broke in; but when I was almost assur'd

They were routed, by a stratagem

Of the subtle Turk,

Rallying up his troops on either side,

I found myself so far engag'd (for I

Must not conceal my faults) that I knew not

Which way, with honor, to retreat.

EUBULUS.

I like

A general that tells his faults, and is not

Ambitious to engross unto himself

All honor, as some have; in which, with justice,

They could not claim a share.

FERDINAND.

Being thus hemm'd in,

Their scymetars rag'd amongst us; and my horse

Kill'd under me, I every minute look'd for

An honorable end, and that was all

My hope could fashion to me. Circled thus

With death and horror, as one sent from heav'n,

This man of men, with some choice horse that follow'd [To Eugenius.

His brave example, did pursue the track

His sword cut for them; and (but that I see him

Already blush to hear what, he being present,

I know would wish unspoken) I should say, Sir,

By what he did, we boldly may believe

All that is writ of ancient heroes!

EUGENIUS.

General,

Pray spare the feelings of an humble soldier.

EUBUIUS.

Do not blush

To hear a truth, here are a pair of Monsieurs, [To Ubaldo and Ricardo.

Had they been in your place, would have run away,

And ne'er chang'd countenance.

UBALDO.

We have your good word still.

EUBULUS.

And shall while you deserve it.

LADISLAUS.

Silence!—on:

FERDINAND.

He, as I said, like dreadful light'ning thrown

From Jove's broad shield, dispers'd the armed host

With which I was environ'd. Horse and man

Shrunk under his strong arm: more with his looks

Frighted, the valiant fled; with which encourag'd,

My soldiers, like young eagles, preying under

The wings of their fierce dam, bravely came on.

By him I was remounted, inspir'd

With treble courage, and such as fled before

Boldly made head again; and to confirm 'em,

It suddenly was apparent that the fortune

Of the day was ours. Each soldier and commander

Perform'd his part; but this was the great wheel

By which the lesser mov'd, and all rewards

And signs of honor to him alone belong.

LADISLAUS.

And they shall

Deservedly fall on him.

To the banquet now—prepare to entertain 'em.

[The Masques retire repeating the Chorus.

HONORIA.

Permit me, Sir, to hope

That your commanders,

Especially this stranger, may as I.

In my discretion shall think good, receive

What's due to their deserts.

LADISLAUS.

What you determine

Shall know no alteration.

EUBULUS.

The soldier

Is like to have good usage when he depends

Upon her pleasure.

HONORIA.

With you, Sir, [To Eugenius.

I will begin; and as, in my esteem,

You are most eminent, expect to have

What's fit for me to give, and you to take;

Bring me my casket, and with speed:

[ACANTHE goes out, and returns immediately with a Casket.

See here!

The lapidary's idol! gold is trash!

A poor salary fit for grooms—wear these

As studed stars within your circling shield;

Call them Honoria's gift,

Who loves not a valiant soldier; yet not to take

From the magnificence of the King, I will

Dispense his bounty too, but as a page

To wait on mine: for other losses take

An hundred thousand crowns: your hand, dear Sir,

And this shall be thy warrant. [Takes off the King's Signet.

Are you pleas'd, Sir,

With what I've done?

LADISLAUS.

Yes, my Queen, and confirm it

With this addition of mine own: you have, Sir,

From our lov'd Queen receiv'd some recompence

For your life, hazarded in the late action;

And that we may follow her great example

In cherishing her love, ask what your heart can wish!

EUGENIUS.

If wealth were my ambition, by the Queen

I am made rich already, to th' amazement

Of all that see, or shall hereafter read

The story of her bounty.—If to spend

The remnant of my life in deeds of arms,

No region is more fertile of good Knights,

From whom my knowledge that way may be better'd,

Than this your warlike Hungary:—but, alas! Sir,

I am not my own, being by destiny,

Which I cannot resist, forc'd to prefer

My country's homely smoke, before the fire

With which your bounties warm me—All then I ask,

Dread Sir, is but your gracious license for

My departure.

LADISLAUS.

Whither?

EUGENIUS.

To my own home, Sir; just on the frontier of your realm:

My own poor home, which will, at my return,

Grow rich by your munificence. I am here

But a body without a soul; and till I find it

In the embraces of a constant wife,

Whose beauteous excellencies know no rival,

I am but half myself.

HONORIA.

And is she then

So chaste and fair as you infer?

Have I liv'd to hear this? (Aside.)

EUGENIUS.

O, Madam!

Though it must argue weakness in me, thus

To shew my wealth before an armed host,

By praising of my wife, only to fan

The flame of love in others to admire her,

Such is my confidence in her virtue,

Though in my absence, she were now besieg'd

By a strong party of lascivious wooers—

Here is th' assurance of her unsapp'd honor! [Kisses the Picture.

LADISLAUS.

What's that?

HONORIA.

How—have I liv'd to hear my fame excell'd! (Aside.)

LADISLAUS.

Nay frown not, sweetest,

The Cyprian Queen, compar'd to you, in my

Opinion, were an Ethiop! At your desire

I'll see the soldiers paid; and inmy absence,

Pray use powerful argument, to stay

This gallant soldier in our service.

HONORIA.

I will, Sir,

To the utmost of my power.

LADISLAUS.

On to the camp.

[Exit LADIS. FERD. EUE. BAPTIS. and Officers.

HONORIA.

I am full of thought!

Something lies here, tormenting me within,

I must give form to: you, good Signors,

Have little business with the soldier, as I take it

You are for other warfare; so retire, but be

Within call.

RICARDO.

Employment, on my life, boy!

UBALDO.

If it be in our road we are made fer ever.

[Exit UBALDO and RICARDO.

HONORIA.

You may perceive, Sir, the King is no ways tainted

With the disease of jealousy, since he leaves me

Thus private with you.

EUGENIUS.

It were in him, Madam,

A sin unpardonable, to distrust such pureness.

HONORIA.

I presume he would not; and yet the story

Deliver'd of you by the General,

Which sinks too deeply in a woman's heart,

Join'd to your presence, might beget some scruple

In a meaner man—but more of this hereafter,

For mine's a softer theme—when I conjure you

By the honors you have won, and by the love

Sacred to your dear wife, to answer truly

To what I shall demand.

EUGENIUS.

You need enforce no charm, Madam,

HONORIA.

Say then, amidst your converse with our sex

Have you not found that constancy give way?

EUGENIUS.

By the hopes of mercy, never!—I have been

Receiv'd to the society of the best

And fairest of our clime, from them have met

No common entertainment—yet never felt

My well-plac'd love abate.

HONORIA.

Strange! and do you think still

That earth can shew no beauty that may drench

In Lethe all remembrance of the favor

You now bear to her?

EUGENIUS.

Nature must first find out

Some other mould to fashion a new creature

Fairer than mortal eyes have seen, ere I prove

Guilty, or in my wishes or my thoughts,

To my beloved Sophia.

HONORIA.

Sir!—consider better,

Not one in our whole sex?

EUGENIUS.

I am constant to my resolution, Madam.

HONORIA.

But dare you stand the trial?—and bind yourself

By oath for the performance?

EUGENIUS.

My faith else

Had but a weak foundation.

HONORIA.

I embrace

Your promise, and enjoin your stay

For one month here!

EUGENIUS. [Aside.

I am caught!

HONORIA.

And if I do not

Produce a lady in that time, who shall

Make you confess your error, I submit

Myself to any penalty you shall please

T' impose upon me: in the mean space, write

To your chaste wife, acquaint her with your fortune.

The jewels that were mine, you may send to her

For better confirmation; I'll provide you

Trusty messengers—there's no returning—

I'll bind you to your word.

EUGENIUS.

Well, since there is

No way to shun it, I will stand the hazard,

And instantly make ready my dispatch;

'Till then, I'll leave your majesty.

[Exit EUGENIUS.

HONORIA.

How I burst

With envy, that there lives besides myself

So fair, and chaste a woman!—'twas the end

Of my ambition to be recorded

The only wonder of the age, and shall I,

Now give way to a competitor?

I thought one amorous glance of mine could bring

All hearts to my subjection—but this stranger

Unmov'd as rock contemns me!

I must know more of this fair prodigy;

And for that purpose quickly will dispatch

Ubaldo and Ricardo, courtiers both

Well train'd in all the windings of our sex—.

But him, although bright honor deck his brow

I view not with a wanton eye—my pride

Howe'er demands a tributary sigh

'Tis all I ask; so that ere morning's dawn

By well feign'd female blandishments I'll prove

Whether I cannot warm his heart to love!

[Exit. HON.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

ACT III.

SCENE I.

