The two Gentlemen of Verona.

31

Upon whose Faith and Honour I repafe:
Urge not my Father's anger (Eglamore);
But think upon my grief (a Ladies grief),
And on the Justice of my flying hence;
To keep me from a moft unholy match,
Which heaven and fortune fill rewards with plagues!
I do defire thee even from a heart
As full of forrows as the Sea of fands,
To bear me company, and go with me:
If not, to hide what I have faid to thee,
That you may venture to depart alone.

Eg. Madam, I pitty much your grievances;
Which, fince I know they vertuonfly are plac'd,
I give confent to go along with you,
Wreaking as little what betideth me,
As much, I with all good befortune you:
When will you go ?

Sil. This Evening coming.

Eg. Where fhall I meet you ?

Sil. At Frier Patrick's Cell;

Where I intend holy Confeffion.

Eg. I will not fail your Ladyship:
Good morrow (gentle Lady).

Sil. Good morrow kind Sir Eglamore

Exeunt.

## Scena Quarta.

Enter Launce, Protheus, Julia, Silvia.

Lau. When a man's ſervant fhall play the Cur with him (look you), it goes hard: one that I brought up of a Puppy: one that I fav'd from drowning, when three or four of his blind brothers and fifters went to it: I have taught him(even,as one would fay,precifely; thus I would teach a Dog): I was ſent to deliver him as a Prefent to Miftris Silvia, from my Maſter; and I came no ſooner into the Dining-Chamber, but he ſteps me to her Trencher, and ſteals her Capon's-leg: O, 'tis a foul thing, when a Cur cannot keepe himſelf in all Companies: I would have (as one ſhould fay) one that takes upon him to be a Dog indeed, to be, as it were, a Dog at all things. If I had not had more wit than he, take a fault upon me that he did, I think verily he had been hang'd for't: ſure as I live he had ſuffer'd for't: you fhall judg: He thrufts me himſelf into the company of three or four gentleman-like-dogs, under the Dukes table: he had not been there (bleſs the mark) a pifling while, but all the Chamber ſmelt him: out with the Dog (fays one): what Cur is that (fays another)? whip him out (fays the third): hang him up (fays the Duke): I having been acquainted with the ſmell before, knew it was Crab; and goes me to the ſellow that whips the dogs: Friend (quoth I), you mean to whip the Dog: I marry do I (quoth he): You do him the more wrong (quoth I); 'twas I did the thing you wot of: he makes me no more ado, but whips me out of the Chamber: How many Maſters would do this for his ſervant? Nay, I'le be ſworn I have fat in the Stocks for Puddings he hath ſtol'n; otherwife he had been executed: I have ſtood on the Pillory for Geeſe he hath kill'd; otherwife he had ſuffer'd for't: Thou think'it not of this now: Nay, I remember the trick you ſerv'd me when I took my leave of Madam Silvia: did not I bid thee ſtill mark me, and do as I do? when did'it thou fee me heave up my leg, and make water againſt a Gentlewomen Farthingale? Did'it thou ever ſee me do ſuch a trick ?

Pro. Sebafian is thy name: I like thee well,
And will imploy thee in ſome ſervice prefently.
Fu. In what you pleafe; I'le do, Sir, what I can.
Pro. I hope thou wilt.

How now you whore-fon pezan;
Where have you been theſe two days loytering ?
La. Marry Sir, I carried Miftris Silvia the Dog you bad me.

Pro. And what fays ſhe to my little Fandel ?

La. Marry, ſhe fays, your Dog was a Cur, and tells you, curſuſ thanks is good enough for ſuch a prefent.

Pro. But ſhe receiv'd my Dog ?

La. No indeed he did not :

Here have I brought him back again.

Pro. What did'it thou offer her this from me ?

La. I Sir: the other Squirrell was ſtol'n from me
By the Hangman's boy in the Market-place;
And then I offer'd her mine own, who is a Dog
As big as ten of yours, and therefore the gift the greater.

Pro. Go get thee hence, and find my Dog again,
Or ne're return again into my fight :

Away, I fay: ſtay ſeft thou to vex me here ?

A flave, that ſtill an end turns me to flame.

Exit.

Sebaltian, I have entertained thee,
Partly that I have need of ſuch a Youth,
That can with ſome diſcretion do my ſubneſſ:
For 'tis no truſting to yond ſoſilth Lowt;
But chiefly for thy face and thy behaviour,
Which (if my Augury deceive me not)

Witneſſs good bringing up, fortune and truth:
Therefore know thou, for this I entertain thee:
Go prefently, and take this Ring with thee;
Deliver it to Madam Silvia.

She lov'd me well, deliver'd it to me.

Ful. It ſeems you lov'd not her, to leave her Token:
She is dead belike.

Pro. Not ſo: I think ſhe lives.

Ful. Alas!

Pro. Why do'ft thou cry alas ?

Ful. I cannot chooſe but pity her.

Pro. Wherefore ſhould'ſt thou pitty her ?

Ful. Because ſmethinks that ſhe lov'd you as well

As you do love your Lady Silvia:

She dreams on him that has ſ forgot her Love ;

You doat on her that cares not for your Love:

'Tis pitty Love ſhould be ſo contrary :

And thinking on it makes me cry alas.

Pro. VVell: give her that Ring, and therewithal
This Letter: that's her Chamber: Tell my Lady,
I claim the promife for her heavenly Picture:
Your meſſage done, hye home unto my Chamber,
VVhere thou ſhalt find me ſad and ſolitary.

Exit.

Ful. How many women would do ſuch a meſſage ?
Alas poor Protheus, thou haſt entertain'd

A Fox to be the Shepherd of thy Lambs :

Alas, poor fool, why do I pitty him?

That with his very heart deſpitheth me?

Because he loves her, he deſpitheth me ;

Because I love him, I muſt pitty him :

This Ring I gave him when he parted from me,

To bind him to remember my good will :

And now I am (unhappy Meſſenger)

To plead for that which I would not obtain ;

To carry that which I would have refus'd;

To prieſe his faith which I would have diſprais'd:

I am my Maſter's true confirmed Love ;

But cannot be true ſervant to my Maſter,
Unleſs I prove ſalſe traitor to my ſelf :

Yet will I wooe for him, but yet ſo coldly,

As (heaven it knows) I would not have him ſpeed. Silvia.

Gentlewoman, good day: I pray you be my mean

To bring me where to ſpeak with Madam Silvia.

Sil. VVhat would you with her, if that I be ſhe ?

Ful. If you be ſhe, I do entract your patience

To hear me (ppeak the Meſſage I am ſent on.

Sil. From whom?

Ful. From my Maſter, Sir Protheus, Madam.

Sil. Oh: he ſends you for a Picture ?

Fu. I,

The two Gentlemen of Vérona.

34

And once again I do receive thee honest :

VVho by Repentance is not fatisned,

Is nor of Heaven nor Earth ; for theſe are pleas'd :

By Penitence th' Eternal's wrath's appeas'd :

And that my love may appear plain and free,

All that was mine in Silvias, I give thee.

Fu. Oh me unhappy !

Pro. Look to the boy.

Val. VVhy, boy ?

VVhy wag, how now ? what's the matter ? look up : speak :

Fu. O good Sir, my Maſter charg'd me to deliver a Ring to Madam Silvias, which (out of my neglect) was never

Pro. VWhere is that Ring, boy ? (done.)

Fu. Here 'tis: this is it.

Pro. How ? let me fee :

VVhy this is the Ring I gave to Julia.

Fu. Oh cry you mercy, fir, I have miftook :

This is the Ring you ſent to Silvias.

Pr. But how cam't thou by this Ring ? at my depart
I gave this unto Julia.

Fu. And Julia her ſelf did give it me.

And Julia her ſelf hath brought it hither.

Pro. How, Julia ?

Fu. Behold her that gave aim to all thy Oaths,

And entertain'd 'em de pely in her heart :

How oft haſt thou with Perjury cleft the Root ?

Oh Protheus let this Habit make thee bluſh :

Be thou affam'd that I have took upon me

Such an immodest Rayment, if ſhame live

In a diſcourſe of love :

It is the letter blot modetſy finds,

Women to change their ſhapes than men their minds.

Pro. Than men their minds ? 'tis true, oh heaven, were
Man but conſtant, he were perſect; that one error

Fills him with faults: makes him run through all th' fins :

Inconſtancy falls off e're it begins:

What is in Silvias ſace, but I may ſpy

More fresh in Julia's with a conſtant eye ?

Val. Come, come: a hand from either :

Let me be bleſt to make this happy cloſe :

'Twere pitty two ſuch friends should be long foes.

Pro. Bear witness (heaven), I have my wifh for ever.

Ful. And I mine.

Out-l. A prize, a prize, a prize.

Val. Forbear, forbear, I ſay: it is my Lord the Duke :

Your Grace is welcome to a man diſgrac'd,

Banifhed Valentine.

Duke, Sir Valentine ?

Thu. Yonder is Silvia : and Silvia's mine.

Val. Thurio, give back; or else embrace thy death :

Come not within the meaſure of my wrath :

Do not name Silvia thine: if once again,

Verona shall not hold thee: here the ſands,

Take but poffeffion of her with a touch :

I dare thee but to breathe upon my Love.

Thu. Sir Valentine, I care not for her, I :

I hold him but a fool that will endanger

His body for a Girl that loves him not :

I claim her not; and therefore ſhe is thine.

Duke. The more degenerate and bafe art thou,

To make ſuch means for her as thou haſt done,

And leave her on ſuch flight conditions :

Now, by the honour of my Anceſtury,

I do applaud thy Spirit, Valentine,

And think thee worthy of an Empreſs love :

Know then, I here forget all former griefs,

Cancel all grudge, repeal thee home again,

Plead a new ſtate in thy arrival'd merit,

To which I thus ſubſcribe : Sir Valentine,

Thou art a Gentleman, and well deriv'd,

Take thou thy Silvia, for thou haſt deſerv'd her.

Val. I thank your grace, the gift hath made me happy:

I now beſeech you (for your Daughters ſake)

To grant one Boon that I ſhall ask of you.

Duke. I grant it for thine own, what e're it be.

Val. Theſe banifh'd men that I have kept withal,

Are men endu'd with worthy qualities :

Forgive them what they have committed here,

And let them be recall'd from their Exile :

They are reform'd, civil, full of good's,

And fit for great employment (worthy Lord).

Duke, thou haſt prevail'd, I pardon them and thee :

Diſpofe of them as thou knowſt their deferts :

Come, let us go, we will include all Jars

With triumphs, mirth, and all Solemnity.

Val. And as we walk along, I dare be bold

With our diſcourſe to make your grace to ſmile :

What think you of this Page (my Lord)?

Duke. I think the boy hath grace in him, he bluſhes.

Val. I warrant you (my Lord) more grace than boy.

Duke. What mean you by that ſaying ?

Val. Pleaſe you, I'le tell you as we paſs along,

That you will wonder what hath fortuned :

Come Protheus, 'tis your penance but to hear

The ſtory of your Loves diſcovered :

That done, our day of Marriage shall be yours,

One feaſt, one houſe, one mutual happineſs.

Exeunt.

The Names of the Actors.

Duke, Father to Silvia.

Valentine,

Protheus,

Anthonio, Father to Protheus.

Thurio, a fooliſh Rival to Valentine.

Eglamore, Agent for Silvia in her eſcape.

Holt, where Julia lodges.

Out-laws with Valentine.

Speed, A cleanſwith Servant to Valentine.

Launce, the like to Protheus.

Panthion, Servant to Antonio.

Julia, beloved of Protheus.

Silvia, beloved of Valentine.

Luncetta, Waiting-woman to Julia.

THE

35

THE
Merry Wives of Windsor.

Actus Primus. Scena Prima.

Enter Justice Shallow, Slender, Sir Hugh Evans, Maſter Page, Falſtaffe, Bardolph, Nym, Piftoll, Ann Page, Naiſtris Ford, Miftris Page, Simple.

Shallow.

IR Hugh, perfwade me not: I will
make a Star-Chamber matter of it:
if he were twenty Sir John Falſtaffe,
he ſhall not abufe Robert Shallow Eſ-
quire.

Slen. In the County of Gloceſter,
Justice of Peace, and Coram.

Shal. I (Couſin Slender), and Cuſ-
alorum.

I, and Rato-lorum too; and a Gentleman born (Maſter Parfon), who writes himſelf Armigero, in any Bill, VVarrant, Quittance, or Obligation, Armigero.

Shal. I that I do, and have done any time theſe three hundred years.

Slen. All his Succeſſors (gone before him) have don't: and all his Anceſtors (that come after him) may: they may give the dozen white Luces in their Coat.

Shal. It is an old Coat.

Evans, The dozen white Lowſes do become an old Coat well: it agrees well paſſant: it is a familiar beaſt to man, and ſignifies Love.

Shal. The Luce is the freſh-ſiſh, the ſalt-ſiſh is an old Coat.

Slen. I may quarter (Coz).

Shal. You may, by marry-ing.

Evans, It is his marriy-ing indeed, if he quarter it.

Shal. Not a whit.

Evans, Yes per-lady: if he has a quarter of your Coat, there is but three skirts for your ſelf, in my ſim-ple Conjeſtures: but that is all one: if Sir John Falſtaffe have committed Diſparagements unto you, I am of the Church, and will be glad to do my Benevo-lence, to make Atonements and Comprenſes between you.

Shal. The Council ſhall hear it: it is a Riot.

Evans, It is not meet the Council hear of a Riot: there is no fear of Got in a Riot: The Council (look you) ſhall define to hear the fear of Got, and not to hear a Riot: take you viza-ments in that.

Shal. Ha; o' my life, if I were young again, the ſword ſhould end it.

Evans, It is better that friends is the ſword, and end it: and there is alſo another device in my prain, which perad-venture prings good diſcretions with it: There is Ann Page, which is daughter to Maſter Thomas Page, which is pretty Virginity.

Slen. Miftris Ann Page? ſhe has brown hair, and ſpeaks like a woman.

Evans, It is that ferry perfon for all the orld, as juſt as you will define, and ſeven hundred pounds of monies,

and gold, and filver, is her Grand-fire upon his deaths-bed
(Got deliver to a joyful Refurrections) give, when fire is
able to overtake ſeventeen years old: It were a good mo-
tion, if we leave our pribbles and prabbles, and define a
marriage between Maſter Abraham, and Miftris Ann
Page.

Slen. Did her Grand-fire leave her ſeven hundred pound?

Evans, I, and her Father is make her a petter penny.

Slen. I know the young Gentlewoman; ſhe has good gifts.

Evans, ſeven hundred pounds, and poſſibility is goot gifts.

Shal. Well: let us ſee honeſt Mr. Page: is Falſtaffe there?

Evans. Shall I tell you a lie? I do deſpife a liar as I do deſpife one that is falſe, or as I deſpife one that is not true: the Knight, Sir John is there, and I beſeech you be ruled by your well-wiſers: I will peat the door for Maſter Page: What hoa? Got bleſs your houſe here.

Mr. Page, Who's there?

Evans, Here is got's pleſing, and your friend, and Ju-
fice Shallow; and here's young Maſter Slender; that per-
adventures ſhall tell you another tale, if matters grow to
your likings.

Mr. Page, I am glad to ſee your Worſhips well: I thank you for my Venifon, Maſter Shallow.

Shal. Maſter Page, I am glad to ſee you: much good do it your good heart: I wiſh'd your Venifon better; it was ill kill'd: how doth good Miftris Page? and I thank you always with my heart, la: with my heart.

Mr. Page, Sir, I thank you.

Shal. Sir, I thank you: by yea and no I do.

M. Page, I am glad to ſee you, good Maſter Slender.

Slen. How do's your fallow Greyhound, Sir? I heard
ſay, he was out-run on Coraſale.

M. Pa. It could not be judg'd, fir.

Slen. You'l not confes, you'l not confes.

Shal. That he will not, 'tis your fault, 'tis your fault: 'tis a good Dog.

M. Page, A Cur, fir.

Shal. Sir, he's a good Dog, and a fair Dog: can there be more faid? He is good and fair: Is Sir John Falſtaffe here?

M. Page, Sir, he is within; and I would I could do a good office between you.

Evans. It is ſpoke as a Chriſtians ought to ſpeak.

Shal. He hath wrong'd me (Maſter Page).

M. Page, Sir, he doth in ſome ſort confes it.

Shal. If it be conſeſſed, it is not redreſſed: is not that fo (M Page)? he hath wrong'd me, indeed he hath, at a word he hath, believe me, Robert Shallow, Eſquire, faith, he is wrong'd.

Mr. Pa. Here comes Sir John.

Fal. Now, Maſter Shallow, you'l complain of me to the King?

Shal. Knight, you have beaten my men, kill'd my Deer, and

36

The merry Wives of Windsor.

and broke open my Lodg.

Fal. But not kis'd your Keeper's daughter.

Shal. Tut, a pin: this shall be anwer'd.

Fal. I will anwer it straight: I have done all this:
That is now anwer'd.

Shal. The Council shall know this.

Fal. 'T were better for you if it were known in council:
you'll be laugh'd at.

Evans. Pauca verba (Sir John) good worts.

Fal. Good worts? good Cabbadg: slender, I broke your
head: what matter have you against me?

Slen. Marry Sir, I have matter in my head against you,
and againft your Cony-catching Rafcals, Bardolph, Nym
and Piftoff.

Bar. You Banbury Cheefe.

Slen: I, it is no matter.

Pisf. How now, Mephoſophilus?

Slen. I, it is no matter.

Nym. Slice, I fay, pauca, pauca: Slice, that's my hu-
mor.

Slen. Where's Simple, my man? can you tell, Cou-
fin?

Evan. Peace I pray you: Now let us underftand; there
is three Umpires in this matter, as I underſtand; that is,
Maſter Page (fidelicet, Maſter Page), and there is my ſelf
(fidelicet, my ſelf), and the three party is (laſtly, and fi-
nally) mine Hoſt of the Gater.

M. Pas. We three to hear it, and end it between them.

Evan. Ferry goot: I will make a prief of it in my Note-
book, and we will afterwards orke upon the Caufe with as
great diſcreetly as we can.

Fal. Piftoff.

Pisf. He hears with ears.

Evan. The Tevil and his Tam; what phraſe is this,
he hears with ear ? why, it is affectations.

Fal. Piftoſ: did you pick M. Slender's purſe?

Slen. I, by these gloves did he; or I would I might ne-
ver come in mine own great Chamber again elfe, of leven
groats in Miſſ-fixpences, and two Edward Shovelboards,
that coſt me two ſhilling and two pence a peice, of Yead
Miller: by these gloves.

Fal. Is this true, Piftoſ?

Evan. No: it is falſe, if it is a pick-purſe.

Pisf. Ha, thou Mountain Forreigner: Sir John, and
Maſter mine, I Combine challenge of this Latine Bilboe:
word of denial in thy labras here; word of denial; froth
and ſeum thou lieth.

Slen. By these gloves, then'twas he.

Nym. Be advis'd, fir, and paſſ good humours: I will ſay
marry trap with you, if you run the nut-hooks humour
on me; that is the very note of it.

Slen. By this hat, then he in the red face had it: for tho
I cannot remember what I did when you made me drunk,
yet I am not altogether an Aſs.

Fal. What ſay you, Scarlet and John?

Bar. Whv, fir (for my part) I ſay, the Gentleman had
drunk himſelf out of his ſive ſentences.

Evan. It is his ſive ſenſes: ſie, what the ignorance is!

Bar. And being ſap, fir, was (as they ſay) caſheer'd:
and ſo concluſions paſſ the Car-eires.

Slen. I, you ſpake in Latin then too: but 'tis no matter:
I ne're be drunk while't I live again, but in honeſt, civil,
godly company for this trick: If I be drunk, I be drunk
with thate that have the fear of God, and not with drunk-
en knaves.

Evan. So got udg me, that is a virtuous mind.

Fal. You hear all theſe matters deni'd, Gentlemen, you
hear it.

M. Page. Nay, daughter, carry the Wine in; we'll drink
within.

Slen. Oh heaven ! this is Miftris Ann Page.

M. Page. How now Miftris Ford?

Fal. Miftris Ford, by my truth you are very well met:
by your leave, good Miftris.

M. Page, Wife, bid theſe Gentlemen welcome: come,
we have a hot Venifon Paſty to dinner: Come gentlemen
I hope we ſhall drink down all unkindneſs.

Slen. I had rather than Forty ſhillings I had my book
of Songs and Sonnets here: How now Simple, where have
you been ? I muſt wait on my ſelf, muſt I? You have not
the book of Riddles about you, have you?

Sim. Book of Riddles ! why, did you not lend it to Alice
Short-cake upon Albollowmas laſt, a fortnight afore Micha-
elmas?

Shal. Come Coz, come Coz; we ſay for you: a word
with you Coz: marry this, Coz: there is, as 'twere, a ten-
der, a kind of tender, made a far off by Sir Hugh here:
Do you underſtand me?

Slen. I Sir, you ſhall find me reaſonable: if it be ſo, I
ſhall do that is Reaſon.

Shal. Nay, but underſtand me.

Slen. So I do Sir.

Evan. Give ear to his motions (M Slender): I will de-
ferre the matter to you, if you be capacity of it.

Slen. Nay, I will do as my Couſin Shallow ſays: I pray
you pardon me; he's a Juitce of Peace in his Countrey;
ſimple tho I ſtand here.

Evan. But that is not the queſtion: the queſtion is con-
cerning your marriage.

Shal. I, there's the point Sir.

Evan. Marry is it: the very point of it, to M. Ann
Page.

Slen. Why, if it be ſo, I will marry her upon any rea-
ſonable demands.

Eva. But can you affection the 'o-man? let us com-
mand to know that of your mouth, or of your lips: for
divers Philofophers hold, that the lips is parcel of the
mouth: therefore precifely, can you marry your good will
to the maid?

Shal. Couſin Abraham Slender, can you love her?

Slen. I hope fir: I will do as it ſhall become one that
would do Reaſon.

Evan. Nay, got's Lords and his Ladies, you muſt ſpeak
pofftable, if you can carre-her your defires towards
her.

Shal. That you muſt:

Will you (upon good dowry) marry her?

Slen. I will do a greater thing than that upon your re-
queſt (Couſin), in any Reaſon.

Shal. Nay, conceive me, conceive me (sweet Coz),
what I do is to pleafure you (Coz): can you love the
Maid?

Slen. I will marry her (fir) at your requeſt: but if there
be no great love in the beginning, yet heaven may de-
creafe it upon better acquaintance, when we are married,
and have more occafion to know one another: I hope up-
on familiarity will grow more content: but if you ſay,
marry her, I will marry her, that I am freely diffolved
and diffolurely.

Evan. It is a ferry diſcretion anſwer: fave the fall is in
th'ord diffolurely: the ort is (according to our meaning)
refoluteſt: his meaning is good.

Sb. I, I think my Couſin meant well.

Sl. I; or eſſe I would I might be hang'd (la).

Sb. Here comes fair Miftris Ann: Would I were
Young for your ſake, Miftris Ann.

An. The Dinner is on the Table; my Father defires
your Worſhip's company.

Sl. I will wait on him (fair Miftris Ann).

Evan. Od's plefled will: I will not be abſence at the
Grace.

An. Wil't pleafe your Worſhip to come in, Sir?

Sl. No, I thank you forſoth heartily, I am very well.

An. The Dinner attends you, fir.

Sl. I am not a-hungry, I thank you forſoth: Go firrah,
for all you are my man, go wait upon my Couſin Shallow:
a Juitce of Peace fometime may be beholding to his
friend for a man: I keep but three men and a boy yet, till
my

The merry Wives of Windsor.

37

my mother be dead: but what though, yet I live a poor Gentleman born.

An. I may not go in without your Worship; they will not fit till you come.

Sl. I'faith, I'le eat nothing: I thank you as much as though I did.

An. I pray you fir walk in.

Sl. I had rather walk here (I thank you) I bruis'd my thin th'other day, with playing at Sword and Dagger with a Matter of Fence (three veney's for a diſt of ſtew'd Prunes) and by my troth, I cannot abide the ſmell of hot meat ſince. Why do your dogs bark ſo? be there Bears' th' Town?

An. I think there are, Sir, I heard them talk'd of.

Sl. I love the sport well, but I ſhall as soon quarrel at it as any man in England: you are afraid if you fee the Bear loofe, are you not?

An. I indeed Sir.

Sl. That's meat and drink to me now: I have feen Sacker/ſon loofe twenty times, and have taken him by the Chain: but (I warrant you) the women have ſo cri'd and fhreeket at it, that it palt: But women indeed cannot abide 'em, they are very ill-favoured rough things.

M. Pa. Come gentle M. Slender, come: we ſtay for you.

Sl. I'le eat nothing, I thank you Sir.

M. Pa. By Cock and Pye you ſhall not chufe Sir: come, come.

Sl. Nay, pray you lead the way.

M. Pa. Come on Sit.

Sl. Miftres Anne, your ſelf shall go firſt.

An. Not 1 Sir, pray you keep on.

Sl. Truly I will not go firſt: truly-la: I will not do you that wrong.

An. I pray you Sir.

Sl. I'le rather be unmannerly than troubleſome; you do your ſelf wrong indeed la.

Exeunt.

## Scena Secunda.

Enter Evans and Simple.

Evan. Go your ways, and ask of Doctor Caius houſe which is the way; and there dwells one Miftres ſuickly, which is in the manner of his Nurſe; or his dry-Nurſe, or his Cook; or his Laundry; his Wathier, and his Ringer.

Sim. Well Sir.

Evan. Nay, it is petter yet: give her this letter; for it is a 'oman that altogether acquaintance with Miftres Page; and the Letter is to defire, and require her to ſolicite your Maſters defires to Miftres Anne Page: I pray you be gone; I will make an end of my dinner; there's Pippins and Cheeſe to come.

Exeunt.

## Scena Tertia.

Enter Falſtaffe, Hoft, Bardolſe, Nym. Pifßoll. Page.

Fal. Mine Hoft of the Garter.

H. What fays my Bully Rook ? ſpeak Schoſlary, and wifely.

Fal. Truly mine Hoft, I muſt turn away ſome of my ſollowers.

H. Difcard, (Bully Hercules) caſheer; let them wag; trot, trot.

Fal. I fit at ten pounds a week.

H. Thou'rt an Emperor (Cæsar, Reſar and Phæa-

zar) I will entertain Bardolſe: he will draw, he will tap, faid I well (Bully H. or ?)

Fa. Do ſo (good mine Hoft.)

Ho. I have ſpoke, let him follow: let me fee thee froth and live: I am at a word: follow

Fal. Bardolſe follow him, a Tapſter is a good trade: an old Cloak makes a new Jerkin; a wather'd Servingman, a freſh Tapſter, so adieu.

Ba. It is a life that I have defired: I will thrive.

Pifſ. O bafe Hungarian wight, wilt thou the Sp'get weild.

Ni. He was gotten in drinkis not the humor conceited.

Ba. I am glad I am ſo acquit of this Tinderbox: his Theſts were too open; his filching was like an unskilful Singer, he kept not time.

Ni. The good humor is to ſveal at a minntes ſref.

Pifſ. Convey the wife it call: Steal ? foh: is a fico for the phraſe.

Fa. Well firſ, I am almost out at heels.

Pifſ. Why then let Kibes enfue.

Fal. There is no remedy: I muſt conicatch, I muſt ſhift.

Pifſ. Young Ravens muſt have food.

Fal. Which of you know Ford of this Town?

Pifſ. I ken the wight, he is of ſubſtance good.

Fal. My honest Lads, I will tell you what I am about.

Pifſ. Two yards and more.

Fal. No quips now Pifſol: (Indeed I am in the Waffe two yards about: but I am now about no waffe, I am about thrift:) briefly, I do mean to make love to Ford's Wife: I ſpie entertainment in her: ſhe diſcourſes: ſhe carves: ſhe gives the leere of invitation: I can conſtrue the action of her familiar ſtyle, and the hardſet voice of her behaviour (to be engliſh'd right) is, I am Sir John Falſaſſes.

Pifſ. He hath ſtudied her will; and translated her will: out of honeſty into English.

Ni. The Anchor is deep: will that humor paſſ?

Fal. Now, the report goes, ſhe has all the rule of her Husbands Purſe: he hath a legend of Angels.

Pifſ. As many devils entertain: and to her Boy ſay, I.

Ni. The humor rifes it is good: humor me the Angels.

Fal. I have writ me here a Letter to her; and here another to Pages wife, who even now gave me good eyes too; examined my parts with moſt judicious illads: fometimes the beam of her view, guided my foot: fometimes my portly belly.

Pifſ. Then did the Sun on Dung-hill ſhine.

Ni. I thank thee for that humor.

Fal. O ſhe did ſo courfe o're my exteriors with a greedy intention, that the apperſure of her eye did ſeem to ſeorch me up like a burning-glaſs: here's another Letter to her: She bears the purſe too: She is a Region in Guiana: all gold and bounty; I will be cheaters to them both, and they ſhall be Exechequers to me: they ſhall be my Eaſt and Weſt-Indies, and I will trade to them both: Go, bear thorn this Letter to Miftres Page; and thou this to Miftres Ford: we will thrive (Lads) we will thrive.

Pifſ. Shall I Sir Pandarus of Troy become, And by my ſide wear Steel? then Luciſer take all.

Ni. I will run no bafe humor: here take the humour-Letter, I will keep the haviour of reputation.

Fal. Hold Sirrah, bear you theſe Letters rightly, Sail like my Pinnace to theſe golden flores.

Rogues, hence, avaunt, vanifh like hail-ſtones; go,

Trudg; plod away oth' hoof, ſeek ſhelter, pack :

Falſtaffe will learn the honour of the age,

French thrift, you Rogues, my ſelf, and skirted Page.
Pifſ. Let Vultures gripe thy guts: for gourd, and Fulſam holds: and high and low beguiles the rich and poor, Teſter Ple have in Pouch when thou ſhalt lack,

Bafe Phrygian Turk.

Ni. I have operations,

Which be humours of revenge,

D

Ni. By

38

The merry Wives of Windsor.

Ni. By Welkin and her Star.

Pift. With wit, or feel ?

Ni. With both the humors, I:

I will diçues the humor of this Love to Ford:

Pift. And I to Page shall eke unfold

How Falstaffe (Varletvile)

His Dove will prove : his gold will hold,

And his fort Couch defile.

Ni. My humor fhall not cool: I will incense Ford to
deal with poyfon : I will poffefs him with yellownefs,
for the revolt of mine is dangerous : that is my true hu-
mor.

Pift. Thou art the Mars of Male-contents: I fecong
thee: troop on.
Exeunt.

## Scena Quarta.

Enter Miftref's Quickly, Simple, John Rugby, Doctor Caines, Fenton.

Qu. What, John Rugby, I pray thee go to the cafement,
and fee if you can fee my Mafter, Mafter Doctor Caines
coming: if he do (I'faith) and find any body in the
houſe, here will be an old abufing of Gods patience, and
the Kings English.

Ru. I'le go watch.

Qu. Go, and we'll have a poſſet for't soon at night,
(in faith) at the latter end of a ſea-coal fire: An honest,
willing, kind fellow, as ever fervant ſhall come in houſe
withal: and I warrant you, no tell-tale, nor no breed-
bate : his worſt fault is, that he is given to prayer ; he is
ſomething peeviſh that way: but no body, but has his
fault : but let that pafs. Peter Simple you ſay your name
is.

Si. I, for fault of a better.

Qu. And Maſter Slender's your Maſter?

Si. I forfooth.

Qu. Do's he not wear a great round Beard, like a
Glovers pairing-knife ?

Si. No forfooth : he hath but a little wee-face; with a
little yellow Beard : a Cain-coloured Beard.

Qu. A softly-fprited man, is he not ?

Si. I forfooth : but he is as tall a man of his hands, as
any is between this and his head ; he hath fought with a
Warrener.

Qu. How ſay you: oh, I ſhould remember him: doe's
he not hold up his head (as it were?) and ftrut in his gate ?

Si. Yes indeed doe's he.

Qu. Well, heaven ſend Anne Page no worſe fortune.
Tell Maſter Parfon Evans, I will do what I can for your
Maſter: Anne is a good girl, and I wifh—

Ru. Out alas: here comes my Maſter.

Qu. We ſhall all be ſhent : Run in here, good young
man: go into this Cloſet: he will not ſtay long: what
John Rugby ? John : what John I ſay ? go John, go en-
quire for my Maſter, I doubt he be not well, that he comes
not home : (and down, down, adown'a, &c.)

Ca. Vat is your ſing ? I do not like des toys: pray
you go and vetch in my Cloſet, unboyteen verd; a Box,
a green a Box: do intend vat I ſpeak? a green-a-
Box.

Qu. I forfooth I'le fetch it you :
I am glad he went not in himſelf: if he had found the
young man, he would have been horn mad.

Ca. Fe, ſe, ſe, ſe, moi foi, il ſait for chando, Ie man wo ia
e. Court la grand affaires.

Qu. Is it this Sir?

Ca. Ouy, merte le au mon pocket, de-peeche quickly:
Vere is dat knave Rugby ?

Qu. What John Rugby, John?

Ru. Here Sir.

Ca. You are John Rugby, and you are Jack Rugby:
Come, take-a your Rapier, and come after my heel to the
the Court.

Ru. 'Tis ready fir, here in the Porch.

Ca. By my trot I tarry too long: od's-me: que ay je
oublie: dere is fome Simples in my Cloſet, dat I will not
for the varld I ſhall leave behind.

Qu. Ay-me, he'll find the young man there, and be mad.

Ca. O Diable, Diable : vat is in my Cloſet?

Villanie, La-roon: Rugby, my Rapier.

Qu. Good Maſter be content.

Ca. Wherefore ſhould I be content-a ?

Qu. The young man is an honest man.

Ca. What ſhall de honest man do in my Cloſet: dere
is no honest man dat ſhall come in my Cloſet.

Qu. I beſeeth you be not ſo flegmatick: hear the
truth of it. He came of an errand to me from Parſon
Hugh.

Ca. Vell.

Si. I forfooth, to deſire her to—

Qu. Peace, I pray you.

Ca. Peace-a-your-tongue, ſpeak-a your Tale.

Si. To deſire this honest Gentlewoman ( your Maid)
to ſpeak a good word to Miftref's Anne Page for my Ma-
fer in the way of marriage.

Qu. This is all indeed-la: but I'le ne're put my finger
in the fire and need not.

Ca. Sir Hugh ſend-a-you ? Rugby, ballow me fome Pa-
per: tarry you a littell-a-while.

Qui. I am glad he is ſo quiet: if he had been through-
ly moved, you ſhould have heard him ſo loud, and ſo me-
lancholly: but notwithſtanding man, I'le do for your ma-
fer what good I can: and the very yea, and the no is, the
French Doctor my Maſter, (I may call him my Maſter,
look you, for I keep his houſe; and I waſh, ring, brew,
bake, ſcour, dresſ meat and drink, make the beds, and do
all my ſelf.)

Sim. 'Tis a great charge to come under one bodies
hand.

Qui. Are you a-vis'd o'that ? you ſhall find it a great
charge: and to be up early, and down late: but notwith-
ſtanding, (to tell you in your ear, I would have no words
of it) my Maſter himſelf is in love with Miftref's Anne
Page: but notwithſtanding that I know Annes mind, that's
neither here nor there.

Cai. You, Jack'Nape: givie'a this Letter to Sir Hugh,
by gar it is a ſhallenge: I will cut his troat in de Parke,
and I will teach a ſcurvy Jack a-nape Prieſt to meddle or
make: — you may be gone: it is not good you tarry
here: by gar I will cut all his two ſtones: by gar, he
ſhall not have a ſtone to trow at his dog.

Qui. Alas: he ſpeaks but for his friend.

Cai. It is no matter'a ver dat: do not you tell-a-me
dat I ſhall have Anne Page for my ſelf? by gar, I'll kill
de Jack-Prieſt: and I have appointed mine Hoft of de
Garter to meaſure our weapon: by gar I will my ſelf
have Ann Page.

Qui. Sir, the maid loves you, and all ſhall be well: We
muſt give folks leave to prate: what the good-jez.

Cai. Rugby, come to the Court with me: by gar, if I
have not Anne Page, I ſhall turn your head out of my
door: follow my heels, Rugby.

Qui. You ſhall have Anne-fools head of your own,
No, I know Anns mind for that: that never a woman in
Windsor knows more of Anns mind than I do, nor can do
more than I do with her, I thank Heaven.

Fenton. Who's within there, hoa ?

Qui. Who's there, I troa ? Come near the houſe I pray
you.

Fen. How now (good woman) how doſt thou ?

Qui. The better that it pleafes your good Worſhip to
ask.

Fen. What news? how does pretty Miftref's Anne ?

Qui. In

The merry Wives of Windsor.

39

Qui. In truth Sir, and she is pretty, and honest, and gen-
tle, and one that is your friend, I can tell you that by the
way, I praife heaven for it.

Fen. Shall I do any good think'st thou? fhall I not lofe my
fuit?

Qui. Troth Sir, all is in his hands above: but notwith-
standing (After Fenton), I'll be f worn on a book she
loves you: Have not your WorSHIP a Wart above your
Eye?

Fen. Yes marry have I: what of that?

Qui. Well, thereby hangs a tale: good faith, it is fuch
another Nan; but (I dereft) a honest maid as ever broke
bread: we had an hours talk of that Wart: I fhall never
laugh but in that maids company: but (indeed) fhe is gi-
ven too much to Aflicholly and mufing, but for you—
Well—go to—

Fen. Well: I fhall fee her to day: hold, there's money for thee: Let me have thy voice in my behalf: if thou feeft her before me, commend me—

Fen. VVell: farewell: I am in great haſſe now.

Qui. Will I? I faith that we will: And I will tell your
WorSHIP more of the VVart, the next time we have confi-
dence, and of other VVooers.

Qui. Farewell to your VVorSHIP: truly an honest Gentle-
man: but Am loves him not: for I know Anns mind as well
as another does: out upon't: what have I forgot?

Exit.

AETUS SECUNDUS. Scena Prima.

Enter Miftris Page, Miftris Ford, Mafter Page, Mafter
Ford, Piftol, Nym, Quickly, Hoſt, Shallow.

Mif. Page. VVhat, have I ſcap'd Love-Letters in the
holy-day-time of my beauty, and am I now a ſubject for
them? let me fee:

Ask me no Reafon why I love you; for the Love use Reafon
for his Precifian, he admits him not for his Counſellor: you are
not young, no more am I: go to then, there's ſympathy: you are
merry, so am I: ha, ha, then there's more ſympathy: you love
Sack, &c to do I: would you defire better ſympathy? Let it ſuffice
thee (Miftris Page) at the laſt if the Love of a Souldier can
ſuffice, that I love thee; I will not ſay pity me, 'tis not a Soul-
dier-like phraſe, but I fay, love me:

By me, thine own true Knight, by day or night:

Or any kind of light, with all his might,

For thee to fight.

John Falstaffe.

What a Herod of *Fury* is this? O wicked, wicked world:
One that is well nigh worn to pieces with age,
To show himſelf a young Gallant? what unwayed
Behaviour hath this FLEMISH drunkard pickt
(Pth' devils name) out of my converſation, that dares in
this manner afflay me? VVhy, he hath not been thrice in
my Company: what fhould I fay to him? I was then frugal of
my birth (heaven forgive me): VVhy, I'le exhibit a Bill in
the Parliament for the putting down of men: how ſhall
I be reveng'd on him? for reveng'd I will be, as ſure as his
guts are made of puddings.

Mif. Ford. Miftris Page, truſt me, I was going to your
houſe.

Mif. Page. And truſt me, I was coming to you: you look very ill.

Mif. Ford. Nay, I'le ne're believe that; I have to ſhew
to the contrary.

Mif. Page. 'Faith but you do, in my mind.

Mif. Ford. VVell: I do then: yet I fay, I could ſhow
you to the contrary: O Miftris Page, give me ſome coun-
fel.

Mif. Page. What's the matter, woman?

Mif. Ford. O woman ! if it were not for one trifling re-
ſpect, I could come to ſuch honour.

Mif. Page. Hang the trifle (woman), take the honour:
what is it? diffense with trifles: what is it?

Mif. Ford. If I. would go to hell for an eternal mo-
ment, or fo; I could be knighted.

Mif. Page. What, thou leſt! Sir *Alice Ford*! these Knights
will hack, and fo thou ſhouldn't not alter the article of thy
Gentry.

Mif. Ford. We burn day-light, here, read, read: per-
ceive how I might be Knighted: I ſhall think the worſe
of fat men as long as I have an Eye to make difference of
mens likings; and yet he would not ſwear: praife W-
mens modety: and gave ſuch orderly and well-behaved
Reproof to all uncomelincels, that I would have ſworn
his Diſpoſition would have gone to the truth of his
Words: but they do no more adhere, and keep place to-
gether, than the Hundred Palfms to the Tune of Green-
ſeefes: What tempeſt (I troa) threw this Whale (with ſo
many Tuns of Oyl in his belly) a' ſhoure at *Windfor* ? How
flall I be revenged on him ? I think the beſt way were
to entertain him with hope, till the wicked fire of Luft have
melted him in his own greaſe: Did you ever hear the
like?

Mif. Page. Letter for Letter; but that the name of Page
and Ford differs: to thy great comfort in this myſtery of
ill Opinions, here's the twin-brother of thy Letter; but
let thine inherit firſt; for I proteſt mine never ſhall: I war-
rant he hath a thousand of theſe Letters, writ with blank-
ſpace for different names (ſee more): and theſe are of the
Second Edition: he will print them out of doubt; for he
cares not what he puts into the Preſs, when he would put
us two: I had rather be a Gianteſs, and lie under Mount-
Pelion: Well: I will find you twenty laſcivious Turtles e're
one chaſſe man.

Mif. Ford. Why, this is the very fame: the very hand:
the very words: What doth he think of us?

Mif. Page. Nay, I know not: it makes me almoſt rea-
dy to wrangle with mine own Honesty: I'le entertain
my ſelf like one that I am not acquainted withal: for
ſure unleſs he knew ſome Strain in me, that I know
not my ſelf, he would never have boorded me in this
fury.

Mif. Ford. Boording, call it you? I'le be ſure to keep
him above deck.

Mif. Page. So will I: if he come under my hatches, I'le ne-
ver to Sea again: Let's be reveng'd on him; let's appoint
him a meeting: give him a flow of comfort in his ſuit; and
lead him on with a fine baited delay, till he hath pawn'd
his horſes to mine Hoſt of the Garter.

Mif. Ford. Nay, I will confent to aſt any Villany againſt
him that may not fully the charineſs of our Honesty: Oh
that my husband ſaw this Letter: it would give eternal food
to his jealousie.

Mif. Page. VVhy, look where he comes: and my good
man too: he's as far from jealousie as I am from gi-
ving him cauſe, and that (I hope) is an unmeaſurable di-
tance.

Mif. Ford. You are the happier woman.

Mif. Page. Let's confult together againſt this greaſe
Knight: Come hither.

Ford. VVell: I hope it be not.

Pisſ. Hope is a curtail-dog in ſome affairs.

Sir John affects thy Wife.

Ford. VVhy firſ, thy Wife is not young.

Pisſ. He wooes both high and low, both rich and poor,
both young and old, and one with another (*Ford*) he loves
thy Gally-mawſry (*Ford*) perpend.

Ford. Love my Wife?

Pisſ. VVith liver burning hot: prevent;

Or go like Sir *Aſteen*, with

Ring-wood at thy heels: O, odious is the name.

Ford. VVhat name, Sir?

D 2

Pisſ

The merry Wives of Windsor.

40

Pift. The horn, I say: Farewell:

Take heed, have open Eye; for thieves do foot by night.

Take heed 're fummer comes, or Cuckoo-birds do fling.

Away fir Corporal Nim.

Believe it (Page), he speaks fence.

Ford. I will be patient: I will find out this.

Nim. And this is true: I like not the humor of lying: he hath wrong'd me in fome humours: I hould have born the humour'd Letter to her: but I have a ſword, and it ſha I bite upon my neceflity: he loves your Wife; There's the ſhort and the long: My name is Corporal Nim: I ſpeak it, and I avouch, 'tis true: my name is Nim: and Falſtaffe loves your Wife: adieu: I love not the humour of bread and checche: adieu.

Page. The humour of it (quoth 'a')? here's a fellow frights English out of his Wits.

Ford. I will seek out Falſtaffe.

Page. I never heard ſuch a drawling affecting Rogue.

Ford. If I do find it: Well.

Page. I will not believe ſuch a Cataian, tho the Prieſt o' th' Town commended him for a true man.

Ford. 'Twas a good ſenſible fellow: Well.

Page. Hownow Meg?

Mif. Page. VVhither go you (George)? hark you.

Mif. Ford. How now (weet Frank), why art thou melancholly ?

Ford. I melancholly! I am not melancholly:

Get you home, go.

Mif. Ford. Faith, thou haſt ſome crotchets in thy head.

Now: will you go, Miftris Page?

Mif. Page. Have with you: you'l come to dinner, George? Look who comes yonder: ſhe shall be our Meſtenger to this paltry Knight.

Mif. Ford. Truſt me, I thought on her: ſhe'le ſit it.

Mif. Page. You are come to fee my daughter Ann?

Qui. I forſooth: and I pray how do's good Miftris Ann?

Mif. Page. Go in with us and fee: we have an hours talk with you.

Page. How now, Maſter Ford.

Ford. You heard what this Knave told me, did you not ?

Page. Yes: and you heard what the other told me?

Ford. Do you think there is truth in them?

Page. Hang 'em flaves: I do not think the Knight would offer it: but theſe that accuſe him in his intent towards our Wives, are a Yoke of his diſcarded men: very Rogues now they be out of ſervice.

Ford. Were they his men?

Page. Marry were they.

Ford. I like it never the better for that.

Do's he lie at the Garter?

Page. I marry do's he: if he ſhould intend this Voyage toward my Wife, I would turn her loofe to him; and what he gets more of her than ſharp words, let it lie on my head.

Ford. I do not miſdoubt my Wife: but I would be loath to turn them together: a man may be too confident: I would have nothing lie on my head: I cannot be thus faſtisfied.

Page. Look where my ranting-Hoſt of the Garter comes: there is either liquor in his pate, or money in his purſe, when he looks ſo merrily: How now mine Hoſt?

Hoſt. How now Bully-Rooke: thou'rt a Gentleman Cavalerio-Juſtice, I fay.

Shal. I follow (mine Hoſt), I follow: Good even, and twenty (good Maſter Page). Maſter Page, will you go with us? We have ſport in hand.

Hoſt. Tell him, Cavalerio-Juſtice: tell him Bully-Rook.

Shal. Sir, there is a fray to be fought between Sir Hugh, the Welch-Prieſt, and Cautis, the French-Doctor.

Ford. Good mine Hoſt o'th' Garter, a word with you.

Hoſt. What faſ't thou, my Bully-Rook?

Shal. Will you go with us to behold it? My merry Hoſt hath had the meaſuring of their Weapons; and (I think) haſt appointed them contrary places: for (believe me) I hear the Parfon is no Jeſter: Hark, I will tell you what our ſport ſhall be.

Hoſt. Haſt thou no ſuit againſt my Knight, my gueſt-Cavaleir?

Shal. None, I proteſt; but Ile give you a potſle of burn'd Sack to give me recourse to him, and tell him my name is Broom: only for a Jeſt.

Hoſt. My hand (Bully): thou ſhalt have egreſs and reſreſſs (laid I well) ? and thy name ſhall be Broom. It is a merry Knight: will you go an-heirs?

Shal. Have with you, mine Hoſt.

Page. I have heard the French-man hath good skill in his Rapier.

Shal. Tut, fir: I could have told you more: In these times you ſtand on diſtance: your Paffes, Stoccado's, and I know not what: 'tis the heart (Maſter Page): 'tis here, 'tis here: I have seen the time, with my long-ſword, I would have made you four tall fellows skip like Rats.

Hoſt. Here boys, here: ſhall we wag?

Page: Have with you: I had rather hear them ſcold than fight.

Ford. Tho Page be a ſecure ſool, and ſtand ſo firmly on his Wives frailty; yet I cannot put off my opinion ſo cauſely: ſhe was in his company at Page's houſe: and what they made there, I know not. Well: I will look further into't; and I have a diſguſe to found Falſtaffe: if I find her honeſt, I love not my labour: if ſhe be otherwife, 'tis labour well beſtowed.

Excuse.

## Scena Secunda.

Enter Falſtaffe, Piftol, Robin, Quickly, Bardolſſe, Ford.

Fal. I will not lend thee a penny.

Pift. Why then the World's mine Oyſter, which I, with ſword will open.

Fal. Not a penny: I have been content (Sir) you ſhould lay my countenace to pawn: I have grated upon my good friends for three Reprieves for you, and your Coach-fellow, Nim; or eſſe you had look'd through the grate, like a Gemyen of Baboons: I am damn'd in hell for ſwear-ing to Gentlemen, my friends, you were good Soldiers, and tall fellows. And when Miftris Briget loft the handle of her Fan, I took't upon mine honour thou hadt it not.

Pift. Did'ſt thou not ſhare? had'ſt thou not fifteen pence?

Fal. Reaſon, you Rogue, Reaſon: think'ſt thou Ile endanger my foul, gratis? At a word: hang no more about me; I am no Gibbet for you: go, a ſhort knife, and a throng, to your Mannor of Pickt-hatcht: go, you'l not bear a Letter for me, you Rogue: you ſtand upon your honour: Why (thou unconſinable bafeſeſs), it is as much as I can do to keep the term of my honour precife: I, I: I my ſelf fometimes, leaving the fear of heaven on the left hand, and hiding mine honour in my neceflity, am ſain to ſhuffle, to hedge, and to lurch; and yet, you Rogue, will enſconſe your Rags, your Cat-a-Mountain-looks, your Red Lattice Phraſes, and your bold-beating-Oaths, under the ſhelter of your honour: you will not do it, you.

Pift. I do relent: What would you more of man?

Rob. Sir, here's a Woman would ſpeak with you.

Fal. Let her approach.

Qui. Give your Worſhip good morrow.

Fal.

The merry Wives of Windsor.

41

Fal. Good morrow, good wife.

Qui. Not so, and't please your Worship.

Fal. Good maid then.

Qui. Ple be fown.

As my mother was the firſt hour I was born.

Fal. I do believe the ſwearer: what with me ?

Qui. Shal I vouchſaſe your V Worſhip a word or two ?

Fal. Two thouſand (fair woman), and I'le vouchſaſe
thee the hearing.

Qui. There is one Miftris Ford (Sir): I pray come a
little nearer this ways: I my ſelf dwell with M. Doctor
Caits.

Fal. Well, on: Miftris Ford, you ſay.

Qui. Your Worſhip ſays very true: I pray your Worſhip
come a little nearer this ways.

Fal. I warrant thee no body hears: mine own people,
mine own people.

Qui. Are they ſo? Heaven bleſſs them, and make them
his ſervants.

Fal. Well: Miftris Ford; what of her ?

Qui. Why, Sir, ſhe's a good creature: lord, lord, your
Worſhip's a wanton: well: heaven ſolve you, and all of
us, I pray—

Fal. Miftris Ford: come, Miftris Ford.

Qui. Marry, this is the ſhort and the long of it: you
have brought her into ſuch a Canaries: as this wonderful:
the beſt Courtier of them all (when the Court lay at
Windſor) could never have brought her to ſuch a Cana-
ry: yet there has been Knights, and Lords. and Gentle-
men, with their Coaches: I warrant you Coach after Coach,
letter after letter, gift after gift, ſmelling to ſweetly; all
musk; and ſo rufſhing, I warrant you, in filk and gold,
and in ſuch alligant terms, and in ſuch wine and fugar of
the beſt, and the faireſt, that would have won any woman's
heart: and I warrant you they could never get an Eye-
wink of her: I had my ſelf twenty Angels given me this
morning; but I defie all Angels (in any ſo ſort as they
fay) but in the way of honetly: and I warrant you, they
could never get her ſo much as ſip on a Cup with the
proudest of them all; and yet there has been Earls; nay
(which is more), Pentioners, but I warrant you all is one
with her.

Fal. But what ſays ſhe to me? be brief my good the-
Mercury.

Qui. Marry, ſhe hath receiv'd your Letter; for the
which ſhe thanks you a thouſand times; and ſhe gives you
to notiſe, that her husband will be abſence from his houſe
between ten and eleven.

Fal. Ten and eleven.

Qui. I, forſooth: and then you may come and ſee the
picture (the ſays) that you wot of: Mafter Ford, her huf-
band, will be from home: Alas! the ſweet woman leads an
ill life with him: he's a very jeaſouſleman; ſhe leads a very
frampold life with him (good heart).

Fal. Ten and eleven:

Woman, commend me to her, I will not fail her.

Qui. Why, you ſay well: But I have another meſſenger
to your Worſhip: Miftris Page has her heartie commen-
dations to you too: and let me tell you in your ear, theſe
are ſartuous a civil modeſt Wife, and one (I tell you) that
will not miſſ you morning nor evening prayer, as any is in
Windſor, who e're be the other: and ſhe bad me tell your
Worſhip, that her husband is ſeldom from home; but ſhe
hopes there will come a time. I never knew a woman to doat
upon a man; ſurely I think you have Charms, la: yes in
truth.

Fal. Not I, I aſſure thee; fetting the attraction of my
good parts aſide, I have no other Charms.

Qui. Bleſſing on your heart for't.

Fal. But I pray thee tell me this: has Ford's Wife, and
Page's Wife acquainted each other how they love me?

Qui. That were a jeit indeed: they have not ſo little
grace I hope, that were a trick indeed: But Miftris Page
would define you to ſend her your little Page, of all love

her husband has a marvellous inſection to the little Page:
and truly Mafter Page is an honet man: never a Wife in
Windſor leads a better life than ſhe do's: do what ſhe will,
ſay what ſhe will, take all, pay all, go to bed when the lift,
riſe when ſhe lift; all is as ſhe will, and truly ſhe deferves
it; for if there be a kind woman in Windſor, ſhe is one: you
muſt ſend her your Page; no Remedy.

Fal. Why, I will.

Qui. Nay, but do ſo then, and, go you, he may come
and go between you both: and in any cafe, have a na-
word, that you may know one anotbers mind, and the
boy never need to underſand any thing, for 'tis not good
that children ſhould know any wickedneſs: old folks,
you know, have diſcretion, as they ſay, and know the
World.

Fal. Fare thee well: commend me to them both: there's
my purſe, I am yet thy debtor: Boy, go along with this
woman: this news diſtracts me.

Pift. This Punk is one of Cupid's Carriers:

Clap on more fails, purſue; up with your fightes:

Give fire: ſhe is my prize; or Ocean whom them all.

Fal. Saſt thou ſo (old Jack)? Go thy ways: I'le
make more of thy old body than I have done: will they
yet look after thee? Wilſt thou after the expence of ſo
much money, be now a gainer? good body. I thank thee:
let them ſay, 'tis groſly done, ſo it be fairly done, no mat-
ter.

Bar. Sir John, there's one Mafter Broom below would
fain ſpeak with you, and be acquainted with you; and hath
fent your Worſhip a mornings draught of Sack.

Fal. Broom is his name?

Baff. I Sir.

Fal. Call him in: ſuch Brooms are welcome to me, that
o'reflows ſuch liquor as ah, ab, Miftris Ford and Miftris Page,
have I encompaſſed you ? go to, via.

Ford. Blesſe you, fir.

Fal. And you, fir: would you ſpeak with me ?

Ford. I make bold to preſ with ſo little preparation up-
on you.

Fal. You'r welcome: what's your will? Give us leave;
Drawer.

Ford. Sir, I am a Gentleman that have ſpent much; my
name is Broom.

Fal. Good Mafter Broom, I define more acquaintance
of you.

Ford. Good Sir John, I ſue for yours: not to charge
you; for I muſt let you underſand, I think my ſelf in
better plight for a Lender, than you are: the which
hath ſomethine emboldened me to this unleafon'd intruſi-
on: for they ſay, if money go before, all ways do lie o-
pen.

Money is a good Soldier (fir), and will on.

Ford. Troth, and I have a bag of money here troubles
me; if you will help to bear it (Sir John), take all, or half,
for eafing me of the carriage.

Fal. Sir, I know not how I may deferue to be your Por-
ter.

Ford. I will tell you, Sir, if you will give me the hear-
ing.

Fal. Speak (good Mafter Broom): I'fl shall be glad to be
your ſervant.

Ford. Sir, I hear you are a Scholar (I will be brief with
you) and you have been a man long known to me, tho I
had never ſo good means as define, to make my ſelf ac-
quainted with you. I ſhall discover a thing to you, where-
in I muſt very much lay open mine own imperfection: but
(good Sir John) as you have one eye upon my follies, as
you hear them unfolded, turn another into the Register
of your own, that I may paſſ with a Reproof the cau-
er, ſith you your ſelf know how eane it is to be ſuch an
Offender.

Fal. Very well, fir, proceed.

Ford. There is a Gentlewoman in this Town, her huf-
band's name is Ford.

D 3

Fal.

The merry Wives of Windsor.

42

Fial. Well, fir.

Ford. I have long lov'd her, and I proteft to you, beſtowed much on her; ſollowed her with a doating obſervance: ingroſſ'd opportunities to meet her: ſee'd every flight occasion that could but niggardly give me fight of her: not only bought many prefents to give her, but have given largely to many, to know what ſhe would have given: Briefly, I have puru'd her as Love hath puru'd me, which hath been on the wing of all occafions: but whatsoever I have merited, either in my mind, or in my means, meed I am fire I have received none, unleſſ experience be a Jewel that I have purchased at an infinite rate, and that Jewel taught me to ſay this:

"Love like a shadow flies, when Subſtance Love puruſes;

"Puruſing that as flies, and flying what puruſes.

Fal. Have you receiv'd no promife of ſatisfaction at her hands?

Ford. Never.

Fal. Have you importun'd her to ſuch a purpose ?

For. Never.

Fal. Of what quality was your love then ?

Ford. Like a fair houſe built on another man's ground; fo that I have loft my Ediſtice, by miſtaking the place where I ereret it.

Fal. To what purpose have you unfolded this to me ?

Ford. When I have told you that, I have told you all: Some ſay, that tho ſhe appear honyſt to me, yet in other places the enlargeth her mirth ſo far, that there is ſhrew Conſtruction made of her. Now (Sir John) here is the heart of my purpofe: You are a Gentleman of excellent Breeding, admirable Difcourſe, of great admittance, Antheinick in your Place and Perſon, generally allow'd for your many War-like, Court-like, and Learned Preparations.

Fal. O sir!

Ford. Believe it; for you know it: there is money; ſpend it, ſpend it, ſpend more: ſpend all I have; only give me ſo much of your time in exchange of it, as to lay an amiable ſiege to the honyſt of this Ford's Wife: uſe your Art of wooing; win her to content to you: if any man may, you may as ſoon as anv.

Fal. Would it apply well to the vehemence of your Affection, that I should win what you would en joy ? Methinks you preferbe to your ſelf very prepoſte rouſely.

Ford. O, underland my drift: ſhe dwells ſo securely on the Excellency of her honour, that the folly of my foul dares not preſent it ſelf: as ſhe is too bright to be look'd a gainſt. Now could I come to her with any deteſſion in my hand; my defires had inſtance and argument to com'mend themſelves; I could drive her then from the ward of her Purity, her Republiſh, her Marriage-Vow, and a thousand other her defences, which now are too too ſtrongly embattailed againſt me: what ſay you to't, Sir John?

Fal. Maſter Broom, I will firſt make bold with your money; next, give me your hand; and laſt, as I am a Gentleman, you ſhall, if you will, enjoy Ford's Wife.

Ford. O good fir!

Fal. I ſay, you ſhall.

Ford. Want no money (Sir John): you ſhall want none.

Fal. Want no Mistris Ford (Maſter Broom): you ſhall want none: I ſhall be with her (I may tell you) by her own appointment: even as you came in to me, her aſſiſtant, or go between, parted from me: I ſay, I ſhall be with her between ten and eleven: for at that time the jealous-racſal-ly-knave, her husband, will be forth: come you to me at night, you ſhall know I ſpeed.

Ford. I am bleſt in your acquaintance: Do you know Ford, Sir?

Fal. Hang him (poor Cuckoldly knave) I know him not:

yet ! wrong him, to call him poor: they ſay, the jealous wirtolly-knave hath maſſes of money: for the which his Wife ſeems to me well-favour'd. I will uſe her as the key of the Cuckold-Rogues Coſſer; and there's my Harvett-home.

Ford. I would you knew Ford, fir, that you might avoid him, if you ſaw him.

Fal. Hang him, mechanical-falt-butter Rogue; I will flare him out of his Wits: I will awe him with my Cudgel: it ſhall hang like a Meteor o're the Cuckold's horns: Maſter Broom, thou ſhalt know I will predominate over the Pezant, and thou ſhalt lie with his Wife. Come to me ſoon at night: Ford's a Knave, and I will aggravate his title: thou (Maſter Broom) ſhalt know him for Knave and Cuckold: Come to me ſoon at night.

Exit.

Ford. What a damn'd Epicurean Raſcal is this? my heart is ready to crack with impatience: Who ſays this is improvident jealousie? my Wife hath ſent to him, the hour is fixt, the match is made: would any man have thought this? ſee the helI of having a ſalſe woman: my Bed ſhall be abus'd, my Coffers ſanſack'd, my Reputation gnawn at, and I ſhall not only receive this villainous wrong, but ſand under the adoption of abominable terms, and by him that does me this wrong: Terms, Names: Amaimon ſounds well: Luciſer well: Barbaron well; yet they are Devils additions, the names of fiends: But Cuckold, VVittrol, Cuckold: the Devil himſelf hath not ſuch a Name. Page is an Aſſ, a ſecure Aſ: he will truſt his VVifeſhie will not be jealous: I will rather truſt a Fleming with my Butter, Parfon Hugh, the Welchman, with my Cheeſe, an Irishman with my Aqua-vitæ botle, or a thieſt to walk my ambling gelding, than my VVife with her ſelf: Then ſhe plots, then ſhe ruminates, then the deviſes: and what they think in their hearts they may effect, they will break their hearts but they will effect. Heaven be prais'd for my jealousie: Eleven o'clock the hour: I will prevent this, deteſſ my VVife, be reveng'd on Falſaſſe, and laugh at Page: I will about it; better three hours too ſoon than a minute too late: ſie, ſie: ſie: Cuckold, Cuckold.

Exit.

## Scena Tertia.

Enter Caius, Rugby, Shallow, Slender, Page, Hoſt.

Caius. Jack Rugby.

Rug. Sir.

Cai. Vat is de clock, Jack?

Rug. 'Tis paſt the hour (Sir) that Sir Hugh promis'd to meet.

Cai. By gar, he has ſave his foul, dat he is no come: he has pray his Pible well, dat he is no come: by gar (Jack Rugby) he is dead already, if he be come.

Rug. He is wife, fir: he knew your VVorſhip would kill him, if he came.

Cai. By gar, de herring is no dead ſo as I vill kill him: take your Rapier (Jack), I will tell you how I vill kill him.

Rug. Alas, fir, I cannot fence.

Cai. Villany, take your Rapier.

Rug. Forbear: here's company.

Hoſt. Bleſſ thee, bully-Doctor.

Shal. 'Save you, Mr. Doctor Caius.

Page. Now, good Mr. Doctor.

Slen. 'Give you good morrow, fir.

Cai. Vat be all you, one, two, trees, four, come for?

Hoſt. To fee thee fight, to fee the foigne, to fee thee traſerſe, to fee thee here, to fee thee there, to fee thee paſſ thy Puncto, thy Stock, thy Reſerſe, thy Diftance, thy Montant: is he dead, my Ebiopican? is he dead, my

Fran-

The merry Wives of Windsor.

43

Francisco ? ha, Bully ? VWhat favs my Eculapius ? my Gal-
len? my heart of Elder? ha ? Is he dead, bully-Stale ? Is
he dead?

Ca. By gar, he is de Coward-Jack-Priest of de world :
he is not howt his face.

Hoft. Thou art a Cautioning-king-Urinal: Hector of Greece
(my boy).

Cai. I pray you bear witneſts, that me have ſtay ſix or
feven, two tree hours for him, and he is no-come.

Shal. He is the wifer man (Mr. Doctor): he is a curer of
fouls, and you a curer of bodies: if you ſhouſt fight, you
go againſt the hair of your proſeſions: is it not true, Ma-
ſter Page?

Page. After Shallow, you have your ſelf been a great
fighſter, tho now a man of peace.

Shal. Body-kins, Mr. Page, tho I now be old, and of
peace, if I fee a ſword out, my finger itches to make one :
tho we are Juitſices, and Doctors, and Church-men (Mr.
Page), we have ſome fame ſalt of our Youth in us; we are the
Sons of Women (Mr. Page).

Page. 'Tis true, Mr. Shallow.

Shal. It will be found ſo (Mr. Page) Mr. Doctor Caius,
I am come to fetch you home: I am ſworn of the Peace
you have ſhew'd your ſelf a wife Phyſiſan, and fir Hugh
hath ſhown himſelf a wife and patient Church-man: you
muſt go with me, Mr. Doctor.

Hoft. Pardon, Gueſt-Juſtice; a Mounſieur Mock-water.

Cai. Mock-water ? vat is dat ?

Hofl. Mock-water, in our English Tongue, is Valour
(Bully).

Cai. By gar, then I have as much Mock-water as de Ex-
glilh-man: ſcurvy-Jack-dog. Mock: by gar, me vill cut his
Ears.

Hofl. He will clapper-claw thee tightly (Bully).

Cai. Clapper de-claw ? vat is dat ?

Hofl. That is, he will make thee amends.

Cai. By gar, me do look he ſhall clapper-de-claw me ;
for by gar, me vill have it.

Hofl. And I will provoke him to't, or let him wag.

Cai. Me tanck you for dat.

Hofl. And moreover (Bully): but firſt, Mr. Gueſt, and
Mr. Page, and eek Cavalerio ſlender, go you through the
Town to Frogmore.

Page. Sir Hugh is there, is he ?

Hofl. He is there: fee what humour he isin: and I will
bring the Doctor about the Fields: Will it do well?

Shal. We will do it.

All. Adieu, good Mr. Doctor.

Cai. By gar, me vill kill de Priest; for he ſpeak for a Jack-
an Ape to Ann Page.

Hofl. Let him die: fheath thy impatience: throw cold
Water on thy Choller: go about the Fields with me
through Frogmore; I will bring thee where Miftris Ann
Page is, at a Farm-house a feaſting; and thou ſhalt woo her:
Cride-game, ſaid I well?

Cai. By gar, me dank you vor dat: by gar I love you:
and I ſhall procure 'a you de good Gueſt: de Earl, de
Knight, de Lords, de Gentlemen, my patients.

Hofl. For the which, I will be thy adverſary toward Ann
Page: ſaid I well?

Cai. By gar, 'tis good: vell ſaid.

Hofl. Let us wag then.

Come at my heels Jack Rugby.

Excent.

Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.

Enter Evans, Simple, Page, Shallow, Slender, Hofl, Caius,
Rugby.

Evan. I pray you now, good Maſter Slender's ſerving-

man, and friend Simple by your name; which way have
you look'd for Maſter Caius, that calls himſelf Doctor of Phy-
tick ?

Sim. Maſry fir, the Pirty-wary, the Park-sward; every
way : old Windſor way, and every way but the Town
way.

Evan. I moſt ſehemently deſire you, you will alſo look
that way.

Sim. I will, fir.

Evan. 'Pleſs my ſoul: how ſuſl of Choffars I aſn, and
trembling of mind: I ſhall be glad if he have deſeived me:
how melanchollies I am ? I will knog his Urinals at, but his
Knaves Coſtard, when I have good opportunities for the
orke: 'Pleſs my ſoul: To ſhallow Rivers to wade falls, mele-
dious Birds ſings Madrigalls: there will we make our Peds of
Rotes, and a thouſand fragrant poffes: To ſhallow: 'Merecy on
me, I have a great diſpoſition to cry. Melodious birds ſing
Madrigal— When as I fat in Pabon ; and a thouſand wa-
gram Poffes. To ſhallow, &c.

Sim. Yonder he is coming, this way, Sir Hugh.

Ev. He's welcome: To ſhallow Rivers, to whoſet falls.
Heaven proper the right: What Weapons is he?

Sim. No Weapons, fir: there comes my Maſter, Mr.
Shallow, and another Gentleman, from Frogmore, over the
ſtle, this way.

Ev. Pray you give me my Gown, or eſe keep it in your
arms. Enter All.
Shal. How now, Maſter Parfon? Good morrow good

Sim. No Weapons, fir: there comes my Maſter, Mr.
Shallow, and another Gentleman, from Frobmore, over the
ſtle, this way.

Sim. How now, Maſter Parfon? Good morrow good
Sir Hugh: keep a Gameſter from the dice, and a good Stu-
dent from his book, and it is wonderful.

Slen. Ah ſweet Ann Page

Page. 'Save you, good Sir Hugh.

Ev. 'Pleſs you from his mercy-take, all' of you.

Shal. What ? the Sword and the Word ?

Do you ſtudy them both, Mr. Parfon?

Page. And youthful ſtill, in your doublet and hofe, this
raw-rumatick day ?

Ev. There is Reaſons and Caufes for it.

Page. We are come to you, to do a good Office, Mr. Par-
fon.

Ev. Fery well: What is it?

Page. Yonder is a moſt Reverend Gentleman, who (be-
like) having received Wroſt by ſome perſon, is at moſt
odds with his own Gravity and Patience, that ever you
ſaw.

Shal. I have lived fourſcore years, and upward: I never
heard a man of his Place, Gravity and Learning, ſo wide
of his own Reſpeſt.

Ev. What is he ?

Page. I think you know him: Mr. Doctor Caius, the re-
nowned French Phyſician.

Ev. Got's Will, and his Paffion of my heart: I had as
lief you ſhould tell me of a meſs of Porredg.

Page. Why ?

Ev. He has no more knowledg in Hibocrates and Galen,
and he is a Knave beſides; a cowardly Knave as you would
defire to be acquainted withal.

Page. I warrant you, he's the man ſhould fight with
him.

Slen. O ſweet Ann Page.

Enter Caius.

Shal. It appears ſo by his Weapons: keep them aſunder:
here comes Doctor Caius.

Page. Nay, good Mr. Parfon, keep in your Weapoh.

Shal. So do you, good Mr. Doctor.

Hofl. Diſarm them, and let them queſtion: let them keep
their Limbs whole, and hack our English.

Cai. I pray you let-a me ſpeak a word with your Ear ;
Wherefore vill you not meet-a me ?

Ev. Pray you uſe your Patience in good time.

Cai. By gar, you are de Coward: de Jack Dog: John
Ape.

Ev. Pray you let us not be laughing-frocks to other mens
humours: I deſire you in friendſhip, and will one way or
other make you amends: I will knog your your Urinal a-
bout your knaves Cogs-comb.

Cai.

The merry Wives of Windsor.

44

Cai. Diable Jack Rugby, mine Hoſt de Farteeer, have I not itay for him, to kill him? have I not at de place I did ap- point?

Ev. As I am a Chriftians-foul, now look you, this is the place appointed; I ple be judgment by mine Hoſt of the Garter.

Hoſt. Peace, I fay, Gallia and Gaul, French and Welch, Soul Curer and Body-Curer.

Cai. I dat is very good, excellent.

Hoſt. Peace, I fay: hear mine Hoſt of the Garter: Am I politick? am I fubtle? am I a Machiſivel? Shall I loſe my Doctor? No: he gives me the Potions and the Motions. Shall I loſe my Parfon? my Prieſt? my Sir Hugh? No: he gives me the Proverbs and the No-verbs. Give me thy hand (Celeſtial) ſo: Boys of Art, I have decei- ved you both: I have directed you to wrong places: your hearts are mighty, your skins are whole, and let burn'd- Sack be the ifſue: come, lay their (words to pawn: Follow me, Lad of peace, follow, follow, follow.

Shal. Truſt me, a mad Hoſt: follow, Gentlemen, fol- low.

Slen. O sweet Ann Page.

Cai. Ha? do I perceive dat? Have you make a de-fot of us, ha, ha?

Evan. This is well, he has made us his vlowting-fog: I defire you that we may be friends: and let us knog our prains together, to be revenge on this fame ſcal ſe curvy- cogging-companion, the Hoſt of the Garter.

Cai. By gar, with all my heart: he promife to bring me where is Ann Page; by gar, he deceive me too.

Evan. Well, I will ſmite his noddles: pray you fol- low.

## Scena Secunda,

Mift. Page, Robin, Ford, Page, Shallow, Slender, Hoſt, Evans, Caius.

Mift. Page, Nay, keep your way (little Gallant): you were wont to be a Follower, but now you are a Leader: whether had you rather lead mine eyes, or eye your Ma- ſter's heels?

Rob. I had rather (forfooth) go before you like a man, than follow him like a dwarf.

M. Pa. O you are a flattering boy; now I fee you'll be a Courtier.

Ford. Well met, Miftris Page: whether go you?

M. Pa. Truly Sir, to fee your Wife: is she at home?

Ford. I, and as idle as she may hang together for want of company: I think if your husbands were dead, you two would marry.

M. Pa. Be ſure of that, two other husbands.

Ford. Where had you this pretty Weather-cock ?

M. Pa. I cannot tell what (the dickens) his name is my husband had him of. What do you call your Knight's name, lirrah?

Rob. Sir John Falſaffe.

M. Pa. He he; I can never hit on his name; there is ſuch a league between my good man and he: Is your Wife at home indeed?

Ford. Indeed he is.

M. Pa. By your leave, sir; I am ſick till I fee her.

Ford. Has Page any brains? Hath he any eyes? Hath he any thinking? Sure they ſleep; he hath no uſe of them: why, this boy will carry a Letter twenty mile, as eafie as a Cannon will ſhoot point-blank twelve ſcore: he pieces out his Wives inclination: he gives her ſolly motion and advan- tage; and now he's going to my Wife, and Falſaffe's boy with her: A man may hear this ſhower ſing in the wind; and Falſaffe's boy with her: good plots; they are laid,

and our revolted Wives ſhare damnation together. Well: I will take him, then torture my Wife, pluck the borrows- ed Vail of modesty from the ſo feeming Mifh. Page, di- vulge Page himſelf for a ſecure and wilful Aſen, and to theſe violent proceedings all my ne ghbours ſhall cry aim. The Clock gives me my Qu, and my affuriance bids me ſearch; there I ſhall find Falſaffe: I ſhall be rather praſed for this than mocked; for it is as pofitive as the Earth is firm, that Falſaffe is there: I will go.

Shal. Page, &c. Well met, Mr. Ford.

Ford. Truſt me, a good knot: I have good cheer at home, and I pray you all go with me.

Shal. I muſt excufe my ſelf, Mr. Ford.

Slen. And ſo muſt I, sir;

We have appointed to dine with Miftris Auff, And I would not break with her for more money Than I ſpeak of.

Shal. VVe have linger'd about a match between Ann Page and my Couſin Slender, and this day we ſhall have our anſwer.

Slen. I hope I have your good Will, father Page.

Page. You have, Mr. Slender, I ſand wholly for you, but my VVife (After Doctor) is for you altogether.

Cai. I be gar, and de Maid is love-a-me: my nurſha- Quickly tell me ſo muſh.

Hoſt. VVhat ſay you to young M. Fenten? He capers, he dances. He has Eyes of Youth: he writes Verie, he ſpeaks Holiday, he ſmells April and May, he will carry't, he will carry't, 'tis in his buttons, he will carry't.

Page. Not by my conſent I promife you: The Gentleman is of no having, he kept company with the wild Prince, and Poinz: he is of too high a Region, he knows too much: no, he ſhall not knit a knot in his Fortunes, with the finger of my ſubſtance: if he take her, let him take her ſimply: the VVealth I have waits on my conſent, and my conſent goes not that way.

Ford. I beſeech you heartily, ſome of you go home with me to dinner: beſides your cheer you ſhall have ſport, I will ſhow you a Monſter: Mr. Doctor, you ſhall go, ſo ſhall you Mr. Page, and you Sir Hugh.

Shal. VVell, fare you well:

VVe ſhall have the freer wooing at Mr. Page's.

Cai. Go home John Rugby, I come anon

Hoſt. Farewell my hearts: I will to my honeſt Knight, Falſaffe, and drink Canary with him.

Ford. I think I ſhall drink in Pipe-VVine firſt with him: Ple make him dance. VVill you go, Gentles?

All. Have with you to fee this Monſter.

Exeunt.

## Scena Tertia.

Enter Miftris Ford, Miftris Page, Servants, Rolin, Falſaffe, Ford, Page, Caius, Evans.

Mif. Ford. VVhat John? what Robert?

Mif. Page, Quickly, quickly? Is the Buck basket—

Mif. Ford. I warrant. VVhat Robin I fay.

Mif. Page. Come, come, come.

Mif. Ford. Here, fet it down

Mif. Page. Give your men the charge, we muſt be brief.

M. Ford. Marry, as I told you before (John and Robert), be ready here hard-by in the Brevou-bouſe, and when I ſudenly call you, come forth, and (without any paſſe or ſlagging) take this basket on your shoulders: that done, trudg with it in all haſte, and carry it among the VVhitlers in Dutchet-Mead, and there empty it in the muddy ditch, cloſe by the Thames ſide.

M. Page. You will do it?

(direction)

M. Ford. Iha' told them over and over; they lack no Page

The merry Wives of Windfor.

45

Be gone, and come when you are call'd.

Mif. Page. Here comes little Robin.

Mif. Ford. How now, my Eyas-Musket, what news with you?

Rob. My M. Sir John, is come in at your back door (Mif Ford), and requefts your company.

Mif. Page. You little Jack-a-lent, have you been true to us?

Rob. I, I'le be fworn: my Mafter knows not of your being here: and hath threatened to put me into everlafting Liberty, if I tell you of it: for he fwears he'll turn me a way.

Mif. Page. Thou'rt a good boy: this fecreife of thine shall be a Taylor to thee, and shall make thee a new doublet and hofe. Ile go hide me.

Mif. Ford. Do fo: go tell thy Mafter I am alone: Miftris Page, remember you your Qu.

Mif. Page. I warrant thee: if I do not act it, his fee me.

Mif. Ford. Go to then: we'll use this unwholesome humidity, this groß waty Pumpion; we'll teach him to know Turtles from Jays. Enter Fal.

Fal. Have I caught thee, my heavenly Jewel? Why, now let me die; for I have liv'd long enough: This is the period of my ambition; O this bleffed hour.

Mif. Ford. O sweet Sir John.

Fal. Miftris Ford, I cannot cog, I cannot prate (Miftris Ford): now shall I fin in my with; I would thy Husband were dead, I'le speak it before the beft Lord, I would make thee my Lady.

Mif. Ford. I your Lady, Sir John? Alas, I should be a pitiful Lady.

Fal. Let the Court of France flew me such another: I fee how thine Eye would emulate the Diamond: Thou haft the right arched-beauty of the brow, that becomes the Ship-Tire, the Tire-Valiant, or any Tire of Venetian admittance.

Mif. Ford. A plain Kerchiffe, Sir John:

My brows become nothing elfe, nor that well neither.

Fal. Thou art a tyrant to fy: thou would'ft make an absolute Courtier, and the firm fixture of thy foot would give an excellent motion to thy gate, in a ftemicircled Farthingale. I fee what thou wert, if Fortune thy foe were not, Nature thy friend: Come, thou canft not hide it.

Mif. Ford. Believe me, there's no fuch thing in me.

Fal. What made me love thee? Let that perſwade thee. There's something extraordinary in thee: Come, I cannot cog, and fay, thou art this and that, like a many of thefe lipping Haw-thorn buds, that come like women in mens apparel, and finell like Bucklers-berry in finpling-time: I cannot; but I love thee, none but thee; and thou deferveft it.

Mif. Ford. Do not betray me, Sir; I fear you love Mrs. Page.

Fal. 'Thou might'ft as well fay, I love to walk by the Counter-Gate, which is as hateful to me as the reek of a Lime-kill.

Mif. Ford. Well, heaven knows how I love you, and you shall one day find it.

Fal. Keep in that mind: I'le deferve it.

Mif. Ford. Nay, I muſt tell you, ſo you do; or else I could not be in that mind. VVithin.

Rob. Miftris Ford, Miftris Ford, here's Miftris Page at the door, fwearing, and blowing, and looking wildly, and would needs ſpeak with you prefently.

Fal. She shall not fee me; I will enſconce me behind the Arras.

M. Ford. Pray you do ſo; ſhe's a very tatling woman. What's the matter? how now? Enter Mif. Page.

Mif. Page. O Miftris Ford, what have you done?

You'raſham'd, y'are overthrown, y'are undone for ever.

Mif. Ford. What's the matter, good Miftris Page?

Mif. Page. O well-a-day, Miftris Ford, having an ho-

neſt man to your husband, to give him ſuch caufe of ſupſition.

Mif. Ford. What caufe of ſupſition?

Mif. Page. What caufe of ſupſition? Out upon you: How am I miftook in you?

Mif. Ford. Why (alas!) what's the matter?

Mif. Page. Your husband's coming hither (woman) with all the Officers in VVindfor, to ſearch for a Gentleman that he fays is here now in the houſe; by your conſent, to take an ill advantage of his abſence: you are undone.

Mif. Ford. 'Tis not ſo, I hope.

Mif. Page. Pray heaven it be not ſo, that you have ſuch a man here: but 'tis moſt certain your husband's coming with half VVindfor at his heels, to ſearch for ſuch a one, I come before to tell you: If you know your ſelf clear, why, I am glad of it: but if you have a friend here, convey, convey him out. Be not amaz'd, call all your ſenſes to you, defend your Reputation, or bid farewell to your good life for ever.

Mif. Ford. What ſhall I do? There is a Gentleman, my dear friend: and I fear not my own name ſo much as his peril. I had rather than a thouſand pound he were out of the houſe.