HILLARIO discover'd in a mean habit, sitting near a spring in the front of the Castle.

HILLARIO.

THIN, thin provision!—I am dieted

Like one set to watch hawks; and to keep me waking,

Vile hunger croaks a perpetual larum in me!

—Here stand I centinel, and though I fright

Beggars from my lady's gate, in hopes to have

A larger share—I find my commons mend not!

—I look'd this morning into my glass—the river,

And there appear'd a fish call'd "a poor John,"

Cut with a lenten face after my own likeness;

And he seem'd to say, "Good morrow, cousin!"

—No man comes this way but has a sting at me.

A chirurgeon passing by, asked at what rate

I would sell myself?—for what use? quoth I?

To make, said he, a live anatomy,

As thou art transparent without dissection!

—They say, that famine dwells i'th' camp, tho' till

My lord returns, or certain tidings of him

She will stick close by me;—but sorrow's dry

And I must drink! [Draws water with an earthen pitcher, and drinks.

A marvellous difference I vow, betwixt

This poor, and dropsical potation,

And a skinful of honest Canary!

What signifies it's curing the heart burn

When it gives me the heart-ache, and for which

This hard dry crust will prove no good specific!

I'll try if I can sing it away.

SONG.

Poor Hillario, once so jolly,

G•…ing up his wits to folly,

Finds it now an alter'd case;

He no more o'er larded pullet,

Or the white or cherry'd mullet,

At the table takes his place.

Courtiers thus of every nation,

Ev'ry age, and every station,

Tumble into my disgrace;

When pamper'd by the state's best dishes,

They soon kick down the loaves and fishes,

Then get themselves—kick'd out of place!

Enter UBALDO, RICARDO, and GUIDE.

GUIDE.

That is the Lady's castle,

O' my certain knowledge.

RICARDO.

Our horses held out to admiration.

UBALDO.

I am on fire to see the quarry;

Plump and pretty, no doubt!

RICARDO.

Give me the cabinet. [takes it from the Guide.

So; leave us now.

GUIDE.

Good fortune to you, most honourable gallants.

[Exit Guide.

UBALDO.

Being d'ye see, joint agents in a design

For the service of the Queen, and our own pleasure!

It behoves us, Ricardo, to proceed with judgment.

HILLARIO.

On my troth here seem to be two more sham knights,

Come, like me, to play the fool! [Aside.

RICARDO.

If I take not

This fair fort, at the first assault,

So I may have precedence—

UBALDO.

On no terms;

We are both to besiege one prize; let him

Who carries her, enjoy it without contention.

RICARDO.

Agreed—but mind and make you your approaches

As I directed.

UBALDO.

Sir, I need no instructions;

I work on no man's anvil—But who have we here?

What skeleton's this?

RICARDO.

A ghost; thou image of famine,

Where dost thou dwell?

HILLARIO.

Dwell Sir? my dwelling is

I'th' highway. That goodly house was once

My habitation; but I am banish'd,

And cannot be call'd home 'till news arrive

Of the good knight Eugenius.

RICARDO.

If that will restore thee,

Thou art safe—

UBALDO.

We come from him,

With presents to his lovely wife.

HILLARIO.

But are you sure

He is in health?

RICARDO.

Never so well; conduct us

To his fair Lady.

HILLARIO.

I will leap

Out of my skin for joy!—Break, pitcher, break;

And wallet, late my cupboard, I bequeath thee

To the next beggar; thou red herring, swim

To the red sea again! methinks I am already

Knuckle deep in the stew pots; and, tho' waking, dream

Of wine and plenty!

RICARDO.

What's the mystery

Of this strange passion?

HILLARIO.

My hunger, gentlemen,

Will not give me leave to tell you; when I have brought you

To my Lady's presence, I am disenchanted,

There you shall know all.—Follow: if I out-strip you,

Know I run for my belly.

UBALDO.

A mad fellow this, surely!

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.

Enter SOPHIA and CORISCA.

SOPHIA.

Do not again delude me with an idle tale.

CORISCA.

If I do, Madam, banish me to poor Hillario.

I stood as you commanded in the turret,

Observing all that passed by; and even now

I did discern a pair of cavaliers

With their guide dismounting; they said something

To our hungry centinel, that made him caper,

And frisk i' th' air for joy:—and to confirm all this,

See, Madam, they're in view.

Enter UBALDO, RICARDO, and HILLARIO.

HILLARIO.

Down on your knees with me; tidings of joy!

News from my Lord!—These are no counterfeits!—

Set out the cold chine, and ven'son pasties! [Speaking within.

They are true knights indeed!—The cold chine I say,

And a bottle of canary!—Dear Madam, sign

My pardon, that I may once more feed again,

And pick up my crumbs, for indeed I've had

A long fast of it.

SOPHIA.

Thou may'st eat; I forgive thee!

HILLARIO.

O words most comfortable!

"Eat, I forgive thee!"

And if in this I do not soon obey you,

And cram unto the purpose—billet me again

I' th' highway—Butler and cook make ready,

For I shall enter like a tyrant, laying

All waste before me!

[Exit HILLARIO.

UBALDO.

I have been struck dumb

This half hour! Madam, since my faithful eyes

Were never happy in so sweet an object,

I presume, without enquiry, that you are

The fairer Lady of this fair castle,

And so salute you. [Kisses her.

RICARDO.

Faith he has got the first bite at the cherry. [Aside.

This letter, with these jewels from your Lord,

Warrant my boldness, Madam. [Salutes her.

SOPHIA.

Heav'n in thy mercy make me

Thy thankful handmaid, for this bounteous blessing.

UBALDO.

I do not like

This simple devotion in her; it is seldom

Practis'd among our mistresses at court.

RICARDO.

Nor would they kneel, to I know not who, for the possession

Of such inestimable wealth, before

They thank'd the bringers of it? The poor Lady

Wants instruction, 'tis plain; I'll be her tutor,

And soon read her another lesson.

SOPHIA.

If I have

Shewn want of manners, gentlemen, in my slowness

To pay the thanks I owe your travel,

To do my Lord and me this noble favor,

Impute it, in your clemency, to the excess

Of joy that overwhelm'd me.

RICARDO.

She speaks it well.

UBALDO.

Polite, and courtly.

SOPHIA.

And howe'er it may

Increase th' offence, to trouble you with more

Demands touching my Lord, before I have

Invited you to taste, such as the plainness

Of my poor house can offer,—

Let me entreat, to learn from you something

In his letters he may have left unmention'd.

RICARDO.

I can only

Give you assurance that he is in health,

Grac'd by the King and Queen.

UBALDO.

And in the court

With admiration look'd on.

RICARDO.

You must therefore

Put off these homely garments, and appear

Like to yourself.

UBALDO.

And entertain all pleasures

Your fortune marks out for you.

RICARDO.

There are other

Droll particulars, which on occasion

I will deliver to you.

SOPHIA.

You oblige me,

To your service ever.

RICARDO.

Good! your service, mark that! [To Ubaldo.

SOPHIA.

In the mean time, by your acceptance, make

My rustic entertainment relish of

The pleasures of the court.

UBALDO.

Your looks, sweet Madam,

Cannot but make each dish a feast.

SOPHIA.

It shall be

Such, in the freedom of my will to please you:

I'll shew the way; this is too great an honor

For me, so mean an hostess.

[Exeunt, RICARDO leading her out.

SCENE III.

A Garden by Moon light.

Enter ACANTHE, to Ruffians masqued.

ACANTHE.

You know your charge? give it due action, and expect

Rewards beyond your hopes.

1st RUFFIAN.

If we but eye 'em

They are ours, I warrant you.

2d RUFFIAN.

May we not ask why

We are put upon this?

ACANTHE.

Let that command your silence, [Gives money.

And learn more manners, grooms: 'tis upon the hour

In which they're here expected; when you have 'em

In your power, instantly carry them to the place

Where I appointed, there will I expect you.

Be bold, and vigilant!

[Exit ACANTHE.

Enter EUGENIUS and BAPTISTA.

1st RUFFIAN.

These are they!

2d RUFFIAN.

Are you sure?

1st RUFFIAN.

Am I sure I am myself?

2d RUFFIAN.

Seize on him quickly; if he have but means

To draw his sword, 'tis ten to one we smart for't. [Aside.

EUGENIUS.

I cannot guess

What the Queen's intents are; but her carriage was

As I but now related.

BAPTISTA.

Your assurance

In the constancy of your Lady, is the armour

That must defend you. Where's the picture?

EUGENIUS.

Here; and no way alter'd, I think.

BAPTISTA.

If she be not perfect, there's no truth in art.

EUGENIUS.

By this I hope she hath receiv'd my letters?