Mif. Page. For ſtame, never ſand (you had rather, and you had rather); your husband's here at hand, bethink you of ſome conveyance: in the houſe you cannot hide him. Oh, how have you deceiv'd me? Look, here is a basket, if he be of any reaſonable ſtature, he may creep in here, and throw foul linnen upon him, as if it were going to bucking: Or it is whiting time, ſend him by your two men to Datch-Mead.

Mif. Ford. He's too big to go in there: What ſhall I do?

Fal. Let me fee't, let me fee't, O let me fee'et: I'le in, I'le in: Follow your friends confuſel; I'le in.

Mif. Page. What, Sir John Falſoffe, are theſe your Letters, Knight?

Fal. I love thee, help me away; let me creep in here: I'le never—

Mif. Page. Help to cover your Maſter (boy): Call your men (Miftris Ford): You diſlembling Knight.

Mif. Ford. VVhat, John, Robert, John, go take up thefe cloathes here, quickly: VVhere's the Cowl-ſtaff? Look how you drumble: Carry them to the Landreſs in Datch-Mead: quickly, come.

Ford. 'Pray you come near: if I ſuspect without caufe, VVhy then make ſport at me, then let me be your ſelf, I deferve it. How now? VVhether bear you this?

Ser. To the Landreſs, forſtooth.

Mif. Ford. VVhy, what have you to do whether they bear it? You were beſt meddle with Buck-waſhing.

Ford. Buck? I would I could wafh my ſelf of the Buck: Buck, Buck, Buck, I Buck: I warrant you Buck, and of the ſeafon too, it ſhall appear.

Gentlemen, I have dream'd to night: I'le tell you my dream: here, here, here be my Keys; aſcent my Chambers, ſearch, ſeel, find out: I'le warrant we'l unKennel the Fox. Let me stop this way firſt: So, now uncape.

Page. Good Maſter Ford, be contented:

You wrong your ſelf too much.

Ford. True (Maſter Page): Up Gentlemen: you ſhall fee ſport anon: follow me, Gentlemen.

Evans. This is ferry ſantaſtical humours and jealousy.

Cai. By gar, 'tis no the ſ fashion of France; it is not jealous in France— Exeunt.

Page. Nay, follow him (Gentlemen), fee the iſſue of his ſearch.

Mif. Page. Is there not a double excellency in this?

Mif. Ford. I know not which pleafes me better, that my Husband is deceived, or Sir John.

Mif.

The merry Wives of Windsor.

46

Mif. Page. VVhat a taking was he in when your husband ask't who was in the basket?

Mif. Ford. I am half afraid he will have need of wath-ing: to throw him into the Water will do him a benefit.

Mif. Page. Hang him, difhoneft Ralcal: I would all of the fame train were in the fame diftrefs.

Mif. Ford. I think my husband hath fome ſpecial ſupſition of Falſtaffe's being here! I never faw him ſo groſs in his jea-louſe till now.

Mif. Page. I will lay a plot to try that, and we will yet have more tricks with Falſtaffe: his diſſolute Difeafe will ſcarce obey this Medicine.

Mif. Ford. Shall we ſend that foolſh Carrion, Mif. Quickly to him, and excufe his throwing into the Water, and give him another hope, to betray him to another pu-niſhment?

Mif. Page. We'll do it: let him be ſent for to morrow by Eight a clock, to have amends. Enter All.

Ford. I cannot find him: may be the Knave bragg'd of that he could not compafs.

Mif. Page. Heard you that?

Mif. Ford. You uſe me well, Maſt. Ford: do you?

Ford. I, I, I do ſo.

Mif. Page. Heaven make you better than your thoughts.

Ford. Amen.

Mif. Page. You do your ſelf mighty wrong (Mr. Ford).

Ford. I, I: I muſt bear it.

Ev. If there be any pody in the houſe, and in the chambers, and in the coffers, and in the preſſes: heaven forgive my fins.

Cai. By gar, nor I too: there is no bodies.

Page. Fie, fie, M. Ford, are you not afham'd? What Spirit, what Devil fuggelſ this imagination? I would not ha your Diftemper in this kind, for the Wealth of VVindor- Caſſe.

Ford. 'Tis my fault (M. Page): I ſuffer for it.

Ev. You ſuffer for a pad confidence: your Wife is as ho-neſt a o'mans, as I will defires among five thouſand, and five hundred too.

Cai. By gar, I fee'tis an honelt Woman?

Ford. VVell: I promis'd you a Dinner: come, come, walk in the Park: I pray you pardon me: I will hereafter make known to you why I have done this. Come Wife, come Mi. Page, I pray you pardon me: Pray heartily par-don me.

Page. Let's go in, Gentlemen; but (truſt me) we'll mock him: I do invite you to morrow morning to my houſe to Breakſaft: after we'l a birding together; I have a fine Hawk for the bufh. Shall it be ſo?

Ford. Any thing.

Evan. If there is one, I ſhall make two in the Compa-ny.

Cai. If there be one or two, I ſhall make-a the turd.

Ford. Pray you go, M. Page.

Evan. I pray you now remembrance to morrow on the lowſie Knave, mine Hoft.

Cai. Dat is good by gar, with all my heart.

Evan. A lowſie Knave, to have his gibes, and his mocke-ries. Exeunt.

## Scena Quarta.

Enter Fenton, Ann Page, Shallow, Slender, Quickly, Page, Mif. Page.

Fen. I fee I cannot get thy Father's love;
Therefore no more turn me to him (sweet Nan).

An. Alas! how then?

Fen. VVhy, thou muſt be thy ſelf.

He doth object I am too great of birth,
And that my ſtate being gall'd with my expence,
I ſeek to heal it only by his Wealth.
Befides theſe, other bars he lays before me,
My Riars paſt, my wild Societies;
And tells me, 'tis a thing impoffible
I ſhould love thee, but as a property.

An. May be he tells you true.

Fen. No, heaven ſo ſpeed me in my time to come,
Albeit I will confefs, thy Father's Wealth

VVas the firſt motive that I woo'd thee (Ann):

Yet wooing thee, I found thee of more value

Than ſtamps in Gold, or ſims in ſealed Bags:

And 'tis the very Riches of thy ſelf

That now I aim at.

An. Gentle M. Fenton,

Yet ſeek my Father's love, ſtill ſeek it, fir:

If opportunity and humbleſt ſuit

Cannot attain it, why then hark you hither.

Shal. Break their talk, Miftris Quickly;

My Kinaſt haffl ſpeak for himſelf.

Slen. I'le make a ſhaft or a bolt on't: 'd'slid 'tis but venturing.

Shal. Be not diſmaſd.

Slen. No, ſhe haffl not diſmay me:

I care not for that, but I am affeard.

Qui. Hark ye: M. Slender would ſpeak a word with you.

An. I come to him. This is my Father's choice.

O, what a World of vilde ill-favoured ſaults

Looks handſome in three hundred pounds a year?

Qui. And how do's good Maſter Fenton?

Pray you a word with you.

Shal. She's coming: to her Coz.

O boy, thou had'ſt a Father.

Slen. I had a Father (M. Ann): my Uncle can ſell you good jeſts of him: Pray you, Uncle, tell M. Ann the jeſt, how my Father ſtole two Geefe out of a Pen, good Un- cle.

Shal. Miftris Ann, my Couſin loves you.

Slen. I, that I do, as well as I love any Woman in Gloceſſerſhire.

Shal. He will maintain you like a Gentlewoman.

Slen. I, that I will: come cut and long-tail, under the de-gree of a Squire.

Shal. He will make you a hundred and fifty pounds Join-ture.

Ann. Good Maſter Shallow, let him wooe for himſelf.

Shal. Marry, I thank you for it: I thank you for that: good comfort: ſhe calls you (Coz): I'le leave you.

An. Now Maſter Slender.

Slen. Now good Miftris Ann.

An. VVhat is your Will?

Slen. My Will? Od's-heart-lings, that's a pretty jeſt indeed: I ne're made my Will yet (I thank heaven): I am not fuch a fickly creature, I give heaven praeife.

Ann. I mean (M. Slender), what would you with me?

Slen. Truly for mine own part, I would little or nothing with you: your Father and my Uncle have made motions: if it be my luck, ſo: if not, happy man be his dole: they can tell you how things go better than I can: you may ask your Father: here he comes.

Page. Now Maſter Slender: Love him daughter Ann.

VVhy how now? VVhat do's Maſter Fenton here?

You wrong me, Sir, thus ſtill to haunt my houſe:

I told you, Sir, my daughter is diſpos'd of.

Fen. Nay, Maſter Page, be not impatient.

Mif. Page. Good Maſter Fenton, come not to my child.

Page. She is no match for you.

Fen. Sir, will you hear me ?

Page. No, good Maſter Fenton.

Come

The merry Wives of Windsor.

47

Come Maſter Shallow: Come Son Slender, in;

Knowing my mind, you wrong me, Maſter Fenton.

Qui. Speak to Miftrès Page.

Fen. Good Miftrès Page, for that I love your daughter
In fuch a righteous fashion as I do,
Perforce, againſt all checks, rebukes, and manners,
I muſt advance the colours of my love,
And not retire. Let me have your good will.

Anne. Good Mother, do not marry me to you fool.

Mif. Page. I mean it not, I feek you a better huſ-
band.

Qui. That's my Maſter, Maſter Doctor.

Anne. Alas I had rather be ſer quick i'th earth,
And bowl'd to death with Turnips.

Mif. Page. Come, trouble not your ſelf good Maſter
Fenton, I will not be your friend, nor enemy:
My daughter will, I queſtion how ſhe loves you,
And as I find her, ſo am I affected :

Till then, farewell Sir, ſhe muſt needs go in,
Her Father will be angry.

Fen. Farewell gentle Miftrès: farewell Nan.

Qui. This is my doing now; Nay faid I, will you caſt
away your child on a Fool, and a Phyſician?

Look on Maſter Fenn, this is my doing.

Fen. I thank thee: and I pray thee once to night,
Give my fweet Nan this Ring: ther's for thy pains. Exit.

Qui. Now heaven ſend thee good fortune, a kind heart
he hath: a woman would run through fire and water for
fuch a kind heart. But yet, I would my maſter had Miftris
Ame, or I would Maſter Slender had her: or (in ſooth) I
would Maſter Fenton had her; I will do what I can for
them all three, for ſo I have pr紀d'st, and I'll be as good
as my word, but ſpeciually for Maſter Fenton. Well, I
muſt of another errand to Sir John Falfaffe from my two
Miftresses; what a beaſ am I to flack it.

Exit.

## Scena Tertia.

Enter Falſaffe, Bardolſe, Quickly, Ford.

Fal. Bardolſe I fay.

Bar. Here Sir.

Fen. Go, fetch me a quart of Sack, put a toſt in't.
Have I liv'd to be carried in a Basket like a barrow of
butchers Oſſal; and to be thrown in the Thames? Well,
if I be ſerved ſuch another trick, I le have my brains
tane out and butter'd, and give them to a dog for a
New-years gift. The rogues ſlighted me into the river
with as little remorſe, as they would have droun'd a
blind bitches Puppies, fifteen i'th litter: and you may
know by my ſize, that I have a kind of alacrity in fink-
ing: if the bottom were as deep as hell, I ſhould down.
I had been droun'd, but that the thore was ſhely and
ſhallow: a death that I abhor: for the water ſwells a
man; and what a thing ſhould I have been when I had
been ſwell'd? I ſhould have been a Mountain of Mum-
my.

Bar. Here's Miftrès Quickly Sir, to ſpeak with you.

Fal. Come, let me pour in ſome Sack to the Thames
water: for my belly's as cold as if I had (wallowed
now balls for pills) to cool the reins. Call her in.

Bar. Come in woman.

Enter Quickly.

Qui. By your leav'e: I cry your mercy?

Give your worſhip good morrow.

Fal. Take away theſe Challices.

Go, brew me a pottle of Sack finely.

Bard. With Eggs Sir?

Fal. Simple of it ſelf? I le no Pullet-Sperm in my
brewage. How now?

Qui. Marry Sir, I come to your worſhip from Mi. Ford.

Fal. Miftrès Ford? I have had Ford enough: I was
thrown into the Ford; I have my belly full of Ford.

Qui. Alas the day (good-heart) that was not her fault:
the do's ſo take on with her men; they miſtook their e-
fection. (promife.

Fal. So did I mine, to build upon a foolſh Women.

Qui. Well, the laments fir for it, that it would yern your
heart to ſee it: her husband goes this morning a birding,
he defines you once more to come to her, between eight
and nine: I muſt carry her word quickly, ſhe'll make
you amends I warrant you.

Fal. Well, I will viſit her, tell her ſo; and bid her think
what a man is: Let her confider his frailty, and then
judg of my merit.

Qui. I will ſell her.

Fal. Do ſo. Between nine and ten ſaſt thou?

Qui. Eight and nine Sir.

Fal. Well, be gone: I will not miſſ her.

Qui. Peace be with you Sir.

Exit.

Fal. I marvel I hear not of Maſter Broom: he ſent me
word to ſay w'thin: I like his money well.

Oh, here he comes.

Enter Ford.

Ford. Bles you fir.

Fal. Now Maſter Broom, you come to know what hath
paff between me and Fords wife.

Ford. That indeed (Sir John) is my bufinesſ.

Fal. Maſter Broom I will not lie to you,
I was at her houſe the hour ſhe appointed me.

Ford. And ſped you Sir?

Fal very ill-favour'dly, Maſter Broom.

Ford. How Sir, did the change her determination?

Fal. No (M. Broom) but the peaking Cornuto her huſ-
band (M. Broom) dwelling in a continual after of jea-
lonſe, comes in the instant of our encounter after we
embrac'd, kis'd proteſted, &c(ăs it were) /poke the prologue
of our Comedy: and at his heels a rabbile of his compa-
nions, thither provoked and inſtigated by his diſtemper,
and (forfooſh) to ſearch his houſe for his wives love.

Ford. What ? While you were there ?

Fal. While I was there.

Ford. And did he ſearch for you & could not find you ?

Fal. You ſhall hear. As good luck would have it comes
in one Miftris Page, gives intelligence of Fords approach:
and in her invention, and Fords wives diſtraction, they
conveyed me into a Buck-basket.

Ford. A Buck basket?

Fal. Yea: a Buck-basket: ram'd me in with foul Shirts
and Smocks, Socks, foul Stockings, greaſe Napkins, that
(Mafter Broom) there was the rankeſt compound of
villanous ſmell that ever offended noſtril.

Ford. And how long lay you there?

Fal. Nay you ſhall hear (Maſter Broom) what I
have ſuffered, to bring this woman to evil, for your
good: Being thus cram'd in the basket, a couple of Fords
Knaves, his hinds were call'd forth by their Miftris, to
carry me in the name of foul Cloaths to Dutchet-lane;
they took me on their ſhouſders; met the jealous Knave
their Maſter in the door; who ask'd them once or twice
what they had in their Basket? I quak'd for fear, left
the Lunatick Knave would have ſearch'd ir: but Fate
(ordining he ſhould be a Cuckold) held his hand: well,
on went he for a ſearch, and away went I for foul
Cloaths: But mark the ſequell (Maſter Broom) I ſuffe-
red the pangs of three ſeveral deaths: firſt, an inſ tollera-
ble fright, to be deteſted with a jealous rotten Bell-wea-
ther: next to be compaſs'd like a good Bilbo in the cir-
cumference of a peck, hilt to point, heel to head. And
then to be ſtopt in like a ſtrong diſtillation with ſink-
ing Cloaths, that fretted in their own greaſe: think of
that, a man of my Kidney; think of that, that am as ſub-
jeſt to heat as Butter: a man of continual diſſolution,
and thaw: it was a miracle to ſcape ſuffocation. And in
the height of this Bath (when I was more than half
ſtew'd in greaſe) like a Dutch-diſh: to be thrown into
the

ome,

tis but ven-
t

word with

ce.

ar.

tis.

e.

ar.

an tell you
the jell,
good lin-


in Gloce-
man.

der the
d.

ounds Join-
e for him-
u for that:
you.

e in


e for him-
e for him-
e for him-
you.

e jeff in-
(n): I am not

e you with

e jeff in-
(n): I am not

The merry Wives of Windsor.

49

Mif. Ford. Why do's he talk of him?

Mif. Page. Of none but him, and fwears he was carri'd out the laft time he fearch'd for him, in a Basket: Protefs to my husband is now here, and hath drawn him and the reft of their company from their ſport, to make another experiment of his ſupſition: But I am glad the knight is not here ; now he ſhall fee his own foole-ry.

Mif. Ford. How near is he, Miftris Page?

Mif. Page. Hard by, at freets end, he will be here anon.

Mif. Ford. I am undone, the Knight is here.

Mif. Page. Why then you are utterly ſham'd, and he's but a dead man. What a woman are you ? away with him, away with him: Better ſhame than murther.

Mif. Ford. Which way should he go? How ſhould I beſtow him? Shall I put him into the basket again?

Fal. No, Ile come no more 1th Basket :

Enter.

MAY I not go out ere he come?

Mif. Page. Alas: three of Mafter Ford's brothers watch the door with Piftolls, that none ſhall ifſue out: otherwife you might flip away ere he came: But what make you here?

Fal. What ſhall I do? Ile creep up into the chimney.

Mif. Ford. There they always uſe to diſcharge their Birding-pieces: creep into the Kill-hole.

Fal. Where is it?

Mif. Page. He will ſeek there on my word: Neither Prefs, Coffer, Cheft, Trunk, Well, Vault, but he hath an abſtraſt for the remembrance of ſuch places, and goes to them by his Note: There is no hiding you in the houte.

Fal. Ile goe out then.

Mif. Ford. If you go out in your own ſemblance, you die Sir John, unless you go out diſguis'd. How might we diſguſe him?

Mif. Page. Alas-theday I know not, there is no wo- mans Gown big enough for him: otherwife he might put on a Hat, a Muffler, a Kirchiff, and ſo eſcape.

Fal. Good hearts devife ſomething: any extremity, rather than miſchief.

Mif. Ford. My Maids Aunt, the fat woman of Brain- ford, has a Gown above.

Mif. Page. On my word it will ſerve him: ſhe's as big as he is: and there's her thrumb Hat, and her Muffler too: run up Sir John.

Mif. Ford. Go, go, ſweet Sir John: Miftris Page and I will look ſome linen for your head.

Mif. Page. Quick, quick, we'll come dresſ you fraight: put on the Gown the while.

Exit.

Mif. Ford. I would my husband would meet him in this ſhape: he cannot abide the old woman of Brainford: he fwears ſhe's a Witch, forbad her my houſe, and hath threatened to beat her.

Mif. Page. Heaven guide him to thy husbands cudgell : and the Devil guide his cudgell afterwards.

Mif. Ford. But is my husband coming ?

Mif. Page. I in good ſadneſs is he, and talks of the houſetoo, howſeever he hath had intelligence.

Mif. Ford. We'll try that; for Ile appoint my men to carry the basket again, to meet him at the door with it, as they did laſt time.

Mif. Page. Nay, but he'll be here preſently: let's go dresſ him like the Witch of Brainford.

Mif. Ford. Ile firſt direct my men, what they ſhall do with the Basket: Go up, Ile bring linnen for him fraight.

Mif. Page. Hang him diſhoneſt Varlet,

We cannot miſſe him enough :

We'll leave a proof by that which we will do,

Wives may be merry, and yet honeſt too:

We do not acſ, that often jeſt and laugh,

Tis old, but true, ſtill Swine eats all the draugh.

Mif. Ford. Go firſt, take the Basket again on your shoulders: your Maſter is hard at door: if he bid you ſet

it down, obey him: quickly, dispatch.

Enter Ser.

1 Ser. Come, come, take it up.

2 Ser. Pray heaven it be not full of the Knight again.

1 Ser. I hope not, I had as lief bear so much Lead.

Ford. I but if it prove true (Maſter Page) have you any way then to unſool me again ? Set down the Basket villain: fomebody call my wife: Youth in a Basket: Oh you t an- derly Raſcals, there's a knot: a ging, a pack, a confira- cy againſt me: Now ſhall the Devil be ſham'd. What, Wife I ſay: Come, come forth: behold what honest clothes you ſend for to bleaching.

Page. Why, this paffes Mr. Ford: you are not to go loſſe any longer, you muſt be pinnion'd.

Evans. Why, this is Lunaticks: this is mad as a mad dog.

Shal. Indeed M. Ford, this is not well indeed.

Ford. So ſay I too fir, come hither Miftris Ford, Miftris Ford, the honeſt woman, the modeſt wife, the vertuous creature, that hath the jealous fool to her husband: I ſupſect without cauſe (Miftris) do I?

Mif. Ford. Heaven be my witneſs you do, if you ſupſect me in any diſhonesty.

Ford. Well faid brazen-face, hold it out: Come forth firrah.

Page. This paffes.

Mif. Ford. Are you not afham'd, let the cloathes alone.

Ford. I ſhall find you anon.

Evans. 'Tis unreasonable; will you take up your wives cloathes? Come, away.

Ford. Empty the Basket I ſay.

Mif. Ford. Why man, why ?

Ford. Maſter Page, as I am a man, there was one cor- vey'd out of my houſe yefterday in the Basket: why may not he be there again ? in my houſe I am ſure he is: my intelligence is true, my jealouſe is reaſonable, pluck me out all the linnen.

Mif. Ford. If you find a man there, he ſhall die a Fleas death.

Page. Here's no man.

Shal. By my fidelity this is not well Mr. Ford: This wrongs you.

Evan. M. Ford. you muſt pray, and not follow the imna- ginations of your own heart: this is jealouſes.

Ford. Well, he's not here I ſeek for.

Page. No, nor no where eſſe but in your brain.

Ford. Help to ſearch my houſe this one time; if I find not what I ſeek, ſhew no colour of my extremity: Let me for ever be your Table ſport: Let them ſay of me as jealous as Ford, that ſearched a hollow Wall-hut for his Wives Lemman. Satisſe me once more, once more ſearch with me.

Mif. Ford. What hoa (Miftris Page) come you and the old woman down: my Husband will come into the Chamber.

Ford. Old woman: what old woman's that?

Mif. Ford. VVhy it is my Maids Aunt of Brainford.

Ford. A VVitch, a Quean, an old cozening Quean: Have I not forbid her my houſe? She comes of errands do's ſhe? VVve are ſimple men, we do not know what's brought to paſs under the proſeffion of Fortune telling. She works by Charms, by Spells, by th'Figure, and ſuch dawbry as this is, beyond our Element: we know no- thing. Come down you VVitch, you Hag you, come down I ſay.

Mif. Ford. Nay, good ſweet husband, good Gentlemen, let him not ſtrike the old woman.

Enter Fal.

Mif. Page. Come Mother Prat, Come give me your hand.

Ford. Ile Ple Prat her: Out of my door you VVitch, you Hag, you Baggage, you Poulcat, you Runnion, out, on! Ple conjure you, Ile Fortune-tell you.

Exit Fal.

Mif. Page. Are you not afham'd?

I think you have kill the poor woman.

E

Mif. Ford.

50

The merry Wives of Windsor.

Mif. Ford. Nay he will do it, 'tis a goodly credit for you.

Ford. Hang her Witch.

Evans. I'y yea, and no, I think the o'man is a Witch indeed: I like not when a o'man has a great peard; I pie a great peard under his Muffler.

Ford. Will you follow Gentlemen, I befeech you follow: see but the iffe of my jealousy: If I cry out thus upon no tryal, never tru't me when I open again.

Page. Let's obey his humour a little further:
Come Gentlemen.

Exeunt.

Mif. Page. Trust me he beat him moft pitifully.

Mif. Ford. Nay by th'Maſs that he did not: he beat him moſt unpitifully, me thought.

Mif. Page. I'le have the cudgel hallow'd, and hung o're the Altar, it hath done meritorious ſervice.

Mif. Ford. What think you? May we with the warrant of Woman-hood, and the witneſs of a good confidence, purſue him with any further revenge?

Mif. Page. The ſpirit of wantonneſs is ſure fear'd out of him; if the Devil have him not in feeſimple, with fine and recovery, he will never, I think, in the way of wafe, attempt us again.

Mif. Ford. Shall we tell our husbands how we have ſerved him?

Mif. Page. Yes, by all means: if it be but to ſcrape the figures out of your husbands brain: if they can find in their hearts, the poor unvertuous fat Knight ſhall be any further aſſiſted, we two will ſtill be the miniters.

Mif. Ford. I'le warrant they'l have him publicly ſham'd, and methinks there would be no period to the jeitʃould he not be publicly ſham'd.

Mif. Page. Come to the Forge with it, then ſhape it:
I would not have things cool.

Exeunt.

## Scena Tertia.

Enter Hoſt and Bardolſſe.

Bar. Sir, the German defires to have three of your horſes: the Duke himſelf will be to morrow at Court, and they are going to meet him.

Hoſt. What Duke ſhould that be comes ſo ſecreely? I hear not of him in the Court: let me ſpeak with the Gentlemen, they ſpeak English.

Bar. Sir? I'le call them to you.

Hoſt. They ſhall have my horſes, but I'le make them pay: I'le fawce them, they have had my horſes a week at command: I have tun't away my other gueſts, they muſt come off, I'le fawce them, come.

Exeunt.

## Scena Quarta.

Enter Page, Ford, Miftris Page, Miftris Ford, and Evans.

Evans. 'Tis one of the beſt diſcretions of a o'man as ever I did look upon.

Page. And did he ſend you both theſe Letters at an in-ant?

Mif. Page. Within a quarter of an hour.

Ford. Pardon me (wife) henceforth do what thou wilt: I rather will ſuſpect the Sun with gold, Then thee with wantonneſs; Now doth thy honor ſtand (In him that was of late an Heretick)

As firm of faith.

Page. 'Tis well, 'tis well, no more:

Be not extream in ſubmiſſion, as in offence,

But let our plot go forward: Let our Wives Yet once again (to make us publick ſport)

Appoint a meeting with this old fat fellow,

Where we may take him, and difgrace him for it.

Ford. There is no better way than that they ſpoke of.

Page. How ? to ſend him word they'll meet him in the Park at midnight? Fie, fie, he'll never come.

Evans. You ſay he hath been thrown into the River: and has been grievouſly peaten, as an old o'man: me thinks there ſhould be terours in him, that he ſhould not come: Me thinks his ſleth is puniſh'd, he ſhall have no defires.

Page. So think I too.

M. Ford. Devife but how you'll uſe him when he comes. And let us two devife to bring him thither.

M. Page. There is an old tale goes, that Herne the Hunter (fometime a Keeper in Windsor Forreſt)

Doth all the Winter time at full of midnight.

Walk round about an Oak, with great ragg'd horns,
And there he blaſts the tree, and takes the Cattel,

And makes milch-kine yield blood, and ſhakes a chain in a moſt hideous and dreadful manner.

You have heard of ſuch a ſpirit, and well you know

The ſuperſtitious idle-headed-Eld

Receiv'd, and did deliver to our age

This tale of Herne the Hunter for a truth.

Page. Why yet there want not many that do ſear in deep of night to walk by this Herne's Oak:

But what of this?

M. Ford. Marry this is our device,

That Fallſaſſes at that Oak ſhall meet with us.

Page. Well, let it not be doubted but he'll come,
And in this ſhape when you have brought him thither,
What ſhall be done with him ? What is your plot?

M. Page. That likewife have we thought upon, and thus:

Nan Page (my daughter) and my little Son,

And three or four more of their growth, we'll drefes

Like Urchins, Ouphes and Fairies, green and white,

With rounds of waxen Tapers on their heads,

And Rattles in their hands; upon a ſudden,

As Fallſaſſes, the, and I, are newly met,

Let them from forth a Saw-pit ruffh at once

With ſome diſſused ſong: Upon their fight

We two, in great amazement ſwill ſlie:

Then let them all encircle him about,

And Fairy-like to pinch the unclean Knight;

And ask him why that hour of Fairy Revel,

In their ſo ſacred paths, he dares to tread

In ſhape propheane.

Ford. And till he tell the truth,

Let the ſuppoſed Fairies pinch him found,

And burn him with their Tapers.

M. Page. The truth being known,

We'll all prefent our ſelves, diſhorn the ſpirit,

And mock him home to Windsor.

Ford. The Children muſt

Be præſis'd well to this, or they'll ne'r do't.

Evans. I will teach the children their behaviours: and I will be like a Jack-a-napes alio, to burn the Knight with my Taber.

Ford. That will be excellent,
I'le go buy them vizards.

Mif. Page. My Nan ſhall be the Queen of all the Fairies, finely attired in a robe of white.

Page. That ſilk would I go buy, and in that time
Shall M. Slender ſteal my Nan away,

And marry her at Eaton: go, ſend to Fallſaſſes ſtraight.

Ford. Nay, I'le to him again in name of Broom,
He'll tell me all his purpofe: ſure he'll come.

Mif. Page. Fear not you that: Go get us properties
And tricking for your Fairies.

Evans. Let us about it,

It

The merry Wives of Windsor.

51

It is admirable pleasures, and ferry honest knaveries.

Mif. Page. Go Mif. Ford,

Send quickly to Sir John, to know his mind:

I'le to the Doctor, he hath my good will,

And none but he to marry with Nan Page:

That Slender (though well landed) is an idiot:

And he, my husband beft of all affects:

The Doctor is well money'd, and his friends

Potent at Court: he, none but he shall have her,

Though twenty thousand worthier come to crave her.

Exit.

## Scena Quinta.

Enter Hoft, Simple, Falstaffe, Bardolfes, Evans,

Cajus, Quickly.

Hoff. What wouldst thou have? (Boot) what? (thick-skin) (speak, breathe, ducifs: brief, hort, quick, nap).

Sim. Marry fir, I come to speak with Sir John Falstaffe from M. Slender.

Hoff. There's his Chamber, his Hottfe, his Cattle, his Standing bed and Truckle-bed: 'tis painted about with the (tory of the) Prodigal, fresh and new: go, knock and call: he'll speak like an Anthropophaginian unto thee: Knock I say.

Sim. There's an old woman, a fat woman gone up into his Chamber: I'le be bold as itay, fir, till she come down: I come to speak with her indeed.

Hoff. Ha? a fat woman? The Knight may be robb'd: I'le call, Bully-Knight, Bully-Sir John: speak from thy Lungs Military: Art thou there? It is thine Hoff, thine Ephefian calls.

Fal. How now, mine Hoff?

Hoff. Here's a Bohemian-Tartar: tarries the coming down of thy fat woman: Let her defend (Bully) let her defend: my Chambers are honourable: Fle, privilege? Fle.

Fal. There was (mine Hoff) an old fat woman even now with me, but she's gone.

Sim. Pray you fir, was't not the wife woman of Brainford?

Fal. I marry was it (Muffel-fhell) what would you with her?

Sim. My Mafter (Sir) my Mafter Slender fent to her, feeing her go through the ftreets, to know (Sir) whether one Nim (Sir) that beguiled him of a chain, had the chain, or no.

Fal. I spake with the old woman about it.

Sim. And what fays he, I pray Sir?

Fal. Marry the fays, that the very fame man that beguiled Mafter Slender of his Chain, cozen'd him of it.

Sim. I would I could have f spoken with the woman her felf, I had other things to have f spoken with her too, from him.

Fal. What are they? let us know.

Hoff. I, come: quick.

Fal. I may not conceal them (fir)

Hoff. Conceal them, or thou di'ft.

Sim. Why fir, they were nothing but about Miftis Anne Page, to know if it were my Mafters fortune to have her or no.

Fal. 'Tis, 'tis his fortune.

Sim. What Sir?

Fal. To have her, or no: go; fay the woman told me fo.

Sim. May I be bold to fay fo, fir?

Fal. I fir: like who more bold.

Sim. I thank your worSHIP: I fhall make my mafter glad with thefe tidings.

Hoff. Thou art clarkly: thou art clarkly (Sir John) was there a wife woman with thee?

Fal. I, that there was (mine Hoff) one that hath taught me more wit, than ever I learn'd before in my life: and I paid nothing for it neither, but was paid for my learning.

Enter Bardolph.

Bar. Out alas (fir) cozenage: meer cozenage.

Hoff. Where be my horſes? speak well of them, varletto.

Bar. Run away with the cozeners: for so soon as I came beyond Eaton, they threw me off from behind one of them in a flow of myre; and fet ſpurs, and away; like three German-Devilſ; three Doctor Fauſuffes.

Hoff. They are gone but to meet the Duke (villain) do not fay they be fled: Germanes are honest men.

Enter Evans.

Evan. Where is mine Hoff?

Hoff. What is the matter fir?

Evan. Have a care of your entertainments: there is a friend of mine come to town, tells me there is three Cozen-Jermans, that has cozen'd all the Hofts of Reading, of Maidenhead, of Cole-Brook, of horſes and money: I tell you for good will (look you) you are wife, and full of gibes, and vlouting-Stocks: and 'tis not convenient you should be cozened. Fare you well.

Exit.

Enter Cajus.

Cai. Ver'is mine Hoff de Farteer?

Hoff. Here (Mafter Doctor) in perplexity and doubtful dilemma.

Cai. I cannot tell vat is dat: but it is tell-a-me, dat you make a grand preparation for a Dude de famany: by my trot: der is no Duke dat the Court is know, to come: I tell you for good will: adieu.

Exit.

Hoff. Huy and cry (villane) go: affift me Knight, I am undone: flye, run: hu and cry (villane) I am undone.

Exit.

Fal. I would all the world might be cozen'd, for I have been cozened and beaten too: if it should come to the ear of the Court, how I have been transformed; and how my transformation hath been wafh'd and cudgel'd, they would melt me out of my fat, drop by drop, and liquor Fiftiermens boots with me: I warrant they would whip me with their fine wits, till I were as creft-faln as a dri'd Pearl: I never proper'd, firſe I forſwore my felf at Primeiro: well, if my wind were but long enough, I would reſent: Now? whence come you?

Enter Quickly.

Qu. From the two parties forfooth.

Fal. The Devil take one party, and his Dam the other: and fo they fhall be both beſtow'd; I have ſuffer'd more for their fakes, more than the villanous inconſtancy of mans diſpoſition is able to bear.

Qui. And have not they ſuffer'd? Yes, I warrant, ſpeciouſly one of them; Miftris Ford, good heart! is beaten black and blew, that you cannot fee a white ſpot about her.

Fal. What tell't thou me of black and blew? I was beaten my felf into all the colours of the Rain-bow: and I was like to be apprehended for the Witch of Brainford, but that my admirable dexterity of wit, my counterfeiting the action of an old Woman deliver'd me, the Knave Conſtable had fet me ith' Stocks, ith' common Stocks for a Witch.

Qui. Sir, let me speak with you in your Chamber, you shall hear how things go, and (I warrant) to your content: here is a letter will ſay fomewhat: (good hearts) what a do here is to bring you together? Sure one of you do's not ſerve heaven w-ll, that you are ſo croſs'd.

Fal. Come up into my Chamber.

Exeunt.

E 2

Scena

The merry Wives of Windsor,

53

Mif. Ford. That cannot choose but amaze him.
Mif. Page. If he be not amaz'd he will be mock'd: If
he be amaz'd, he will be mock'd.
Mif. Ford. We'll betray him, finely.
Mif. Page. Againft such Lewdifters, and their Lechery,
Thofe that betray them do no treachery.
Mif. Ford. The hour draws on: to the Oak, to the
Oak. Exeunt.

## Scena Quarta.

Enter Evans and Fairies.

Evans. Trib, trib, Fairies: Come, and remember your parts: be bold (I pray you) follow me into the pit, and when I give the watch 'ords: do as I bid you: come, come, trib, trib. Exeunt.

## Scena Quinta.

Enter Falstaffe, Miftris Page, Miftris Ford, Evans, Anne Page, Fairies, Page, Ford, Quickly, Slender, Fenton, Caius, Piftoff.

Fal. The Windfor Bell hath ftruck twelve: the Minute draws on: Now the hot-blooded-god affift me: Remember 'fove, thou waſt a Bull for thy Europa, Love fet on thy hорns. O powerful Love, that in ſome reſpects makes a Beaſt a Man: in ſome other a Man, a Beaſt. You were alfo (Jupiter) a Swan, for the love of Leda: O omni-potent Love, how near the God drew to the complexion of a Goofe: a fault done firſt in the form of a Beaſt, (O 'fove, a beaſtly fault;) and then another fault, in the ſemblance of a Fowl, think on't ('fove) a foul-fault. When gods have hot backs, what ſhall poor men do? For me, I am here a Windfor Stag, and the fatſet (I think) 't'he Forreft. Send me a cool rut-time ('fove) or who can blame me to pils my Tallow? Who comes here? my Doe?

M. Ford. Sir John? Art thou there (my Deer?)
My male-Deer?

Fal. My Doe with the black Scut? Let the skie rain Potatoes: let it thunder, to the tune of Green fleeves, hail-killing Comfits, and ſnow Eringoes: Let there come a tempeſt of provocation, I will ſhelter me here.

M. Ford. Miftris Page is come with me (fweet heart.)

Fal. Divide me like a Brib'd Buck, each a Haunch: I will keep my fides to my ſelf, my ſhoulders for the ſellow of this walk; and my horns I bequeath your husbands Am I a Woodman, ha? Speak I like Herne the Hunter? Why, now is Cupid a child of Conſience, he makes reſiftution. As I am a true (spirit, welcome.

M. Page. Alas, what noife?

M. Ford. Heaven forgive our fins.

Fal. What should this be?

M. Ford. M. Page. Away, away.

Fal. I think the Divil will not have me damn'd, Leaſt the Oyl that's in me ſhould ſet fell on fire; He would never eſſe croſs me thus.

Enter Fairies.

Qui. Fairies, black, gray, green, and white,
You Moon-shine Revellers, and flades of night,
You Orphan heirs of fixed deſtiny,
Atend your office, and your quality.
Crier Hob-goblin, make the Fairy O yes.

Pift. Elves, lift your names: Silence you airy toys.
Cricket, to Windfor Chimney's flath thou leap:

Where fires thou find it unrak'd, and Hearths unwſwept;
There pinch the Maids as blue as Bilbery,
Our radiant Queen hates Sluts and Sluttery.

Fal. They are Fairies, that ſpeaks to them ſhall die.
Ple wink and couch: No man their works muſt eye.

Ev. Where's Bede? Go you, and where you find a Maid
That ere ſeep has threſe her prayers ſaid,
Raife up the Organs of her ſantafie,
Sleep ſhe as found as careleſs infancy,
But thofe that ſleep and think not on their fins,
Pinch them, arms, legs, backs, ſhoulders, fides and ſhirs.

Qui. About, about:
Search Windfor Caſtle (Elves) within, and out.
Strew good luck (Ouphes) on every ſacred room,
That it may ſtand till the perpetual doom,
In ſtate as wholeſom, as in ſtate 'tis fit,
Worthy the Owner, and the Owner it.

The feveral Chairs of Order, look you ſcow,
With juyce of Balm; and every precious flowr,
Each fair Inſtalment, Coat and ſev'ral Creſt,
With loyal Blazon evermore be bleſt.

And nightly-medow-Fairies, look you ſing
Like to the Garter-Compafs in a Ring,
Th'exprefſure that it bears: Green let it be,
More fertile freſh then all the field to fee:

And, Hny Scit Qui Mal-y-Fam's write
In Emrold-tuſſs. Flowers, purple, blue, and white,
Like Saphire-pearl, and rich Embroiderie,
Buckled below fair Knight-hoods bending knee;
Fairies uſe Flowers for their Characterie,

Away, diſperſe: But till 'tis one a clock,
Our dance of cuſtom round about the Oak
Of Herne the Hunter, let us not forget.

Ev. Pray you lock hand in hand, your ſelves in order ſet:
And twenty Glow-worms ſhall our Lant-horns be
To guide our Meaſure round about the tree.
But ſtay, I ſmell a man of middle earth.

Fal. Heavens defend me from that Welch Fairie,
Left he transform me to a piece of Cheeſe.

Pift. Vild worm, thou waſt ore-look'd even in thy
birth.

Qui. With tryal-fire touch me his finger end:
If he be chafte, the flame will backe deſcend
And turn him to no pain: but if he ſtart,
It is the fleſh of a corrupted heart.

Pift. A tryal, come.

Evans. Come, will this wood take fire?

Fal. Oh, oh, oh.

Qui. Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in deſire,
About him (Fairies) ſing a ſcornful Rime,
And as you trip, fill pinch him to your time.

## The Song.

Fie on ſinful phantafie: Fie on Lust and Luxurie.

Luſt is but a bloody fire, kindled with unchafte deſire.

Fed in heart whose flames asſpire,

As thoughts do blow them higher and higher.

Pinch him (Fairies) mutually: pinch him for his Villanie.

Pinch him, and burn him, and turn him about,

Till Candles, and Star-light, and Moon-shine be out.

Page. Nay do not fly, I think I have watcht you now: Will none but Herne the Hunter ſerve your turn?

M. Page. I pray you come, hold up the jeſt no higher.
Now (good Sir John) how like you Windfor Wives?
See you theſe husbands? Do not theſe fair Oaks
Become the Forreſt better then the Town?

Ford. Now Sir, who's a Cuckold now?

Mr. Broom, Falſtaſſ's a Knave, a Cuckoldly Knave,

Here are his horns Maſter Broom:

And Maſter Broom, he hath enjoyed nothing of Ford,

E 3

But

The merry Wives of Windsor.

54

but his buck-basket, his Cudgel, and twenty pounds of
money, which must be paid to Mr. Broom, his horries are
arrefted for it. M. Broom.

M. Ford. Sir John, we have had ill luck: we could never meet: I will never take you for my Love again, but I will always count you my Deer.

Fal. I do begin to perceive that I am made an Afs.

Ford. I, and an Ox to: both the proofs are extant.

Fal. And these are not Fairies :

I was three or four times in the thought they were not
Fairies, and yet the guiltiness of my mind, the fiddain
furprize of my powers, drove the groansels of the fop-
pory into a receiv'd belief, in despight of the teeth of all
rime and reafon, that they were Fairies. See now how
wit may be made a Jack-a-Lent, when 'tis upon ill ill-
employment.

Evan. Sir John Falstaffe, serve Got, and leave your
defires, and Fairies will not pinfe you.

Ford. Well said Fairy Hogh.

Evan. And leave you your jealousyz too, I pray you.
Ford. I will never miftruft my wife again, till thou art
able to woe her in good English.

Fal. Have I laid my brain in the Sun and dried it,
that it wants matter to prevent fo groots ore-reaching as
this? Am I ridden with a Welch Goat too? Shall I have
a Coxcombe of Frize? 'Tis time I were choak'd with a
piece of toafled Cheefe.

Evans. Seeef is not good to give putter ; your pelly is all putter.

Fal. Seeef and Putter ? Have I liv'd to stand at the taunt of one that makes Fritters of English? This is enough to be the decay of Luft and late-walking through the Realm.

Mif. Page. Why Sir John, do you think, though we
would have thrustre vertue out of our hearts by the head
and shoulders, and have given our felves without fcruple
to hell, that ever the Devil could have made you our de-
light.

Ford. What, a Hodge-pudding ? A bag of Flax ?

Mif. Page. A puft man ?

Page. Old, cold, wither'd, and of intolerable entrails ?

Ford. And one that is as slanderous as Satan?

Page. And as poor as Job.

Ford. And as wicked as his wife?

Evan. And given to Fornications, and to Taverns, and
Sack, and Wine, and Metheglin, and to drinkings, and
wearings, and faring ? Pribbles and prabbles ?

Fal. Well, I am your Theame : you have the start of
me, I am dejected: I am not able to anfwer the Welch
Flannel, Ignorance it self is a Plummet ore me, uſe me as
you will.

Ford. Marry fir, wee'l bring you to Windsor to one
Mr. Broome, that you have cozen'd of money, to whom
you ſhould have been a Pander: over and above that you
have ſuffer'd, I think, to repay that money will be a bi-
ting affliction.

Page. Yet be cheerful Knight, thou fhalt eat a Poffet
to night at my houſe, where I will defire thee to laugh at
my wife, that now laughs at thee: Tell her Mr. Slender
hath married her daughter.

Mif. Page. Doctors doubt that ;

If Anne Page be my daughter, ſhe is (by this) Doctor
Cains's wife.

Enter Slender:

Slen. Whoa hoe, hoe, Father Page.

Page. Son ? How now ? How now fon,
Have you difpatch'd?

Slen. Difpatch'd ? I'le make the beſt in Gloſterſhire know
on't: would I were hang'd la, elfe.

Page. Of what, fon ?

Slen. I came yonder at Eaton to marry Miftris Anne
Page, and ſhe'e's a great lubberly Boy. If it had not been
ith' Church, I would have ſwing'd him, or he ſhould have
fwing'd me. If I did not think it had been Anne Page,
would I might never ſtir, and 'tis a Poſt-maſters Boy.

Page. Upon my life then, you took the wrong.

Slen. What need you tell me that ? I think so, when
I took a Boy for a Girl: If I had been married to him,
(for all he was in womans apparel) I would not have had
him.

Page. Why, this is your own folly,

Did not I tell you how you ſhould know my daughter
By her garments ?

Slen. I went to her in green, and cry'd Mum, and ſhe
cry'd Budget, as Anne and I had appointed, and yet it was
not Anne, but a Poſt-maſters Boy.

Mif. Page. Good George be not angry, I knew of your
purpofe: turn'd my daughter into white, and indeed ſhe
is now with the Doctor at the Deanry, and there married.

Enter Cajus.

Caj. Ver is Miftris Page: by gar I am cozoned, I ha
married one Garfoon, a Boe; oon Pefant, by gar. A Boy,
it is not An Page by gar, I am cozoned.

M. Page. Why? did you take her in white?

Caj. I be gar, and 'tis a Boy: be gar, Ile raife all Wind-
for.

Ford. This is ſtrange: Who hath got the right Anne?

Page. My heart miſgives me, here comes M. Fenton.

How now M. Fenton?

An. Pardon good father, good my mother pardon.

Page. Now Miftris :

How chance you went not with M. Slauder ?

Mif. Page. Why went you not with Mr. Doctor, Maid?

Fen. You do amaze her: hear the truth of it,

You would have married her moſt flamefully,

Where there was no proportion held in love :

The truth is, ſhe and I (long ſince contracted)

Are now fo ſure that nothing can diſolve us :

Th' offence is holy that ſhe hath committed,

And this deceit loſes the name of craft,

Of diſobedience, or unduteous title,

Since therein ſhe doth evitake and ſhun

A thousand irreligious curſed hours

Which forced marriage would have brought upon her!

Ford. Stand not amaz'd, here is no remedy :

In Love, the heavens themſelves do guide the ſtate,
Money buys Lands, and wives are fold by fate.

Fal. I am glad, though you have tane a ſpecial ſtand
to ſtrike at me, that your Arrow hath glanc'd.

Page. Well, what remedy ? Fenton, heaven give thee joy,
what cannot be eſchew'd, muſt be embrac'd.

Fal. When night-dogs run, all forts of Deer are chac'd.

Mi. Pa. Well, I will muſe no further: M. Fenton,

Heaven give you many, many merry days :

Good husband, let us every one go home,

And laugh this ſport ore by a countrey fire,
Sir John and all.

Ford. Let it be ſo (Sir John :)

To After Broom, you yet ſhall hold your word.

For he, to night ſhall lye with Miftris Ford.

Exeunt.

Mca-

56

Measure for Measure.

the thanksgiving before meat, do rellish the petition well
that prays for peace.

2 Gent. I never heard any Souldier diflike it.

Luc. I believe thee: for I think thou never was't where
Grace was faid.

2 Gent. No? a dozen times at leaft.

1 Gent. What? in meeter?

Luc. In any proportion, or in any language.

1 Gent. I think, or in any Religion.

Luc. I, why not? Grace, is Grace, deſpight of all con-
troverſie : as for example; Thou thy ſelf art a wicked
vill an, deſpight of all Grace.

1 Gent. Well: there went but a pair of ſheers between
us.

Luc. I grant: as there may between the Lifts and the
Velvet. Thou art the Lift.

1. Gent. And thou the Velvet; thou art good Velvet; thou'rt a three pil'd-piece I warrant thee: I had as lief be a Lift of an English Kerſey, as be pil'd, as thou art pil'd, for a French Velvet. Do I ſpeak feelingly now?

Luc. I think thou doſt : and indeed with moſt painful
feeling of thy ſpeech: I will, out of thine own conſeſſion,
learn to begin thy health; but whilſt I live, for get to
drink after thee.

1 Gent. I think I have done my ſelf wrong, have I not?

2 Gent. Yes, that thou haſt; whether thou are tainted,

or free.

Enter Bawd.

Luc. Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes.
I have purchas'd as many diſeafe's under her Roof,

As come to—

2 Gent. To what I pray?

Luc. Judge.

2 Gent. To three thouſand Dollours a year.

1 Gent. I, and more.

Luc. A French Crown more.

1 Gent. Thou art always figuring diſeafe's in me; but
thou art full of error, I am found.

Luc. Nay, not (as one would ſay) healthy: but fo
found, as things that are hollow; thy bones are hollow;
Impley me has made a ſeaſt of thee.

1 Gent. How now, which of your hips has the moſt
profound Sciaticus?

Bawd. Well, well: There's one yonder arreſted, and
carried to prifon, was worth five thouſand of you all.

2 Gent. Who's that I prethee?

Bawd. Marry fir, that's Claudio, Signior Claudio.

1 Gent. Claudio to prifon ? 'tis not to.

Bawd. Nay, but I know 'tis fo: I faw him arreſted;
faw him carried away: and which is more, within theſe
three days his head to be chopt off.

Luc. But, after all this fooling, I would not have it fo:
Art thouſure of this?

Bawd. I am too ſure of it: and it is for getting Madam
Julietta with child.

Luc. Believe me this may be: he promiſed to meet
me two hours ſince, and he was ever precife in promiſe-
keeping.

2 Gent. Befides you know, it draws ſomething near to
the ſpeech we had to ſuch a purpofe.

1 Gent. But moſt of all agreeing with the Proclamation.

Luc. Away, let's go learn the truth of it. Exeunt.

Bawd. Thus, what with the war; what with the ſweat,
what with the gallows, and what with poverty, I am cu-
ſtom-frunkt. How now? what's the news with you?

Enter clown.

Clow. Yonder man is carried to prifon.

Bawd. Well: what has he done?

Clow. A woman.

Faw. But what's his offence?

Clow. Groping for Trowts in a peculiar River.

Faw. What? is there a Maid with child by him?

Clow. No: but there's a woman with Maid by him:
you have not heard of the Proclamation, have you?

Baw. What Proclamation, man?

Clow. All houſes in the Suburbs of Vienna muſt be
pluſh'd down.

Baw. And what ſhall become of thofe in the Citie?

Clow. They ſhall stand for feed: they had gone down
too, but that a wife Burger put in for them.

Baw. But ſhall all our houſes of reſort in the Suburbs
be pull'd down?

Clow. To the ground Miftris.

Baw. Why here's a change indeed in the Common-
wealth: what here become of me?

Clow. Come: learn not you: good Counſellors lack no
Clients: though you change your place, you need not
change your Trade: I'le be your I'apler till; courage,
there will be pity taken on you; you that have worn
your eyes almost out in the ſervice, you will be confi-
dered.

Baw. What's to do here, Thomas Tapſter? let's with-
draw.

Clow. Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the Provoſt
to prifon: and there's Madam Juliet. Exeunt.

## Scena tertia.

Enter Provoſt, Claudio, Juliet, Officers, Lucio,
and two Gentlemen.

Cla. Fellow, why doſt thou ſhow me thus to th'world?
Bear me to prifon, where I am committed.

Pro. I do it not in evil diſpoſition,
But from Angelo by ſpecial charge.

Clau. Thus can the demy-god (Authority)
Make us pay down, for our offence, by weight
The words of heaven; on whom it will, it will,
On whom it will not (fo) yet ſtill 'tis juſt.

Luc. Why how now Claudio? whence comes this reſtraint.

Clau. From too-much liberty, (my Lucio) liberty.

As ſurfeit is the father of much faſt,
So every ſcpe by the immediate ſne
Turns to reſtraint: our Natures do purſue
Like Rats that ravin down their proper Bane,
A thirty evil, and when we drink, we die.

Luc. If I could ſpeak fo wifely, under an arreſt, I
would ſend for certain of my Creditors: and yet, to ſay
the truth, I had, as lief have the foppery of freeſome,
as the mortality of imprifonment: what's thy offence,
Claudio?

Cla. What (but to ſpeak of) would offend again.

Luc. What is't murder ?

Cla. No.

Luc. Letchery ?

Cla. Call it fo.

Pro. Away, fir, you muſt go.

Cla. One word, good friend :

Lucio, a word with you.

Luc. A hundred:

If they'l do you any good: Is Letchery ſo look'd after?

Cla. Thus ſtands it with me: upon a true contract

I got poffeſion of Julietta's bed,
You know the Lady, ſhe is ſaſt my wife,
Save that we do the denunciation lack
Of outward Order. This we came not to,
Only for propagation of a Dowre
Remaining in the Coffer of her friends,
From whom we thought it meet to hide our Love
Till Time had made them for us. But it chances
The ſlealth of our moſt mutual entertainment
With Character too groſs, is writ in Juliet.

Lte With Child, perhaps?

Cla. Unhappily, even fo.

And the new Deputy, now for the Duke,

Whether

["Meaſure for Meaſure.", "57", "Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newneſs,\nOr whether that the body publick be\nA horſe whereon the Governor doth ride,\nWho newly in the ſeat, that it may know\nHe can command , lets it ftrait feel the fur\nWhether the tyranny be in his place,\nOr in his eminence that fills it up\nIf ſagger in: But this new Governour\nAwakes me all the enrolled penalties\nWhich have (like unfowrd Armor) hung by th'wall\nSo long, that nineteen Zodiacks have gone round,\nAnd none of them been worn; and for a name\nNow puts the drowſe and neglected Act\nFreely on me : 'tis ſurely for a name.", "Luc. I warrant it is: and thy head ſtands ſo tickle on thy ſhoulders, that a Milk-maid, if ſhe be in love, may ſigh it off: Send after the Duke, and appeal to him.", "Cla. I have done ſo, but he's not to be found.\nI prethee (Lucio) do me this kind ſervice:\nThis day, my ſifter ſhould the Cloyſter enter,\nAnd there receive her approbation.\nAcquaint her with the danger of my ſtate,\nImplore her in my voice, that ſhe make friends\nTo the ſtrict Deputy: bid her ſelf affay him,\nI have great hope in that: for in your youth\nThere is a prone and ſpeechleſs Dialeſt,\nSuch as move men ! befide ſhe hath properous Art\nWhen the will play with reaſon, and diſcourse,\nAnd well ſhe can perſwade.", "Luc. I pray ſhe may; as well for the encouragement of the like, which elle would ſtand upon grievous impoſition: as for the enjoying of thy life, who I would be forry ſhould be thus foolſily loft, at a game of Tick-tack: I'le to her.", "Cla. I thank you good friend Lucio.", "Luc. Within two hours.", "Cla. Come Officer, away.", "Exeunt.", "## Scena Quarta.", "Enter Duke, and Frier Thomas.", "Duke. No: holy Father, throw away that thought,\nBelieve not that the dribbling dart of love\nCan pierce a compleat boſom: why, I defire thee\nTo give me ſecret harbour hath a purpofe\nMore grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends\nOf burning youth.", "Fri. May your Grace ſpeak of it.", "Duke. My holy fir, none better knows than you\nHow I have ever loved the life remov'd\nAnd held in idle price to haunt afflembles\nWhere youth and coſt, and witleſs bravery keeps.\nI have delivered to Lord Angelo", "(A man of ſtricture and firm abſtinence)", "My abſolute power, and place in Vienna,", "And he ſuppofes me travail'd to Poland,", "(For ſo I have ſtrew'd it in the common ear)", "And ſo it is receiv'd: Now (pious fir)", "You will demand of me, why I do this.", "Fri. Gladly, My Lord.", "Duke. We have ſtrict Statutes, and moſt biting Laws,\n( The needful bits and curbs for head-ſtrong weeds)", "Which for this fourteen years, we have let ſlip,", "Even like an ore-grown Lyon in a Cave", "That goes not out to prey: Now, as fond Fathers,", "Having bound up the threatening twigs of Birch,", "Only to ſtick it in their childrens fight;", "For error, not to uſe : in time the rod", "More mock'd than fear'd: ſo our Decrees,", "Dead to infliſtion, to themselves are dead,\nAnd liberty plucks juſtice by the noſe;\nThe Baby bears the Nurſe, and quite athwart\nGoes all decorum.", "Fri. It reſted in your Grace", "To unloofe this tied-up Juitice, when you please'd:", "And it in you more dreadful would have ſeem'd", "Than in Lord Angelo.", "Duke. I do ſear, too dreadful :", "Sith 'twas my fault to give the people ſcote,", "'Twould be my tyranny to ſtrike and gall them,", "For what I bid them do: For we bid this be done", "When evil deeds have their permiſive pafſ,", "And not the puniſhment: therefore indeed (my father)", "I have on Angelo impos'd the office,", "Who may in th'ambuſh of my name ſtrike home,", "And yet, my nature never in the fight", "To do in flander: And to behold his ſway", "I will, as 'twere a brother of your Order,", "Visit both Prince and people: Therefore I prethee", "Supply me with the habit, and inſtruct me", "How I may formally inſperon bear", "Like a true Frier: Moe reaſons for this action", "At your more leiſure, ſhall I render you;", "Only this one: Lord Angelo is precife,", "Stands at a guard with envy: ſearce conſeſſes", "That his blood flows : or that his appetite", "Is more to bread than ſtone: hence ſhall we fee", "If power change purpofe: what our Seemers be. Exeunt.", "## Scena Quinta.", "Enter Isabell, and Franciſa a Num.", "Isa. And have you Nuns no farther privileges?", "Num. Are not theſe large enough?", "Isa. Yes truly; I ſpeak not as defiring more,", "But rather wiſh a more ſtrict reſraint", "Upon the Sifterhood, the Votaritäts of Saint Clare.", "Lucio within.", "Luc. Hoa ? peace be in this place.", "Isa. Who's that which calls?", "Nun. It is a mans voice, gentle Isabella,", "Turn you the key, and know his buſineſs of him;", "You may, I may not: you are yet unſworn :", "When you have vow'd, you muſt not ſpeak with men,", "But in the prefence of the Prioreſſe;", "Then if you ſpeak, you muſt not ſhow your face ;", "Or if you ſhow your face, you muſt not ſpeak :", "He calls again: I pray you anſwer him.", "Isa. Peace and prosperity: who is't that calls?", "Luc. Hail Virgin, (if you be) as thoſe cheek-Rofes", "Proclaim you are no leſs: can you ſo ſteed me,", "As bring me to the fight of Isabella,", "A novice of this place, and the fair Sifter", "To her unhappy brother Claudio ?", "Isa. Why her unhappy brother ? Let me ask,", "The rather, for I now muſt make you know", "I am that Isabella, and his Sifter.", "Luc. Gentle and fair: your brother kindly greets you;", "Not to be weary with you; he's in prifon.", "Isa. Wo me, for what ?", "Luc. For that, which, if my ſelf might be my Judge,", "He ſhould receive his puniſhment in thanks :", "He hath got his friend with Child.", "Isa. Sir, make me not your ſtory.", "Luc. 'Tis true; I would not, tho'ris my familiar ſin,", "With Maids to ſeem the Lapwing, and to jeſt", "Tongue, far from heart: play with all Virgins ſo :", "I hold you as a thing en-skied and ſaſted,", "By", "na muſt be", "the Citie? downe", "the Suburbs", "e Common", "llors lack no\nout need not\n1; courage,\nhave wom\nill be confi-", "let's with-", "the Provolt", "Exeunt.", "Lucio,", "o th' world?", "o th' world?", "o th' world?", {"bbox": [0, 861, 63, 890], "category": "Page-footer", "text":

58

Me Measure for Me Measure.

By your renouncement an immortal fpirit,
And to be talk'd with in fincinity,
As with a Saint.

I/a. You do blapheme the good in mocking me.

Luc. Do not believe it : fewnefs. and truth ; 'ris thus,
Your brother and his lover have imbrac'd ;
As thofe that feed grow full : as blooming Time
That from the feednefs, the bare fallow brings
To teeming foyfon : even fo her plenteous womb
Exprefleth his full Tilth and Husbandry.

I/a. Some one with child by him ? my Cofen Juliet ?

Luc. Is she your Cofen ?

I/a. Adoptedly, as school-maids change their names
By vain, tho apt affection.

Luc. She it is.

I/a. Let him marry her.

Luc. This is the point.

The Duke is very strangely gone from hence ;
Bore many Gentlemen (my self being one)

In hand, and hope of action : but we do learn,
By thofe that know the very Nerves of State,
His giving out, were of an infinite diffance
From his true meant defign : upon his place,
( And with full line of his authority )

Governs Lord Angelo ; A man whole blood
Is very now-broth : one, who never feels

The wanton things and motions of the fenfe;
But doth rebate, and blunt his natural edge
With profits of the mind : Study, and faft.

He (to give fear to, and liberty,
Which haye for long run-by the hideous Law,
As Mice by Lyons) hath pickt out an aſt,
Under whole heavy fenſe, your brothers life

Falls into forfeit : he arrefts him on it,

And follows cloſe the rigor of the Statute

To make him an example : all hope is gone,

Unles you have the grace by your fair prayer

To soften Angelo : And that's my pith of buſineſs

'Twixt you, and your poor brother :

I/a. Doth he fo,

Seek his life ?

Luc. Has cenſured him already,

And as I hear, the Provoſt hath a warrant

For's Execution.

I/a. Alas: what poor

Abilic's in me, to do him good ?

Luc. Affay the power you have.

I/a. My power ? alas, I doubt.

Luc. Our doubts are traytors

And makes us loſe the good we oft might win,

By fearing to attempt : Go to Lord Angelo,

And let him learn to know, when Maidens ſue

Men give like gods : but when they weep and kneel,

All their petitions, are as truly theirs

As they themselves would owe them.

I/a. Ile fee what I can do.

Luc. But ſpeedily.

I/a. I will about it ſtrait ;

No longer ſtaying, but to give the Mother

Notice of my affair : I humbly thank you :

Commend me to my brother : ſoon at night

Ie ſend him certain word of my ſucceſs.

Luc. I take my leave of you.

I/a. Good fir, adieu.

Exeunt.

Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.

Enter Angelo, Escalus, and ſerivants, Juſtice.

Ang. We muſt not make a ſear-crow of the Law,

Setting it up to fear the Birds of prey,
And let it keep one ſhape, till cuſtome make it
Their Pearch, and not their terror.

E/c. I, but yet

Let us be keen, and rather cut a little,

Than fall, and bruife to death : alas, this Gentleman

Whom I would fave, had a moſt noble father,

Let but your honour know

(Whom I believe to be moſt ſtrait in vertue)

That in the working of your own affections,

Had time co heard with Place, or place with wifhing,

Or that the refolute acting of our blood,

Could have attain'd th' effect of your own purpofe,

Whether you had sometime in your life

Err'd in this point, which now you cenſure him,
And pull'd the Law upon you.

Ang. 'Tis one thing to be tempted ( Escalus )

Another thing to fall : I not deny

The jury palling on the prifoners life.

May in the ſworn twelve, have a thieſe, or two

Guiltier than him they try ; what's open made to Juſtice,

That Juſtice ſeizes, What knows the Laws

That thieves do pafs on thieves ? 'Tis very pregnant,

The Jewel that we find, we ſloop and take't,

Becauſe we fee it ; but what we do not fee,

We tread upon, and never think of it.

You may not do extenuate his offence,

For I have had ſuch faults ; but rather tell me

When I, that centure him, do ſo offend,

Let mine own Judgment pattern out my death,

And nothing come in partial. Sir, he muſt die.

Enter Provoſt.

E/c. Be it as your wifdom will.

Ang. Where is the Provoſt?

Pro. Here if it like your Honour.

Ang. See that Claudio

Be executed by nine to morrow morning,

Bring him his Conſeſſor, let him be prepar'd,

For that's the utmoſt of his Pilgrimage.

E/c. Well: heaven forgive him ; and forgive us all

Some rife by ſin, and ſome by vertue fall :

Some run from brakes of Ice, and anſwer none,

And ſome condemned for a fault alone.

Enter Elbow, Frost, Clown, Officers.

Elb. Come, bring them away : if the e be good people
in a Common-weale, that do nothing but uſe their a.
bufes in common houſes, I know no law : bring them a.
way.

Ang. How now fir, what's your name? And what's
the matter?

Elb. If it pleafe your honour, I am the poor Dukes
Conſtable, and my name is Elbow ; I do lean upon Juſtice,
fir, and do bring in here before your good honour, two
notorious Benefactors.

Ang. Benefactors? Well: What Benefactors are they?
Are they not Maleſcaſtors ?

Elb. If it pleafe your Honour, I know not well what
they are: But precife villans they are, that I am ſure of,
and void of all prophanation in the world, that good
Chriſtians ought to have.

E/c. This comes off well : here's a wife Officer.

Ang. Go to : What quality are they of? Elbow is
your name?

Why do't thou not ſpeak Elbow?

Clo. He cannot fir : he's out at Elbow.

Ang. What are you fir ?

Elb. He fir, a Tapſer fir : parcel Bawd : one that
(erves a bad woman : whoſe houſe fir was ( as they ſay)
pluckt down in the Suburbs: and now ſhe proſeſſes a
hot-houſe ; which, I think is a very ill houſe too.

E/c. How know you that ?

Elb. My wife Sir, whom I detest before heaven and
your honour.

E/c. How

Meaſure for Meaſure.

59

E/c. How? thy wife.

Elb. I Sir: whom I thank heaven is an honest woman.

E/ca. Do'ft thou dereſt her therefore?

Elb. I ſay fir, I will dereſt my ſelf alſo, as well as ſhe
that this houſe, if it be not a Baſws houſe, it is pity of her
life, for it is a naughty houſe.

E/c. How do'ft thou know that, Conſtable?

Elb. Marry fir, by my wife, who, if ſhe had been a wo-
man cardinally given, might have been accuſed in forni-
cation, adultery, and all uncleanneſs there.

E/c. By the womans means?

Elb. I fir, by Miftris Over-dons means : but as ſhe ſpit
in his face, to ſhe deſt'd him

Clo. Sir, if it pleaſe your honour, this is not ſo.

Elb. Prove it before theſe Varlets here, thou honoura-
ble man, prove it.

E/c. Do you hear how he miſ places?

Clo. Sir, the came in great with child; and longing
(faving your honours reverence) for ſtew'd Prewns;
we had but two in the honſe, which at that very intant
time ſlood, as it were in a fruit diſh, (a diſh of ſome three
pence; your honours having ſeen diſh diſhes) they are
not China-diſhes, but very good diſhes.

E/c. Go too, go too: no matter for the diſh fir.

Clo. No indeed fir not of a pin: you are therein in the
right: but, to the point: as I ſay, this Miftris Elbow, being
(as I ſay) with child, and being great bellied, and longing
(as I ſaid) for prewns: and having no more in the diſh
(as I ſaid) Maſter Froth here, this very man, having eaten
the reſt (as I ſaid) and (as I ſay) paying for them very
honeſtly: for, as you know Maſter Froth, I could not
give you three pence again.

Fro. No indeed.

Clo. Very well: you being then(if you be remembred)
cracking the ſtones of the ſorefaid Prewns.

Fro. I ſo I did indeed.

Clo. Why, very well: I telling you then (if you be
remembred) that ſuch a one, and ſuch a one, were paff
cure of the thing you wot of, unleſs they kept very good
dyet, as I told you.

Clo. Why very well then.

E/c. Come, you are a tedious fool. to the purpufe ;
what was done to Elbows wife, that he hath cauſe to com-
plain of? Come me to what was done to her.

Clo. Sir, your honour cannot come to that yet.

E/c. No fir, nor I mean it not.

Clo. Sir, but you ſhall come to it, by your Honours
leave: And I beſeech you, look into Maſter Froth here
fir, a man of four-ſcore pound a year; whoſe Father
died at Hallowmas: Was not at Hallowmas Maſter Froth ?

Fro. All halland-Eve.

Clo. Why very well: I hope here be truths: he fir, fit-
ting (as I ſay) in a lower Chair, Sir, 'twas in the bunch
of Grapes, where indeed you have a delight to fit, have
you not?

Fro. I have ſo,ecaſſe it is an open room, and good
for Winter.

Clo. Why very well then: I hope here be truths.

Ang. This will laſt out a night in Ruffia,
When nights are longeſt there: Ile take my leave,
And leave you to the hearing of the cauſe,
Hoping you'l find good cauſe to whip them all. Exit.
E/c. I think no leſs: good morrow to your Lordſbip.
Now fir, come on: What was done to Elbows wife, once
more?

Clo. Once fir? there was nothing done to her once.

Clo. I beſeech you fir, ask him what this man did to
my wife.

Clo. I beſeech your honour, ask me.

E/c. Well fir, what did this Gentleman to her?

Clo. I beſeech you fir, look in this Gentlemans ſace,
good Maſter Froth look upon his honour; ſtis for a good
purpofe; doth your honour mark his ſace?

E/c. I fir, very well.

Clo. Nay, I beſeech you mark it well.

E/c. Well, I do ſo.

Clo. Doth your honour fee any harm in his ſace?

E/c. Why no.

Clo. He be ſuppors'd upon a booſ, his ſace is the worſt
thing about him: good then: if his ſace be the worſt
thing about him, how could Maſter Froth do the Conſita-
bles wife any harm? I would know that of your ho-
nour.

E/c. He's in the right ( Conſtable) what ſay you to
it?

Elb. First, and it like you, the houſe is a reſpected
houſe; next, this is a reſpected ſellow; and his Miftris is
a reſpected woman.

Clo. By this hand fir, his wife is a more reſpected per-
ſon than any of us all.

Elb. Varlet, thou lieſt; thou lieſt wicked Varlet: the time is yet to come, that he was ever reſpected with man, woman, or child.

Clo. Sir, he was reſpected with him before he married
with her.

E/c. Which is the wif er here; Jufſice, or Iniquity? Is
this true?

Elb. O thou Caitiff! O thou Varlet: O thou wicked
Hannibal; I reſpected with her, before I was married to her;
If ever I was reſpected with her, or ſhe with me, let not
your Worſhip think me the poor Dukes Officer: prove
this, thou wicked Hannibal, or I've had mine action of
battery on thee.

E/c. If he took you a box o'th'ear, you might have
your action of flander too.

Elb. Marry I thank your good Worſhip for it: what
is't your Worſhips pleafure I ſhall do with this wicked
Caitiff?

E/c. Truly Officer, becauſe he hath ſome offences in
him, that thou would'ſt diſcover, if thou couldſt, let him
continue in his courſes, till thou knowſt what they are.

Elb. Marry I thank your Worſhip for it: Thou ſeeth
thou wicked Varlet now, what's come upon thee. Thou
art to continue.

E/c. Where were you born, friend ?

Froth. Here in Vienna, Sir.

E/c. Are you of fourſcore Pounds a year ?

Froth. Yes, and't pleaſe you fir.

E/c. So: what trade are ye of, fir?

Clo. A Tapfter, a poor Widows Tapfter.

E/c. Your Miftris name ?

Clo. Miftris Over-don.

E/c. Hath he had any more than one husband ?

Clo. Nine, fir: Over-don by the laſt.

E/c. Nine? Come hither to me, Maſter Froth: Maſter
Froth, I would not have you acquainted with Tapſiers;
they will draw you Maſter Froth, and you will hang them:
get you gone, and let me hear no more of you.

Fro. I thank your Worſhip: for mine own part, I ne-
ver come into any room in a Taphouſe, but I am drawn
in.

E/c: Well: no, more of it Maſter Froth: farewell :
Come you hither to me, M. Tapfter: what's your name
M. Tapfter?

Clo. Pompey.

E/c. What eſſe?

Clo. Bum, Sir.

E/c. Troth, and your Bum is the greatest thing about
you, ſo that in the beaſtliet ſenſe, you are Pompey the
great; Pompey, you are partly a Bawd, Pompey; howfoe-
ver you colour it being a Tapfter, are you not? come, tell
me true, it ſhall be the better for you.

Clo. Truly fir, I am a poor ſellow that would live.

E/c. How would you live Pompey ? by being a Bawd?
what do you think of the Trade Pompey ? is it a lawful
Trade?

Clo. If the Law would allow it, fir.

E/c. But the Law will not allow it Pompey, nor it ſhall
not be allowed in Vienna.

Clo. Do's

60

Meaſure for Meaſure.

Clo. Do's your Worſhip mean to geld and ſplay all the Youth in the City ?

E/c. No, Pompey.

Clo. Truly Sir, in my poor opinion, they will to't then: if your Worſhip will take order for the Drabs and Knaves, you need not to fear the Bawds.

E/c. There are pretty Orders beginning, I can tell you: It is but heading and hanging.

Clo. If you head and hang all that offend that way but for ten year together, you'l be glad to give out a Com- million for more heads: If this Law hold in Vienna ten years I'le rent the faireſt houſe in it after three pence a Bay: I'le you live to fee this come to pafs, ſay, Pompey told you ſo.

E/c. Thank you, good Pompey; and in reinitial of your Propheſe, hark you: I advife you let me not find you be- fore me again upon any complaint whatſever: no, not for dwelling where you do: If I do, Pompey, I ſhall beat you to your Tent, and prove a ſhrewd Cæsar to you: In plain dealing, I ſhall have you whipt: So for this time, Pompey, fare you well.

Clo. I thank your Worſhip for your good counsel: but I ſhall follow it as the fleſh and fortune ſhall better deter- mine. Whip me? no, no: let Carman whip his Jade, The valiant heart's not whipt out of his Trade. Exit.

E/c. Come hither to me, Maſter Elbow: come hither, Maſter Conſtable: how long have you been in this place of Conſtable?

Elb. Seven year and a half, fir.

E/c. I thought by the readineſs in the Office, you had continued in it ſome time: you ſay, ſeven years toge- ther.

Elb. And a half, fir.

E/c. Alas! it hath been great pains to you: they do you wrong to put you ſo oft upon't: Are there not men in your Ward ſufficient to ſerve it?

Elb. Faith fir, few of any Wit in ſuch matters: as they are chofen, they are glad to chooſe me for them: I do it for ſome piece of money, and go through with all.

E/c. Look you bring me in the Names of ſome fix or ſe- ven, the moſt ſufficient of your Parifh.

Elb. To your Worſhip's houſe, fir ?

E/c. To my houſe: fare you well: what's a clock, think you?

Fjuſt. Eleven, fir.

E/c. I pray you go home to dinner with me.

Fjuſt. I humbly thank you.

E/c. It grieves me for the death of Claudio: But there's no Remedy.

Fjuſt. Lord Angelo is ſevere.

E/c. It is but needful:

Mercy is not it ſelf, that oft looks ſo:

Pardon is ſtill the Nurſe of ſecond wo:

But yet, poor Claudio, there is no Remedy. Come fir.

Exeunt.

## Scena Secunda.

Enter Provoſt, Servant.

Ser. He's hearing of a Caufe: he will come straight: I'le tell him of you.

Pro. Pray you do: I'le know

His pleafure: may be he will relent: alas !

He hath but as offended in a dream

All Sefts, all Ages ſmack of this vice, and he
To die for't!

Enter Angelo.

Ang. Now, what's the matter, Provoſt?

Pro. Is it your Will Claudio ſhall die to morrow?

Ang. Did not I tell thee yea? had it thou not order ?
Why do't thou ask again ?

Pro. Left I might be too rafh:
Under your good correction, I have ſeen
When after Execution, Judgment hath
Repeted o're his doom.

Ang. Go to: let that be mine:
Do you your Office, or give up your Place,
And you ſhall well be ſpar'd.

Pro. I crave your Honour's pardon:
What ſhall be done, fir, with the groaning Juliet?
She's very near her hour.

Ang. Difpofe of her
To ſome more fitter place, and that with ſpeed.

Ser. Here is the fitter of the man condemn'd,
Defines acceſſ to you.

Ang. Hath he a fitter ?

Pro. I, my good Lord, a very vertuous maid,
And to be ſhortly of a Sifter-hood,
If not already.

Ang. Well: let her be admitted:
See you the Fornicatrels be remov'd?

Let her have needful, but not lavifh means:
There ſhall be order for't.

Enter Lucio and Iſabella.

Pro. 'Save your Honour.

Ang. Stay a little while: y'are welcome: What's your Will?

Iſab. I am a woſul Sutor to your Honour,
'Please but your Honour hear me.

Ang. Well: what's your fuit?

Iſab. There is a Vice that moſt I do abhor,
And moſt define ſhould meet the blow at ſuſtice,
For which I would not plead, but that I muſt,
For which I muſt not plead, but that I am
At war 'twixt will and will not.

Ang. Well: the matter?

Iſab. I have a brother is condemn'd to die,
I do beſeech you let it be his ſaule,
And not my brother.

Pro. Heaven give thee moving graces.

Ang. Condemn the fault, and not the aſtor of it:

Why every fault's condemn'd 'cre it be done:
Mine were the very Cipher of a Function
To fine the faults, whoſe fine ſtands in Record,
And let go by the aſtor.

Iſab. Oh juſt, but ſevere Law:
I had a brother then, heaven keep your honour.
Luc. Giv't not o're ſo: to him again, intreat him,
Kneel down before him, hang upon his gown:
You are too cold: if you ſhould need a pin,
You could not with more fame a tongue define it:
To him, I fay.

Iſab. Muſt he needs die ?

Ang. Maiden, no Remedy.

Iſab. Yes: I do think that you might pardon him,
And neither heaven, nor man grieve at the mercy.

Ang. I will not do't.

Iſab. But can you if you would ?

Ang. Look, what I will not, that I cannot do.

Iſab. But might you do't, and do the World no wrong,
If ſo your heart were touch'd with that remorſe,
As mine is to him?

Ang. He's ſentenc'd: 'tis too late.

Luc. You are too cold.

Iſab. Too late? why ſo ? I that do ſpeak a word,
May call it back again: Well, believe this,
No ceremony that to great ones longs,
Not the King's Crown, nor the deputed Sword;
The Marſhal's Truncheon, nor the Judges Robe,
Become them with one half ſo good a grace

As mercy does: If he had been as you, and you as he,

You

Measure for Measure.

Ifa. Let me be ignorant, and in nothing good,
But graciously to know I am no better.

Ang. Thus Wifdom wifhes to appear moft bright,
When it doth tax it self: As these black Maques
Proclaim an en-thield beauty ten times londer
Than beauty could displayed: But mark me,
To be received plain, Ile fpeak more grofs:
Your brother is to die.

I/a. So.

Ang. And his Offence is fo, as it appears,
Accountant to the Law upon that pain.

I/a. True.

Ang. Admit no other way to fave his life
(As I fubcribe not that, nor any other,
But in the lots of queftion), that you, his filter,
Finding your ſelf defir'd of fuch a perſon,
Whole credit with the Judg, or own great place,
Could fetch your brother from the Mannacles
Of the all building Law : and that were no
No earthly mean to tave him, but that either
You muſt lay down the treaſures of your body,
To this ſuppoſed, or elfe to let him ſuffer,
What would you do ?

I/a. As much for my poor brother as my ſelf:
That is, were I under the terms of Death,
Th' impreſſion of keen Whips, I'd wear as Rubies,
And ſtrip my ſelf to death, as to a bed,
That longing have been ſick for, e're I'd yeild
My body up to flame.

Ang. Then muſt your brother die.

I/a. And 'twere the cheaper way :
Better it were a brother di'd at once,
Than that a filter by redeeming him,
Should die for ever.

Ang. Were not you then as cruel as the Sentence
That you have flander'd ſo ?

I/a. Ignominy in Ransom, and free Pardon,
Are of two houſes: lawful Mercy
Is nothing kin to foul Redemption.

Ang. You ſeem'd of late to make the law a Tyrant,
And rather prov'd the fliding of your brother
A merriment than a vice.

I/a. Oh pardon me, my Lord: it oft falls out
To have what we would have:
We ſpeak not what we mean:

I fomethng do excufe the thing I hate
For his advantage that I dearly love.

Ang. We are all frail.

I/a. Elſe let my brother die,
If not a feodary but only he
Owe, and fucceed thy weakneſs.

Ang. Nav, Women are frail too.

I/a I, as the glaſſes where they view them ſelvés ;
Which are as eſſie broke as they make forms:
Women ? help heaven; Men their creation mar
In profiting by them: Nay, call us ten times frail;
For we are ſoft, as our complexions are,
And credulous to falſe prints.

Ang. I think it well :

And from this teſtimony of your own Sex
(Since I ſuppofe we are made to be no ſtronger
Than faults may ſhake our frames), let me be bold :
I do arreſt your words: Be that you are;
That is, a Woman: if you be more, you'r none.
If you be one (as you are well expreſſt
By all external warrants), ſhew it now,
By putting on the deſtin'd Livery.

I/a. I have no tongue but one; gentle my Lord,
Let me intreat you ſpeak the former language.

Ang. Plainly conceive I love you.

I/a. My brother did love ſuſelj : And you tell me, that he ſhall die for't.

Ang. He ſhall not, I/abel, if you give me love:

I/a. I know your Vertue hath a licence in't,

Which ſeems a little foulèr than it is,
To pluck on others.

Ang. Believe me on mine Honour,
My words expreſſs my purpose.

I/a. Ha ? Little honour to be much believ'd,
And moſt pernicious purpose: Seeming, ſeeming,
I will proclaim thee, Angelo ; look for't:
Sign me a prefent pardon for my brother,
Or with an out-ftretch'd throat Ile tell the World aloud
What man thou art.