BAPTISTA.

Without question.

EUGENIUS.

—Lend me your ear,

I have somewhat that requires your privacy.

Exeunt EUGENIUS and BAPTISTA.

1st RUFFIAN.

Now they stand fair!—upon 'em.

[Exeunt.

EUGENIUS.

Villains!

[Behind.

BAPTISTA.

Traitors!

[Behind.

SCENE IV.

Enter EUBULUS.

EUBULUS.

I like not well this wooing embassy

Betwixt the Royal Pair.—A common man,

Who his own bed can tumble at his will,

Wants no such messenger to smoothe his way. [Knocks at the Queen's anti-chamber.

ACANTHE, from window above.

ACANTHE.

Who knocks so loud without?

EUBULUS.

'Tis Eubulus,

Commission'd from her Lord to greet the Queen.

ACANTHE.

I'll tell her so, but doubt your errand's vain.

[Exit ACANTHE.

EUBULUS.

With all my heart! Love frolics not with me,

A bachelor's the fellow after all!

ACANTHE re-appearing.

ACANTHE.

No suit will shake the Queen from her resolve;

Who craves the King's and your excuse, my Lord,

For this her solitude to-night.

EUBULUS.

'Tis well,

I'll trouble you no further. [Exit ACANTHE.

I had orders to win her woman's interest with a purse;

But such a traffic is too pitiful

For Eubulus! I ever thought a King

Might take up any at the King's good price,

And must he buy his own at dearer rate?

If this be long the fashion of the court,

Shame fall on such as use it!—My return

Will lack so much of comfort, that the King,

Howe'er his Queen may fare, will press, I doubt,

A joyless pillow.

[Exit EUBULUS.

SCENE V.

Enter EUGENIUS.

EUGENIUS.

If I'm in a prison, 'tis a neat one;

What Oedipus can resolve this riddle?

I ne'er gave just cause to any man

Basely to plot against my life. But what is

Become of my Baptista? for him I suffer

More than myself.

ACANTHE.

Remove that idle fear; [Behind.

He's safe as you are.

EUGENIUS.

Whosoe'er thou art,

For him I thank thee. I cannot imagine

Where I should be! Tho' I have read the table

Of errant knighthood, stuff'd with the relations

Of magical enchantments, yet am not I

So weakly credulous, to believe the fiend

Hath that way any power. Ha! music! [A symphony.

AIR.

[Within.

Would you view the loveliest rose

Nature's fragrant charms disclose,

Every chilling thought remove,

Warm it with the breath of Love!

EUGENIUS.

A song too! and that in flowing measure;

Be what it may that owns this tuneful voice,

It hath not much acquaintance with affliction.

Whoe'er you are that do inhabit here,

If not aerial forms alone, approach!

Enter HONORIA veil'd.

And make me know your end with me—Most strange!

What have I conjur'd up? Sure, if this be

A spirit, 'tis no damned one! If that your lovely face

Have not too much divinity about it

For mortal eyes to gaze upon; oh! perfect what

You have begun with wonder,

To my astonish'd senses. (She unveils.) How! the Queen! [Kneels.

HONORIA.

Rise, Sir, and hear my reasons, in defence

Of that constraint which I've by force put on you:

You perhaps may think, what for my love you've suffer'd

Is a common practice with me; but I call

Those ever shining lamps, and their great Maker,

As witnesses of my innocence, I ne'er saw

Man but your dear self, on whom I ever

(Except the King) vouchsaf'd an eye of favor.

EUGENIUS.

The King, and only such a King, deserves

Your favor, Madam; for myself, great Queen,

I am a thing obscure, disfurnish'd of

All merit that can raise me higher, than

In my most humble gratitude, for your bounty,

To hazard my life for you, and that way,

I am most ambitious.

HONORIA.

I desire no more

Than what you promise. If you dare expose

Your life, as you profess, to do me service,

How can it better be employ'd than in

Preserving mine? which only you can do,

Nay, must do, with the danger of your own.

EUGENIUS.

Pray you forbear:

I would I did not understand too much

Already; by your lips I am instructed

To credit that, which not confirm'd by you,

I should have deem'd dissimulation,

Tho' an angel's voice had thus affirm'd it.

But were you cloy'd with happiness that's built

On lovely chastity, which I still doubt,

—Amid ten thousand every way more apt

To be thus wrought on, being your subjects,

Why should you deign to chuse out me, a stranger?

Proud in the tented field I'll fight your cause;

Or with this arm—

HONORIA.

I need no champion

With sword to guard my beauty, or my honor;

In both I can defend myself, and live

My own protectress.

EUGENIUS.

If these advocates,

The best that plead in my behalf, want pow'r,

What can be found in me to tempt you thus,

To war against yourself?

HONORIA.

I will be plain:

It is your loyalty unto your wife,

Hath rais'd my envy, and inspir'd my love!

EUGENIUS.

These are mere contraries: if you love me, Madam,

For my constancy, why seek you to destroy it?

In my keeping, it preserves me worth your favor!

Or if it be a jewel of that value,

As you with labour'd rhet'ric would persuade me,

What can you stake against it?

HONORIA.

A Queen's fame,

And equal honors.

EUGENIUS.

Is it in man

To resist such strong temptations?

HONORIA.

He begins

To waver. [Aside.

EUGENIUS.

Madam, as you are gracious,

Grant me this one short night's deliberation,

And with the rising sun you shall

Receive my answer.

HONORIA.

Tho' extremes

Hate all delay, I will deny you nothing—

This key will bring you to your friend. You're safe;

And all things that imagination could prepare,

For one I love and honour, wait upon you.—

Take counsel of your pillow; such a fortune

As with affection's swistest wing now seeks you,

Will not again await you.

[Exit HONORIA.

EUGENIUS.

How my blood

Rebels!—I now could call her back, and yet

There's something stays me; if the King had tender'd

Such favors to my wife, 'tis to be doubted

They had not been refus'd—But as a man

I should not yield, and prove the first example

For her defence of frailty!—By this, perhaps

She's tempted too! but here I may examine. [Looks at the Picture.

No, my Sophia's still the same—the same

Pure chrystal rock of innocence! perish all

Allurements that may alter me!—The snow

Of her sweet chastity hath quite put out

The fire that but e'en now began to flame;

And I by her confirm'd, rewards, nor titles,

Nor death in all its terrors, from the Queen herself,

Shall shake my constant faith!

[Exit.

SCENE VI.

Enter UBALDO and RICARDO.

UBALDO.

We've laid a good foundation; for 'tis clear

Our tale begins to work! But come!

By lot, you know, I first must wooe her.

RICARDO.

Plague take it, you have the felicity

Of the first advance; but as it is condition'd,

Observe the time proportion'd by us both,

With this repeater I shall minute you.

Panting for my share in the atchievement,

When I cry hem! fall off!

UBALDO.

I will; provided you are like observant.

Stand by, she comes: I'll watch my opportunity.

Enter SOPHIA.

SOPHIA.

Strangely distracted with the various stories,

Now well, now ill, then doubtfully by my guests

Deliver'd of my lord,—and like poor beggars

That in their dreams find treasure, by reflection

Of a wounded fancy, make it questionable

Whether they sleep or not;—in some such measure

Incredulous of what I see, and touch,

As 'twere a fading apparition, I

Am still perplex'd and troubled; and when most

Confirm'd 'tis true, a curious jealousy

To be assur'd, by what means, and from whom,

Such a mass of wealth was first deserv'd, then gotten,

Cunningly steals in upon me. I have practis'd

For my certain resolution with these courtiers,

Promising private conference to either,

And at this hour; if in the search of truth

I hear, or say, more than becomes my virtue

Forgive me my Eugenius!

UBALDO.

Now I advance— [Aside.

Madam, as you commanded me, I attend

Your pleasure.

SOPHIA,

I must thank you for the favor.

UBALDO.

Tho' I am no ghostly father; yet, if you have

Some scruples, touching your lord, you wou'd be resolv'd of,

I am prepar'd.

SOPHIA.

But will you take your oath

To answer truly those?

UBALDO.

On those orthodox lips, if you please,

A vow I dare not break, it being a holy book

I would gladly swear on.

SOPHIA.

To spare, Sir, that trouble,

I'll take your word, which, in a gentleman,

Should be of equal value. Is my lord then

In such grace with the Queen?

UBALDO.

I fain would tell the truth

As decently as I could, yet the subject

May make me run out a little.

SOPHIA.

Oh! you would put

A foolish jealousy in my head, that he

Hath gotten a new mistress.

UBALDO.

One? a hundred!

But under seal I speak it:—I presume

Upon your silence, it being for your profit.—

Such a soldier, and such a courtier never came

To Alba Regalis:—the ladies run mad for him!

Nay, there is such a contention among them

Who shall engross him wholly, that the like

Was never heard of.

SOPHIA.

Are they handsome, Sir?

UBALDO.

Fie! oh, coarse mammets: and what's worse, they're old;

Some fifty, others threescore, and upwards!

RICARDO.

'Tis time I call him off. [Hems!

UBALDO.

I could tell you of wonders great and strange,

Of the deeds he has done, (Ricardo hems!) but matters

Of great import, for the present, call me hence—

Those arrang'd,

I'll instantly return. [Steps aside.

SOPHIA.

There's something more

In this than bare suspicion!

RICARDO.

Save you, Madam!

Now you look like yourself—I've not beheld

A lady more complete—yet let me see, [Examines her jewels.

Yes, yes, I am certain I have seen a madam

Wear jewels of that water and dimensions.

SOPHIA.

What madam, Sir?

RICARDO.

Nay, nothing: yet methinks

I should this ruby know: yes, it is the same;

This chain of orient pearl, and this bracelet,

Have been worn before.

SOPHIA.

Why, Sir? how were they gotten, say?

RICARDO.

Not in the field with his sword, upon my life. [EUBAL. hems.

Plague on't, how fast the minutes glide away! [Aside.

Pray you, fair lady, to excuse my manners.

I left a letter in my chamber window,

Which I would not have seen on any terms:

Fie on my carelessness—but this I'll soon dispatch. [Withdraws.

SOPHIA.

This is strange! His letters said these jewels were

Presented him by the Queen, as a reward

For his good service! What can all this mean?

Enter UBALDO.

UBALDO.

I was telling you of wonders, Madam:

SOPHIA.

If you are so skilfull,

Without premeditation answer me:

Know you these jewels?

UBALDO.

Mercy! how things will out!

But that I might, perchance, give you offence,

And wrong my more than noble friend,

Your husband (for we are sworn brothers)

In the discovery of his nearest secrets, I could—

SOPHIA.

Could? By the hope of that favour then,

Which you have for me, out with it!

UBALDO.

Nay, this is a spell so potent, that I

Cannot resist.—Why, I will tell you, Madam;

And to how many several ladies you are

Beholden for your pretty trappings.—This was

The necklace of Paulina, a rich Courtezan;

Worn but a day, when she married old Gonzago,

And left off trading,

SOPHIA.

Oh, my heart!

UBALDO.

This chain

Of pearl was a great widow's that invited

Your Lord to a masque; and the weather proving foul,

He lodg'd in her house all night—and merry they were!

But how he came by it, I know not.

SOPHIA.

Perjur'd man!

UBALDO.

O, there's not a single gem, or jewel in the court,

But may be at his command.

SOPHIA.

(Agitated) I commend him!

But, I pray you, leave me

A little to myself.

Enter RICARDO.

UBALDO.

You may command

Your servant, Madam: she's stung to the quick. [to RIC.

RICARDO.

I did my part: if this work not, hang me.

Let her sleep as well as she can to night; to-morrow

We'll mount new batteries!

UBALDO.

And till then leave her.

[Ex. UBAL. and RIC.

SOPHIA.

Ye Powers that take into your care the guard

Of innocence, aid me! for I am a creature

So forfeited to despair, hope cannot fancy

A ransom to redeem me. I begin to

Waver in my faith, and make it doubtful

Whether the Saints, so canonized for

Their holiness of life, sinn'd not in secret,

Since my Eugenius is fall'n from his virtue

In such an open fashion. Could it be else

That such a husband, so devoted to me,

So vow'd to temp'rance,—for unhallow'd gifts

Should thus to wantons sacrifice his fame?

Was't for this he left me?

Was it not enough to cloath me with the shame,

But he must make me wear their am'rous spoils!

Here will I tear them off; and with my tears,

Their poison wash away!—Yet hold! who knows

But these are false and wanton knaves, who

Traduce his honor with the basest views.

His long-try'd love a different tale relates,

And bids me not too rashly censure him:

At least these Lords with keener eye I'll read,

Ere I impute to him so foul a deed!

[Ex.

END OF ACT THE THIRD.

ACT IV.

SCENE I.

Enter EUGENIUS.

EUGENIUS.

THIS is a desperate straight, there's no avoiding;

I must compliance feign to all

Her passion urges, or—or what? only

That with my life my miseries will end!

But were the pointed axe uplifted now,

My neck upon the block, I would not buy

An hour's reprieve, by such a faithless barter!

Yet after all, Sophia may be false!

The visit of these silken courtiers

Much alarms me, for they've been early train'd

In all the soft and wanton gallantries

That shake the easy faith of yielding woman:

I almost dread to ask for council here! [Looks on the Picture.

Ha! sure I do not sleep! or if I dream,

This is a terrible vision—I'll clear

My eye-sight—perhaps melancholy makes me

See that which is not!

Enter BAPTISTA.

BAPTISTA.

What is it there you see?

EUGENIUS.

Indeed, Baptista, 'tis but too apparent;

I grieve to look upon't—besides the yellow,

That does assure she's tempted—I think I see

A sable colour spread its baneful hue

O'er ev'ry line of her once lovely face,

Confirming both her own, and my dishonor!

BAPTISTA.

(Aside.) —Well may they say that monster Jealousy

Creates the food it feeds on!—Indeed,

I see no alteration.

EUGENIUS.

Fact, Baptista;

Make not yourself a pandar to her vices,

In labouring to palliate, what a mask

Of impudence can't cover—Did woman e'er

In her will decline from chastity, but found means

To give her passion scope?—more possible

Is't with my single arm to underprop

A falling tow'r—or in its violent course

To stop the forked lightning, than to stay

A wanton woman!

BAPTISTA.

Pray you temper the violence of your passion.

EUGENIUS.

Oh, my Baptista! I am headlong thrown

Into a gulph of misery, and find

Myself past hope:—this figure of my idol,

So late that chaste and lovely mirror,

Is to a magic glass transformed, and shews

Nothing but horror and deformity.

BAPTISTA.

I'm sure you do her wrong.

EUGENIUS.

Have I refus'd a Queen,

Whose soft beauties had ravish'd at first sight

A hermit from his beads, and chang'd his pray'rs

To am'rous sonnets, to preserve my faith

Inviolate to thee; with the hazard of

My death with tortures, to be thus requited?

Yet hold—I will not curse thee, Sophia,

Nor for thy falshood rail against the sex;

'Tis poor and common; I'll only

Whisper unto myself, howe'er they seem,

Nor present, past, nor ages yet to come,

Have heretofore, can now, or ever shall

Produce one constant woman!

BAPTISTA.

This is more

Than the satirists wrote against 'em.

EUGENIUS.

There's no language

That can express the poison of these aspics,

These weeping crocodiles, and all too little

That hath been said against 'em:—but I'll mould

My thoughts into another form, and if

She can out-live the report of what I'll do—

Enter HONORIA.

BAPTISTA.

The Queen, Sir.

EUGENIUS.

In sign of deep contrition for their error,

My lips that shunn'd the last night profer'd bliss,

Thus on your footsteps seal their willing duty:

Chimerican darkness would not let me see,

What now with adoration I behold!

HONORIA.

This is more

Than I could hope, for my beauty still admits

No rival. [Aside.

Wait our command at distance—you too have

Free liberty to depart. [To Baptista.

BAPTISTA.

I am poor in manners,

But thank you, Madam, for the favour.

HONORIA.

Have you taken

Good rest in your new lodgings?—I now expect

Your last resolve, but advise maturely

Before I hear it.

Pray you rise,

Your late neglect, I freely pardon.

EUGENIUS.

My soul's on fire.

HONORIA.

Yet, to give some allay

To this new fervor, 'twere good to remember

The King, whose eyes and ears are ev'ry where,

And what might follow a discovery.

EUGENIUS.

Danger's a phantom, Madam! tho' the King

In our embraces stood a looker on,

His torturers too, with ready cruelty

To drag me from your arms, it should not fright me.

HONORIA.

Pause yet a little—

The bounties of the King, and what weighs more,

Your boasted constancy to your matchless wife,

Should not too soon be shaken.

EUGENIUS.

The whole fabric

When I but look on you, is in a moment

Overturn'd, and as flowing rivers lose

Their names, when by the ocean swallow'd,

In you alone all faculties of my soul

Are wholly taken up; my wife and King

Are nought but things forgotten.

HONORIA.

Can this be possible? Fortune here I thank thee,

For my purpose now is gain'd! [Aside.

EUGENIUS.

Wherefore stay ye, Madam? why muse ye so?