Ang. Who will believe thee, I/abel ?
My unſoil'd name, th' auſterneſs of my life,
My vouch againſt you, and my place i' th' State;
Will I o your accufation over-weigh,
That you ſhall ſtifle in your own Report,
And ſmell of calumny. I have begun,
And now I give my ſenſual race the rein :
Fit thy conſent to my ſharp appetite;
Lay by all nicety, and prolious blufhes
That banifh what they ſue for. Redeem thy brother
By yielding up thy body to my Wif :
Or elfe he muſt not only die the death,
But thy unkindneſs ſhall his death draw out
To lingring ſufferance: Anſwer me to morrow,
Or by the affection that now guides me moſt,
Ile prove a Tyrant to him. As for you,
Say what you can, my falſe o're-weighs your true.

Exit.

I/a. To whom ſhould I complain ? Did I tell this,
Who would believe me ? O perilous mouths
That bear in them one and the ſelf-fame tongue,
Either of condemnation or approoſ.
Bidding the Law make curſe to their Wif,
Hooking both right and wrong to th' appetite,
To follow as it draws. I'le to my brother :
Tho he hath fal n by prompture of the blood,
Yet hath he in him ſuch a mind of Honour,
That had he twenty heads to tender down
On twenty bloody blocks, he'd yeild them up,
Before his filter should her bodyoop
To ſuch abhorr'd pollution.
Then I/abel live chafte, and brother die :
" More than our brother is our Chaffity.
Ple tell him yet of Angelo's Requeſt.
And fit his mind to death for his ſoul's Reſt.

Exit

Actus Tertius, Scena Prima.

Enter Duke, Claudio, and Provoſt.

Duk. So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?

Clau. The miferable have no other Medicine
But only hope: I have hope to live, and am prepar'd to
die.

Duk. Be abſolute for death: either death or life
Shall thereby be the fweeter. Reaſon thus with life ;
If I do loſe thee, I do loſe a thing
That none but fools would keep: a breath thou art,
Servile to all the skyie influences,
That doſt this habitation where thou keep'ſt
Hourly afflict: Meerly thou art Death's fool ;
For him thou labour'ſt by thy flight to ſhun,
And yet runn'ſt toward him ſtill: Thou art not noble ;
For all th' accommodations that thou bear'ſt,
Are nurſt by bafe neſs: Thou'rt no way valiant;
For thou doſt fear the ſoft and tender fork
Of a poor worm : thy beſt of reſt is ſleep,
And that thou oft provok'ſt, yet groſſly fear'ſt
Thy death, which is no more: Thou art not thy ſelf ;
For thou exiſts on many a thouſand grains

F 2

That

64

Measure for Measure.

That ill use out of duft: Happy thou art not;
For what thou haft not, still thou triv'st to get,
And what thou haft forgett'ft: Thou art not certain;
For thy complexion shifts to strange effects,
After the Moon: If thou art rich, thou'rt poor;
For like an Aſs, whose back with Ingots bows,
Thou bear't thy heavy Riches but a journey,
And death unloads thee: Friend, haft thou none
For thine own bowels which do call thee fire?
The meer effusion of thy proper loynds
Do curle the Gout, Sarpeggo, and the Rheume,
For ending thee no fooner: Thou haft not youth, nor age;
But, as it were, an after-dinners sleep.
Dreaming on both; for all thy bleſſed youth
Becomes as aged, and doth beg the alms
Of palfied-Eld: and when thou art old, and rich,
Thou haft neither heat, affection, limb, nor beauty
To make thy Riches pleafant: what's yer in this
That bears the name of life? Yet in this life
Lie hid moe thoufand deaths; yet death we fear,
That makes theſe odds all even.
Clau. I humbly thank you.
To ſue to live, I find I ſeek to die,
And feeking death, after life: Let it come on.

Enter Ifabella.

I'ab. What hoa? Peace here; Grace and good Com-
pany.

Pro. Who's there? Come in: the wifh deferves a wel-
come.

Duk. Dear fir, ere long I'le viſit you again.

Cla. Moſt holy fir, I thank you.

Iſa. My buſineſs is a word or two with Claudio.

Pro. And very welcome: look Signior, here's your fir-
ſter.

Duk. Prowoſſ, a word with you.

Pro. As many as you pleafe.

Duk. Bring them to ſpeak where I may be conceal'd, yet
hear them,
Exeunt.

Cla. Now firſter, what's the comfort?

Iſa. Why,

As all comforts are: moſt good, moſt good indeed;

Lord Angelo having affairs to heaven,

Intends you for his wifh Ambaſſador;

Where you ſhall be an everlaſting Leiger:

Therefore your beſt appointment make with ſpeed,

To morrow you ſet on.

Cla. Is there no Remedy?

Iſa. None but ſuch Remedy, as to ſave a head

To cleave a heart in twain.

Cla. But is there any ?

Iſa. Yes, brother, you may live:

There is a devilſh merc y in the Judg;

If you'l implore it, that will free your life;

But fetter you till death.

Cla. Perpetual durance !

Iſa. I juſt, perpetual durance, a reſtraint

Through all the Worlds vaſtidity you had

To a determin'd ſcope.

Cla. But in what nature?

Iſa. In ſuch a one, as you confenting to't,
Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear,
And leave you naked.

Clau. Let me know the point.

Iſa. Oh, I do fear thee, Claudio, and I quake,
Left thou a feavourous life ſhould'ſt entertain,
And fix or feven Winters more reſpect

Than a perpetual honour. Dar'ſt thou die?

The ſenſe of death is moſt in apprehenſion,

And the poor Beetle that we tread upon,
In corporal ſufferance, finds a pang as great
As when a Giant dies.

Cla. Why give you me this ſhame?

Think you I can a reſolution fetch

From flowry tenderneſſs? If I muſt die,

I will encounter darkneſs as a bride,

And hug it in mine arms.

Iſa. There ſpake my brother : there my father's gave
Did utter forth a voice. Yes, thou muſt die:
Thou art too noble to conſerve a life
In bare appliances. This outward ſainted Deputy,
Whofe fetled viſage, and deliberate word
Nips youth i' th' head, and follies doth emmew,
As Falcon doth the fowl: is yet a devil:
His filth within being caſt, he would appear
A pond as deep as hell.

Cla. The Princely Angelo ?

Iſa. Oh 'tis the cunning Livery of hell,
The damned body to inveſt and cover

In Princely gardes: doſt thou think, Claudio,

If I would yeild him my Virginity,

Thou mightſt be freed.

Cla. Oh heavens, it cannot be.

Iſa. Yes, he would giv't thee; from this rank Offence
So to offend him ſtill. This night's the time
That I ſhould do what I abhor to name,
Or eſſe thou diſt to morrow.

Cla. Thou ſhalt not do't.

Iſa. Oh, were it but my life,

I'le throw it down for your deliverance

As frankly as a pin.

Cla. Thanks dear Iſabel.

Iſa. Be ready, Claudio, for your death to morrow,

Cla. Yes. Has he affections in him,

That thus can make him bite the Law by th' noſe,

When he would force it ? ſure it is no ſin :

Or of the deadly feven it is the leaſt.

Iſa. Which is the leaſt?

Cla. If it were damnable, he being ſo wife,
Why would he for the momentant trick

Be perdurably fin'd? Oh Iſabel.

Iſa. What ſays my brother?

Cla. Death is a fearful thing.

Iſa. And ſhamed life a harmful.

Cla. I, but to die, and go we know not where:

To lie in cold Obſtruction, and to rot

This ſenſible warm motion, to become

A kneaded clod ; and the delighted ſpirit

To bathe in ſiery floods, or to refide

In thrilling Region of thick-ribbed Ice,

To be imprifon'd in the viewleſs winds,

And blown with reſtleſs violence round about

The pendant World: or to be worſe than worſt
Of thofe, that lawleſs and incertain thought,
Imagine howling, 'tis too horrible.

The wearieſ, and moſt loathed worldly life

That age, ach, penury, and imprifonment

Can lay on Nature, is a Paradife

To what we fear of death.

Iſa. Alas! alas!

Cla. Sweet firſter let me live.

What fin you do to ſave a brother's life,

Nature dilpenſes with the deed ſo far,

That it becomes a vertue.

Iſa. Oh you beaſt!

Oh faithleſs coward ! oh diſhoneſt wretch !

Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice?

Is't not a kind of inceſt, to take life

From thine own firſters ſhame? What ſhould I think?

Heaven ſhield: my mother plaid my father fair :

For ſuch a warped ſlip of Wilderneſſs

Ne're ſiud from his blood. Take my defiance,

Die, perih: Might but my bending down

Reprieve thee from thy fate, it ſhould proceed:

Ile pay a thouſand prayers for thy death;

No word to ſave thee.

Cla. Nay, hear me, Iſabel.

Iſa. Oh, ſie, ſie, ſie,

Thy fin's not accidental, but a trade ;

Mercy

Measure for Measure.

65

Mercy to thee would prove it self a Bawd :

'Tis beft that thou dieft quickly.

Cla. Oh hear me, I'llabella.

Duke fteps in.

Du. Vouchſaſe a word, young fitter, but one word.

I/a. What is your will?

Du. Might you diffenpe with your leifure, I would by
and by have fome ſpeech with you : the ſatistaction I would
require, is likewife your own benefit.

I/a. I have no ſuperfluous leifure; my ſray muſt be ſtolen
out of other affairs : but I will attend you a while.

Du. Son, I have over-heard what hath pafft between you
and your fitter. Angelo had never the purpofe to corrupt
her; only he hath made an affay of her vertue, to praſſe
his judgment with the diſpoſition of Natures. She (having
the truth of honour in her) hath made him that gracious
denial, which he is moſt glad to receive: I am conſeſſor to
Angelo, and I know this to be true; therefore prepare your
ſelf to dearth: do not ſatistſe your reſolution with hopes
that are fallible; to morrow you muſt die: go to your
knees, and make ready.

Cla. Let me ask my fitter pardon: I am ſo out of love
with life, that I will ſue to be rid of it.

Exit.

Du. Hold you there : farewell: Provoſſ, a word with you.
Pro. What's your will (father)?

Du. That now you are come, you will be gone : leave
me a while with the Maid; my mind promiſes with my
habit, no lots ſhall touch her by my company.

Pro. In good time. Exit.
Du. The hand that hath made you fair, hath made you
good; the goodneſs that is cheap in beauty, makes beaу
brieſt in goodneſs; but grace being the moſt of your
complexion, thall keep the body of it ever fair : the af-
fault that Angelo hath made to you, Fortune hath con-
vey'd to my Understanding; and but that frailty hath Ex-
amples for his falling; I ſhouſt wonder at Angelo: how will
you do to content this Subſtitute, and to ſave your bro-
ther?

Du. The hand that

Exit.

Du. I am now going to resolve him : I had rather my
brother die by the Law, than my ſon ſhould be unwal
fully born. But (Oh) how much is the good Duke de-
ceiv'd in Angelo : if ever he return, and I can ſpeak to
him, I will open my lips in vain, or diſcover his govern-
ment.

Du. That ſhall not be much amifs: yet as the matter
now ſtands, he will avoid my acuſation: he made trial
of you only. Therefore faſten your ear on my adviſings,
to the love I have in doing good; a Remedy preſents ſel
I do make my ſelf believe that you may moſt uprighteouſly
do a poor wronged Lady a merſed benefit: redeem
your brother from the angry Law; do no ſtain to your
own gracious perſon, and much pleaſe the abſent Duke,
if peradventure he ſhall ever return to have hearing of this
bufineſs.

I/a. Let me hear you ſpeak, father : I have ſpirit to do
any thing that appears not ſoul in the truth of my ſpi-
rit.

Du. Vertue is bold, and goodneſs never fearful: Have
you not heard ſpeak of Mariana, the ſilter of Frederick, the
great Soldier, who miſcarried at Sea?

Du. She ſhould this Angelo have married; was affianced
to her by Oath, the nuptial appointed: between which time
of the contract, and limit of the ſolemnity, her brother
Frederick was wrackt at Sea, having in that perſihed Vefſel,
the dowry of his ſilter: but mark how heavily this beſel to
the poor Gentlewoman; there ſhe left a Noble and Re-
nowned brother, in his love toward her, ever moſt kind
and natural: with him the portion and finew of her fortune,
her marriage dowry: with both, her combinate-husband,
this well ſeeming Angelo.

Du. I have heard of the

Du. She hould this Angelo have married; was affianced
to her by Oath, the nuptial appointed: between which time
of the contract, and limit of the ſolemnity, her brother
Frederick was wrackt at Sea, having in that perſihed Vefſel,
the dowry of his ſilter: but mark how heavily this beſel to
the poor Gentlewoman; there ſhe left a Noble and Re-
nowned brother, in his love toward her, ever moſt kind
and natural: with him the portion and finew of her fortune,
her marriage dowry: with both, her combinate-husband,
this well ſeeming Angelo.

Du. Can this be to? did Angelo ſo leave her ?
Du. Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them with
his comfort: ſwallowed his Vows whole, pretending in her,
diſcoveries of diſhonour : in ſew words; betow'd her on
her own lamentation, which the yet wears for his ſake: and
he, a marble to her ears, was wafhed with them, but relents
not.

I/a. What a merit were it in death to take this poor
Maid from the world ? what corruption in this life, that
it will let this man live? But how out of this can the a-
vail?

Du. It is a Rupture that you may eafily heal: and the
cure of it not only faves your brother, but keeps you from
diſhonour in doing it.

I/a. Shew me how (good father).

Du. This fore-named Maid hath yet in her the conti-
nuance of her firſt affection: his unjuſt urkandneſs (that
in all Reafon ſhould have quenched her Love) hith
(like an impediment in the Current) made it more vio-
lent and unruly: Go you to Angelo, anſwer his reſu-
ring with a plaufible Obedience; agree with his demands
to the point: only refer your ſelf to this advantage:
firſt, that your Iſt with him may not be ſlon: that the
time may have all ſhadow and ſtience in it: and the place
anſwer to convenience : this being granted in courſe: and
now follows all: we ſhall adſive this wronged Maid to
feed up your appointment, go in your place : if the en-
counter acknowledg'd it ſelf hereafter, it may compel
him to her recompence: and here, by this is your bro-
ther ſaved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana
advantaged, and the corrupt Deputy ſcal'd. 'T he Maid
will I frame, and make ſit for his aten p[art]: if you think
well to carry this, as you may, 'the doubleneſs of the be-
neſt defends the decit from reproof What think you of
it?

I/a. The image of it gives me content alre'dy, and I
truſt it will grow to a moſt p[ro]ſumerous perfection.

Du. It lies much in your holding up: halſe you ſpeedily
to Angelo; if for this night he intreat you to his bed: give
him promise of ſatistaction. I will prefently to St Luke's;
there at the moated Grange ſhibes this deſected Mariana:
at that place call upon me, and dilparch with Angelo, that
it may be quickly

I/a. I thank you for this comfort: fare you well, good father.

Exit.

Enter Elbow, Clown, Officers.

El. Nay, if there be no Remedy for it, but that you
will needs buy and ſell men and women like beats we
thall have all the world drink brown and white baſtard.

Du. Oh heavens! what ſtuff' is here?

Clo. 'T was never merry world ſince of two ſinſures the
merrieſt was put down, and the worſer allow'd by order
of Law; a ſurr'd gown to keep him warm; and ſurr'd with
Fox and Lamb-skins too, to ſignifie, that craft being richer
than innocency, ſtands for the facing.

Elbow. Come your way, Sir: 'bleſs you, good father
Frier.

Du. And you good brother father: what Offence hath
this man made you, fir?

Elb. Marry, fir, he hath offended the Law; and, fir, we
take him to be a thieſt too, fir: for we have found upon him
fir, a ſtrange Pick-lock, which we have ſent to the Depu-
ty.

Du. Fie, firraſ, a bawd, a wicked bawd :

The evil that thou cauſeſt to be done,
That is thy means to live. Do thou but think
What 'tis to cram a maw, or cloath a back
From ſuch a filthy Vice: ſay to thy ſelf,
From their abominable and beaſtly touches
I drink, I eat away my ſelf, and live:
Canſt thou believe thy living is a life,
So ſtinkingly depending ? Go mend, go mend

Clo. Indeed it do's ſink in ſome ſort, fir:

But yet, fir, I would prove—

Du. Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for fir,
Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prifon, Officer:

F 3

Cor-

I think?

Mercy

66

Measure for Measure.

Correction and inftruction muft both work,
Ere this rude beaft will profit.

Elb. He muft before the Deputy, fir; he has given him
warning: the Deputy cannot abide a Whore-mafter: if he
be a Whoremonger, and comes before him, he were as
good go a mile on his errand.

Du. That we were all, as fome would teem to le,
Free from all faults, as faults from teeming free.

Enter Lucio.

Elb. His neck will come to your waſte, a Cord, fir.

Clo. I spy comfort; I cry bail: Here's a Gentleman, and
a friend of mine.

Luc. How now, noble *Pompey* ? What, at the wheels of
*Cæsar* ? Art thou led in triumph ? What, is there none of
*Pigmaliu.*'s Images newly made woman to be had now,
for putting the hand in the pocket, and extraſing clutch'd?
What Reply ? Ha ? What faift thou to this Tune, Matter
and Method ? Is't not drown'd i' th' laſt Rain ? Ha ? What
faift thou, Trot ? Is the World as it was, Man ? Which is
the way ? Is it fad, and few words ? Or how ? The trick of
it?

Du. Still thus, and thus: flill worſe ?

Luc. How doth my dear Morſel? thy Miftris ? Procures
the flill ? Ha ?

Clo. Troth, fir, ſhe hath eaten up all her Beef, and ſhe is
her ſelf in the tub.

Luc. Why, 'tis good: It is the right of it: it muſt be ſo.
Ever your freſh Whore, and your powder'd Bawd, an un-
flunnd'rd conſequence, it muſt be ſo. Art going to Prifon,
*Pompey* ?

Clo. Yes, faith, fir.

Luc. Why, 'tis not amifs, *Pompey*: farewel: go ſay, I ſent
thee thither: for debt, *Pompey* ? Or how?

Elb. For being a bawd, for being a bawd.

Luc. Well, then imprifon him: If imprifonment be
the due of a bawd, why, 'tis his right. Bawd is he doubt-
leſs, and of antiquity too: Bawd born: Farewell, good
*Pompey*: 'Commend me to the prifon, *Pompey*: you will
turn good Husband now, *Pompey*; you will keep the
houſe.

Clo. I hope, fir, your good Worſhip will be my bail.

Luc. No indeed will I not, *Pompey*; it is not the wear: I
will pray (*Pompey*) to encreaſe your honды, if you take it
not patiently: Why, your merſle is the more: Adieu, tru-
ſty *Pompey*.

Ble's you, Frier.

Du. And you.

Luc. Do's Bridget paint flill, *Pompey* ? Ha?

Elb. Come your ways, fir, come.

Clo. You will not bail me then, fir?

Luc. Then, *Pompey*, nor now: What news abroad, *Frier*?

What news?

Luc. Go to kennel (*Pompey*), go:

Exeunt

What news, *Frier*, of the Duke ?

Du. I know none: can you tell me of any ?

Luc. Some ſay, he is with the Emperor of *Ruffia* : other
fome, he is in *Rome* : but where is he think you ?

Du. I know not where: but wherefoever, I wifh him
well.

Luc. It was a mad fantaſtical trick of him, to ſteal from
the State, and uſurp the Eeggary he was never born to:
Lord *Angelo* Dukes it well in his abſence: he puts tranſ-
greſſion to't.

Du. He do's well in't.

Luc. A little more lenity to Lechery would do no harm
in him: ſomething too crabbed that way, *Frier*.

Du. It is too general a Vice, and venidity muſt cure it.

Luc. Yes, in good foorth, the Vice is of a great kindred;
it is well allied; but it is impoffible to extirp it quite,
*Frier*, till eating and drinking be put down. They ſay,
this *Angelo* was not made by Man and Woman, after
this down-right way of Creation: is it true, think
you?

Du. How should he be made then ?

Luc. Some report, a Sea-maid (pawn'd) him. Some, that
he was begot between two Stock-ſifhes. But it is certain,
that when he makes water, his Urine is congeal'd ice; that
I know to be true; and he is a motion generative; that's in-
fallible.

Du. You are pleafant, fir, and ſpeak apace.

Luc. Why, what a ruthleſs thing is this in him, for the
Rebellion of a Cod-piece, to take away the life of a man?
Would the Duke that is abſent have done this ? Ere he
would have hang'd a man for the getting a hundred Ba-
ſards, he would have paid for the nurſing a thouſand. He
had ſome feeling of the ſport; he knew the ſervice, and that
inſtructed him to mercy.

Du. I never heard the abſent Duke much deteſed for
Women; he was not inclin'd that way.

Luc. Oh, fir, you are deceiv'd.

Du. 'Tis not poffible.

Luc. Who, not the Duke ? Yes, your beggar of fifty: and
his ſue was, to put a Ducket in her Clack-difh: the Duke
had Crotchets in him. He would be drunk too, that let me
inform you.

Du. You do him wrong ſurely.

Luc. Sir, I was an inward of his : a ſhy fellow was the
Duke; and I believe I know the cauſe of his withdraw-
ing.

Du. What (I prethee) might be the cauſe ?

Luc. No: pardon: 'Tis a ſecret muſt be lockt with-
in the teeth and the lips: but this I can let you under-
ſand, the greater file of the ſubjeſt held the Duke to be
wife.

Du. Wife ? Why no queſtion but he was.

Luc. A very ſuperficial, ignorant, unweighing ſellow.

Du. Either this is enuy in you, folly, or miſtaking: The
very ſtream of his life, and the bufineſs he hath helmed,
muſt upon a warranted need, give him a better procla-
maſation. Let him be but teſtimonied in his own bringings forth,
and he ſhall appear to the envious, a Scholar, a State-
man, and a Soldier: therefore you ſpeak unſkilfully : or
if you knowledg be more, it is much darkened in your
malice.

Luc. Sir, I know him, and I love him.

Du. Love talks with better knowledg, and knowledg
with dear love.

Luc. Come, fir, I know what I know.

Du. I can hardly believe that, ſince you know not what
you ſpeak. But if ever the Duke return (as our prayers are
he may), let me define you to make your anſwer before
him: if it be honet you have ſpoke, you have courage to
maintain it: I am bound to call upon you, and I pray you
your name?

Luc. Sir, my name is *Lucio*, well known to the Duke.

Du. He ſhall know you better, fir, if I may live to report
you.

Luc. I fear you not.

Du. O, you hope the Duke will return no more:
or you imagine me too unhurtful an Oppoſite : but in-
deed I can do you little harm: You'l forſwear this a-
gain ?

Luc. I'le hang'd firſt: Thou art deceived in me, *Frier*.
But no more of this. Canſt thou tell if *Clandio* die to mor-
row, or no ?

Du. Why should he die, fir?

Luc. Why ? For filling a Bottle with a Tun-difh: I
would the Duke we talk of were return'd again: this
ungenitur'd Agent will un-people the Province with
Contingency. Sparrows muſt not build in his houſe eves,
because they are lecherous: The Duke yet would have
dark deeds darkly anſWERed; he would never bring them
to light: would he were return'd. Marry, this *Clau-
dio* is condemned for untruffling. Farewel, good *Frier*, I
prethee pray for me: The Duke (I ſay to thee again)
would eat Mutton on *Frydays*. He's now palt it; yet
(and I ſay to thee) he would mouth with a beggar, tho
ſte

Meaſure for Meaſure.

67

the fmelt brown-bread and Garlick: fay, that I faid so:
Farewell.

Du. No might nor greatneſs in mortality

Can cenſure ſeape : Back-wounding calumny
The whiteſt vertue ſtrikes. What King ſo ſtrong
Can tie the gall up in the ſlanderous tongue ?
But who comes here ?

Enter Ecalus, Provoſt, and Bawd.

E/c. Go, away with her to prifon.

Bawd. Good my Lord, be good to me; your Honour is accounted a merciful man: good my Lord.

E/c. Double, and trebble admonition, and fill forfeit in the fame kind ? This would make mercy ſwear, and play the Tyrant.

Pro. A Bawd of Eleven years continuance, may it pleafe your Honour.

Bawd. My Lord, this is one Lucio's information againſt me: Miftris Kate Keep down was with child by him in the Duke's time! he promis'd her marriage: his child is a Year and a Quarter old, come Philip and Jacob: I have kept it my ſelf; and fee how he goes about to abufe me.

E/c. I hat ſew fellow is a ſellow of much Liceſen: Let him be call'd before us. Awaſt with her to prifon: Go to: no more words. Provoſt, my Brother Angelo will not be alter'd; Claudio muſt die to morrow: Let him be fur-niſh'd with Divines, and have all charitable preparation. If my brother wrought by my pitty, it ſhoulд not be ſo with him.

Pro. So, pleafe you, this Frier hath been with him, and advis'd him for th' entertainment of death.

E/c. Good even, good father.

Du. Blifh and goodneſs on you.

E/c. Of whence are you ?

Du. Not of this Country, tho' my chance is now
To uſe it for my time: I am a brother
Of gracious Order, late come from the Sea,
In ſpecial buſineſs from his Holines.

E/c. What news abroad ? th' World?

Du. None, but that there is ſo great a Fever on goodneſs, that the diſſolution of it muſt cure it. Novelty is only in requeſt; and it is as dangerous to be aged in any kind of courſe, as it is vertuous to be confitant in any undertaking. There is (carce truth enough alive to make Societies ſecure; but ſecurity enough to make Fellowſhips accuſt. Much upon this Riddle runs the wifdom of the World: This news is old enough, yet it is every day news. I pray you, fir, of what diſpoſition was the Duke ?

E/c. One, that above all other ſtrifes,
Contended especially to know himſelf.
Du. What pleafure was he given to?

E/c. Rather rejoicing to fee another merry, than mér-ry at any thing which proſeſt to make him rejoice. A Gentleman of all Temperance. But leave him to his e-vents, with a prayer you may prove properous; and let me defire to know how you find Claudio prepar'd? I am made to understand, that you have lent him Viftration.

Du. He profefſes to have received no finifter meaſure from his J udg, but moſt willingly humbles himſelf to the deter-mination of J uſtice: yet had he framed to himſelf (by the inſtruction of his frailty) many deceiving promiſes of life, which I (by my good ſeſurenſe) have diſer credited to him, and now is he reſolv'd to die.

E/c. You have paid the Heavens your Function, and the Priſoner the very debt of your Calling. I have la-bour'd for the poor Gentleman, to the extremest ſhore of my mod ſety, but my Brother-Juſtice have I found to ſe-vere, that he hath for ſe'd me to tell him, he is indeed J uſtice.

Du. If his own life

Anſwer the ſtraintneſs of his proceeding,

It ſhall become him well: wherein if he chance to fail, he

hath ſentenc'd himſelf.

E/c. I am going to viſit the prifoner: Fare you well Exit.

Du. Peace be with you.

He who the ſword of Heaven will bear,
Should be as holy as fevere:

Pattern in himſelf to know,

Grace to ſtand, and Vertue go :

More nor leſs to others paying,

Than by ſelf-Offences weighing.

Shame to him whose cruel ſtriking,

Kills for faults of his own likin:

Twice trebble ſhame on Angelo,

To weed my Vice, and let his grow,

Oh, what may Man within him hide,

Tho Angel on the Outward ſide :

How may likeneſs made in crimes,

Making practice on the times,

To draw with idle Spiders ſtrings

Moſt ponderous and ſubſtancial things?

Craſt againſt Vice I muſt apply.

With Angelo to night shall lie

His Old Betroathed (but deſpited):

So diſguſe himself by th' diſguſed.

Pay with falſhood falſe exacting,

And perform an old contracting.

Exit.

Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.

Enter Mariana, and Boy, ſinging.

Song. Take, Oh take thato lips away,
that ſo ſwetely were forſworn,
And thato eyes : the break of day
lights that do miſlead the Morn;
But my kiffes bring again, bring again,
Seals of love, but ſeal'd in vain.

Enter Duke.

Ma. Break off thy Song, and haſe thee quick away:

Here comes a man of comfort, whoſe advice

Hath often fill'd my brawling diſcontent.

I cry you mercie, fir, and well could wif

You had not found me here ſo muſical:

Let me excufe me, and believe me ſo,

My mirth it much diſpleas'd, but pleas'd my wo.

Du. *Tis good, tho' Mufick oft hath ſuch a charm;

To make bad, good, and good provoke to harm.

I pray you tell me, hath any body enquir'd for me here to day ? much upon this time have I promis'd here to meet.

Mar. You have not been enquir'd after: I have fat here all day.

Enter Ifabel.

Du. I do conſantly believe you: the time is come,
even now. I ſhall crave your forbearance a little; may be
I will call upon you anon, for ſome advantage to your
ſelf.

Mar. I am always bound to you.

Exit.

Du. Very well met, and well come :

What is the news from this good Deputy?

Ja. He hath a Garden circummut'd with Brick,

Whoſe Western ſide is with a Vineyard backt;

And to that Vineyard is a planched gate,

That makes his opening with this bigger Key:

This other doth command a little door,

Which from the Vineyard to the Garden leads ;

There have I made my promife, upon the

Heavy middle of the night, to call upon him.

Du. But shall you on your knowledg find this way ?

I/a.

68

Measure for Measure.

I/a. I have tane a due and wary note upon't,
With whispering, and moft guilty diligence,
In action all of precept, he did show me
The way twice o're.

Du. Are there no other tokens

Between you 'greed, concerning her observance?

I/a. No: none but only a repair ? th' dark,
And that I have poſſed him, my moſt flay

Can be but brief: for I have made him know,
I have a Servant comes with me along,
That flays upon me, whose perſwafion is,
I come about my brother.

Du. 'Tis well born up.

I have not yet made known to Mariana.

Enter Mariana.

A word of this: what hoa, within, come forth;
I pray you be acquainted with this Maid;
She comes to do you good.

I/a. I do define the like.

Du. Do you perſwade your ſelf that I reſpect you ?

Mar. Good Frier, I know you do, and have found it.

Du. Take then this your companion by the hand,

Who hath a ſtory ready for your ear:

I ſhall attend your leiſure ; but make hafte ;

The vaporous night approaches.

Mar. Wilt pleafe you walk afide ?

Exeunt.

Du. Oh place, and greatneſs: millions of falſe Eyes

Are ſtruck upon thee: Volumes of Report

Run with theſe falſe and moſt contrarious Queſts

Upon thy doings: thouſand eſcapes of wit

Make thee the father of their idle dream,

And rack thee in their fancies. Welcome, how agreed?

Enter Mariana and Iſabel.

I/a. She ſhel the enterprize upon her, father,
If you adſe it.

Du. It is not my conſent,

But my intreacy too.

I/a. Little have you to ſay

When you depart from him, but ſoft and low,

Remember now my brother.

Mar. Fear me not.

Du. Nor gentle daughter, fear you not at all:
He is your husband on a pre-contraction.

He is your husband on a pre-contraction :

To bring you thus together, 'tis no ſin,

Sith that the Juſtice of your title to him

Doth flourifh the deceit. Come, let us go,

Our Corn's to reap, for yet our Tythes to low.

Exeunt.

Scena Secunda.

Enter Provoſt, and Clown.

Pro. Come hither, firraſ: can you cut off a man's
head?

Clo. If the man be a Batchellor, fir, I can :

But if he be a married man, he's his wives head,

And I can never cut off a womans head.

Pro. Come, fir, leave me your ſnatches, and yeild me a
direct anſwer. To morrow morning are to die Claudio and
Barnardine : here is in our prifona common Executioner,
who in his Office lacks a helper ; if you will take it on you
to affift him, it ſhall redeem you from your Gyves: if not,
you ſhall have your full time of imprisonment, and your
deliverance with an unpitied whipping ; for you have been
a notorious bawd.

Clo. Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd, time out of
mind, but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman: I
would be glad to receive ſome inſtruction from my fellow
partner.

Pro. What hoa, Abborſon : where's Abborſon there?

Enter Abhorſon.

Abb. Do you call fir ?

Pro. Sirrah, here a ſellow will help you to morrow in
your execution: if you think it meet, compound with him
by the year, and let him abide here with you: if not, I
him for the prefent, and diſmifs him: he cannot plead his
eftimation with you: he hath been a Bawd.

Abb. A Bawd, Sir ? ſie upon him, he will diſ credit our
myſtery.

Pro. Go to, fir; you weigh equally; a feather will turn
the Scale.

Exeunt.

Clo. Pray fir, by your good favour: for ſurely, fir, a good
favour you have, but that you have a hanging look: Do
you call, fir, your Occupation a Myſtery?

Abb. I. fir, a Myſtery.

Clo. Painting, fir, I have heard ſay, is a Myſtery : and
your Whores, fir, being members of my Occupation, uſing
painting, do prove my Occupation a Myſtery: but what
Myſtery there ſhould be in hanging, if I ſhould be hang'd,
I cannot imagine.

Abb. Sir, it is a Myſtery.

Clo. Proof.

Abb. Every true man's apparel fits your Thieſt.

Clo. If it be too little for your Thieſt, your true man
thinks it big enough. If it be too big for your Thieſt, your
Thieſt thinks it little enough: So every true man's apparel
fits your Thieſt.

Enter Provoſt.

Pro. Are you agreed?

Clo. Sir, I will ſerve him: for I do find your Hangman is
a more penitent Trade than your Bawd: he doth oſtner
ask ſorgivenefs.

Pro. You, firraſ, provide your Block and your Axe to
morrow, four a clock.

Abb. Come on (Bawd), I will inſtruct thee in my Trade:
follow.

Clo. I do define to learn, fir: and I hope; if you have oc-
cafion to uſe me for your own turn, you ſhall find me
y'are. For truly, fir, for your kindneſs, I owe you a good
turn.

Exeunt.

Pro. Call hither Barnardine and Claudio :

Th' one has my pity: not a jot the other,
Being a Murt herer, tho he were my brother.

Enter Claudio.

Look, here's the Warrant, Claudio, for thy death:

'Tis now dead midnight, and by Eight to morrow
Thou muſt be made immortal. Where's Barnardine?

Cla. As ſaſt lock'd up in ſleep as guildefes' labour,
When it lies ſtarkly in the Traveller's bones.
He will not awake.

Pro. Who can do good on him ?

Well, go, prepare your ſelf. But hark, what noife?

Heaven give you your ſpirits comfort: by and by:

I hope it is ſome Pardon, or Reprieve

For the moſt gentle Claudio. Welcome, father.

Enter Duke.

Du. The beſt, and wholſom't ſpirits of the night,
Invellop you, good Provoſt: Who call'd here of late?

Pro. Now ſince the Curphew rung.

Du. Not Iſabel.

Pro. No.

Du. They will then er't be long.

Pro. What comfort is for Claudio ?

Du. There's ſome in hope.

Pro. It is a bitter Deputy.

Du. Not fo, not fo: his life is parallel'd

Even with the ſtroke and line of his great Juſtice:

He doth with holy abſtinction ſubdue

That in himſelf which he ſpurs on his power

To qualify in others: were he meaſd with that

Which he corrects, then were he tyrannous;

But this being fo, he's juſt. Now are they come.

This

Meaſure for Meaſure.

69

This is a gentle Provost, seldom when
The feeled Gaoler is the friend of men:
How now? what noife? That spirit's poſſett with haſte
That wounds th' inflicting Poſſer with theſe flores.

Pro. There he muſt tray until the Officer

Arife to let him in: he is caſſ'd up.

Du. Have you no countermand for Claudio yet?

But he muſt die to morrow?

Pro. None, fir, none.

Du. As near the dawning, Provost, as it is,

You haſt hear more e're morning.

Pro. Happily.

You ſomethink know: yet I believe there comes
No countermand: no ſuch example have we:

Befides, upon the very ſiege of Juitſe,
Lord Angelo hath to the publick ear,

Proſeſt the contrary.

Enter a Měſſinger.

Du. This is his Lords man.

Pro. And here comes Claudio's pardon:

Meff. My Lord hath ſent you this note,

And by me this further charge,

That you ſwerve not from the ſmalſleft Article of it,
Neither in time, matter, or other circumſtance.

Good morrow: for as I take it, it is almoſt day.

Pro. I haſt obey him.

Du. This is his Pardon purchas'd by ſuch fin,

For which the Pardoner himſelf is in:

Hence hath Offence his quick cerelity,

When it is born in high Authority:

When Vice makes Mercy, Mercy's ſo extended,

That for the faults love, is th' Offender friended
Now Sir, what news?

Pro. I told you:

Lord Angelo (be-like) thinking me remiſs

In mine Office, awakens me

With this unwonted putting on, methinks Ifrangely;

For he hath not us'd it before.

Du. Pray let's hear.

The Letter.

What ſoever you may hear to the contrary, let Claudio be ex-
ecuted by four of the clock, and in the afternoon Barna-
dine: For my better ſatisfaction, let me have Claudio's
head ſent me by five. Let this be duly performed with a
thought that more depends on it than we muſt yet deliver.
Thus fail not to do your Office, as you will anſwer it at your
peril.

What ſay you to this, fir?

Du. What is that Barnardine, who is to be executed in
th' afternoon?

Pro. A Buſebman born: but here nurſt up and bred,
One that is a prifoner, nine years old.

Du. How came it, that the ablent Duke had not either
deliver'd him to his liberty, or executed him ? I have heard
it was ever his manner to do ſo.

Pro. His friends ſtill wrought Reprieves for him:
And indeed his fact, till now in the government of Lord
Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof.

Du. It is now apparent?

Pro. Moſt maniſeſt, and not denied by himſelf.

Du. Hath he born himſelf penitently in prifon?

How ſeems he to be touch'd?

Pro. A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully,
but as a drunken ſleep, careleſs, wreakleſs, and fearleſs of
what's paſt, preſent, or to come: inſenſible of mortality,
and deſperately mortal.

Du. He wants advice.

Pro. He will hear none: he hath evermore had the liber-
ty of the prifon: give him leave to eſcape hence, he would
not: drunk many times a day, if not many days entirely
drunk. We have very oft awak'd him, as if to carry him
to Execution, and ſhew'd him a ſeeming Warrant for it,
it hath not moved him at all.

Du. More of him anon: There is written in your brow,

Provost, honeſty and conſtancy; if I read it not truly,
my ancient skill beguiles me: but in the boldneſs of my
cunning, I will lay my ſelf in hazard: Claudio, whom here
you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the
Law than Angelo, who hath fenerenc'd him. To make you
underſand this in a maniſeſt effect, I crave but four days
reſpite: for the which, you are to do me both a preſent
and a dangerous courteſe.

Pro. Pray fir, in what?

Du. In the delaying death.

Pro. Alack: how may I do it? Having the hour limited,
and an expreſs command, under penalty, to deliver his
head in the view of Angelo, I may make my caſe as Claudio's,
to croſſ this in the ſmalſleft.

Du. By the Vow of mine Order, I warrant you,
If my inſtructions may be your guide:
Let this Barnardine be this morning executed,
And his head born to Angelo.

Pro. Angelo hath ſeen them both,
And will diſcover the favour.

Du. Oh, death's a great diſguſer, and you may add to
ſhave the head, and tie the beard, and ſay, it was the de-
fire of the penitent to be ſo barb'd before his death: you
know the courseſe is. Any thing fall to you
upon this, more than thanks and good fortune, by the
Saint whom I profefs, I will plead againſt it with my
life.

Pro. Pardon me, good father; it is againſt my Oath.

Duke. Were you ſworn to the Duke, or to the Deputy?

Pro. To him, and to his Subſtitutes.

Du. You will think you have made no Offence, if the
Duke avouch the juſtice of your dealing?

Pro. But what likelihood is in that?

Du. Not a reſemblance, but a certainty: yet ſince I
fee you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor
perſwafion, can with eafe attempt you, I will go ſur-
ther than I meant, to pluck all ſears out of you: Look
you fir, here is the hand and feal of the Duke: you know
the character, I doubt not, and the Signet is not Iſtrange
to you.

Pro. I know them both.

Du. The Contents of this is the return of the Duke;
you haſt anon over-read it at your pleafure: where you
haſt find within theſe two days, he will be here. This is
a thing which Angelo knows not; for he this very day re-
ceives Letters of Iſtrange tenor, perchance of the Duke's
death, perchance entering into ſome Monaſtery, but by
chance nothing of what is writ. Look, th' unfolding ſtar
calls up the ſhepherd: put not your ſelf into amazement,
how theſe things ſhould be; all difficulties are but eafe
when they are known. Call your Executitioner, and off with
Barnardine's head: I will give him a preſent ſhrift, and ad-
vife him for a better place. Yet you are amaz'd, but this
haſt abſolutely reſolve you: Come away, it is almoſt
clear dawn.

Exit.

## Scena Tertia.

### Enter Clown.

Clo. I am as well acquainted here, as I was in our
houſe of proſeſion: one would think it were Miftris O-
ver-dons own houſe; for here be many of her Old
Cuſtermers: Firſt, here's Young Mr. Ralh: he's in for a
Commodity of Brown Paper, and Old Ginger, nineſcore
and ſeventeen Pounds; of which he made ſive Marks
ready money: marry then, Ginger was not much in re-
queſt; for the Old Women were all dead. Then is there
here one Mr. Caper, at the ſuit of Maſter Three-Pile, the

Mer

Meaſure for Meaſure.

70

Mercer, for some four suits of Peach-colour'd Satten,
which now peaches him a beggar. Then have we here
young Dizy, and young Mr. Deep-wow, and Mr. Copper-
pure, and Mafter Starve Lackey, the Rapier and Dagger
man, and young Dropheire, that kill'd lufly Pudding, and
Mr. Forth-light, the Tilter, and brave Mr. Shooty, the great
Traveller, and wild Half-Canne, that flabb'd Pots, and, I
think, forty more, all great doers in our trade, and are now
for the Lord's fake.

Enter Abhorfon.

Abb. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hither.

Clo. Mafter Barnardine, you muſt rife and be hang'd,
Mafter Barnardine.

Abb. What hoa Barnardine.

Barnardine within.

Bar. A pox o' your throats: who makes that noife there?
What are you?

Clo. Your friend, fir; the Hangman :

You muſt be ſo good, fir, to rife, and be put to death.

Bar. Away you Rogue, away, I am fleepy.

Abb. Tell him, he muſt awake,

And that quickly too.

Clo. Pray Mafter Barnardine, awake till you are execu-
ted, and fleep afterwards.

Abb. Go in to him, and fetch him out.

Clo. He is coming, fir, he is coming : I hear his straw
rusſle.

Enter Barnardine.

Abb. Is the Axe upon the block, firrah ?

Clo. Very ready, fir.

Bar. How now Abhorſon?

What's the news with you ?

Abb. Truly fir, I would defire you to clap into your
prayers : for look you, the Warrant's come.

Bar. You Rogue, I have been drinking all night,
I am not fitted for't.

Clo. Oh, the better, fir : for he that drinks all night, and
is hanged betimes in the morning, may fleep the founder
all the next day.

Enter Duke.

Abb. Look you, fir, here comes your ghofly father : do
we jeſt now think you ?

Du. Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how hafit-
ly you are to depart, I am come to advife you, comfort
you, and pray with you.

Bar. Friar, not 1: I have been drinking hard all night,
and will have more time to prepare me, or they ſhall beat
out my brains with billets: I will not conſent to die this day,
that's certain.

Du. Oh fir, you muſt : and therefore I beſeech you look
forward on the journey you ſhall go.

Bar. I ſwear I will not die to day for any man's perſwa-
fion.

Du. But hear you.

Bar. Not a word : if you have any thing to ſay to me,
come to my Ward : for thence will not I to day.

Exit.

Enter Proveſt.

Du. Unſit to live, or die: Oh gravel heart :

After him (fellows) : bring him to the block.

Pro. Now fir, how do you find the Prifoner ?

Du. A crature unprepar'd, unmeet for death :
And to tranſport him in the mind he is,
Were damnable.

Pro. Here in the prifon, father,
There died this morning of a cruel Fever,
One Rogavme, a moſt notorious Pirate,
A man of Claudio's years: his beard and head
Juft of colour. What if we do omit
This Reprobate, till he were well enclin'd,
And ſatistie the Deputy with the viſage
Of Rogozine, more like to Claudio?

Du. Oh, 'tis an accident that heaven provides :
Difpatch it prefently ; the hour draws on

Prefixt by Angelo: See this be done,
And ſent according to command, whiles I
Perſwade this rude wretch willingly to die.

Pro. This ſhall be done (good father) prefently :
But Barnardine muſt die this afternoon.

And how ſhall we continue Claudio,
To fave me from the danger that might come,
If he were known alive ?

Du. Let this be done :

Put them in ſecret holds, both Barnardine and Claudio:
Ere twice the Sun hithm made his journal greeting
To yond generation, you will find
Your fatety manifested.

Pro. I am your free dependant.

Exit.

Du. Quick, diſpatch, and ſend the head to Angelo.

Now will I write Letters to Angelo,
(The Proveſt he ſhall bear them) whoſe contents
Shall witneſs to him I am near at home :
And that by great injunctions I am bound

To enter publicly: him Ile define
To meet me at the conſecrated Fount,
A League below the City : and from thence,
By cold gradation, and weal-ballanc'd form,
We ſhall proceed with Angelo.

Enter Proveſt.

Pro. Here is the head, I'le carry it my ſelf.

Du. Convenient is it: Make a ſwift return.

For I would commune with you of ſuch things
That want no ear but yours.

Pro. I'le make all my ſpeed.

Iſabel within.

Exit.

Iſa. Peace hoa, be here.

Du. The tongue of Iſabel. She's come to know,
If yet her brother's pardon be come hither:
But I will keep her ignorant of her good,
To make her heavenly comforts of defpair,
When it is leaſt expected.

Enter Iſabella.

Iſa. Hoa, by your leave.

Du. Good morning to you, fair and gracious daugh-
ter.

Iſa. The better given me by ſo holy a man :

Hath yet the Deputy ſent my brother's pardon?

Du. He hath releas'd him, Iſabel, from the World ;
His head is off, and ſent to Angelo.

Iſa. Nay, but it is no.

Du. It is no other.

Shew your wifdom, daughter, in your cloſe patience.

Iſa. Oh, I will to him, and pluck out his eyes.

Du. You ſhall not be admitted to his fight.

Iſa. Unhappy Claudio, wretched Iſabel:
Injurious World, moſt damned Angelo.

Du. This not hurts him, nor profits you a jot :
Forbear it therefore, give your cauſe to heaven :
Mark what I ſay, which you ſhall find
By every ſyllable a faithful verity.

The Duke comes home to morrow: nay, dry your Eyes:
One of our Covent, and his Confeſſor,
Gives me this inſtance: Already he hath carried
Notice to Eſcalus and Angelo,

We do prepare to meet him at the gates, (dom
There to give up their power: if you can pace your wif-
ing that good path that I would wifh it go,
And you ſhall have your boſom on this wretch,
Grace of the Duke, Revenges to your heart,
And general Honour.

Iſa. I am directed by you.

Du. This Letter then to Frier Peter give :
'Tis that he ſent me of the Duke's return :
Say, by this token, I define his company
At Mariana's houſe to night. Her cauſe, and yours,
Ile perfect him withal, and he ſhall bring you
Before the Duke: and to the head of Angelo
Accufe him home and home. For my poor ſelf,

Iam

72

Measure for Measure.

Cannot but yeild you forth to publick thanks,
Forerunning more requalit.

Ang. You make my bonds still greater.

Du. Oh, your defent speaks loud, and I should wrong
To lock it in the wards of covert bofom,
When it defervés with Charaſters of Braſs,
A forſted ſtidence 'gainſt the tooth of time,
And razure of Oblivion : Give me your hand,
And let the ſubject fee, to make them know,
That outward courteſies would fain proclaim
Favours that keep within : Come Eſcalus,
You muſt walk by us on our other hand:
And good ſupporters are you.

Enter Peter and Isabella.

Pet. Now is your time:

Speak loud, and kneel before him.

Ia. Juitce, O Royal Duke, vail your regard
Upon a wrong'd I would fain have faid, a Maid:
Oh worthy Prince, diſhonour not your Eye
By throwing it on any other Object,
Till you have heard me in my true complaint,
And give me Juitſce, Juitſce, Juitſce, Juitſce.

Du. Relate your wrongs ;

In what, by whom ? be brief:
Here is Lord Angelo shall give you Juitſce ;
Reveal your ſelf to him.

Iſa. Oh worthy Duke,

You bid me ſeeke Redemption of the Devil:
Hear me your ſelf; for that which I muſt ſpeak
Muſt either puniſh me, not being believ'd,
Or wring redreſſ from you:
Hear me; Oh hear me here.

Ang. My Lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm:
She hath been a ſuitor to me for her brother,
Cut off by course of Juitſce.

Iſa. By course of Juitſce !

Ang. And ſhe will ſpeak moſt bitterly.

Iſa. Moſt ſtrange; but yet moſt truly will I ſpeak,
That Angelo's forſworn: is it not ſtrange ?
That Angelo's a milderer: is' not ſtrange ?
That Angelo is an adulterous thief,
An hypocrite, a virgin violator:
Is it not ſtrange ? and ſtrange ?

Du. Nay, it is ten times ſtrange.

Iſa. It is not truer he is Angelo,

Than this is all as true as it is ſtrange:
Nay, it is ten times true; for truth is truth
To th' end of reckoning.

Du. Away with her : poor foul,

She ſpeaks this in th' infirmity of ſenſe.

Iſa. Oh Prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ'ſt
There is another comfort than this World,
That thou neglects me not, with that Opinion,
That I am touch'd with madneſs: make not impoffible
That which but ſeems unlike: 'tis not impoffible
But one, the wicked ſt Caitiffe on the ground,
May ſeem as ſhy, as grave, as juſt, as absolute
As Angelo: even fo may Angelo
In all his dreflings, caracts, titles, forms,
Bean Arch-villain: believe it, Royal Prince,
If he be leſs, he's nothing; but he's more,
Had I more name for badneſs.

Du. By mine honet ſy,
If ſhe be mad, as I believe no other,
Her madneſs hath the oddeſt frame of ſenſe,
Such a dependency of thing on thing,
As e're I heard in madneſs.

Iſa. O gracious Duke,

Harp not on that ; nor do not baniſt Reaſon
For inequality; but let your Reaſon ſerve
To make the truth appear, where it ſeems hid,
And hide the falſe ſeems true.

Du. Many that are not mad

Have ſure more lack of Reaſon :

What would you ſay ?

Iſa. I am the ſitter of one Claudio,

Condemn'd upon the act of Fornication,
To loſe his head, condemn'd by Angelo:
I (in probation of a Sifterhood)
Was ſent to by my brother, one Lucio,
As then the Meſſenger.

Luc. That's I, and't like your Grace:
I came to her from Claudio, and defir'd her
To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo,
For her poor brother's pardon.

Iſa. That's he indeed.

Du. You were not bid to ſpeak.

Luc. No, my good Lord,

Nor wuſh'd to hold my peace.

Du. I wuſh you now then:

Pray you take note of it : and when you have
A bufneſs for your ſelf, pray heaven you then
Be perfect.

Luc. I warrant your honour.

Du. The Warrant's for your ſelf: take heed to't.
Iſa. This Gentleman told ſomething of my tale.

Luc. Right.

Du. It may be right, but you are i' th' wrong
To ſpeak before your time: proceed.

Iſa. I went

To this pernicious Caitiff Deputy.

Du. That's ſomewhat madly ſpoken.

Iſa. Pardon it.

The pheſa is to the matter.

Du. Mended again: the matter: proceed.

Iſa. In brief, to ſet the needleſs by:
How I perſwaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd,
How he reſel'd me, and how I repli'd
(For this was of much length) : the vile conclusion
I now begin with grief and ſhame to utter.
He would not, but by gift of my chaſſe body
To his concupiſible intemperate luſt,
Releaſe my brother; and after much debatement,
My firſtly remorſe confutes mine honour,
And I did yeild to him: But the next morn betimes,
His purpofe forfeiting, he ſends a Warrant
For my poor brother's head.

Du. This is moſt likely.

Iſa. Oh that it were as like as it is true:
(fpeak'ſt;
Du. By heaven(fond wench), thou know'ſt not what thou

Or eſſe thou art ſuborn'd againſt his honour
In hateful præſtige: firſt, his Integrity

Stands without blemiſh: next, it imports no Reaſon,
That with ſuch vehemency he ſhould purſue
Faults proper to himſelf: if he had ſo offended,
He would have weighe'd thy brother by himſelf,
And not have cut him off: ſome one hath fet you on:
Confes the truth, and ſay by whoſe advice
Thou cam't here to complain.

Iſa. And is this all ?

Then Oh you bleſſed Minifers above,
Keep me in patience; and with ripened time,
Unfold the evil which is here wrap't up

In countenauce: Heaven ſhield your Grace from wo.

As I thus wrong'd, hence unbelievable go.

Du. I know you'ld ſain be gone: An Officer:
To prifon with her: Shall we thus permit
A blaſting and a ſcandalous breath to fall
On him ſo near us? This needs muſt be præſtige:
Who knew of your intent, and coming hither ?

Iſa. One that I would were here, Frier Lodowick.

Du. A ghofly Father belike:

Who knows that Lodowick?

Luc. My Lord, I know him; 'tis a medling Frier;
I do not like the man: had he been Lay, my Lord,
For certain words he ſpake againſt your Grace
In your retirement, I had ſwing'd him foundly.

Du. Words againſt me? this a good Frier belike,

And

Meaure for Meaure.

And to fet on this wretched woman here
Against our Substitute: Let this Frier be found.

Luc. But yesternight, my Lord, thee and that Frier,
I faw them at the prison: a lafwcy Frier,
A very feruvy fellow.

Pet. Blessed be your Royal Grace :

I have flood by, my Lord, and I have heard
Your Royal Ear abus'd : firft hath this woman
Moft wrongfully accus'd your Substitute,
Who is as free from touch, or foil with her,
As she from one ungot.

Du. We did believe no lefs.

Know you that Frier Lodewick which fpeaks of?

Pet. I know him for a man divine and holy ;

Not feruvy, nor a temporary medler,

As he's reported by this Gentleman :

And on my truft, a man that never yet

Did (as he vouches) misreport your Grace.

Luc. My Lord, moft villanoufly ; believe it.

Pet. Well; he in time may come to clear himself,

But at this infant he is fick, my Lord,

Of a ftrange Fever : upon his meer Requeft,
Being come to knowledg, that there was complaint

Intended against Lord Angelo, came I hither

To ſpeak, as from his mouth, what he doth know

Is true and falſe : and what he with his Oath,

And all probation, will make up full clear

Whenfoever he is conventional : Firſt, for this woman,
To jufſtify this worthy Nobleman,

So vulgarly and perſonally accus'd,

Her ſhall you hear diſproved to her eyes,

Till ſhe her ſelf confes it.

Du. Good Frier, let's hear it :

Do you not ſmile at this, Lord Angelo ?

Ah heaven : the vanity of wretched fools !

Give us ſome feats : come Coufin Angelo,

In this I'le be impartial : be you Judg

Of your own Caufe : Is this the Witneſs, Frier ?

Enter Mariana.

Firſt, let her ſhew her face, and after ſpeak.

Mar. Pardon, my Lord: I will not ſhew my face

Until my husband bid me.

Du. What, are you married ?

Mar. No, my Lord.

Du. Are you a maid ?

Mar. No, my Lord.

Du. A Widow then?

Mar. Neither my Lord.

Du. Why, are you nothing then ? neither Maid, Widow, nor Wife ?

Luc. My Lord, ſhe may be a Punk : for many of them
are neither Maid, Widow, nor Wife.

Du. Silence that fellow : I would he had ſome cauſe to
prattle for himself.

Luc. Well, my Lord.

Mar. My Lord, I do confes I ne're was married,

And I confes besides, I am no maid :

I have known my husband, yet my husband

Knows not that ever he knew me.

Luc. He was drunk then, my Lord ; it can be no better.

Du. For the benefit of ſilence, would thou wert ſo too.

Luc. Well, my Lord.

Du. This is no Witneſs for Lord Angelo.

Mir. Now I come to't, my Lord,

She that accuſes him of Fornication,
In ſelf-fame manner doth accuſe my husband,
And charges him, my Lord, with fuch a time,
When Ile depofe I had him in mine arms,
With all th' effect of Love.

Ang. Charges ſhe moe than me?

Mar. Not that I know.

Du. No? you fay, your husband.

Mar. Why, juſt, my Lord, and that is Angelo,
Who thinks he knows, that he ne're knew my body ;
But knows, he thinks, that he knows ſabels.

Ang. This is a ſtrange abuse : Let's fee thy face.

Mar. My husband bids me ; now I will unmask.

This is that face, thou cruel Angelo,

Which once thou ſw'rt was worth the looking on:

This is the hand which with a vow'd contract,

Was ſaſt belockt in thine : This is the body

That took away the match from ſabel,

And did fupply thee at thy Garden-houſe

In her imagin'd perſon.

Du. Know you this woman ?

Luc. Carnally, ſhe fays.

Du. Sirrah, no more.

Luc. Enough, my Lord.

Ang. My Lord, I muſt confes I know this woman ;

And five years ſince there was ſome ſpeech of marriage
Betwixt my ſelf and her; which was broke off,

Partly for that her promis'd proportions

Come ſhort of comſpition; but in chief,

For that her Reputation was diſvalued

In levity : ſince which time of five years,

I never ſpake with her, faw her, nor heard from her,

Upon my faith and honour.

Mar. Noble Prince,

As there comes light from heaven, and words from breath,
As there is ſenſe in truth, and truth in vertue,

As words could make up Vows : And my good Lord,

But Tuesday night laſt gone, in's Garden-houſe

He knew me as a Wife. As this is true,

Got me in safety raſe me from my knees;

Or eſſe for ever be confixed here

A Marble Monument.

Ang. I did but ſmile till now.

Now, good my Lord, give me the ſcope of Juſtice :

My patience here is touch'd : I do perceive

The ſe poor informal women are no more

But instruments of ſome more mightier member

That fet them on. Let me have way, my Lord,

To find this practice out.

Du. I, with my heart;

And puniſh them to your height of pleasure.

Thou Fooliſh Frier, and thou pernicious woman,

Compaſt with her that's gone ; think it thou Oaths,

Tho they would ſwear down each particular Saint,

Were teſtimonies' gainſt his worth and credit,

That's ſeal'd in approbation ? You, Lord Ecalut,

Sit with my Couſin ; lend him your kind pains

To find out this abufe, whence 's deriv'd.

There is another Frier that fet them on ;

Let him be ſent for.

Pet. Would we were here, my Lord; for he indeed

Hath fet the women on to this complaint :

Your Preſoft knows the place where he abides ;

And he may fetch him.

Du. Go, do it instantly :

And you my noble and well-warranted Couſin

Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth,

Do with your injuries as feems you beſt

In any chaſtife ment : I for a while

Will leave you ; but fir't not you till you have

Well determin'd upon theſe flanderers.

Exiſt.

E/c. My Lord, we'll do it throughly : Signior Lucio, did not you ſay, you knew that Frier Lodewick to be a diſhonour'd perſon?

Luc. Cucullus non facit Monachum, honet in nothing but
in his cloathes, and one that hath ſpoke moſt villanous
(fpeeches) of the Duke.

E/c. We ſhall intreat you to abide here till he come, and
inſorce them againſt him : we ſhall find this Frier a nota-
ble fellow.

Luc. As any in Vienna on my word.

G

E/c

74

Measure for Measure.

E/c. Call that fame Ifabel here once again; I would speak with her: *pray you, my Lord, give me leave to queefion; you fhall fee how I'll handle her.*

Luc. Not better than he, by her own Report.

E/c. Say you ?

Luc. *Marry fir, I think if you handled her privately,*
*She should sooner confefs; perchance publickly fhe'd be*
*afham'd.*

Enter Duke, Provoft, Ifabella.

E/c. I will go darkly to work with her.

Luc. That's the way : for women are light at mid-
night.

E/c. Come on, Miftris : here's a Gentlewoman denies all that you have faid.

Luc. My Lord, here comes the Rafcal I spoke of,
Here with the Provoſt.

E/c. In very good time : ſpeak not you to him till we call upon you.

Luc. Mum.

E/c. Come fir, did you fet theſe women on to flander
Lord Angelo ? they have confefs'd you did.

Du. ? Is falſe.

E/c. How ? know you where you are ?

Du. Reſpect to your great place; and let the Devil
Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne.

VVhere is the Duke ? 'tis he ſhould hear me ſpeak.

E/c. The Duke's in us: and we will hear you ſpeak:
Look you ſpeak juſtly.

Du. Boldly at leaſt. But Oh poor ſouſls,
Come you to ſpeak the Lamb here of the Fox ?
Good night to your Redrefs: is the Duke gone?
Then is your cauſe gone too: The Duke's unjuſt,
Thus to retort your manifeſt appeal,
And put your tryal in the Villain's mouth
VWhich here you come to accuſe.

Luc. This is the Rafcal: this is he I spoke of.

E/c. VVhy, thou unreverend and unhallowed Frier :
Is't not enough thou haſt ſuborn'd theſe women,
To accuſe this worthy man; but in foul mouth,
And in the witneſs of his proper ear,
To call him Villain; and then to glance from him
To th' Duke himſelf, to tax him with injuſtice ?

Take him hence ; to th' Rack with him : we'll towze you
Joymt by joymt, but we will know his purpofe:
VWhat ? unjuſt ?

Du. Be not ſo hot : the Duke dare
No more ſtretch this finger of mine, than he
Dare rack his own : his Subject am I not,
Nor here Provincial: My buſineſs in this State
Made me a looker on here in Vienna;
VWhere I have ſeen corruption boyl and bubble,
Till it o're-run the Stew : Laws for all faults,
But faults ſo countenanc'd, that the ſtrong ſtatutes
Stand like the Forfeits in a Barber's-flop,
As much in mock as mark.

E/c. Slandeſt to th' State:
Away with him to prifon.

Ang. VVhat can you vouch againſt him, ſignior Lucio ?
Is this the man that you did tell us of?

Luc. 'Tis he, my Lord: come hither Goodman Bald-
pate: do you know me ?

Du. I remember you, fir, by the found of your voice:
met you at the prifon in the abſence of the Duke.

Luc. Oh, did you ſo ? and do you remember what you
faid of the Duke ?

Du. Moſt notably, fir.

Luc. Do you ſo, fir? And was the Duke a fleſh-mon-
ger, a fool, and a coward, as you then reported him to
be ?

Du. You muſt (fir) change perſons with me, e're you
make that my Report: you indeed ſpoke ſo of him, and
much more, much worſe.

Luc. Oh thou damnable fellow ! did not I pluck thee by
the Noſe for thy ſpeeches ?

Du. I proteſt, I love the Duke as I love my ſelf.

Ang. Hark how the Villain would cloſe now after his
treasonable abuſes.

E/c. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withal: Away with him to prifon: Where is the Provoſſ? away with him to prifon: lay bolts enough upon him: let him ſpeak no more: away with thofe Giglets too, and with the other confederate companion.

Du. Stay, fir, stay a while

Ang. What, reſifts he ? help him, Lucio.

Luc. Come fir, come fir, come fir: ſoh fir: why you bald-pated lying Rafcal: you muſt be hooded, muſt you? ſhow your knave's viſage, with a pox to you: ſhow your fheep-biting face, and be hang'd an hour: will't not off?

Du. Thou art the firſt knave that e're made ſt a Duke.
Firſt, Provoſſ, let me bail theſe gentle thrce :

Sneak not away, fir; for the Frier and you
Muſt have a word anon: lay hold on him.

Luc. This may prove worſe than hanging.

Du. What you have ſpoke, I pardon: fit you down:

We'll borrow place of him; Sir, by your leave:
Haſt thou or word, or wit, or impudence,
That yet can do theſe Office ? If thou haſt,
Rely upon it till my tale be heard,
And hold no longer out.

Ang. Oh my dread Lord,
I ſhould be guiltier than my guiltineſſ,
To think I can be undiſſernable,
When I perceive your Grace, like power Divine,
Hath look'd upon my paffes: Then, good Prince,
No longer Seſſion hold upon your ſhame;
But let my trial be mine own confefſion:
Immediate ſentence then, and ſeſuent death,
Is all the grace I beg.

Du. Come hither, Mariana:

Say: was't not ever contracted to this woman?

Ang. I was, my Lord.

Du. Go take her hence, and marry her infantly.

Do you the Office (Frier) which confummate:

Return him here again: go with him, Provoſſ.

E/c. My Lord, I am more amaz'd at his diſhonour,
Than at the ſtrangeneſs of it.

Du. Come hither, Ifabel:

Your Frier is now your Prince: As I was then
Advertising, and holy to your buſineſſ
(Not changing heart with habit), I am ſtill,
Atturnied at your ſervice.

Iſa. Oh give me pardon,
That I, your Vaffal, have imploy'd and pain'd
Your unknown Soveraignty.

Du. You are pardon'd, Iſabel:
And now, dear Maid, be you as free to us.
Your brother's death, I know, fits at your heart:
And you may marvel, why I obſcur'd my ſelf,
Labouring to fav'e his life; and would not rather
Make rafh remonſtrance of my hidden power:
Then let him be ſo loft: Oh moſt kind Maid,
It was the ſwift celerity of his death,
Which I did think with flower foot came on,
That brain'd my purpofe: but peace be with him:
That life is better life, paſt fearing death,
Than that which lives to fear: make it your comfort,
So happy is your brother.

Enter Angelo, Maria, Peter, Provoſt.

Iſa. I do, my Lord.

Du. For this new-married man, approaching here,
Whofe ſalt imagination yet hath wrong'd
Your well-defended honour; you muſt pardon
For Mariana's ſake: But as he adjudg'd your brother,

Being

Meaſure for Meaſure.

Being criminal, in double violation
Of facred chaſtity, and of promife-breach,
Thereon dependant for your brothers life,
The very mercy of the Law crys out
Moſt audible, even from his proper tongue,
An Angelo for Claudio ; death for death :
Hafe itill pays haſte, and leifure anſwers leifure;
Like doth quit like, and Meaſure till for Meaſure:
Then Angelo, thy fault's thus manifested :
Which tho thou would't deny, denies thee vantage.
We do condemn thee to the very Block
Where Claudio floop'd to death ; and with like haſte,
Away with him.

Mar. Oh my moſt gracious Lord,
I hope you will not mock me with a husband?

Du. It is your husband mock'd you with a husband,
Conſenting to the ſafe-guard of your honour,
I thought your marriage fit: eſſe imputation,
For that he knew you, might reproach your life,
And choak your good to come : for his poſſeffions,
Almo by confification they are ours,
We do enſtare, and widow you withal,
To buy you a better husband.

Mar. Oh my dear Lord,

I crave no other, nor no better man.

Du. Never crave him: we are definitive.

Mar. Gentle my Leige.

Du. You do but lobe your labour.

Away with him to death: Now fir, to you.

Mar. Oh my good Lord, sweet Iſabel, take my part ;
Lend me your knees, and all my life to come,
I'le lend you all my life to do you ſervice.

Du. Again't all ſene to do importune her :

Should the kneel down, in merſury of this ſaſt,
Her brother's ghoff his paved bed would break,
And take her hence in horror.

Mar. Iſabel :

Sweet Iſabel, do yet but kneel by me,
Hold up your hands, ſay nothing: He ſpeak all.
They ſay, beſt men are moulded out of ſaults;
And for the moſt, become much more the better
For being a little bad: So may my husband.

Oh Iſabel: will you not lend a knee ?

Du. He dies for Claudio's death.

Iſa. Moſt bounteous fir,

Look, if it pleaſe you, on this man condeſan'd,
As if my brother liv'd : I partly think,
A due ſincerity governed his deeds,
Till he did look on me: Since it is to,
Let him not die : my brother had but juſtice,
In that he did the thing for which he di'd.
For Angelo, his act did not o're-take his bad intent,
And muſt be buried but as an intent.

That perſih'd by the way: thoughts are no ſubjects;

Intents, but meerly thoughts.

Mar. Meerly, my Lord.

Du. Your ſuit's unprofitable: ſtand up, I ſay :

I have bethought me of ariothier fault.

Provoſſ, how came it Claudio was beheaded

At an unſual hour?

Pro. It was commanded ſo.

Du. Had you a ſpecial Warrant for the deed ?

Pro. No, my good Lord; it was by private meſſage.

Du. For which I do diſcharge you of your Office :

Give up your keys.

Pro. Pardon me, Noble Lord.

I thought it was a fault, but knew it not;

Yet did repent me after much advice;

For teſtimony whereof, one in the prifon,
That have by private Order eſſe have di'd,
I have reſerv'd alive.

Du. What's he ?

Pro. His name is Barnardine.

Du. I would it thou haſt done ſo by Claudio :

Go fetch him hither ; let me look upon him.

Eſe. I am forry one ſo learned, and ſo wife
As you, Lord Angelo, have it ill appear'd,
Should flip ſo groſly, both in the heat of blood,
And lack of temper'd judgment afterward.

Ang. I am forry, that ſuch forrow I procure ;
And ſo deep ſlicks it in my penitent heart,
That I crave death more willingly than mercy :
'Tis my deferring, and I do intreat it.

Enter Barnardine, and Provoſſ, Claudio, Julietta.

Du. Which is that Barnardine ?

Pro. This, my Lords.

Du. There was a Frier told me of this man:
Sirrah, thou art faid to have a ſubborn foul,

That apprehends no further than this World,

And ſquar'it thy life accordingly : I know I condemn'd ;
But for that earthely faults, I quit them all :

I pray thee take this mercy to provide.

For better times to come: Frier, advife him ;

I leave him to your hand. What muffed ſellow's that?

Pro. This is another prifoner that I fav'd,

Who should have di'd when Claudio loſt his head,
As like almoſt to Claudio as himſelf.

Du. If he be like your brother, for his ſake
Is he pardon'd, and for your lovely take

Give me your hand, and ſay you will be mine ;

He is my brother too: But after time for that :

By this Lord Angelo perceives he's ſale :

Methinks I fee a quicknimg in his eye :

Well, Angelo, your evil quits you well :

Look that you love your Wifc: her worth worth yours.

I find an apt remilſon in my ſelf :

And yet here's one in place I cannot pardon,
You, firraſh, that knew me for a fool, a coward;
One all of LUXury an aſ, a mad man :

Wherein have I ſo deferv'd of you,

That you extol me thus?

Luc. 'Faith, my Lord, I ſpoke it but according to the
trick: if you will hang me for it, you may: but I had rather
it would pleaſe you, I might be whipt.

Du. Whipt firſt, fir, and hang'd after.

Proclaim it, Provoſſ, round about the City:
If any woman wrong'd by this lewd ſellow
(As I have heard him ſwear himſelf, there's one
Whom he begot with child), let her appear,
And he ſhall marry her: the nuptial finiſh'd,
Let him be whip'd and hang'd.

Luc. I beſech you Highneſſ, do not marry me to a
Whore: your Highneſſ faſd even now, I made you a Duke,
good my Lord do not recompence me in making me a
Cuckold.

Du. Upon mine honour thou ſhalt marry her:
Thy ſlanders I forgive, and therewithal
Remit thy other forfeits: take him to prifon :
And fee our pleature herein executed.

Luc. Marrying a punk, my Lord, is preſing to death,
Whipping and hanging.

Du. Slandering a Prince deferves it.
She, Claudio, that you wrong'd, look you reſtore,
Joy to you, Mariana ; love her, Angelo :
I have confed'st her, and I know her vertue.
Thanks, good friend Eſcalus, for thy much goodneſſs;

There's more behind that is more gratulate :

Thanks Provoſſ for thy care and ſecreſſe ;

We ſhall imploy thee in a worthier place :

Forgive him, Angelo, that brought you home
The head of Rogozine for Claudio's

Th' Offence pardons it ſelf. Dear Iſabel,
I have a motion much imports your good,
Whereto if you'l a willing ear incline,

What's mine is yours, and what is yours is mine :

So bring us to our Palace, where we'll flow

What's yet behind that's meet you all ſhould know.

G 2

The

76

The Scene Vienna.

The Names of all the Actors.

Vincentio, the Duke.

Angelo, the Deputy.

Ecalus, an ancient Lord.

Claudio, a young Gentleman.

Lucio, a fantastique.

2. Other like Gentlemen.

Provoft.

Thomas,

Peter,

Elbow, a simple Constable.

Froth, a foolish Gentleman.

Clown.

Abhorfort, an Executioner.

Barnardine, a diffolute prifoner.

Ifabella, ifter to Claudio.

Mariana, betrobed to Angelo.

Juliet, beloved of Claudio.

Francisco, a Nun.

Mistris Overdon, a Bawd.

2. Friers.

THE
Comedy of Errors.

Actus Primus. Scena Prima.

Enter the Duke of Ephesus, with the Merchant of Syracusa,
Taylor, and other attendants.

Merchant.

Reced Salinus to procure my fall,

And by thy doom of death end woes

(and all.

Duke. Merchant of Syracuse, plead

(no more:

I am not partial to infringe our

(Laws:

The enmity and difford which of

Sprung from the rancorous Outrage of your Duke,

To Merchants, our well-dealing Countrymen,

Who wanting gilders to redeem their lives,

Have feal'd his rigorous Statutes with their bloods,

Excludes all pity from our threatening looks:

For fince the mortal and intefine jars

Twixt thy feditions Countrymen and us,

It hath in folem Synods been decreed,

Both by the Syracufians and our felves,

I'admit no traffick to our adverfe Towns:

Nav, more; if any born at Ephesus

Be seen at any Syracufian Marks and Fairs :

Again, if any Syracufian born,

Come to the Bay of Ephesus, he dies :

His goods confiicate to the Duke's difpofe,

Unlefs a thoufand Marks be levied

To quit the penalty, and ranfome him:

Thy subftance, valued at the higheft rate,

Cannot amount unto a hundred Mark ;

Therefore by Law thou art condemn'd to die.

Mer. Yet this my comfort, when your words are done,
My woes end likewife with the Evening Sun.

Du. Well, Syracufian, fay in brief the caufe,
Why thou departed'it from thy native home ?
And for what caufe thou cam't to Ephesus ?

Mer. A heavier task could not have neen impos'd,
Than I to speak my grief unspeakable:

Yet that the World way witneſs, that my end

Was wrought by Nature, not by vile Offence,

I'le utter what my forrow gives me leave :

In Syracufe was I born, and wed

Unto a woman, happy but for me ;

And by me too, had not our hap been bad :

With her I liv'd in joy, our Wealth encreaſt

By proferous Voyages I often made

To Epidamium, till my Factor's death :

And he great flore of goods at random leaving,

Drew me from kind embracements of my ſpouſe;

From whom my abſence was not fix months old,

Before her ſelf (almost at fainting under

The pleafing puniſhment that women bear)

Had made provision for her following me,

And ſoon, and ſafe arrived where I was :

There had ſhe not been long, but ſhe became

A joyful mother of two goody fons :

And, which was ſtrange, the one ſo like the other,

As could not be diſtinguifh'd but by names.

That very hour, and in the ſelf-fame Inn,

A poor mean woman was delivered

Of ſuch a burthen, Male-twins both alike :

Thofe, for their parents were exceeding poor,

I bought, and brought up to attend my ſons.

My Wife not meanly proud of two ſuch boys,

Made

The Comedy of Errors.

77

Made daily motions for our home return:
Unwilling Iagreed; alas! too soon we came aboard.
A league from Epidamium had we fail'd
Before the always wind-obeying deep,
Gave any tragick inſtance of our harm:
But longer did we not retain much hope;
For what obſcured light the heavens did grant,
Did but convey unto our ſearful minds
A doubtful warrant of immediate death;
Which tho my ſelf would gladly have embrac'd,
Yet the infecill weeping of my Wife,
Weeping before for what ſhe ſaw muſt come,
And piteous plainings of the pretty babes,
That mourn'd for ſaſhion, ignorant what to fear,
Forc't me to ſeek delays for them and me:
And this it was (for other means was none):
The Sailors ſought for ſafet y by our boat,
And left the Ship then ſinking ripe to us.
My Wife more careful for the latter born,
Had ſaſtene him unto a ſinall ſpare Maſt,
Such as Sea faring men provide for ſtorms:
To him one of the other twins was bound,
Whilft I had been like heedful of the other.
The children thus diſpos'd, my Wife, and I,
Fixing our eyes on whom our care was fixt,
Aſſaſned our ſelves at either end the Maſt,
And floating ſtraight, obedient to the ſtream,
Was carried towards Corinth, as we thought.
At length the Sun gazing upon the earth,
Diſperſ that ſe vapours that oſſended us;
And by the benefit of his wifh'd light,
The Seas was calm, and we diſcovered
Two Ships from far making amain to us:
Of Corinth that, of Epidaurus this;
But e're they came, Oh let me ſay no more;
Gather the ſeque by that went before.

Du. Nay, forward Old man, do not break off so;
For we may pity, tho not pardon thee.

Mer. Oh had the gods done so, I had not now
Worthily term'd them mercileſs to us:
For e're the Ships could meet by twice five leagues,
We were encountered by a mighty Rock;
Which being violently born up upon,
Our helpful Ship was ſplitt in the midſt:
So that in this unjuſt divorce of us,
Fortune had left to both of us alike,
What to delight in, what to forrow for,
Her part, poor ſoul, ſeeming as burdened,
With leſſer weight, but not with leſſer wo,
Was carried with more ſpeed before the wind,
And in our fight they three were taken up
By Fithermen of Corinth, as we thought.
At length another Ship had ſeiz'd on us;
And knowing whom it was their hap to ſave,
Gave helpful welcome to their Shipwrackt gueſts,
And would have reſt the Fithers of their prey,
Had not their Bark been very flow of fail;
And therefore homeward did they bend their courſe.
Thus have you heard me fever'd from my blifs,
That by misfortunes was my life prolong'd,
To tell ſad ſtories of my own miſhaps.

Du. And for the fakes of them thou ſorroweſt for,
Do me the favour to dilate at full,
What hath befall'n them and thee till now.

Mer. My youngeſt boy, and yet my eldeſt care,
At Eighteen years became inquiſitive
After his brother ; and importund me,
That his attendant (for his caſe was like,
Reſt of his brother, but retain'd his name)
Might bear him company in the queſt of him:
Whom whil't I laboured of a love to ſee,
I hazarded the loſs of whom I lov'd.
Five Summers have I spent in fartheſt Green,
Roming clean through the bounds of Asia,

And coaſting homeward, came to Ephesus:
Hopeleſs to find, yet loath to leave unſought,
Or that, or any place that harbours men:
But here muſt end the ſtory of my life,
And happy were I in my timely death,
Could all my travels warrant me they live.

Du. Haples Egeon, whom the fates have marke
To bear th' extremity of dire miſhap:
Now truſt me, were it not againſt our Laws,
Againſt my Crown, my Oath, my Dignity,
Which Princes would, they may not diſanuall,
My foul ſhould ſue as advocate for thee:
But tho thou art adjudged to the death,
And paſſed ſentence may not be recall d,
But to our honours great diſparagement;
Yet will I favour thee in what I can;
Therefore, Merchant, Ile limit thee this day
To ſeek thy help by beneficial help:
Try all the friends thou haſt in Ephesus:
Beg thou, or borrow, to make up the ſum,
And live: if no, then thou art doom'd to die:
Taylor, take him to thy cuſtody.

Fay, I will, my Lord.

Mer. Hopeleſs and helpeleſs doth Egeon wend,
But to procaſtinate his liveleſs end.

Exeunt.

Enter Antipholis, Erotes, a Merchant, and Dromio.

Mer. Therefore give out, you are of Epidamium,
Left that your goods be too ſoon confiſcate:

This very day a Syracusan Merchant
Is apprehended for arrival here;
And not being able to buy out his life,
According to the Statute of the Town,
Dies e're the weary Sun ſets in the Weſt:
There is your money that I had to keep.
Ant. Go bear it to the Centaure, where we hoſt,
And ſay there, Dromio, till I come to thee:
Till that I ple view the manners of the Town :
Within this hour it will be dinner-time :
Perufe the traders, gaze upon the buildings,
And then return and ſleep within mine Inn;
For with long travel I am stiff and weary.
Get thee away.

Dro. Many a man would take you at your word,
And go indeed, having ſo good a means.

Exit Dromio.

Ant. A truſy villain, fir, that very oſt,
When I am dull with care and melancholly,
Lightens my humour with his merry jeſts.
What, will you walk with me about the Town,
And then go to the Inn and dine with me?

E. Mer. I am invited, fir, to certain Merchants,
Of whom I hope to make much benefit:
I crave your pardon; ſoon at five a clock,
Please you, I'le meet with you upon the Mart,
And afterward confort you till bed-time:
My preſent buſineſs calls me from you now.

Ant. Farewell till then. I will go to leſe my life,
And wander up and down to view the City.
E. Mer. Sir, I commend you to your own content.

Exeunt.

Ant. He that commends me to my own content,
Commends me to the thing I cannot get:
I to the world am like a drop of water,
That in the Ocean ſeeks another drop,
Who falling there to find his fellow forth,
(Unſeen inquiſitive) confounds himſelf:
So I, to find a Mother and a Brother,
Inqueſt of him (unhappy) loſe my ſelf.

Enter Dromio of Ephesus.

Here comes the Almanack of my true date:

What now? How chance thou art return'd to ſoon.

G 3

E. Dro

The Comedy of Errors.

78

E. Dro. Return'd fo foon, rather approacht too late:
The Capon burns, the Pig falls from the fipt:
The clock hath ifrucken twelve upon the bell:
My Miftris made it one upon my cheek:
She is fo hot becaufe the meat is cold:
The meat is cold becaufe you come not home:
You come not home becaufe you have no ftomach:
You have no ftomach having broke your faft:
But we that know what 'tis to faft and pray,
Are penitent for your default to day.

Ant. Stop in your wind, fir: tell me this I pray,
Where have you left the money that I gave you?

E. Dro. Oh, fix pence that I had a Wednesday laft,
To pay the Sadler for my Miftris Crupper ?
The Sadler had it, fir; I kept it not.

Ant. I am not in a fportive humour now:
Tell me, and dally not, where is the money?

We being ftrangers here, how dar't thou truft
So great a charge from thine own cuftody?

E. Dro. I pray you jeft, fir, as you fit at dinner:

I from my Miftris come to you in poft:
If I return, I shall be poft indeed:

For the fhe will ſcour your fault upon my pate:

Methinks your maw, like mine, should be your Cook,
And ſtrike you home without a meſſenger.