HONORIA.

To think how poor, an empty nothing

Is man's constancy!

EUGENIUS.

Your beauties make it so

In me, sweet lady.

HONORIA.

And 'tis my glory.

I could be coy now, as you were, but I

Am of a gentler temper. However,

In a just return of what I've suffer'd

In your disdain, with the same measure grant me

Equal deliberation. I, e'er long,

Will visit you again; and when I next

Appear, as conquer'd by it, slave-like wait

On my triumphant beauty!

[Exit.

EUGENIUS.

What a change!

And what a frown she left at her departure!

I either way am lost! Contempt and scorn

Beset him close, who has not pow'r to be

Either base or virtuous; where'er I look

The tempest thickens, and hope disappears!

SCENE II.

Enter SOPHIA.

SOPHIA.

Tho' all they have alledg'd prove true or false,

Their foul intent is levell'd against my honor,

And therefore I've resolv'd on ample vengeance,

Which shall be put in instant execution:

Who waits within? where are my noble guests?

Enter HILLARIO and CORISCA.

HILLARIO.

The elder, Madam,

Is drinking by himself to your Ladyship's health,

In muskardine and eggs; and for a rasher

To 'tice his liquors down, he hath got a pye

Of marrow-bones, potatoes, and eringoes,

With many such ingredients; and 'tis said

He hath sent his man in post to the next town

For perfumes, plunder'd from the hunted civet!

CORISCA.

And for the younger, such a fuss he makes

To prune and dress himself, as if this night

He were to play a bridegroom's part; but why,

I marvel much!

SOPHIA.

Are these same lodgings both prepar'd, and deck'd

As I directed.

CORISCA.

To the tittle, Madam!

SOPHIA.

Then fail not in a circumstance therein

Set down, as you respect my future favor. [Gives a paper; Hillario and Corisca retire to read it

HILLARIO.

Madam, here comes the frisky Lord Ubaldo.

Enter UBALDO.

UBALDO.

Pretty one, there's gold [To Corisca.

To buy thee a new gown; and there's for thee, [To Hillario.

Grow fat and fit for service—Now am I

At fortune's top most round, and able to

Beget a giant! (Aside.) O my better angel,

You now will shew your wisdom, when you pay

Your husband in his own coin; shall you sit

Like a patient Grizzle, to be laugh'd at? No,

This is a fair revenge, so quickly let's retire.

SOPHIA.

But fair and softly sweet, my Lord; for thus

Shall I neglect your friend, to whom, by promise,

I'm equally engag'd.

UBALDO.

I must confess,

The more the merrier; but of all men living

Take heed of him! You may safer run upon

The mouth of a cannon when it's unloading!

SOPHIA.

I protest I do not understand you.

UBALDO.

I'll then expound it for your good; he is

Nought but a scurvy fish at best; the tub's

His weekly bath; he hath not drank for years

But sasafras and guiacum; and dry mutton's

His daily portion!

SOPHIA.

Bless me from him!

UBALDO.

'Tis a good pray'r, sweet Lady; for

If my tongue burn not when I name Ricardo,

Gibbet me!

SOPHIA.

Your caution I'll reward.

UBALDO.

I do expect as much; sweet, all perfection,

I think I've marr'd his market, come what may; [Aside.

—But when?

SOPHIA.

Why, presently; follow my woman,

She knows where to conduct you, and will serve

You for a page to-night.—Be it your care

To minister at his toilet, and that with speed; [To Corisca.

Delay takes from delight; a nectar posset

See be quickly brought into his chamber!

UBALDO.

Excellent Lady!—and a caudle too

I'th' morning, if so it please you.

CORISCA.

I will

Provide for you, my Lord, depend upon't.

Enter UBALDO, and CORISCA.

SOPHIA.

How closely they pursue me! for here comes

The other beagle.

Enter RICARDO.

Take purse and all!

[Ricardo gives his purse to Hillario.

HILLARIO.

Would this good company but often come,

I might make a pretty term on't—I doubt

Whether the fare these dolts have this way bought,

Will prove a gainful purchase.

SOPHIA.

For your sake,

I've put him off; he only begg'd a kiss,

And so we parted.

RICARDO.

He did not touch your lip?

SOPHIA.

Why sure there was no danger in the touch?

RICARDO.

No? Quickly eat these scented lozenges,

Of forty crowns an ounce, or you're undone?

SOPHIA.

Wherefore? what can be th' virtue of 'em?

RICARDO.

I am compell'd to use 'em in abundance,

E'en when I talk with him, or else be poisoned:

But I'll be free with you—he was once a creature,

It may be of Heaven's making, but long since

He is turn'd to a druggist's shop: the Spring and Fall

Hold all the year with him: that he lives, he owes

To Art, not Nature; she has giv'n him o'er;

He moves like the fairy king, on screws and wheels

Made by his doctor's recipe, and yet still

They're out of joint, and each day want repairing:—

In a frosty morning,

You may thrust him in a pottle pot; his bones

Rattle in his skin like beans toss'd in a bladder;

If he but hear a coach, fumigation cannot save him

From the chin evil. In a word, he is

Not one disease, but all; but being my friend,

I would forbear his character, as I would not

Wrong him in your good opinion.

SOPHIA.

The virtues you bestow on him, to me

Are mysteries I know not—however,

Since my partiality for you in vain

I would conceal—this sigh declares me your's.

RICARDO.

Poor—blind Ubaldo! He must take the maid.

SOPHIA.

Hillario!—be it your immediate care

To uncloath the gentleman, and quickly

See that you robe him in the sattin vest,

And lay the perfum'd night-cap on his pillow.

RICARDO.

Good: and for thy true and trusty service,

This cloak, this sword, and doublet, all are thine,

When I the anti-chamber quit.—

HILLARIO.

I take

Your word, sweet Sir.

RICARDO.

Dear Lady, stay not long.

SOPHIA.

Expect me soon.

HILLARIO.

This is the way, sweet Sir.

[Exeunt HILLARIO and RICARDO.

SOPHIA.

I was much to blame to credit their reports

Touching my Lord! who so traduce each other,

And with such virulence; tho' I presume

They both are base enough; and yet I hope,

The means I have devis'd will shortly lead

To their recovery.

[Exit.

SCENE III.

A miserable Lodging-room.

Enter UBALDO, in his flannel Waistcoat.

UBALDO.

What dost thou mean wench?

Why dost thou shut the door upon me? Ha!

My cloaths are ta'en away too! must I starve?

Is this my lodging? I'm sure the Lady talk'd

Of sacks and possets, and a courtly chamber:

But rain water pelting thro' the lattice,

A torn petticoat to shroud this pallet,

And an old woman's biggen for a night-cap,

Are all the comforts they've doom'd me to!

Slight! 'tis either a pig-stye, or a prison!

The windows are double barr'd with iron;

And if I could leap down, my neck were snapt.

I am betray'd! Rogues! Villains! let me out;

I am a Lord by the King's courtesy!

—Ah, that won't do—that title's now too common!

[Exit.

SCENE IV.

Another miserable Room, into which there is a Casement from UBALDO's.

RICARDO discovered rising on his Hands, and Knees.

RICARDO.

Zounds! have you trap-doors, thro' which you like

To tumble men, three stories at a time.

UBALDO.

Stories? ay, waggishly told, no doubt,

At poor Ubaldo's cost. [Looks thro' the window.

Who makes that noise there? help, if you be man.

RICARDO.

I know not if I'm man or no!—Besides,

I'm where I cannot help myself, and yet

I fain would see your visage—Ubaldo!

Oh! then thou hast chous'd thy friend, and fortune's smiles

Upon thee; thou'st brib'd that wanton lacquey

To throw me thus in durance vile; while thou

Hath stolen into the perfum'd robes, and gain'd

The costly vestments she design'd for me.

UBALDO.

Yes, truly, and in their bounty somewhat more!

RICARDO.

An upper blanket, which thou well can'st spare,

Kick'd from thy wanton chamber, would befriend

Me much in this extremity.

UBALDO.

A what Ricardo?—thou art mad!

RICARDO.

Why, hast thou not

My scented night cap, and my sattin vest?

UBALDO.

Who, I? Bare as a winter robin-red-breast

Have they stript me! Prithee throw me

Thy cloak to cover me, for I m almost

Frozen to death.

RICARDO.

My cloak! I've none left:

I'm strip't as bare as thou; and in return

They've given me, I see, the fool's cast suit.

UBALDO.

O then we're both undone! lend me thy hand, and roar

A little with me for some friendly succour. [Comes thro' the window to Ricardo.

RICARDO.

Lady of the house!

UBALDO.

Grooms of the chamber!

RICARDO.

Gentlemen, milk-maids!

UBALDO.

Would you thus slay a pair of courtly Lords?

Enter HILLARIO in RICARDO's cloaths.

HILLARIO.

Hey day! not said your pray'rs, and gone to sleep?

Enter SOPHIA, CORISCA, Servants with lights.

UBALDO.

What, sweet hostess, must we be murder'd?

SOPHIA.

No, but soundly punish'd for your desert.

RICARDO.

Your'e not in earnest, I presume fair dame?

SOPHIA

Judge as you find and feel; and now attend

To what I do irrevocably purpose:—

Forgetful of all hospitable duties,

You, with the defamation of my Lord,

Would fain have wrought upon my woman's weakness,

To yield my honour to your lawless sports!

HILLARIO.

Mark that, I pray, my wanton masters!

SOPHIA.

In doing this (I blush while I relate it!)

You have transgress'd against the dignity

Of man; who's bound by virtue to defend,

And not to violate fair female chastity!

But in the toils ye set, you're caught yourselves;

And therefore, do not hope to find from me,

The common sentence for offending man.

Such usage you have forfeited; therefore,

Like the most slavish of your sex, shall you be treated.

UBALDO.

How do you mean to use us?

SOPHIA.

Ease and excess of feeding, made you wanton:

A pleurisy of ill blood you must let out:

By labour and spare diet refill your veins,

Or perish with hunger. Bring here a distaff;

Tho' no Omphale, or I do mistake it,

Nor you a second Hercules: fetch it. [Exit Servant.

As you spin well at my command, and please me,

Your wages in the coarsest bread and water

Shall be proportionably encreased.

UBALDO.

I'll starve first!

SOPHIA.

That's as your Lordship pleases.

RICARDO.

I marvel!

What will be the destiny of poor Ricardo?

SOPHIA.

You shall have gentler work. I've oft observ'd

You proud to shew the fineness of your hand,

And softness of your fingers: you shall reel

What he doth spin: deliver their materials.

Now that you know your penance, fall to work,

Hunger will teach you to subdue your passions.

[Exit SOPHIA and Servants.

UBALDO.

I shall spin a fine thread here;

I cannot look

Upon such devices, but they'll put me in mind

Of rope-makers.

HILLLARIO.

A good conceit truly,

For if you are industrious enough,

You'll just spin rope enough to hang you both,

Against my master does return from camp

To pass this honorable sentence on you!

RICARDO.

Let me have my cloaths again, I pr'ythee;

I was bountiful unto thee.

HILLARIO.

Oh, fie!

Forget such vanities; my livery there

Will serve you well enough to work in;

Besides, they're past the wearing of a Lord;

Nay, mine by promise, you yourself do know

You have no holidays coming, nor will I work

While these and this (purse) lasts, and so, if you please,

Shut up your shop, and take yourselves to rest.

[Scene closes on UBALDO and RICARDO. [Exit HILLARIO.

SCENE IV.

Enter LADISLAUS, HONORIA, EUBULUS, FERDINAND, &c.

HONORIA.

Now, you know all, Sir, with the motives why

I forc'd him to my apartment; therefore

I do presume, you doubt not now my honour.

LADISLAUS.

I would not, though the whimsy was a strange one.

EUBULUS.

There was no danger in't; you must conceive, Sir,

Being religious, she chose him for a chaplain,

To read old homilies to her i'th' dark;

She's bound to it by her canons.

LADISLAUS.

Still tormented

With thy impertinence!

HONORIA.

By yourself, dear Sir;

I was ambitious only to overthrow

His boasted constancy in his consent;

But for fact, I contemn him; I was never

Unchaste in thought; I labour'd to give proof

What pow'r dwells in this beauty you admire so,

And when you see how soon it hath transform'd him,

As strait you shall,

And with what superstition he adores it,

Determine as you please.

[Exit

LADISLAUS.

Well, I'll observe the issue.

EUBULUS.

How had you took this, General, in your wife.

FERDINAND.

As a strange curiosity, but Queens

Are privileg'd 'bove subjects, and 'tis fit.

[Exeunt.

SCENE V.

Enter EUGENIUS and BAPTISTA.

BAPTISTA.

I'm glad you're so convinc'd, for she is true,

Or art and Nature both are leagued against us.

EUGENIUS.

Fool that I was to doubt—I know she's constant,

And in my loving ne'er look'd so fair. [Looks at the picture.

In short, Baptista, I've a vision seen

This morning, makes it plain; I never was

In such security as at this instant.

As soon as the Queen appears

Observe th' encounter.

Enter HONORIA, EUBULUS, LADISLAUS, FERDINAND, and Attendants behind.

BAPTISTA.

She is already

Enter'd the lists.

EUGENIUS.

And I prepar'd to meet her.

BAPTISTA.

I know my duty. [Going.

HONORIA.

Not so; you may stay now

As a witness of our contract.

BAPTISTA.

I obey

In all things, Madam.

HONORIA.

Where's that reverence

Or rather superstitious adoration

Which, captive-like, to my triumphant beauty

You paid last night? No humble knee! nor sign

Of vassal duty? then you freely swore

Your certain loss of life, in the King's anger,

Was far too mean a price to buy my favor;

And, that false glow-worm fire of constancy

To your wife, extinguish'd by a brighter light

Shot from our eyes.

EUGENIUS.

I do remember.

I once saw such a woman.

HONORIA.

Ha!

EUGENIUS.

And then

She did appear a most magnificent Queen;

And what's more, virtuous, tho' somewhat shaded

With pride and self opinion.

EUBULUS.

Call you this courtship?

EUGENIUS.

And she was happy in a royal husband,

Whom envy could not tax, unless it were

For his too much indulgence to her humour.

EUBULUS.

Pray, Sir, observe that touch, 'tis to the purpose.

EUGENIUS.

You yet retain

Some part of her angelic form, but when

Envy to the beauty of another woman

(One she had never seen but in this picture)

Had spread infection thro' her veins.

HONORIA.

I like not this! [Aside.

EUGENIUS.

Desire in all th' enticements it could steal

From majesty, however disguis'd, had took

Sure footing in the kingdom of her heart,

Once the throne of chastity—how in a moment

All that was gracious, great, and glorious,

Like seeming shadows wanting real substance,

Vanish'd.

HONORIA.

How his reasoning works upon me.

EUGENIUS.

Retire into yourself, fair Queen;

There, your own breast is strongly nerv'd by virtue,

Be but as you were; and there is no office

So low to which a man may stoop,

But I will gladly bow to.

But as you play and juggle with a stranger,

Varying your shapes like Thetis, tho' beauties,

Such as are by poet's raptures painted,

Were all in you united, you would pass

Pity'd, perhaps, but not by one regarded!

HONORIA.

I'm disenchanted;

And ever, from this moment, shall despise

The flatterers who've deceiv'd me.

LADISLAUS.

I'm charm'd

With what I've seen and heard! [They come forward.

HONORIA.

How have I wander'd

Out of the track of honour; and mislead

By the o'erweening pride and flattery

Of fawning sycophants,

Could never meet till now a passenger

That in his charity would

Stay me in my precipice to ruin.

How ill (when you know all)

Have I return'd your goodness to me,

The horror in my thoughts oft turns me marble;

What can I do to shew my deep contrition? [Kneels to the King.

LADISLAUS.

Pray you rise.

HONORIA.

Never, till you have forgiv'n and receiv'd

Unto your love and favour, a chang'd woman:

My state and pride turn'd to humility,

Henceforth shall wait on your commands.

LADISLAUS.

All is forgot, and this fair change shall prove

A second and a happier union to us!

HONORIA.

Why did you make me rise, my loving Lord,

Till with a free confession of a crime,

Unknown as yet to you, I ask'd a suit!

LADISLAUS.

Whate'er it be, my lips do thus confirm it. [Kisses her hand.

HONORIA.

Know then, in envy of this good man's wife,

I did suborn those ready courtly slaves,

Ubaldo and Ricardo, to corrupt her.

EUBULUS.

I marvell'd if the mischief were all out.

HONORIA.

How far I have prevail'd, I'm ignorant:

But my request, good Sir, in fine, is this,

That you, for th' honour of this gallant knight,

Would let us travel thither, the journey

Being but short, to call them home.

LADISLAUS.

This hour

We will put on.

BAPTISTA.

I, if you please, your royal harbinger.

[Exit.

EUGENIUS.

And I your faithful follower.

LADISLAUS.

I thank you:

Let me infold you in my arms; your service

'Gainst the Turk, compar'd with this, weighs nothing.

EUGENIUS.

I am still your humble soldier.