Ant. Come Dromio, come, theſe jeſts are out of feason;
Reſerve them till a merrier hour than this:
Where is the gold I gave in charge to thee?

E. Dro. To me, fir ? why, you gave no gold to me.

Ant. Come on, fir knave, have done your foolſihneſs,
And tell me how thou haſt diſpos'd thy charge?

E. Dro. My charge was but to fetch you from the Mart
Home to your houſe (the Phœnix, fir), to dinner:

My Miftris and her filter ſtaies for you.

Ant. Now as I am a Chriſtian anſwer me,
In what faſe place you have beſtow'd my money:
Or I ſhall break that merry ſconce of yours
That ſtands on tricks when I am undiſpos'd:

Where is the thouſand marks thou haſt of me ?

E. Dro. I have ſome marks of yours upon my pate:
Some of my Miftris marks upon my ſhoulders:
But not a thouſand marks between you both.

If I ſhould pay your Worſhip that ſome again,
Perchance you will not bear them patiently.

Ant. Thy Miftris marks? what Miftris, ſlave, haſt thou?

E. Dro. Your Worſhip's Wife, my Miftris at the Phœnix
She that doth ſaft till you come home to dinner:

And prays that you will hie you home to dinner.

Ant. What, wilt thou ſlout me thus unto my face,
Being forbid ? There, take you that, fir knave.

E. Dro. What mean you, fir ? for God ſake hold your
Nay, and you will not, fir, I'le take my heels.

Exit Dromio Ep.

Ant. Upon my life, by ſome device or other,
The Villain is o're-wrought of all my money.
Then ſay, this Town is full of cozenage :

As nimble Juglers that deceive the eye:
Dark-working Sorcerers that change the mind:

Soul-killing Witches that deform the body:
Difguifed Cheaters, prating Mountebanks;

And many ſuch like liberties of fin:
If it prove ſo, I will be gone the ſooner:

I'le to the Centaur to ſeek this ſlave:

I greatly fear my money is not ſafe.

Exit.

Actus Secundus.

Enter Adriana, Wife to Antipholis Sereptus, with
Luciana, her Sifter.

Adr. Neither my husband, nor the ſlave return'd,
That in ſuch haſte I ſent to ſeek his Maſter:
Sure, Luciana, it is two a clock.

Luc. Perhaps ſome Merchant hath invited him,
And from the Mart he's ſomewhere gone to dinner:
Good ſifter, let us dine, and never ſret:
A man is Maſter of his liberty:
Time is their Maſter; and when they fee time,
They'le go or come: if ſo, be patient, ſifter.

Adr. Why should their liberty than ours be more?

Luc. Because their buſineſs ſtill lies out adoor.

Adr. Look, when I ſerve him ſo, he takes it ill.

Luc. Oh, know he is the bridle of your will.

Adr. There's none but affes will be bridled ſo.

Luc. Why, head-ſtrong liberty is laſht with woe:

There's nothing ſituate under heavens eye,
But hath his bound in earth, in ſea, in skie.

The beaſts, the fifhes, and the winged fowls,
Are their males ſubjeſts, and at their controuſes:

Man more divine, the Maſter of all theſe,

Lord of the wide world, and wide watry ſeas,

Indued with intellectual ſenſe and ſoul,

Of more preheminence than fifth and ſowl,

Are Maſters to their females, and their Lords:

Then let your will attend on their accords.

Adr. This ſervitude makes you to keep unwed.

Luc. Not this, but troubles of the marriage-bed.

Adr. But were you wedded, you would bear ſome ſway.

Luc. Ere I learn love, I'le pradife to obey.

Adr. How if your husband ſtart ſome other where?

Luc. Till he come home again I would forbear.

Adr. Patience unmov'd, no marvel tho ſhe paſſe;

They can be meek that have no other cauſe:

A wretched ſoul bruis'd with adverſity,
We bid be quiet when we hear it cry:

But were we burd'ned with like weight of pain,
As much, or more we ſhould our ſelves complain:

So thou that haſt no unkind mate to grieve thee,
With urging helpſeſs patience would relieve me:

But if thou live to fee like right bereft,
This fool-beg'd [patience in thee will be left.

Luc. Well, I will marry one day but to try:

Here comes your man, now is your husbaad nigh.

Enter Dromio Eph.

Adr. Say, is your tardy Maſter now at hand?

E. Dro. Nay, he's at two hands with me, and that my
two ears can witneſſs.

Adr. Say, didt thou ſpeak with him ? know'ft thou his
mind?

E. Dro. I, I, he told his mind upon mine ear,
Befrew his hand, I ſcearc could underſtand it.

Luc. Spake he ſo doubtfully, thou could'ſt not feel his
meaning?

E. Dro. Nay, he ſtruck ſo plainly, I could too well feel
his blows; and withal ſo doubtfully, that I could ſcearc un-
derſtand them.

Adr. But ſay, I prethee, is he coming home ?
It ſeems he hath great care to pleafe his wife.

E. Dro. Why, Miftris, ſure my Maſter is horn-mad,

Adr. Horn-mad, thou villain?

E. Dro. I mean not Cuckold-mad;

But ſure he is ſtark mad:

When

The Comedy of Errors.

79

When I defir'd him to come home to dinner,
He ask'd me for a thousand marks in gold :

'Tis dinner-time, quoth I: my gold, quoth he:
Your meat doth burn, quoth I: my gold, quoth he:
Will you come, quoth I? my gold, quoth he:
Where is the thousand marks I gave thee, Villain?
The Pig, quoth I, is burn'd: my gold, quoth he:
My Miftris, fir, quoth I: hang up thy Miftris;
I know not thy Miftris; out on thy Miftris.

Luc. Quoth who?

E. Dro. Quoth my Mafer: I know, quoth he, no houfe,
no wife, no Miftris: so that my errand, due unto my
tongue, I thank him, I bare home upon my shouldlers: for
in concluſion, he did beat me there.

Adr. Go back again, thou flave, and fetch him home.

Dro. Go back again, and be new beaten home?

For God's ſake ſend ſome other Meſſenger.

Adr. Back, flave, or I will break thy pate acroſs.

Dro. And he will bleſſ that croſs with other beating:

Between you I ſhall have a holy head.

Adr. Hence prating peafant, fetch thy Maſter home!

Dro. Am I to round with you as you with me,

That like a foot-ball you do ſpurn me thus?

You ſpurn me hence, and he will ſpurn me hither:

If I laſt in this ſervice, you muſt caſe me in leather.

Luc. ſie, How impatience lowreth in your ſace ?

Adr. His company muſt do his minions grace,

Whilft I at home ſtare for a merry look:

Hath homely age th' alluring beauty took

From my poor cheek? then he hath waſted it.

Are my diſcurſes dull? barren my wit?

If voluble and ſharp diſcurſe be marr'd,

Unkindneſſs blots it more than Marble hard.

Do their gay Věſtments his affections bait ?

That's not my fault; he's maſter of my ſtate.

What Ruines are in me that can be found,

By him not ruin'd? Then is he the ground

Of my deafeations. My decayed fair,

A funny look of his would ſoon repair.

But (too unruly Deer) he breaks the pale,

And feeds from home; poor I am but his ſtale.

Luc. Self-harming jealousy; ſie, beat it hence.

Ad. Unfeeling fools can with ſuch wrongs diſpenſe :

I know his eye doth homage other-where ;

Or else what lets it but he would be here ?

Sifter, you know he promſed me a chain,

Would that alone, alone he would detain,

So he would keep fair quarter with his bed.

I fee the Jewel beſt enamaled

Will loſe his beauty : yet the gold bides ſtill

That others touch, and often touching will :

Since that my beauty cannot płaſe his eye,

I weep (what's left) away, and weeping die.

Luc. How many fond fools ſerve mad Jealousie?

Exeunt.

Enter Antipholis Erotes.

Ant. The gold I gave to Dromio is laid up
Safe at the Centaur, and the heedful ſtate
Is wandred forth in care to ſee me out
By computation, and mine hoſts report,
I could not ſpeak with Dromio, ſince at firſt
I ſent him from the Mart: fee here he comes.

Enter Dromio Syracusan.

How now, fir ? is your merry humour alter'd ?
As you love ſtoaks, ſo jeſt with me again:
You know no Centaur ? you receiv'd no gold ?
Your Miftris ſent to have me home to dinner ?
My houſe was at the Phanix ? Waſt thou mad,
That thus ſo madly thou didſt anſwer me ?

S. Dro. What anſwer, fir ? when ſpake I ſuch a word?

E. Ant. Even now, even here, not half an hour ſince.

S. Dro. I did not fee me ſince you ſent me hence
Home to the Centaur, with the gold you gave me.

Ant. Villain, thou didst deny the golds Receſſ,
And told it me of a Miftris, and a dinner.

For which I hope thou felt'st I was diſpleas'd.

S. Dro. I am glad to ſee you in this merry vein :
What means this jeſt, I pray you, Maſter, tell me?

Ant. Yea, doſt thou jeer and flout me in the teeth?

Ant. Think't thou I jeſt hold, take thou that, and that. Beats Dro.

S. Dro. Hold, fir, for God's ſake, now your jeſt is earnſt:

Upon what bargain do you give it me?

Ant. Because that I familiarly ſometimes

Do ſue you for my fool, and chat with you,

Your fawcineſſ will jeſt upon my love,

And make a Common of my ſerious hours.

When the Sun ſhines let ſoolſth gnats make ſport,

But creep in crannies when he hides his beams :

If you will jeſt with me, know my aſſeſt,

And fashion your demeanor to my looks ;

Or I will beat this method in your ſonſce.

S. Dro. Sconce, call you it ? so you would leave battering, I had rather have it a head: and you uſe theſe blows long, I muſt get a ſonſce for my head, and inſonce it too, or eſſe I ſhall ſeek my wit in my shouldlers: but I pray, fir, why am I beaten?

Ant. Doſt thou not know?

S. Dro. Nothing, fir, but that I am beaten.

Ant. ſhall I tell you why?

S. Dro. I, fir, and wherefore; for they ſay, every why
liath a wherefore.

Ant. Why, firſt for flouting me, and then wherefore, for
urging it the ſecond time to me.

S. Dro. Was there ever any man thus beaten out of ſea-
fon, when in the Why and the Wherefore is neither Rime
nor Reafon. Well, fir, I thank you.

Ant. Thank me, fir, for what ?

S. Dro. Marry, fir, for this ſomething that you gave me
for nothing.

Ant. Ile make you amends next, to give you nothing for
ſomething. But ſay, fir, is it dinner-time?

S. Dro. No, fir: I think the Meat wants that I have.

Ant. In good time, fir ; what's that?

S. Dro. Baſting.

Ant. Well, fir, then ? will be dry.

S. Dro. If it be, fir, I pray you eat not of it.

Ant. Your Reafon?

S. Dro. Left it make you chollerick, and purchase me
another dry baſting.

Ant. Well, fir, learn to jeſt in good time: there's a time
for all things.

S. Dro. I durſt have denied that before you were so cholerick.

Ant. By what Rule, fir?

S. Dro. Marry, fir, by a Rule as plain as the plain bald
pate of Father Time himself.

Ant. Let's hear it.

S. Dro. There's no time for a man to recover his hait that
grows bald by Nature.

Ant. May he not do it by fine and recovery ?

S. Dro. Yes, to pay a fine for a Periwig, and recover the
loft bait of another man.

Ant. Why, is Time ſuch a niggard of hair, being (as it
is) ſo plenteſul an excrement?

S. Dro. Because it is a bleſſing that he beſtows on beaſts
and what he hath ſcanted them in hair, he hath given them
in witt.

Ant. Why, but there's many a man hath more hair than
witt.

S. Dro. Not a man of thate but he hath the wit to loſe
his hair.

Ant. Why, thou didſt conclude hairy men plain dealers
without witt.

S. Dro.

80

The Comedy of Errors.

S. Dro. The plainer dealer, the sooner loft; yet he lefeth it in a kind of jollity.

Ant. For what Reafon ?

S. Dro. For two, and found ones too.

Ant. Nay, not found ones I pray you.

S. Dro. Sure ones then.

An. Nay, not fure in a thing falſing.

S. Dro. Certain ones then.

Ant. Name them.

S. Dro. The one to faſe the money that he ſpends in trying; the other, that at dinner they ſhould not drop in his porrage.

An. You would all this time have prov'd, there is no time for all things.

S. Dro. Marry, and did, fir; namely, no time to recover hair loft by nature.

An. But your Reaſon was not ſubſtantial, why there is no time to recover.

S. Dro. Thus I mend it: Time himſelf is bald, and therefore to the World's end, will have bald followers.

An. I knew 'twould be a bald conclusion: but ſoft, who waſts us yonder?

Enter Adriana and Luciana.

Adr. I, I, Antipholis, look ſtrange and frown; Some other Miftris hath ſome ſweet aſpectes: I am not Adriana, nor thy wife.

The time was once, when thou unorg'd would't vow,
That never words were mufick to thine ear,
That never Object pleafing in thine eye,
That never touch well welcome to thy hand,
That never meat ſwee't-favour'd in thy taſte,
Unleſs I ſpake, or look'd, or touch'd, or carv'd to thee.

How comes it now (my husband), Oh how comes it,
That thou art then eſtranged from thy ſelf?
Thy ſelf, I call it, being ſtrange to me :

That undividable Incorporate
Am better than thy dear ſelf's better part.
Ah do not tear away thy ſelf from me;
For know my love: as eſſa maſſt thou fall
A drop of water in the breaking gulf,
And take unmingled thence that drop again

Without addition or diminifhing,
As take from me thy ſelf, and not me too.
How dearly would it touch thee to the quick,
Should'it thou hear I were licentious?
And that this body conſecrate to thee,
By Ruffian Luft ſhould be contaminate ?
Would'it thou not ſpit at me, and ſpurn at me,
And hurl the name of husband in my face,
And tear the ſtain'd skin of my Harlot-brow,
And from my ſaſſe hand cut the Wedding-Ring,
And break it with a deep-divorcing-vow?
I know thou canſt ; and therefore fee thou do it.
I am poſſelt with an adulterate blot;
My blood is mingled with the crime of luſt:
For if we two be one, and thou play ſaſſe,
I do digeſt the poyſon of my fleſh,
Being ſtrumpeted by thy catagon.

Keep then fair league, and truce with thy true bed :
I live diſtain'd, thou undiſhonoured.
Ant. Plead you to me, fair dame ? I know you not:
In Epheſus I am but two hours old,
As ſtrange unto your town as to your talk,
Who every word by all my wit being ſcann'd,
Wen's wit in all one word to underſand.

I am poſſelt with an adulterate blot;
My blood is mingled with the crime of luſt:
For if we two be one, and thou play ſaſſe,
I do digeſt the poyſon of my fleſh,
Being ſtrumpeted by thy catagon.
She ſent for you by Dremio home to dinner.

Ant. By Dremio?

Dro. By me.

Adr. By thee; and thus thou didst return from him,
That he did buffer thee, and in his blows,

Denied my house for his, me for his Wife.

Ant. Did you converſe, fir, with this Gentlewoman :
What is the course and drift of your compact?

S. Dro. I, fir? I never faw her till this time.

Ant. Villain, thou lieſt; for even her very words
Didſt thou deliver to me on the Mart.

S. Dro. I never ſpake with her in all my life.

Ant. How can ſhe thus call us by our names,
Unleſs it be by inſpiration?

Adr. How ill agrees it with your gravity,
To counterfeit thus groſly with your ſtave,
Abetting me to thwart him in my mood?

By it my wrong, you are from me exempt,
But wrong not that wrong with a more contempt.

Come, I will faſten on this ſleeve of thine:

Thou art an Elm, my husband, I a Vine:
Whofe weakneſs married to thy ſtronger ſtate,
Makes me with thy ſtrength to communicate:

If ought poſſes thee from me, it is droſs,
Uſturping Ivy, Brier, or idle Moſs,
Who all for want of pruning, with intruſion,
Inſect thy Sap, and live on thy conſuſion.

Ant. To me the ſpeaks; the moves me for her
them:

What, was I married to her in my dream?

Or ſleep I now, and think I hear all this ?

What error drives our eyes and ears amilſ ?

Until I know this ſure uncertainty,

Ple entertain the free'd ſtallacy.

Luc. Dremio, Go bid the ſervants ſpread for dinner.

S. Dro. Oh for my beads, I croſs me for a ſinner.

This is the Fairy land: Oh ſpight of ſpights :

We talk with Gobkins, Owls, and Elves Sprights:

If we obey them not, this will enfuſe,

They'ſuck our breath, or pinch us black and blew.

Luc. Why prait't thou to thy ſelf?

Dremio, thou Dremio, ſnail, thou ſlug, thou ſot ?

S. Dro. I am transformed, Maſter, am I not ?

Ant. I think thou art in mind, and ſo am I.

S. Dro. Nay, Maſter, both in mind and in my ſhape.

Ant. Thou haſt thine own form.

S. Dro. No: I am an Ape.

Luc. If thou art chang'd to ought, 'is to an Aſs.

S. Dro. 'Tis true, the ſrides me, and I long for graſs:

'Tis ſo: I am an Aſſ: eſſe it could never be :

But I ſhould know her as well as ſhe knows me.

Adr. Come, come, no longer will I be a fool,
To put the finger in the eye and weep,

Whil't Man and Maſter laughs my woes to ſcorn ;

Come, fir, to dinner: Dremio, keep the gate :

Fusband, Ile dine above with you to day,

And ſbrive you of a thouſand idle pranks:

Sirrah, if any ask you for my Maſter,

Say, he dines forth, and let no creature enter :

Come firſter: Dremio, play the Porter well.

Ant. Am I in earth, in heaven, or in hell?

Sleeping, or waking, mad, or well advis'd:

Known unto theſe, and to my ſelf diſguſ'd?

Ile ſay as they ſay, and perſevere ſo :

And in this miſt at all adventures go.

S. Dro. Maſter, ſhall I be Porter at the gate ?

Adr. I, and let none enter, left I break your pate.

Luc. Come, come, Antipholis, we dine too late.

Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.

Enter Antipholis of Epheſus, his man Dromio, Angelo, the
Goldsmith, and Balthazar the Merchant.

E. Ant. Good lignior Angelo, you muſt excuse us all :
My

The Comedy of Errors.

81

My Wife is fhowrish when I keep not hours ;

Say, that I linger'd with you at your Shop

To fee the making of her Carkaner,

And that to morrow you will bring it home.

But here's a villain that would face me down,

He met me on the Mart, and that I beat him,

And charg'd him with a thouand Marks in gold ;

And that I did deny my Wife and Houe:

Thou drunkard thou, what did'ft thou mean by this ?

E. Dro. Say what you will, fir, but I know what I know,

That you beat me at the Mart, you have my hand to flow :
If the skin were parchment,& the blows you gave were ink,
Your hand-writing would tell you what I think.

E. Ant. I think thou art an afs.

E. Dro. Marry, fo it dorth appear

By the wrongs I fuffer, and the blows I bear :

I fhould kick being kickt; and being at that paſſ,

You would keep from my heels, and beware of an afs.

E. An. Y'are fad, Signior Balthazar : pray God our cheer

May anſwer my good will, and your good welcome here.

Bal. I hold your dainties cheap, fir, & your welcome dear.

E. Ant. Ah fignior Balthazar, either at fleth or fifth,

A table-full of welcome makes ſcarce one dainty dith.

Bal. Good meat, fir, is common, that every churl affords.

Ant. And welcome more common; for that's nothing
but words.

Bal. Small cheer, and great welcome, makes a merry
feaſt.

Ant. I, to a niggardly Hoft, and more ſparing Gueſt :

But thomy caſes be mean, take them in good part;

Better cheer may you have, but not with better heart.

But ſoft; my door is lockt; go bid them let us in.

E. Dro. Maud, Briget, Marian, Cifly, Gillian, Gimn.

S. Dro. Mome, Malt-horſe, Capon, Coxcombe, Idiot.

Patch.

Either get thee from the door, or fit down at the hatch :
Doſthou conjure for wenches, that thou call'ſt for ſuch ſtore,

When one is one too many ? go get thee from the door.

E. Dro. What parch is made our porter ? my Maſter
ſtays in the ſtreet.

S. Dro. Let him walk from whence he came, left he
catch cold on's feet.

E. Ant. Who talks within there ? hoa, open the door.

S. Dro. Right, fir, I'le tell you when, and you'll tell me wherefore.

Ant. Wherefore ? for my dinner ? I have not din'd to
day.

S. Dro. Nor to day here you muſt not: come again when
you may.

Ant. What art thou that keep'ſt me out from the houſe
I owe?

S. Dro. The Porter for this time, fir, and my name is
Dromio.

E. Dro. O Villain, thou haſt ſtol'n both mine Office and
my Name.

The one ne're got me credit, the other mickle blame :

If thou had'ſt bid Dromio to day in my place,

Thou woul'ſt have chang'd thy face for a name, or thy
name for an afs.

Enter Luce.

Luc. What a coile is there, Dromio? who are thofe at the
gate ?

E. Dro. Let my Maſter in, Luce.

Luc. Faith, no; he comes too late; and ſo tell your Ma-
ſter.

E. Dro. O Lord, I muſt laugh: have at you with a Pro-
verb.

Shall I fet in my ſtaff.

Luc. Have at you with another; that's when? can you
tell ?

S. Dro. If thy name be called Luce, Luce, thou haſt an-
fwer d him well.

Ant. Do you hear, you Minion, you'll let us in, I
hope?

Luc. I thought to have askt you.

S. Dro. And you faid, no.

E. Dro. So, come, help, well ſtruck; there was blow for
blow.

Ant. Thou baggage, let me in.

Luc. Can you tell for whoſe ſake?

E. Dro. Maſter, knock the door hard.

Luc. Let him knock till it ake.

Ant. You'll cry for this, Minion, if I beat the door
down.

Luc. What needs all that, and a pair of ſtocks in the
Town?

Enter Adriana.

Adr. Who is that at the door that keeps all this noife ?

S. Dro. By my troth, your Town is troubled with unruly boys.

Ant. Are you there, Wife ? you might have come before.

Adr. Your Wife, fir knave? go get you from the door.

E. Dro. If you went in pain, Maſter, this knave would go fore.

Ang. Here is neither cheer, fir, nor welcome; we would
fain have either.

Baltz. In debating which was beſt, we ſhall part with neither.

E. Dro. They ſtand at the door, Maſter; bid them welcome hither.

Ant. There is ſomething in the wind, that we cannot get in.

E. Dro. You would ſay ſo, Maſter, if your garments were thin.

Your Cake here is warm within : you ſtand here in the cold.

It would make a man as mad as a Buck to be ſo bought and
fold.

Ant. Go fetch me ſomething, I'le break ope the gate.

S. Dro. Break, any breaking here, and I'le break your knaves pate.

E. Dro. A man may break a word with you, fir, and
words are but wind,

I, and break it in your face, ſo he break it not behind.

S. Dro. It ſeems thou want'ſt breaking; Out upon thee,
hinde.

E. Dro. Here's too much: Out upon thee; I pray thee let me in.

S. Dro. I, when fowls have no feathers, and fifth have no fin.

Ant. Well, I'le break in: go borrow me a Crow.

E. Dro. A crow without feather, Maſter, mean you ſo ?

For a fifth without a fin, there's a fowl without a feather :

If a crow help us in, firrah, we'll pluck a crow together.

Ant. Go, get thee gone, fetch me an Iron Crow.

Baltb. Have patience, fir: Oh let it not be ſo,

Herein you war againſt your Reputation,

And draw within the compaſs of ſuſpect,

Th'unviolated honour of your Wife.

Once this your long experience of your wifdom,

Her ſober vertue, years, and modesty,

Plead on your part ſome cauſe to you unknown ;

And doubt not, fir, but ſhe will well excufe

Why at this time the doors are made againſt you.

Be rul'd by me, depart in patience,

And let us to the Tyger all to dinner,

And about evening come your ſelf alone,

To know the Reaſon of this ſtrange reſtraint:

If by ſtrong hand you offer to break in

Now in the ſtirring paſſage of the day,

A vulgar comment will be made of it ;

And that ſuppofed by the common Rout,

Againſt your yet ungalled effination.

That

The Comedy of Errors.

82

That may with foul intrusion enter in,
And dwell upon your grave when you are dead;
For flander lives upon fucceffion;
For ever hous'd where it once gets poffeffion.

Ant. You have prevail'd; I will depart in quiet,
And in defpight of mirth mean to be merry :
I know a wench of excellent discurſe,
Pretty and witty, wild, and yet too gentle;
There will we dine: this woman that I mean,
My Wife (but I proteft without defert)
Hath oftentimes upbraided me withal:
To her will we to dinner: get you home,
And fetch the chain; by this I know 'tis made;
Bring it, I pray you, to the Porpentine;
For there's the houſe: That chain I will beſtow
(Be it for nothing but to pſight my Wife)
Upon my hofſeſs there: good fir, make haſte:
Since mine own doors reſufe to entertain me,
Ile knock eſwhere, to fee if they'didain me.

Ang. I'le meet you at that place, ſome hour, fir, hence.

Ant. Do ſo: this jeſt ſhall coſt me ſome expence.

Exeunt.

Enter Luciana, with Antipholis of Syracusa.

Julia. And may it be, that you have quite forgot
A husband's Office? Shall Antipholis,
Even in the spring of Love, thy Love-springs rot?
Shall love in buildings grow ſo ruinate?
If you did wed my filter for her wealth,
Then for her healths-fake uſe her with more kindneſs:
Or if you like eſwhere, do it by ſtealth,
Muffe your falſe love with ſome ſhew of blindneſs:
Let not my filter read it in your eye:
Be not thy tongue thy own ſhames Orator:
Look ſweet ſpeake ſair; become difſloyalty:
Apparel Vice like Vertues harbinger:
Bear a fair prefence, tho your heart be tainted;
Teach ſin the carriage of a holy Saint;
Be ſecret falſe: what need ſhe be acquainted?
What ſimple theft ſhief brags of his own attain?
'Tis double wrong to truant with your bed,
And let her read it in thy looks on board:
Shame hath a baltair-frame, well managed;
Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word:
Alas poor women, make us not believe
(Being compaſs of credit), that you love us:
Tho others have the arm, ſhew us the ſleeve:
We in your motion run; and you may move us.
Then gentle brother, get you in again;
Comfort my filter, chear her, call her Wife:
'Tis holy ſport to be a little vain,

When the ſweet breath of flattery conquers ſtrife,
S. Ant. Sweet Miftris: what your name is eſſe, I know
not;
Nor by what wander you do hit of mine:
Leſs in your knowledg, and your grace you ſhow not,
Than our earths wonder, more than earth, divine.
Teach me, dear creature, how to think and ſpeak :
Lay open to my earthy groſs conceit:
Smother'd in errors, feeble, ſhadow, weak,
The ſoulded meaning of your words deceit:
Aginſt my ſouls pure truth, why labour you,
To make it wander in an unknown field?
Are you a god? would you create me new?
Transform me then, and to your power I'le yeild.
But if that I am I; then well I know,
Your weeping filter is no Wife of mine,
Nor to her bed a homage do I owe:
Far more, far more to you do I decline:
Oh train me not, ſweet Mermaid with thy note,
To drown me in thy filters flood of tears:
Sing Siren for thy ſelf, and I will dote:
Spread o're the filver waves thy golden hairs,

And as a bed I'le take thee, and there lie:

And in that glorious ſuppoſition,
He gains by death that hath ſuch means to die:
Let Love, being light, be drowned if ſhe fink.

Luc. What, are you mad, that you do reaſon ſo?

Ant. Not mad, but mated, how, I do not know.

Luc. It is a fault that ſpringeth from your eye.

Ant. For gazing on your beams, fair Sun being by.

Luc. Gaze when you ſhould, and that will clear your fight.

Ant. As good to wink, ſweet love, as look on night.

Luc. Why call you me, love ? call my filter ſo.

Ant. Thy filters filter.

Luc. That's my filter.

Ant. No : it is my ſelf, mine own ſelf's better part:

Mine eyes clear eye, my dear hearts dearer heart,
My food, my fortune, and my ſweet hopes aim,
My ſole earths heaven, and my heavens claim.

Luc. All this my filter is, or eſſe should be.

Ant. Call thy ſelf, filter ſweeſ; for I am thee :

Thee will I love, and with thee lead my life:
Thou haſt no husband yet, nor I no wife:
Give me thy hand.

Luc. Oh ſoft fir, hold you ſtill :

Ile fetch my filter, to get her good will.

Enter Dromio, Siracusa.

Ant. Why how now, Dromio, where runn't thou ſo
falt?

S. Dro. Do you know me, fir? Am I Dromia? Am I
your man? Am I my ſelf?

Ant. You art Dromio, thou art my man, thou art
thy ſelf.

Dro. I am an aſſ, I am a womans man, and beſides my
ſelf.

Ant. What womans man ? and how beſides thy
ſelf?

Dro. Marry fir, beſides my ſelf, I am due to a woman.

One that claims me, one that haunts me, one that will have me.

Ant. What claim lays ſhe to thee?

Dro. Marry fir, ſuch claim as you would lay to your
horſe; and ſhe would have me as a beaſt; not that I being
a beaſt, ſhe would have me, but that ſhe being a very beaſt-
ly creature, lays claim to me.

Ant. What is ſhe?

Dro. A very reverent body: I, ſuch a one as a man may
not ſpeak of, without he ſay, fir reverence: I have but
lean luck in the match; and yet is ſhe a wondrous fat mar-
riage.

Ant. How doſt thou mean, a fat marriage?

Dro. Marry fir, ſhe's the Kitchin-wench, and all greaſe,
and I know not what uſe to put her to, but to make a Lamp
of her, and run from her by her own light. I warrant her
Rags, and the Tallow in them, will burn a Poland Winter:
if the lives till doomſday, ſhe'l burn a week longer than
the whole World.

Ant. What complexion is ſhe of?

Dro. Swart, like my ſhooe, but her face nothing like ſo
clean kept: for why? ſhe weats, a man may go over-
ſhoes in the grime of it.

Ant. That's a fault that water will mend.

Dro. No, fir, 'tis in grain; Noah's flood could not do
it.

Ant. What's her name?

Dro. Nell, fir: but her name is three quarters; that's an
Ell and three quarters will not meaſure her from hip to
hip.

Ant. Then ſhe bears ſome breadth?

Dro. No longer from head to foot, than from hip to hip:
ſhe is ſpherical, like a globe: I could find out Countries in
her.

Ant. In what part of her body stands Ireland?

Dro

The Comedy of Errors.

Dro. Marry fir, in her buttocks; I found it out by the
bogs.

Ant. Where Scotland ?

Dro. I found it by the barreneſs, hard in the palm of
the hand.

Ant. Where France ?

Dro. In her forehead, arm'd, and reverted, making war
againſt her hair.

Ant. Where England ?

Dro. Hook'd for thechalky Cliffs, but I could find no
whiteneſs in them: But I gueſt, it ſtood in her chin, by the
falt Rheume that ran between France and it.

Ant. Where Spain ?

Dro. Faith. I faw it not; but I felt it hot in her breath.

Ant. Where America, the Indies ?

Dro. Oh fir, upon her noſe, all o're embellifhed with Ru-
bies, Carbuncles, Saphires, declining their rich aspect to
the hot breath of Spain, whoſent whole Armadoes of Car-
racks to be ballaſt at her noſe.

Ant. Where flood Belgia, the Netherlands ?

Dro. Oh fir, I did not ſook ſo low. To conclude, this
drudg, or Diviner, laid claim to me, caſſ'd me Dromio,
ſware I was affur'd to her, told me what privy marks I had
about me, as the marks on my ſhoulder, the Mole in my
neck, the great Wart on my left arm, that I, amaz'd,
ran from her, as a Witch. And I think, if my breaſt had
not been made of faith, and my heart of ſeel, ſhe had
transform'd me to a Curtal dog, and made me turn i'th'
wheel.

Ant. Go hie thee preſently; poſt to the Road;
And if the wind blow any way from ſhore,
I will not harbour in this Town to night.
If any Bark put forth, come to the Mart;
Where I will walk till thou return to me:
If every one knows us, and we know none,
'Tis time I think to trudg, pack and be gone.

Dro. As from a Bear a man would run for life,
So ſhy I from her that would be my Wife.

Ant. There's none but Witches do inhabit here;
And therefore'tis high time that I were hence:
She that doth call me husband, even my foul
Doth for a wife abhor: But her fair ſifter,
Poſſett with ſuch a gentle ſoveraignt grace,
Or ſuch inchanting prefence and diſcourſe,
Hath almost made me Traitor to my ſelf:
But leaſt my ſelf be guilty to ſelf-wrong,
I'le ſtop mine ears againſt the Mermaids ſong.

Exit.

Enter Angelo with the Chain.

Ang. M. Antipolis.

Ant. I, that's my name.

Ang. I know it well fir, lo, here's the Chain:
I thought to have tane you at the Porpentine:
The Chain unfiniſht made me ſtay thus long.

Ant. What is your will that I ſhall do with this ?

Ant. What pleaſe your ſelf, fir: I have made it for
you.

Ant. Make it for me, fir! I bespoke it not.

Ang. Not once, not twice, but twenty times you
have:

Go home with it, and pleaſe your Wife withal;
And ſoon at ſupper-time I'le viſit you,
And then receive my money for the Chain.

Ant. I pray you, fir, receive the money now,
For fear you ne're fee Chain, nor money more.

Ang. You are a meſſry man, fir: fare you well.

Exit.

Ant. What I think of this, I cannot tell:
But this I think, there's no man is ſo vain,
That would reſufe ſo fair an offer'd Chain.

I fee a man here needs not live by ſhifts,
When in the streets he meets ſuch golden gifts:
He to the Mart, and there for Dromio ſtay:

If any Ship put out, then ſtrait away.

Exit.

Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.

Enter a Merchant, Goldsmith, and an Officer.

Mer. You know ſince Pentecoft the ſum is due;
And ſince I have not much importu'n't you;
Nor now I had not, but that I am bound
To Perſia, and want Gilders for my Voyage :
Therefore make preſent ſatisfaction;
Or I'le attach you by this Officer.

Gold. Even juſt the ſum that I do owe to you,
Is growing to me by Antipolis;
And in the inſant that I met with you,
He had of me a Chain: at five a clock
I ſhall receive the money for the fame:
Pleafeth you walk with me down to his houſe,
I will diſcharge my bond, and thank you too.

Enter Antipolis Epheſ. Dromio from the Courtezans.

Offi. That labour you may ſave: See where he comes
Ant. While I go to the Goldsmith's houſe, go thou
And buy a Ropes end; that will I beſtow

Among my Wife, and their Confederates,
For locking me out of my doors by day :
But ſoft: I fee the Goldsmith: get thee gone;
Buy thou a Rope, and bring it home to me.

Dro. I buy a thouſand pound a year; I buy a Rope.

Exit Dromio.

Eph. Ant. A man is well hope up that truſts to you:
I promiſed your preſence, and the Chain;
But neither Chain nor Goldsmith came to me:
Belike you thought our love would laſſ too long
If it were chain'd together: and therefore came not.

Gold. Saving your merry humour, here's the Note,
How much your Chain weighs to the utmoſt Raccat
The fineneſs of the Gold, and chargeful ſhiond
Which doth amount to three odd Duckets more
Than I ſtand debted to this Gentleman:
I pray you fee him preſently diſcharg'd;

For he is bound to Sea, and ſtays but for it.
Ant. I am not furniſh'd with the preſent money.

Befides, I have ſome buſineſs in the Town:
Good Signior take the ſtranger to my houſe,
And with you take the Chain, and bid my Wife
Disburſe the ſum on the receipt thereof:
Perchance I will be there as ſoon as you.

Gold. Then you will bring the Chain to her your
ſelf.

Ant. No: bear it with you, left I come not time e-
nough.

Gold. Well fir, I will: Have you the Chain about
you?

Ant. And if I have not, fir, I hope you have:
Or eſſe you may return without your money.

Gold. Nay, come, I pray you, fir, give me the Chain:
Both Wind and Tide ſtays for the Gentleman;
And I too blame have held him here too long.

Ant. Good Lord, you uſe this dalliance to excufe

Your breach of promife to the Porpentine:
I ſhould have chid you for not bringing it;
But like a ſhrew, you firſt begin to brawl.

But like a ſhrew, you firſt begin to brawl.
Mer. The hour ſteals on; I pray you, fir, diſpatch.
Gold. You hear how he importunes me the Chain:
Ant. Why, give it to my Wife, and fetch your money.

Gold. Come, come, you know I gave it you even now.

Either ſend the Chain, or ſend me by ſome token.
Ant. Fie, now you run this humour out of breath:

Come, where's the Chain ? I pray you let me fee it.

Mer.

The Comedy of Errors.

84

Mer. My buſineſs cannot brook this daſſance:
Good fir ſay, whe'r you'l anſwer me, or no:
If not, I'lle leave him to the Officer.

Ant. I anſwer you ? Why ſhould I anſwer you ?
Gold. The money that you owe me for the Chain.
Ant. I would you none till I receive the Chain.
Gold. You know I gave it you half an hour ſince.
Ant. You gave me none: you wrong me much to ſay
to.

Gold. You wrong me, fir, in denying it:
Confider how it ſtands upon your credit.
Mer. Well, Officer, arreſt him at my ſuit.
Off. I do; and charge you in the Duke's Name to obey
me.

Gold. This touches me in Reputation.
Either conſent to pay the ſum for me;
Or I attach you by this Officer.

Ant. Conſent to pay that I never had:
Arreſt me, ſooth ſellow, if thou dar'ſt.

Gold. Here is thy fee; arreſt him, Officer.
I would not ſpare my brother in this caſe,
If he ſhould ſcorn me ſo apparently.

Off. I do arreſt you, fir ; you hear the ſuit.

Ant. I do obey thee till I give thee bail.
But ſirrah, you ſhall buy this ſport as dear
As all the metal in your ſhop will anſwer.

Gold. Sir, fir, I ſhall have Law in Epiſhues,
To your notorious ſhame, I doubt it not.

Enter Dromio Sira. from the Bay.

Dro. Maſter, there's a Bark of Epidamium,
That ſtays but till her Owner comes aboard ;
Then, fir, the bears away. Our fraughtage, fir,
I have convey'd aboard ; and I have brought
The Oy, the Bajſamum, and Aqua-vitæ.
The Ship is in her trim ; the merry wind
Blows fair from land : they ſlay for nought at all,
But for their Owner, Maſter, and your ſelf.

Ant. How now! a mad man! Why, thou peeviſh ſheep,
What Ship of Epidamium ſtays for me?

S. Dro. A Ship you ſent me to, to hire waſtage.

Ant. Thou drunken ſlave, I ſent thee for a Rope;
And told thee to what purpofe and what end.

S. Dro. You ſent me for a Ropes end as ſoon :
You ſent me to the Bay, fir, for a Bark.

Ant. I will debate this matter at more leifure,
And teach your ears to lift me with more heed :
To Adriana, Villain, hie thee ſtrait :
Give her this key, and tell her in the Desk
That's cover'd o're with Turkisb Tapiftry,
There is a purſe of Ducks ; let her ſend it:
Tell her, I am arreſted in the ſtreet;
And that ſhall bail me: hie thee ſlave ; be gone:
On Officer to prifon till it come.

Exeunt.

S. Dro. To Adriana , that is where we din'd;
Where Dowlabel did claim me for her husband:
She is too big, I hope, for me to compafs :
Thither I muſt, altho' againſt my will :
For Servants muſt their Maſters minds ſuſil.

Exit.

Enter Adriana and Luciana.

Adr. Ah Luciana, did he tempt thee to?
Might it thou perceive auſticularly in his eye,
That he did plead in earneſt, yea or no?
Look'd he or red or pale, or ſad or merrily?
What Obſervation mad it thou in this caſe,
Of his heart's Meteors tilting in his face?

Luc. First he denied you had in him no right.
Adr. He meant he did me none; the more my ſpight.
Luc. Then ſware he, that he was a ſtranger here.
Adr. And true he ſware, though yet forſworn he
were e.

Luc. Then pleaded I for you.
Adr. And what faſd he ?
Luc. That love I begg'd for you, he begg'd of me.
Adr. With what perſwafion did he tempt thy love?
Luc. With words that in an honeſt ſuit might move:
First, he did praſe my beauty, then my ſpeech.

Luc. Did it ſpeak him fair ?
Luc. Have patience I beſeech.

Adr. I cannot, nor I will not hold me fit:
My tongue, tho' not my heart, ſhould have his will.
He is deformed, crooked, old and ſere,
Ill-fac'd, worſe bodied, ſhapeleſſ every where :
Vicious, ungentle, ſoſilſh, blunt, unkind,
Stigmatical in making, worſe the mind.

Luc. VVho would be jealous then of such a one ?
No evil loft is waſl'd when it is gone.

Adr. Ah ! but I think him better than I ſay:
And yet would herein others eyes were worſe :
Far from her neſt the Lapwing cries away:
My heart prays for him, tho' my tongue do curſe.

Enter S. Dromio.

Dro. Here: go: the desk, the purſe: ſweet now make
hafte.

Luc. How haſt thou loft thy breath ?

S. Dro. By running faſt.

Adr. VVhere is thy Maſter, Dromio ? Is he well ?

S. Dro. No: he's in Tartar limbo ; worſe than hell :
A devil in an everlaſting garment hath him;
One whole hard heart is button'd up with ſeel:
A Fiend, a Fairy, pitileſs and ruff:
A Wolf; nay, worſe, a fellow all in Buff;
A back-friend, a ſhoulder-clapper, one that countermands
The paſſages of allies, creeks, and narrow lands:
A hound that runs counter, and yet draws driffoot well;
One that before the Judgment carries poor ſouls to hell.

Adr. VVhy man, what is the matter ?

S. Dro. I do not know the matter: he is reſted on the
cafe.

Adr. VVhat, is he arreſted ? tell me at whole ſuit ?

S. Dro. I know not at whole ſuit he is arreſted: well
but he's in a ſuit of buff which reſted him; that I can tell
VVill you ſend him Miftris Redemption, the money in his
desk ?

Adr. Go fetch it, ſifter: this I wonder at.

Exit Luciana.

That he unknown to me ſhould be in debt:
Tell me, was he arreſted on a band ?
S. Dro. Not on a band, but on a ſngerer thing;
A chain, a chain : do you not hear it ring ?

Adr. VVhat, the chain ?

S. Dro. No, the bell : 'tis time that I were gone :
It was Two e're I left him, and now the clock ſtrikes One.

Adr. The hour's come back ! that did I never hear.

S. Dro. Oh yes ; if any hour meet a Sergeant, a turns
back for very fear.

Adr. As if Time were in debt: how fondly do'ſt thou rea-
fon?

S. Dro. Time is a very bankrout, and owes more than he's
worth to ſeafon.

Nay, he's a thief too : have you not heard men ſay,
That time comes ſtealing on by night and day?
If I be in debt and theft, and a Sergeant in the way,
Hath he not Reaſon to turn back an hour in a day ?

Enter Luciana.

Luc. Go, Dromio; there's the money; bear it ſtraight,
And bring thy Maſter home immediately.
Come ſifter, I am preſt down with conceit :
Conceit, my comfort and my injury.

Exit.

Enter

The Comedy of Errors.

85

Enter Antipholis Siracusan.

An. S. There's not a man I meet but doth salute me,
As if I were their well acquainted friend,
And every one well call me by my name:
Some tender money to me, some invite me;
Some other give me thanks for k indnesse;
Some offer me Commodities to buy.
Even now a tailor call'd me in his shop,
And how'd me Silks that he had bought for me,
And therewithal took meaure of my body.
Sure thefe are but imaginary wiles,
And Lapland Sorcerers inhabit here.

Enter Dromio, Sir.

S. Dro. Maſter, here's the gold you ſent me for: what
have you got the picture of old Adam new apparel'd ?
Ant. What gold is this ? What Adam doſt thou
mean ?

S. Dro. Not that Adam that kept the Paradife : but
that Adam that keeps the prifon ; he that goes in the
calves-skin, that was kil'd for the Prodigal : he that
came behinde you ſir, like an evil Angel, and bid you for-
fake your liberty.

Ant. I undَerstand thee not.

S. Dro. No, ? why tis a plain cafe: he that went like
a Bare Viol in a cafe of leather ; the man ſir, that when
Gentlemen are tired gives them a fob, and reſts them :
he ſir that takes pity on decayed men, and gives them
fuſts of durance : he that fets up his reſt to do more ex-
ploits with his Mace, than a Moris Pike.

Ant. What ! thou mean'st an officer ?

S. Dro. I ſo, the Serjeant of the Band : he that brings
any man to anſer it that breaks his Band ; one that
thinks a man always going to bed, and faith, God give
you good reſt.

Ant. Well ſir, there reſt in your foolery.

Is there any Ship puts forth to night ? may we be gone?

S. Dro. Why ſir, I brought you word an hour ſince
that the Bark *Expedition* put forth to night, and then,
were you hindred by the Serjeant to tarvy for the *Ho*
*Delay*, Here are the Angels that you ſent for to deliver
you.

Ant. The fellow is diftraſſe, and ſo am I,

And here we wander in Illusions:

Some bleſſed power deliver us from hence.

Enter a Curtizan.

Cur. Well met, well met, Maſter Antipholis.
I fee ſir, you have found the Goldſmith now:

Is that the Chain your promis'd to me to day ?

Ant. Sathan avoid, I charge thee tempt me not.

S. Dro. Maſter, is this Miftris Sathan ?

Ant. It is the devil.

S. Dro. Nay, ſhe is worſe, ſhe is the devils dam :
And here ſhe comes in the habit of a light wench, and
thereof comes that the wenches ſay God dam me, That's
as much to ſay, God make me a light wench. It is writ-
ten they appear to men like angels of light, light is an
eſtect of fire, and fire will burn : ergo, light wenches will
burn, come not near her.

Cur. Your man and you are marvellous merry ſir.
Will you go with me, wee'll mend our dinner here ?

S. Dro. Maſter, if you do, expect spoon-meat, or be-
fpeak a long fpoon.

Ant. Why Dromio ?

S. Dromio. Marry he must have a long fpoon that muſt
eat with the devil.

S. Dromio. Avoid thou fiend, what tell me thou me of sup-
Thou art, (as you are all) a forcerefſe ? ( ping ?)

I conjure thee to leave me, and be gone.

Cur. Give me the ring of mine you had at dinner,
Or for my Diamond the chain you promis'd,
And I be gone ſir, and not trouble you.

S. Dro. Some devils ask but the parings of ones nail,
a ruff, a hair, a drop of; blood, a pin, a nur, a cherry-
ſtone: but ſhe more covetous, would have a chain.

Maſter, after be wife, and if you give it her, the deu will ſhake her
Chain, and fright us with it.

Cur. I pray you ſir, my Ring, or eſſe the Chain,
I hope you do not mean to cheat me ſo ?

Ant. Avant thou witch : Come Dromio let us go.

S. Dro. Flie pride, fays the Peacok, Miftris that
you know.

Cur. Now out of doubt Antipholis is mad,
Elle would he never ſo demean himself,
A Ring he hath of mine worth forty Duckets,
And for the fame he promis'd me a Chain,
Both one and other he denies me now :
The reaſon that I gather he is mad,
( Besides this preſent inſtance of his rage, )
Is a mad tale he told to day at dinner,
Of his own doors being flut againſt his entrance;
Belike his wife acquainted with his ſits,
On purpofe flut the doors againſt his way.
My way is now to hie home to his houſe,
And tell his wife that being Lunatick,
He ruſh'd into my houſe, and took perſorce
My Ring away. This courſe I fitte chooſe,
For forty Duckets is too much to loſe,

Enter Antipholis Ephes. with a Taylor.

An. Fear menot man, I will not break away,
Ile give thee ere I leave thee ſo much money,
To warrant thee as I am reſted for.

My wife is in a wayward mood to day,
And will not lightly truſt the meſsenger ;
That I should be attach'd in Ephesus,

I tell you 'twill found haſhly in her ears.

Enter Dromio Eph. with a ropes end.

Here comes my Man, I think he brings the money.

How now ſir? Have you that I ſent you for ?

E. Dro. Here's that I warrant you will pay them all.

Anti. But where's the Money ?

E. Dro. Why ſir, I gave the Money for the Rope.

Ant. Five hundred Duckets villain for a rope ?

E. Dro. Ile ſerve you ſir, five hundred at the rate.

Ant. To what end did I bid thee thee home ?

E. Dro. To a ropes end ſir, and to that end am I re-
turn'd.

Ant. And to that end ſir, I will welcome you.

Offi. Good fir be patient.

E. Dro. Nay, 'tis for me to be patient, I am in adver-
fity.

Offi. Good now hold thy tongue.

E. Dro. Nay, rather perſwade him to hold his hands.

Anti. Thou whorfon ſenſles Villain.

E. Dro. I would I were ſenſeſs ſir, that I might not
feel your blows.

Anti. Thou art ſenſible in nothing but blows, and
ſo is an Aſſe.

E. Dro. I am an Aſſe indeed, you may prove it by
my long ears. I have ſerved him from the hour of my
Nativity to this inſtant, and have nothing at his hands
for my ſervice but blows. When I am cold, he heats
me with beating; when I am warm, he cools me with
beating : I am wak'd with it when I ſleep, rais'd with
it when I fit, driven out of doors with it when I go
from home, welcom'd home with it when I return ; nay
I bear it on my shoulders, as a begger woont her brat,
and I think when he hath lam'd me, I shall beg with
it from door to door.

Enter Adriana, Luciana, Courtizan, and a School-
maſter, called Pinch.

Ant. Come go along, my wife is coming yon-
der.

E. Dro. Miftris reſpice ſinem, reſpect your end, or ra-
ther thr propheſe like the Parrot, beware the ropes end.

Anti. Wilt thou still talk ?

Beats Dro.

Cur. How ſay you now ? Is not your husband mad ?

Adri. His incivility confirms no leſſe:

Good Doctor Pinch, you are a Conjurer.

H

Eſtabliſh

The Comedy of Errors.

86

Ed a blight him in his true fence again,

And I will please you what you will demand.

Luc. Alas how fiery and how sharp he looks,

Cur. Mark, how he trembles in his extase.

Pinch. Give me your hand, and let me feel your
pulfe.

Ant. There is my hand, and let it feel your ear.

Pinch. I charge thee Satan, hous'd within this man
To yeeld poffection to my holy prayers,

And to thy state of darkneſs hie thee ſtraight,
I conjure thee by all the Saints in Heaven.

Ant. Peace doting wizard, peace; I am not mad.

Adr. Oh that thou wer't not, poor diſtrefled foul.

Ant. You minion you, are theſe your Cuctomers?

Did this companion with the ſaffron face

Revel and feaſt it at my houſe to day,

Whilft upon me the guiltie doors were flut,

And I denied to enter in my houſe.

Adr. O husband, God doth know you din'd at home,
Where would you had remain'd until this time,
Free from theſe flanders, and this open ſhame.

Ant. Dind at home ? Thou Villain, what ſayſt
thou ?

Dro. Sir ſooth to ſay, you did not dine at home.

Ant. Were not my doors lockt up, and I flut out ?

Dro. Perdie, your doors were lockt, and your ſut
out.

Ant. And did not ſhe her ſelf revile me there ?

Dro. Sans Fable, ſhe her ſel revil'd you there.

Ant. Did not her Kitchen-maid rail, taunt, and ſcorn
me?

Dro. Certis ſhe did, the Kitchen veſtal ſcorn'd you :

Ant. And did not I in-rage depart from thence?

Dro. In veritie you did, my bones bear witneſs,
That ſince he felt the vigor of his rage.

Adr. It's good to ſmooth him in theſe contraries?

Pinch. It is no ſhame, the ſellow finds his vain,

And yeelding to him, humors well his frenſie.

Ant. Thou haſt ſuborn'd the Goldſmith to arreſt me.

Adr. Alas, I ſent you Money to redeem you,

By Dromio here, who came in haſt for it.

Dro. Money by me ? Heart and good will you might,
But ſurely Maſter not a rag of Money.

Ant. Wentſt not thou to her for a purſe of Ducks?

Adr. He came to me, and I deliver'd it.

Luci. And I am witneſs with her that ſhe did.

Dro. God and the Rope-maker bear me witneſs,
That I was ſent for nothing but a rope.

Pinch. Miftris, both man and Maſter is poffeſt,
I know it by their pale and deadly looks.

They muſt be bound and laid in ſome dark room.

Ant. Say wherefore didſt thou lock me forth to day,
And why doſt thou deny the bag of gold?

Adr. I did not gentle husband lock thee forth.

Dro. And gentle M. I receiv'd no gold :

But I confers fir, that we were lock'd out.

Adr. Differingling Villain, thou ſpeak't ſalſe in both.

Ant. Differingling harlot, thou art ſalſe in all,
And art confederate with a damned pack,
To make a loathſome abject ſcorn of me :

But with theſe nails I'le pluck out theſe ſalſe eyes,
That would behold in me this ſhameful ſport.

Enter three or four, and offer to bind him:
He ſtrives.

Adr. Oh bind him, bind him, let him not come
near me.

Pinch. More company, the ſiend is ſtrong within him.

Luc. Aye me poor man, how pale and wan he looks.

Ant. What, will you murther me, thon Jaylor thou?
I am thy prifoner, wilt thou ſuffer them to make a reſ-
cue?

Off. Maſters let him go : he is my prifoner, and you
ſhall not have him.

Pinch. Go bind this man, for he is ſfrantick too.

Adr. What wilt thou do, thou peevilth Officer?
Haſt thou delight to fee a wretched man
Do outrage and diſpleasure to himſelf?

Off. He is my prifoner, if I let him go,
The debt he owes will be requir'd of me.

Adr. I will diſcharge thee ere I go from thee,
Bear me forthwith unto his Creditor,

And knowing how the debt grows I will pay it.

Good Maſter Doctor fee him ſale convey'd
Home to my houſe, oh moſt unhappy day.

Ant. Oh moſt unhappy ſtrumpet.

Dro. Maſter, I am here entred in bond for you.

Ant. Out on the Villain, wherefore doſt thou mad me?
Dro. Will you be bound for nothing ? be mad, good
maſter, cry the devil.

Luc. God help poor ſouſs, how idlely do they talk !

Adr. Go bear him hence, filter go you with me :
Say now, whoſe ſuit is he arreſted at?

Exeunt. Manet Offic. Adri. Luci Courtizan.

Off. One Angelo a Goldſmith, do you know him ?

Adr. I know the man: what is the ſun he owes ?

Off. Two hundred Ducks.

Adr. Say, how grows it due?

Off. Due for a Chain your husband had of him.

Adr. He did beſpeak a Chain for me, but had it not.

Cour. When as your husband all in rage to day.

Came to my houſe, and took away my Ring,

The Ring I ſaw upon his ſinger now,

Straight after did I meet him with a Chain,

Adr. It may be ſo, but I did never fee it.

Come Jaylor, bring me where the Goldſmith is,
I long to know the truth hereof at large.

Enter Antipholis Siracufian with his Rapier drawn,
and Dromio Sirac.

Luc. God for thy mercy, they are ſloofe again.

Adr. And come with naked Iwords,

Let's call more help to have them bound again.

Run all out.

Off. Away, they'll kill us.

Exeunt, omne, as ſaſt as may be, ſrighted.

S. Ant. I fee theſe Witches are affraid of Iwords.

S. Dro. She that would be your wife, now ran from you
Ant. Come to the Centaur, fetch our ſtuff from thence:
I long that we were ſafe and found aboard.

Dro. Faith ſlay here this night, they will ſurely do
us no harm : you ſaw they ſpake us fair, give us gold;
me thinks they are ſuch a gentle Nation, that but for
the Mountain of mad ſleth that claims marriage of me,
I could find in my heart to ſlay here Rill, and turn Witch.

Ant. I will not ray to night for all the Town,
Therefore away, to get our ſtuff aboard.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus. Scæna Prima.

Enter the Merchant and the Goldsmith

Gold. I am forſy Sir that I have hindred you,
But I proteſt he had the Chain of me,
Though moſt diſhoneſtly he did deny it.

Mer. How is the man eſteem'd here in the Citie ?
Gold. Of very reverent reputation fir,
Of credit infinite, highly belov'd.

Second to none that lives here in the Citie :
His word might bear my wealth at any time.

Mer. Speak softly, yonder as I think he walks.
Enter Antipholis and Dromio again.

Gold. 'Tis fo : and that ſelf-chain about his neck,
Which he forſtfore (moſt forſtrouſely ) to have.

Good fir draw near to me, I'le ſpeak to him :

Signior Antipholis, wonder much
That you would put me to this ſhame and trouble,

And

["The Comedy of Errors.", "87", "And not without some scandal to your self,\nWith circumstance and oaths, so to deny\nThis chain, which now you wear so openly,\nBefide the charge, the shame, the imprisonment,\nYou have done wrong to this my honest friend,\nWho but for staying on our Controverseie,\nHad hoisted sail, and put to sea to day:\nThis chain you had of me, can you deny it?", "Ant. I think I had, I never did deny it.", "Mer. Yes that you did fir, and forswore it too.", "Ant. Who heard me to deny it or forswear it?", "Mer. These ears of mine thou knowst did hear thee:\nFie on thee wretch, 'tis pity that thou liv'st\nTo walk where any honest men reort.", "", "Ant. Thou art a Villain to impeach me thus,\nIle prove mine honour, and my honesty\nAgainst thee prefeently, if thou dar'st stand:\nMer. I dare and do defie thee for a villain.", "They draw. Enter Adriana, Luciana, Courtezan, and others.", "Adr. Hold, hurt him not for God's sake, he is mad,\nSome get within him, take his sword away:\nBinde Dromio too, and bear them to my house.", "S. Dro. Run mafter run, for Gods sake take a houſe,\nThis is some Priory, in, or we are spoil'd.", "Exeunt to the Priory.", "Enter Lady Abbeſſe.", "Abb. Be quiet people; wherefore throng you hither?", "Abb. Fetch my poor deftraſted husband hence?", "Let us come in, that we may bind him faſt,\nAnd bear him home for his recovery.", "Gold. I knew he was not in his perſect wits.", "Mer. I am forry now that I did draw on him.", "Abb. How long hath this poffeffion held the man?", "Adr. This week he hath been heavy, lower, ſad,", "And much different from the man he was :", "But till this afternoon his paffion", "Ne're brake into extremity of rage.", "Ab. Hath he not loſt much wealth by wrack at Sea,\nBuried some dear friend, hath not else his eye", "Stray'd his affection in unlawful love,", "A fin prevailing much in youthful men,", "Who give their eyes the liberty of gazing.", "Which of theſe forrows is he ſubject to?", "Adr. To none of theſe except it be the laſt ;", "Namely, ſome love that drew him oft from home.", "Ab. You ſhould for that have reprehended him", "Ad. Why ſo I did.", "Ab. I, but not rough enough.", "Ad. As roughly as my modeſt would let me", "Ab. Haply in private.", "Ad. And in affleblies too.", "Ab. I but not enough.", "Ad. It was the copy of our conference.", "In bed he slept not for my urging it,", "At board he ſed not for my urging it :", "Alone, it was the ſubject of my Theam :", "In company I often glanced it :", "Still did I tell him, it was vild and bad.", "Ab. And thereof came it that the man was mad.", "The venomous clamours of a jealous woman,", "Poyſons more deadly than a mad dog's tooth,", "It ſeems his fleeps were hindeed by thy railing,", "And thereof comes it that his head is light.", "Thou ſaſt his meat was faw'd with thy upbraidings,\nUnquiet meals makes ill digeſtions,", "Thereof the raging fire of feaver bred,", "And what's a Feaver but a fit of Madneſs?", "Thou fay't his ſports were hindeed by thy brawls.", "Sweet recreation bate'd what doth enſue.", "But muddy and dull melancholly,", "Kinfman to grim and comfortles ſdefair,", "And at her heels a huge infectious troop", "Of pale diſtemperatures, and foes to life", "In food, in ſport, and life-preferring reſt", "To be diſturb'd, would mad or man or beaſt :", "The conſequence is then, thy jealous ſits", "Have ſear'd thy Husband from the ſe of wits.", "Luc. She never reprehended him but mildly,\nWhen he demean'd himſelf rough, rude and wildly.\nWhy hear you thatroſe rebukes, and anſwer not?", "Ad. She did betray me to my own reproof,\nGood peepers enter and lay hold on him.", "Ab. No, not a creature enters in my houſe.", "Ad. Then let your ſervants bring my husband forth.", "Ab. Neither : he took this place for ſanctuary,\nAnd it shall privilege him from your hands,\nTill I have brought him to his wits again,\nOr loſe my labour in affaying it.", "Ad. I will attend my Husband, be his Nurſe,\nDiet his ſickneſs, for it is my Office,\nAnd will have no Attorney but my ſelf,\nAnd therefore let me have him home with me.", "Ab. Be patient, for I will not let him ſir,\nTill I have us'd the approved means I have,\nwith wholſome Sirrups, Drugs, and holy Prayers", "To make of him a formal man again:", "It is a branch and parcel of mine oath,", "A charitable duty of my order,", "Therefore depart and leave him here with me.", "Ad. I will not hence, and leave me here here:", "And ill it doth beſeem your holinels", "To ſeparate the Husband and the Wife.", "Ab. Be quiet and depart, thou ſhalt not have him.", "Luc. Complain unto the Duke of this indignity.", "Ad. Come go, I will fall proſtrate at his feet,", "And never rife until my tears and prayers", "Have won his Grace to come in perſon hither,", "And take perſorce my husband from the Abbeſſe. Exeunt.", "Enter Merchant and Goldsmith.", "Mer. By this I think the Dial points at live:", "Anon I me ſure the Duke himſelf in perſon", "Comes this way to the Melancholly vaine", "The place of death and forry execution,", "Behind the ditches of the Abbey here.", "Gold. Upon what cauſe ?", "Mer. To fee a reverend Syracuan Merchant,", "Who put unluckily into this Bay", "Againſt the Laws and Statutes of this Town,", "Beheaded publickly for his offenſe.", "Gold. See where they come, we will behold his death.", "Enter Adriana and Luci.", "Luc. Kneel to the Duke before he paffe the Abbey.", "Enter the Duke of Ephesus, and the Merchant of Syracuſe bareheaded, with the Headman, and other Officers.", "Duke. Yet once again proclaim it publickly,", "If any friend will pay the ſumme for him,", "He ſhall not die, ſo much we tender him.", "Enter Adriana.", "Adr. Juitſice moſt sacrſed Duke againſt the Abbefs.", "Duke. She is a virtuous and a reverend Lady.", "It cannot be that ſhe hath done thee wrong.", "Ad. May it pleafe your Grace, Antipolis my husband,", "Whom I made Lord of me, and all I had,", "(At your impotent Letter ) this ill day,", "A moſt outragious ſic of madneſs took him,", "That deſp'rately he hurried through the street,", "With him his bondman, all as mad as he,", "Doing diſpleasure to the Citizens,", "By ruffing in their houſes: bearing chence", "Rings, Jewels, any thing his rage did like.", "Once did I get him bound, and lent him home,", "Whilſt to take order for the wrongs I went,", "That here and there his ſury had committed,", "Anon, I wot not, by what ſtrong eſcape", "He broke from thate that had the guard of him,", "And with his mad attendant and himſelf,", "Each one with irluſe paffion, with drawn Swords", "Met us again, and madly bent on us,", {"bbox": [655, 1387, 6

The Comedy of Errors.

89

E. Ant. I never saw you in my life till now.
Fa. Oh! grief hath chang'd me since you saw me last,
And careful hours with times deformed hand,
Have written strange defeatures in my face :
But tell me yet, doft thou not know my voice ?

Ant. Neither.

Fat. Dromio, nor thou.

Dro. No truft me fir, nor I.

Fat. I am fure thou doft.

E. Dromio. I fir, but I am fure I do not, and whatfoever a man denies, you are now bound to believe him.

Fat. Not know my voice ! oh times extremity,
Haft thou fo crack'd and fplitted my poor tongue
In feven fhort years, that here my only Son
Knows not my feeble Key of untu'd cares ?
Tho now this grained face of mine be hid
In ſap-confuming Winters drizled ſnow,
And all the Conduits of my blood froze up :
Yet hath my night of life ſome memory :
My waſting lamps from fading glimmer left ;
My dull deaf ears little uſe to hear :
All theſe old witnesses, I cannot err.
Tell me, thou art my Son Antipholis.

Ant. I never ſaw my Father in my life.

Fa. But feven years ſince, in Syracuſa Boy,
Thou knowſt we parted, but perhaps my Son,
Thou ſhan't to acknowledg me in miſery.

Ant. The Duke, and all that know me in the City.
Can witnesses with me that it is not lo,
I ne're ſaw Syracuſa in my life.

Duk. I tell thee Syracuſan, twenty years
Have I been Patron to Antipholis.
During which time he ne're ſaw Syracuſa.
I fee thy age, and dangers make thee dote.

Enter the Abbeſſe with Antipholis Siracuſan,
and Dromio Sirac.

Abbefs. Moſt mighty Duke, behold a man much wronged.

All gather to fee them.

Adr. I fee two husbands, or mine eyes deceive me.

Duke. One of theſe men is genius to the other :

And to of theſe which is the natural man,

And which the ſpirit ? who deciphers them ?

S. Dromio. I Sir am Dromio, command him away.

E. Dro. I Sir am Dromio, pray let me ſlay.

S. Ant. Egeon art thou not ? or else his ghoff.

S. Drom. Oh my old Maſter, who hath bound him here ?

Abb. Who ever bound him, I will looke his bonds,
And gain a husband by his liberty :

Speak old Egeon, if thou be'ſt the man
That had'ſt a Wife once call'd ſEmilia,
That bore thee at a burthen two fair Sons?

That if thou be'ſt the fame Egeon, ſpeak :
And ſpeak unto the fame ſEmilia.

Duke. Why here begins this morning ſtory right:
Thefe two Antipholis, theſe two ſo like,
And theſe two Dromio's, one in ſemblance :
Besides her urging of her wrack at Sea,
Thefe are the Parents to theſe children,
Which accidentally are met together.

Fat. If I dream not, thou art ſEmilia,
If thou art ſhe, tell me where is that Son
That floated with thee on the fatalraft.

Abb. By men of Epidamium, he, and I,
And the twin Dromio, all were taken up;
But by and by, rude Fithermen of Corinth
By force took Dromio and my Son from them,
And me they left with thofe of Epidamium.
What then became of them I cannot tell,
I, to this fortune that you fee me in.

Duke. Antipholis thou cam't from Corinth firſt.

S. Ant. No fir, not I, I came from Syracuſe.

Duke. Stay, ſtand apart, I know not which is which.

E. Ant. I came from Corinth my moſt gracious Lord.

E. Dro. And I with him.

E. Ant. Brought to this Town by that moſt famous
Warriour,

Duke Menaphon, your muſt renowned uncle.

Adr. Which of you two did dine with me to day ?

S. Ant. I, gentle Miftris.

Adr. And are not you my husband ?

E. A't. No, I ſay nay to thaf.

S. Ant. And do I, yet did ſhe call me ſo :

And this fair Gentlewoman here

Did call me Brother. What I told you then,

I hope I ſhall have leifure to make good,

If this be not a dream I fee and hear.

Goldsmith. That is the Chain, Sir, which you had of me.

S. Ant. I think it be Sir, I deny it not.

E. Ant. And you fir for this Chain arreſted me.

Gold. I think I did Sir, I deny it not.

Adr. I ſent you money Sir to be your bail

By Dromio, but I think he brought it not.

E. Dro. No, none by me.

S. Ant. This purſe of Ducks I receiv'd from you,

And Dromio my man did bring them me :

I fee we ſtill did meet each others man,

And I was tane for him, and he for me,

And thereupon theſe errors are aroſe.

E. Ant. Theſe Ducks pawn I for my Father here.

Duk. It ſhall not need, thy Father hath his life.

Cur. Sir, I muſt have that Diamond from you.

E. Ant. There take it, and mch thanks for my good
cheer.

Abb. Renowned Duke, vouchſaſe to take the pains

To go with us into the Abbey here,

And hear at large diſcounted all our fortunes,

And all that are affembled in this place :

That by this ſympathized one day's error,

Have ſuffered wrong. Go keep us company,

And we ſhall make full fatſisſion.

Thirty three years have I been gone in travel

Of you my Sons, and till this preſent hour

My heavy burthens are delivered :

The Duke my Husband, and my children both,

And you the Kalenders of their Nativity,

Go to a Gofflips ſeaſt, and go with me,

After ſo long grief ſuch Nativity.

Duke. With all my heart I le Goffip at this ſeaſt.

Exeunt omnes. Manet the two Dromio's and
two Brothers.

S. Dro. Maſter, ſhall I fetch your ſtuffe from ſhipboard?

E. An. Dromio, what ſtuffe of mine haſt thou imbarb'd?

S. Dro. Your goods that lay at hoſt, fir, in the Centaur.

S. Ant. He ſpeaks to me, I am your Maſter Dromio.

Come go with us, we'll look to that anon,

Embrace thy Brother there, rejoice with him. Exit.

S. Dro. There is a fat friend at your maſters houſe.

That kitchin'd me for you to day at dinner :

She now ſhall be my ſifter, not my wife.

E. D. Methinks you are my glaſs, and not my brother :

I fee by you, I am a tweet fac'd youth,

Will you walk in to ſe their Gofflipping ?

S. Dro. Not I Sir, you are my Elder.

E. Dro. That's a queſtion, how ſhall I try it.

S. D. We'll draw Cuts for the Signiority; till then, lead
thou firſt.

E. Dro. Nay then thus.

VVc came into the world like Brother and Brother :

And now lets go hand in hand, not one before another.

Exeunt.

H 3

Much

90

Much ado about Nothing.

Actus Primus. Scena Prima.

Enter Leonato Governour of Melfina, Innogen his wife, Hero his Daughter, and Beatrice, his Neece, with a Messenger.

Leonato.

Learn in this Letter, that Don Peter of Arragon comes this night to Melfina.

Mef. He is very near by this: he was not three Leagues off when I left him.

Leon. How many Gentlemen have you left in this action?

Mef. But few of any sort, and none

of name.

Leon. A victory is twice it self, when the atchiever brings home full number: I find here that Don Peter hath beflowed much honour on a young Florentine, called Claudio.

Mef. Much deferv'd on his part, and equally remembered by Don Pedro, he hath born himself beyond the promise of his age, doing in the figure of a Lamb, the fears of a Lion, he hath indeed better bettered expectation, than you must expect of me to tell you how.

Leo. He hath an Uncle here in Melfina will be very much glad of it.

Mef. I have already delivered him Letters, and there appears much joy in him, even so much, that joy could not fly it self modest enough, without a badg of bitternefs.

Leo. Did he break out into tears ?

Mef. In great meafure.

Leo. A kind overflow of kindneſs: there are no faces truer, than those that are so waſh'd; how much better is it to weep at joy, than to joy at weeping?

Beat. I pray you, is Signior Mountanto return'd from the Wars, or no ?

Mef. I know none of that name, Lady, there was none fuch in the Army of any fort.

Leo. What is he that you ask for, Neece ?

Hero. My Couſin means Signior Benedick of Padua.

Mef. O he is return'd, and as pleafant as ever he was.

Beat. He fet up his Bills here in Melfina, and challeng'd Cupid at the flight : and my Uncles fooſ reading the Challenge, ſubſcrib'd for Cupid, and challeng'd him at the Burſolt. I pray you, how many hath he kill'd and eaten in thefe wars? But how many hath he kill'd? for indeed, I promife to eat all of his killing.

Leon. 'Faith Neece, you tax Signior Benedick too much, but he'l meet with you, I doubt it not.

Mef. He hath done good ſervce Lady, in those wars.

Beat. You had muſt viſituals, and he hath holp to eat it: he's a very valiant Trancher-man, he hath an excellent ſtomack.

Mef. And a good Soldier too, Lady.

Beat. And a good Soldier to a Lady. But what is he to a Lord?

Mef. A Lord to a Lord, a Man to a Man, ſtufft with all honourable virtues.

Beat. It is so indeed, he is no leſs than a ſtufft man: but for the ſtuffing well, we are all mortal.

Leon. You muſt not (ſir) miſſake my Neece, there is a kind of merry War betwixt Signior Benedick and her: they never meet, but there is a skirmish of Wit between them.

Beat. Alas, he gets nothing by that. In our laſt conflict, four of his five wits went halting off, and now is the whole man govern'd with one: ſo that if he have wit enough to keep himself ſ warm, let him bear it for a difference between himſelf and his horſe. For it is all the wealth that he hath left, to be known a reaſonable creature. Who is his Companion now ? He hath every month a new ſworn Brother.

Mef. Is it poſſible?

Beat. Very easily poſſible: he wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat, it ever changes with the next block.

Mef. I fee (Lady) the Gentleman is not in your books.

Beat. No, and he were, I would burn my ſtudy. But I pray you who is his Companion? Is there no young ſquarer now, that will make a voyage with him to the Devil ?

Mef. He is moſt in the company of the right noble Claudio.

Beat. O Lord, he will hang upon him like a diſeafe: he is ſooner caught than the Pefilence, and the taker runs preſently mad. God help the noble Claudio, if he have caught the Benedick, it will coſt him a thousand pound ere it be cur'd.

Mef. I will hold friends with you, Lady.

Beat. Do good friend.

Leo. You'l ne're run mad Neece.

Beat. No, not till a hot January.

Mef. Don Pedro is approach'd.

Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthazar, and John the Baſtard.

Pedro. Good Signior Leonato, you are come to meet your trouble: the fashion of the world is to avoid coſt, and you encounter it.

Leon. Never came trouble to my houſe in the likeneſs of your Grace: for, trouble being gone, comfort ſhould remain: but when you depart from me, ſorrow abides, and happineſs takes his leave.

Pedro. You embrace your charge more willingly: I think this is your daughter.

Leo. Her Mother hath many times told me so.

Ben. Were you in doubt, that you ask her?

Leo. Signior Benedick, no, for then were you a Child.

Pedro: You have it ſull Benedick, we may gues by this, what you are, being a man, truly the Lady fathers her ſelf: be happy, Lady, for you are like an honourable father.

Ben. If Signior Leonato be her Father, he would not have his head on her shoulders for all Melfina, as like him as he is.

Beat. I wonder that you will ſtill be talking, Signior Benedick, no Body marks you.

Ben. What my dear Lady Difdain ! are you yet living?

Beat. Is it poſſible difdain ſhould die, while he hath ſuch meet food to feed it, as Signior Benedick? Courteſe it ſelf muſt convert to diſdain, if you come in her prefence.

Ben. Then is Courteſe a turn-coat, but it is certain I am loved of all Ladies, only you excepted: and I would I could find in my heart that I had not an hard heart, for truly I love none.

Beat. A dear happineſs to women, they would eſſe have been troubled with a pernicious Sutor. I thank God and my cold blood. I am of your humour for that, I had rather hear my Dog bark at a Crow, than a man ſwear he loves me.

Ben.

Much ado about Nothing.

91

Ben. God keep your Ladiship still in that mind, to some
Gentleman or other shall feape a predefinite scratchat
face.

Beat. Scratching could not make it worfe, and 'twere
fuch a face as yours were.

Ben. Well you are a rare Parrat teacher.

Beat. A Bird of my tongue, is better than a Beaſt of yours.

Ben. I would my horſe had the ſpeed of your tongue, and
ſo good a continuer; but keep your way a God's name, I
have done.

Beat. You always end with a Jade's trick, I know you
of old.

Pedro. This is the ſum of all: Leonato, Signior Claudio,
and Signior Benedick; my dear friend Leonato hath invited
you all, I tell you we ſhall flay here, at the leaſt a month,
and he heartily prays ſome occasion may detain us lon-
ger: I dare ſwear he is no hypocrite, but prays from his
heart.

Leon. If you ſwear, my Lord, you ſhall not be forſworn ;
let me bid you welcome, my Lord, being reconciled to the
Prince your Brother ; I owe you all duty.

John. I thank you, I am not of many words, but I thank
you.

Leon. Pleaſe it your Grace lead on ?

Pedro. Your hand Leonato, we will go together.

Exeunt.

Manet Benedick and Claudio.

Claw. Benedick, didst thou note the daughter of Signior
Leonato.

Ben. I noted her not, but I look'd on her.

Claus. Is she not a modeste young Lady ?

Ben. Do you question me as an honest man ſhould do,
for my ſimple true judgment ? or would you have me ſpeak
after my custom, as being a proſeſed tyrant to their ſex ?

Claus. No, I prethee ſpeak in ſober judgment.

Ben. Why i'faith methinks ſhe's too low for an high praife,
too brown for a fair praife, and too little for a great praife;
only this commendation I can afford her, that were ſhe o-
ther than the is, ſhe were unhandſome ; and being no other
but as ſhe is, I do not like her.

Claus. Thou think'st I am in ſport, I pray thee tell me
truly how thou lik'st her.

Ben. Would you buy her, that you enquire after her ?

Claus. Can the world buy ſuch a Jewel ?

Ben. Yea, and a caſe to put it into, but ſpeak you this
with a ſad brow? Or do you play the flouting Jack, to tell
us Cupid is a good Hare-finder, and Vulcan a rare Carpен-
ter : Come, in what Key ſhall a man take you to go in the
Song.

Claus. In mine eye, ſhe is the ſweetest Lady that ever I
lookt on.

Ben. I can fee yet without ſpeculations, and I fee no ſuch
matter : there's her Couſin, and ſhe were not poffeſt with
a ſury, exceeds her as much in beauty, as the firſt of May
doth the laſt of December : but I hope you have no intent
to turn husband, have you ?

Claus. I would ſcearce truſt my ſelf, tho I had ſworn the
contrary, if Hero would be my wife.

Ben. Is't come to this ? in faith hath not the world one
man, but he will wear his cap with ſupſition ? ſhall I never
fee a batchelor of threeſcore again ? go to i'faith, and thou
wilt needs truſt thy neck into a yoke, wear the print of it,
and ſigh away Sundays : look, Don Pedro is returned to
ſeek you.

Enter Don Pedro, John the Baſtard.

Pedro. What ſecret hath held you here, that you followed
not to Leonato ?

Bened. I would your Grace would conſtrain me to
tell.

Pedro. I charge thee on thy allegiance.

Ben. You hear, Count Claudio, I cannot be ſecret as a
dumb man, I would have you think to ( but on my alle-


gliance, mark you this, on my allegiance) he is in love,
with whom now then is your Graces part ; mark
how ſhort his anſwer is, Hero, Leonato's ſhort Daugh-
ter.

Claus. If this were ſo, ſo were it uttered.

Ben. Like the old Tale, my Lord, it is not ſo, nor 'twas
not ſo : but indeed, God forbid it should be to.

Claus. If my paffion change not ſhortly, God forbid it
thouſe be otherwife.

Pedro. Amen, if you love her, for the Lady is very well
worthy.

Claus. You ſpeak this to fetch me in, my Lord.

Pedro. By my troth I ſpeak my thought.

Claus. And in faith, my Lord, I ſpoke mine.

Ben. And by my two faiths and troths, my Lord, I ſpeak
mine.

Claus. That I love her, I feel.

Ped. That ſhe is worthy I know.

Ben. That I neither feel how ſhe ſhould be loved, nor
know how ſhe ſhould be worthy, is the opinion that fire
cannot melt out of me, I will dye in it at the stake.

Ped. Thou waſt ever an obſtinate Heretick in the despight
of beauty.

Claus. And never could maintain his part, but in the force
of his will.

Bene. That a woman conceived me, I thank her : that ſhe
brought me up, I likewise give her more humble thanks : but
that I will have a rechate winded in my forehead, or hang my
bugle in an inviſible baldrick, all women ſhall pardon
me: becauſe I will not do them the wrong to miſtrauſ any,
I will do my ſelf the right to truſt none : and the fine
is, ( for the which I may go the ſiner ) I will live a Batche-
lor.

Ped. I ſhall fee thee ere I die, look pale with love.

Ben. With anger, with ſickness, or with hunger, my
Lord, not with love: prove that ever I looke more blood
with love, than I will get again with drinking, pick out
mine eyes with a Ballet-makers pen, and hang me
up at the door of a brothel-house for the ſign of blind Cu-
pid.

Ped. Well, if ever thou do'st fall from this faith, thou
wilt prove a notable argument.

Bene. If I do, hang me in a bottle like a Cat, and ſhoot
at me, and he that hits me, let him be clapt on the shoulder,
and call'd Adam.

Ped. Well, as the time ſhall try : in time the ſavage Bull
doth bear the yoke.

Bene. The ſavage bull may, but if ever the ſensible Be-
nedick bear it, pluck off the bulls horns, and ſet them
in my forehead, and let me be vildly painted, and in ſuch great
Lettetrs as they write, Here is good horſe to hire : Ict them
ſigniſe under my ſign, Here you may fee Benedick the mar-
ried man.

Claus. If this ſhould ever happen, thou wouldſt be horn
mad.

Pe. Nay if Cupid have not ſpent all his Quiver in Venice,
thou wilt quake for this ſhortly.

Bene. I look for an earthquake too then.

Ped. Well, you will temporize with the hours in the
mean time, good Signior Benedick, repair to Leonato's, com-
mend me to him, and tell him I will not fail him at ſupper,
for indeed he hath made great preparation.

Bene. I have almost matter enough in me for ſuch an Em-
baſſage, and I commit you.

Claus. To the tuition of God. From my house if I had
it.

Pedro. The ſixth of July. Your loving friend, Benedick,

Bene. Nay mock not, mock not ; the body of your di-
courte is ſometime guarded with fragments, and the guards
are but flightly baſted on neither : ere you ſlout old ends
any further, examine your conſience, and ſo I leave you.

Exit.

Claus. My Liege, your Highneſs now may do me
good.

Ped. My love is thine to teach, teach it but how,

Anct

Much ado about Nothing.

92

And thou fhalt fee how apt it is to learn

Any hard Leffon, that may do thee good.

Clau. Hath Leonato any fon my Lord?

Pedro. No child but Hero, ſhe's his only heir.

Doft thou affect her, Claudio?

Cla. O my Lord,

When you went onward on this ended action,

I look'd upon her with a foud'ers eye,

That lik'd, but had a rougher task in hand,

Than to drive liking to the name of love:

But now I am return'd, and that war-thoughts

Have left their places vacant: in their rooms

Come thronged lout and delicate desires,

Al. prompting me how fair young Hero is,

Saying I lik'd her ere I went to wars.

Pedro. Thou wilt be like a lover prefently,

And tire the hearer with a book of words:

If thou doft love fair Hero, cheriſh it,

And I will break with her: waſt not to this end,

That thou began't to twiſt ſo fine a ſtory ?

Cla. How weeweely do you minifier to love,

That know loves grief by his complexion,

But left my liking might too ſuddain seem,

I would have faiv'd it with a longer treatife.

Pedro. What need the bridge much broader then the
The faireſt grant in the necſity: (floud

floud)
Look what will ſerve, is fit: 'ris once, thou loveſt,
And I will fit her with the remedy,
I know we ſhall have revelling to night,
I will affuſe thy part in ſome diſguife,
And tell fair Hero I am Claudio,

Claudio

And in her bolome I'le unclap my heart,

And take her hearing prifoner with a force

And ſtrong encounter of my amorous tale :

Then after, to her father will I break,

And the concluſion is, ſhe shall be thine,

In pradife let us put it prefently.

Enter Leonato and an old man, brother to Leonato.

Leo. How now brother, where is my couſin your fon:
hath he provided this muſick ?

Old. He is very buſe about it; but brother, I can tell you news that you yet dream'd not of.

Leo. Are they good?

Old. As the event flamps them, but they have a good
cover: they ſhew well outward: the Prince and Count
Claudio walking in a thick Pleached alley in my orchard
were thus over-heard by a man of mine: the Prince dif-
covered to Claudio that he loved my Neece your daugh-
ter, and meant to acknowledge it this night in a dance,
and he found her accordant, meant to take the prefent time
by the top, and instantly break with you of it.

Leo. Hath the fellow any wit, that told you this ?

Old. A good harp fellow, I will ſend for him, and
queth him your ſelf.

Leo. No, no: we will hold it as a dream, till it appear
it ſelf: but I will acquaint my daughter with all, that he
may be the better prepared for anwer, if peradventure
this be true: go you and tell her of it: couſins, you know
what you have to do, I ſtill cry you mercy friend, go you
with me and I will uſe your skill, good couſin have a care
this buſe time.

Exeunt.

Enter Sir John the Bailard, and Conrade his companion.

Con. What the good year my Lord, why are you thus
out of meaſure ſad ?

John. There is no meaſure in the occafion that breeds,
therefore the faſneſs is without limit.

Con. You ſhall hear reaſon.

John. And when I have heard it, what bleſſing bringeth it?

Con. If not a preſent remedy, yet a patient ſufferance.

John. I wonder that thou (being, as thon ſaſt thou art, born
under Saturn) goeſt about to apply a mortall medecine to a
mortifying mitchief: I cannot hide what I am: I muſt be ſad
when I have cauſe, and ſmile at no mans jeſt: eat when I have
ſtomach, and wait for no mans leifure: ſleep when I am

drow ſie, and tend on no mans buſineſs; laugh when I am snerry,
and claw no man in his humour.

Con. Yea, but you muſt not make the full ſhow of this
till you may do it without controlment; you have oſ
tlate ſood out againſt your brother, and he has tane
you newly into his grace, where it is impoffible you
should take root, but by the fair weather that you make
your ſelf, it is needful that you frame the feaſon for your
own harveſt.

John. I had rather be a canker in a hedge, than a roſe
in his grace, and it better fits my blood to be diſdain'd of
all, then to fashion a carriage to rob love from any: in this
( though I cannot be ſaid to be a flattering honeſt man)
it muſt not be denied but I am a plain dealing villain, I
am truſted with a muſſel, and infranchised with a clog,
therefore I have decreed, not to ſing in my cage: if I had
my mouth, I would bite: if I had my liberty, I would do
my liking: in the mean time, let me be that I am, and
feek not to alter me.

Conr. Can you make no uſe of your diſcontent?

John. I will make all uſe of it, for I uſe it only.
Who comes here ? what news Borachio.

Enter Borachio.

Bera. I came yonder from a great ſupper, the Prince
your brother is royalty entertained by Leonato, and I can
give you intelligence of an intended marriage.

John. Will it ſerve for any Model to build miſchied
on? What is he for a fool that betroth's himself to un-
quietneſſs?

Bor. Marry it is your brothers right hand.

John. Who, the moſt exquifeſt Claudio?

Bor. Even he.

John. A proper ſquire; and who, and who which way
looks he?

Bor. Marry on Hero, the daughter and Heir of Leonato.

John. A very forward March-chick, how come you
to this?

Bor. Being entertain'd for a perfumer, as I was ſmor-
king a muſty room, comes me the Prince and Claudio,
hand in hand in ſad conference: I whipt behind the Ar-
ras, and there heard it agreed upon that the Princ should
wooe Hero for himſelf, and having obtain'd her, give
her to Count Claudio.

John. Come, come, let us thither, this may prove food
to my diſpleaſure, that young ſtart-up hath all the glory
of my overthrow: if I can crosſ him any way, I bleſs
my ſelf every way; you are both ſure, and will aſſift me?

Conr. To the death my Lord.

John. Let us to the great ſupper, their cheer is the
greater that I ſubdue, would the cook were of my mind:
I ſhall we go prove what's to be done?

Bor. We'll wait upon your Lordship.

Exeunt.

Actus Secundus.

Enter Leonato, his brother, his wife, Hero his daughter,
and Beatrice his neice, and kinfman.

Leona. Was not Count John here at ſupper ?

Brot. I faw him not.

Beat. How tartly that Gentleman looks; I never can
fee him, but I am heart-burn'd an hour after.

Hero. He is of a melancholy diſpoſition.

Beat. He were an excellent man that were made juſt in
the mid-way between him and Benedick, the one is too
like an image, and faies nothing, and the other too like
my Ladies eldeſt ſon, evermore tatling.

Leon. Then half Signior Benedick's tongue in Count
Johns

Much ado about Nothing.

Johns mouth, and half Count Johns melancholly in Signior Benedick's face.

Beat. With a good leg and a good foot uncleck, and money enough in his purfe, such a man would win any woman in the world, if he could get her good will.

Leon. By my troth Neece, thou wilt never get mee to a husband, if thou be so firend of thy tongue.

Brot. Infaith flie's too curfet.

Beat. Too curfet is more than curf, I shall leffen Gods fending that way : for it is faid, God fends a curft Cow ſhort horns, but to a Cow too curſt he fends none.

Leon. So, by being too curſt, God will fend no horns.

Beat. Juſt, if he ſend me no husband, for the which bleſſing, I am at him upon my knees every morning and evening : Lord, I could not endure a husband with a beard on his face, I had rather lie in the woollen.

Leon. You may light upon a husband that hath no beard.

Beat. What ſhould I do with him ? drefſe him in my apparel, and make him my waiting-gentlewoman ? he that hath a beard is more than a youth : and he that hath no beard is leſſe then a man : he that is more than a youth, is not for me : and he that is leſſ than a man, I am not for him : therefore I will even take fix pence in earneſt of the Bearherd and lead my Apesinto hell.

Teon, Well then, go you into hell.

Beat. No, but to the gate, and there will the Devil meet me like an old Cuckold with his horns on his head, and ſay get you to heaven Beatrice, get you to heaven, here's no place for you maids, ſo deliver I up my Apes, and away to Saint Peter : for the heavens, he ſhews me, where the Batchellors ſit, and there live we as merry as the day is long.

Brot. Well Neece, I truſt you will be rnl'd by your father.

Beat. Yes faith, it is my couſins duty to make curſie, and ſay, as it pleafe you : but yet for all that couſin, let him be a handſom fellow, or eſſe make another curſiſe, and ſay, father, as it pleafes me.

Leon. Well Neece, I hope to fee you one day fitted with a husband.

Beat. Not till God make men of ſome other metal than earth; would it not grieve a woman to be overmaſſured with a piece of valiant duſt ? to make account of her life to a cloud of cold wayward marle ? no Uncle, Ple none: Adams ſons are brethren, and truly I hold it a fin to match in my kinnd.

Leon. Daughter, remember what I told you, if the Prince do folloſcile you in that kind, you know your anſwer.

Beat. The fault will be in the muſick, couſin, if you be not woo'd in good time : if the Prince be too imporant, tell him there is meaſure in every thing, and ſo dance out the anſwer; for hear me Hero, wooing, wedding, and repenting, is as a Scotch jigge, a meaſure, and a cinque-pace : the firſt ſuit is hot and haſty like a Scotch jigge, (and full as ſanctaſtical) the wedding manerly modſet, (as a meaſure) ſull of ſtate and anſchenry, and then comes repentance, and with his bad legs falls into the cinque-pace faſter and ſaſter, till he finks into his grave.

Leon. Couſin you apprehend paffing ſhrewdly.

Beatrice. I have a good eye Uncle, I can fee a Church by day light.

Leon. The revellers are entring brother, make good room.

Enter Prince, Pedro, Claudio, Benedicke, and Balphazar, or dumb John, Maskers with a drum.

Pedro. Lady, will you walk about with your friend ?

Hero. So you walk ſoftely, and look ſweetly, and ſay nothing, I am yours for the walk, and especially when I walk away.

Pedro. With me in your company.

Hero. I may ſay to when I pleafe.

Pedro. And when pleafe you to ſay to?

Hero. When I like your favour, for God defend the Lue should be like the cafe,

Pedro. My viſor is Philemons roof, within the houſe I love.

Hero. Why then your viſor should be thatcht.

Pedro. Speak low if you ſpeak Love.

Bene. Well, I would you did like me.

Mas. So would I for your own ſake, for I have many ill qualities.

Bene. Which is one ?

Mask. I ſay my prayers aloud.

Bene. I love you the better, the hearers may cry Amen.

Mas. God match me with a good dancer.

Balth. Amen.

Mas. And God keep him out of my fight when the dance is done : anſwer Clerk.

Balth. No more words, the Clerk is anſwered.

Urſula. I know you well enough, you are Signior Antonio.

Antb. At a word, I am not.

Urſula. I know you by the wagling of your head.

Antb. To tell you true, I counterfeit him.

Urſu. You could never do him ſo ill well unleſſ you were the very man : here's his dry hand up and down, you are he, you are he.

Antb. At a word, I am not.

Urſula. Come, come, do you think I do nooe know you by your excellent wit? can vertue hide it ſelf ? go to, mummey, you are he, graces will appear, and there's an end.

Beat. Will you not tell me who told you fo?

Bene. No, you ſhall pardon me.

Beat. Nor will you tell me who you are?

Bene. Not now.

Beat. That I was diſdainful, and that I had my good wit out of the hundred merry tales : well, this was Signior Benedicke that faid fo.

Bene. What's he?

Beat. I am ſure you know him well enough.

Bene. Not I, believe me.

Beat. Did he never make you laugh ?

Bene. I pray you what is he?

Beat. Why he is the Princes ſeſter, a very dull fool, onely his gift is, in devifing impoffible ſlanders, none but Libertines delight in him, and the commendation is not in his wit, but in his villany, for he both pleafeth men, and angers them, and then they laugh at him, and bear him; I am ſure he is in the fleet, I would he had boarded me.

Bene. When I know the Gentleman, Ple tell him what you lay.

Beat. Do, do, hee'l but break a comparifon or two on me, which peradventure ( not markt, or not laugh'd at ) ſtrikes him into melancholly, and then there's a Partridge wing ſaved, for the fool will eat no ſupper that night. We muſt follow the Leaders.

Bene. In every good thing.

Beat. Nay, if they lead to any ill, I will leave them at the next turning.

Muſick for the dance.

John. Sure my brother is amorous on Hero, and hath withdrawn her father to break with him about it: the Ladies follow her, and but one viſor remains.

Bora. And that is Claudio, I know him by his hearing.

John. Are not you Signior Benedicke?

Clau. You know me well, I am he.

John. Signior, you are very near my brother in his love, he is enamor'd on Hero, I pray you diffuſe him from her, ſhe is no equal for his birth : you may do the part of an honeſt man in it.

Clau. How know you he loves her ?

John. I heard him ſwear his affection.

Bora. So did I too, and he ſwore he would marry her to night.

John. Come, let us to the banquet. Exit manet. Clau. Clau.

Much ado about Nothing.

94

Clau. Thus anſwer I in name of Benedick,
But hear this ill news with the ears of Claudio:
'Tis certain ſo, the Princewoo's for himſelf:
Friendſhip is conſtant in all other things,
Save in the Office and affairs of love :
Therefore all hearts in love uſe their own tongues,
Let every eye negotiate for it ſelf,
And truſt no Agent : for beauty is a witch,
Against whole charms, faith melteth into blood :
This is an accident of hourly proof,
Which I miftraſted not. Farewell therefore Hero.

Enter Benedicke.

Bene. Count Claudio.

Clau. Ye the fame.

Bene. Come, will you go with me?

Clau. Whither ?

Bene. Even to the next Willow, about your own bu-
fineſs, Count. What ſashion will you wear the Garland of ? About your neck, like a Uſurers chain ? Or under your arm, like a Lieutenants ſcarf? You muſt wear it one way, for the Prince hath got your Hero.

Clau. I wifh him joy of her.

Bene. Why that's ſpoken like an honest Drouier, ſo
they fell Bullocks: but did you think the Prince would
have ſerved you thus ?

Clau. I pray you leave me.

Bene. No no ! you ſtrike like the blind-man, 'twas the boy that ſtole your meat? and you'll beat the poſt.

Clau. If it will not be, I'le leave you.

Exit.

Bene. Alas poor hurt foul, now will he creep into
ſedges: but that my Lady *Beatrice* should know me, and
not know me: the Princes fool! Ha ? it may be I go
under that title, becauſe I am merry: yet but ſo I am
apt to do my ſelf wrong: I am not ſo reputed, it is the
bale ( though bitter ) diſpoſition of *Beatrice*, that puts
the word into her perſon, and ſo gives me out: well, I
be revenged as I may.

Enter the Prince.

Pedro. Now Signior, where's the Count? did you fee him ?

Bene. Troth my Lord, I have played the part of Lady
Fame, I found him here as melancholly as a Lodge in a
Warren; I told him, and I think, told him true, that your
grace had got the will of this young Lady, and I offered
him my company to a willow tree either to make him a
garland, as being forſaken, or to bind him a rod, as be-
ing worthy to be whipt.

Pedro. To be whipt, what's his fault ?

Bene. The flat tranſgression of a School-boy, who
being over-joyed with finding a birds neſt, ſhews it his
companion, and he ſteals it.

Pedro. Wilt thou make a truſt, a tranſgression ? the
tranſgression is in the ſtealer.

Bene. Yet it had not been amil's the rod had been
made, and the garland too; for the garland he might have
worn himſelf, and the rod he might have beſtowed on
you, who (as I take it) have ſtoin his birds neſt.

Pedro. I will but teach them to ſing, and reſtore them
to the owner.

Bene. If their ſinging anſwer your ſaying, by my faith
you ſay honeſtly.

Pedro. The Lady *Beatrice* hath a quarrel to you, the
Gentleman that danc'd with her, told her ſhe is much
wronſ'd by you.

Bene. O the miſus'd I did paſt the indurance of a block:
an oak but with one green leaf on it, would have im-
ſwered her: my very viſor began to auſſume life, and ſcold
with her: ſhe told me, not thinking I had been my
ſelf, that I was the Princes Jeſter, and that I was duller
than a great thaw, hudling jeſt upon jeſt, with ſuch im-
possible conveineance upon me, that I ſtood like a man at a

mark, with a whole army ſhooting at me; ſhe ſpeaks
poyniards, and every word ſtabs me: if her breath were
as terrible as, terminations, there were no living near
her, ſhe would inſect to the north ſtar: I would not
marry her, though ſhe were indowed with all that Adam
had left him before he tranſgreſt, ſhe would have made
*Hiercules* have turnd ſpi', yea, and have cleft his club to
make the fire too: come, talk not of her, you ſhall find
her in the infernal Ate in good apparel. I would to God
fome ſcholar would conjure her, for certainly while ſhe
is here, a man may live as quiet in hell, as in a ſanctuary,
and people ſin upon purpofe, becauſe they would go thither,
ſo indeed all diſquiet, horror, and perturbation follows her,

Enter Claudio, and Beatrice, Leonato, Hero.

Pedro. Look here ſhe comes.

Bene. Will your Grace command me any ſervice to
the worlds end ? I will go on the flighte ſerrand now
to the Antipodes that you can devile to ſend me on: I
will fetch you a tooth-Picker now from the furtherſt inch
of *Asia*: bring you the length of *Prefer Johnſon* ſoot: ſench
you a hair off the great *Chams* heard: do you any em-
baffage to the Pigmies, rather then hold three words
conference with this Harpy; you have no employment for me?

Pedro. None, but to delire your good company.

Bene. O God fir, heresa diſh I love not, I cannot in-
dure this Ladies tongue.

Pedro. Come Lady, come, you have loft the heart of
Signior Benedicke.

Beat. Indeed my Lord, he lent it me a while, and I
gave him uſe for it, a double heart for a ſingle one marry:
once before he won it of me, with falſe dice, therefore
your Grace may well ſay I have loft it.

Pedro. You have put him down Lady, you have put
him down.

Beat. So I would not he ſhould do me, my Lord, left I
thou proofe the mother of fools: I have brought Count
Claudio, whom you ſent me to ſeeek.

Pedro. Why how now Count, wherefore are you ſad?

Clau. Not ſad my Lord.

Pedro. How then ? ſick ?

Clau. Neither, my Lord.

Beat. The Count is neither ſad nor ſick, nor merry,
nor well: but civil Count, civil as an Orange, and ſome-
thing of a jealous complexion.

Pedro. Iſaith Lady, I think your blazon to be true,
though I be ſworn, if he be ſo, his conceit is falſe :
here Claudio, I have wooed in thy name, and fair *Elena*
is won, I have broke with her father, and his good will
obtained, name the day of marriage, and God give thee joy.

Leona. Count, take of me my daughter, and with her
my fortunes: his grace hath made the match, and all grace
lay Amen to it.

Best. Speak Count, 'tis your Qu.

Clau. Silence is the perfecte Herald of joy, I were
but little happy if I could ſay, how much ? Lady, as you
are mine, I am yours; I give away my ſelf for you, and
doat upon the exchange.

Beat. Speak couſin, or ( if you cannot ) ſtop his mouth
with a kifs, and let not him ſpeak neither.

Pedro. Inſaith Lady you have a merry heart.

Beat. Yea my Lord I thank it, poor ſool, it keeps
on the windy ſide of care, my couſin tells him in his ear
that he is in my heart.

Clau. And fo the doth couſin.

Beat. Good Lord for alliance: thus goes every one to
the world but I, and I am ſun-burn'd, I may fit in a cor-
ner and cry, who ho for a husband.

Pedro. Lady *Beatrice*, I will get you one.

Beat. I would rather have one of your fathers getting:
hath your Grace ne're a brother like you? your father
got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them.

Prince. Will you have me ? Lady.

Beat. No my Lord, unleſs I might have another for
working.

Much ado about Nothing.

95

working-dayes, your Grace is too coftly to wear every
day: But I befeech your Grace pardon me, I was born
to speak all mirth, and no matter.

Prince. Your violence most offends me, and to be mer-
ry best becomes you; for out of queffion, you were born
in a marry hour.

Beat. No fure my Lord, my mother cryed, but then
there was a farf danc'd, and under that I was born: coufins
God give you joy.

Leon. Neece, will you look to thofe things I told you
of ?

Beat. I cry you mercy Uluncle, by your Graces pardon.

Exit Beatrice.

Prince. By my troth a pflaſant (pirited) Lady.

Leon. There's little of the melancholly element in her
my Lord, ſhe is never ſad, but when ſhe ſleeps, and not
ever ſad then: for I have heard my daughter ſay, ſhe hath
often dreamt of unhappineſs, and wak't her ſelf with
laughing.

Pedro. She cannot indure to hear ſell of a husband.

Leon. O, by no means, ſhe mocks all her woors out
of ſuit.

Prince. She were an excellent wife for Benedicke.

Leona. O my Lord, if they were but a week mar-
ried, they would talk themſels mad.

Prince. Count Claudio, when mean you to go to
Church?

Clau. To morrow my Lord, Time goes on crutches,
till love have all his rites.

Leona. Not till Monday, my dear fon, which is hence
a juſt ſeven night, and a time too brief to, to have all
things anſwer him.

Prince. Come, you ſhake the head at ſo long a brea-
thing, but I warrant thee Claudio, the time ſhall not go
dully by us, I will in the interim, undertake one of Her-
cules labours, which is, to bring Signior Benedicke
and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of affection, th' one with
th'other; I would fain have it a match, and I doubt not
but to falſion it, if you ſhall but will minifter ſuch affi-
ſtance as I ſhall give you direction.

Leona. My Lord, I am for you, though it toſt me ten
nights watching.

Clan. And I my Lord.

Prin. And you too gentle Hero.

Hero. I will do any modest office, my Lord, to help
my couſin to a good husband.

Prin. And Benedicke is not the unhopſeſſul ſ husband
that I know: thus far can I praſe him, he is of a noble
ſtrain, of approved valour, and confirm'd honeſty. I will
teach you how to humour your couſin, that ſhe ſhall fall
in love with Benedicke, and I, with your two helps will
ſo præſe on Benedicke, that in deſpite of his quick wit,
and his queaſe ſtomack, he ſhall fall in love with Beatrice:
if we can do this, Cupid is no longer an Archer, his glory
ſhall be ours, for we are the only love-gods, go with me,
and I will tell you my drift.

Exeunt.

Enter John and Borachio.

John. It is ſo, the Count Claudio ſhall marry the daugh-
ter of Leonato.

Bora. Yea my Lord, but I can croſt it.

John. Any bar, any croſs, any impediment, will be
medicinable to me, I am ſick in displeasure to him, and
whatfoever comes athwart his affection, ranges evenly
with mine, how canſt thou croſs this marriage?

Bor. Not hoffeſt my Lord, but ſo covertly, that no
difhonesty ſhall appear in me.

Joh. ſhew me briefly how.

Eor. I think I told your Lordſhip a year ſince, how
much I am in the favour of Margaret, the waiting gen-
tlewoman to Hero.

John. I remember.

Bor. I can at any unfeſonable inſtant of the night, ap-
point her to look out at her Ladies chamber window.

John. What life is in that, to be the death of this
marriage?

Eor. The poyſon of that lies in you to temper, go
you to the Prince your brother, ſpare not to tell him, that
he hath wronged his Honor in marrying the renowned
Claudio, whole effimation do you mightily hold up, to a
contaminated ſale, ſuch a one as Hero.

Johu. What proof ſhall I make of that?

Eor. Proof enough, to miſſe the Prince, to vex
Claudio, to undo Hero, and kill Leonardo, look you for
any other effue?

John. Only to deſpite them, I will endeavour any
thing.

Eor. Go then find me a meet hour, to draw on
Pedro, and the Count Claudio, alone, tell them that you
know that Hero, loves me, intend a kind of zeal both
to the Prince and Claudio, (as in a love of your brothers
honor who hath made this match) and his friends repu-
tation, who is thus like to be cozen'd with the ſemblance
of a maid, that you have difſcovered thus: they will fear-
ely believe this without trial: offer them instances which
ſhall bear no leſs likelihood, than to fee me at her cham-
ber window, hear me call Margaret, Hero, hear Mar-
garet term me Claudio, and bring them to fee this, the
very night before the inten'd wedding, for in the
mean time, I will ſashion the matter, that Hero ſhall
be abſent, and there ſhall appear ſuch feeming truths of
Hero's diſloyalty, that jealouſe ſhall be cauſt affurance,
and all the preparation overthrown.

Joh. Grow this to what adverſe effue it can, I will put
it in præſeife: be cunning in the working this, and thy
fee is a thouſand ducats.

Eor. Be thou conſtant in the accuſation, and my
cunning ſhall not ſhame me.

John. I will pretently go learn their day of mar-
age.

Exit.

Enter Benedicke alone.

Bene. Boy.

Boy. Signior.

Bene. In my chamber window lies a book, bring it
hither to me in the orchard.

Boy. I am here already fir.

Exit.

Bene. I know that, but I would have theſe, hence, and
here again. I do much wonder, that one man feeing
how much another man is a fool, when he dedicates his
behaviour to love, will after he hath laught at ſuch
hallowſh follies in others, become the argument of his
own ſcorn, by falling in love! and ſuch a man is Claudio.
I have known when there was no muſick with him but
the drum and the ſife, and now had he rather hear the
taber and the pipe: I have known when he would have
walkt ten mile a foot, to fee a good armor; and now will
he lie ten nights awake carving the ſashion of a new dub-
let: he was wont to ſpeak plain, and to the purpose (like
an honest man and a (ouldier) and now is he turn'd ortho-
graphy, his words are a very ſantasticall banquet, juſt ſo
many ſtrange diſſeſes: may I be ſo converted, and fee with
theſe eyes? I cannot tell, I think not ? will not be
ſworn, but love may transform me to an oyſter, but I'le
take my oath on it, till he have made an oyſter of me, he
thall never make me ſuch a fool; one woman is fair, yet
I am well: another is wife, yet I am well: another ver-
tuous, yet I am weil: but till all graces be in one woman,
one woman ſhall not come in my grace: rich the ſhall be,
that's certain: wife, or Ple none; vertuous, or I'le
never cheapen her: fair, or I'le never look on her: mild,
or come not near me: Noble, or not on an Angel: of
good diſcourſe: an excellent Muſitian, and her hair ſhall
be of what colour it pleaſe God, ha' the Prince and
Monſieur Love, I will hide me in the Arbor.

Enter Prince, Leonardo, Claudio, and Jack Wilson.

Prince. Come, ſhall we hear this muſick?

Claud. Yea my good Lord: how ſtill the evening is,
As huff't on purpofe to grace harmony.

Prince

96

Muchado about Nothing.

Prince. See you where Benedick hath hid himself?
Claud. O very well my Lord: the mufick ended,
We'll fit the kid-fox with a penny worth.

Prince. Come Balthazar, we'll hear that song again.
Bath. O good my Lord, tax not so bad a voice,

To flander mufick any more than one.

Prince. It is the witneſs full of excellency,
To put a ſtrange face on his own perſection;
I pray thee ſing, and let me wooe no more.

Bath. Because you talk of wooing, I will ſing,
Since many a wooer doth commence his ſuit,
To her he thinks not worthy, yet he woo's,
Yet will he ſwear he loves.

Prince. Nay pray thee come,
Or if thou wilt hold longer argument,
Do it in notes.

Bath. Note this before my notes,
There's not a note of mine that's worth the noting.

Prince. Why theſe are very crotchets that he ſpeaks,
Note notes for ſooth, and nothing.

Bene. Now divine air, now is his foul ravish't, is it
not ſtrange that ſheeps guts ſhould hale fouls out of
mens bodies? well, a horn for my money when all's
done.

The Song.

Sigh no more Ladies, ſigh no more,
Men were deceivers ever,
One foot in fa, and one on shore,
To one thing conſtant never:
Then ſigh not ſo, but let them go,
And be you blithe and bonny,
Converting all your ſounds of woe,
Into hey nony, nony.

Sing no more ditties, ſing no more;
Of damps ſo dull and beavy.
The fraud of men were ever ſo,
Since summer firſt was leavy,
Then ſigh not ſo, &c.

Princes. By my troth a good ſong.

Bath. And an ill ſinger my Lord.

Prince. Ha, he, no faith, thou ſing'ft well enough for
a ſhift.

Bene. And he had been a dog that ſhould have how'd
thus, they would have hang'd him, and I pray God his
bad voice bode no mifchief, I had as lieve have heard
the night-raven, come what plague could have come af-
ter it.

Prince. Yea, matry, doſt thou hear Balthazar? I pray
thee get us ſome excellent mufick: for to morrow night
we would have it at the Lady Heroes chamber window.

Bath. The beſt I can my lord. Exit Balthazar.

Prince. Do ſo, farewell. Come hither Leonato, what
was it you told me of to day, that your Niece Beatrice
was in love with Signior Benedick?

Claud. O 1, ſalk on, ſalk on, the foul ſits. I did ne-
ver think that Lady would have loved any man.

Leon. No, nor I neither; but moſt wonderful, that ſhe
ſhould ſo doat on Signior Benedick, whom ſhe hath in
all outward behaviours feemed ever to abhor.

Bene. Is't possible, ſits the wind in that corner?

Leon. By my troth my Lord, I cannot tell What to think
of it, but that he loves him with an injured affection,
it is paſt the infinite of thought.

Prince. May be he doth but counterfeit.

Claud. Faith like enough.

Leon. O God! counterfeit? there was never counter-
feit of paffion came ſo near the life of paffion as he dif-
coversit.

Prince. Why what effects of paffion ſhews he?

Claud. Bait the hook well, the fifth will bite.

Leon. What effects my Lord? ſhe will fit you, you
heard my daughter tell you how.

Claud. She did indeed.

Prin. How, how I pray you? you amaze me, I would
have thought her ſpirit had been invincible againſt all
affaults of affection.

Leo. I would have ſworn it had, my Lord, especially
againſt Benedick.

Bene. I should think this a gull, but that the white-
bearded fellow ſpeaks it: knavery cannot ſure hide him-
ſelf in ſuch reverence.

Claud. He hath tane th' infection, hold it up.

Prince Hath ſhe made her affection known to Be-
nedick?

Leonato. No, and ſwears ſhe never will, that's her
torment.

Claud. 'Tis true indeed, ſo your daughter fayes: ſhall
I, fayes ſhe, that have ſo oft encounſted him with ſcorn,
write to him that I love him?

Leo. This faſes ſhe now when ſhe is beginning to
write to him, ſhe'll be up twenty times a night, and
there will ſhe fit in her ſmock, till ſhe have writ a ſheer
of paper: my daughter tells us all.

Cla. Now you talk of a ſheer of paper, I remember
a pretty jef't your daughter told us of.

Leon. O when ſhe had writ it, and reading it over,
ſhe found Benedick and Beatrice between the ſheer.

Claud. That.

Leon. O ſhe tore the letter into a thouſand halfpence,
raild at her ſelf, that ſhe ſhould be ſo immoderſt, to write
to one that he knew would ſlout her: I meaſure him
faſes ſhe, by my own ſpirit, for I ſhould ſlout him if he
writ to me, yea though I love him, I ſhould.

Cla. Then down upon her knees ſhe falls, weeps,
ſobs, beats her heart, tears her hair, prays, curls; O
tweet Benedick, God give me patience.

Leon. She doth indeed, my daughter faſies ſo, and the
extaſie hath ſo much overborn her, that my daughter is
lometime aſteard ſhe will do a deſperate out-rage to her
ſelf, it is very true.

Prince. It were good that Benedick knew of it by
fome other, if he will not difcover it.

Claud. To what end? he would but make a ſport of it,
and torment the poor Lady worſe.

Prin. And he ſhould, it were an alms to hang him;
(he's an excellent ſweet Lady, and (out of all ſulpition)
he is vertuous.

Claud. And ſhe is exceeding wife.

Prin. In every thing, but in loving Benedick.

Leon. O my Lord, wurdome and blood combating in
ſo tender a body, we have ten proofs to one, that blood
hath the viftory; I am forry for her, as I have juſt cauſe,
being her Unkle, and her Guardian.

Prince. I would ſhe had beſtowed this dotage on me;
I would have daſt all other reſpects, and made her half
my ſelf: I pray you tell Benedick of it, and hear what
he will ſay.

Leon. Were it good think you?

Cla. Hero thinks ſurely ſhe will die, for ſhe faſes ſhe
will die, if he love her not, and ſhe will die ere ſhe
make her love known, and ſhe will die if he woo her,
rather than ſhe will bate one breath of her accuſtomed
croſsneſs.

Prin. She doth well, if ſhe ſhould make tender of her
love, 'tis very poffible he'll ſcorn it, for the man (as you
know all) hath a contemptible ſpirit.

Claud. He is a very proper man.

Prin. He hath indeed a good outward happineſs.

Claud. 'Fore God, and in my mind very wife.

Prin. He doth indeed ſhew ſome sparks that are like
wit.

Leon. And I take him to be valiant.

Prin. As Heſſor, I affure you, and in the managing of
quarrels you may fee he is wife, for either he avoids them
with

Much ado about Nothing.

99

with great discretion, or undertakes them with a Christi-
an like fear.

Leon. If he do fear God, a must necessarily keep peace ;
if he break the peace, he ought to enter into a quarrel with
fear and trembling.

Prin. And so will he do, for the man doth fear God,
howfoever it seems not in him, by some large jeffs he will
make : well I am forry for your Niece, shall we go see Benedick,
and tell him of her love ?

Cland. Never tell him, my Lord, let her wear it out
with good counfel.

Leon. Nay, that's impossible, she may wear her heart out first.

Prin. Well, we will hear further of it by your daugh-
ter, let it cool the while, I love Benedick well, and I could
with he would modelly examine himfelf, to fee how much
he is un worthy to have so good a Lady.

Leon. My Lord, will you walk ? dinner is ready.

Clau. If he do not dote on her upon this, I will never
trust my expectation.

Prin. Let there be the fame Net fpread for her, and that
muff your daughter and her gentlewoman carry : the port
will be, when they hold one an opinion of anothers do-
tage, and no fuch matter, that's the Scene that I would fee,
which will be meerly a dumb ſhew : let us fend her to call
him in to dinner:
Excunt.

Ben. This can be no trick, the conference was fairly born,
they have the truth of this from Hero, they seem to pify
the Lady : it feems her affections have the full bent : love me ?
why it must be required : I hear how I am cenfurd : they
fay me I will bear my felf proudly, if I per-
ceive the love come from her : they fay too, that ſhe will
rather dye than give any fign of affection : I did never
think to marry ; I muſt not ſee proud, happy are they
that hear their detractions, and can put them to mending :
they ſay the Lady is fair ; it is a truth, I can bear them
witneſs : and vertuous, 'tis a fo, I cannot reprove it : and
wife, but for loving me, by my trothit is no addition to
her wit, nor no great argument of her folly ; for I
will be horribly in love with her, I may chance have
fome odd quirks and remains of wit broken on me, be-
cause I have raiſd fo long againſt marriage: but doth not
the appetite alter ? a man loves the meat in his youth, that
he cannot endure in his age. Shall quips and fentences,
and theſe paper-bulletts of the brain awe a man from
the career of his humour ? No, the world muſt be peo-
pled. When I faid I would dye a batchellor, I did not
think I should live till I were married : here comes Beat-
trice : by this day ſhe's a fair Lady, I do ſpy fome marks
of love in her.

Enter Beatrice.

Beat. Againſt my will I am ſent to bid you come in to
dinner.

Ben. Fair Beatrice, I thank you for your pains.

Beat. I took no more pains for thofe thanks, than you
take pains to thank me ; if it had been painful, I would not
have come.

Ben. You take pleasure then in the meſſage.

Beat. Yea, juſt so much as you may take upon a knives
point, and choak a Daw withal : you have no ſtomach Sig-
nior, fare you well.
Exit.

Ben. Ha, againſt my will I am ſent to bid you come in
to dinner : there's a double meaning in that : I took no
more pains for thofe thanks, than you took pains to thank
me ; that's as much as to ſay, any pains that I take for you
is as eafe as thanks: if I do not take pity of her, I am a
Villain ; if I do not love her, I am a Jew : I will go get
her picture.

Actus Tertius.

Enter Hero and two Gentlemen, Margaret and Urſula.

Hero. Good Margaret run thee to the parlour,
There halt thou find my Couſin Beatrice
Propofing with the Prince and Claudio,
Whisper her ear, and tell her I and Urſula
Walk in the Orchard, and our whole diſcourſe
Is all of her ; ſay that thou over-heardſt us,
And bid her ſteal into the pleached bower,
Where honey -fuckles ripened by the fun
Forbid the Sun to enter : like Favourites
Made proud by Princes, that advance their pride
Againſt that power that bred it, there will the hide her,
To lſten to our purpofe, this is thy office,
Bear thee well in it, and leave us alone.

Marg. He make her come I warrant prefentely. Exit.
Hero. Now Urſula when Beatrice doth come,
As we do trace this alley up and down,
Our talk muſt onely be of Benedick;
When I do name him, let it be thy part
To praife him more than ever man did merit,
My talk to thee muſt be how Benedick
Is ſick in love with Beatrice : of this matter
Is little Cupids crafty arrow made,
That only wounds by hear-fay : now begin.

Enter Beatrice.

For look where Beatrice like a Lapwing runs
Cloſe by the ground, to hear our conference.

Urſ. The pleafant it angling is to fee the ſiſh
Cut with her golden oars the ſilver ſtream,
And greecly devour the treacherous bait :
So angle we for Beatrice, who even now,
is couched in the woodbine coverture,
Fear you not my part of the Dialogue.

Her. Then go we near her that her ear loſe nothing
Of the falſe ſweet bait that we lay for it :
No truly Urſula, ſhe is too diſdainful,
i know her ſpirits are as coy and wild,
As Haggards of the rock.

Urſ. But are you ſure,
That Benedick loves Beatrice to intirely ?

Her. So faſes the Prince, and my new trothed Lord.
Urſ. And did they bid you tell her of it, Madam ?
Her. They did intreat me to acquaint her of it,
But I perſwaded them, if they lov'd Benedick,
To with him wrangle with affection,
And never to let Beatrice know of it.

Urſ. Why did you to, doth not the Gentleman
Deferve as full, as fortunate a bed,
As ever Beatrice ſhall couch upon ?

Hero. O God of love ! I know he doth deferve,
As much as may be yielded to a man :
But nature never fram'd a womans heart,
Of prouder ſtuff then that of Beatrice :
Didain and Scorn ride ſparkling in her eye,
Mif-prizing what they look on, and her wit
Values it ſelf so highly, that to her
All matter eſſe ſeems weak : ſhe cannot love,
Nor take no ſhape nor project of affection :
She is ſo ſelf indeed.

Urſ. Sure I think so,
And therefore certainly it were not good
She knew his love, left ſhe make ſport at it.

Hero. Why you ſpeak truth, I never yet ſaw man,
How wife, how noble, young, how rarely featur'd.
But ſhe would ſpell him backward : if ſair-fac'd,

I

She

100

Much ado about Nothing.

She would wear the gentleman should be her fitter:

If black, why Nature drawing of an antick,

Made a foul blot: if tall, a launce ill-headed:

If low, an agot very vildly cut:

If speaking, why a vane blown with all winds,

If silent, why a block moved with none.

So turns the every man the wrong fide out,

And never gives to truth and Vertue that
Which simplels and merit purchaseth.

Orf. Sure, fire, fuch carping is not commendable.

Hero. No, not to be so odd, and from all fashions,

As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable.

But who dare tell her fo? if I should speak,

She would mock me into air, O he would laugh me

Out of my self, preſs me to death with wit,

Therefore let Benedick like covered fire,

Confume away in fight, waſt inwardly:

It were a bitter death, to die with mocks,

Which is as bad as die with tickling.

Orf. Yet tell her of it, hear what she will ſay.

Her. No, rather I will go to Benedick,

And counsel him to fight againſt his palfion,

And truly Ile devife ſome honest flanders,

To ſtain my couſin with: one doth not know,

How much an ill word may impoſon lising.

Orf. O do not do your couſin ſuch a wrong.

She cannot be so much without true judgment,

Having ſo swift and excellent a wit

As ſhe is priz'd to have, as to reſufe

So rare a Gentleman as lignior Benedick?

Her. He is the only man of Italy,

Always excepted, my dear Claudio.

Orf. I pray you be not angry with me, Madam,

Speaking my ſancy: Signior Benedick,

For ſhape, for bearing, argument and valour

Goes formoſt in report through Italy.

Her. Indeed he hath an excellent good name.

Orf. His excellence did earn it ere he had it :

When are you married Madam?

Her. Why every day to morrow, come go in,

I'le ſhow thee ſome attrites, and have thy counſel,

Which is the beſt to furniſh me to morrow.

Orf. She's tane I warrant you,

We have caught her Madam?

Hero. If it prove to, then loving goes by haps,

Some Cupids kill with arrows, ſome with traps.

Beat. What fire is in my ears? can this be true?

Stand I condemn'd for pride and ſcorn to much ?

Contempt, farwell, and maiden pride, adieu,

No glory lives behind the back of ſuch,

And Benedick, love on, I will reſequit thee,

Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand :

If thou do'st love, my kindneſs ſhall incite thee

To bind our loves up in a holy band.

For others lay thou doſt deferſe, and I

Believe it better than reportingly.

Enter Prince, Claudio, Benedick, and Leonato.

Prince. I do but ſay till your marriage be confuſ-
mate, and then I go forward Arragon.

Clau. I'le bring you thither my Lord, if you'l vouch-
ſaſe me.

Prin. Nay, that would be as great a foil in the new gloſs of your marriage, as to ſhow a child his new coat and forbid him to wear it. I will only be bold with Benedick for his company; for from the crown of his head, to the folſe of his foot, he is all mirth, he hath twice or thrice cut Cupids bow-ſtring, and the little hang-man dare not ſtoot at him, he hath a heart as found as a bell, and the tongue is the clapper; for what his heart thinks, his tongue ſpeaks.

Ben. Gallants, I am not as I have been.

Leo. So ſay I; methinks you are ſadder.

Clau. I hope he be in love.

Prin. Hang him truant, there's no true drop of blood
in him to be truly toucht with love; if he be fad, he want
money.

Ben. I have the tooth-ach.

Prin. Draw it.

Ben. Hang it.

Clau. You muſt hang it firſt, and draw it afterwards.

Prin. What? ſigh for the tooth-ach.

Leon. Where is but a humour or a worm.

Ben. Well, every one cannot maſter a grief, but he
that has it.

Clau. Yet ſay I, he is in love.

Prin. There is no appearance of fancy in him, unless
it be a fancy that he hath to ſtrange diſgulaſes, as to be:
Dutchman to day, a Frenchman to morrow: unless he
have a fancy to this foolery, as it appears he hath, he
is no fool for fancy, as you would have it to appear
he is.

Clau. If he be not in love with ſome woman, there's
no believing old ſigns, a brufhes his hat a morning,
What ſhould that bode ?

Prin. Hath any man ſeen him at the Barbers ?

Clau. No, but the Barbers man hath been ſeen with
him, and the old ornament of his cheek hath already
ſtufft tennis balls.

Leon. Indeed he looks younger than he did, by the loſs
of a beard.

Prin. Nay a rubs himſelf with Civit, can you ſell
him out by that?

Clau. That's as much as to ſay, the ſweet youth's in
love.

Prin. The greatest note of it is his melancholy.

Clau. And when was he went to waſh his ſace?

Prin. Yea, or to paint himſelf for the which I hear
what they ſay of him.

Clau. Nay, but his jeſting ſpirit, which is now crept
into a lute-ſtring, and now govern'd by ſtops.

Prin. Indeed that tells a heavy tale for him : conclude,
he is in love.

Clau. Nay, but I know who loves him.

Prin. That would I know too, I wnatr an one that
knows him not.

Clau. Yes, and his ill conditions, and in deſpight of
all dies for him.

Prin. She ſhall be buried with her ſace upwards.

Ben. Yet is this no charm for the tooth-ake, old fig-
nior walk aſide with me, I have ſtudied eight, or nine
wife words to ſpeak to you, which theſe hobby-horſes
muſt not hear.

Prin. For my life to break with him about Beatrice.

Clau. Tis even to, Hero and Margaret have by this
played their parts with Beatrice, and then the two Bears
will not bite one another when they meet.

Enter John the Baſſard.

Baſſ. My Lord and brother, God fave you.

Prin. Good den brother.

Baſſ. If your leſure ſery'd, I would ſpeak with you.

Prin. in private?

Baſſ. If it pleafe you; yet Count Claudio may hear;
for what I would ſpeak of, concerns him.

Prin. What's the matter?

Baſſ. Means your Lordship to be married to mor
row?

Prin. You know he does.

Baſſ. I know not that, when he knows what I know.

Clau. If there be any impediment, I pray you diffe-
ver it.

Baſſ. You may think I love you not, let that appear
hereafter, and aim better at me by that I now will ma-
nifeſt; for my brother (I think, he holds you well, and in
dearnels of heart) hath holt to effect your ensuing
marriage: ſurely ſute ill ſpent, and labour ill beſtowed.

Prin. Why, what's the matter ?

Baſſ.

Much ado about Nothing.

101

Baſt. I came hither to tell you, and circumstances shortned ( for she hath been too long a talking of) the Lady is diloyal.

Clan. Who ? *Hero* ?

Baſt. Even ſhe, Leonato's *Hero*, your *Hero*, every man's
*Hero*.

Clan. *Diloyal* ?

Baſt. The word is too good to paint out her wickedneſs; I could ſay she were worſe : think you of a worſe title, and I will fit her to it: wonder not till further warrant: go but with me to night, you ſhall fee her chamber window entred, even the night before her weddingday, if you love her, then to morrow wed her: but it would better fit your Honour to change your mind.

Clan. May this be ſo ?

Prin. I will not think it.

Baſt. If you dare not trust that you fee, confefes not that you know : if you will follow me, I will ſhow you enough ; and when you have feen more, and heard more, proceed accordingly.

Clan. If I fee any thing to night why I ſhould not marry her to morrow in the congregation where I ſhould wed, there will I ſhame her.

Prin. And as I wooed for thee to obtain her, I will join with thee to diſgrace her.

-Baſt. I will diſparage her no farther, till you are my witneſſes; bear it coldly but till night, and let the iſſue ſhow it ſelf.

Prin. O day untowardly turned.

Clan. O miſchief ſtrangely thwarting !

Baſt. O plague right well prevented ! ſo well ſay when you have feen the ſequel.

Enter D. gery and his compaſtner, with the Watch.

Dog. Are you good men and true ?

Verg. Yea, or else it were pity but they ſhould ſuffer falivation body and foul.

Dog. Nay, that were puniſhment too good for them, if they ſhould have any allegiance in them, being choſen for the Princes Watch.

Verg. Well, give them their charge neighbour Dogery.

Dog. First, Who think you the moſt diſartleſs man to be Conſtable ?

Watch. 1. *Hugh Ottecake, fir, or George Seacole*; for they can write and read.

Dog. Come hither Neighbour Seacole, God hath bleſt you with a good Name, to be a well-favoured man, is the gift of Fortune, but to write and read comes by Nature.

VWatch. 2. Both which Maſter Conſtable

Dog. You have: I knew it would be your anſwer: well, for your favour fir, why give God thanks, and make no boast of it; and for your writing and reading, let that appear when there is no need of such vanity: you are thought here to be the moſt fenleſs and fit man for the Conſtable of the Watch; therefore bear you the Lanthorn; this is your charge: You ſhall comprehend all vagrom men, you are to bid any man ſtand in the Princes name.

VWatch. 2. How if a will not ſtand ?

Dog. Why then take no note of him, but let him go, and prefently call the reſt of the Watch together, and thank God you are rid of a knave.

Verg. If he will not ſtand when he is bidden, he is none of the Princes ſubjeſts.

Dog. True, and they are to meddle with none but the Princes ſubjeſts: you ſhall alſo make no noife in the streets: for, for the Watch to babble and talk, is moſt tollerable, and not to be endured.

VWatch. We will rather ſleep than talk; we know what belongs to a Watch.

Dog. Why you ſpeak like an ancient and moſt quiet Watchman, for I cannot fee how ſleeping ſhould offend; only have a care that your bills be not ſtoln: well, you

are to call at all the Alehouse, and bid them that are drunk get them to bed.

VWatch. How if they will not ?

Dog. Why then let them alone till they are sober; if they make you not then the better anſwer, you may lay them are not the men you took them for.

VWatch. Well fir.

Dog. If you meet a thieſe, you may ſuſpect him by ver tue of your office, to be no true man; and for ſuch kind of men, the leſs you meddle or make with them, why the more is for your honeſty.

VWatch. If we know him to be a thieſe, ſhall we not lay hands on him ?

Dog. Truly by your office you may; but I think they that touch pitch will be deſt'd: the moſt peaceable way for you, if you do take a thieſe, it, to let him ſhow himſelf what he is, and ſveal out of his company.

Verg. You have been always call'd a merciful man, partner.

Dog. Truly I would not hang a dog by my will, much more a man who hath any honeſty in him.

Verges. If you hear a child cry in the night, you muſt call to the Nurse, and bid her ſtill it.

VWatch. How if the Nurse be aſſeep, and will not hear us ?

Dog. Why then depart in peace, and let the child wake her with crying: for the Ewe that will not hear her Lamb when it baes, will never anſwer a Calf when it bleats.

Verges. 'Tis very true.

Dog. This is the end of the charge: you Conſtable are to prelect the Princes own person, if you meet the Prince in the night, you may ſay him.

Verges. Nay, birlady that I think I cannot.

Dog. Five fillings to one on't with any man that knows the Statutes, he may ſlay him, marry not without the Prince be willing: for indeed the Watch ought to offend no man; and it is an offence to ſlay a man against him.

Verges. Birlady I think it be ſo.

Dog. Ha, ah, ha, well maſters good night, and there be any matter of weight chances, call up me, keep your ſellows counsel, and your own, and good night, come Neighbour.

VWatch. VWell maſters, we hear our charge, let us go fit here upon the Church bench till two, and then all to bed.

Dog. One word more, honeſt neighbours. I pray you watch about Signior Leonato's door, for the wedding being there to morrow, there is a great coil to night, adieu, be vigilant I beſeech you.

Enter Borachio and Conrade.

Bor. VWhat, Conrade ?

Watch. Peace, fir not.

Bor. Conrade I ſay.

Con. Here man, I am at thy elbow.

Bor. Maſs and my elbow itch, I thought there would be a ſab follow.

Con. I will owe thee an anſwer for that, and now forward with thy tale.

Bor. Stand there cloſe then under this Pent-houſe, for it drizes rain, and I will, like a true drunkard, utter all to thee.

Watch. Some treaſon maſters, yet ſtand cloſe.

Bor. Therefore know, I have earned of Don John a thousand Ducats.

Con. Is it poffible that any villany ſhould be ſo dear ?

Bor. Thou ſhouldst rather ask if it were poffible any villany ſhould be ſo free ? for when rich villains have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what price they will.

Con. I wonder at it.

Bor. That ſhews thou art unconfirm'd, thou knowest that the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloak, is nothing to a man.

Con

102

Much ado about Nothing.

Con. Yes, it is apparel.

Bor. I mean the fashion:

Con. Yes the fashion is the fashion.

Bor. Tufh, I may as well fay the fool's the fool, but
feest thou not what a deformed thief this fashion is ?

Watch. I know that deformed, a has been a vile thief
this seven years, a goes up and down like a Gentleman:
I remember his name.

Bor. Did'ft thou not hear somebody ?

Con. No, 'twas the vane on the houfe.

Bor. Seeft thou not ( I fay ) what a deformed chief
this fashion is, how giddily a turns about all the Hot-
bloods, between fourteen and five and thirty, fometimes
fashioning them like Pharoes foldiers in the rechie painting,
fometimes like god-Bell's priefts in the old Church window,
fometime like the ſhaven Hercules in the ſmicht worm-
eatan tapeſtry, where his Cod-piece ſeems as maffie as his
club.

Con. All this I fee, and fee that the fashion wears out
more apparel than the man; but art not thou thy ſelf gid-
dy with the fashion too, that thou haſt shifted out of thy
tale into telling me of the fashion?

Bor. Not fo neither, but know that I have to night
wooded Margaret the Lady Hero's gentlewoman, by the
name of Hero ; ſhe leans me out at her miſtrefls chamber
window, bids me a thouſand times good night: I tell this
tale vildly: I ſhould firſt ſeeft thee how the Prince Claudio,
and my Maſter planted, and placed, and poffeſted by my
Maſter Don John, ſaw aſfar oſſ in the Orchard this amiable
encounter.

Con. And thought thy Margaret was Hero ?

Bor. Two of them did, the Prince and Claudio, but the
devil my Maſter knew ſhe was Margaret, and partly by
his oaths which firſt poffeſt them, partly by the dark night
which did deceive them, but chiefly by my villany,
which did confirm any ſlander that Don John had made,
away went Claudio enraged, ſware he would meet her as
he was appointed next morning at the Temple, and there,
before the whole Congregation ſhame her with what he
faw o're night, and ſend her home again without a Hus-
band.

Watch. 1. We charge you in the Princes name ſtand.

Watch. 2. Call up the right maſter Conſtable, we have
here recovered the moſt dangerous piece of lechery that
ever was known in a Common-wealth.

Watch. 1. And one Deformed is one of them, I know
him, a wears a lock.

Con. Maſters, maſters.

Watch. 2. You'l be made bring Deformed forth I war-
rant you.

Con. Maſters, never ſpeak, we charge you, let us obey
you to go with us.

Bor. We are like to prove a goodly commodity, being ta-
ken up of theſe mens bills.

Con. A commodity in queſtion I warrrant you, come
well'obey you. Exeunt.

Enter Hero, and Margaret, and Urfula.

Hero. Good Urfula wake my Couſin Beatrice, and de-
fire her to rife.

Urfu. I will Lady.

Hero. And bid her come hither.

Urf. Well.

Mar. Troth, I think your other rebato were better.

Hero. No pray thee good Meg I'le wear this.

Mar. By my troth's not ſo good, and I warrant your
Couſin will ſay ſo.

Hero. My Couſin's a fool, and thou art another, I'le
wear none but this.

Mar. I like the new tire within excellently, if the hair
were a thought browner: and your Gown's a moſt rare
fashion iſaith, I'aw the dutchefs of Millains Gown, that
they praiſe i.

Hero. O that exceeds they fay.

Mar. By my troth's but a Night-Gown in reſpect of
yours, cloth a gold and cuts, and lac'd with filver, ſet with
pearls down-fleeves, ſide-fleeves, and skirts, round, under-
born with a bleſſuſ tinſel, but for a fine queint graceful
and excellent fashion, yours is worth ten on't.

Hero. God give me joy to wear it, for my heart is ex-
ceeding heavy.

Marg. 'Twill be heavier ſoon, by the weight of a
man.

Hero. Fie upon thee, art not afham'd?

Marg. Of what Lady? of ſpeaking honourably? is
not marriage honourable in a beggar ? is not your Lord
honourable without marriage ? I think you would have
me ſay, ſaving your reverence a husband : and bad think-
ing do not wreſt true ſpeaking, Ile offen no body, is there
any harm in the heavier for a husband ? none I think, and
it be the right husband, and the right wife, otherwife 'tis
light and not heavy, ask my Lady Beatrice elle, here ſhe
comes.

Enter Beatrice.

Hero. Good morrow Coze.

Beat. Good morrow ſweet Hero.

Hero. Why how now ? do you ſpeak in the ſick tune ?

Beat. I am out of all other tune methinks.

Mar. Claps into Light a love, ( that goes without a
burden, ) do you ſing it, and Ile dance it.

Beat. Ye light alive with your heels, then if your
husband have ſtables enough, you'l look he ſhall lack no
barns.

Mar. O illegitimate conſtruction! I ſcorn that with my
heels.

Beat. 'Tis almoſt five a clock couſin, 'tis time you were
ready, by my troth I am exceeding ill, hey ho.

Mar. For a hauk, a horſe, or a husband ?

Beat. For the letter that begins them all, H.

Mar. Well, and you be not turn'd Turk, there's no
more failing by the ſtar.

Beat. What means the fool trow ?

Mar. Nothing I, but God ſend every one their hearts de-
ſire.

Hero. Theſe gloves the Count ſent me, they are an ex-
cellent ſentiment.

Beat. I am ſtuſt Couſin, I cannot ſmell.

Mar. A maid and ſtuſt ! there's a goodly catching of
cold.

Beat. O God help me, God help me, how long have
you proſeſt apprehenſion?

Mar. Ever ſince you left it; doth not my wit become
me rarely ?

Beat. It is not ſeen enough, you should wear it in your
cap, by my troth I am ſick.

Mar. Get you ſome of this diſtill'd carduus benedictus,
and lay it to your heart, it is the only thing for a qualm.

Hero. There thou prick'ſt her with a thiſle.

Beat. Benedictus, why benedictus ? you have ſome moral
in this benedictus.

Mar. Moral ? no by my troth, I have no moral mean-
ing, I meant plain holy thiſle, you may think perchance
that I think you are in love, nay birlady I am not ſuch a
fool to think what I lift, nor I lift nor to think what I can,
nor indeed I cannot think, if I would think my heart out
of thinking, that you are in love, or that you will be in
love, or that you can be in love: yet Benedic was ſuch
another, and now is he become a man, he ſwoore he would
never marry, and yet now in deſpight of his heart he eats
his meat without grudging, and how you may be convert-
ed I know not, but methinks you look with your eyes as
other women do.

Beat. What pace is this thy tongue keeps?

Mar. Not a falſe gallop.

Enter Urfula.

Urf. Madam, withdraw, the Prince, the Count, ſignor
Benedick, Don John, and all the gallants of the town are
come to fetch you to Church. Hero.

Much ado about Nothing.

103

Hero. Help to drefſ me good coze, good Mag, good
Urſula.

Enter Leonata, and the Conſtable and
the Headborough.

Leonata. What would you with me, honest neighbour ?

Conſt. Dog. Marry fir I would have ſome confidence with you, that decerns you nearly.

Leon. Brief I pray you, for you fee 'tis a bufſe time with me.

Conſt. Dog. Marry this it is fir.

Headb. Yes in truth it is fir.

Leon. What is it my good friends?

Conſt. Dog. Goodman Verges fir ſpeaks a little of the matter, an old man fir, and his wits are not ſo blunt, as God help, I would defire they were, but in faith honest as the skin between his brows.

Headb. Yes I thank God, I am as honest as any man living, that is an old man, and no honeſter than I.

Conſt. Dog. Comparisons are odorous, palabras, neighbour Verges.

Leon. Neighbours, you are tedious.

Conſt. Dog. It pleafes your worſhip to ſay ſo, but we are the poor Dukes Officers, but truly for mine own part, if I were as tedious as a King, I could find in my heart to beſt it all of your worſhip.

Leon. All thy tediousneſs on me, ah ?

Conſt. Dog. Yea, and 'twere a thouſand times more than 'tis, for I hear as good exclamation on your Worſhip as of any man in the City, and tho I be but a poor man, I am glad to hear it.

Headb. And ſo am I.

Leon. I would faſіn know what you have to ſay.

Headb. Marry fir, our watch to night, excepting your worſhips prefence, have tane a couple of as arrant knaves, as any in Melfina.

Conſt. Dog. A good old man fir, he will be talking as they ſay, when the age is in, the wit is out, God help us, it is a world to ſee: well faſіd yfaith neighbour Verges, well, God's a good man, and two men rides an horſe, one muſt ride behind, an honest ſoul yfaith fir, by my troth he is, as ever broke bread, but God is to be worſhipt, all men are not alike, alas good neighbour.

Leon. Indeed neighbour he comes too ſhort of you.

Conſt. Dog. Gifts that God gives.

Leon. I muſt leave you.

Conſt. Dog. One word fir, our watch have indeed comprehended two aſpitious perſons, and we would have them this morning examined before your worſhip.

Leon. Take their examination your ſelf, and bring it me, I am now in great haſt, as may appear unto you.

Conſt. It ſhall be ſuffigance.

[ Exit ]

Leon. Drink ſome wine ere you go : ſare you well.

Mſ. My Lord, they ſtay for you to give your daughter to her husband.

Leon. Ile wait upon them. I am ready.

Dough. Go good partner, go get you to Francis Seecoale, bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the Goal; we are now to examine thoſe men.

Verges. And we muſt do it wifely.

Dough. We will ſpare for no wit I warrant you ; here's that ſhall drive ſome of them to a non-come, only get the learned writer to ſet down our excommunication, and meet me at the Goal.

Exeunt.

Actus Quartus.

Enter Prince, Baſſard, Leonata, Frier, Claudio, Benedick, Hero, and Beatrice.

Leon. Come Frier Francis, be brief, only to the plain form of marriage, and you ſhall recount their particular duties afterwards.

Fran. You come hither my Lord to marry this Lady.

Clau. No.

Leon. To be married to her, Frier, you come to marry her.

Frier. Lady, you come hither to be married to this Count.

Hero. I do.

Frier. If either of you know any inward impediment why you ſhould not be conjoined, I charge you on your fouls to utter it.

Clau. Know you any, Hero ?

Hero. None my Lord.

Frier. Know you any, Count?

Leon. I dare make his anſwer, None.

Clau. O what men dare do ! what men may do ! what men daily do !

Ben. How now ! interjeſions ? why then, ſome be of laughing, as ha, ha, he.

Clau. Stand thee by Frier : father by your leave, Will you with this ſſeand unconſtrained foul Give me this maid your daughter ?

Leon. As freely ſon, as God did give her me.

Clau. And what have I to give you back, whoſe worth may counterpoife this rich and precious gift ?

Prin. Nothing, unless you render her again.

Clau. Sweet Prince, you learn me noble thankfulneſs : There Leonata, take her back again,

Give not this rotten Orange to your friend, She's but the ſign and ſembiance of her honour : Behold how like a maid the bluſhes here ! O what authority and thew of truth Can cunning fin cover it ſelf withal !

Comes not that blood, as modeſt evidence, To witneſs ſimple Vertue ? would you not ſwear All you that fee her, that ſhe were a maid, By theſe exteriour thews ? But the ſhe is none : She knows the heat of a luxurious bed :

Her bluſh is guiltyneſs, not modeſty.

Leon. What do you mean, my Lord ?

Clau. Not to be married,

Not knit my foul to an approved wanton.

Leon. Dear my Lord, if you in your own proof, Have vanquifhed the refiſtance of your youth, And made defeat of her virginity.

Hero. And ſeem'd I ever otherwife to you ?

Clau. I know what you would ſay: if I have known You will ſay, the did imbrace me as a husband, And to extenuate the ſorehand fin: No Leonato,

I never tempted her with word too large, But as a brother to his ſifter, theſhed Baſſhful ſincerity and comely love.

( her

Clau. Out on thee ſeeming, I will write againſt it, You ſeem to me as Diana in her Orb,

As chaſt as is the bud ere it be blown :

But you are more intemperate in your blood,

Than Venus, or thoſe pamper'd animals,

That rage in lavage ſenſuality.

Hero. Is my Lord well, that he doth ſpeak ſo wide ?

Leon. Sweet Prince, why ſpeak not you ?

Prin. What ſhould I ſpeak ?

I ſtand diſhonour'd that have gone about,

To link my dear friend to a common ſtale.

Leon. Are theſe things ſpoken, or do I but dream ?

Baſſ. Sir they are ſpoken, and theſe things are true.

Ben. This looks not like a nuptial.

Hero. True ! O God !

Clau. Leonatc, ſtand I here ?

Is this the Prince ? is this the Princes brother ?

Is this face Heroes ? are our eyes our own ?

Leon. All this is ſo, but what of this my Lord ?

Clau. Let me but move one queſtion to your daughter, And by that fatherly and kindly power,

That you have in her, bid her anſwer truly.

Leon. I charge thee to do as thou art my child,

Heroes.

I 3

Much ado about Nothing.

Why then we rack the value, then we find
The virtue that poſſeffion would not ſhow us
Whiles it was ours; fo will it faire with *Claudio* ?
When he fhall hear ſhe dyed upon his words,
Th' Idea of her life fhall ſweetly creep
Into his ſtudy of imagination,
And every lovely Organ of her life,
Shall come apparell'd in more precions habit :
More moving, delicate, and full of life,
Into the eye and proſpect of his ſoul,
Than when the liv'd indeed : then ſhall he mourn,
If ever Love had intereſt in his Liver,

And wifh he had not ſo accuſed her :
No, tho he thought his accuſation true :
Let this be ſo, and doubt not but ſucceſs
Will ſashion the event in better ſhape
Than I can lay it down in likelihood.
But if all aim but this be level'd falſe,
The ſuſpofition of the Ladies death
Will quench the wonder of her infamy.
And if it ſort not well, you may conceal her,
As beſt beſts her wounded Reputation,
In ſome Recluſive and Religious life,
Of all eyes, tongues, minds, and injuuries.

Ben. Signior *Leonato*, let the Frier advife you,
And tho you know my inwardneſs and love
Is very much unto the Prince and *Claudio*,
Yet, by mine honour, I will deal in this
As ſecreſtly and juſtly, as your ſoul
Should with your body.

Leon. Being that I flow in grief,
The ſmalſt twine may lead me.
Frier. 'Tis well contented, prefently away,
For to ſtrange fore, ſtrangely they ſtrain the cure ;
Come Lady, dye to live, this Wedding-day

Perhaps is but prolong'd, and have patience and endure. Exit.

*Beatrice*. Have you wept all this while ?

*Beatrice*. Yea, and I will weep a while longer.

Enter the Confables, Borachia, and the Town
Clerk in Gowns.

Much ado about Nothing.

109

Nay, as I am a gentleman, I will.

Leon. Brother.

Bro. Content your self, God knows I lov'd my Neece
And he is dead, flander'd to death by villains,
That dare as well anſwer a man indeed,
As I dare take a Serpent by the tongue.
Boys, Apes, Braggarts, Jacks, Milkfops.

Leon. Brother Anthony.

Bro't: Hold you content, what man? I know them, yea
And what they weigh; even to the utmoſt cruple,
Scambling, outfacing, fashion-mongring boys,
That lye, and cog, and flout, deprave and flander :
Go antickly, and flow outward hidiouſneſs,
And ſpeak of half a dozen dangerous words,
How they might hurt their enemies if they durſt,
And this is all.

Leon. But brother Anthony.

Ant. Come 'tis no matter,

Do not you meddle, let me deal in this.

Pri. Gentlemen both, we will not wake your patience,
My heart is forry for your daughters death:
But on my honour he was charg'd with nothing
But was true, and very full of proof.

Leon. My Lord, my Lord.

Prince. I will not hear you.

Enter Benedick.

Leon. No! come brother away, I will be heard.

Exeunt ambo.

Bro: And ſhall, or ſome of us will ſmarte for it.

Prin. See, fee, here comes the man he went to ſeek.

Clau. Now Signior, what news?

Ben. Good day my Lord :

Prin. Welcome Signior, you are almoſt come to part almoſt a fray.

Clau. We had like to have had our two noſes ſnapt off
with two old men without teeth.

Prin. Leonato and his brother ; what thinkt thou ? had
we fought, I doubt we ſhould have been too young for
them.

Ben. In falſe quarrel there is no true valour : I came to
ſeek you both.

Clau. We have been up and down to ſeek thee, for we
are high proof melancholly, and would fain have it beaten
away: wilt thou uſe thy wit ?

Ben. It is in my ſcabbard, ſhall I draw it ?

Prin. Doſt thou wear thy wit by thy ſide ?

Clau. Never any did ſo, tho very many have been beſide
their wit: I will bid thee draw, as we do the Minſtrels
draw to pleafure us.

Prin. As I am an honſt man he looks pale: art thou
ſick, or angry ?

Clau. What ! Courage man : What tho care kiff'd a
Cat, thou haſt mettle enough to kill care.

Ben. Sir, I ſhall meet your Wit in the career, and you
charge it againſt me: I pray you chufe another ſubjeſt.

Clau. Nay then give him another ſtaff, this laſt was
broke croſs.

Prin. By this light he changes more and more: I think
he be angry indeed.

Clau. If he be, he knows how to turn his girdle.

Ben. Shall I ſpeak a word in your ear ?

Clau. God bleſs me from a challenge.

Ben. You are a Villain, I jeſt not, I will make it good
how you dare, with what you dare, and when you dare :
do me right, or I will proteſt your cowardife: you have
kill'd a ſweet Lady, and her death ſhall fall heavy on you:
let me hear from you.

Clau. Well I will meet you, ſo I may have good cheer.

Ben. What a ſeaf ?

Clau. I faith I thank him, he hath bid me to calves heads
and a Capon, the which if I do not carve moſt curiously,
ſay my knife's naught: ſhall I not find a Woodcock too ?

Ben. Sir, your Wit ambles well, goes eafily.

Prin. I'll tell thee how Beatrice prais'd thy Wit the

other day: I faid thou hadſt a fine wit: true ſays ſhe, a
fine little one: no, ſaid I, a great wit: right ſays ſhe, a
great groſs one: nay ſaid I, a good wit: juſt ſaid ſhe, it
hurts no body: nay ſaid I, the Gentleman is wife: certain
faid ſhe, a wife Gentleman: nay ſaid I, he hath the tongues:
that I believe, ſaid ſhe, for he ſwere a thing to me on
Morn-
day night, which he ſorſwore on Tuesday morning: there's
a double tongue, there's two tongues. Thus did ſhe an
hour together tranſhape thy particular virtues, yer at laſt
the concluded with a ſigh, thou waſt the propereſt man
in Italy.

Clau. For the which ſhe wept heartily, and ſaid ſhe
car'd not.

Prin. Yea that ſhe did, but yet for all that, and if ſhe
did not hate him deadly, he would love him dearly, the
old mans daughter told us all.

Clau. All, all, and moreover, God ſaw him when he was
hid in the garden.

Prin. But when ſhall we ſet the falſage Bulls horns on
the ſenſible Benedick's head ?

Clau. Yea, and text underneath, Here dwells Benedick
the married man.

Bene. Fare you well, Boy, you know my mind, I will
leave you now to your goſſep-like humor, you break jeſts
as braggards do their blades, which God be thanked hurt
not: my Lord, for your many courteſies I thank you, I
muſt discontinue your company, your Brother the Baſtard
is ſled from Meſſina: you have among you, killed a
ſweet and innocent Lady, for my Lord Lack-beard
there, he and I ſhall meet, and till then peace be with
him.

Prin. He is in earneſt.

Clau. In moſt profound earneſt, and I'le warrant you,
for the love of Beatrice.

Prince. And hath challeſt thee.

Clau. Moſt fincerely.

Prin. What a pretty thing man is, when he goes in his
doublet and hofe, and leaves off his wit?

Enter Conſtable, Conſtable, and Borachio.

Clau. He is then a Giant to an Ape, but then is an Ape
a Doctor to ſuch a man.

Prin. But ſoft you, let me fee, pluck up my heart, and
be ſad, did he not ſay my brother was ſad ?

Conſt. Come you fir, if Juitſce cannot tame you, ſhe
ſhall ne're weigh more reaſons in her ballance, nay, and
you be a curſing hypocrite once, you muſt be lookt to.

Prin. How now, two of my brothers men bound ? Bo-
rachio one.

Clau. Harken after their offence, my Lord.

Prin. Officers, what offence have theſe men done ?

Conſt. Marry fir, they have committed falſe report, more-
over they have ſpoken untruths, ſe condarily they are flan-
ders, fixth and laſtly, they have belyed a Lady, thirdly,
they have verified unjuſt things, and to conclude, they are
lying knaves.

Prin. Firſt I ask thee what they have done, thirdly
I ask thee what's their offence, fixth and laſtly why they
are committed; and to conclude, What lay you to their
charge?

Clau. Rightly reaſoned, and in his own diviſion, and
by my troth, there's one meaning well ſured.

Prin. Whom have you offendeſted mafter, that you are
this bound to your anſwer ? this learned Conſtable is too
cunning to be underſood, what's your offence ?

Bor. Sweet Prince, let me go no farther to mine an-
ſwer: do you hear me, and let this Count kill me: I
have deceived even your very eyes: what your wifdoms
could not difſcover, theſe ſhallow fools have brought to
light, who in the right heard me conſeſſing to this man,
how Don John your brother incenſed me to flander the La-
dy Hero, how you were brought into the Orchard, and
faw me court Margaret in Hero's garments, how you dif-
grac'd

grac'd

108

Much ado about Nothing.

grac'd her when you should marry her: my villany they
have upon record, which I had rather feal with my death,
than repeat over to my flame; the Lady is dead upon mine
and my maisters false accufation: and briefly, I desire no-
thing but the reward of a vilain.

Prince. Runs not this speech like iron through your
blood?

Clau. I have drunk poison whiles he utters'd it.

Prin. But did my brother get thee on to this?

Bor. Yea, and paid me rich for the practice of it.

Prin. He is compos'd of treachery,

And fad he is upon this villany.

Clau. Sweet Hero, now thy image doth appear
In the rare fembance that I lov'd it first.

Conft. Come bring away the plaintiffs, by this time our
Sexton hath informed Signior Leonato of the matter, and
maisters, do not forget to specifice when time and place
shall serve, that I am an Afs.

Con. 2. Here, here comes maister Signior Leonato, and
the Sexton too.

Enter Leonato.

Leon. Which is the Villain ? let me see his eyes,
Thar when I note another man like him,
I may avoid him: which of thefe is he ?

Bor. If you would know your stronger, look on me.

Leon. Art thou, art thou the flave that with thy breath
Haft kill'd mine innocent child?

Bor. Yea, even I alone.

Leon. No, not to Villain, thou beliſt thy self;
Here fland a pair of honourable men,
A third is fled that had a hand in it:

I thank you Princes for my daughters death,
Record it with your high and worthy deeds,
I was bravely done, if you bethink you of it.

Clau. I know not how to pray your patience,
Yet I must speak, chufe your revenge your self,
Impofe me to what penance your invention
Can lay upon my fin; yet fin'd I not,
But in miftaking.

Prin. By my foul nor I,

And yet to fatisſe this good old-man,
I would bend under any heavy weight
That he'ls enjoin me too.

Leon. You cannot bid my daughter live,
That were impoffible; but I pray you both
Poffeſs the people in Mefſina here,

How innocent the died, and if your love
Can labour ought in fad invention,
Hang her an Epitaph upon her Tomb,

And fing it to her bones, fing it to night:
To morrow morning come you to my house,
And fine you could not be my fon-in-law,

Be yet my Nephew: my brother hath a daughter,
Almoſt the copy of my child that's dead,
And fhe alone is heir to both of us,
Give her the right you should have giv'n her confiu,
And fo dies my revenge.

Clau. O noble fir!

Your overkindnes doth wring tears from me:
I do embrace your offer, and diſpoſe
For henceforth ot poor Claudio.

Leon. To morrow then I will expect your coming,
To night I take my leave: this naughty man
Shall face to face be brought to Margaret,
Who I believe was packt in all this wrong,
Hired to it by your brother.

Bor. No by my foul ſhe was not,
Nor knew not what ſhe did when ſhe spoke to me,
But always hath been juſt and vertuous,
In any thing that I do know by her.

Conſt. Moreover fir, which indeed is not under white
and black, this plaintiff here, the offender did call me aſſ

I beſeech you let it be remembered in his puniſhment; and
also the Watch heard them talk of one Deformed; they
lay he wears a key in his ear, and a lock hanging by it,
and borrows money in God's name, the which he hath uſd
ſo long, and never paid, that now men grow hard hearted,
and will lend nothing for God's ſake: pray you examine
him upon that point.

Leon. I thank thee for thy care and honef pains.

Conſt. Your worſhip ſpeaks like a moſt thankfull and re-
verend youth, and I praife God for you.

Leon. There's for thy pains.

Conſt. God fave the foundation.

Leon. Go, I diſcharge thee of thy prifoner; and I thank
thee.

Conſt. I leave an errant knave with your worſhip, which
I beſeech your worſhip to correct your ſelf, for the exam-
ple of others: God keep your worſhip, I with your wor-
ſhip well; God reſore you to health, I humbly give you
leave to depart; and if a merry meeting may be with'd,
God prohibit it, come neighbour.

Leon. Until to morrow morning, Lords, farewel.

Exe un.

Brot. Farewel my Lords, we look for you to morrow.

Prin. We will not fail.

Clau. To night I'll e mourn with Hero.

Leon. Bring you theſe fellows on, we'll talk with Marga-
ret, how her acquaintance grew with this lewd fellow.

Exeunt

Enter Benedick and Margaret.

Ben. Pray thee fweet Miftraſſs *Margaret*, deferve well at
my hands, by helping me to the ſpeech of *Beatrice*.

Mar. Will you then write me a Sonnet in praife of my
beauty?

Ben. In ſo high a ſile *Margaret*, that no man living shall
come over it; for in moſt comely truth thou deferveſt
it.

Mar. To have no man come over me; why, ſhall I al-
ways keep below ſtairs?

Ben. Thy wit is as quick as the greyhounds mouth, it
catches.

Mar. And yours as blunt as the Fencers foile, which hit
but hurt nor.

Ben. A moſt manly wit *Margaret*, it will not hurt a wo-
man; and ſo I pray thee call *Beatrice*; I give thee the
bucklers:

Mar. Give us the ſwords, we have bucklers of our
own.

Ben. If you uſe them *Margaret*, you muſt put in the
pikes with a vice, and they are dangerous weapons for
Maids.

Mar. Well, I will call *Beatrice* to you, who I think
hath legs.

Exit Margaret.

Ben. And therefore will come. The god of love that fits
above, and knows me, and knows me how pitiful I deferve,
I mean in finging; but in loving, *Leander* the good twim-
mer, *Troilous* the firſt employer of panders, and a whole
book full of theſe *quondam* carpet-mongers, whose names
yet run smoothly in the even rode of a blank verſe, why they
were never ſo truly turned over, as my poor ſelf in love:
marry I cannot ſhow it in rime, I have tried, I can find out
no rime to Lady but bady, an innocents rime; for ſcorn
horn, a hard rime; for ſchool, fool, a babling rime; very
ominous endings, no, I was not born under a riming Pla-
net; for I cannot woo in feſtival terms.

Enter Beatrice.

Sweet *Beatrice*, wouldſt thou come when I cal'd thee?

Beat. Yea, Signior, and depart when you bid me.

Ben. O lay but till then.

Beat. Then, is ſpoken; fare you well now; and yet ere
I go, let me go with that I came, which is, with knowing
what hath pafft between you and *Claudio*.

Ben.

Much ado about Nothing.

III

Ben. Only foul words, and thereupon I will kiff thee.

Beat. Foul words and foul wind, and foul wind is but foul breath, and foul breath is noifome, therefore I will depart unkiff.

Ben. Thou haſt frighted the word out of his right fence, fo forcible is thy wit; but I muſt tell thee plainly, Claudio undergoes my challenge, and either I muſt shortly hear from him, or I will subſcribe him a coward; and I pray thee now tell me, for which of my bad parts didt thou firſt fall in love with me?

Beat. For them all together; which maintain'd fo policick a ſtate of evil, that they will not admit any good part to intermingling with them: but for which of my good parts did you firſt ſuffer love for me?

Ben. Suffer love ! a good epithet, I do ſuffer love indeed, for I love thee againſt my will.

Beat. In ſpight of your heart, I think; alas poor heart, if you ſpight it for my ſake, I will ſpight it for yours, for I will never love that which my friend hates.

Ben. Thou and I are too wife to woo peaceably.

Beat. It appears not in this conſection, there's not one wife man among twenty that will praſe himſelf.

Ben. An old, an old instance, Beatrice, that liv'd in the time of good neighbours, if a man do not erct in this age his own Tomb ere he dyes, he ſhall live no longer in monuments than the Bells ring, and the Widow weeps.

Beat. And how long is that think you?

Ben. Quæſtion, why an hour in clamour, and a quarter in the thewm; therefore it is moſt expedient for the wife, if Don Worm (his conſeience) find no impediment to the contrary, to be the trumpet of his own virtues, as I am to my ſelf, ſo much for praſing my ſelf, who I my ſelf will bear witneſs is praſe-worthy; and now tell me how doth your couſin?

Beat. Very ills.

Ben. And how do you?

Beat. Very ill too.

Enter Urſula.

Ben. Serve God, love me, and mend; there will I leave you too, for here comes one in haſte.

Urſ. Madam you muſt come to your Uncle, yonders old coil at home, it is proved my Lady Hero hath been fally accus'd, the Prince and Claudio mightily abufed, and Don John is the author of all, who is ſed and gone; will you come prefently ?

Beat. Will you go hear this news? Signior?

Ben. I will live in thy heart, dye in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes: and moreover I will go with thee to thy Unkles.

Exeunt.

Enter Claudio, Prince, and three or four with Tapers.

Claun. Is this the monument of Leonardo?

Lord. It is my Lord.

Epitaph.

Done to death by ſlanderous tongues,

Was the Hero that here lies :

Death in guerdon of her wrongs,

Gives her fame which never dies :

So the life that did with ſhame

Lives in death with glorious fame.

Hang thou there upon the tomb,

Praſing her when I am dumb.

Claun. Now muſick found and fing my ſeſlern hymn.

Song.

Pardon goddes' of the night,
Those that flew thy Vigin knight,

For the which with ſongs of wo,

Round about her tomb they go.

Midnight affit our moan,

Help us to ſigh and groan.

Heavily, bravely.

Graves yawn and yield your dead,

Till death be uſtered,

Heavently, heavenly.

(This right.

Le. Now unto thy bones good night, yearly will I do

Prin. Good morrow maſters, pur your torches out,

The Wolves have preyd, and look, the gentle day
Before the wheels of Phoebus, round about

Dapples the drowlie Eaſt with spots of grey:

Thanks to you all, and leave us, fare you well.

Claun. Good morrow maſters, each his ſeveral way.

Prin. Come let us hence, and put on other weeds,

And then to Leonardo's we will go.

Claun. And Hymen now withuckier iffue speed,

Than this for whom we rendred up this wo.

Exeunt.

Enter Leonardo, Benedick, Margaret, Urſula, Old man,

Frier, Hero.

Frier. Did I not tell you ſhe was innocent ?

Leon. So are the Prince and Claudio who accus'd her,
Upon the error that you heard debated.

But Margaret was in ſome fault for this ;

Although againſt her will as it appears,

In the true course of all the queſtion.

Old. Well, I am glad that all things ſort so well.