LADISLAUS.

My true friend.

FERDINAND.

And so you're bound to hold him.

EUBULUS.

Such a plant,

Imported to your kingdom, and here grafted,

Wou'd yield more fruit than all the idle weeds

That suck up your reign of favour.

LADISLAUS.

In my will

I'll not be wanting:—prepare for our journey.

Hence to the winds all doubts and jealous fears,

For now Honoria like herself appears!

[Exeunt.

ACT V.

SCENE I.

EUGENIUS's Castle.

Enter SOPHIA, CORISCA, and HILLARIO.

SOPHIA.

ARE they then so humble?

CORISCA.

Hunger and hard labour

Have tamed 'em, Madam;—at first they bellow'd

Like stags ta'en in a toil, and would not work

For sullenness.

HILLARIO.

I do remember that they stopp'd their noses

At the fight of beef and mutton, as coarse feeding

For their fine palates; but now, their work being ended,

They leap at a barley crust, and hold cheese-parings,

With a spoonful of pall'd wine pour'd in their water,

For festival dainties.

CORISCA.

When I examine

My spinster's work, he trembles like a 'prentice,

And takes a box on the ear, when I spy faults

And botches in his labour, as a favour

From an angry mistress.

HILLARIO.

The other too reels well

For his time; and if your Ladyship would please

To see 'em, they'd much delight you

With their hungry dialogues—

SOPHIA.

But should they grow rebellious in their prison

When we enter?

HILLARIO.

Ne'er fear't: I'll undertake

To lead them out by th' nose, with a coarse thread

Of the one's spinning, and make the other

Reel after, without grumbling.

CORISCA.

Dear Madam,

'Twill help to drive away your melancholy.

SOPHIA.

And so they've voluntarily confess'd,

That by the Queen they're sent to taint me, in

My loyalty to my Lord?

CORISCA.

'Twas the main cause

That brought 'em hither.—

SOPHIA.

I'm glad I know it,

For at the height I'll therefore be reveng'd.

Enter SERVANT.

SERVANT.

This instant, Madam,

Signior Baptista 'lighting from his horse,

Has brought assurance of my Lord's return.

SOPHIA.

How! and do I stand trifling here? away!

—See that those pamper'd lordlings are secur'd,

And wait my further orders.— [To Hillario.

[Exit SOPHIA.

SCENE II.

UBALDO and RICARDO sitting melancholy on wooden stools.

A DIALOGUE DUET.

I.

UBALDO.

Alack!

RICARDO.

Oh dear!

UBALDO.

How base!

RICARDO.

How queer!

BOTH.

Peers mighty thus to treat. [heigh-ho!

UBALDO.

I'll storm—

I'll roar—

BOTH.

Zounds! ope the door!

—In vain we lambkins bleat! [heigh-ho!

II.

UBALDO.

Though plot,

RICARDO.

Nor love,

BOTH.

Your heart could move,

Ah! mitigate your cruel, cruel sentence• [oh!

UBALDO.

Since Lords,

RICARDO.

A pair,

BOTH.

From stately chair,

Are humbled to the stool of repentance! oh!

UBALDO.

Heigh-ho!

RICARDO.

I can return you sigh for sigh, Ubaldo.

(Thanks to their spare, and windy dieting!)

RICARDO.

Oh! what a stain on our nobility!

UBALDO.

So I grant; and yet, methinks, it will rub out

As soon as some that I could name—but hark,

Our keeper enters; we must work or starve.

Enter HILLARIO and CORISCA.

HILLARIO.

Come, work away, my noble masters, and

Lose no time, 'tis precious with handicrafts;

You'll find it in your commons.

RICARDO.

Commons call you it?

The word is proper; I myself have graz'd

But four and twenty hours upon your commons,

And you may see through me!

HILLARIO.

How would you like an airing out abroad,

Would it not be a favour?

RICARDO.

If you'll be

An honest yeoman phewterer, feed us first,

And walk us after.

HILLARIO.

Yeoman phewterer?

Such another word to your governor, and you go

Supperless to bed for't!

UBALDO.

Nay, even as you please.

The comfortable names of breakfast, dinner,

Collations, supper, beverage, are words

Worn out of remembrance.

RICARDO.

O for the steam

Of meat in a cook's shop!

UBALDO.

O that I ever saw this beauteous fury!

RICARDO.

Or look'd on women but as fiery meteors!

HILLARIO.

Silence, ye courtly manufacturers;

No more of this!

CORISCA.

Methinks you have no cause

To repent your being here!

HILLARIO.

Have you not learnt,

When your 'states are spent, a trade to live by,

And never charge the workhouse?

CORISCA.

Work but tightly,

And we will not use a napkin in the house

But of your spinning.

UBALDO.

I would this hemp

Were turn'd to a halter!

HILLARIO.

You see, my masters, what

Cross-grain'd stuff they now and then

Make Lords of, since you two cut down

To so little profit!—Come, will

You march?

RICARDO.

A soft one, good general, I do beseech you.

UBALDO.

Let it be to slow time, gallant commander,

For my poor legs reluctantly do follow

Their weary master.

HILLARIO.

Yet, how strange to tell,

Last night when fancy pip'd the march of Love,

They to the perfum'd chamber quickly frisk'd it;

But come, no thought of extacy, that's past:

In;—and there pray against temptation! [Shuts them into an Inner Chamber, and Exit.

SCENE III.

Enter SOPHIA and BAPTISTA.

SOPHIA.

Whether I am most surpriz'd or charm'd, I know not;

And shall I see this Queen whose beauty could not shake him?

BAPTISTA.

Ere this, their Majesties are at your gate.

SOPHIA.

But how that flatt'ring portrait did you gain,

With which you've wrought so bright a miracle!

BAPTISTA.

I had it sketch'd from that bright miniature

Which decks the centre of your brother's shield:

But you'll excuse the theft that friendship urg'd.

SOPHIA.

My friendship shall repay it; but 'tis fit

This jealousy should have a final check,

And that, where least he looks for't, ev'n from me!

Suppose I use the happy means I have

T' expose his wound, and thus compleat his cure?

BAPTISTA.

'Twere well, if you have art t' atchieve it.

SOPHIA.

That trumpet speaks them near: lay still my heart,

While I but feign this momentary coolness,

And then, with double transport, thou shalt greet him!

[Exit SOPHIA and BAPTISTA.

SCENE IV.

Another apartment. (Loud music.)

Enter LADISLAUS, EUGENIUS, EUBULUS, FERDINAND, HONORIA, and Attendants.

EUBULUS.

Not Jove attended on by Hermes, was

More welcome to the cottage of Philemon,

And his poor Baucis, than your gracious self,

Your matchless Queen, and all your train,

Are to your servant and his wife.

LADISLAUS.

Where is she?

HONORIA.

I long to see her, as my now great rival.

EUBULUS.

And I to have a smack at her—'tis a cordial

To an old man, better than sack and toast,

Before he goes to supper.

EUGENIUS.

Ha! my house thus turn'd

To a wilderness? no wife nor servants ready,

With all rites due to majesty, to receive

Such unexpected blessings?

You assured me [Enter BAPTISTA.

Of better preparation: hath not

Th' excess of joy transported her beyond

Her understanding?

BAPTISTA.

Just now parting from her,

I gave her your directions.

EUGENIUS.

How shall I crave

Your Majesty's patience? sure my house are mad,

Or by some fiend in envy of my glory,

A deadly lethargy is thus thrown o'er 'em.

Enter HILLARIO with Servants.

But that the presence of the King forbids it.

This sword should make a massacre among ye—

Where's your mistriss?

HILLARIO.

First, you are welcome from the wars, good Sir!

Then know, she says she's sick; but as for that

Whether she feign or no—you must enquire

Of students vers'd in female constitutions!

No notice ta'en of my sine cloaths! (Aside

EUGENIUS.

It cannot be; tho' she were on her death-bed,

And her spirit e'en just departing, here stand they,

Could call it back again, and in this honor

Give it a second being! bring me to her—

I know not what to urge, my gracious Leige,

For this wild conduct.—

[Exit EUGENIUS, HILLARIO, and Servants.

EUBULUS.

There's no climate

In the world, I think, where one jade's trick or other

Reigns not in woman!

FERDINAND.

You were ever bitter

Against the sex, my Lord.

LADISLAUS.

This is very strange!

HONORIA.

Inferior women

Have their faults as well as Queens.

LADISLAUS.

O, now she appears.

Enter EUGENIUS, SOPHIA, and CORISCA.

EUGENIUS.

The injury you conceive I have done you

Dispute hereafter, and in your perverseness,

Wrong not yourself and me. [Apart to SOPHIA.