Ben. And so am I, being elle by faith enfoc'd

To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it.

Leon. Well, daughter, and young Gentlemen all,

Withdraw into a chamber by your ſelves,

And when I find for you, come nither mask'd :

The Prince and Claudio promis'd by this hour

To vifit me; you know your ſoffice brother,

You muſt be father to your brothers daughter,

And give her to young Claudio.

Exeunt Ladies.

Old. Which I will do with confirm'd countenance,

Ben. Frier, I muſt intreat your pains, I think.

Frier. To do what Signior?

Ben. To bind me, or undo me, one of them :

Signior Leonardo, truth it is good Signior,

Your Neece regards me with an eye of favour.

Old. That eye my daughter lent her, 'tis moſt true.

Ben. And I do with an eye of love requite her.

Leon. The fight whereo' I think you had from me,

From Claudio and the Prince; but what's your will ?

Ben. Your anſwer fir is enigmatical,

But for my will, my will is, your good will

May ſtand with ours, this day to be conjoin'd

Ich ſtate of honourable marriage,

In which good I ſhall define your help.

Leon. My heart is with your liking.

Frier. And my help.

Enter Prince and Claudio with attendants.

Prin. Good morrow to this fair assembly.

Leon. Good morrow Prince, good morrow Claudio,

We here attend you; are you yet determin'd

To day to marry with my brother's daughter ?

Claun. Ple hold my mind were ſhe an Ebi pe.

Leon. Call her fourth brother, here's the Frier ready.

Prin. Good morrow Benedick, why what's the matter

That you have ſuch a February face?

So full of froſt, of ſtorm, of cloudineſt?

Claun. I think he thinks upon the savage bull :

Tuff, fear not man, wee'l tip thy horns with gold,

And to all Europe ſhall rejoice at thee,

As once Europa did at lufty Jove,

When he would play the noble beaſt in love.

Leon. Bull Jove fir, had an amiable low,

And fome ſuch ſtrange bull leap your fathers cow.

And got a calf in that fame noble feat,

Much like to you, for you have juſt his bleat.

Enter brother, Hero, Beatrice, Margaret, Urſula.

Claun. For this I owe you; here comes other recknings.

Which is the Lady I muſt feiz: upon !

Lea

Love's Labour's loft.

110

Leon. T his fame is she, and I do give you her.
Clau. Why then the' mine, sweet let me see your face.
Leon. No that you shall not, till you take her hand;
Before this Frier, and fwear to marry her.

Clau. Give me your hand before this holy Frier,
I am your husband if you like of me.

Hero. And when I liv'd I was your other wife,
And when you lov'd, you were my other husband.

Clau. Another Hero?

Hero. Nothing certainer.

One Hero died but I do live,

And furely as I live I am a maid.

Prin. The former Hero, Hero that is dead.

Leon. She died my Lord, but whiles her flander liv'd.

Frier. All this amazement can I qualifie,

When after that the holy rites are ended,

lie tell the largely of fair Hero's death :

Mean time let wonder seem familiar,

And to the chappel let us prefently.

Ben. Soft and fair Frier, which is Beatrice?

Beat. I anfwer to that name, what is your will?

Ben. Do not you love me?

Beat. Why, no more than reafon.

Ben. Why then your Uncle, and the Prince, & Claudio,
have been deceived, they fware you did.

Beat. Do not you love me?

Ben. Troth no, no more than reafon.

Beat. Why then my Couſin Margaret and Ufula

Are much deceiv'd, for they did ſwear you did.

Ben. They ſware you were almoſt ſick for me.

Beat. Th'y ſware you were well-nigh dead for me.

Ben. 'Tis no matter, then you do not love me?

Beat. No truly, but in friendly recompence.

Leon. Come Couſin, I am ſure you love the Gentleman.

Clau. And Ple be ſworn upon't that he loves her,

For here's a paper written in his hand,

A halting Sonnet of his own pure brain,

Fafhioned to Beatrice.

Hero. And here's another,

Writ in thy confins hand, ſtole from her pocket,
Containing her affection unto Benedick.

Ben. A miracle, here's our own hands againſt our
hearts: come I will have thee, but by this light I take thee
for pity.

Beat. I would not deny you, but by this good day, I
yield upon great perſwafion, and partly to save your life,
for as I told, you were in a consumption.

Leon. Peace, I will ſtop your mouth.

Prin. How doſt thou Benedick the married man?

Ben. Ple tell thee what Prince, a Colledge of witty-
crackers cannot flout me out of my humour; doſt thou
think I care for a Satyr or an Epigram ? no, if a man
will be beaten with brains, a ſhall wear nothing hand-
fome about him : in brief, ſince I do purpofe to marry, I
will think nothing to any purpofe that the world can ſay
againſt it: and therefore never flout at me, for what I have
faid againſt it: for man is a giddy thing, and this is my con-
clusion: for thy part Claudio, I did think to have beaten
them, but in that thou art like to be my kinfman, live un-
bruſ'd, and love my couſin.

Clau. I had well hoped thou would'ſt have denied Bra-
trice that I might have cudgell'd thee out of thy fingle life,
to make thee a double dealer, which out of queſtion thou
will be, if my Couſin no not look exceeding narrowly
to thee.

Ben. Come, come, we are friends, let's have a dance
ere we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts,
and our wives heels.

Leon. We'll have dancing afterwards.

Ben. Firſt, of my word, therefore play muſick. Prince,
thou art faſt, get thee a wife, get thee a wife, there is no
ſtaff more reverend than one tip with horn. Enter Mef.

Mefen. My Lord, your brother John is tane in flight,
And brought with armed men back to Maffina.

Ben. Think not on him till to morrow, Ple devife
the brave puniſhments for him: ſtrike up Pipers. Dance

Love's Labours' loſt.

Actus Primus. Scena Prima.

Enter Ferdinand King of Navarre, Biron, Longavile,
and Dumaine.

Ferdinand.

Et Fame, that all hunt after in their
lives,
Live regiſtr'd upon our brazen tombs,
And then grace us in the difgrace of
death:
When ſpight of cormorant devouring
T me,
buy
Th'endeavour fo this prefent breath may

That honour which ſhall bate his Sythes keen edge,
And make us heirs of all eternitie.

Therefore brave Conquerors ( for fo you are)
That war againſt your own affections,

And the huge Army of the worlds defires;

Our late Ediſt ſhall strongly ſtand in force,

Navar ſhall be the wonder of the world.

Our Court ſhall be a little Academy,

Still and contemplative in living Art.

You three, Eiron, Dumaine, and Longavile,

Have ſworn for three years term to live with me,

My fellow Scholars, and to keep thate ſtatutes

That are recorded in this ſeedule here.

Your oaths are paſt, and now ſubſcribe your names :

That his own hand may ſtrike his honour down,

That violates the fmallest branch herein :

If you are arm'd to do as ſworn to do,

Subſcribe to your deep oaths, and keep them too.

Long. I am refolv'd, 'tis but a three years ſaſt :

The mind ſhall banquet, though the body pine,

Fat paunches have lean pates : and dainty bits

Make rich the ribs, but bankerout the wits.

Dum.

Love's Labour's loſt.

III

Dum. My loving Lord, Dumaine is mortified,
The grocer manner of these worlds delights,
He throws upon the groſs worlds baſer flaves:
To love, to wealth, to pomp, I pine and die,
With all these living in Philosophy.

Biron. I can but ſay their protestation over,
So much ( dear Liege ) I have already ſworn,
That is, to live and ſtudy here three years.
But there are other ſtrict obſervances :
As not to ſee a woman in that term,
Which I hope well is not enrolled there.

And one day in a week to touch no food:
And but one meal on every day beſide :
The which I hope is not enrolled there.

And then to ſleep but three hours in the night,
And not be ſeen to wink of all the day.
When I was want to think no harm all night,
And make a dark night too of half the day :
Which I hope well is not enrolled there.

O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep,
Not to ſee Ladies, ſtudy, ſaſt, not ſleep.

Ferd. Your oath is paſt to paſs away from these.
Biron. Let me ſay no my Liege, and if you pleafe,
I only w ſore to ſtudy with your Grace,
And ſay here in your Court for three years ſpace.

Long. You ſwore to that Biron, and to the reſt.
Bir. By yea and nay fir, then I ſwore in jeſt.
What is the end of ſtudy, let me know?

Ferd. Why that to know which else we should not
know. ( fence. )

Bir. Things hid and bar'd ( you mean ) from common
Ferd. I, that is ſtudies god-like recompence.

Bir. Come on then, I will ſwear to ſtudy ſo,

To know the thing I am forbid to know :
As thus, to ſtudy where I well may dine,
When I to ſaſt expreſſely am forbid.

Or ſtudy where to meet ſome Miftrefs ſine,
When Miftreffes from common ſenſe are hid,
Or having ſworn too hard a keeping oath,
Study to break it, and not break my troth.
If ſtudies gain be thus, and this be ſo,
Study knows that which yet it doth not know:
Swear me to this, and I will ne're ſay no.

Ferd. These be the ſtops that hinder ſtudy quite,
And train our intelleſts to vain delight.

Bir. Why ? all delights are vain, and that moſt vain,
Which with pain purchasing'd, doth inherit pain,
As painfully to pore upo a book,
To ſeek the light of truth, while truth the while
Doth falſely blind the eye-fight of his look:
Light leaping light, doth light beguile :
So ere you find where light in darkneſs lies,
Your light grows dark by loſing of your eyes.

Study me how to pleafe the eye indeed,
By fixing it upon a fairer eye,

Who dazling loſ, that eye ſhall be his heed,
And give him light that it was blinded by.

Study is like the heavens glorious Sun,
That will not be deep ſeareth with ſawcy looks :

Small have continual plodders ever won,
Save bafe authority from others Books.

These earthly Godfathers of heavens lights,
That give a name to every fixed ſtar,
Have no more profit of their ſhining nights,
Than thate that walk, and wot not what they are.

Too much to know, is to know nought but fame:
And every Godfather can give a name.

Ferd. How well he's read, to reaſon againſt reading.

Dum. Proceeded well, to ſtop all good proceeding.

Long. He weeds the Corn, and ſtill lets grow the weeding.

Bir. Tae Spring is near, when Green Geefe are a
breeding.

Dum. How follows that ?

Bir. Fit in his place and time.

Dum. In reaſon nothing.

Bir. Something then in rime.

Long. Biron is like an envious ſneaping Froſ,
That bites the firſt-born Infants of the Spring.

Bir. Well, ſay I am, why should proud Summer boaſt,
Before the birds have any cauſe to ſing ?
Why ſhould I joy in any abortive birth ?

At Christmas I no more define a Rofe,
Than with a Snow in May's new ſangled ſnows :
But like of each thing that in ſeafon grows.

So you to ſtudy now it is too late,

That were to climb o're the houſe t' unlock the gate.

Ferd. Well, fit you out; go home Biron : adieu.

Bir. No my good Lord, I have ſworn to ſay with you.
And though I have for barbarine ſpoke more,

Than for that Angel knowledge you can ſay,
Yet confident I'll keep what I have ſwore,
And bide the penance of each three years day.

Give me the Paper, let me read the ſame,

And to the ſtrict ſt decrees I'll write my name.

Ferd. How well this yielding ſeſences thee from ſhame.

Bir. Item, that no woman shall come within a mile
of my Court.

Hath this been proclaimed ?

Long. Four dayes agoe,

Bir. Let's see the penalty.

On pain of loſing her tongue.

Who deids this penalty ?

Long. Marry that did I.

Bir. Sweet Lord, and why ?

Long. To fright them hence with that dread penalty :
A dangerous Law againſt gentility.

Item, If any man be ſeen to talk with a woman with-
in the term of three years, he ſhall endure ſuch
publik ſhame as the reſt of the Court ſhall poffibly
deviſe.

Bir. This article my Liege your ſelf muſt break,
For well you know here comes in Embaſſe
The French Kings daughter, with your ſelf to ſpeak ;
A Maid of Grace and compleat Maj ſty,
About furthering up of Aqutain

To her decrepit, ſick, and bed-rid Father.

Therefore this Article is made in vain,

Or vainly comes the admired Princes hither:
Ferd. What ſay you Lords?

Why, this was quite forgot.

Bir. So ſtudy evermore is overſhor,
While it doth ſtudy to have what it would,

It doth forget to do the thing it ſhould :

And when it hath the thing it hunteth moſt,

?Tis won as Towns with fire ; to won, to loſt.

Ferd. We muſt of foreſence with this Decree,
She muſt lie here on meer neceſſity.

Bir. Necefity will make us all forſworn
Three thouſand times within this three years ſpace :

For every man with his aſſeets is born,

Not by might, maſtered, but by ſpecial grace.
If I break faith, this word shall break for me,
I am forſworn on meer necefſitie.

So to the Laws at large I write my name,
And he that breaks them in the laſt degree
Stands in attainder of eternal ſhame.

Suggesitions are to others as to me:

But I believe although I ſeem ſo loſh,
I am the laſt that will laſt keep his oath. '

But is there no quick recreation granted ?

Ferd. I, that there is, our Court you know is haunted
With a conceited Traveller of Spain,

A man in all the world new ſashion planted,
That hath a mint of phraſes in his brain :

One whom the muſſick of his own vain tongue,

Doth ravish like inchanting harmony:

A man of complements, whom right and wrong
Have chofe as umpire of their murinie.

K

*

This

Love's Labour's loſt.

112

This child of fancy, that Armado hight,
For interim to our studies shall relate,
In high-born words the worth of many a Knight :
From tawny Spinz loſt in the worlds debate.
How you delight my Lords, I know not I.
But I protest I love to hear him lie,
And I will use him for my Miniftrieſe.

Bir. Armado is a moſt iluſtrious wight,
A man of fire, new words, ſaſhions own Knight,
Long. Coſtard the ſwain, and he ſhall be our Iport,
And to ſo fludy, three years is but ſhort.

Enter a Conſtable with Coſtard with a Letter.

Conſt. Which is the Dukes own perſon.

Bir. This fellow, what would it?

Con. I my ſelf repreſend his own perſon, for I am his Graces Tharborough : But I would fee his own perſon in ſelſhand blood.

Bir. This is he.

Con. Signior Arme, Arme commends you.

There's villany abroad, this letter will tell you more.

Clow. Sir, the contemps thereof are as touching me.

Ferd. A Letter from the magnificent Armado.

Bir. How low ſoever the matter, I hope in God for high words.

Long. A high hope for a low heaven, God grant us paſtience.

Bir. To hear, or forbear hearing.

Long. To hear meek ly fir, and to laugh moderely,
or to forbear both.

Bir. Well fir, be it as the ſtile ſhall give us cauſe to climb in the merrinſes.

Clow. The matter is to me fir, as concerning Jaquenetta.
The manner of it is, I was taken with the manner.

Bir. In what manner ?

Clow. In manner and form, following fir, all thofe three. I was ſen with her in the Mannor houſe, ſitting with her upon the Form, and taken following her into the Park : which put together, is in manner and form following. Now fir, for the Manner : is the manner of a man to ſpeak to a Woman ; for the Form in ſome form.

Bir. For the following fir.

Clow. As it ſhall follow in my correction, and God defend the right.

Ferd. Will you hear this Letter with attention?

Bir. As we would hear an Oracle.

Clow. Such is the ſimplicity of man to hearten after the ſelſh.

Ferd. Great Deputy, the Welkins Vicegerent, and ſole
dominator of Navar, my ſouls earths God, and
lodies ſoſtring Patron :

Coſt. Not a word of Coſtard yet.

Ferd. So it is.

Coſt. It may be ſo: but if he ſay it is ſo, he is in tel-
ling true: but ſo.

Ferd. Peace,

Clow. Be to me, and every man that dares not fight.

Ferd. No words,

Clow. Of other mens ſecrets I beſech you.

Ferd. So it is, beſeged with ſable coloured melancholly,
I did commend the black oppreſſing humur to the moſt
wholesome Physick of thy health-giving ayre : And as I
am a Gentleman, betook my ſelf to walk : the time When
about the fixt hour, When beaſt moſt graſe, birds beſt
peck, and men ſit down to that nouriſment which is cal-
led Supper : So much for the time when. Now for the
ground Which ? which I mean I walkt upon, it is ycleped,
Thy Park. Then for the place Where, where I mean I
did encounter that obſene and moſt prepoſterous event
that draweth from my snow-white Pen the Ebon-coloured
Ink, which here thou viewest, beholdeſt, ſurveyest, or

ſeens. But to the place Where: it landeth North North
Eaſt and by Eaſt from the Wast corner of thy curious
knotted Garden. There did I fee that low ſpirited Swain,
that bafe Minnow of thy birth, (Clow. Me?) that un-
lettered small knowing ſoul, (Clow. Me?) that shallow
vaffal (Clow. Still me?) which I remember, high Co-
ſtard, (Clow. O me) forſted and conſorted contrary to thy
established proclaimed Ediſt and Continent Canon: Which
with, O with, but with this I paffion to ſay where with.

Clown. With a Wench.

Ferd. With a child of our Grandmother Eve, a ſemale;
or, for thy more understanding, a woman : him, I (as mye-
ver eſſemed duty pricks me on) have ſent to thee, to re-
ceive the meed of punishment by the ſweet Graces Officer
Anthony Dull, a man of good repute, carriage, hearing,
and eſtimation.

Ant. Me, an't shall please you ? I am Anthony Dull.

Ferd. For Jaquenetta (so is the weaker ſeſſel called)
which I appreſended with the aforeſaid Swain, I keep her
as a veſſel of thy Laws ſury, and shall at the leaſt of thy
ſweet notice, bring her to trial. Thine in all complements
of devoted and heart-burning heat of duty,

Don Adriana de Armado.

Bir. This is not ſo well as I looked for, but the beſt
that ever I heard.

Ferd. I the beſt for the worſt. But ſicra, What ſay you to this?

Clown. Sir I confes I the Wench.

Ferd. Did you hear the Proclamation ?

Clown. I do confes much of the hearing it, but little of the marking of it.

Ferd. It was proclaimed a years imprifonment to be taken with a Wench.

Clown. I was taken with none fir, I was taken with a
Damofel.

Ferd. Well, it was proclaimed Damofel.

Clow. This was no damofel neither fir, ſhe was a Virgin.

Ferd. It is ſo varied too, for it was proclaimed Virgin.

Clown. If it were, I deny her Virginity: I was taken with a Maid.

Ferd. This Maid will not ſerve your turn fir.

Clown. This Maid will ſerve my turn fir.

Ferd. Sir I will pronounce your ſentence: You ſaſt a week with Bran and W. L.

Clown. I had rather pray a Month with Mutton and Porridge.

Ferd. And Don Armado ſhall be your Kecper.

My Lord Biron, ſee him deliver'd ore,
And go we Lords to put in practice that

Which each to other hath ſo strongly ſworn. Exeunt.

Bir. I'll lay my head to any good mans Hat,

Theſe oaths and Laws will prove an idle ſcorn.

Sirra, come on.
Clown. I ſuffer for the truth fir: for true it is; I was taken with Jaquenetta, and Jaquenetta is a true Girl, and therefore welcome the ſow cup of prosperity: affiſion may one day ſmile again, and until then fit down ſorrow.

Enter Armado a Braggart, and Moſh his Page.

Brag. Boy, What ſign is it when a man of great ſpirit
grows melancholy ?

Boy. A great ſign fir, that he will look ſad.

Brag. Why ? ſadneſs is one and the ſelf-tame thing,
dear loop.

Boy. No, no, O Lord fir, no.

Brag. How canſt thou part ſadneſs and melancholy,
my tender Juvenal?

Boy. By a familiar demonſtration of the working, my
tough Signior.

Signior. Why tough Signior? Why tough Signior?

Boy. Why tender Juvenal? Why tender Juvenal!

Brag. I spoke it tender Juvenal, as a congruent epithe-
ton, appertaining to thy young dayes, which we may no-
minate tender.

Boy.

Love's Labour's loft.

113

Boy. And I tough Signior, as an appertiment title to your old time, which we may name tough:

Brag. Pretty and aprt.

Boy. How mean you fir, I pretty and my faying apt? or I apt, and my faying pretty ?

Brag. Thou pretty, becaufe little.

Boy. Little pretty, becaufe little: wherefore apt?

Brag. And therefore apt, becaufe quick.

Boy. Speak you this in my praufe, Mafter ?

Brag. In thy condign praufe.

Boy. I will praufe an Eele with the fame praufe.

Brag. What ? that an Eele is ingenious ?

Boy. That an Eele is quick.

Brag. I do lay thou art quick in anwers. Thou heat'st my blood.

Boy. I am anfuer'd fir.

Brag. I love not to be croft.

Boy. He speaks the clean contrary, croffes love not him.

Brag. I have pr CIS'd to study ; years with the Duke.

Boy. You may do it in an hour fir.

Brag. Impoffible.

Boy. How many is one thrice told ?

Brag. I am ill at reckoning, it fits the spirit of a Tapfter.

Boy. You are a Gentlemen, and a Gamefter fir.

Brag. I confes both, they are both the varnifh of a compleat man.

Boy. Then I am sure you know how much the grosf fum of deuſ-ace amounts to.

Brag. It doth amount to one more than two.

Boy. Which the bafe vulgar call three.

Bra. True.

Boy. Why fir is this a piece of study ? Now here's three studied, ere you'l thrice wink, and how eafe it is to put years to the word three, and fludy three years in two words, the dancing-horfe will tell you.

Brag. A moſt fine figure.

Boy. To prove a your a Cypher.

Brag. I will hereupon confes I am in love: and as it is bafe for a Souldier to love: fo am I love with a bafe Wench. If drawing my ſword againſt the humour of affection, would deliver me from the reprobathe thought of it, I would take Deſire prifoner, and ranſome him to any French Courtier for a new devis'd courteſie. I think ſcorn to fight, me thinks I ſhould outſwear Cupid. Comfort me boy, What great men have been in love?

Boy. Hercules, Mafter.

Brag. Moſt ſweet Hercules : more authority dear boy, name more ; and moſt my child, let them be men of good repute and carriage.

Boy. Sampſon, Mafter, he was a man of good carriage, great carriage: for he carried the Town Gates on his back like a Porter ; and he was in love.

Brag. O well-knit Sampſon, ſtrong-joynted Sampſon ; I do excel thee in my Rapier, as much as thou didst me in carrying Gates. I am in love too. Who was Sampſons Love my dear Moth?

Boy. A woman, Mafter.

Brag. Of what complexion ?

Boy. Of all the four, or the three, or the two, or one of the four.

Brag. Tell me preciſely of what complexion ?

Boy. Of the Sea-water Green, fir.

Brag. Is that one of the four complexions ?

Boy. As I have read fir, and the beſt of them too.

Brag. Green indeed is the colour of Lovers : but to have a Love of that colour, me thinks Sampſon had ſmall reafon for it. He ſpurely affected her for her wit.

Boy. It was ſo fir, for he had a green wit

Brag. My Love is moſt immaculate white and red.

Boy. Moſt immaculate thoughts Mafter, are mask'd under ſuch colours.

Brag. Define, define, well educated infant.

Boy. My Fathers wit, and my Mothers tongue affift me.

Brag. Sweet invocation of a child, moſt pretty and pathetical.

Boy. If ſhe be made of white and red,

Her faults will ne're be known:

For bluſhing checks by faults are bred,

And fears by pale white ſhown:

Then if the fear, or be too blame,

By this you ſhall not know,

For fill her cheeks poſſels the fame,

Which native ſhe doth owe.

A dangerous rime Mafter againſt the reafon of white and red.

Brag. Is there not a ballet boy, of the King and the beggar ?

Boy. The world was very guilty of ſuch a ballet, ſome three ages ſince, but I think now ? is not to be found: or if it were, it would neither ſerve for the writing, nor the tune.

Brag. I will have that ſubject newly writ o're, that I may example my digrefſion by ſome mighty preſident. Boy, I do love that Countrey Girl that I took in the Park with the rational Hind Coſtard: ſhe deſerves well.

Boy. To be whip'd, and yet a better Love than my Mafter.

Brag. Sing boy, my ſpirit grows heavy in love.

Boy. And that's great marvel, loving a light Wench.

Brag. I ſay ſing.

Boy. Forbear till this company be paſſ.

Enter Clown. Conſiable, and Wench.

Conſt. Sir, the Dukes pleafure is, that you keep Coſtard ſafe, and you muſt let him take no delight, nor no penance, but he muſt ſaſt three dayes a week: for this Damſel, I muſt keep her at the Park, ſhe is allow'd for the Day-woman. Fare you well.

Brag. I do betray my ſelf with bluſhing: Maid,

Maid. Man.

Brag. I will viſit thee at the Lodge.

Maid. That's here by.

Brag. I know where it is ſituate.

Maid. Lord how wie you are,

Brag. I will tell thee wonders.

Maid. With that face ?

Brag. I love thee.

Maid. So I heard you ſay.

Brag. And fo farewell.

Maid. Fair weather after you,

Come Jaquenetta, away.

Exeunt.

Brag. Villain thou ſhalt ſaſt for thy offences ere thou be pardoned.

Clo. Well fir, I hope when I do it, I ſhalt do it on a full ſtomack.

Brag. Thou ſhalt be heavily puniſhed.

Clo. I am more bound to you than your ſellors, for they are but lightly rewarded.

Con. Take away this Villain, ſhut him up.

Boy. Come you tranſgreſſing ſave, away.

Clo. Let me not be pent up fir, I will be ſaſt being loofe.

Boy. No fir, that were ſaſt and loofe ; thou ſhalt to prifon.

Clo. Well, if ever I do fee the merry dayes of defoſation that I have ſeen, ſome ſhalt fee.

Boy. What ſhall ſome fee ?

Clo. Nay nothing, Mafter Mothe, but what they look upon. It is not for prifoners to be ſilent in their words, and therefore I will ſay nothing : I thank God, I have as little patience as another man, and therefore I can be quiet.

Brag. I do affect the very ground ( which is bafe ) where her ſhooſe ( which is baſer ) guided by her foot ( which is bafeſt ) doth tread. I ſhall be forſworn ( which

K 2

is

114

Love's Labour's Lost.

is a great argument of fall’n flood) if I love. And how can
that be true love, which is fall’nly attempted? Love is a fa-
miliar, Love is a Devil; there is no evil Angel but
Love, yet Sampson was so tempted, and he had an excel-
lent strength: Yet was Sol mon so seduced, and he had
a very good wit. Cupids But-aft is too hard for Her-
ules Club, and therefore too much odds for a Spaniards
Rapier: the firft and fecond caufe will not serve my
turn: the Palfado he reſpects not, the Duello he regards
not; his difgrace is to be called boy, but his glory is to
fubdue men. Adieu Valour, ruſt Rapier, be full Drum,
for your manager is in love; yea, he loveth. Affift me
fome (temporal God of Rime, for I am fure I ſhall turn
Sonnet, Devife Wit, Write Pen, for I am for whole vo-
lumes in Folio.

Finis Atlus Primi.

Atlus Secundus.

Enter the Princes of France, with three attending
Ladies, and three Lords.

Boyet. Now Madam summon up your dearest spirits,
Confider whom the King your Father fends :
To whom he fends, and what’s his Embaffie.
Your ſelf, held precious in the worlds eſteem,
To parle with thy ſole inheritour
Of all perfections that a man may owe,
Matchleſs Navarre : the plea of no leſs weight
Than Aquitain, a Dowry for a Queen.
Be now as prodigal of all dear grace,
As Nature was in making Graces dear,
When the did ſtarve the general world befide,
And prodigally gave them all to you.

Prin. Good L. Boyet, my beauty though but mean,
Need not the painted flourith of your prate:
Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,
Not uttered by bare ſale of Chapmens tongues.
I am leſs proud to hear you tell my worth,
Than you much willing to be counted wife,
In ſpending thus your wit in prae of mine.
But now to task the tasker good Boyet,
You are not ignorant, all-telling fame
Doth noyſe abroad Navarre hath made a vow,
Till painful ſtudy ſhall out-wear three years,
No woman may approach his ſilent Court:
Therefore to’s feemeth it a needful course,
Before we enter his forbidden Gates,
To know his pleafure, and in that behalf
Bold of your worthineſs, we fingle you,
As our beſt moving fair Sollicitor :
Tell him the Daughter of the King of France,
On ferious bufineſs, craving quick diſpatch,
Importunes perſonal conference with his Grace.
Hart, ſignify ſo much, while we attend,
Like humble vifag’d Sutors his high will.

Boyet. Proud of employment, willingly I go.

Exit.

Prin. All pride is willing pride, and your’s is to:
Who are the Votaries my loving Lords, that are Vow-
fellows with this virtuous Duke?

Lor. Longavile is one.

Prin. Know you the man?

1 Lad. I knew him Madam at a Marriage ſeafe,
Between L. Perigort, and the beauteous heir
Of Jacques Fauconbridge ſolemnized.
In Normandy ſaw I this Longavile,
A man of Soveraign parts he is eſteem’d :
Well fitted in the Arts, glorious in arms:
Nothing becomes him ill that he would well.

The only ſouſt of his fair virtues gloſs,
(If virtues gloſs will fall with any foil.)

Is a ſhard wit match’d with too blunt a will :
Whofe edge hath power to cut, whole will fill wills,
It ſhould none ſpare that come within his power.

Prin. Some merry mocking Lord, isn’t to?

Lad. 1. They ſay I moſt, that moſt his humours know.

Prin. Such ſhort liv’d wits do wither as they grow.
Who are the reſt?

2. Lad. The young Dumain, a well accompliſh’d youth.
Of all that Virtue love, for Virtue loved.
Moft power to do moſt harm, leaſt knowing ill :
For he hath wit to make an ill ſhape good,
And ſhape to win grace though he had no wit.
I ſaw him at the Duke Alanzoes orce,
And much too little of that good I ſaw,
Is my report to his great worthineſs.

Rosa. Another of theſe Students at that time,
Was there with him, as I have heard a truth.

Biron they call him, but a merrier man,
Within the limit of becoming mirth,
I never ſpent an hours talk withall.

His eye begets occafion for wit,
For every objeſt that the one doth catch,
The other turns to a mirth-moving jeſt,
Which his fair tongue ( conceits Expofitor)
Delivers in luch apt and gracious words,
That aged ears play Truant at his Tales,
And younger hearings are quite ravified.
So sweet and voluble is his diſcourſe.

Prin. God bleſs my Ladies, are they all in love ?
That every one her own hath garniſed,

With ſuch bedecking ornaments of prate?

Ma. Here comes Boyet.

Enter Boyet.

Prin. Now, now what admittance Lord?

Boyet. Navarre had notice of your fair approach ;
And he and his Competitors in oath,

Were all addreſt to meet you gentle Lady
Before I came: Marry thus I have learnt,
He rather means to lodge you in the field,
Like one that comes here to beſiege his Court,
Than feek a diſpenſation for his oath,
To let you enter his unpeopled houſe.

Enter Navarre, Longavile, Dumain, and Bironc.

Here comes Navarre.

Nav. Fair Princes welcome to the Court of Navarre.

Prin. Fair I give you back again, and welcome I
have not yet: the roof of this Court is too high to be
yours, and welcome to the wide fields, too bare to be
mine,

Nav. You ſhall be welcome Madam to my Court.

Prin. I will be welcome then, Conduſt me thither.

Na. Here me dear Lady, I have ſworn an oath.

Prin. Our Lady help my Lord, he’ll be forſworn.

Nav. Not for the world’s fair Madam, by my will.

Prin. Why, will I ſhall break it will, and nothing eſſe.

Nav. Your Ladisſhip is ignorant what it is.

Prin. Were my Lord to, his ignorance were wife,
Where now his knowledge muſt prove ignorance.
I hear your Grace hath ſworn out Houſe-keeping :
’Tis deadly ſin to keep that oath my Lord,
And ſin to break it:

But pardon me I am too ſudden bold,
To teach a Teacher ill befeemeth me,
Vouchſaſe to read the purpose of my coming,
And ſuddenly reſolve me in my ſuit.

Nav. Madam, I will, if ſuddenely I may.

Prin. You will the ſooner that I were away,
For you’ll prove perjur’d if you make me ſtay.

Bir.

Love's Labour's loſt.

115

Bir. Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
Rofa. Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
Bir. I know you did.
Rofa. How needlets was it then to ask the question?
Bir. You must not be so quick.
Rofa. 'Tis long of you that I pur me with such questions.
Rof. Your wit's too hot, it speeds too fast, 'twill fire.
Rofa. Not till it leave the Rider in the mire.
Bir. What time a day?
Rofa. The hour that fools should ask.
Bir. Now fair befall your mask.
Rofa. Fair falls the face it covers.
Bir. And send you many lovers.
Rofa. Amen, so you be none.
Bir. Nay then will I be gone.
Fer. Madam, your father here doth intimate
The payment of a hundred thoufand Crowns,
Being but th' one half of an intire fum,
Disburfed by my father in his wars.
But fay that he, or we, as neither have
Receiv'd that fum; yet there remains unpaid
A hundred thoufand more: in furety of the which,
One part of Aquitain is bound to us,
Although not valued to the monecys worth.
If then the King your father will reflore
But that one half which is unsatisfied,
We will give up our right in Aquitain,
And hold fair friendship with his Majefly:
But that it seems he little purpoſeth,
For here he doth demand to have repaid,
An hundred thoufand Crowns, and not demands
One payment of an hundred thoufand Crowns,
To have his title live in Aquitain.
Which we much rather had depart withall,
And have the money by our father lent,
Then Aquitain, fo guicled as it is.
Dear Princes, were not his requeſts so far
From reaſons yielding, your fair ſelf should make
A yielding 'gainſt ſome reaſon in my breſſ,
And go well ſatisfied to France again.
Fer. You do the King my Father too much wrong,
And wrong the reputation of your name,
In ſo unfeemling to confefs receit
Of that which hath ſo faithfully been paid:
Fer. I do proſeit I never heard of it,
And if you prove it, I'll repay it back
Or yield up Aquitain.
Prin. We arreſt your word:
Boyet. You can produce acquitances
For fuch a fum, from ſpecial Officers,
Of Charles his Father.
Fer. Satisfie me fo.
Boyer. So pleafe your Grace, the packet is not come.
Where that and other ſpecialties are bound;
To morrow you ſhall have a fight of them:
Fer. It ſhall fuffie me; at which enterview,
All liberal reaſon would I yield unto:
Mean time, receive ſuch welcome at my hand,
As Honor, without breach of Honor may
Make tender of, to thy true worthines.
You may not come fair Princes in my gates,
But here without you ſhall be ſo receiv'd,
As you ſhall deem your ſelf lodg'd in my heart,
Though ſo deni'd further harbour in my house:
Your own good thoughts excufe me, and farewel,
To morrow we ſhall viſit you again.
Prin. Sweet health and fair deſires confort your grace.
Fer. Thy own wifh, with I thee, in every plic.
Boy. Lady, I will commend you to my own heart.
La. Ro. Pray you do my commendations,
I would be glad to fee it.
Boy. I would you heard it groan.
La. Ro. Is the foul ſick?
Boy. Sick at the heart.

La. Ro. Alack let it blood.
Boy. Would that do it good?
La. Ro. My Phyſick fayes I.
Boy. Will you prick't with your eye?
La. Ro. No paynt, with my knife.
Boy. Now God faveth thy life.
La. Ro. And yours from long living.
Bir. I cannot stay thanksgiving.
Exit.

Enter Dumain.

Dum. Sir, I pray you a word: what Lady is that fame?
Boy. The heir of Alanton, Rofaline her name.
Dum. A gallant Lady, Mounfieur fare you well. Exit.
Enter Longavile.
Long. I beſeech you a word: what is ſhe in the white?
Boy. A woman fometimes, if you ſaw her in the light.
Long. Perchance light in the light: I deſire her name.
Boy. She hath but one for her ſelf,
To deſire that were a ſhame.
Lon. Pray you fir, whole daughter?
Boy. Her mothers, I have heard.
Lon. Gods bleſſing a your heard.
Boy. Good fir be not offended.
She is an heir of Faultonbridge.
Long. Nay, my choller is ended.
She is a moſt ſweet Lady.
Boy. Not unlike fir, that may be. Exit Long.
Enter Biron.
Bir. What's her name in the Cap?
Boy. Katharine by good hap.
Bir. Is ſhe wedded, or no?
Boy. To her will fir, or fo.
Bir. You are welcome fir, adieu.
Boy. Farewell to me fir, and welcome to you. Exit.
La. Ma. That laſt is Biron, the merry mad-cap Lord.
Not a word with him, but a jeff.
Boy. And every jeff but a word.
Pri. It was well done of you to take him at his word.
Boy. I was as willing to grapple, as he was to board.
Lad. Ma. Two hot Sheeps marry;
And wherefore not Ships? (lips)
Boy. No ſheep (ſweet Lamb) unleſs we feed on your
La. You ſheep and I palfure; ſhall that finiſh the jeſt?
Boy. So you grant palfure for me.
La. Not ſo gentle beaſt.
My Lips are no Common, though ſeveral they be.
Boy. Belonging to whom?
La. To my fortunes and me.
Pri. Good wits will be jangling, but gentles agree.
This civil war of wits were much better ured
On Navar and his book-men, for here 'tis abuſed.
Boy. If my obſervation (which very ſeldome lyes
By the hearts full rhetoricol: diſcloſed with eyes)
Deceive me not now, Navar is inſefct.
Pri. With what?
Boy. With that which we Lovers intitle affected.
Pri. Your reaſon.
Boy. Why all his behaviours do make their retire
To the court of his eye, peeping thorough (defire.
His heart like an Agot with your print impreſſed,
Proud with his form, in his eye pride expreſſed:
His tongue all impatient to ſpeak and not ſee,
Did ſtumble with haſt in his eye ſight to be.
All ſenſes to that fence did make their repair,
To feel only looking on faireſt of fair:
Me thought all his ſenſes were lock'd in his eye,
As Jewels in Crifal for ſome Prince to buy: ( glaſt.
Who tending their own worth from whence they were
Did point out to buy them along as you paff.
His faces own margent did coat ſuch amazes,
That all eyes ſaw his eyes inchanted with gazes,
I'll give you Aquitain, and all that is his,
And you give him for my ſake, but one loving kſis.
K 3

Prin.

116

Love's Labour's loſt.

Prin. Come to our Pavillion, Boyet is diſpofed.

Boy. But to ſpeak that in words, which his eye, hath I only have made a mouth of his eye, (difclos'd, By adding a tongue, which I know will not lye.

Lad. R. Thou art an old Love-monger, and ſpeakeſt skillfully.

Lad. Ma. He is Cupids Grandfather, and learns news of him.

Lad. 2. Then was Venus like her mother, for her father is but grim.

Boy. Do you hear my mad Wenches ?

Lad. 1. No.

Boy. What then, do you fee ?

Lad. 2. I, our way to be gone.

Boy. You are too hard for me.

Exeunt omnes.

## Actus Tertia.

### Enter Braggart, and Boy: Song.

Brag. Warble child, make paſſionate my ſenſe of hearing.

Boy. Concolinell.

Brag. Sweet Ayer, go tenderneſs of years: take this Key, give inlaregment to the twain, bring him feſtinaſtly bither: I muſt imploy him in a letter to my Love.

Boy. By Will you win your love with a French braul ?

Brag. How meaneſt thou, brauling in French ?

Boy. No my compleat maſter, but to jigg off a tune at the tongues end, canary to it with the feet, honour it with turning up your eye: ſigh a note and ſing a note, ſometime through the throat: if you ſallowed love with ſinging, love ſometime through the noſe, as if you ſnult up love by ſmelling love, with your hat penthouſe-like o're the ſhop of your eyes, with your arms croſſ on your thinbelly doublet (like a Rabbet on a ſpit) or your hands in your pocket, like a man after the old painting, and keep not too long in one tune, but a ſnip and away: theſe are complements, theſe are humours, theſe betray nice wenches that would be betrayed without theſe, and make them men of note: do you note men that moſt are affected to theſe ?

Brag. How haſt thou purchaseſed this experience ?

Boy. By my Pen of obſervation.

Brag. But O, but O.

Boy. The Hobby-horſe is ſorgt.

Brag. Calp't thou my love Hobby-horſe.

Boy. No Maſter, the Hobby-horſe is but a Colt, and your Love perhaps, a Hackney:

But have you forgot your Love ?

Brag. Almoſt I had.

Boy. Negligent ſtudent, learn her by heart.

Brag. By heart, and in heart boy.

Boy. And out of heart Maſter: all theſe three I will prove.

Brag. What wilt thou prove ?

Boy. A man, if I live (and this) by, in, and without, upon the inſant: by heart you love her, because your heart cannot come by her: in heart you love her, because your heart is in love with her: and out of heart you love her, being out of heart that you cannot enjoy her.

Brag. I am all theſe three.

Boy. And three times as much more, and yet nothing at all.

Brag. Fetch hither the Swain, he muſt carry me a letter.

Boy. A meſſage well sympathiz'd, a Horſe to be embaſſador for an Aſ.

Brag. Ha, ha, What ſayeſt thou ?

Boy. Marry ſir, you muſt ſend the Aſs upon the Horſe, for he is very flow gated: but I go.

Brag. The way is but ſhort, away.

Boy. As twiſt as Lead ſir.

Brag. Thy meaning pretty ingenious, is not Lead a metal heavy, dull, and flow ?

Boy. Minime honſe Maſter, or rather Maſter no.

Brag. I ſay Lead is flow.

Boy. You are too twiſt ſir to ſay ſo.

Is that Lead flow which is fir'd from a Gun ?

Brag. Sweet Imoak of Rhetorick,
He reputes me a Cannon, and the Bullet that's he :
I ſhoot thee at the Swain.

Boy. Thump then, and I ſlee.

Brag. A moſt acute Juvenal, voluble and free of grace,
By thy favour ſweet Welkin, I muſt ſigh in thy face.

Moſt rude melancholly, Valour gives the plaſc.

My Herald is return'd.

### Enter Page, and Clown.

Pag. A wonder Maſter, here's a Coſtard broken in ſhin.

Arm. Some Enigma, ſome riddle, no Lenway beſin.

Clow. No egma, no riddle, no Lenway, no ſalve, in the male ſir. O ſir, Plantan, a plain Plantan: no Lenway, no Lenway, or ſalve ſir, but Plantan.

Arm. By vertue thou inforceſt laughter, thy ſilly thought, my ſpleen, the heaving of my lungs provokes me to ridiculous ſmiling: O pardon me, my ſtars, doth the inſconſiderate take ſalve for Lenway, and the world Lenway for a ſalve ?

Pag. Do the wife think other, is not Lenway a ſalve ? ( plain

Arm. No Page, it is an epilogue or diſcours to make Some obſcure precedence that hath toſore been ſain.
Now will I begin your moral, and do you follow with my Lenway.

The Fox, the Ape, and the humble-bee,

Were ſtill at odds, being but three.

Page. Until the Goofe came out of door,

Staying the odds by adding four.

A good Lenway, ending in the Goofe: would you de fire more ? ( flat

Clow. The Boy hath fold him a bargain, a Goofe, that's Sir, your penny-worth is good, and your Goofe be ſat.

To ſell a bargain well is as cunning as aſſ as loofe :

Let me fee a fat Lenway, I that's a fat Goofe.

Arma. Come hither, come hither:

How did this argument begin ?

Boy. By faying that a Coſtard was broken in a ſhin.
Then call'd you for a Lenway.

Clow. True, and I for a Plantan :

Thus came your argument in:

Then the boys ſat Lenway, the Goofe that you bought,
And he ended the market.

Arma. But tell me: How was there a Coſtard broken in a ſhin?

Pag. I will tell you ſenſibly.

Clow. Thou haſt no feeling of it Moth,

I will ſpeak that Lenway.

Coſtard running out, that was safely within,
Fell over the threſhold, and broke my ſhin.

Arm. We will talk no more of this matter,

Clow. Till there be more matter in the ſhin,

Arm. Sirra Coſtard, I will inſtranch me there.

Clow. O, marry me to one Francis, I ſmell ſome Lenway, ſome Goofe in this.

Arm. By my ſweet ſoul, I mean, fetting thee at liberty. Enfreedoming thy ſeſbon thou wert immured, refrained, captivated, bound.

Clow. True, true, and now you will be my purgation and let me loofe.

Arm. I give thee thy liberty, ſet thee from durance, and in lieu thereof, impoſe on thee nothing but this: Bear this significant to the country Maid Jaquenetta: there

Love's Labour's lost.

117

is remuneration, for the beft ward of mine honors is re-
warding my dependants. Adoth, follow. Exit.

Pag. Like the sequel I.

Signior Coſtard adieu.

Clo. My sweet ounce of mans fleth, my in-cony jew :
Now will I look to his remuneration.
Remuneration, O, that's the Latin word for three-far-
things: Three farthings remuneration, What's the price
of this ycle ? i.d.e. no, Ile give you a remuneration: Why ?
It carries its remuneration: Why ? It is a fairer name than
a French-Crown. I will never buy and fell out of this
word.

Enter Birone.

Bir. O my good knave Coſtard, exceedingly well met.
Clow. Pray you fir, How much Carnation Ribbon may
a man buy for a remuneration?

Bir. What is a remuneration?

Coſt. Marry fir, half penny farthing.

Bir. O, Why then three farthings worth of filk.

Coſt. I thank your worſhip, God be wy you.

Bir. O ftay flave, I muſt employ thee :

As thou wilt win my favour, good my knave,
Do one thing for me that I ſhall intreat.

Clow. When would you have it done fir ?

Bir. O this after-noon.

Clow. Well, I will do it fir: Fare you well.

Bir. O thou knowe not what it is.

Clow. I ſhall know fir when I have done it.

Bir. Why villain, thou muſt know it firſt.

Clow. I will come to your worſhip to morrow morning.

Bir. It muſt be done this after.noon,

Hark flave, it is but this:

The Princes comes to hunt here in the Park :

And in her train there is a gentle Lady :

When tongues ſpeak sweetly; then they name her name,
And Rofaline they call her, ask for her :

And to her white hand fee thou do commend

This ſeal'd up counſel. There's thy guerdon : go.

Clow. Guerdon, O weet Guerdon, better than remu-
neration, a leavenpence-farthing better : moſt ſweet guer-
don. I will do it fir in print : guerdon, remuneration.

Exit.

Bir. O ! and I forfooth in love,

I that have been loves whip?

A very beadle to a humorous ſigh : A Critick ;

Nay, a night-watch ConſTABLE.

A domineering pedant o're the boy,

Than whom no mortal ſo magnificent:

This wimpled, whining, purblind waiſard boy,

This ſignior Junio's giant dwarf, don Cupid,

Regent of Love-rimes, Lord of folded arms,

Thanointed ſouveraſt of ſights and groans :

Liege of all loyterers, and malecontents :

Dread Prince of Plackers, King of Codpecces.

Sole Emperator, and great general

Of trotting Parators ( O my little heart ) :

And I to be a Corporal of his field,

And wear his colours like a Tumblers hoop ?

What ? I love! I ſue! I ſeek a wife,

A woman, that is like a German Clock,

Still a repairing : ever out of frame,

And never going aright, being but a Watch:

But being watch'd, that it may ſtill go right,

Nay to be perjured, which is worſt of all :

And among three, to love the worth of all,

A whitely wanton with a velvet brow,

With two pitch balls ſtuck in her face for eyes,

I, and by heaven, one that will do the deed,

The Argus were her Eunuch and her guard :

And I to fight for her ! to watch for her !

To pray for her, go to : it is a plague

That Cupid will impole for my neglect

Of his Almighty, dreadful, little might.

Well, I will love, write, ſigh, pray, lie and groan,

Some men muſt love my Lady, and ſome Joan.

Acfus Quartus.

Enter the Princes, a Foreſler, her Ladles,
and her Lords.

Prin. Was that the King that ſpur'd his horſe ſo hard,
Againſt the steep unrifing of the hill ?

Boy. I know not, but I think it was not he.

Prin. VVho e're a was, a ſhow'd amounting mind :
VWell Lords, to day we muſt have our diſpatch,
On Saturday we will return to France.

Then Forreſler my friend, VVhere is the Buff

That we muſt ſtand and play the murtherer in ?

For. Hereby upon the edg of yonder Coppice,
A ſtand where you may make the faireſt ſhoor,

Prin. I thank my beauty, I am fair that ſhoor,

And thereupon thou ſpeak'rt the faireſt ſhoor.

For. Pardon me, for I meant not ſo.

Prin. VVhat, what ? First praiſe me, then again ſay no
O ſhort-liv'd pride. Not fair ? alack for wo.

For. Yes Madam, fair.

Prin. Nay, never paint me now,

Where fair is not, praiſe cannot mend the brow.

Here ( good my glafs ) take this for telling true :

Fair payment for foul words is more than due.

For. Nothing but fair is that which you inherit

Prin. See, fee, my beauty will be fav'd by merit

O hereſie in fair, fit for theſe days,

A giving hand the ſoul shall have the praiſe.

But come, the bow : Now mercy goes to kill,

And ſhooting well, is then accounted ill.

Thus will I fave my credit in the ſhoor,

Not wounding pity would not let me do'r:

If wounding, then it was to ſhow my skill,

That more for praiſe than purpofe meant to kill.

And out of queſtion, ſo it is ſometimes.

Glory grows guilty of deteſed crimes,

When for Fames ſake to praiſe an outward part,

VVe bend to that, the working of the heart.

As I for praiſe alone now ſeek to ſpil

The poor Dears blood, that my heart means no ill.

Boy. Do not curſt wives hold that ſelf-doveraighty

Only for praiſe ſake, when they ſrive to be

Lords o're their Lords ?

Prin. Only for praiſe, and praiſe we may afford,
To any Lady that ſubdues a Lord.

Enter Clown.

Boy. Here comes a member of the common-wealth.

Boy. God die-you-den all, pray you which is the head
Lady ?

Prin. Thou ſhalt know her, ſellow, by the reſt that have
no heads.

Clo. VVhich is the greatest Lady, the highelt ?

Prin. The thickeſt, and the talleſt,

Clo. The thickeſt, and the talleſt; it is ſo, truth is truth.
And your waſt Miltris, were as ſlender as my wit,

One a theſe maids girdles for your waſe ſhould be ſit.

Are not you the chief woman ? You are the thickeſt here.

Prin. What's your will ſit ? What's your will ?

Clow. I have a Letter from Mounſieur Hirone,

To one Lady Rofaline,

Prin. O thy letter, thy letter : He's a good friend of
Stand alſide good bearer.

Boyet. You can carve,

Break up this Capon,

Bey

118

Love's Labour's Lost.

Boy. I am bound to serve.

This Letter is mittook: it importeth none here:
It is wit to Jensonius.

Prin. We will read it, I wear.

Break the neck of the wax, and every one give ear.

Boyet reads.

By heaven, that thou art fair, is moſt infallible : true
that thou art beauteous: truth itself that thou art
love y; more fairer than fair, beautiful than beauteous,
truer than truth it self; have commification on thy heroicall
Vaffal. The magnanimous and moſt illustrate King Co-
photua set eye upon the pernicious and indubitable Begger
Zuelophon ; and he it was that might rightly say, Veni,
vide, vici; V which to anatomize in the vulgar, O bafe and
obfure vulgar; videlicet, he came, faw and overcame; he came
one; fee two, overcame three: Who came? the King. V. Why
did he become ? to fee. Why did he fee ? to overcome. To
whom came he ? to the begger. What faw he ? the beg-
ger. Who overcame he ? the begger. The conclusion is
victory, On whoſe fide ? the Kings ; the captive is in-
rich'd ; On whoſe fide ? the beggers. The catastrophe is
a Nuptial: On whoſe fide? the Kings: no, on both in one,
or one in both: I am the King, ( for ſo stands the com-
parifon ) thou the beggar, for I woule ſerth thy lowlines.
Shall I command thy love ? I may. Shall I enforce thy
love ? I could. Shall I entreat thy love ? I will. What
(halt) thou exchange for rags? Robes: for tittles? titles :
for thy ſelf, me ? Thus expeſing thy reply, I prophane
my lips on thy foot, my eyes on thy picture, and my heart
on thy every part:

Thine in the deareſt ſign of industry,

Don Adriana de Armado:

Thus doth thou hear the Nemean Lion roar,

'Gainſt thee thou Lamb, that ſtandeth as his prey :

Submissive fall his princely feet before,

And he from forrage will incline to play:

But if thou ſtrive (poor foul) what art thou then?

Food for his rage, repaſture for his den.

Prin. V What plume of feather is he that indited this
Letter ? What vain? What weathercock ? Did you ever
hear better?

Boy. I am much decived, but I remember the file.

Prin. Elſe your memory is bad, going o're it e're while.

Boy. This Armado is a Spaniard that keeps here in court,
A Phantafe, a Monarcho, and one that makes ſport
To the Prince and his Book-mates.

Prin. Thou fellow, a word.

Who gave thee this letter ?

Clow. I told you, my Lord.

Prin. To whom ſhould it thou give it?

Clow. From my Lord to my Lady.

Prin. From which Lord to which Lady ?

Clow. From my Lord Berown, a good maſter of mine,
To a Lady of France that he called Rofaline.

Prin. Thou haſt miſtaken his letter. Come Lords away.
Here ſweer, put up this, ?twill be thine another day.

Exeunt.

Boy. Who is the shooter ? who is the shooter ?

Rofa. Shall I teach you to know?

Boy. I my continent of beauty.

Rofa. Why ſhe that bears the Bow. Finely put off.

Boy. My Lady goes to kill horns, but if thou marry,
Hang me by the neck, if horns that year miſcarry.

Finely put on,

Fosf. Well then, I am the shooter.

Boy. And who is your Dear ?

Rofa. If we choose by horns, your ſelf come not near.
Finely put on indeed.

Mari. You still wrangle with her, Boyet and the strike
at the brow.

Boy. But ſhe the ſelf is hit lower :

Have I hit her now.

Rofa. Shall I come upon thee with an old faying, that
was a man when King Pippin of France was a little boy,
as touching the hit it.

Boy. So I may anſwer thee with one as old, that was we-
man when Queen Guinever of Brittain was a little wench
as touching the hit it.

Rofa. Thou canst not hit it, hit it, hit it.

Thou canst not hit it my good man.

Boy. I cannot, cannot, cannot:

And I cannot another can.

Exit.

Clo. By my troth moſt plesant, how both did ſit it.

Mar. A mark marvellous well ſhot, for they both
did hit it.

Boy. A mark, O mark but that mark : a mark ſays my
Lady.

Let the mark have a prick in't, to meet at, if it may be.

Clo. Wide a'th bow hand, i'faith your hand is out.

Mar. Indeed a muſt shoot nearer, or he'l ne're hit the
clout.

Boy. And if my hand be out, then belike your hand is
in.

Clo. Then will ſhe get the upſhot by cleaving the
Pin.

Mar. Come, come, you talk greaſily, your lips grow
foul.

Clo. She's too hard for you at pricks, fir, challenge her
to bowl.

Boy. I fear too much rubbing, good night my good
Owl.

Clo. By my foul a Swain, a moſt simple Clown.

Lord, Lord: how the Ladies and I have put him down.

O my troth moſt ſweet jells, moſt incony vulgar wif,

When it comes ſo smoothly off, ſo obſcenely, as it were, ſo
ſit.

Armado ath to ſide, O a moſt dainty man.

To fee him walk before a Lady, and to hear her Fan.

To fee him kils his hand, and how moſt w'eetly a will
ſwear :

And his Page at other ſide, that handful of wif,

Ah heavens, it is a moſt pathetical nit.

Sowla, Sowla.

Exeunt.

Shout within.

Enter Dull. Holofernes, the Pedant, and Nathaniel.

Nath. Very reverent ſport truly, and done in the tefli-
mony of a good conſcience.

Ped. The Dear was (as you know) ſanguis in blood,
ripe as a Pomwater, who now hangeth like a Jewel in
the ear of Cælo the sky, the welkin the heaven, and anon fal-
leth like a Crab on the face of Terra, the foil, the land,
the earth.

Curat. Nath. Truly Maſter Holofernes, the epithetes are
w'eetly varied like a ſcholar at the leaſt: but fir I affure
ye, it was a Buck of the firſt head.

Hol. Sir Nathaniel, haud credo.

Dul. 'Twas not a haud credo, 'twas a Pricket.

Hol. Moſt barbarous intimation: yet a kind of anſi-
cuation, as it were in via, in way of explication facere: as
it were replication, or rather effentare, to ſhow as it were
his inclination after his undreffed, unpolſhed, uneducated,
unpruned, untrained, or rather unlettered, or rather eſt confirmed
ſashion, to infert again my haud credo for a
Deer:

Dul. I faid the Deer was not a haud credo, 'twas a
Pricket.

Hol. Twice ſod simplicity, bis cœllus ; O thou monſter
ignorance, how deformed doſt thou look ?

Nath. Sir he hath never fed on the dainties that are
bred in a book.

Hc.

Love's Labour's loſt.

119

He hath not eat paper as it were ;
He hath not drunk ink.

His intelleſt is not replenſhed, he is only an animal, only
ſenſible in the duller parts ; and fuch barren plants are ſet
before us, that we thankful ſhould be ; which we taſſe,
and feeling, are for thofe parts that do truſtifye in us more
than he.

For as it would ill become me to be vain, indiſcreet, or a
fool ;

So were there a patch ſet on Learning, to ſee him in a
Schol.

But omne bene ſay I, being of an old Fathers mind,
Many can brook the weather, that love not the wind.

Dul. You two are book-men ; Can you tell by your
wit, What was a month old at Catus birth, that's not five
weeks old as yet ?

Hol. Diſtiffima goodman Dull, Diſtiffima goodman
Dull.

Dull What is diſtina?

Nath. A title to Phebe, to Luna; to the Moon,

Hol. The Moon was a month old when Adam was no
more. I
fore.

And wrought not to five-weeks when he came to five-
Th' alluſion holds in the Exchange.

Dull. 'Tis true indeed, the Collusion holds in the Ex-
change.

Hol. God comfort thy capacity, I ſay the alluſion holds
in the Exchange.

Dull. And I ſay the pollution holds in the Exchange;
for the Moon is never but a month old ; and I ſay belide
that, 'twas a Pricket that the Princes kill'd.

Hol. Sir Nathaniel, will you hear an extemporal
Epitaph on the death of the Dear, and to humour
the ignorant call'd the Dear, the Princes kill'd a Pri-
ket.

Nath. Perge good Maſter Holofernes, perge, ſo it ſhall
pleafe you to abrogate ſeurility.

Hol. I will ſomething effect the Letter, for it argues fa-
cility.

The praisefull Princes pier'd ond pricke
a pretty pleafing pricket.

Some ſay a Sore, but not a ſore,
till now made ſore with ſhooting

The Dogs did yell, put ell to Sore,
then Sorel jumps from Thicket ;

Or Pricket-fore, or elſe Sorel,
the people fall a hooting.

If Sore be ſore, then ell to Sore,
makes fifty ſores O ſorel ;

Of one ſore I an hundred make
by adding but one more L.

Nath. A rare talent.

Dul. If a talent be a claw, look how he claws him with a talent.

Nath. This is a gift that I have ſimple ; ſimple, a ſoolſul
extravagant ſpirit, full of forms, figures, ſhapes, objeſts,
Ideas, apprehensions, motions, revolutions. Theſe are be-
got in the ventricle of memory, nouriſht in the womb of
primater, and delivered upon the mellowing of occafion ;
but the gift is good in thole in whom it is acute, and I am
thankful for it.

Hol. Sir, I præife the Lord for you, and ſo may my Pa-
ſaſhioners, for their Sons are well tutored by you, and
their Daughters profit very greatly under you; you are a
good member of the common-wealth.

Nath. Ms hercule, If their Sons be ingenuous, they
ſhall want no inſtruction ; If their Daughters be capable,
I will put it to them. But Vir Sapit, qui paucæ loquitur, a
ſoul Feminine faluteth us.

Enter Faquenetta and the Clown
Jaque. God give you good morrow Maſter Parſon.

Nath. Maſter Parſon, quaſi perſon And if one ſhould
be perſt, Which is the one ?

Clow. Marry Maſter Schoolmaſter, he that is likeſt to
a hoghead.

Nath. Of perſing a Hoghead, a good cluſer of conceit
in a turph of Earth, fire enough for a Flint, Pearl enough
for a Swine : 'tis pretty, it is well.

Jaque. Good Maſter Parſon be ſo good as read me this
Letter, it was given me by Coſſard, and ſent me from
Don Armatho. I befeech you read it.

Nath. Pauſle precor gelida, quando, pecus omne sub-
umbra, ruminat, and ſo forth. Ab good old Mantuan, I
may ſpeak of thee as the traveller doth of Venice, Vene-
chi, venache a, qui non te vide, & non te piasch. Old Man-
tuan, old Mantuan. Who understandeth thee not, ut re
ſol la misa. Under pardon fir, What are the contents ?
or rather as Horace faies in his, What ! my foul verſes.

Hol. I fir, and very learned.

Nath. Let me hear a ſtaſſ, a ſlanza, a verſe, Lege
domine.

If Love make me forſworn, how ſhall I ſwear to love ?

Ah, never faith could hold, if not to beauty vowed,

Though to my ſelf forſworn, to thee I'le faithfully prove.

Thofe thoughts to me were Oakes, to thee like Oſiers
bowed,

Study his byas leaves, and makes his book thine eyes.

Where all thofe pleafures live, that art would compre-
hend.

If knowledg be the mark, to know thee ſhall ſuſſe,

W ſell learned is that tongue, that well can thee commend,
All ignorant that foul, that fees thee without wonder.

Which is to me ſome praife, that I thy parts admire ;

Thy eye ſoves lightning bears, thy voice his dreadful
thunder.

Which not to anger bent, is muſick, and ſweet fire.

Celestial as thou art, Oh pardon love this wrong.

That ſings heavens praife, with ſuch a earthly tongue.

Pedro. You find not the apoſtaphes, and ſo miſs the
accent. Let me ſupervife the cangent.

Nath. Here are only numbers ratified, but for the
elegancy, ſcility, and golden cadence of poſſe cvert : O
vidius Naſo was the man. And why indeed Naſo, but
for ſnelling out the odoriferous flowers of ſancy ? the
jacks of invention imitay is nothing : So doth the
Hound his maſter, the Ape his keeper, the tyred Horſe
his rider: But Daxomella Virgin, Was this directed to
you?

Jaque. I fir, from one Mounſicur Birone, one of the
ſtrange Queens Lords.

Nath. I will overglance the ſuperscript.

To the ſnow-white hand of the moſt beauteous Lady, Ro-
ſaline. I will look again on the intelleſt of the Letter, for
the nomination of the party written, to the perſon written
unto.

Tour Ladisbips in all desired employment, Birone?

Per. Sir Holofernes, this Berown is one of the Votaries
with the King, and here he hath framed a Letter to a ſe-
quent of the ſtranger Queens; which accidentally, or
by the way of progression, hath miſcarried. Trip and
go my ſweet, deliver this Paper into the hand of the
King, it may concern much ; ſlay not thy complement, I
forgive thy duty, adieu.

Maid. Good Coſſard go with me.

Sir God fave your life.

Coſſ. Have thee with me my girl.

Exiſt.

Hol. Sir. You have done this in the fear of God very
religiously: and as a certain father faith—

Ped. Sir, tell not me of the father, I do fear couloura-
ble colours. But to return to the Verſes, did they pleafe
you Sir Nathaniel ?

Nath. Marvellous well for the Pen.

Peda. I do dine to day at the fathers of a certain Pu-
pill

*

Love's Labour's lost.

120

Pill of mine, where if ( being repaſt ) it ſhall płaſe you to
gratine the table with a grace, I will on my privilege I
have with the parents of the forelaid Child and Pupil,
undertake your *bien venuto*, where I will prove that
Verſes to be very unlearned, neither favouring of Poet-
ry, Wit or Invention. I beſeeth your Society.

Nath. And thank you too : for ſociety ( faith the text)
is the happineſs of life.

Peda. And certes the text moſt infallibly concludes it.
Sir I do invite you too, you ſhall not ſay me nay : Pauſa
torba.

Away, the gentles are at their game, and we will to our
recreation.

Exeunt.

Enter Biron with a Paper in his hand, alone.

Biro. The King he is hunting the Dear.

I am courting my ſelf.

They have pitcht a Toyl, I am toyling in a pitch,
pitch that dehles; deſile, a foul word: Well, fet thee
down forrow; for fo they ſay the fool faſd, and fo lay
1, and I the fool : Well proved wit. By the Lord this
Love is as mad as *Ajax*, it kills ſheep, it kills me, I a
heep: Well proved again a my ſide. I will not love 3
it I do, hang me : i'ath I will not. O but her eye: by
this light, but for her eye, I would not love her ; yes, for
her to her eyes. Well, I do nothing in the world but lye
and lye in my throat. By heaven I do love, and it hath
taught me to Rime, and to be mallicholly : and here is
part of my Rime, and here my mallicholly. Well, ſhe
hath one *am* Sonnets already, the Clown bore it, the
Fool ſent it, and the Lady hath it: sweet Clown, *sweet-
er* Fool, *sweetest* Lady. By the world, I would not care
a pin, if the other three were in. Here comes one with a
paper, God give him grace to groan.

He flands afide.

The King entreth.

King. Ay me.

Br. Shot by heaven; proceed *sweet* Cupid, thou haſt
thumpt him with thy birdoolt u nder the left pap : in faith
fereets.

King. So sweet a kif the golden Sun gives not,
To thoe treſh morning drops upon the Rofe,
As thy eye-beams when their fresh Rayes heve ſmot
The night of dew that on my cheeks down flows,
Nor ſhines the ſilver Moon one half ſo bright,
Through the tranſparent bolome of the deep 7
As doth my face through tears of mine give light :
Thou ſhin'ſt in every tear that I do weep,
No drop, but as a Coach doth carry thee,
So rideſt thou triumphing in my woe.
Do but behold the tears that Iwell in me,
And they thy glory through my grief will ſhew :
But do not thy ſelf, then thou wilt keep
My tears for glaſſes, and ſtill make me weep.
O Queen of Queens, how far doſt thou excel,
No thought can think, nor tongue of mortal tell
How ſhall the know my griefs ; Ile drop the paper.
Sweet leaves ſhade folly. Who is he comes here ?

Enter Longavil.

The King ſteps afide.

What! Longavile! and reading : listen ear.

Bir. Now in thy likenefs one more ſool appears.

Long. Ay me, I am forſworn.

Bir. Why he comes in like a perjur'd, wearing papers.

Long. In love I hope, *sweet* fellowſhip in ſhame.

Bir. One drunkard loves another of the name.

Lon. Am I the firſt that have been : perjur'd fo ? ( know,

Bir. I could put thee in comfort : not by two, that I
Thou makeſt the triumphry, the corner cap of ſociety,
The ſhape of Loves Tiburn, that hangs up ſimplicity.

Lon. I fear theſe stubborn lines lack power to move.
O *weet* Maria, *Empreſs* of my love,
Theſe numbers will I tear, and write in proſe.

Bir. O Rimes are guards on wanton *Cupids* hoſſ,
Disfigure not his ſhop.

Lon. This fame ſhall go.

He reads the Sonnet.

Did not the heavenly Rhetorick of thine eye,
Gainſt whom the world cannot hold argument,

Persuade my heart to this falſe perjury ?

Vows for three broke defore not punishment.

A woman I forſwore, but I will prove,

Thou being a Goddeſs, I forſwore not thee.

My Vow was earthy, thou a heavenly Love.

Thy grace being gain'd, eures all diſgrace in me.

Vows are but breath, and breath a vapour is,

Then thou fair Sun, which on my earth doſt ſhine,

Exhalſt this vapour-vow; in thee it is :

If broken then, it is no ſault of mine :

If by me broke, what fool is not ſo wifſe,

To lobe anoath, to win a Paradife ?

Bir. This is the liver vein, which makes ſleſh a deity;
A green Goofe, a Goddeſs, pure, pure Idolatry.
God amend us, God amend, we are much out o'ch' way.

Enter Dumaine.

Lon. By whom ſhall I ſend this? ( Company ? ) Stay.

Bir. All hid, all hid, an old infant play,

Like a demy God, here fit I in the sky,

And wretched ſools ſecrets heedfully o're eye.

More Sacks to the Mill ! O heavens I have my wifſ,

Dumain transform'd; four Woodcocks in a diſh.

Dum. O moſt divine Kate.

Biro. O moſt propheſsion.

Dum. By heaven the wonder of a mortal eye.

Bir. By earth ſhe is not; corporal, there you lye,

Dum. Her amber hairs for fowl hath Amber coted.

Bir. An Amber coloured Raven was well noted,

Dum. As upright as the Cedar.

Bir. Stoop I lay, her ſhoulder is with child.

Dum. As fair as day.

Bir. I as ſome days, but then no ſun muſt ſhine.

Dum. O that I had my wifſ?

Long. And I had mine.

Kin. And mine too, good Lord.

Dum. Amen, fo I had mine. Is not that a good word?

Dum. I would forget her, but a Feaver the

Reigns in my blood, and will remembred be.

Bir. A Feaver in your blood! why then incifion

Would let her out in Sawcers, *sweet* miſprison.

Dum. Once more I'le read the Ode that I have wrot.

Bir. Once more I'le mark how Love can vary Wit

Dumain reads his Sonnet.

On a day, alack the day :

Love, whose Month is every May,
Spid'd a bloſſome pſing fair,

Playing in the wanton air :

Through the Velvet leaves, the wind,

All unſeen, can paffage ſind,

That the Lower jick to death,

Wif'd himself the heavens breath,

Air, (quoth he) thy cheeks to blow,

Air, would I might triumph ſo.

But alack my hand is ſworn,

Ne're to pluck thee from thy throne :

Vow alack for youth unmeet,

Youth ſo apt to pluck a *sweet*.

Do not call it fin in me,

That I am forſworn for thee.

Thou for whom Jove would ſwear,

Juno but an Ethiop were,

And deny himself for Jove,

Turning mortal for thy Love.

This will I ſend, and ſomething eſſe more plain,
That ſhall expeſs my true-loves faſting pain,
O would the *King*, *Biron*, and *Longavile*,

Wers

["Love's Labour's lost.", "121", "Were Lovers too, ill to example ill,", "Would from my fore-head wipe a perjur'd note :\nFor none offend, where all alike do dote.", "Lon. Dumain, thy Love is far from charity,\nThat in Loves grief defir'st society :", "You may look pale, but I should blush if I know.", "To be o're-heard, and taken napping to.", "King. Come fir, you blush as his, your cafe is such,\nYou chide at him, offending twice as much.", "You do not love Maria, Longavile,", "Did never Sonnet for her fake compile;", "Nor never lay his wreathed arms athwart", "His loving bofome, to keep down his heart.", "I had been clofely flrowdew in this buff", "And markt you both, and for you both did blush.", "I heard your guilty Rimes, obfer'd your fashion.", "Saw fights reek from you, noted well your paffon.", "Ay me, layes one ! O Jove, the other cries !", "Her hairs were Gold, Crystal the others eyes.", "You would for Paradise break faith and troth,", "And Jove for your Love would infringe an oath.", "What will Bironé lay when that he fhill hear", "A faith infringed, which fuch zeal did fwear ?", "How will he fcon ? how will he fpend his wit ?", "How will he triumph, leap, and laugh at it ?", "For all the wealth that ever I did fee,", "I would not have him know so much by me :", "Bir. Now flep I forth to whip hypocrite.", "Ah good my Liege, I pray thee pardon me.", "Good heart, What grace haft thou thus to reprove", "Thefe worms for loving, are moft in love ?", "Your eyes do make no couches in your tears,", "There is no certain Princeels that appears.", "You'll not be perjur'd, ?tis a hateful thing :", "Tuff, none but Minftrels like of Sonnetting.", "But are you not afham'd ? nay, are you not", "All three of you, to be thus much o're fhot ?", "You found his Moth, the King your Moth did fee :", "But I a Beam do find in each ot three.", "O what a Scene of fool'ry have I feen,", "Of fights, of groans, of forrow, and of teen ?", "O me, with what ftrict patience have I fat,", "To fee a King transformed to a Gnat ?", "To fee great Hercules whipping a Gigge,", "And Neſſor play at puſh-pin with the boyes,", "And Critick Tymon laugh at idle toyes.", "Where lies thy grief ? O tell me good Dumsin;", "And gentle Longavile, where lies thy pain ?", "And where my Lieges ? all about the breast.", "A Candle hoa !", "Kin. Too bitter is thy jeſt,", "Are we betrayed thus to thy over- view ?", "Bir. Not you by me, but I betray'd to you.", "I that am honest, I that hold it fin", "To break the vow I am ingaged in.", "I am betray'd by keeping company", "With men, like men of ftrange inſtancy.\nWhen ſhall you fee me write a thing in rime ?\nOr groan for Joan ? or ſpend a minutes time", "In pruning me ? when ſhall you hear that I will Praife a\nhand, a foot, a face, an eye: a gate, a ſtate, a brow, a\nbreast, a waſt, a leg, a limb?", "Kin. Soft, whither away to faſt ?", "A true man, or a thief, that gallops fo.", "Bir. I poſt from Love, good Lover let me go.", "Enter Jaquenetta, and Clown.", "Jaque. God bleſs the king.", "Kin. What Prefent haſt thou there ?", "Clo. Some certain treaon.", "Kin. What makes treafon here ?", "Clo. Nay it makes nothing fir.", "Kin. If it mar nothing neuer, the", "The treafon and you go in Peace together.", "Jaque. I beſech your Grace let this Letter be read,\nOur perſon mifdoubts it : it was treafon he faſt.", "Kin. Birone, read it over.", "He reads the Lester.", "Where hadſt thou it ?", "Jaque. Of Coſtard.", "Kin. VVhere hadſt thou it?", "Coſt. Of Dun Adramadie, Dun Adramadie.", "Kin. How now, what mean you ? why doſt thou tear\nit ?", "Bir. A toy my Liege, a toy: your grace needs not\nfear it.", "Long. It did move him to paffion, and therefore let\nhear it.", "Dum. It is Birones writing, and here is his name.", "Bir. Ah you whoreſon loggerhead, you were born to\ndo me ſhame.", "Bir. Guilty my Lord, guilty : I confesſ, I confesſ.", "King. What ?", "Bir. That you three fools, lackt me fool, to make up\nthe meſs.", "He, he, and you: and you my Liege, and I,", "Are pick-purſes in Love, and we defer to dye.", "O diſinſ this caufe why we were born :", "Dum. Now the number is even.", "Bir. True, true, we are four : will theſe Turtles be\ngone?", "Kin. Hence fir's, away.", "Exit.", "Clo. Walk aſide the true folk, and let the traytors ſtay.", "Bir. Sweet Lords, ſweet Lovers, O let us imbrace :", "As true we are as ſleſh and blood can be,", "The Sea will ebb and flow, heaven will ſhow his face :", "Young blood doth not obey an old decree.", "We cannot croſ the caufe why we were born :", "Therefore of all hands muſt we be forſt-worn.", "King. What did theſe rent lines ſhow some love of\nthine ?", "Rosaline,", "Bir. Did they, quoth you? Who fees the heavenly\nThat (like a rude and favage man of Inde)", "At the firſt opening of the gorgeous Eaſt,\nBows not his vaffal head, and ſtrucken blind,", "Kiffes the bafe ground with obedient breaſ ?", "VVhat preemptory Eagle-fighted eye", "Dares look upon the heaven of her brow.", "That is not blinded by her Majefly ?", "Kin. What zeal, what fury hath inſpir'd thee now ?", "My Love (her Miftris) is a gracious Moon,", "She (an attending Star) ſcarce ſeen a light.", "Bir. My eyes are then no eyes, nor I Birone.", "O but for my Love, day would turn to night,", "Of all complexions the cull'd foveraignty,", "Do meet as at a Fair in her Fair check,", "Where ſeveral Worthies make one dignity,", "Where nothing wants, that want it ſeſdoth feelk.", "Lend me the flouriſh of all gentle tongues,", "Fie painted Rhetorick, O the needs it not,", "To things of faſe, a ſellers praeſe belongs :", "She paffes praeſe, then praeſe too ſhort doth blot.", "A wifchered Hermite, five ſcore winters worn,", "Might ſake off ſſ fifty, looking in her eye :", "Beauty doth varnifh Age, as if new born,", "And gives the Crutch the Cradles infancy.", "O'tris the Sun that maketh all things ſhine :", "Kin. By heaven, thy Love is black as Ebony.", "Bir. Is Ebony like her ? O word divine ?", "A Wife of ſuch Wood were felicity.", "O who can give an oath ?

["Love's Labour's loſt.", "122", "It mourns, that painting and ufurping hair\nShould ravish doters with a falſe affect:\nAnd therefore is the born to make black fair-\nHer favour turns the fashion of the dayes,\nFor native Blood is counted painting now:\nAnd therefore red that would avoid diſpraife,\nPaints its ſelf black, to imitate her brow.", "", "Dum. To look like her are Chimney-Sweepers black.", "Lon. And ſince her time, are Colliers counted bright.", "King. And Ethiops of their ſweet complexion crack.", "Dum. Dark needs no Candles now, for Dark is light.", "Bir. Your Miftreffes dare never come in rain,", "For fear their Colours should be wafht away.", "Kin. 'Twere good yours did: for fir to tell you plain,\nI'le find a fairer face not wafht to day.", "Bir. I'le prove her fair, or talk till Dooms-day here.", "Kin. No Devil will fright thee then ſo much as ſhe.", "Dum. I never knew man hold vile fluff ſo dear.", "Lon. Look, here's thy love, my foot and her face fee.", "Bir. O if the freets were paved with thine Eyes,", "Her feet were much too dainty for fuch tread.", "Dum. O vile, then as ſhe goes, what upward lyes ?", "The freet should fee as ſhe walk'd over Head.", "Kin. But what of this, are we not all in Love ?", "Bir. Nothing ſo ſure, and thereby all forſworn.", "Kin. Then leave this chat, and good Birene now prove\nOur loving lawful, and our faith not torn.", "Dum. I marry there, ſome flattery for this evil.", "Long. O ſome authority how to proceed,\nSome tricks, ſome quillers, how to cheat the devil.", "", "Dum. Some falve for Perjury.", "Bir. O 'tis more than need.", "Have at you then affections, men at arms,\nConfider what you firſt did ſwear unto :\nTo aſt, to ſudy, and to fee no Woman :\nFlat Treaſon 'gainſt the Kingly ſtate of youth.", "", "Say, Can you aſt ? your ſtomacks are too young :\nAnd abſtinance ingenders maladies.", "And where that you have vow'd to ſudy ( Lords)\nIn that each of you have forſworn his Book.", "Can you ſtill dream and pore, and thereon look ?", "For when would you, my Lord or you,", "Have found the ground of ſudies Excellence,", "Without the Beauty of a Womans ſace ;", "From Womens eyes this DoCTRine I derive,", "They are the Ground, the Books, the Academs,", "From whence doth ſpring the true Promethean fire.", "Why, univerſal plodding, poyſons up", "The nimble Spirits in the arteries;", "As motion and long action tires", "The ſinowy vigour of the Traveller.", "Now for not looking on a Womans ſace,", "You have in that forſworn the uſe of Eyes :", "And ſudy too, the cauſer of your vow.", "For where is any Author in the World,", "Teaches ſuch Beauty as a Womans Eye :", "Learning is but an adjunct to our ſelf,", "And where we are, our Learning likewise is.", "Then when our ſelves we fee in Ladies Eyes,", "Do we not likewise fee our Learning there ?", "O, we have made a Vow to ſudy, Lords,", "And in that vow we have forſworn our Books :", "For when would you (my Liege) or you, or you,", "In Leaden contemplation have found out", "Such ſiery Numbers as the prompting Eyes", "Of Beauties tutors have enrich'd you with ?", "Other flow Arts entirely keep the brain ;", "And therefore find ng barren præſtifiers,", "Scarce ſhew a harveſt of their heavy toyle.", "But Love firſt learned in a Ladies Eyes,", "Lives not alone immured in the brain :", "But with the motion of all Elements,", "Courſes (as ſwift as thought in every power,", "And gives to every power a double power,", "Above their functions and their Offices.", "It adds a precious feeing to the Eye :", "A Lovers eyes will gaze an Eagle blind.", "A Lovers ear will hear the lowſt found.", "When the ſuſpicious head of Theft is ſtop,\nLoves feeling is more ſoft and ſenſible,", "Than are the tender Horns of Cocked Snayles.", "Loves Tongue proves dainty Bacchus, groſs in taſe ;", "For Valour, is not Love a Hercules ?", "Still climbing trees in the Hesperides.", "Subtil as a Sphinx, as ſweet and muſical,", "As bright Apollo's Lute, ſtrung with his Hair.", "And when Love ſpeaks, the voice of all the gods,", "Make Heaven drowſe with the Harmony.", "Never durſt Poet touch a Pen to write,", "Until his Ink were tempred with Loves ſighs :", "O then his Lines would ravilſave Ears ;", "And plant in Tyrants mild humility.", "From Womens Eyes this DoCTRine I derive :\nThey Sparkle ſill the right Promethean fire,", "They are the Books, the Arts, the Academes,", "That ſhow, contain, and nouriſh all the World :", "Elſe none at all in ought proves excellent :", "Then Foals you were theſe Women to forſwear.", "Or keeping what is ſworn, you will prove fools.", "For wifdoms ſake, (a word that all men love)", "Or for Loves ſake, a word that loves all men :", "Or for Mens ſake, the Author of theſe Women,", "Or Womans ſake, by whom we men are men,", "Let us once loſe our oaths, to find our ſelves ;", "Or elſe we loſe our ſelves, to keep our Oaths.", "It is Religion to be thus forſworn.", "For Charity it ſelf ſuſfills the Law ;", "And who can ſever Love from Charity?", "Kin. Saint Cupid then, and Soldiers to the Field,", "Bir. Advance your ſtandards, and upon them Lords :\nPell, mell, down with them : but be firſt advis'd,\nin conflict that you get the Sun of them.", "Lon. Now to plain dealing, lay theſe glozeſs by,", "Shall we reſolve to wooe theſe Girls of France,", "Kin. And win them too; therefore let us devife,", "Some entertainment for them at their Tents.", "Bir. Firſt from the Park let us conduct them thither,", "Then homeward every man attach the hand", "Of his fair Miftrefs : in the Afternoon", "We will with ſome ſtrange paſtme folace them :", "Such as the ſhortneſs of the time can ſhape,", "For Revells, Dances, Masks, and merry hours,", "Forerun fair Love, ſtrewing her way with Flowers.", "Kin. Aways, away, no time ſhall be omitted,", "That will be time, and may by us be fitted.", "Bir. Alone, alone ſowed Cockell, reaſp'd no Corn,", "And Juitice always whirls in equal meaſure :", "Light Wenches may prove plagues to men forſworn,\nIt ſo, our Copper buys no better Treasure.", "Extant.", "## Actus Quartus.", "Enter the Pedant, Curate, and Dull.", "Ped. Satis quid ſuſſicit.", "Cur. I proue God for you fir, your reafons at Dinner\nhave been ſharp and ſententious: pleafant without cur-\nrility, witty without affeſation, audacious without im-\npudency, learned without opinion, and ſtrange without\nHereſie: I did converſe this quondam day with a compan-\non of the Kings, who is intituled, nominated or called,\nDon Adviano de Armatho.", {"bbox": [625, 1307, 965, 1375], "category":

Love's Labour's lost.