SOPHIA.

I am past my childhood

And need no tutor.

EUGENIUS.

This is the King,

To whom I am engag'd 'till death, for all

I stand possest of.

SOPHIA.

My humble roof is proud, Sir,

To be the canopy of so much greatness.—

LADISLAUS.

My own praises rising

In such pure air as your sweet breath, fair Lady,

Cannot but please me.

SOPHIA.

In my duty,

I kiss her Highness' robe!

HONORIA.

You stoop too low

To her, whose lip would meet with yours.

SOPHIA.

However

It may appear prepost'rous in women

So to encounter, 'tis your pleasure, Madam,

And not my proud ambition:—do you hear, Sir? [To Eugenius.

Without a Magic Picture in the touch,

I find your print of wanton kisses

On the Queen's lips!

EUGENIUS.

Upon your life be silent!—

And now salute these Lords.

SOPHIA.

Since you'll have me,

You shall see I'm experienc'd in the art,

And can play it freely!

(To Ferdinand.) You are a brave man, Sir,

And do deserve a free and hearty welcome:

Be this the prologue to it.

EUBULUS.

An old man's turn

Is ever last in kissing—I have lips too,

However cold ones, Madam!

SOPHIA.

I will warm 'em

With the fire of mine!

EUBULUS.

And so she has!—I thank you.

I shall sleep the better all night for't.

EUGENIUS.

You express

The boldness of a wanton courtezan,

And not a matron's modesty; take up,

Or you're undone for ever!

SOPHIA.

How! Is that

The Queen so careful of me in your absence?

—She knew how tedious 'twas for a young wife,

To pass away her melancholy hours

Without good company; so cull'd me out

Two sprightly Lords from her own courtly store

To do me all good offices: as such,

Employ'd by her, I hope I have receiv'd

And entertain'd them; nor will they depart

Without th' effect, arising from the cause

That brought 'em hither.

EUGENIUS.

Monstrous impudence!

SOPHIA.

I beg your Royal pardon

While I go out, and bring those to your presence

Who shall attest what I have said.

[Exit SOPHIA and Attendants.

LADISLAUS.

How now! turn'd statue, Sir?

EUGENIUS.

Fly, quickly fly

From this curst habitation, or yon gorgon

Will make you all as I am; on her tongue

Millions of adders hiss, and every hair

Upon her wicked head's a snake more dreadful!

EUBULUS.

These are the fruits

Of marriage! an old Bachelor, as I am,

And will continue so, is not troubled

With these vagaries.

LADISLAUS.

It suits not with your fortitude,

To let your passion thus transport you. [To EUG.

HONORIA.

Reflect, that you were once deceiv'd in me.

EUGENIUS.

Hath she not all confess'd, and vilely fled

To fetch her pamper'd paramours,

Deck'd out in triumph o'er my soul disgrace?

See where they come! but this shall—

[EUGENIUS draws his sword; but starts back on the nearer approach of SOPHIA, who leads down UBALDO, and RICARDO, attended by HILLARIO and CORISCA.

How's this! more mysteries in store?

EUBULUS.

What have we here!

SOPHIA.

You must come on and shew yourselves.

UBALDO.

The King.

RICARDO.

And Queen too!

LADISLAUS.

I remember

This face, when it was in a better plight:

Are not you Ricardo?

RICARDO.

I was once so, please

Your Grace.

HONORIA.

And this thing, I take it

Was once Ubaldo!

UBALDO.

I am now I know not what.

RICARDO.

We thank your Majesty for employing us

To this subtle Circe!

SOPHIA.

You see, Madam,

How I have cur'd your servants; and what favors

They with their gallantry have won from me!

You may, as they are physic'd, I presume,

Now safely trust them; they have learnt, besides,

Their several trades to live by, and paid nothing

But cold and hunger for them, and may now

Set up for themselves; for here I give them over.

UBALDO.

Then hang all trades!

I'll find a new one; that is, to live honest.

[Exeunt Ubaldo and Ricardo.

HILLARIO.

I am sorry for this general gaol delivery;

These are my fees, however, so I'm content.

[Exit, strutting in his fine cloaths.

SOPHIA.

As for you, Sir!— [To Eugenius.

EUGENIUS.

Which way shall I intreat you?

I am not worthy of it; my Sophia!

My best Sophia! here, before the King,

The Queen, these Lords, and all surrounding us,

I do renounce my error, and embrace you

As the great example to all after times,

With reverence to imitate.

SOPHIA.

Not so, Sir!

I still hold off, although I here have clear'd

My doubtful innocence.

When you went to the wars,

I set no spy upon you, to observe

Which way you wander'd, though our sex, by nature,

Is subject to suspicions; for I fix'd

My confidence on your try'd loyalty:

But to deal as you did, 'gainst your reason,

With magic nonsense to survey my actions,

Was more than woman's weakness: therefore know,

And 'tis my boon unto the King, I do

Desire a separation from your bed;

For I will spend the remnant of my life

In pray'r, and meditation!

EUGENIUS.

O take pity

Upon my weak condition, or I am

More wretched in your innocence, than if

I had found you guilty. Have you shewn a jewel

Out of the cabinet of your rich mind

To lock it up again?—She turns away—

Will none speak for me? Shame hath robb'd me

Of the use of utterance!

LADISLAUS.

Since you have conquer'd, Madam,

You wrong the glory of your victory,

If you use it not with mercy.

EUBULUS.

Have I liv'd to see

But one good woman, and shall we for a trifle

Have her turn nun! I'll first pull down the cloysters!

—'Tis not enough, sweet Dame, that you are good,

We must have some o' th' breed!

Shew me but two such more,

I'll love myself, and, may be—marry!

HONORIA.

She that yet

Ne'er knew what 'twas to bend but to the King,

Thus begs remission for him.

SOPHIA.

O dear Madam,

Wrong not your greatness so.

ALL.

We are all suitors!

SOPHIA.

I perceive

There's no resisting your entreaties,—since

My own fond heart demands his restoration!

But should I pardon what's already past,

Who can secure me that he will be free

From hideous Jealousy hereafter?

EUGENIUS.

I

Will be mine own security!—Go ride,—

Feast,—revel,—banquet,—and with whom you please.

I'll set no watch upon you; and from hence,

(Blushing to think how passion has misled me)

This cheating semblance of thy beauteous self

I throw away,

And only bow to nature, and to thee!

[He tears the Picture from his n••k, and kneels to SOPHIA.

BAPTISTA.

If from her sov'reignty you ne'er had swerv'd,

No stratagem of mine had been devis'd

To practice aught on your credulity.—

EUGENIUS.

Blind as I was—

BAPTISTA.

But since it lur'd you from that fatal gulph

To which suspicion blindly leads her train,

I do applaud me for the deed.

SOPHIA.

And I

My plaudits join; for now my mind's at ease,

And every soft idea bids him welcome!

Within, great Prince, our humble board is spread,

And waits the honor'd sanction of your presence.

LADISLAUS.

We will attend you:—Your hand, fair hostess,

Unless it feed the good man's jealousy!

EUGENIUS.

Oh, no, my liege!—his tyrant reign's dissolv'd.

For now our mutual confidence shall prove,

The guardian-knot, to bind our future LOVE!

Information about this book

Title statement

The magic picture, a play: Altered from Massinger. By the Rev. H. Bate.

Dudley, H. Bate, Sir (Henry Bate), 1745-1824.

Publication

Distributor

University of Oxford Text Archive
Oxford University Computing Services
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ota@oucs.ox.ac.uk

ID [ota]

http://ota.ox.ac.uk/id/4340

ID [isbn10]

1106013395

ID [isbn13]

9781106013392

ID [TCP]

K050373.000

ID [BIBNO]

CW3316990966

ID [ECLL]

1192700400

Availability

Distributed by the University of Oxford under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License

Source

— The magic picture, a play: Altered from Massinger. By the Rev. H. Bate., Dudley, H. Bate, Sir (Henry Bate), 1745-1824.. [8],94[i.e.95],[1]p. ; 8⁰. London :: printed for T. and J. Egerton; T. Davies; Kearsley; E. Macklew; and R. Baldwin,. 1783.. [Altered from 'The picture'.] [P.95 misnumbered 94.] ["Altered from Massinger." is within square brackets on the titlepage.] [Reproduction of original from the British Library.] [English Short Title Catalog, ESTCT57007.] [Electronic data. Farmington Hills, Mich. : Thomson Gale, 2003. Page image (PNG). Digitized image of the microfilm version produced in Woodbridge, CT by Research Publications, 1982-2002 (later known as Primary Source Microfilm, an imprint of the Gale Group).]

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