125

<table>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <p><em>Mar.</em> Bleat foſtly then, the Butcher hears you cry.<br>
        <em>Boy.</em> The tongues of mocking Wenches are as keen<br>
        As is the Razors Edge invifible:<br>
        Cutting a ſinaller hair than may be ſeen,<br>
        Above the fence of fence ſo ſenſible:<br>
        Seemeth their conference, their conceits have wings,<br>
        Fleeter than Arrows,Bulletts,Wind, thought, ſwifter things.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> Not one word more my Maids, break off, break<br>
        off.<br>
        <em>Bir.</em> By Heaven all dry beaten with pure ſcoff.<br>
        <em>Kin.</em> Farewell mad Wenches, you have ſimple Wits.<br>
        Exeunt.</p>
      </td>
      <td>
        <p>And we that fell by groſs, the Lord doth know,<br>
        Have not the grace to grace it with ſuch ſhow.<br>
        This Gallant pins the Wenches on his Sleeve:<br>
        Had he been <em>Adam</em>, he had tempted <em>Eve</em>.<br>
        He can carve too, and lip: Why this is he,<br>
        That Kift away his hand in courteſie.<br>
        This is the Ape of Fortune, <em>Monsieur the nice</em>;<br>
        That when he plays at Tables, chides the Dice<br>
        In honourable Terms : nay he can ſing<br>
        A mean moſt meanly, and in Uſhering<br>
        Mend him who can ; the Ladies call him ſweeſ:<br>
        The ſtairs as he treads on them kils his Feet.<br>
        This is the flower that ſmiles on every one,<br>
        To ſlew his Teeth as white as Whale his Bone,<br>
        And Conſciences that will dye in Debt,<br>
        Pay him the Duty of Honey-tongued <em>Boyer</em>.<br>
        <em>Kin.</em> A Blifter on his ſweet Tongue with my Heart;<br>
        That put <em>Armadoes</em> Page out of his part.</p>
      </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <p><em>Prin.</em> Twenty Adicus my frozen <em>Mofcovites</em>.<br>
        Are theſe the breed of Wits ſo wondred at ?<br>
        <em>Boy.</em> Tapers they are, with your ſweet breaths put<br>
        out.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> Well-liking Wits they have, groſs, groſs, fat, fat.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> O Poverty in Wit, Kingly poor ſlout.<br>
        Will they not (think you) hang themſelves to Night ?<br>
        Or ever but in Vizards ſhew their faces.<br>
        This pert <em>Birone</em> was out of count'nance quite.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> O ! They were all in lamentable cafés.<br>
        The King was weeping-ripe for a good word.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> <em>Birone</em> did ſwear himſelf out of all ſuit.<br>
        <em>Mar.</em> Duinaine was at my Service, and his Sword :<br>
        No point (quoth I :) my Servant ſtraight was mute.<br>
        <em>Kat.</em> Lord <em>Longavile</em> laid I came o're his Heart;<br>
        And trow you what he call'd me ?<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> Qualm perhaps.<br>
        <em>Kat.</em> Yes in good faith.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> Go Sickness as thou art.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> Well, better wits have worn plain ſtatute caps,<br>
        But will you hear, the King is my Love ſworn.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> And quick <em>Birone</em> hath plighted faith to me.<br>
        <em>Kat.</em> And <em>Longavile</em> was for my Service born.<br>
        <em>Mar.</em> <em>Duminin</em> is mine as ſure as bark on Tree.<br>
        <em>Boy.</em> Madam, and pretty Mitſtresses give car,<br>
        Immediately they will again be here<br>
        In their own ſhapes : if it can never be,<br>
        They will digest this harſh Indignity:<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> Will they return ?<br>
        <em>Boy.</em> They will, they will, God knows,<br>
        And leap for joy, though they are lame with Blows :<br>
        Therefore change Favourſs, and when they repair,<br>
        low like (sweet) Rofes, in this <em>Summer</em> Air.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> How blow ? how blow ? ſpeak to be under-<br>
        flood.<br>
        <em>Boy.</em> Fair Ladies maskt, are Rofes in their bud:<br>
        Difmask, their damask (sweet) comixture ſhown,<br>
        Are Angels vailing Clouds, or Rofes blown.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> Avaunt perplexity: What ſhall we do,<br>
        If they return in their own ſhapes to woo ?<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> Good Madam, if by me you'l be adviſ'd,<br>
        Let's mock them ſtill as well known as diſguis'd:<br>
        Let us complain to them what fools were here,<br>
        Difguis'd like <em>Muſcovites</em> in ſhapeſels Gear:<br>
        And wonder what they were, and to what end<br>
        Their ſhallow ſhows, and Prologue wildly pend,<br>
        And their rough carriage for ridiculous,<br>
        Should be prefented at our Tent to us.<br>
        <em>Boy.</em> Ladies, withdraw, the Gallants are at hand.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> Whip to our Tents, as <em>Rofes</em> run o're the Land.<br>
        Exeunt.</p>
      </td>
      <td>
        <p><em>Enter the King and the ref.</em></p>
        <p><em>Enter Ladies.</em></p>
        <p><em>Bir.</em> See where it comes. B: behaviour what wert thou,<br>
        Till this mad-man ſhew'd thee ? And what art thou now ?<br>
        <em>Kin.</em> All hail (sweet Madam, and fair time of day.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> Fair in all Hail is ſoul, as I conceive.<br>
        <em>Kin.</em> Conſtrue my ſpeeches better if you may.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> Then with me better, I will give you leave,<br>
        <em>Kin.</em> We came to viſit you, and purpofe now<br>
        To lead you to our Court, vouchſate it then.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> This Field ſhall hold me, and ſo hold your vow:<br>
        Nor God, nor I, delights in perju'd men.<br>
        <em>Kin.</em> Rebuke me not for that which you provoke.<br>
        The vertue of your eye muſt break my oath.<br>
        <em>Pr.</em> You nickname vertue: Vice you ſhould have ſpoke:<br>
        For vertues office never breaks mens troth.<br>
        Now by my Maiden honour, yet as pure<br>
        As the unſullied Lilly, I proteſt,<br>
        A World of torments though I should endure;<br>
        I would not be your hours guelt:<br>
        So much I hate a breaking cauſe to be,<br>
        Of Heavenly oaths, vow'd with integrity.<br>
        <em>Kin.</em> O you have liv'd in defolation here,<br>
        Unſeen, unviſited, much to our ſhame.<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> Not ſo my Lord, it is not ſo I ſwear,<br>
        We have had pastimes here, and pleafant game,<br>
        A Mefs of Ruffians left us but of late:<br>
        <em>Kin.</em> How Madam ? Ruffians ?<br>
        <em>Prin.</em> I in truth, my Lord.<br>
        Trim gallants, full of Courtſhip and of State.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> Madam ſpeak true. It is not ſo my Lord:<br>
        My Lady (to the manner of the days)<br>
        In courteſe gives undefeſling praeſe.<br>
        We four indeed confronted were with four,<br>
        In Ruffian habit: Here they ſtay'd an hour,<br>
        And talk'd apace: and in that hour (my Lord)<br>
        They did bleſs us with one happy word.<br>
        I dare not call them fools ; but I think,<br>
        When they are thirſty, fools would ſaſe have drink?<br>
        <em>Bir.</em> This jeſt is dry to me. Fair, gentle, ſweet,<br>
        Your wit makes wife things ſoſtliſh, when we greet<br>
        With eyes beſt feeing, Heavens.ſiery Eye,<br>
        By light we loſe light ; your capacity<br>
        Is of that nature, as to your huge ſtore<br>
        Wife things: ſeem ſoſtliſh, and rich things but poor.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> This proves you wife and rich; for in my Eye-<br>
        <em>Bir.</em> I am a Fool, and full of Poverty.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> But that you take what doth to you belong,<br>
        It were a fault to ſnatch words from my Tongue.<br>
        <em>Bir.</em> O, I am yours, and all that I poffeſs.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> All the Fool mine.<br>
        <em>Bir.</em> I cannot give you leſs.<br>
        <em>Ref.</em> Which of the Vizards was it that you wore ?<br>
        <em>Bir.</em> Where ? when ? What Vizard ?<br>
        Why demand you this?<br>
        L 2</p>
      </td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

["126", "Love's Labour's lost.", "Ref. There, then, that vird, that superfluous cafe,\nThat hid the worfe, and fhou'd the better face.", "Kin. We are defied,", "They'll m'ck us now down right.", "Duk. Let us confefs and turn it to a jeft.", "Prin. Amaz'd my Lord ? Why looks your Highneſs\nfad ?", "Ref. Help hold his brows, he'l fwound : why look you\npale ?", "Sca-fick I think, coming from Mufeovy.", "Bir. Thus pour the flars down plagues for perjury.", "Can any face of brafs hold longer out ?", "Here fand I, Lady, dart thy skill at me ;", "Bruife me with fcorn, confound me with a flout,", "Thruſt thy ſharp wit quite through my ignorance ;", "Cut me to pieces with thy keen conceit ;", "And I will with thee never more to dance,", "Nor never more in Ruffian habit wait.", "O ! never will I truſt to ſpeeches pen'd,", "Nor to the motion of a School-boys tongue,", "Nor never come in vizards to my friend,", "Nor wooe in rime like a blind-harpers fong,", "Taffata phraſes, ſilken terms precife,", "Three-pil'd Hyperboles, ſpruce affection ;", "Figures pedantical, theſe ſummer flyes,", "Have blown me full of maggot ſoffentation,", "I do iorſwear them, and I here proteſt,", "By this white Glove (how white the hand God knows)", "Henceforth my wooing mind ſhall be expreſſ", "In ruffet yeas, and honest kerſie noes.", "And to begin Wench, ſo God help me law,", "My love to thee is found, ſans crack or flaw.", "Ref. Sans, Sans, I pray you.", "Bir. Yet I have a trick.", "Of the old rage: bear with me, I am ſick.", "I'll leave it by degrees: both let us fee,", "Write Lord have mercy on us, and thofe three,", "They are inſected, in their hearts it lies,", "They have the plague, and caught it of your eyes :", "Theſe Lords are ſiſted, you are not free :", "For the Lords tokens on you both I fee.", "Prin. No, they are free that gave theſe tokens to us.", "Bir. Our ſtales are forfeit, ſeek not to undo us.", "Ref. It is not so ; for how can this be true,", "That you ſtand forfeit, being thofe that ſue.", "Bir. Peazce, for I will not have to do with yous", "Ref. Nor ſhall not, if I do as I intend.", "Bir. Speak for your ſelves, my wit is at an end.", "King. Teach us SWEET Madam, for our rude transſegre-\nfion, home fair excufe.", "Prin. The faireſt is conſeſſion.", "Were you not here but even now diſguis'd ?", "Kin. Madam, I was.", "Prin. And were you well advis'd ?", "Kin. I was, fair Madam.", "Prin. When you then were here,", "What did you whisper in your Ladies ear ?", "Kin. That more than all the world I did reſpect her.", "Prin. When ſhe ſhall challenge this, you will rejeſt\nher.", "Kin. Upon my honour no.", "Prin. Peace, peace, forbear :", "Your oath once broke, you force not to forſwear.", "Kin. Delpife me when I break this oath of mine.", "Prin. I will, and therefore keep it, Rosaline,", "What did the Ruffian whisper in your ear ?", "Ref. Madam, he ſwore that he did hold me dear", "As precious eye-fight, and did value me", "Above this World: adding there moreover,", "That he would Wed me, or elfe die my Lover.", "Prin. God give thee joy of him; the Noble Lord", "Moſt honourably doth uphold his word?", "Kin. What mean you Madam ?", "By my life, my troth,", "I never ſwore this Lady ſuch an oath.", "Ref. By heaven you hold , and to confirm it plain,\nYou gave me this. But take it fir again.", "Kin. My faith and this, to th' Princes I did give,\nI knew her by this Jewel on her ſleeve.", "Prin. Pardon me fir, this Jewel did ſhe wear,", "And Lord Birone (I thank him) is my dear.", "What ? Will you have me, or your Pearl again ?", "Bir. Neither of either, I remit both twain.", "I fee the trick on't : Here was a conſent,", "Knowing aforehand of our merriment,", "To daſh it like a Chrifmaſs Comedy.", "Some carry-tale, ſome pleafe-man, ſome flight Zany,", "Some mumble-news, ſome trencjer-knight, ſome Dick", "That ſmiles his check in years and knows the trick", "To make my Lady laugh, when ſhe's diſpos'd,", "Told our intents before : which once diſclos'd,", "The Ladies did change Favours, and then we", "Following the ſigns, woo'd but the ſign of ſhe.", "Now to our perjury, to add more terror,", "We are again forſworn in will and error.", "Much upon this it is : and might not you", "Foreſtal our ſport, to make us thus untrue ?", "Do not you know my Ladies foot byth' ſquare ?", "And laugh upon the apple of her eye ?", "And ſtand between her back fir, and the ſire,", "Holding a trencjer, jeſting merrily ?", "You put our Page out : go, you are allow'd", "Die when you will, a ſmock that ſhall be your flow'd;", "You leer upon me, do you ? There's an eye", "Wounds like a Leaden ſwold.", "Boy. Full merrily hath this brave manager, this car-\nreer been run.", "Bir. Lo, he is tilting ſtraight. Peace, I have done:", "Enter Clown.", "Welcome pure wit, thou prat'th a fair fray !", "Clo. O Lord fir, they would know", "Whether the three Worthies ſhall come in, or no?", "Bir. What, are there but three ?", "Clo. No fir, but it is vara fine,", "For every one purſents three.", "Bir. And three times thrice is nine.", "Clo. Not ſo fir, under correction fir, I hope it is not ſo.\nYou cannot beg us fir, I can affure you fir, we know what\nwe know : I hope three times thrice fir.", "Bir. Is not nine.", "Clo. Under correction fir, we know where-until it\ndoth amount.", "Bir. By Towe, I always took three threes for nine.", "Clo. O Lord fir, it were pity you ſhould get your li-\nving by reckoning fir.", "Bir. How much is it ?", "Clo. O Lord fir, the parties themselves, the actors fir,\nwill ſhow where-until it doth amount : for mine own\npart, I am (as they ſay, but to perfect one man in one poor\nman ) Pompion the great fir.", "Bir. Art thou one of the Worthies ?", "Clo. It pleafed them to think me worthy of Pompey the\ngreat : for mine own part, I know not the degree of the\nWorthy, but I am to ſtand for him.", "Bir. Go, bid them prepare.", "Exit.", "Clo. We will turn it finely off fir, we will take ſome\ncare.", {"bbox": [652, 122

Love's Labour's lost.

127

Dies, in the Zeal of that which it prelates:
Their form confounded, makes moſt form in Mirth,
When great things labouring perſih in their Birth:
Bir. A right deſcription of our ſport my Lord.

Enter Braggart.

Brag. Anointed, I implore so much expence of thy
Royal ſweet breath, as will utter a brace of words.

Prin. Doth this man ſerve God ?

Bir. Why ask you ?

Prin. He ſpeaks not like a man of God's making.

Brag. That's all one, my fair ſweet honey Monarch:
For I proteſt, the Schoolmaſter is exceeding ſantaſtional:
Too too vain, too too vain. But we will put it (as they
ſay) to Fortuna delaguar. I with you the peace of mind moſt
Royal Cupplement.

King: Here is like to be a good preſence of Worthies;
He preſents Heſtor of Troy, the Swain Pompey the great,
the Parifh-Curate, Alexander, Armadoes Page Hercules,
the Pedant Judas Machabeus: And if theſe four Worthies in
their firſt ſhow thrive, theſe Four will change Habits, and
preſent the other Five.

Bir. There is ſive in the firſt ſhow.

Kin. You are deceiv'd, 'tis not to.

Bir. The Pedant, the Braggart, the Hedge-Priſt, the
Fool, and the Boy.

A bare throw at Novum, and the whole World again,
Cannot prick out five ſuch, take each one in's vain.

Kin. The Ship is under Sail, and here he comes amain.

Enter Pompey.

Clo. I Pompey am.

Boy. You lye, you are not he.

Clo. I Pompey am.

Boy. With Libbards head on Knee.

Bir. Well ſaid old moſker,

I muſt needs be friends with thee.

I Pompey am, Pompey furnam'd the big.

Du. The Great.

Clo. It is great fir : Pompey furnam'd the great.

That oft in Field, with Targe and Shield.

did make my Foe to ſweat :

And travelling along this coaſ, I here am come by chance,
And lay my Arms before the Legs of this ſweet Laſs of
France.

If your Ladyſhip would ſay thanks Pompey, I had done.

Prin. Great thanks great Pompey.

Clo. 'Tis not to much worth : but I hope I was perſect.
I made a little fault in great.

Bir. My hat to a Half-penny, Pompey proves the beſt
Worthy.

Enter Curate, for Alexander.

Curat. When in the World I liv'd, I was the World's Com-
mande.

By Eaſt, West, North, and South, I ſpread my conquering
Might.

My ſe chthon plain declares that I am Alifander.

Boy. Your noſe faies no, you are not :

For it ſtands too right.

Bir. Your Noſe ſmells no, in this moſt tender ſmelling
Knight.

Prin. The Conqueror is diſmaſ :

Proceed good Alexander.

Cur. When in the World I lived, I was the Worlds Com-
mander.

Boy. Moſt true, 'tis right ; you were ſo Alifander.

Bir. Pompey the great.

Clo. Your ſervant and Coſard.

Bir. Take away the Conqueror, take away Alifander.

Clo. O Sir, you have overthrown Alifander the Con-

queror: you will be ſcrap'd out of the painted cloth for
this: your Lion that holds the Pollax ſitting on a Cloſe-
ſtool, will be given to Ajax. He will be the ninth Worthy.
A Conqueror, and afraid to ſpeak ? Run away for ſhame
Alifander. There an't ſhall please you: a ſooliſh mild
man, an honest man, look you, and fooon daſh'd. He is
a marvellous good Neighbour intooth, and a very good
Bowler: but for Alifander, as you fee, how 'tis a little
ore-parted. But there are Worthies a coming, will ſpeak
their mind in ſome other fort.

Clo. Stand alide good Pompy.

Exit Clo.

Enter Pedant for Judas, and the Boy for Hercules.

Ped. Great Hercules is preſented by this Imp,
Whose Club kill'd Cerberus that three-Headed Canus,
And when he was a Babe, a Child, a ſhrimp,
Thus did he ſtrangle Serpents in his Manus :

Quoniam, he feemeth in minority;

Ergo, I come with this Apology.

Keep ſome ſlate in thy Exit, and vaniſh.

Exit Boy.

Ped. Judas I am.

Dum. A Judas ?

Ped. Not Iſcariot Sir.

Judas I am, yclipped Machabeus.

Dum. Judas, Machabeus clipt, is plain Judas ?

Bir. A kifling Traitor: How art thou prov'd Judas ?

Ped. Judas I am.

Dum. The more ſhame for you Judas.

Ped. What mean you fir ?

Boy. To make Judas hang himſelf.

Ped. Begin fir, you are my Elder:

Bir. Well followed, Judas was hang'd on an Elder.

Ped. I will not be put out of countenance.

Bir. Because thou haſt no Face.

Ped. What is this.

Boy. A Cittern Head.

Dum. The head of a Bodkin.

Bir. A Deaths face in a Ring.

Lon. The face of an old Roman coyn, ſcarce ſeen.

Boy. The Pummel of Cefars Faulchion.

Dum. The carv'd bone face on a Flask.

Bir. St. Georges half Cheek in a brooch.

Dum. I and in a brooch of Lead.

Bir. I, and worn in the Cap of a Tooth drawer,
And now forward, for we have put thee in countenance.

Ped. You have put me out of countenance.

Bir. False, we have given thee faces.

Ped. But you have outſac'd them all.

Bir. And thou wert a Lion we would do ſo.

Boy. Therefore as he is an Aſs, let him go :

And ſo adieu sweet Jude. Nay, why doſt thou ſtay ?

Dum. For the latter end of his Name.

Bir. For the Aſs to the Jude: give it him. Jud-as a-
way.

Ped. This is not generous, not gentle, not humble.

Boy. A light for Monsieur Judas, it grows dark he
may ſtumble.

Prin. Alas poor Machabeus, how hath he been
baited.

Enter Braggart.

Bir. Hide thy Head Achilles, here comes Heſtor in
Arms.

Dum. Tho my mocks come home by me, I will
now be merry.

King. Heſtor was but a Trojan in reſpect of this.

Boy. But this is Heſtor ?

Kin. I think Heſtor was not ſo clean timber'd,

Lon. His Leg is too big for Heſtor.

Dum. More Calf certain.

Boy. No; he is beſt indued with the ſmall.

Bir. This can't be Heſtor.

L 3

Dum.

Love's Labour's lost.

128

Dum. He's a god or a Painter, for he makes facs.
Brag. The Armipotent Mars, of Launces the almighty,
gave Hector a gift.

Dum. A girt Nutmeg.

Bir. A Lemon.

Lon. Stuck with Cloves.

Dum. No cloven.

Brag. The Armipotent Mars, of Launces the almighty,
gave Hector a gift, the Heir of Illion ;

A man so breathed, that certain he would fight : yea

From Morn till Night, out of his Pavillion.

I am that Flower.

Dum. That Mint.

Long. That Cullambine.

Brag. Sweet Lord Longavile rein thy Tongue.

Lon. I must rather give it the Rein : for it runs againſt
Hector.

Dum. I, and Hector's a Grey-hound.

Brag. The tweet War-man is dead and rotten,
Sweet chucks, beat not the bones of the buried :

But I will forward with my device ;

Sweet Royalty beſtow on me the fence of Hearing.

Birone fteps forth.

Prin. Speak brave Hector, we are much delighted,

Brag. I do adore thy tweet Graces slipper.

Boy. Loves here by the foot.

Dum. He may not by the Yard.

Brag. This Hector far Jurmounted Hannibal.

The party is gone.

Clo. Follow Hector, he is gone ; he is two Months on
her way.

Brag. What meaneſt thou ?

Clo. Faith unleſs you play the honeſt Trojan, the poor
Wench is caſt away : he's quick, the Child brags in her
belly already : 'tis yours.

Brag. Oft thou infamize me among Potentates ?

Thou halt die.

Clo. Then ſhall Hector be whipt for Jaquenetta that is
quick by him; and hang'd for Pompey, that is dead by
him.

Dum. Moſt rare Pompey.

Boy. Renowned Pompey.

Bir. Greater than great, great, great, great Pompey :
Pompey the Huge.

Dum. Hecter trembles.

Bir. Pompey is moved, more Atees, more Atees fir
them or fir them on.

Dum. Hecter will Challenge him.

Bir. I, if a have no more mans blood in's belly, than will
ſup a Flea.

Brag. By the North-pole I do Challenge thee.

Clo. I will not fight with a Pole like a Northern man ;
Ile flaſh, Ile do it by the Sword : I pray you let me bor-
row my Arms again.

Dum. Room for the incenſed Worthies.

Clo. Ile do it in my ſhirt.

Dum. Moſt refolute Pompey.

Pag. Maſter, let me take you a button-hole lower.

Do you not fee Pompey is uncaſing for the Combat: what
mean you? you will lobe your Reputation.

Er g. Gentlemen and Soldiers pardon me, I will not
Com bare in my ſhirt.

Dn. You may not deny it, Pompey hath made the chal-
lenge.

Brag. Sweet bloods, I both may, and will.

Bir. What reaſon have you for't?

Bra. The naked truth of it is, I have no ſhirt,
I go woolward for Panance.

Boy. True, and it was enj oyed him in Rome for want
of Linnen: ſince when, Ile be ſworn he wore none, but
a Difflout of Jaquenettaes, and that he wears next his
Heart for a favour.

Enter a Messenger, Monsieur Marcado.

Mar. God fave you Madam.

Prin. Welcome Martade, but that thou interrupted
our merriment.

Mare. I am forry Madam, for the news I bring is heavy
in my Tongue. The King your Father.

Prin. Dead for my life.

Mair. Even fo: My tale is told.

Bir. Worthies away, the Scene begins to Cloud,

Bra. For mine own part, I breathe free Breath : I have
feen the day of wrong, through the little hole of Difere-
tion, and I will right my ſelf like a Soldier.

Exeunt Worthies.

Kin. How fare's your Majeſt ?

Prin. Boyet prepare, I will away to night.

Kin. Madam nor fo, I do beſeeth you ſlay.

Prin. Prepare I lay. I thank you gracious Lords
For all your fair endeavours and entreats :
Out of a new ſad foul, that you vouchſafe,
In your rich Wifdom to excufe or hide,
The liberal oppofition of our ſpirits,
If over-boldly we have born our ſelves,
In the converle of breath (your gentlenefs
Was guilty of it.) Farewell worthy Lord :
An heavy heart bears not an humble Tongue.
Excufe me fo, coming to ſhort of thanks,
For my great ſuit fo eafily obtain'd.

Kin. The extream parts of time, extreamly forms
All cauſes to the purpofe of his ſpeed
And often at his very loofe decides
That, which long proceſs of time could not arbitrate.
And though the mourning brow of progeny
Forbid the ſmiling courteſe of Love ;
The holy ſuit which ſain it would convince,
Yet ſince Love's Argument was firſt on foot,
Let not the cloud of Sorrow juſt it
From what it purpofed : ſince to wail friends loſſ,
Is not by much ſo wholeſome profitable,
As to rejoice at friends but newly found.

Prin. I underſand you not, my grieſs are double.
Bir. Honeſt plain words; beſt pierce the cares of grief,
And by theſe badges underſand the King,
For your fair ſakes have we negleſed time,
Play'd ſoul play with our oaths: your beauty Ladies
Hath much deſormed us, ſaſhioning our humours
Even to the oppoſed end of our intents.
And what in us hath ſeem'd ridiculous ſ,
As Love is ſull of unbeſitting ſtrains,
All wanton as a child, skipping and vain.
Form'd by the Eye, and therefore like the Eye,
Full of ſtraying ſhapes, of habits, and of ſorms,
Varying in Subjects as the Eye doth rowl,
To every varied objeſt in his glance :
Which party-coated, prefence of loofe Love
Put on by us, if in your heavenly eyes,
Have misbecom'd our oaths and gravities,
Thofe heavenly eyes that look into theſe ſaults,
Suggesſed us to make : therefore Ladies
Our Love being yours, the Error that Love makes
Is likewife yours. We to our ſelves prove ſalſe,
By being once ſalſe, for ever to be true
To thate that make us both, fair Ladies you,
And even that falſhood in it ſelf a Sin,
Thus purifies it ſelf, and turns to grace.
Prin. We have receiv'd your Letters, full of Love:
Your favours, the Embaſſadors of Love.
And in our Maiden Council rated them
At courtship, pleafant jeſt, and courteſie,
As bumbaſſ, and as lining to the time :
But more devout than theſe are our reſpects
Have we not been, and therefore met your Loves
In their own ſaſhion, like a Merriment.

Du.

Love's Labour's loſt.

129

Du. Our Letters Madam, hew'd much more than jeſt.
Long. So did our looks.
Rofa. We did not coat them ſo.
King. Now at the laſt Minute of the Hour,
Grant us your loves.
Prin. A time thinketh too short,
To make a World-with-out end bargain in;
No, no, my Lord, your Grace is perjur'd much,
Full of dear guiltineſs, and therefore this:
If for my Love (-s there is no ſuch caufe)
You will do ought, this ſhall you do for me,
Your Oath I will not truſt: but go with ſpeed
To fame forlorn and naked Hermitage,
Remote from all the pleafures of the World :
There ſlay, until the Twelve Celestial Signs
Have brought about their annual reckoning.
If this auſtere inſociable life,
Change not your offer made in heat of Blood :
If Froſts, and Faſts, hard Lodging, and thin Weeds
Nip not the gaudy bloſſoms of your Love,
But that it bear this trial, and laſt love :
Then at the expiration of the year,
Come challenge me, challenge by theſe Deſerts,
And by this Virgin palm, now killing thine,
I will be thine; and till that inſant thut
My woſul ſelf up in a mouning houſe,
Raining the Teers of Lamentation,
For the remembrance of my Father's death.
If this thou do deny, let our hands part,
Neither intituled in the others heart.
King. If this, or more than this, I would deny,
To flatter up theſe powers of mine with reſt;
The ſudden hand of death cloſe up mine eye:
Hence ever then, my Heart is in thy Breast.
Bir. And what to my Love? and what to me?
Rof. You muſt be purged too, your Sins are rack'd,
You are attaint with fault and Perjury:
Therefore if you my favour mean to get,
A Twelve-month ſhall you ſpend, and never reſt,
But feek the weary beds of people ſick.
Dum. But what to me my Love? but what to me?
Kat. A Wife, a Beard, fair Health and Honesty :
With three-fold love, I wifh you all theſe three.
Dum. O ſhall I ſay, I thank you gentle Wife?
Kat. Not to my Lord, a Twelve-month and a day,
Ile mark no words that smooth-fac'd Wooces ſay.
Come when the King doth to my Lady come :
Then if I have much love, Ile give you ſome.
Dum. Ile ſerve thee true and faithfully till then.
Kat. Yet I wear not, leaſt ye be forſworn age.
Long. What ſays Maria?
Mari. At the Twelve-months end,
Ile change my black Gown, for a faithful Friend.
Son. Ile ſlay with patience: but the time is long.
Mari. The liker you, few taller ar ſo young.
Bir. Studies my Lady? Milſrels, look on me,
Behold the Window of my Heart, mine Eye:
What humble ſoit attends thy anſwer there,
Impeſe ſome ſervice on me for my Love.
Rofa. Oft have I heard of you my Lord Biron,
Before I faw you: and the Worlds large tongue
Proclaims you for a man repleat with mocks,
Full of comparilions, and wounding floutſs,
Which you on all Eſtates will execute,
That lye within the mercy of your Wit,
To weed this Wormwood from your fruitful brain,
And therewithal to win me, if you pleafe,
Without the which I am not to be won,
You ſhall this Twelve-month term from day to day,
Visit the ſpeechleſs Sick, and fill converſe,
With groaning wretches: and your task ſhall be,
With all the fierce endeavour of your Wit,
To enforce this pained impotent to ſmile.
Bir. To move wild laughter in the throat of Death?

It cannot be, it is impoffible.
Mirth cannot move a Soul in Agony.
Rofa. Why that's the way to choak a gibing ſpirit,
Whole influence is begot of that loofe grace,
Which ſhallow laughing hearers give to Fools :
A jeſt prosperity, lies in the Ear
Of him that hears it, never in the Tongue
Of him that makes it: then, if ſickly ears,
Dealt with the clamours of their own dear groans,
Will hear your idle ſcorns; continue then,
And I will have you, and that fault withal;
But if they will not, throw away that Spirit,
And I ſhall find you empty of that fault,
Right joyful of your Reformation.
Bir. A Twelve month? Well, befall what will befall,
Ile jeſt a Twelve-month in an Hſpital.
Prin. I, fweet my Lord, and so I take my leave.
King. No Madam, we will bring you on your way.
Bir. Our wooing doth not end like an old Play :
Jack hath not Jill: theſe Ladies courteſe
Might well have made our ſport a Comedy.
King. Come fir, it wants a Twelve-month and a day,
And then 'twill end.
Bir. That's too long for a Play.
Enter Braggart.
Brag. Sweet Majety vouchſaſe me.
Prin. Was not that Hecke'r?
Dum. The worthy Knight of Troy.
Brag. I will kifſ thy Royal Finger, and take leave.
I am a Votary, I have vow'd to Jaquenetta to hold the
Plough for her ſweet love three years. But moſt eſteemed greatneſs,
will you hear the Dialogue that the two Learn-
ed men have complied, in praeile of the Owl and the
Cuckow ? It ſhould have followed in the end of our
Shew.
Kin. Call them forth quickly, we will do for
Brag. Haffay, Approach:
Enter all.
This ſide is Hiems, Winter.
This, Ver. the Spring: the one maintained by the Owl,
The other by the Cuckow.
Ver. begin.
The Song.
When Dafies pied, and Violets blew,
And Cuckow-buds of yellow kue:
And Lady Smocks all Silver white,
Do paint the Medows with delight,
The Cuckow then on every Tree
Mockes Married men; for thus Sings he,
Cuckow.
Cuckow, Cuckow: O word of fear,
Unpleaſing to a Married Ear.
When Shepherds Pipe on Oaten Straws,
And merry Larks are Ploughmens Clocks:
When Turtles tread, and Rooks and Daws,
And maidens bleach their Summer Smocks:
The Cuckow then on every Tree
Alocks married men; for thus Sings he,
Cuckow.
Cuckow, Cuckow: O word of fear,
Unpleaſing to a Married Ear.
Winter.
When Iſickles hang by the Wall,
And Dick the Shepheard blows his Nail;
And Tom bears Logs into the Hall,
And Milk comes frozen home in Pail:
When

When

A Midsummers Nights Dream.

When blood is nipt, and wayes be foul,
Then nightly sings the staring Owle
Tu-whit, to-who.

A merry note,

White greaſe Jone doth keel the pot.

When all aloud the Wind doth blow,

And coffing drowns the parfons Saw :

And Birds fit brooding in the Snow,

And Marrians Noſe looks red and raw :

When roſted Crabs hſis in the bowl,

Then nightly sings the staring Owle,

Tu-whit, to-who

A merry note,

Brag. The words of Mercury

Are harſh after the Songs of Apollo :

You that way ; we this way.

Exeunt omnes.

A Midsummers nights Dream.

Actus Primus.

Enter Theſeus, Hippolita, with others.

Theſeus.

O w ſair Hippolita, our nuptial hour

Draws on apace : four happy dayes
bring in how flow

Another Moon : but oh, me thinks,
This old Moon wanes? She lingers my
delires

Like to a ſtep-dame or a Dowager,

Long withering out a young manre
(venue-

Hip. Four dayes will quickly ſteep themſelves in nights,
Four nights will quickly dream away the time:
And then the Moon, like to a filer bow,
Now bent in heaven, ſhall behold the night,
Of our ſolemnities.

The. Go Philoſtrate,

Stir up the Athenian youth to merriments,

Awake the pert and nimble ſpirit of mirth,

Turn melancholly forth to Funerals :

The pale companion is not for our pomp,

Hippolita, I woo'd thee with my ſword,

And won thy love, doing thee injuries :

But I will wed thee in another key,

With pomp, with triumph, and with revelling.

Enter Egeus and his daughter Hermia, Lysander,
and Demetrius.

Ege. Happy be Theſeus, our renowned Duke.

The. Thanks good Egeus : what's the news with thee ?

Ege. Full of vexation, come I, with complaint

Against my child, my daughter Hermia.

Stand forth Demetrius.

My Noble Lord,

This man hath my consent to marry her.

Stand forth Lysander.

And my gracious Duke,

This hath bewitch'd the boſome of my child :

Thou, thou Lysander, thou haſt given her rimes,

And interchang'd love-token with my child :

Thou haſt by Moon-light at her window ſung,

With faining voice, verſes of faining love,

And ſtoin the impreflion of her ſantafie,

With bracelets of thy hair, rings, gawds conce its,

Knacks, trifles, Noſegayes, ſweet-meats ( meſtengers

Of ſtrong prevailment in unhardned youth )

With cunning haſt thou ſcheld my daughters heart,

Turn'd her obedience ( which is due to me )

To ſtubborn harſhneſs. And my gracious Duke,

Be it ſo the will not here before your Grace,

Conſent to marry with Demetrius,

I beg the ancién privilege of Athens,

As the ſame is, I may diſpove of her ;

Which ſhall be either to this Gentleman,

Or to her death, according to our Law,

Immediatley provided in that cafe.

The. What ſay you Hermia? be advis'd fair Maid.

To you your Father ſhould be as a God ;

One that compos'd your beauties ; yea, and one

To whom you are but as a form in wax

By him imprinted : and within his power,

To leave the figure, or diſfigure it :

Demetrius is a worthy Gentleman.

Her. So is Lysander.

The. In himſelf he is.

But in this kind, wanting your Fathers voice

The other muſt be held the worthier.

Her. I would my Father look'd but with my eyes.

The. Rather your eyes muſt with his judgement look.

Her. I do intreat your Grace to pardon me,

I know not by what power I am made bold.

Nor how it may concern my modeſty

In ſuch a prefence here to plead my thoughts :

But I beſeech your Grace, that I may know

The worſt that may befall me in this cafe,

If I refuse to wed Demetrius.

The. Either to die the death, or to abjure

For ever the ſociety of men.

Therefore fair Hermia queſtion your deſires,

Know of your youth, examine well your blood.

Whether (if you yield not to your Fathers choice )

You can endure the livery of a Nun,

For aye to be in ſhady Cloiſter mew'd,

To live a barren filter all your life,

Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitileſs Moon,

Thrice

A Midsummers nights Dream.

131

Thrice blessed they that maſter ſo their Blood,
To undergo ſuch Maiden Pilgrimage.
But earthier happy the Roſe diſtill'd,
Than that which withering on the virgin thorn,
Grows, Lives, and Dies, in ſingle bleſſedneſs.

Her. So will I grow, to live, ſo die, my Lord,
Ere I will yield my virgin Patent up
Uato his Lordship, to whom unwield yoak.
My foul conſents not to give ſoveraignty.

The. Take time to paſue, and by the next New Moon,
The fealing day betwixt my Love and me,
For everlading bond of fellowship.
Upon that day either prepare to die,
For diſobedience to your Fathers will,
Or eſſe to wed Demetrius as he would,
Or on Dianaes Altar to proteſt
For aye, auſterity and ſingle life.

Dem. Relent ſweet Hermia, and Lysander, yield
Thy crazed title to my certain right.

Lyf. You have her Fathers Love, Demetrius :
Let me be Hermaſtis : do you marry him.

Egeus. Scornful Lysander : true, he hathmy Love ;

And what is mine, my Love ſhall render him.

And he is mine, and all my right of her
I do eſtate unto Demetrius.

Lyf. I am my Lord, as well deriv'd as he,
As well poffeſt: my Love is more than his 3
My fortunes every way as fairly rank'd
(If not with vantage ) as Demetrius :

And ( which is beauteous all theſe boaſts can be )
I am beſtov'd Hermaia.

Why ſhould not I then poffeduc my right?

Demetrius. I'e aſkew it to his head,
Made Love to Nedars Daughter, Helena,

And won her foul : and ſhe ( ſweet Lady ) dotes,
Devoutly dotes, dotes in Idolatry,
Upon this spotted and inconſtant man.

The. I muſt conſels, that I have heard ſo much,
And with Demetrius thought to have ſpoke thereof:
But being over-fulf of ſel-afairs,

My mind did lobe it. But Demetrius come,
And come Egeus, you ſhall go with me,
I have ſome private ſchooling for you both.

For you fair Hermia, look you arm your ſelf,
To fit your ſancies to your Fathers will ;
Or eſſe the Law of Athens yields you up
( Which by no means we may extenuate )

Come my Hippolita, what cheer my Love ?
Demetrius and Egeus go along :

I muſt employ you in ſome buſeines

Againſt our nuptials, and confer with you

Of ſome thing nearly that concerns you ſels.

Ege. With duty and defire we follow you. Exeunt.

Ly. How now my Love ? VVhy is your cheek ſo pale ?
How chance the Roles there do fade ſo faſt ?

Her. Belike for want of Rain, which I could well
Beteem them ſrom the tempeſt of mine eyes.

Lyf. Hermaia, for ought that ever I could Read,
Could ever hear by Tale or Hiftory,
The courſe of true love never did run ſmooth,
But either it was different in blood.

Her. O croſs ! too high to be enthrall'd to love.

Lyf. Or eſſe miſgraſſed, in reſpect of years.

Her. O pight ! too old to be engag'd too young.

Lyf. Or eſſe it ſood upon the choice of Merit.

Her. O death ! to choose love by another's eye.

Lyf. Or if there were a ſympathy in choice,

VVar, death, or ſickneſs, did lay ſieſe to it ;
Making it momentary, as a found :

Swift as a ſhadow, ſhort as any dream,
Brief as the lightning in the collied night,
That ( in a ſpleen ) unſolds both heaven and earth ;

And ere a man hath power to ſay, behold,
The jaws of darkneſs to devour it up,
So quick bright things come to conſuſion.

Her. If then true Lovers have been ever croſſ,
It ſlands as an Edict in deſtiny :

Then let us teach our trial patience, '

Because it is a cuſtomary croſſ,

As due to Love, as thoughts, and dreams, and ſights,

VVithes and Tears, poor Fancies followers.

Lyf. A good perſwacion ; therefore hear me Hermia,
I have a VVidow Aunt, a Dowager,

Of great revenue, and ſhe hath no Child :

From Athens is her houſe remov'd ſeven leagues,

And the reſpects me as her only Son :

There gentle Hermia, may I marry thee,

And to that place, the ſharp Athenian Law

Cannot purſue me. If thou lov't me, then

Steal forth thy Fathers houſe to morrow night :

And in the VVood, a League without the Town,

(VVhere I did meet thee once with Helena,

To do obſervance for a morn of May)

There will I ſlay for thee.

Her. My good Lysander,

I wear to thee, by Cupid's ſtrongest bow,

By his beſt arrow with the golden head,

By the ſimplicity of Venus Doves,

By that which knitteth ſouſs, and properſs love,

And by that fire which burn'd the Carthage Queen,

VVhen the falſe Trojan under fail was ſeen,

By all the vows that ever men have broke,

( In number more than ever women ſpoke )

In that fame place thou haſt appointed me,

To morrow truly will I meet with thee.

Lyf. Keep promife Love : look here comes Helena.

Enter Helena.

Her. God ſpeed fair Helena, whither away ?

Hel. Call you me fair ? that fair again unſay,

Demetrius loves you fair : O happy fair !

Your eyes are load-ſtars, and your tongues ſweet aſt

More tunable then Laik to Shepherds ear,

VVhen VVheat is green, when Haw thorn Buds appear.

Sickneſs is catching: O were favour ſo,

Your words I'de catch, fair Hermaia ere Igo,

My ear ſhould catch your voice, my eye, your eye,

My tongue ſhould catch your tongues ſweet melody.

VVere the VVorld mine, Demetrius being bated,

The reſt I'll e give to be to you tranſated.

O teach me how you look, and with what art

You ſway the motion of Demetrius heart.

Her. I frown upon him, yet he loves me ſtill.

Hel. O that your frowns would teach my ſmiles ſuch

Her. I give him curſes, yet he gives me love.

Hel. O that my prayers could ſuch affection move.

Her. The more I hate, the more he ſhews me.

Her. The more I love, the more he hateth me.

Her. His folly Helena is none of that.

Hel. None but your beauty, would that fault were

Her. Take comfort: he no more ſhall e eſſ my ſace,

Lysander and my ſelf will fly this place.

Before the time I did Lysander ſee,

Seem'd Athens like a paradife to me.

O then, what graces in my Love do dwell,
That he hath turn'd a Heaven into Hell?

Lyf. Helen, to you our minds we will unfold ;

To morrow night when Phœbe doth behold

Her ſilver viſage in the watty glaſſ,

Decking with liquid pearl, the bladed graſſ

(A time that Lovers flights doth ſill conceal )

Through Athens gate, have we devi'd to ſteal.

Her. And in the wood, where often you and I,
Upon faint Primroſe beds were want to lye,
Emptying our boſomes of their counſel ſwell'd ;

There

A Midsummers Nights Dream.

132

There my Lysander, and my self shall meet,
And thence from Athens turn away our eyes,
To seek new friends and strange companions,
Farewell sweet play-fellow, pray thou for us,
And good luck grant thee thy Demetrius.
Keep word Lysander, we must barve our fight,
From lovers food, till morrow deep midnight.

Exit Hermia.

Lyf, I will my Hermia, Helena adieu,
As you on him, Demetrius dot on you.

Exit Lysander.

Hell. How happy fome, o're other fome can be?
Through Athens I am thought as fair as fhe.
But what of that? Demetrius thinks not to
He will not know, what all, but he doth know,
And as he errs, doting on Hermia's eyes;
So I, admiring of his qualities:
Things bafe and vile, holding no quantity,
Love can transpofe to form and dignity,
Love looks not with the eyes, but with the minde,
And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind.
Nor hath loves mind of any judgment taife:
Wings and no eyes, figure, unheedy haft.
And therefore is Love laid to be a Child,
Because in choice he often is beguil'd,
As waggifh Boys themfelves in game forwear;
So the Boy Love is perjur'd every where.
For ere Demetrius lookt on Hermia's eyn,
He hail'd down oaths that he was only mine.
And when this Hail fome heat from Hermia felt,
So he diffu'd'd, and flowres of oaths did melt.
I will go to him of fair Hermia's flight:
Then to the Wood will he to morrow night
Purfue her; and for his intelligence,
If I have thanks, it is a dear expence:
But herein mean I to enrich my pain,
To have his fight thither, and back again.

Exit.

Enter Quince the Carpenter, Snug the Joyner, Bottom the Weaver, Flute the Bellows-mender, Snowt the Tinker, and Starveling the Taylor.

Qu. Is all our company here?

Bot. You were beft to call them generally, man by man, according to the ſcrip.

Qu. Here is the ſcrowl of every man's name, which is thought fit through all Athens, to play in our Enterlude before the Duke and the Dutchefs, on his wedding day at night.

Bot. Firſt, good Peter Quince, ſay what the Play treats on; then Read the Names of the Actors; and to grow on to appoint.

Qu. Marry our Play is the moſt lamentable Comedy, and moſt cruel death of Pyramus and Thisby.

Bot. A very good piece of work I ſaure you, and a merry. Now good Peter Quince, call forth your Actors by the ſrowl. Maſters ſpread your ſelves.

Quince. Anſwer as I call you. Nick Bottom the Weaver.

Bott. m. Ready: name what part I am for, and proceed.

Quince. You Nick Bottom are set down for Pyramus.

Bot. What is Pyramus, a Lover, or a Tyrant?

Quince. A Lover that kills himſelf moſt gallantly for Love.

Bot. That will ask fome tears in the true perform-
ing of it; if I do it, let the audience look to their eyes;
I will move ſtorms; I will condole in ſome meaſure.
To the reſt yet, my chief humour is for a Tyrant; I could
play Ercles rarely, or a part to tear a Cat in, to make all
iſplit to raging Rocks, and ſhivering Shocks ſhall break
the Locks of Prifon Gates, and Phibbus carre ſhall thine
from far, and make and mar the foolſilh Fates. This

was lofty. Now name the reſt of the Players. This
is Ercles vein, a Tyrants vein: a Lover is more condo-
ling.

Quin. Francis Flute the Bellows-mender.

Flu. Here Peter Quince.

Qu. You muſt take Thisbie on you.

Flu. What is Thisbie, a wandring Knight ?

Qu. It is the Lady that Pyramus muſt Love.

Flu. Nay faith, let not me play a woman, I have a
Beard coming.

Qu. That's all one, you ſhall play it in a Mask, and
you may ſpeak as ſmall as you will.

Bot. And I may hide my face, let me play Thisbie
too; I'le ſpeak in a monſtrous little voice, Thisne, Thisne, ah Pyramus my lover dear, thy Thisbie dear, and
Lady dear.

Quin. No no, you muſt play Pyramus; and Flute you Thisbie.

Bot. Well, proceed.

Qu. Robin Starveling, the Taylor.

Star. Here Peter Quince.

Quince. Robin Starveling, you muſt play Thisbie Mother ?

Tom Snowt, the Tinker.

Snowt. Here Peter Quince.

Qu. You Pyramus father; my self, Thisbie's father;
Snug, the Joyner, you the Lyons part; and I hope there
is a ſlay fitted.

Snug. Have you the Lyons part written ? pray you il
it be, give it me, for I am flow of ſtudy.

Qu. You may do it Extempore, for it is nothing but
roaring.

Bot. Let me play the Lyon too, I will roar, that I will do any mans heart good to hear me. I will roar, that I will make the Duke ſay, Let him roar again, let him roar again.

Qu. If you ſhould do it too terribly, you would
fright the Dutchefs and the Ladies, that they would
hrike, and that were enough to hang us all.

All. That would hang us every mothers ſon.

Bottome. I grant you friend, if that you ſhould
fright the Ladies out of their Wits, they would
have no more diſcretion but to hang us: but I will ag-
gravate my voice ſo, that I will roar you as gently
as any ſucking Dove; I will roar and 'twere any
Nightingale.

Quince. You can play no part but Pyramus, for Pyramus is a weet-fac'd man, a proper man as one ſhall be in a ſummers day; a moſt lovely Gentleman-like-man, therefore you muſt needs play Pyramus.

Bot. Well, I will undertake it. What Beard were I beſt to play it in ?

Quin. Why, what you will.

Bot. I will diſcharge it, in either your straw-colour
beard, your orange-tawny beard, your purple in grain
beard, or your French-crown colour'd beard, your per-
fect yellow.

Quin. Some of your French-Crowns have no hair
at all, and then you will play bare-fac'd. But maſters here
are your parts, and I am to entreat you, requeſt you, and
defire you, to con them by to morrow night: and met
me in the palace wood, a mile without the Town, by
Moon-light, there we will rehearſe: for if we meet in the
City, we ſhall be dog'd with company, and our devices
known. In the mean time, I will draw a Bill of proper-
ties, ſuch as our Play wants. I pray you fail me not.

Bot. We will meet, and there we may rehearſe more
obſenely and courageouſly. Take pain, be perfect, adieu.

Quin. At the Dukes oak we meet.

Bot. Enough, hold or cut how-strings.

Extemp.

Aetous

A Midsummers nights Dream.

Albus Secundus.

Enter a Fairie at one door, and Robin Good-
fellow at another.

Rob. How now spirit, whither wander you ?

Rob. Over hill, over dale, through bush, through brier,
Over park, over pale, through flood, through fire,
I do wander every where, twifter than the Moons sphere;
And I serve the Fairy Queen, to dew her orbs upon the
The Cowlps tall, her pensioners be,
In their gold coats, spots you fee,
Thofe be Rubies, Fairy favours,
In thofe freckles, live their favors:
I muft go feek fome dowe drops here,
And hang a pearl in every cowlflips ear.
Farewel thou Lob of fpirits, I'le be gon,
Our Queen and all her Elves come here anon.

Rob. The King doth keep his Revels here to night,
Take heed the Queen come not within his fight,
For Oberon is pafling fell and wrath,
Because that he, as he attendant, hath
A lovely boy ftoln from an Indian King,
She never had to fweeet a changeling,
And jealous Oberon would have the child
Knight of this train, to trace the Forrefts wild.
But fhe ( per-force ) with-holds the loved boy,
Crowns him with flowers, and makes him all her joy
And now they never meet in grove, or green,
By fountain clear, or fpangled Star-light ſhuen,
But they do ſquare, that all their Elves for fear
Creep into Acorn cups and hide them there.

Fai. Either I miftake your shape and making quite,
Or else you are that ſhrew'd and knavil ſpirit
Cal'd Robin Good-felov. Are you then,
That fright the maidens of the Vilagree
Skim milk, and fometimes labour in the Quern,
And booteſs make the breathleſs hufwife chern,
And fometime make the drink to bear no barme,
Miftad night-wanderers, laughing at their harm,
Thofe that Hobgoblin call you; and fweet Puck,
You do their work, and they ſhall have good luck.
Are not you he ?

Rob. Thou ſpeak't ſt right;
I am that merry wanderer of the night :
I jeft to Oberon, and make him ſmile,
When I a fat and bean-fed Horfe beguile,
Neighing in likenefs like a filly foal,
And fometimes Iurk I in a Goffips bowl,
In very likenefs of a roaſted crab :
And when the drinks, againſt her lips I bob,
And on her witherſed dwelmp pour the Ale.
The wifleft Aunt telling the faddeſt tale,
Sometime for three-foot ſtool, miftaketh me,
Then ſlip I from her bum, down topples ſhe,
And tailour cries, and falls into a coſſe.
And then the whole quire hold their hips, and loffe,
And waxen in their mirth, and neeze, and iwear,
A merrier hour was never waſted there.
But room Fairy, here comes Oberon.

Fai. And here my Miftrels :
Would that we were gone.

Enter King of Fairies at one door with his train, and
the Queen at another with kers.

Ob. Ill met by Moon-light,
Proud Titania.

Ob. What, jealous Oberon? Fairy skip hence,
I have forſworn his bed and company.

Ob. Tarry rath Wanton, am not thy Lord ?

Ob. Then I muſt be thy Lady : but I know
When thou waſt ſtoſn away from Fairy Land,
And in the ſhape of Corin, ſat all day,
Playing on pipes of Corn, and verſing love
To amorous Philida. Why art thou here
Come from the fartheſt ſeep of India?
But that forſooth the bouncing Amazon
Your buskin'd Miftrels, and your Warriour love,
To Theſeus muſt be Wedded, and you come,
To give their bed joy and prosperity.

Ob. How canſt thou thus for ſhame, Titania,
Glance at my credit, with Hippolita?
Knowing I know thy love to Theſeus,
Didſt thou not lead him through the glimmering night
From Peregrinia, whom he ravithed ?
And make him with fair Eagles break his faith
With Ariadne, and Antiope ?

Ob. Theſe are the forſergies of jealousie,
And never ſince the middle Summers ſpring,
Mer we on hill, in dale, forreſt, or mead,
By paved fountain, or by rufhy brook,
Or in the beached margent of the ſea,
To dance our ringlets to the whiffling wind,
But with thy brawls thou haſt diſturb'd our ſport.
Therefore the winds piping to us in vain,
As in revenge have fuck'd up from the ſea,
Contagious foggs : Which falling in the land,
Hath every petty River made to proud,
That they have over-born their Continents.
The Oxe hath therefore ſtretch'd his yoak in vain,
The Ploughman loſt his weat, and the green Corn
Hath rotted, ere his youth attain'd a beard :
The fold ſtands empty in the drowned field,
And Crows are fattened with the murrion flock,
The Nine-mens-morris is ſiſl'd up with mud,
And the queint Mazes in the wanton green,
For lack of tread are undlſtinguishable.
The humane mortals want their winter here,
No night is now with hymn, or carol bleſſ,
Therefore the Moon ( the governers of flouds )
Pale in her anger, waſhes all the air :
That Rheumatick diſeates do abound,
And through this diſttemperature, we ſee,
The ſeafons alter ; hoary headed ſroſ,
Fall in the fresh ſap of the crimon Rofe,
And on old Hyems chin and Icy crown,
An odorous Chaplet of fweet Summer buds
Is as in mockery ſet. The Spring, the Summer,
The chiding Autumn, angry Winter change
Their wonted Liversies, and the amazed world,
By their increafe, now knows not which is which :
And this fame progeny of evill comes
From our debate, from our diffenſion,
We are their parents and original.

Ob. Do you amend it then, it lies in you,
Why ſhould Titania croſs her Oberon ?
I do but beg a little changeling boy,
To be my Henchman.
Ob. Set your heart at reſ,
The Fairy-land buys not the child of me.
His mother was a Votrels of my Order,
And in the ſpiced Indian air by night
Full often ſhe hath goſſipt by my ſide,
And fat with me on Neptunes yellow lands,
Marking th'embarked traders of the flood,
When we lauſt to fee the fails conceive,
And grow big bellied with the wanton wind :
Which ſhe with pretty and with ſwimming gate.
Following ( her womb then rich with my young ſquire )
Would imitate, and fail upon the Land,
To fetch me trifles and return again,
As from a voyage rich with merchandize.
But ſhe being mortal of that boy did dye,

And

A Midsummers Nights Dream.

134

And for her fake I do rear up her boy,
And for her fake I will not part with him.

Ob. How long within this Wood intend you stay?

Qu. Perchance till after Theseus Wedding-day.

If you will patiently dance in our Round,
And see our Moon-light Revels, go with us ;
If not, I shall me and I will spare your haunts.

Ob. Give me that boy, and I will go with thee.

Qu. Not for thy Fairy Kingdom. Fairies away :

We it all chide down right, If I longer stay.

Exeunt.

Ob. Well, go thy way : thou fhalt not from this grove,
Till I torment thee for this Injury.

My gentle Puck come hither ; thou remembrest
Since I fat upon a promontory,

And heard a Mear-maid on a Dolphins back,
Uttering much Dulcet and Harmonious breath,
That the rude Sea grew civil at her Song,
And certain Stars shot madly from their Sphears,
To hear the Sea-maid's Mufick.

Pu. I remember.

Ob. That very time I lay ( but thou couldst not )

Flying between the cold Moon and the Earth,
Cupid all arm'd ; a certain aim he took
At a fair Veftal, Throned by the West,

And loos'd thy Love-faft (imartly from his Bow,
As it would pierce a hundred thousand hearts,
But I might fee young Cupids fiery faft
Quench in the chaft beams of the watry Moon ;
And the Imperial Votref's paffed on,
In Maiden meditation, fancy-free.

Yet mark'd I where the bolt of Cupid fell.
It fell upon a little Western Flower :

Before, Milk-white: now purple with loves wound,
And maidens call it, Love in Idlenefs.

Fetch me that Flower ; the Herb I flew't thee once,
The juice of it, on sleeping Eye-lids laid,
Will make a Man or Woman madly dote
Upon the next live Creature that it fees.

Fetch me this herb, and be thou here again,
Ere the Leviathan can swim a league.

Pu. Ile put a Girdle about the Earth in forty Minutes.

Exit.

Ob. Having once this juice,

I'le watch Titania, when she is asleep,
And drop the liquor of it in her eyes :
The next thing when she waking looks upon,
(Bc it on Lyon, Bear, or Wolf, or Bull,
On medling Monkey, or on busy Ape)

She fhall purfue it, with the Soul of Love.

And ere I take this Charm off from her fight,
(As I can take it with another herb)

I'le make her render up her Page to me.
But who comes here ? I am invisible,

And I will over-hear their conference.

Enter Demetrius, Helena following him.

Dem. I love thee not, therefore purfue me not.

Where is Lysander, and fair Hermia ?

The one I lay, the other layeth me.

Thou told't me they were both into this wood ;
And here am I, and wood within this wood,
B cauſe I cannot meet my Hermia.

Hence get thee gone, and follow me no more.

Hel. You draw me you hard-hearted Adamant,

But yet you draw not Iron; for my heart
Is true as Steel. Leave your power to draw,
And I fhall have no power to follow you.

Dem. Do I entice you ? do I speak you fair ?

Or rather do I not in plainest truth,

Tell you I do not, nor I cannot love you?

Hel. And even for that do I love thee the more ;

I am your Spaniel, and Demetrius,

The more you beat me, I will fawn on you.

Ue me but as your Spaniel, I burn me, flit like me,
Neglect me, love me ; only give me leave
(Unwilling as I am) to follow you.

What worker place can I beg in your Love,
(And yet a place of high respect with me)
Than to be ufed as you do your Dog ?

Dem. Tempt not too much the hatred of my Spirit,
For I am fick when I do look on thee.

Hel. And I am fick when I look not on you.

Dem. You do impeach your modesty too much,
To leave the City, and commit your Self
Into the hands of one that loves you not,
To truſt the opportunity of Night,
And the ill counsel of a defaulr place,
With the rich worth of your virginity.

Hel. Your virtue is my privilege: for that
It is not night when I do fee your face.

Therefore I think I am not in the Night,
Nor doth this wood lack worlds of company,
For you in my respect are all the World.
Then how can it be laid I am alone,

When all the World is here to look on me ?

Dem. I'le run from thee and hide me in the brakes,
And leave thee to the mercy of wild Beasts.

Hel. The wildeft hath not fuch a heart as you ;

Run when you will, the story fhall be changed :

Appollo flies, and Daphne holds the Chace;
The Dove purfues the Griffin, the mild Hind
Makes fire to catch the Tyger. Bootleſis fire,
When Cowardife purſues, and Valour flies.

Dem. I will not lay thy queſtions, let me go;
Or if you follow me, do not believe,
But I fhall do thee miſchief in the VVood.

Hel. I, in the Temple, in the Town, and Field.
You do me miſchief. Fye Demetrius,

Your wrongs do fet a scandal on my Sex :

We cannot fight for Love, as men may do ;

We should be woo'd, and were not made to wooe.

I follow thee, and make a Heaven of Hell,

To dye upon the hand I love to well

Exit.

Ob. Fare thee well Nymph, ere he do leave this Grove
That fhall fly him, and he fhall feek thy love.
Haft thou the flower there ? Welcome wanderer.

Enter Puck.

Pu. I, there it is.

Ob. I pray thee give it me.

I know a bank where the wild Time blows,
Where the Oxflips and the nodding Violet grows,
Quite over Cnopanded with Inicious Woodbine,
With fweet musk Rofes, and with Eglantine,
There fleeps Titania, fometime of the Night,
Lull'd in the theſe flowers, with dances and delight :
And there the Snake throws her enammel'd Skin,
VVeed wide enough to wrap a Fairy in.

And with the juice of this I'le streak her Eyes,
And make her full of hateful Fantasies.

Take thou fome of it, and feek through this Grove ;
A fweet Athenian Lady is in Love

With a disdainful youth: annoint his Eyes,
But do it when the next thing he eſpies,
May be the Lady. Thou fhalt know the man,
By the Athenian Garments he hath on.

Effect it with fome care, that he may prove

More fond on her, than the ſup upon her love ;
And look thou meet me, ere the firſt Cock crow.

Pu. Fear not my Lord, your fervant ſhall do to.

Exit.

Enter Queen of Fairies, with her Train.

Qu. Come, now a Roundel, and a Fairy Song :

Then for the third part of a Minute hence,
Some to kill Kankers in the Musk Rofe buds,
Some war with Reremeſe, for their leathern wings,
To make my ſmall Elves Coats, and keep fome back

The

A Midsummers Night Dream.

136

Of all he hated: but the moft of me,
And all my powers addreſs your love and might,
To honour Helen, and to be her Knight.

Her: Help me Lyſander, help me, do thy beſt.

To pluck this crawling Serpent from my breſt

Aye me, for pity, what a dream was here ?

Lyſander look, how I do quake with fear ;

Me-thought a Serpent eat my Heart away,

And yet late failing at his cruel prey.

Lyſander, what remov'd? Lyſander, Lord,

What out of hearing, gone ? No found, no word ?

Alack where are you ? I speak and if you hear :

Speak of all Loves; I wound almost with fear.

No, then I well perceive you are not nigh,

Either death or you I'le find immediately.

Exit.

Exit.

## Aſtus Tertius.

### Enter the Clowns.

Bot. Are we all met ?

Quin. Par, pat, and here's a marvailous convenient
place for our rehearsal. This green plat fhall be our
flage; this hauthorn brake our tying Houſe, and we will
do it in action, as we will do it before the Duke.

Bot. Peter Quince?

Peter. What taift thou bully Bottome ?

Bot. There are things in this Comedy of Piramus and
Thisby, that will never pleafe. Firſt, Piramus muſt draw
a Sword to kill himſelf; which the Ladies cannot abide.
How anſwer you that ?

Snout. Berlaken, a parlous fear.

Star. I believe we muſt leave the killing out, when all is
done.

Bot. Not a whit, I have a device to make all well.
Write me a Prologue, and let the Prologue seem to ſay,
We will do no harm with our Swords, and that Pyramus
is not kill'd indeed; and for the more better affurran-
tell them, that I Pyramus am not Pyramus, but Bottome
the Weaver ; this will put them out of fear.

Quin. Well, we will have ſuch a Prologue, and it ſhall
be written in eight and fix.

Bot. No, make it two more, let it be written in eight
and eight.

Snout. Will not the Ladies be aſeaf'd of the Lion ?

Star. I fear it, I promife you.

Bot. Maifters, you ought to confider with your ſelves,
to bring in (God ſhield us) a Lion among Ladies, is a
moſt dreadful thing. For there is not a more fearful wild
fowl than your Lion living; and we ought to look to
it.

Snout. Therefore another Prologue muſt tell he is not
a Lion.

Bot. Nay, you muſt name his name, and half his face
muſt be seen through the Lions neck, and he himſelf muſt
ſpeak through, ſaying thus, or to the fame defect; Ladies,
or Fair Ladies, I would with you, or I would requeſt you,
or I would intreat you, not to fear, not to tremble ; my
Life for yours. If you think I come hither as a Lion,
it were pity of my Life. No, I am no ſuch thing, I am
a man as other men are ; and there indeed let
him name his name, and tell him plainly he is Snug the
Joiner.

Quince. Well, it ſhall be ſo ; but there is two hard
things, that is, to bring the Moon-Light into a Cham-
ber ; for you know, Pyramus and Thisby meet by Moon-
light.

Snug. Doth the Moonſhine that Night we play our
Play ?

Bot. A Calender, a Calender, look in the Almanack,
find out Moon-ſhine, find out Moon-ſhine.

Enter Puck.

Quin. Yes, it doth ſhine that night.

Bot. Why then may you leave a Caſement of the great
Chamber window (where we play) open, and the Moon
may ſhine in at the Caſement.

Qu. I, or eſſe one muſt come in with a buſh of thorns
and a lanthorn, and ſay he comes to disfigure, or to pre-
fent the perſon of Moon-ſhine. Then there is another
thing, we muſt have a wall in the great Chamber; for
Piramus and Thisby (ſays the ſtory) did talk through the
chink of a wall.

Snug. You can never bring in a wall. What ſay you
Bottome ?

Bot. Some man or other muſt preſent wall, and let
him have ſome Plaſter, or ſome Lome, or ſome rough-craft
about him, to signify wall; or let him hold his tingers
thus: and through that cranny ſhall Pyramus and Thisby
whisper,

Quin. If that may be, then all is well. Come, fit down
every mothers ſon, and rehearſe your parts. Pyramus
you begin; when you have spoken your ſpeech, enter into
that Brake, and ſo every one according to his cue.

Enter Robin.

Rob. What hempen home-ſpins have we swaggering
here

So near the Cradle of the Fairy Queen ?

What, a Play toward ? I'le be an auditor ;

An aſtor too perhaps, if I ſee cauſe.

Qu. Speak Pyramus: Thisby ſtand forth.

Pir. Thisby, the flowers of odious favours ſweet.

Quin. Odours, odours.

Pir. Odours ſavors ſweet,

So hath thy breath, my deareſt Thisby dear.

But hark, a voice; ſlay thou but here a while,

And by and by I will to thee appear.

Exit. Pir.

Puck. A ſtranger Pyramus, then ere plaſed here.

Thisby. Muſt I ſpeak now ?

Pet. I marry muſt you. For you muſt understand he
goes but to ſee a noife that he heard, and is to come
a gain.

Thisby. Moſt radiant Pyramus, moſt Lilly white of hue,
Of colour like the red Roſe on triumphant Bryer,
Moſt brisky Juvenal, and eke moſt lovely Jew,
As true as trueſt horſe, that yet would never tire,
Ile meet thee Piramus, at Ninnies Tomb.

Pet. Ninus Tomb, man: why, you muſt not ſpeak that
yet; that you anſwer to Piramus; you ſpeak all your
part at once, cues and all. Piramus enter, your cue is paſ:
it is never tire.

Thisby. O, as true as trueſt Horſe, that yet would never
tire:

Pir. If I were fair, Thisby I were only thine.

Pet. O monſtrous. O ſtrange. We are hanted; pray
maſters, fly maſters, help.

The Clowns Extunt.

Puck. Ile follow you, Ile lead you about a Round,
Through bog, through buſh, through brake, through
Sometimes a Horſe Ile be, sometimes a Hounds
(bryer)
A Hog, a Headleſs Bear, sometimes a fire,
And neigh, and bark, and grunt, and rore and burn,
Like Horſe, Hound, Hog, Bear, fire, at every turn.

Exit.

Enter Piramus with the Aſs Head.

Bot. why do they run away ? This is a knavery of them
to make me aſeafard. Enter Snout.

Sn. O Bottome, thou art chang'd; What do I ſee on
thee ?

Bot. What do you ſee ? You ſee an Aſs-head of your
own, do you ?

Enter Peter Quince.

Pet. Eleſes thee Bottome, bleſs thee; thou art tranſ-
lated.

Exit.

Bot.

A Midsummers Nights Dream.

Bot. I see their knavery, this is to make an ass of me,
to fright me if they could ; but I will not stir from this
place, do what they can. I will walk up and down here,
and will fight that they shall hear I am not afraid.

The Woolf cock, so black of hue.

With Orenge-tawny bill.

The Throftle will his note so true,

The Wren and little quill.

Tita. What Angel wakes me from my flowry bed ?

Bot. The Finch, the Sparrow, and the Lark,

The plainfong Cuckow gray

Whole note full many, a man doth mark,

And dares not anſwer, nay.

For indeed, who would fet his wit to do foolifl a bird ?

Who would give a bird the lye, tho he cry Cuckow, ne-
ver fo?

Tita. I pray thee gentle mortal, fing again,

Mine ear is much enamoured of thy note ;

On the firſt view to ſay, to ſwear I love thee.

So is mine eye enthralled to thy ſhape.

And thy fair vertues force (perſence) doth move me.

Bot. Methinks maſtrels, you ſhould have little reaſon
for that: and yer to ſay the truth, reaſon and love keep
little company together, now-a-days. The more the pitty,
that ſome honeſt neighbours will not make them friends.
Nay, I can gleek upon occasion.

Tita. Thou art as wife as thou art beautiful.

Bot. Not ſo neither: but if I had wit enough to get
out of this wood, I have enough to ſerve mine own
turn.

Tita. Out of this wood, do not define to go,
Thou ſhalt remain here, whether thou wilt or no.

I am a (pirit of no common rate:

The Summer ſell doth tend upon my ſtate,

And I do love thee; therefore go with me,

Ple give thee Fairies to attend on thee;

And they ſhall fetch thee Jewels from the deep,

And fing, while thou on preſed flowers doth ſleep :

And I will purge thy mortal groſnels ſo,

That thou ſhalt like an airy ſpirit go.

Enter Peaſe-bloſſom, Cobweb, Moth, Muſhard-
ſeed, and four Fairies.

Fair. Ready, and I, and I, and I, Where shall we go?

Bot. Be kind and courteous to this Gentleman.

Hop in his walks, and gambole in his eye,

Feed him with Apricocks and Dewberies,

With purple Grapes, green Figs, and Mulberries,

The hony-bags ſteal from the Humble Bees,

And for night-tapers crop their waxen thighs.

And light them at the ſicy. Glow-worms eyes,

To have my love to bed, and to arife :

And pluck the wings from painted Butterflies,

To ſan the Moon beams from his ſleeping eyes.

No d to him Elves, and do him courtelies.

1. Fai. Hail mortal, hai'.

2. Fai. Hail.

3. Fai. Hail.

Bot. I cry your worships mercy heartily, I beſeech your worships name.
Cob. Cobweb.

Bot. I ſhall define you of more acquaintance, good
Mafter Cobweb: if I cut my ſinger, I ſhall make bold with
you.

Your name honeſt Gentleman?

Peaf. Peaſe-Bloſſom.

Bot. I pray you commend me to Mifrels ſquash your
Mother, and to Maſter Peefod your Father. Good
Mafter Peaſe-bloſſom, I ſhall define of you more acquain-
tance too. Your name I beſeech you fir ?

Muſ. Muſhard-ſeed.

Bot. Good Mafter Muſhard ſeed, I know your pati-
encewell: that fame cowardly gyant-like Oxe-beef hath

devoured many a Gentleman of your houſe. I promife
you, your kindred hath made my eyes water ere now. I
defire your more acquaintance, good Mafter Muſhard-
ſeed.

Tita. Come wait upon him, lead him to my bower.

The Moon methinks, looks with a watry eye,

And when ſhe weeps, weep every little flower,

Lamenting ſome enforced chaſtity.

Tye up my Lovers tongue, bring him filently.

Exit.

Enter King of Fairies, solus.

Ob. I wonder if Titania be awake't:
Then what it was that next came in her e ye,
Which ſhe muſt dote on in extremity.

Enter Puck.

Here comes my meſſenger: how now mad ſpirit,
What night-rule now about this haunted Grove ?

Puck. My Mifrels with a monſter is in love,

Near to her cloſe and conſecrated bower,

While ſhe was in her dull and ſleeping hour,

A crew of patches, rude Mecanicals,

That work for bread upon Athenian ſtalls,

Were met together to rehearſe a Play,

Intended for great Theſeus nuptial day.

The ſhalloweſt thick-skin of that barren fort,

Who Pyramus preſented, in their ſport,

Forfook his Scene, and entered in a brake,

When I did him at this advantage take,

An Aſſe nole I fixed on his head ;

Anon his Thisbie muſt be anſWERED,

And forth my Mimick comes: when they him ſpie,

As wild-Geeſe, that the creeping Fowler eye,

Or ruffet-pated choughs, many in ſort,

(Rifing and cawing at the Guns report)

Sever themſelſes, and madly ſwop the sky:

So at his fight, away his ſellows ſlie,

And at our ſtamp, here o're and o're one ſalls :

He murder cries, and help from Athens calls.

Their ſenſe thus weak, loft with their ſears thus ſtrong,

Made ſenſeleſs things begin to do them wrong.

For briars and thorns at their apparel ſnatch,

Some ſleeves, ſome hats, from yielders all things catch,

I led them on in this diftraſted fear,

And left ſweet Pyramus tranſlated there:

When in that moment (fo it came to pafs)

Titania wak't, and ſtraightway lov'd an Aſs.

Ob. This falls out better than I could devilè:

But haſt thou yet latch't the Athenian eyes,

With the love juice as I did bid thee do ?

Rob. I took him ſleeping ( that is ſinſiſht too)

And the Athenian Woman by his ſide,

That when he wak't, of force he muſt be ey'd.

Enter Demetrius and Hermias.

Ob. Stand cloſe; this is the fame Athenian.

Rob. This is the woman, but not this man.

Dem. O why rebuke you him that loves you ſo ?

Lay breath ſo bitter on your bitter fo.

Her. Now I but chide, but I ſhould uſe thee worſe.

For thou I fear haſt given me cauſe to curſe,

If thou haſt ſlain Lysander in his ſleep.

Being ore ſhooes in blood, plunge in the deep, and kill me
too :

The Sun was not ſo true unto the day,

As he to me. Would he have ſtollen away,

From ſleeping Hermias? Ple believe as ſoon

This whole earth may be bord, and that the Moon

May through the Center creep, and ſo diſpleafe

Her brothers noon-tide, with th' Antipodes,

It cannot be but thou haſt murdred him,

M 2

So

["A Midsummers Nights Dream.", "138", "So should a murtherer look, so dead, so grim.", "Dem. So should the murtherer look, and so should I,\nPierc't through the heart with your ister cruelty :\nYet you the murtherer looks as bright as clear,\nAs yonder Venns in her glimmering (p)hear.", "Her. What's this to my Lyfander ? Where is he ?", "Ah good Demetrius, wilt thou give him me ?", "Dem. I'd rather give his carkaſs to my hounds.", "Her. Out dog, out cur, thou driv'st me paſt the bounds", "Of Maidens patience. Haſt thou flain him then ?", "Henceforth be never numbed among men.", "Oh, once tell true, and even for my ſake,\nDurf't thou a lookt upon him, being awake ?", "", "And haſt thou kill'd him fleeping ? O brave tutch :", "Could not a worm, an Adder do so much ?", "An adder did it, for with doubler tongue.", "Than thine, (thou ſerpent) never adder ſtung.", "Dem. You ſpend your paffion on a miſpriz'd mood,", "I am not guilty of Lyſander's blood :", "Nor is he dead for ought that I can tell.", "Her. I pray thee tell me then that he is well.", "Dem. And if I could, what should I get therefore ?", "Her: A privileged never to fee me memory;", "And from thy hæd preſence part I: fee me no more", "Whether he be dead or no.", "Exit.", "Dem. There is no following her in this fierce vein,\nHere therefore for a while I will remain.", "So forrows heavinels doth heavier grow :", "For debt that bankroust flip doth forrow owe,", "Which now in ſome flight meaſure it will pay,", "If for his tender here I make ſome ſtay.", "Lie down.", "Ob. What haſt thou done ? Thou haſt miſtaken quite,\nAnd laid thy love juice on ſome true-loves fight :", "Of thy miſprifden muſt perſorce enſue", "Some true love turn'd, and not a falſe turn'd true.", "Rob. Then fate o're rules, that one man holding troth,\nA million fail, confounding oath on oath.", "Ob. About the wood, go wifter than the wind,", "And Helena of Athens look thou find.", "All fancy-fick ſhe is, and pale of cheer,", "With ſights of love, that coſts the freſh blood dear.", "By ſome ſuſſion fee thou bring her here.", "I'le charm his eyes againſt the doth appear,", "Rob. I go, I go, look how I go,", "Swifter than arrow from the Tartars bow.", "Exit.", "Ob. Flower of this purple die,", "Hit with Cupids archery,", "S'nk in apple of his eye,", "When his love he doth eſpy,", "Let her ſhine as gloriouſly", "As the Venuſs of the sky.", "When thou wak't if ſhe be by", "Beg of her for remedy.", "Enter Puck.", "Puck. Captain of our Fairy band,\nHelena is here at hand,", "And the youth miſlook by me,", "Pleading for a lovers fee.", "Shall we their fond Pageant fee ?", "Lord, what fools theſe mortals be !", "Ob. Stand aſide: the noſe they make,", "Will caſe Demetrius to awake.", "Puck. Then will two at once wooe one,", "That muſt needs be ſport alone :", "And thofe things do beſt pleafe me,", "That beſal prepoſterouſly.", "Enter Lyſander and Helena.", "Lyſ. Why should you think that I should wooe in ſcorn?\nS'corn and deriſion never comes in tears.", "Look when I vow, I weep, and vows so born,\nIn their nativity all truth appears.", "How can theſe things in me ſeem ſcorn to you ?", "Bearing the badg of faith to prove them true.", "Hel. You do advance your cunning more and more,\nWhen truth kills truth, O devil, loth holy ray !", "Theſe vow are Hermina's. Will you give her o're ?", "Weigh oath with oath, and you will nothing weigh.", "Your vows to her and me, ( put in two ſcales )", "Will even weigh, and both as light as tales.", "Lyſ. I had no judgment when to her I ſwore.", "Hel. Nor none in my mind, now you give her ore.", "Lyſ. Demetrius loves her, and he loves not you.", "Dem. O Helen, goddeſs, nymph, perſeſ, divine,", "Ana.", "To what ? my love, shall I compare thine cyne,\nChryſtal is muddy, O how ripe in ſnow,", "Thy lips, thole killing cherries, tempting grow !", "That pure congealed white, high Taurus ſnow,", "Fann'd with the Eastern wind, turns to a Crow,", "When thou hold't up thy hand. O let me kifs", "This Princeſs of pure white, this ſeel of blifs.", "Hel. O spight, O hell, I fee you are all bent", "To fet againſt me, for my merriment :", "If you were civil, and knew courteſe,", "You would not do me thus much injury.", "Can you not hate me as I know you do,", "But you muſt join in ſouls to mock me too ?", "If you are men, as men you are in ſnow,", "You would not uſe a gentle Lady so ?", "To vow, and ſwear, and ſuperrape my parts,", "When I am ſure you hate me with your hearts.", "You both are Rivals, and love Hermina,", "And now both Rivals to mock Helena.", "A trim exploit, a manly enterprize,", "To conjure tears up in a poor maids eyes,", "With your deriſion; none of noble ſon,", "Would ſo offend a Virgin, and extort", "A poor ſouls patience, all to make you ſport.", "Lyſ. You are unkind Demetrius; be not so,", "For you love Hermina ? this you know I know ?", "And here with all good will, with all my heart,", "In Hermina's love I yield you up my part ;", "And yours of Helena, to me bequeath,", "Whom I do love, and will do to my death.", "Hel. Never did mockers wauſe more idle breath.", "Dem. Lyſander, keep thy Hermina, I will none :", "If e're I lov'd her, all that love is gone.", "My heart to her, but as gueſt-wife ſeourn'd,", "And now to Helen it is home return'd,", "There to remain.", "Lyſ. It is not so.", "Dem. Diſparage nor the faith thou doſt not know,", "Left to thy peril thou abide it dear.", "Look where thy Love comes, yonder is thy dear.", "Enter Hermina.", "Her. Dark night, that from the eye his ſenſuſt takes", "The ear more quick of apprehenſion makes.", "Wherein it doth impair the ſeeing ſenſe,", "It pays the hearing double recompence.", "Thou art not by mine eye, Lyſander found,", "Mine ear, (I thank it) brought me to that found.",

A Midsummers Nights Dream.

140

Never so little few of Love to her,
Thou salt abide it.

Lyf: Now the holds me not,

Now follow if thou dar't, to try whose right,
Of thine or mine is moft in Helena.

D.m. Follow? Nay, I'll go with thee Cheek by Jowl.
Exit Lyfander and Demetrius.

Her. You Miftres, all this coyl is long of you,
Nay, go not back.

Hel. I will not truft you I,

Nor longer stay in your curſt Company.

Your hands than mine are quicker for a fray,
My Legs are longer though to run away.

Exeunt.

Enter Oberon and Puck.

Ob. This is thy negligence, still thou miftak't,
Or elle committ thy knaveries willingly.

Puck. Believe me, King of fhadows, I miftook,
Did not you tell me, I should know the Man,
By the Athenian Garments he hath on?
And to far blameleſis proves my enterprife,
That I have nointed an Athenian's Eyes,
And to far am I glad, it so did ſort,
As this their jangling I eſteem a ſport.

Ob. Thou feel thisleſe Lovers ſeek a place to fight,
Hie therefore Robin, overcaſt the Night,
The ſtarry Welkin cover thou anon,
With drooping Fogg as black as Atheren,
And lead theſe teſty Rivals to aſtray,
As one come not within anothers way.

Like to Lysander, ſometime frame thy Tongue,
Then flit Demetrius up with bitter wrong;
And ſometime rail thou like Demetrius;
And from each other look thou lead them thus,
Till o're their brows, death-counterfeiting ſleep
With leaden Legs, and Battie-wings doth creep;
Then crush this Herb into Lysanders eye,
Whofe Liquor hath this virtuous property,
To take from thence all errour, with his might,
And make his Eye-balls rowl with wonted ſight.
When they next wake, all this derision
Shall ſeem a Dream, and fruitleſis vifion,
And back to Athens ſhall the Lovers wend
With League, whofe date till death ſhall never end.
Whiles I in this affair do thee imploy,
I'le to my Queen, and beg her Indian Boy,
And then I will her charmed Eye releafe
From Monſters view, and all things ſhall be Peace.

Puck. My Fairy Lord, this muſt be done with haſte,
For Nights-ſwift Dragons cut the Clouds full ſaſt,
And yonder ſhines Aurora's harbinger;
At whofe approach Ghoſts wandring here and there,
Troop home to Church-yards; damned Spirits all,
That in croſs-ways and floods have burial,
Already to their Wormy beds are gone,
For fear left day ſhould look their ſhames upon,
They wilfully exile themſelves from ſlight,
And muſt for aye comfort with black-brow'd Night,
Ob. But we are ſpirits of another ſort:
I with the morning Love have oft made ſport,
And like a Forreſter, the groves may tread,
Even till the Eastern Gate all fiery red,
Opening on Neptune, with fair bleſſed beams,
Turns into yellow Gold, his ſalt green ſtreams.
But not withſtanding haſte, make no delay:
We may effect this buſines yet ere day.

Puck. Up and down, up and down, I will lead them
up and down: I am fear'd in Field and Town. Goblin,
lead them up and down: here comes one.

Enter Lyfander.

Lyf. Where art thou, proud Demetrius?
Speak thou now.

Rob. Here villain, drawn and ready. Where art thou?

Lyf. I will be with thee ſtraight.

Rob. Follow me then to plainer Ground.
Enter Demetrius.

Dem. Lyfander, speak again ;

Thou runaway, thou Coward, art thou ſled?

Speak in ſome buſh: Where doſt thou hide thy Head?

Rob. Thou Coward art thou begging to the Stars,
Telling the Buſhes that thou look't for Wars,
And wilt not come? come Recreant, come thou Child,
Ile whip thee with a Rod, he is deſil'd
That draws a Sword on thee.

Dem. Yea, art thou there?

Ob. Follow my voice, wee'l try no man-hood here. Exeunt.
Lyf. He goes before me, and fill dares me on,
When I come where he calls me, then he's gone.

The Villain is much lighter he'd than I:

I followed ſaſt, but after he did ſlye;
That faln am I in dark uneven way,

Shifting places.

And here will reſt me. Come thou gentle day:
For if but once thou ſrew me thy gray light,
I'll find Demetrius, and revenge this ſight.

Iye down.

Enter Robin and Demetrius.

Rob. Ho, ho, ho, coward why com't thou not?

Dem. Abide me, if thou dar't. For well I wot,
Thou runn't before me, shifting every place,
And dar't not stand, nor look me in the face.
Where art thou ?

Rob. Come hither, I am here.

Dem. Nay then thou mock't me; thou ſhalt buy this
If ever I thy face by day-light fee.
(dear,

Now go thy way : faintneſs conſtraineth me,
To meaſure out my length on this cold bed,
By days approach look to be vifited.

Enter Helena.

Hel. O weary night, O long and tedious night,
Abate thy hours, ſhine comforts from the Eauſe,
That I may back to Athens by day-light,
From theſe that my poor company deſt,
And ſleep that sometimes fluts up ſorrows eye,
Steal me a while from mine own company.

Sleep.

Rob. Yet but three ? come one more,
Two of both kinds makes up four.

Here ſhe comes, curſt and ſad,
Cupid is a knavifh Lad,

Thus to make poor Females mad.

Enter Hermia.

Hr. Never so weary, never so in woe,
B-cabbled with the dew, and torn with briars,
I can no further crawl, no further go;
My Legs can keep no pace with my defiles.
Here will I reſt me till the break of day,
Heavens ſhield Lysander, if they mean a ſray.

Rob. On the ground ſleep found,
I'll apply your eye, gentle lover, Remedy.
When thou wak't, thou tak't
True delight in the fight of thy former Ladies eye,
And the Country Proverb known,
That every man ſhould take his own,
In your waking ſhall be ſhown.

Jack, ſhall have ſill, naught ſhall go ill,
The man that have his Mare again, and all that shall be well.

Thy ſleep all the Aſ.

Actus Quartus.

Enter Queen of Fairies, and Clown, and Fairies, and the
King behind them.

Tita. Come, fit thee down upon this flowry bed,
While I thy amiable cheeſs do coy,

And

A Midsummers Nights Dream

142

Ega. It is my Lord.

Thef. Go bid the Huntmen wake them with their
Horns.

Horns, and they wake.

Shout within, they all start up.

Thef. Good morrow friends: Saint Valentine is pаст.
Begin thee wood-birds but to couple now?

Lyf. Pardon my Lord.

Thef. I pray you all stand up.

I know you two are Rival enemies.

How comes thus gentle concord in the world,
That hatred is to far from jealousy,

To sleep by hate, and fear no enmity?

Lyf. My Lord, I shall reply amazedly,
Half sleep, half waking. But as yet I swear,
I cannot truly say how I came here.

But as I think (for truly would I speak),
And now I do bethink me, so it is,

I came with Hermia hither: Our intent

Was to be gone from Athens, where we might be

Without the peril of the Athenian Law.

Ega. Enough, enough, my Lord; you have enough:
I beg the Law, the Law, upon his head;
They would have frot'n away, they would Demetrius,
Thereby to have defeated you and me:

You of your wife, and me of my consent:

Of my consent, that she should be your wife.

Dem. My Lord, fair Helen told me of their fealth,
Of this their purpose hither, to this wood,

And in fury hither (followed them:

Fair Helena, in fancy followed me.

But my good Lord, I wot not by what power

(But by fome power it is) my love

To Hermia (melted as the flow)

Seems to me now as the remembrance of an idle gaude,
Which in my childhood I did doat upon:

And all the faith, the vertue of my heart,

The object and the pleasure of mine eye,

Is only Helena. To her, my Lord,

Was I betroth'd ere I see Hermia;

But like a fickneſs did I loath this food.

But as in health, come to my natural taſte,

Now do I wifh it, love it, long for it,

And will for evermore be true to it.

Thef. Fair Lovers, you are fortunately met;
Of this difcourſe we ſhall hear more anon.

Egans, I will over-bear your will;

For in the Temple, by and by with us,

Theſe couples ſhall eternally be knit.

And for the morning now is ſomething worn,

Our purpurs hunting ſhall be ſet afide.

Away, with us to Athens; three and three,

We'll hold a Feast in great Solemnity.

Come Hippolita.

Exit Duke and Lords.

Dem. Theſe things ſeem ſmall and undiftinguſable,

Like far-off mountains turned into clouds.

Her. Methinks I ſee theſe things with parted eye,

When every thing ſeems double.

Hel. So methinks:

And I have found Demetrius, like a Jewel,

Mine own, and not mine own.

Dem. It ſeems to me,

That we ſleep, we dream. Do not you think

The Duke was here, and bid us follow him?

Her. Yea, and my Father.

Hel. And Hippolita.

Lyf. And he bid us follow to the Temple.

Dem. Why then we are awake; let's follow him, and by
the way let us recount our dreams.

Bottome wakes.

Exit Lovers.

Clo. When my Cue comes, call me, and I will anſwer.
My next is, moſt fair Piramus, Hey ho, Peter Quince?

Flute the Bellows-mender? Snout the Tinker? Starling?
God's my Life! Stol'n hence, and left me aſleep. I have
had a moſt rare Vifion. I had a dream pаст the wit of
man to ſay what dream it was. Man is but an Aſ, if he
go about to expound this dream. Methought I was,
there is no man can tell what. Methought I was, and
methought I had. But man is but a patch'd fool, if he
will offer to ſay what methought I had. The eye of man
hath not heard, the ear of man hath not ſeen; man's hand
is not able to taſte, his tongue to conceive, nor his heart
to report what my dream was. I will get Peter Quince
to write a Ballad of this dream; it ſhall be called Bottome's
Dream, becauſe it hath no bottom; and I will ſing it in
the latter end of a play, before the Duke. Peradven-
ture, to make it the more gracious, I ſhall ſing it at her
death.

Exit

Enter Quince, Flute, Thisby, Snout, and Starling.

Qui. Have you lent to Bottome's houſe? Is he come home
yet?

Star. He cannot be heard of. Out of doubt he is tranſ-
ported.

Theſ. If he come not, then the play is marr'd. It goes for-
ward, doth it?

Qui. It is not poffible: you have not a man in all Athens
able to diſcharge Piramus but he.

Thei. No, he hath simply the beſt wit of any handyeraſ
man in Athens.

Qui. Yea, and the beſt perſon too; and he is a very Pa-
ramour for a ſweet voice.

Thei. You muſt ſay, Paragon, A Paramour is (God bleſs
us) a thing of naught.

Enter Snug the Joiner.

Snug. Maſters, the Duke is coming from the Temple,
and there is two or three Lords and Ladies more marri-
ed. If our ſport had gone forward, we had all been made
men.

Theſ. O ſweet Bully Bottome: thus hath he left ſa-
pence a day, during his life; he could not have ſcaped
fix pence a day. And the Duke had not given him in
pence a day for playing Piramus, I'le be hang'd. He
would have deferred it. Six pence a day in Piramus, or
nothing.

Enter Bottome.

Bot. Where are theſe lads? Where are theſe hearts?

Qui. Bottome, O moſt couragious day! O moſt happy
hour!

Bot. Maſters, I am to diſcourſe wonders; but ask me not
what; for if I tell you, I am no true Athenian. I will tell
you every thing as it ſell our.

Qui. Let us hear, ſweet Bottome.

Bot. Not a word of me: All that I will tell you, is
that the Duke hath dined. Get your Appar'd toge-
ther, good Strings to your Beards, new Ribbands to
your Pumps, meet prefently at the Palace, every man look
o're his Part: for the short and the long is, our Play
is preferred: In any cafe let Thisby have clean linnet:
and let not him that plays the Lion, pare his Nails:
for they ſhall harg out for the Lion's Claws. And moſt
dear Actors, eat no Onions, nor Garlick; for we are to
utter ſweet breath; and I do not doubt to hear them ſay,
it is a ſweet Comedy. No more words: away, go a-
way.

Exeunt.

Actus

A Midsummers Nights Dream.

Actus Quintus.

Enter Theſeus, Hippolita, Egaus and his Lords.

Hip. 'Tis strange, my Theſeus, that theſe Lovers ſpeak of.
Theſe. More strange than true. I never may believe
Theſe antick fables, nor apprehend ſairy toys,
Lovers and mad men have ſuch feathering brains,
Such shaping phantases, that apprehend more
Than cool reafon ever comprehends.
The Lunatick, the Lover, and the Poet,
Are of imagination all compact.
One ſees more devils than vaſt hell can hold;
That is the mad man. The Lover, all as frantick,
Sees Helen's beauty in a brow of Egypt.
The Poet's eye in a fine frenzy rolling,
Doth glance from heaven to earth, from earth to heaven.
And as imagination bodies forth the forms of things
Unknown; the Poet's pen turns them to ſhapes,
And gives to air nothing, a local habitation,
And a name. Such tricks hath ſtrong imagination,
That if it were but apprehend ſome joy,
It comprehends ſome bringer of that joy.
Or in the night, imagining ſome fear,
How eafe is a bufh ſupped'd a Bear?
Hip. But all the ſory of the night told over,
And all their minds transfigu'd ſo together,
More witnesſeth than fancies images,
And grows to ſomething of great conſtancy,
But how/ever, ſtrange, and admirable.

Enter Lovers, Lyfander, Demetrius, Hermia, and Helena.

Theſ. Here come the Lovers, full of joy and mirth.
Joy, gentle friends, joy, and fresh days of Love
Accompany your hearts.

Lyſ. More than to us,

Wait in your royal playes, your board, your bed.

Theſ. Come now, what masks, what dances shall we
have,
To wear away this long age of three hours,
Between our after-fupper, and bed-time ?
Where is our ufual manager of mirth ?
What Revels are in hand ? Is there no play,
To eafe the anguifh of a torturing hour ?
Call Egaus.

Egaus. Here, mighty Theſeus.

Theſ. Say, what abridgement have you for this even-
ing?

What mask? What muſick? How ſhall we beguile

The lazy time, if not with love delight ?

Eg. There is a brief how many ſports are rife :

Make choice of which your Highneſs will fee ſirſt.

Lyſ. The battel with the Centaur to be ſung

By an Athenian Eunuch, to the Harp.

Theſ. We'll none of that. That have I told my love
In glory of my kinfman Herculès.

Lyſ. The riot of the tipſie Bachinals,

Tearing the Thoraſian ſinger in their rage.

Theſ. That is an old device, and it was plaid

When I from Thebes came laſt a Conqueror.

Lyſ. The thrice three Muſſes, mourning for the death of
Learning, late deſeaſt in beggary.

Theſ. That is ſome Satyr keen and critical,

Not torting with a nuptial ceremony.

Lyſ. A tedious brief Scene of young Piramus,
And his love Thisby's very tragical mirth.

Theſ. Merry and tragical? Tedious and brief? That is,
hot ice, and wondrous ſtrange ſnow. How ſhall we find the
concord of this diſcord?

Eg. A Play there is, my Lord, ſome ten words long,

Which is as brief as I have known a Play ;

But by ten words, my Lord, it is too long,

Which makes it tedious : for in all the Play

There is not one word apt, one Player fitted.

And tragical, my noble Lord, it is :

For Piramus therein doth kill himſelf.

Which when I faw rehearſt, I muſt confess,

Made mine eyes water: but more merry teares

The paffion of loud laughter never ſhed.

Theſ. What are they that do play it ?

Eg. Hard handed men, that work in Athens here,
Which never labour'd in their minds till now;
And now have toiled their unbreathed memories
With this fame Play, againſt your Nuptials.

Theſ. And we will hear it.

Phil. No, my noble Lord, it is not for you. I have heard
It over, and it is nothing, nothing in the world,
Unless you can find ſport in their intents,
Extreamly fretcht, and cond with cruel pain,
To do you ſervice.

Theſ. I will bear that Play : For never any thing
Can be amifs, when ſplinčeſs and duty tender it.
Go bring them in, and take your places. Ladies.

Hip. I love not to fee wretchedneſs o're charged,
And duty in his ſervice perſhing.

Theſ. Why gentle ſweet, you ſhall fee no ſuch thing.

Hip. He fays they can do nothing in this kind.

Theſ. The kinder we, to give them thanks for nothing.
Our ſport ſhall be, to take what they miſtake ;
And what poor duty cannot do, noble reſpect
Takes it in might, not merit.

Where I have come, great Clerks have purpoſed

To greet me with premeditated welcomes ;

Where I have ſeen them ſhiver, and look pale,

Make periods in the midſt of ſentences,

Throttle their praeſiz'd accent in their fears,

And in conclusion, dumbly have broke off,

Not paying me a welcome. Trust me ſweet,

Out of this ſilence yet, I pickt a welcome,

And in the modeſty of fearful duty,

I read as much as from theratling tongue

Of fawcy and audacious eloquence.

Love therefore, and tongue-tide ſimplicity,

In leaſt, ſpeak moſt, to my capacity.

Eg. So pleafe your Grace, the Prologue is addreſſt.

Du. Let him approach.

Flor. Trum.

Enter Prologue.

Quince.

Pro. If we offend, it is with our good will.

That you should think we come not to offend,

But with good will. To thew our ſimple skill,

That is the true beginning of our end,

Confider then, we come but in deſpight.

We do not come asminding to content you,

Our true intent is. All for your delight,

We are not here. That you should here repent you,

The Aſtors are at hand; and by their ſhow,

You ſhall know all, you are like to know.

Theſ. This fellow doth not ſtand upon points.

Lyſ. He hath rid his Prologue, like a rough Colt : he
knows not the ſtop. A good moral, my Lord. It is not e-
nough to ſpeak, but to ſpeak true.

Hip. Indeed he hath plaid on his Prologue, like a child
on the Recorder, a found, but not in government.

Theſ. His ſpeech was like a tangled chain; nothing im-
paired, but all diſordered. Who is the next?

Tawyer with a Trumpet before them.

Enter Pyramus, and Thisby, Wall, Moon-shine,
and Lion.

Pro. Gentles, perchance you wonder at this ſhow :
But wonder on, till truth make all things plain.
This man is Piramus, if you would know ⁸

This

A Midsummers Nights Dream.

This beauteous Lady, Thisby is certain.
This man with lime and rough-craft, doth prefent
Wall, the vile wall, which did these lovers funder :
And through wall's chink (poor fouls) they are content
To whifper. At the which, let no man wonder.
This man with Lanthorn, dog, and buſh of thorn,
Prefenteth Moon-ſhine: For if you will know,
By Moon-ſhine did these Lovers think no ſcorn
To meet at Ninnus tomb, there, there to woe:
This griz'y beaſt (which Lion hight by name)
The truſty Thisby, coming firſt by night,
Did care away, or rather did affright:
And as he ſled, her Mantle ſhe did fall;
Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did ſlain.
Anon comes Piramus, ſweet youth and tall,
And finds his gentle Thisbies Mantle ſlain;
Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameſul blade,
He bravely broach'd his boiling bloody breaſt,
And Thisby, tarrying in the Mulberry ſhade,
His dagger drew, and died. For all the reſt,
Let Lion, Moon-ſhine, Wall, and Lovers twain,
At large diſcourſe, while here they do remain.

### Exit all but Wall.

Theſ. I wonder if the Lion be to ſpeak.
Dem. No wonder, my Lord; one Lion may, when many
Aſſes do.

### Exit Lion, Thisby, and Moon-ſhine.

Wall. In this fame interlude, it doth befall,
That I, one Snowt (by name) prefent a wall :
And fuch a wall, as I would have you think,
That had in it a crannied hole or chink ;
Through which the Lovers, Piramus and Thisby,
Did whifper often very secretly.
This loam, this rough-craft, and this ſtone doth ſhew,
That I am that fame Wall ; the truth is ſo.
And this the cranny is, right and finifter,
Through which the fearful Lovers are to whifper.

Theſ. Would you defire Lime and Hair to ſpeak better?

Dem. It is the wittieſt partition that ever I heard diſcourſed, my Lord,

Theſ. Piramus draws near the wall: ſilence.

### Enter Pyramus.

Pyr. O grim look'd night! O night with hue ſo black!
O night, which ever art, when day is not!
O night, O night, alack, alack, alack,
I fear my Thisbies promife is forgot.
And thou, O wall, thou ſweet and lovely wall,
That stands between her father's ground and mine,
Thou wall, O wall, O ſweet and lovely wall,
Shew me thy chink, to blink through with mine eyn.
Thanks courteous wall; ſove shield thee well for this.
But what fee I? No Thisby do I fee.
O wicked wall, through whom I fee no blifſ,
Curſt be thy ſtones for thus deceiving me.

Theſ. The wall methinks, being ſenſible, ſhould curſe a-gain.

Pyr. No in truth fir, he ſhould not. Deceiving me,
Is Thisbies cue; ſhe is to enter, and I am to ſpy
Her through the wall. You ſhall fee it will fall.

### Enter Thisby.

Pat as I told you; yonder ſhe comes.
Theſ. O wall, full often haſt thou heard my moans,
For parting my fair Piramus and me.
My cherry lips hath often kiſt thy ſtones;
Thy ſtones with Lime and Hair knit up in thee.

Pyr. I hear a voice; now will I to the chink,
To ſpy and I can fee my Thisbies face. Thisby?
Theſ. My love thou art, my love I think.
Pyr. Think what thou wilt, I am thy lovers grace,
And like Limander am I truſty full.

Theſ. And like Helen, till the Fates me kill.
Pyr. Not Shafalus to Precrus was ſo true.
Theſ. As Shafalus to Pracrus, I to you.
Pyr. O kifs me through the hole of this vile wall.
Theſ. I kifs the wall's hole, not your lips at all.
Pyr. Wilt thou at Ninnies tomb meet me ſtraight
way?

Theſ. Tide life, tide death, I come without delay.
Wall. Thus have I VVall, my part diſcharged ſo:
And being done, thus VVall away doth go.
Exit Clow.
Duk. Now is the moral down between the two Neigh-bours.

Dem. No remedy, my Lord, when walls are ſo wilful, to hear without warning.

Duk. This is the filiſt fluff that e're I heard.
Duk. The beſt in this kind are but ſhadows, and the worſe are no worſe, if imagination amend them.

Duk. It muſt be your imagination then, and not theirs.

Duk. If we imagine no worſe of them than they of them-felves, they may patſ for excellent men. Here comes two noble beaſts, in a Man and a Lion.

### Enter Lion, and Moon-ſhine

Lion. You Ladies, you (whofe gentle hearts do fear
The finalſt monſtrous Mouſe that creeps on floor)
May now perchance both quake and tremble here,
When Lion rough in wildeſt rage doth roar.
Then know that I, one Swng the Joiner am
A Lion fell, nor eſſe no Lion's dam :
For if I ſhould as Lion come in ſtrife
Into this place, *twere pity of my life.*

Duk. A very gentle beaſt, and of a good confidence.

Dem. The very beaſt at a beaſt, my Lord, that e're I saw.

Lif. This Lion is a very Fox for his valour.

Duk. True, and a Goofe for his diſcretion.

Dem. Not ſo, my Lord: for his valour cannot carry his diſcretion, and the Fox carries the Goofe.

Duk. His diſcretion I am ſure cannot carry his valour: for the Goofe carries not the Fox. It is well: leave it to his diſcretion, and let us hearken to the Moon.

Moon. This Lanthorn doth the horned Moon pre-fent.

Dem. He ſhould have worn the horns on his head.

Duk. He is no creſcent, and his horns are invisible, within the circumference.

Moon. This Lanthorn doth the horned Moon prefent:
My ſelf, the man i'th' Moon doth ſeem to be.

Duk. This is the greatest error of all the reſt: the man ſhould be put into the Lanthorn: How is it eſſe the man i' th' Moon?

Dem. He dares not come there for the candle;
For you fee it is already in ſnuff.

Dut. I am weary of this Moon; would he would change.

Duk. It appears by his ſmall light of diſcretion, that he is in the wane: but yet in courtelie, in all reaſon, we muſt lay the time.

Lyf. Proceed Moon.

Moon. All that I have to ſay, is to tell you, that the Lanthorn is the Moon; I, the man in the Moon; this thorn buſh, my thorn buſh; and this dog, my dog.

Dem. Why all these ſhould be in the Lanthorn: for they are in the Moon. But ſilence; here comes Thisby.

### Enter Thisby.

Theſ. This is old Ninnies tomb: where is my love?

Lion. Oh.

A Midsummers Nights Dream.

The Lion roars, Thisby runs off.

Dem. Well roar'd Lion.

Duk. Well run Thisby.

Dut. Well shone Moon.

Truly the Moon fhines with a good grace.

Duk. Well mou'd Lion.

Dem. And then came Piramus.

Lyf. And fo the Lion vanifht.

Enter Piramus.

Pir. Sweet Moon, I thank thee for thy funny beams ;
I thank thee Moon, for fhining now fo bright :

For by thy gracious, golden, glittering ftaews,
I truſt to taſe of truſt Thisbies fight.

But ſtay : O ſpight ! but mark, poor Knight,
What dreadful dole is here?

Eyes do you fee ! How can it be !

O dainty Duck : O Deer !

Thy Mantle good; what ſtain'd with blood !

Approach you Furies fell :

O Fates ! come, come : Cut thred and thrum,
Quail, cruff, conclude, and quell.

Duk. This paffion, and the death of a dear friend,

Would go near to make a man look ſad.

Dut. Behrew my heart, but I pity the man.

Pir. O wherefore Nature did ſhou' Lions frame?

Since Lion vild hath here de flour'd my Deer :

Which is : no, no, which was the faireſt Dame

That liv'd, that lov'd, that lik'd, that look'd with cheer.

Come tears, confound : Out ſword, and wound

The pap of Piramus :

I, that left pap, where heart doth hop :

Thus die I, thus, thus, thus.

Now am I dead, now am I fled, my foul is in the sky ;

Tongue loſe thy light, Moon take thy flight,

Now die, die, die, die, die, die.

Dem. No die, but an ace for him ; for he is but one.

Lyf. Lef than an ace man; For he is dead, he is no-thing.

Duk. With the help of a Surgeon he might yet recover,
and prove an Af.

Dut. How chance the Moon-ſhine is gone before ?

Thisby comes back, and finds her Lover.

Enter Thisby.

Duk. She will find him by ſtar-light.

Here ſhe comes ; and her paffion ends the play.

Dut. Methinks ſhe ſhould not uſe a long one for ſuch a
Piramus : I hope ſhe will be brief.

Dem. A moth will turn the ballance, which Piramus,
which Thisby is the better.

Lyf. She hath ſpied him already with thofe ſweet eyes.

Dem. And thus ſhe means, videlicet.

This. Aſleep, my Love ? What, dead, my Dove ?

O Piramus arife :

Speak, ſpeak. Quite dumb ? Dead, dead ? A tomb

Moft cover my ſweet eyes.

Theſe lilly lips, this cherry noſe,

Theſe yellow cowſlip cheeks

Are gone, are gone : Lovers make moan.

His eyes were green as Leeks.

O ſifters three, come, come to me,

With hands as pale as milk ;

Lay them in gore, ſince you have ſhore

With ſheers, this thread of ſilk.

Tongue not a word; Come truſely ſword ;

Come blade, my breast imbrue ;

And farewel friends, thus Thisby ends ;

Adieu, adieu. adieu.

Duk. Moon-ſhine and Lion are left to bury the dead.

Dem. I, and VVall too.

Bot. No, I affure you, the Wall is down that parted

their Fathers. Will it please you to fee the Epilogue, or
to hear a Burgomask dance, between two of our Compa-
ny ?

Duk. No Epilogue, I pray you ; for your play needs no
excuse. Never excufe ; for when the Players are all dead,
there need none to be blamed. Marry, if he that writ it
had plaid Piramus, and hung himſelf in Thisbies garter, it
would have been a fine Tragedy : and fo it is truly, and ve-
ry notably diſcharg'd. But come, your Burgomask, let your
Epilogue alone.

The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve,
Lovers, to bed, 'tis almost Fairy time.

I fear we ſhall out-sleep the coming morn,
As much as we this night have over-watcht.

This palpable groſs play hath well beguil'd

The heavy gate of night. Sweet friends to bed.

A fortnight hold we this ſolemnity,

In nightly Revels, and new jollity.

Exeunt.

Enter Puck.

Puck. Now the hungry Lions roars,
And the Wolf beholds the Moon :
Whileſt the heavy Ploughman ſnoars,
All with weary task fore-done.

Now the waſted brands do glow,

Whilſt the feritch-owl, feritching loud,

Puts the wretch that lies in woe,

In remembrance of a ſhrowd.

Now it is the time of night,

That the graves, all gaping wide,

Every one lets forth his ſpight,

In the Church-way paths to glide ;

And we Fairies, that do run,

By the triple Hecates team,

From the prefence of the Sun,

Following darkneſs like a dream,

Now are ſroſkile; not a Mouſe

Shall diſturb this hallowed house.

I am ſent with broom before,

To ſweep the duſt behind the door.

Enter King and Queen of Fairies with their train.

Ob. Through the houſe give glimmering light,
By the dead and drowſe fire,

Every Elf and Fairy ſpight,

Hop as light as bird from brier,

And this Ditty after me, ſing and dance trippingly.

Tita. First rehear this long by roar,
To each word a warbling note.

Hand in hand, with Fairy grace,

Will we ſing and bleſs this place.

The Song.

Now until the break of day,

Through this houſe each Fairy ſtray,

To the best Bride-bed will we,

Which by us ſhall bleſſed be ;

And the iſſue there create,

Ever ſhall be ſortunate :

So ſhall all the couples three,

Ever true in loving be :

And the blets in Natures hand,

Shall not in their iſſue ſtand ;

Never mole, harelip, nor ſcar,

Nor mark prodigious, ſuch as are

Despised in Nativity,

Shall upon their children be.

With this field dew conſecrate,

Every Fairy take his gate,

And each ſeveral chamber bleſſs,

Through this Palace with ſweet peace,

Ever

The Merchant of Venice.

Ever shall in safety rest,
And the owner of it blest.
Trip away, make no play,
Meet me all by break of day.

Robin. If we fhadows have offended,
Think but (this, and all is mended)
That you have but flumbred here,
While thefe visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theam,
No more yielding but a dream.

Gentles, do not reprehend;
If you pardon, we will mend,
And as I am honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck,
Now to apepe the Serpent's tongue,
We will make amends e're long:
Elfe the Puck a liar call.
So good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.

THE
Merchant of Venice.

Actus Primus.

Enter Anthonio, Solarino, and Solanio.

Anh.

N footh I know not why I am so fad,
It wearies me: you fay it wearies you;
But how I caught it, found it, or came
(by it; (born,
What fluff ?'tis made of, whereof it is
(born,
I am to learn : and fuch a Want-wit fad-
(nefs makes of me,
That I have much a-do to know my felf.

Sal. Your mind is toffing on the Ocean,
There where your Argofies with portly fail,
Like Signiors and rich Burgers on the flood,
Or as it were the Pageans of the fea,
Do over-peer the petty Traffickers
That curſie to them, do them reverence,
As they fly by them with their woven wings.

Sola. Believe me, fir, had I fuch venture forth,
The better part of my affe<;tions would
Be with my hopes abroad. I ſhould be ſtill
Plucking the graſs, to know where fits the wind,
Peering in Maps for ports, and peers, and roads:
And every obje<;ct that might make me fear
Misfortune to my ventures, out of doubt,
Would make me fad.

Sal. My wind cooling my broth,
Would blow me to an Ague, when I thought
What harm a wind too great might do at fea.
I ſhould not fee the fandy hour-glaſs run,
But I ſhould think of ſhallows, and of flats,
And fee my wealthy Andrew docks in fand,
Vailing her high top lower than her ribs,
To kif<; her burial: Should I go to Church,
And fee the holy Edifice of ſtone,
And not be<;hink me fraight of dangerous rocks,
Which touching but my gentle Veſſel's fide,
Would ſcatter all her ſpices on the stream,
Enrobe the roaring waters with my filks,
And in a word, but even now worth this,

And now worth nothing. Shall I have the thought
To think on this, and ſhall I lack the thought,
That ſuch a thing bechanc'd would make me fad?
But tell not me, I know Anthonio
Is fad to think upon his Merchandize.

Anth. Believe me, no, I thank my fortune for it,
My ventures are not in one bottom truſed,
Nor to one place; nor is my whole eſtate
Upon the fortune of this preſent year :
Therefore my Merchandize makes me not fad.

Sal. Why then you are in love.

Anth. Fie, fie.

Sola. Not in love neither ! then let us fay you are ſad
Because you are not merry; and 'twere as eafe
For you to laugh and leap, and fay you are merry,
Because you are not fad. Now by my two-headed Jafus,
Nature hath fram'd ſtrange ſellers in her time ;
Some that will evermore peep through their eyes,
And laugh like Parrots at a bag-piper ;
And other of ſuch vinegar alpeſt,
That they'l not ſhow their teeth in way of ſmile,
Though Neſtar ſwear the jeſt be laughable.

Enter Baffanio, Lorenſo, and Gratiano.

Sola. Here comes Baffanio,
Your moſt noble Kinſman,
Gratiano, and Lorenſo. Fare ye well;
We leave you now with better company.
Sola. I would have ſtaid till I had made you merry,
If worthier friends had not prevented me.

Anth. Your worth is very dear in my regard.
I take it your own buſineſs calls on you,
And you embrace th' occasion to depart.

Sal. Good morrow, my good Lords.
Baff. Good Signiors both, when shall we laugh ? ſay
when?

You grow exceeding ſtrange; muſt it be ſo?

Sal. We'l make our leilures to attend on yours.
Exeunt Solarino, and Solanio.

Lord. My Lord Baffanio, ſince you have found Anthonio,
We

The Merchant of Venice.

147

We two will leave you, but at dinner-time
I pray you have in mind where we must meet.

Bass. I will not stay.

Grat. You look not well, fignior *Anthony*;
You have too much rellect upon the world :
They lofe it that do buy it with much care.
Believe me, you are marvellously chang'd.

*Anth.* I hold the world but as the world, *Gratiano*,
A ftage, where every man must play a part,
And mine a fat one.

Grat. Let me play the fool,
With mirth and laughter: let old wrinckles come,
And let my Liver rather heat with Wine,
Than my heart cool with mortifying groans.
Why should a man, whole blood is warm within,
Sit like his Grandfire cut in *Alabaster* ?
Sleep when he wakes, and creep into the *Jaundies*,
By being peevifh ? I tell thee what, *Anthony*,
I love thee, and it is my love that speaks :
There are a fort of men, whole villages
Do cream and mantle like a standing pond,
And do a wilful ftillneſs entertain,

And with purpose to be dreft in an opinion
Of wisdom, gravity, profound conceit,
As who ſhould ſay, I am, fir, an Oracle,
And when I ope my lips, let no dog bark.
O my *Anthony*, I do know of theſe,
That therefore only are reputed wife,
For faying nothing ; when I am very ſure,
If they ſhould ſpeak, would almost damn theſe ears,
Which hearing them, would call their brothers fools.
Ile tell thee more of this another time.
But ſinßt not with this melancholly bait,
For this fool Gudgion, this opinion :
Come good *Lorenzo*, fare ye well a while,
Ile end my exhortation after dinner.

*Lor.* Well, we will leave you then till dinner-time.
I muſt be one of theſe fame dumb wife men ;
For *Gratiano* never lets me ſpeak.

*Gra.* Well, keep me company but two years moe,
Thou ſhalt not know the found of thine own tongue.

*Anth.* Fare you well ; Ile grow a talker for this gear.

*Gra.* Thanks ? faith ; for ſilence is only commendable
In a Neats Tongue dri'd, and a maid not vendible. *Exit.*

*Anth.* It is that any thing now.

*Bass.* Gratiano ſpeaks an infinite deal of nothing, more
than any man in *Venice* : his reafons are two grains of
wheat hid in two bushels of chaff : you ſhall feek all day e're
you find thes ; and when you have them, they are not
worth the ſearch.

*Anth.* Well: tell me now what Lady is the fame
To whom you ſwere a feefet pilgrimage,
That you to day promis'd to tell me of?

*Bass.* 'Tis not unknown to you, *Anthony*,
How much I have disabled mine eſtate,
By ſomething ſhewing a more ſwelling port
Than my faint ſeems would grant continuance :
Nor do I now make moan to be abridg'd
From ſach a noble rate ; but my chief care
Is to come fairly off from the great debts
Wherein my time, ſomething too prodigal,
Hath left me gag'd: to you, *Anthony*,
I lowe the moſt in money, and in love,
And from your love I have a warranty
To unburthen all my plots and purpoles,
How to get clear of all the debts I owe.

*Anth.* I pray you good *Baffano*, let me know it,
And if it stands as you your ſelf ſtill do,
Within the eye of honour, be affur'd
My purſe, my perſon, my extreameſt means
Lie all unlock'd to your occafions.

*Bass.* In my fchool days, when I had left one ſhafe,
I ſhot his fellow of the ſelf-ſame flight
The ſelf-ſame way, with more adviſed watch,

To find the other forth ; and by adventuring both,
I left found both. I urge this child.hood proof,
Because what follows is pure innocence.
I owe you much, and like a wilful youth,
That which Iowe is loſt: but if you pleafe
To fhoot another arrow that ſelf way
Which you did fhoot the firſt, I do not doubt,
As I will watch the aim: Or to find both,
Or bring your latter hazard back again,
And thankfully reſt debtor for the firſt.

*Anth.* You know me well, and herein ſpend but time
To wind about my love with circumſtance ;
And out of doubt you do to me more wrong,
In making queſtion of my uttermoſt,
Than if you had made waffe of all I have:
Then do but ſay to me, what ſhould I do,
That in your knowledg may by me be done,
And I am preſt unto it: therefore ſpeak.

*Bass.* In *Belmont* is a Lady richly left,
And he is fair, and fairer than that word;
Of wondrous vertues: ſometimes from her eyes,
I did receive fair ſpeechleſs meſſages :
Her name is *Portia*, nothing undervalu'd
To *Cato's* daughter, *Brutus Portia*:
Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth;
For the Four winds blow in from every coast
Renowned ſutors ; and her funny locks
Hang on her temples like a golden fleece,
Which makes her feat of *Belmont Cholchess* ſrond,
And many *Jafons* come in queſt of her.
O my *Anthony*, had I but the means
To hold a rival place with one of them,
I have a mind preſages me much thrift,
That I ſhould queſtionleſs be fortunate.

*Anth.* Thou knowſt that all my fortunes are at fea,
Neither have I money, nor commodity
To raife a prefent ſum; therefore go forth,
Try what my credit can in *Venice* do,
That ſhall be rach'd even to the uttermoſt,
To furniſh thee to *Belmont* to fair *Portia*.
Go prefently enqulſe, and to will I,
Where money is, and I no queſtion make
To have it of my truſt, or for my fake.

*Exeunt.*

*Enter Portia with her waiting-woman Neriffa.*

*Por.* By my troth, *Neriffa*, my little body is weary of this great world.

*Ner.* You would be, fweet Madam, if your miferies were
in the fame abundance as your good fortunes are: and yet
for ought I fee, they are as ſick that ſurfeit with too much,
as they that ſtarve with nothing; therefore it is no ſimal
happineſs to be feated in the means, ſuperfluity comes sooner
by white hairs, but competency lives longer.

*Por.* Good ſentences, and well pronouſed.

*Ner.* They would be better if well followed.

*Por.* If to do were as eafe as to know what were good to do,
Chappels had been Churches, and poor mens Cottages
Princes Palaces: It is a good Divine that follows his own
inſtructions: I can eafier teach twenty what were good to
be done, than be one of the twenty to follow mine own
teaching. The brain may devie laws for the blood, but a
hot temper leaps o're a cold decree; ſuch a hare is Mad-
neſs, the Youth, to skip o're the meſhes of good counsel,
the Cripple: But this reaſon is not in ſashion to chufe me a
husband: O me, the word chufe ! I may neither chufe
whom I would, nor refufe whom I diſlike, fo is the will
of a living daughter curb'd by the will of a dead father: is
it not hard, *Neriffa*, that I cannot chufe one, nor reſuſe
none ?

*Ner.* Your Father was ever vertuous ; and holy men
at their death have good inſpirations; therefore the lot-
tery that he hath devined in theſe three cheſts of Gold,
Silver, and Lead ; whereof who chufes his meaning,
chufes

The Merchant of Venice.

chufes you, will no doubt never be choosen by any right-
ly but one who you shall rightly love: but what warmth
is there in your affection towards any of thefe Princely
futers that are already come?

Por. I pay thee over-name them, and as thou namest
them, I will deferibe them, and according to my deferi-
ption, level at my affection.

Ner. First there is the Neopolitan Prince.

Por. I that's a colt indeed, for he doth nothing but
talk of his horfe, and he makes it a great appropriation
to his own good parts that he can ſhow himself: I
am much afraid my Lady his mother plaid falſe with a
Smith.

Ner. Then is there the County Palatine.

Por. He doth nothing but frown ( as who should ſay
and you will not have me, chufe: he hearts merry tales
and imiles not, I fear he will prove the weeping Philo-
cipher when he grows old, being ſo full of unmannedly
fadneſs in his youth.) I had rather to be married to a
deaths head with a bone in his mouth, than to either of
thefe: God defend me from theſe two.

Ner. How ſay you by the French Lord, Mounſeur
Le Boun ?

Por. God made him, and thereſoee let him pafs for
a man; in truth I know it is fin to be a mocker, but he
why he hath a horſe better than the Neapolitans, a bet-
ter bad habit of frowning than the Count Palatine, he
is every man in no man, a if a Taffel ſing, he falls ſtraight
a capring, he will fence with his own ſhadow. If I ſhould
marry him, I ſhould marry twenty husbands: if he would
delſpile me, I would forſive him, for if he love me to mad-
neſs, I ſhould never requite him.

Ner. What ſay you then to Fauconbridge, the young
Baron of England?

Por. You know I ſay nothing to him, for he under-
ſlands not me, nor I him: he hath neither Latine, Freneb,
nor Italian, and you will come into the Court and ſwear
that I have a poor penny-worth in the English: he is a
proper man ſpicture, but alas who can converſe with a
dumb ſhow? how odly he is ſuited, I think he bought
his doublet in Italy, his round hole in France, his bonnet in
Germany, and his behaviour every where.

Ner. What think you of the other Lord his neigh-
bour?

Por. That he hath a neighbourly charity in him, for
he borrowed a box of the ear of the English-man, and
ſwove he would pay him again when he was able. I
think the Frenchman became his ſurety, and ſealed under
for another.

Ner. How like you the young Germain the Duke of
Saxonies Nephew ?

P'r. Very vildely in the morning when he is ſober,
and moſt vildely in the afternoon when he is drunk;
when he is beſt, he is a little worſe then a man, and when
he is worſt, he is little better then a beaſt : and the worſt
fall that ever ſell, I hope I ſhall make ſhift to go without
him.

Ner. If he ſhould offer to chufe, and chufe the right
Casket, you ſhould reſufe to perform your Fathers will,
if you ſhould reſufe to accept him.

Por. Therefore for fear of the worſt, I pray thee ſet
a deep Glaſs of Renniſh-wine on the contrary Casket,
for if the Devil be within, and the temptation without,
I know he will chufe it. I will do any thing Neriffa ere
I will be married to a ſpunge.

Ner. You need not fear Lady the having any of theſe
Lords, they have acquainted me with their determinati-
ons, which is indeed to return to their home, and to trou-
ble you with no more ſuit, unleſs you may be won by ſome
other for than your Fathers impofition, depending on the
Caskets.

Por. If I live to be as old as Sibilla, I will die as chaſt
as Diano: unleſs I be obtained by the manner of my Fa-
thers will: I am glad this parcel of wooers are to rea-

ſonable, for there is not one among them but I
doat on his very abſence: and with them a fair diſpa-
ture.

Ner. Do you not remember, Lady, in your Father's
time, a Venetian, a Scholar and a Soulder that
came hither in company of the Marqueſs of Monſer-
rat?

Por. Yes, yes, it was Baffanio, as I think, ſo was
he call'd.

Ner. True Madam, he of all the men that ever I
foolſh eyes look'd upon, was the beſt deferring a fair
Lady.

Por. I remember him well, and I remember him wor-
thy of thy praiſe.

Enter a Serving-man.

Ser. The four ſtrangers ſeek you Madam to take this
leave: and there is a ſore-runner come from a ſift.
The Prince of Marceco, who brings word the Prince his
Master will be here to night.

Por. If I could bid the ſift welcome with ſo good heart
as I can bid the other ſur farewell, I ſhould be glad of
his approach: it he have the condition of a Saint, and
the complexion of a Devil, I had rather he ſhould ſhure
me than wive me. Come Neriffa, firra go before; whiles
we ſhut the gate upon one wooer, another knocks at the
door.

Exeunt

Enter Baffania with Shylock the Jew.

Shy. Three thouſand Ducats, well.

Baff. I fir, for three months.

Shy. For three months, well.

Baff. For the which, as I told you,
Anthony ſhall be bound.

Shy. Anthonio ſhall become bound, well.

Baff. May you ſted me ? Will you pleafure me?
Shall I know your anſwer?

Shy. Three thouſand Ducats for three months,
And Anthonio bound.

Baff. Your anſwer to that.

Shy. Anthonio is a good man.

Baff. Have you heard any imputation to the con-
trary.

Shy. No, no, no, no; a my meaning in ſaying he is a
good man, is to have you underſtand me that he is diſa-
cient, yet his means are in ſuppoſition: he hath an Arge-
ſy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies. I under-
ſand moreover upon the Royalto, he hath a third at Mo-
xico, a fourth for England, and other ventures he hath
quandred abroad, but Ships are but hoards. Sailers but
men, there be Land Rats, and Water Rats, Water theives
and Land Theives, I mean Pyrats; and then there is the
peril of Waters, Winds, and Rocks: the man is notwith-
ſanding ſufficient; three thouſand Ducats, I think I may
take his bond.

Baff. Be affured you may.

Jew. I will be affured I may : and that I may beaſ-
fured, I will bethink me, may I ſpeak with Anthe-
nio.

Baff. If it pleaſe you to dine with us.

Jew. Yes, to ſmell pork, to eat of the Habitation
which your Prophet the Nazarite conjured the Devil in-
to: I will buy with you, fell with you, talk with you,
walk with you, and ſo following: but I will not eat with
you, drink with you, nor pray with you.

What news on the Kyalto; who is he comes here?

Enter Anthonio.

Baff. This is Signior Anthonio.

Jew. How like a fawning publican he looks.

THE
TRAGEDY
OF
ROMEO and JULIET.

Actus Primus. Scena Prima.

Enter Sampson and Gregory, with Swords and Bucklers, of the Houfe of Capulet.

Sampson.

Gregory, a my word we'll not carry Coals.
Greg. No, for then we should be Colliers.
Samp. I mean, if we be in choler, we'll draw.
Greg. I, while you live, draw your Neck out
o'th' Collar.

Samp. I ftrike quickly, being mov'd.

Greg. But thou art not quickly mov'd to strike.

Samp. A Dog of the Houfe of Mountague moves me.

Greg. To move, is to ftir : and to be valiant, is to ftand:
Therefore, if thou art mov'd, thou runn'st away.

Samp. A Dog of that Houſe ſhall move me to ſtand :
I will take the Wall of any Man or Maid of Mountague's.

Greg. That flews thee weak, Slave, for the weakeſt goes
to the Wall.

Samp. True, and therefore Women, being the weakſt
Veffels, are ever thrust to the Wall: therefore I will pufh
Mountague's Men from the Wall, and thrust his Maids to
the Wall.

Greg. The Quarrel is between our Maſters, and us
their Men.

Samp. 'Tis all one, I will ſhow my ſelf a Tyrant: when
I have fought with the Men, I will be civil with the
Maids, and cut off their Heads.

Greg. The Heads of the Maids ?

Samp. I, the Heads of the Maids, or their Maiden-heads,
Take it in what ſenſe thou wilt.

Greg. They muſt take it in ſenſe that feel it.

Samp. Me they ſhall feel while I am able to ſtand :
And 'tis known I am a pretty piece of Fleſh.

Greg. 'Tis well thou art not Fift : if thou had'ſt, thou
had'ſt been Poor John. Draw thy Tool, here comes of
the Houſe of the Mountagues.

Enter two other Servingmen.

Samp. My naked weapon is out: quarrel, I will back thee.

Gre. How ? Turn thy back and run ?

Samp. Fear me not.

Greg. No, marry : I fear thee.

Samp. Let us take the Law of our ſides : let them begin.

Gre. I will frown as I paſs by, & let them take it as they lift.

Samp. Nay, as they dare. I will bite my Thumb at them,
which is a diſgrace to them, if they bear it.

Abra. Do you bite your Thumb at us, Sir ?

Samp. I do bite my thumb, Sir.

Abra. Do you bite your thumb at us, Sir ?

Samp. Is the Law of our ſide, if I lay I ?

Greg. No.

Samp. No, Sir, I do not bite my thumb at you, Sir: but
I bite my Thumb, Sir.

Greg. Do you quarrel, Sir ?

Abra. Quarrel, Sir ? no, Sir.

Samp. If you do, Sir, I am for you, I ſerve as good a
Man as you.

Abra. No better ?

Samp. Well, Sir.

Enter Benyolio.

Gr. Say better : here comes one of my Maſters kinaſmen.

Samp. Yes, better.

Abra. You Lye.

Samp. Draw if you be Men. Gregory, remember thy
waſhing blow.

[They fight.

Ben. Part, Fools, put up your Swords, you know not
what you do.

Enter Tybalt.

Tyb. What art thou drawn, among theſe heartſt
Hinds ? Turn thee, Benyolio, look upon thy death.

Ben. I do but keep the Peace, put up thy Sword,
Or manage it to part theſe men with me.

Tyb. What draw, and talk of Peace ? I hate the word
As I hate Hell, all Mountagues, and thee :

Have at thee, Coward.

[Fight.

Enter three or four Citizens with Clubs.

Offic. Clubs, Bills, and Partifans, ſtrike, beat them down,
Down with the Capulets, down with the Mountagues.

Enter Old Capulet in his Gown, and his Wife.

Cap. What noſe is this ? Give me my long Sword, ho ?

Wife. A Crutch, a Crutch: why call you for a Sword ?

Cap. A Sword, I lay: Old Mountague is come,

* Ddd 3

And

["The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.", "306", "And hourilhes his Blade in spight of me.", "*Enter Old Mountague, and his Wife.*", "Moun. Thou Villain, Capulet. Hold me not, let me go.\n2 Wife. Thou fhalt not fir a foot to feek a Foe.", "*Enter Prince Eskales with his Train.*", "Prin. Rebellious Subjects, Enemies to Peace,\nProphaners of this Neighbour-ftained Steel,\nWill they not hear? What hoe, you Men, you Beafts,\nThat quench the Fire of your pernicious Rage,\nWith purple Fountains influing from your Veins :\nOn pain of Torture from thefe bloody hands,\nThrow your miftemper'd Weapons to the ground,\nAnd hear the Sentence of your moved Prince.\nThree civil Broils, bred of an Aiery word,\nBy thee, old Capulet, and Mountague,\nHave thrice diffurb'd the quiet of our Streets,\nAnd made Verona's ancient Citizens\nCaft by their grave befeeming Ornaments,\nTo weild old Partizans, in hands as old,\nCankred with Peace, to part your Cankred-hate,\nIf ever you diffurb our Streets again,\nYour lives fhall pay the forfeit of the Peace.", "For this time all the reft depart away :", "You, Capulet, fhall go along with me;", "And, Mountague, come you this afternoon,", "To know our Father's pleafure in this cafe,", "To old Free-town, our common Judgment-place:", "Once more, on pain of death, all men depart. [Exeunt]\nMoun, Who fet this ancient Quarrel new approach?", "Speak, Nephew, were you by when it began ?", "Ben. Here were the Servants of your adversary,", "And yours, clofe fighting e're I did approach,", "I drew to part them, in the infant came", "The fiery Tibalt, with his sword prepar'd,", "Which as he breath'd defiance to my Ears,", "He fwong about his Head, and cut the Winds,", "Who nothing hurt withall, hif'd him in ſcorn,", "While we were interchanging thrifts and blows,", "Came more and more, and fought on part and part,", "Till the Prince came, who parted either part.", "Wife. O where is Romeo, faw you him to day ?", "Right glad am I, he was not at this Fray.", "Ben. Madam, an hour before the worlflipp'd Sun", "Peer'd forth the golden window of the Eaſt,", "A troubled mind drave me to walk abroad,", "Where underneath the grove of Sycamour,", "That Weft-ward rooteth from this City ſide,", "So early walking did I fee your Son ;", "Towards him I made, but he was ware of me,", "And flole into the Covert of the Wood ;", "I meaſuring his Affections by my own,", "Which then moſt fought, where moſt might not be found,", "Being one too many by my weary ſelf,", "Purſued my Honour, not purſuing his,", "And gladly flun'd, who gladly fled from me.", "Mount. Many a morning hath he there been ſeen,", "With tears augmenting the fresh morning Dew,", "Adding to Clouds, more Clouds with his deep ſighs,", "But all ſoon as the all-cheering Sun,", "Should in the fartheft Eaſt begin to draw", "The fhyde Curtains from Aurora's Bed,", "Away from light ſteals home my heavy Son,", "And private in his Chamber pens himſelf,", "Shutsup his Windows, locks fair Day-light out,", "And makes himſelf an artificial Night:", "Black and portentous muſt this humour prove,", "Unleſs good Counsel may the Caufe remove.", "Ben. My Noble Uncle, do you know the Caufe ?", "Moun. I neither know it, nor can learn of him.", "Ben. Have you importun'd him by any means ?", "Moun. Both my ſelf, and many other Friends,\nBut he his own affections Counſellor,\nIs to himſelf (I will not ſay how true)\nBut to himſelf ſo ſecreſt and ſo cloſe,\nSo far from founding and diſcovery,\nAs is the bud bit with an envious worm,\nE're he can ſpread his ſweet Leaves to the Air,\nOr dedicate his Beauty to the fame.\nCould we but learn from whence his Sorrows grow,\nWe would as willingly give cure, as know.", "*Enter Romeo.*", "Ben. See where he comes, ſo pleafe you ſtep aſide,\nPlease your grievance, or be much deny'd.", "Moun. I would thou wert ſo happy by thy ſlay,", "To hear true Shriſt. Come, Madam, let's away. [Exeunt]", "Ben. Good morrow, Conſin.", "Rom. Is the day ſo young ?", "Ben. But new ſtrook nine.", "Rom. Ay me, ſad hours ſeem long :", "Was that my Father that went hence ſo faſt ?", "Ben. It was, what ſadneſs lengthens Romeo's hours?", "Rom. Not having that, which having, makes them ſhort.", "Ben. In love.", "Rom. Out.", "Ben. Of Love.", "Rom. Out of her favour, where I am in Love.", "Ben. Alas, that Love ſo gentle in his view,", "Should be ſo Tyrannous and rough in proof.", "Rom. Alas, that Love, whose view is mufled ſill,", "Should without Eyes, ſee path-ways to his will:", "Where ſhall we dine ? O me : what fray was here?", "Yet tell me not, for I have heard it all :", "Here's much to do with hate, but more with love:", "Why then, O brawling Love, O loving Hate,", "O any thing of nothing firſt create :", "O heavy lightneſs, ſerious Vanity,", "Milhapen Chaos of well-feeming ſorms,", "Feather of Lead, bright Smoke, cold Fire, ſick Health,", "Still-waking Sleep, that is not what it is :", "This Love feel I, that feel no Love in this.", "Doſt thou not laugh ?", "Ben. No, Conz, I rather weep.", "Rom. Good Heart, at what?", "Ben. At thy good Hearts oppreſſion.", "Rom. Why luch is loves tranſgreſſion.", "Griefs of mine own lye heavy in my Breaf;", "Which thou wilt propagate to have it preſt", "VWith more of thine, this Love that thou haſt ſown,", "Doth add more grief to too much of mine own.", "Love is a ſmoke made of the fume of ſlights,", "Being purg'd, a fire ſparling in Lovers Eyes,", "Being vext, a Sea nouriſh'd with loving tears,", "VWhat is it elfe ? a madneſs moſt diſcreet,", "A choaking gall, and a preferving ſweet:", "Farewel my Couz.", "Ben. Soft, I will go along.", "And if you leave me ſo, you do me wrong.", "Rom. But I have loft my ſelf, I am not here,", "This is not Romeo, he's ſome other where.", "Ben. Tell me in ſadneſs, who is that you love?", "Rom. VWhat ſhall I grone and tell thee ?", "Ben. Grone ? why no : but fadly tell me, who.", "Rom. A ſick man in good ſadneſs makes his will :", "O, word ill urg'd to one that is ſo ill :", "In ſadneſs, Conſin, I do love a woman.", "Ben. I aim'd ſo near, when I fuppос'd you lov'd.", "Rom. A right good Marks-man, and ſhe's fair I love.", "Ben. A right fair mark, fair Couz, is ſooner ſhit.", "Rom. VVell in that hit you miſs, the'l not be hit", "VWith Capids Arrow, ſhe hath Dians wit:", "And in ſtrong proof of Chaſtify

["The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.", "307", "She will not stay the Siege of Loving terms,", "Nor bide th' encounter of affailing Eyes,", "Nor ope her Lap to Saint-educing Gold :", "O she is rich in Beauty, only poor,", "That when she dies, with Beauty dies her flore.", "Ben. Then she hath fworn, that she will still live chafe?", "Rom. She hath, and in that fparing makes huge waſte?", "For Beauty ſtarv'd with her ſeverity,", "Cuts Beauty off from all poftery.", "She is too fair, too wife, wifely too fair,", "To merit blifs by making me defpair :", "She hath forfworn to love, and in that Vow", "Do I live dead, that live to tell it now.", "Ben. Be ruſ'd by me, forget to think of her.", "Rom. O teach me how I ſhould forget to think.", "Ben. By giving liberty unto thine Eyes ;", "Examine other Beauties.", "Ben. 'Tis the way to call hers (exquife)in queſtion more.", "Thofe happy Masks that kifs fair Ladies brows,", "Being black, put us in mind they hide the fair :", "He that is ſtrucken blind cannot forget", "The precious Treafure of his Eye-fight loſt :", "Shew me a Miftrefs that is palling fair :", "What doth her Beauty ſerve but as a Note,", "Where I may read who paſt that palling fair.", "Farewell, thou can't not teach me to forget.", "Ben. I'le pay that doctrine, or eſſe die in debt. [Exeunt.", "Enter Capulet, County Paris, and the Clown.", "Capu. Mountague is bound as well as I,", "In penalty alike, and 'tis not hard I think,", "For Men fo old as we to keep the Peace.", "Par. Of honourable reckning are you both,", "And pity 'tis you liv'd at odds ſo long :", "But now, my Lord, what ſay you to my ſuit ?", "Cap. But faying 'oure what I have ſaid before,", "My Child is yet a ſtranger in the World,", "She hath not ſeen the change of fourteen years,", "Let two more Summers wither in their pride,", "E're we may think his ripe to be a Bride.", "Par. Younger than ſhe, are happy Mothers made.", "Cap. And too ſoon mart'd are thofe ſo early made :", "Earth up hath fwalloved all my hopes but ſhe,", "She is the hopeful Lady of my Earth :", "But woofe her, gentle Paris, get her Heart,", "My will to her conſent, is but a part,", "And he agree, within his ſcope of choice,", "Lies my conſent, and fair according voice :", "This night I hold an old accuſom'd Feaſt,", "Wherefer I have invited many a Gueſt,", "Such as I love, and you among the ſfore,", "One more, moſt welcome makes me my number more :", "At my poor Houſe, look to behold this night,", "Earth-treading Stars, that make dark Heaven light,", "Such comfort as do luſty young Men feel,", "When well apparell'd April on the heel", "Of limping Winter treads, even ſuch delight", "Among fresh Female buds ſhall you this night", "Inherit at my Houſe: hear all, all fee :", "And like her moſt, whoſe merit moſt ſhall be :", "Which one more view, of many, mine being one,", "May ſtand in number, though in reck'ning none.", "Come, go with me: go, firrah, trudge about,", "Through fair Verona, find thofe Perfons out,", "Whoſe Names are written there, and to them ſay,", "My Houſe and Welcome, on their pleasure ſtay. [Exit.", "Ser. Find them out whoſe Names are written. Here it\nis written, that the Shoo-maker ſhould meddle with his\nYard, and the Tayler with his Laſt, the Filaſher with his\nPenſil, and the Painter with his Nets. But I am ſent to\nfind thofe perſons whoſe Names are writ, and can never\nfind what Names the writing perſon hath here writ, (I\nmuſt to the Learned) in good time.", "Enter Benvolio, and Romeo.", "Ben. Tut man, one Fire burns out anothers burning,", "One pain is leſſ'ned by anothers anguifh :", "Turn giddy, and be holp by backward turning :", "One deſperate grief Cures with anothers languifh :", "Take thou ſome new Infection to the Eye,", "And the rank Poyſon of the old will die.", "Rom. Your Plantan leaf is excellent for that,", "Ben. For what, I pray thee ?", "Rom. For your broken ſhin.", "Ben. Why, Romeo, art thou mad ?", "Rom. Not mad, but bound more than a Mad man is :", "Shut up in Prifon, kept without my Food,", "Whipt and tormented: and Good-e'en, good Fellow.", "Ser. God gi? Good-e'en, I pray, Sir, can you read ?", "Rom. I, mine own Fortune in my miſery.", "Ser. Perhaps you have learn'd it without Book :", "But, I pray, can you read any thing you fee ?", "Rom. I, if I know the Letters and the Language,", "Ser. Ye fey honyſtly, reſt you mery.", "Rom. Stay Fellow, I can read.", "Here reads the Letter.", "SEaigneur Martino, and his Wife and Daughter: County An-\nfelm and his Beauteous Sifters: the Lady Widow of Vitru-\nvio, Seigneur Placentio, and his lovely Nieces: Mercutio and\nhis Brother Valentine, mine Uncle Capulet, his Wife and\nDaughters: my fair Niece Rofaline, Livia, Seigneur Valen-\ntio, and his Cousin Tybalt: Lucio, and the lively Helena.", "A fair Affembly, whither ſhould they come ?", "Ser. Up.", "Rom. Whither ? to Supper ?", "Ser. To our Houſe.", "Rom. Whofe Houſe ?", "Ser. My Maſters.", "Rom. Indeed I ſhould have askt you that before.", "Ser. Now Ple tell you without asking, My Maſter is\nthe great rich Capulet, and if you be not of the houſe of\nMountagues, I pray come and cruſh a cup of Wine. Reſt\nyou mery.", "Ben. At this fame ancient Feaſt of Capulets,", "Sups the fair Rofaline, whom thou ſo loveſt :", "With all the admired Beauties of Verona,", "Go thither, and with unattainted Eye,", "Compare her Face with ſome that I ſhall ſhow,", "And I will make thee think thy Swan a Crow.", "Rom. When the devout Religion of mine Eye", "Maintains ſuch falſe-hood, then turn Tears to Fire :", "And theſe who often droun'd could never die,", "Transſparent Hereticks be burnt for Liers.", "One fairer than my Love ! the all-ſeeing Sun", "Ne're ſaw her Match, ſince firſt the World begun.", "Ben. Tut, tut, you ſaw her ſer, none eſſe being by,", "Her ſelf poys'd with her ſelf in either Eye :", "But in that Cryſtal ſcales, let there be weigh'd,", "Your Ladies love againſt ſome other Maid,", "That I will ſhow you, ſhining at this Feaſt,", "And ſhe'll ſhow ſcant well, that now ſhews beſt.", "Rom. I'le go along, no ſuch fight to be ſhewn,\nBut to rejoice in ſplendor of mine own.", "Enter Capulet's Wife, and Nurfe.", {"bbox": [490, 1251, 843, 1271], "category": "

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

308

*Wife.* This is the matter: Nurfe, give leave a while, we must talk in secret. Nurfe, come back again, I have remembered me, thou'fey hear my Counſel: Thou knoweft my Daughter's of a pretty age.

*Nurfe.* Faith I can tell her age unto an hour.

*Wife.* She's not fourteen.

*Nurfe.* I'le lay fourteen of my teeth,
And yet to my teeth be it spoken,
I have but four, ſhe's not fourteen;
How long is it now to Lammastide?

*Wife.* A fortnight and odd days.

*Nurfe.* Even or odd, of all days in the year, come Lammas Eve at night ſhall ſhe be fourteen. *Sufan and ſhe, God reſt all Chriſtian Souls, were of an age.* Well, *Sufan is with God, ſhe was too good for me.* But as I faid, on Lammas Eve at night ſhall ſhe be fourteen, that ſhall ſhe, marry, I remember it well. 'Tis ſince the Earthquake now eleven years, and ſhe was wean'd, I never ſhall forget it, of all the days in the year, upon that day: for I had then laid Worm-wood to my Dugs, fitting in the Sun under the Dove-houſe wall, my Lord and you were then at Mantua, nay, I do bear a brain. But as I faid, when it did taſt the Worm-wood on the Nipple of my Dug, and felt it bitter, pretty fool, to fee it teachy, and fall out with the Dug. Shake, quoth the Dove-houſe, 'twas no need I trow to bid me trudge: and ſince that time it is eleven years, for then ſhe could ſtand alone, nay, byth? Rood ſhe could have run, and wadled all about: for even the day before ſhe broke her Brow, and then my Husband, God be with his Soul, a was a merry man, took up the Child, yea, quoth he, doſt thou fall upon thy Face? thou wilt fall backward when thou haſt more wit, wilt thou not, *Juliet*? And by my Holy-dam, the pretty wretch left crying, and faid, I: to fee now how a Jeſt ſhall come about. I warrant, and I should live a thousand years, I never ſhould forget it: Wilt thou not, *Juliet*, quoth he? and pretty fool, it ſtinted, and faid, I.

*Old La.* Enough of this, I pray thee hold thy peace.

*Nur.* Yes, Madam, yet I cannot chufe but laugh, to think it ſhould leave crying, and ſay, I: and yet I warrant it had upon its Brow a bump as big as a young Cockrels Stone: A perilous knock, and it cried bitterly. Yea, quoth my Husband, fall'ft upon thy Face? thou wilt fall backward when thou comelt to age: wilt thou not, *Juliet*? It ſtinted, and faid, I.

*Juliet.* And ſtint thiee too, I pray thee, Nurſe, ſay I.

*Nur.* Peace, I have done: God mark thee to his Grace, thou waſt the prettieſt Babe that e're I nurſt, and I might live to fee thee married once, I have my wifh.

*Old La.* Marry that marry is the very theam I cameto talk of, tell me, Daughter *Juliet*, How ſtands your diſpoſition to be Married?

*Juliet.* 'Tis an hour that I dream not of.

*Nur.* An hour, were not I thine only Nurſe, I would ſay that thou haſtuck'd wifdom from thy teat.

*Old La.* Well think of Marriage now, younger than you Here in Verona, Ladies of eſteem, Are made already Mothers. By my count, I was your Mother, much upon theſe years, That you are now a Maid, thus then in brief, The valiant *Paris* feeks you for his Love.

*Nurſe.* A Man, young Lady, Lady, ſuch a Man as all the world— Why he's a Man of Wax.

*Old La.* Verona's Summer hath not ſuch a flower.

*Nurſe.* Nay he's a flower, in faith a very flower.

*Old La.* VV hat ſay you, can you love the Gentleman? This night you ſhall behold him at our Feaſt, Read o're the Volume of young *Paris*'s Face, And find delight wriſt there with Beauties Pen:

Examine every ſeveral lineament,

And fee how one another lends content:

And what obſcur'd in this fair Volume lies,

Finde written in the Margent of his Eyes.

This precious Book of Love, this unbound Lover,
To becaſtify him, only lacks a Cover.

The Fifth lives in the Sea, and 'tis much pride
For fair without, the fair within to hide:

That Book in manies Eyes doth ſhare the glory,
That in Gold Claps locks in the Golden ſtory:

So ſhall you ſhare all that he doth poffeſs,
By having him, making your ſelf no leſs.

*Nurſe.* No leſs, nay bigger: Women grow by men.
*Old La.* Speak briefly, can you like of *Paris* love?

*Juliet.* I'le look like, if looking likelong move.

But no more deep will I endart mine Eye,

Than your conſent gives ſtrength to make it fly.

## Enter a Servingman.

*Ser.* Madam, the Gueſts are come, Supper ſerved up, you call'd, my young Lady ask'd for, the Nurſe curſt in the Pantry, and every thing in extremity: I muſt hence to wait, I befeech you follow ſtraight.

*Mo.* We follow thee, *Juliet*, the County flays.

*Nurſe.* Go, Girl, ſeek happy nights to happy days.

[Ext.]
[Extent.]

Enter Romeo, Mercutio, Benvolio, with five or fix other

[Extent.]

Maskers, Torch-bearers.

*Rom.* What ſhall this Speech be ſpoke to our exſuſe?
Or ſhall we on without Apology?

*Ben.* The date is out of ſuch prolixity,
We'll have no Cupid hood-winkt with a Scarf,
Bearing a Tartars painted Bow of Lath,
Scaring the Ladies like a Crow-keeper.
But let them meaſure us by what they will,
We'll meaſure them a Meaſure, and be gone.

*Rom.* Give me a Torch, I am not for this ambling
Being but heavy, I will bear the light.

*Mer.* Nay, gentle *Romeo*, we muſt have you dance.

*Rom.* Not I, believe me, you have dancing shoes
With nimble Soles, I have a Sole of Lead,
So Stakes me to the ground, I cannot move.

*Mer.* You are a Lover, borrow Cupids Wings,
And foar with them above a common bound.

*Rom.* I am too fore impierced with his ſhaff,
To foar with his light feathers, and to bound:
I cannot bound a pitch above dull woe,
Under loves heavy burden do I ſink.

*Hora.* And to ſink in it, should you burden love,
Too great oppreſſion for a tender thing.

*Rom.* Is Love a tender thing? it is too rough,
Too rude, too boyſterous, it pricks like Thorn.

*Mer.* If Love be rough with you, be rough with Love,
Prick Love for pricking, and you beat Love down,
Give me a Café to put my Vifage in,
A Vifor for a Vifer; what care I
What curious Eye doth quote deformities,
Here are the Beetle-brows ſhall bluſh for me.

*Ben.* Come knock and enter, and no sooner in,
But every man betake him to his Legs.

*Rom.* A Torch for me, let Wantons light of Heart
Tickle the ſenſeſſs Ruffes with their Heels:
For I am proverb'd with a Grandfire Phaſe,
I'le be a Candle-holder, and look on,
The Game was ne're ſo fair, and I am Dan.

*Mer.* Tut, Dun's the Monſe, the Conftables own word,
If thou art Dun, we'll draw thee from the mire.
Or, fave your reverence, Love, wherein thou ſtuckeſt
Up to the Ears: come, we burn day-light, ho.

*Rom.* Nay, that's not ſo.

*Mer.* I mean, Sir, I delay.

We waſe our Lights in vain, lights, lights, by day;
Take our good Meaning, for our Judgment fits
Five times in that, e're once in our fine Wits.

*Rom.* And we mean well in going to this Mask,
But 'tis no wit to go.

*Mer.* Why, may one ask?

Rom. 1

Romeo. I dreamt a Dream to Night.

Mer. And so did I.

Romeo. Well, what was yours ?

Mer. That Dreamers often lie.

Romeo. In Bed asleep while they do dream things true.

Mer. O then I fee. Queen Mab hath been with you :
She is the Fairies Mid-wife, and she comes in shape no big-
ger than an Agat-fhone on the fore-finger of an Alderman,
drawn with a teem of little Atomies, over Mens Nofes as
they lie asleep: her Waggon Spoke's made of long Spin-
ners Legs: the Cover of the Wings of Grafhoppers; her
Trace of the fmalleft Spiders Web; her Collars of the
Moon-flines watry beams; her Whip of Creckets bone,
the Laft of filme her Waggoner; a fmal gray coated
Gnat, not half so big as a round little Worm, prickt from
the Lazy finger of a Woman. Her Chariot is an empty Ha-
fel-nut, made by the Joyner Squirrel or old Grub, time out
of mind, the Fayries Coach-makers: and in this ſtate the
gallops Night by Night, through Lovers Brains: and then
they dream of Love. On Countries Knees, that dream on
Curties ſtrait: O're Lawyers Fingers, who ſtrait dream on
Fees: o're Ladies Lips, who ſtrait on Killes dream, which
off the angry Mab with Blifters plagues, becaufe their
Breath with Sweet-meats tainted are. Sometime the gal-
ops o're a Courtiers Nofe, and then dreams he of ſmelling
out a Suit: and fometime comes he with a Tith-pigs tale,
tickling a Parons Nofe as he lies asleep, then he dreams
of another Benefice. Sometime he driveth o're a Souldiers
Neck, and then dreams he of cutting Foreign Threats, of
Breaches, Ambufcadoes, Spanifh Blades: Of Healths five
Fathom deep; and then anon drums in his Ears, at which
he flarts and wakes, and being thus frighted, ſwears away
a Prayer or two, and fleeps again: this is that very Mab that
plats the manes of Horſes in the Night: and bakes the Elf-
locks in foul fluttifh Hairs, which once intangled, much
misſtune bodes.

This is the Hag, when Maids lie on their backs,
That preſſes them, and learns them firſt to bear,
Making them women of good Carriage :

This is the—

Romeo. Peace, peace, *Mercutio*, peace.

Thou talk't for nothing.

Mer. True, I talk of Dreams :

Which are the Children of an idle Brain,
Begot of nothing, but vain phantafie,
Which is as thin of ſubſtance as the Air,
And more unconſtant than the Wind, who whooes
Even now the frozen boſom of the North :
And being anger'd, puffs away from thence
Turning his ſide to the dew-dropping South.

Ben. This wind you talk of blows us from our ſelves,
Supper is done, and we hall come too late.

Romeo. I fear too early, for my mind miſgives,
Some ſeqüence yet hanging in the Stars,
Shall bitterly begin his fearful date
With this Nights Revels, and expire the term
Of a deſpifed Life clos'd in my Breaf,
By ſome vile forfeit of untimely death,
But he that hath the ſteerage of my courſe,
Direct my ſute: On, Iuſty Gentlemen.

Ben. Strike, Drum.

They march about the Stage, and Servingmen come forth with
their Napkins.

Enter Servant.

Ser. Where's Potpan, that he helps not to take away ?
He ſhift a Trencher ? He ſcrape a Trencher.

1. When good Manners ſhall lie in one or two Mens
hands, and they unwaſh'd too, 'tis a foul thing.

Ser. Away with the Joyn-ſtools, remove the Court-
cupbord, look to the Plate: good thou, ſave me a piece of
March-pane, and as thou loveſt me, let the Porter let in

Sufjan Grindstone, and Nell, Anthony, and Potpan.

2. I, Boy, ready.

Ser. You are look'd for, call'd for, ask'd for, and ſought
for, in the great Chamber.

1. We cannot be here and there too, chearly Boys,
Be brisk a while, and the longer liver take all.

[Exeunt.]

Enter all the Guests and Gentlewomen to the
Maskers,

1 Cap. Welcome, Gentlemen,
Ladies that have their Toes

Unplagued with Corns, will walk about with you :
Ah me, Miftrefles, which of you all
Will now deny to Dance ? She that makes dainty,
She, I'le ſwear, hath Corns: Am I come near ye now ?

Welcome Gentlemen, I have feen the day
That I have worn a Vifor, and could tell

A whispering Tale in a fair Ladies Ear,
Such as would pleafe: 'tis gone, 'tis gone, tis gone,
You are welcome, Gentlemen, come, Mufitians, play :

[Mufick plays: and they dance.]

A Hall, Hall, give room, and foot it, Girls,
More light, ye Knaves, and turn the Tables up:
And quench the Fire, the Room is grown too hot.

Ah, Sirrah, this unlook'd for ſport comes well :

Nay, fit, nay fit, good Couſin Capulet,

For you and I, are paſt our dancing daies :

How long is't now ſince laſt your ſelf and I
Were in a Mask?

2 Cap. By'r Lady, thirty years.

1 Cap. What, man ! 'tis not ſo much, 'tis not ſo much,
'Tis ſince the Nuptial of Lucentio,
Come Pentecost, as quickly as it will,
Some five and twenty years, and then we Mask'd,

2 Cap. 'Tis more, 'tis more, his Son is Elder, Sir :
His Son is thirty.

3 Cap. Will you tell me that ?

His Son was but a Ward two years ago.

Rom. What Lady is that which doth enrich the hand
of yonder Knight ?

Ser. I know not, Sir.

Rom. O ſhe doth teach the Torches to burn bright:

Her Beauty hangs upon the cheek of night,
Like a rich Jewel in an Æriphys Ear :

Beauty too rich for uſe, for Earth too dear :

So ſhews a Snowy Dove trooping with Crows,

As yonder Lady o're her Fellows flows :

The meaſure done, I'le watch her place of ſtand,
And touching hers, make bleſſed my rude hand.
Did my heart love till now, forſwear it, fight,
For I never ſaw true Beauty till this Night.

Tib. This by his voice ſhould be a Mountague.

Fetch me my Rapier, Boy, what dares the Slave
Come hither cover'd with an Antique Face,
To fleer and ſcorn at our Solemnity ?

Now by the ſtock and honour of my kin,

To ſtrike him dead I hold it not a ſin.

Cap. Why how now, Kinſman,

Wherefore ſtorm you ſo ?

Tib. Uncle this is a Mountague, our Foe :

A Villain that is hither come in ſpight,
To ſcorn at our Solemnity this Night.

Cap. Young Romeo is it ?

Tib. 'Tis he, that Villain Romeo.

Cap. Content thee, gentle Couz, let him alone,
A bears him like a portly Gentleman :

And to ſay truth, Verona brags of him,

To be a vertuous and well-govern'd Youth :

I would not for the wealth of all the Town,
Here in my Houſe do him disparagement :

Therefore be patient, take no note of him,
It is my will, the which if thou reſpect,

Shew

["The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.", "310", "Shew a fair prefence, and put off theſe frowns,\nAn ill beſeeming ſemblance for a Feaſt.", "Tib. It fits, when ſuch a Villain is a Gueſt,\nI'le not endure him.", "Cap. He ſhall be indur'd.", "What, goodman-boy. I ſay he ſhall, go to,", "Am I the Maſter here, or you? go to,", "You'l not endure him, God ſhall mend my Soul,", "You make a mutiny among the Gueſts :", "You will fet cock a hoop, you'l be the Man ?", "Tib. Why, Uncle, 'tis a ſhame.", "Cap. Go to, go to.", "You are a ſawcy Boy, 'tis ſo ended? ", "This trick may chance to ſeathe you, I know what,\nYou muſt contrary me, marry 'tis time.", "Well ſaid, my Hearts, you are a Princox, go,", "Be quiet or more light, for ſhame,", "I'le make you quiet. What, cheerly my Hearts.", "Tib. Patience perſorce, with willful choler meeting,\nMakes my ſleſh tremble in their different greeting :", "I will withdraw, but this intrusion ſhall", "Now ſeeming ſweet, convert to bitter gall.", "Ram. If I prophane with my unworthieſt hand,", "This holy ſhrine, the gentle ſin is this,", "My lips two blufhing Pilgrims ready ſtand,", "To smooth that rough touch with a tender kifs.", "Jul. Good Pilgrim,", "You do wrong your Hand too much,", "Which mannerly devotion ſhews in this,", "For Saints have hands, the Pilgrims hand, do touch,", "And palm to palm, is holy Palmers kifs.", "Rom. Have not Saints Lips, and holy Palmers too ?", "Jul. I, Pilgrim, lips that they muſt uſe in Prayer.", "Rom. O then, dear Saint, let Lips do what Hands do,", "They pray, (grant thou,) leaſt Faith turn to Deſpair.", "Jul. Saints do not move,", "Though grant for Prayers ſake.", "Rom. Then move not while my Prayers effect do take :", "Thus from my Lips, by thine my ſin is purg'd.", "Jul. Then have my Lips the ſin that they have took.", "Rom. Sin from my Lips? O trefpaſs ſweetly urg'd :", "Give me my ſin again.", "Jul. You kifs by th' Book.", "Nur. Madam, your Mother craves a word with you.", "Rom. What is her Mother ?", "Nur. Marry, Batchelor,", "Her Mother is the Lady of the Houſe,", "And a good Lady, and a wife, and vertuous,\nI Nurs'd her Daughter that you talk withall :", "I tell you, he that can lay hold of her,\nShall have the Chinks.", "Rom. Is ſhe a Capulet ?", "O dear account ! my Life is my Foes debt.", "Ben. Away, be gone, the ſport is at the beſt.", "Rom. I, ſo I fear, the more is my unreſt.", "Cap. Nay, Gentlemen, prepare not to be gone,", "We have a trifling fooliſh Banquet towards :", "Is it e'en ſo ? why then, I thank you all.", "I thank you, honest Gentlemen, good Night:", "More Torches here come on, then lets to Bed.", "Ah Sirrah, by my Faie it waxes late.", "Ple to my reſt.", "Jul. Come hither, Nurfe,", "What is yond' Gentleman ?", "Nur. The Son and Heir of old Tyberio.", "Jul. What's he that now is going out of door?", "Nur. Marry, that I think to be young Petrucho.", "Jul. What's he that follows here, that would not dance?", "Nur. I know not.", "Jul. Go ask his Name; if he be Married,\nMy Grave is like to be my wedding Bed.", "Nur. His Name is Romeo, and a Mountague,\nThe only Son of our great Enemy.", "Jul. My only Love ſprung from my only Hate,\nToo early ſeen, unknown, and known, too late,\nProdigious birth of Love it is to me,\nThat I muſt love a loathed Enemy.", "Nur. What's this ? what's this ?", "Jul. A Rhime I learn'd even now\nOf one I danc'd withall.", "[One calls within, Juliet.", "Nur. Anon, anon", "Come let's away, the Strangers all are gone.", "[Exeunt.", "Chorus.", "Now old define doth in his Death-bed lie,\nAnd young Affection gapes to be his Heir,\nThat fair, for which Love groan'd for and would die,\nWith tender Juliet match'd is now not fair,", "Now Romeo is beloved, and loves again,", "A like bewitched by the charm of looks :", "But to his Foe ſuppos'd he muſt complain,", "And the ſteal Loves ſweet bait from fearful hooks.", "Being held a Foe, he may not have acceſſ", "To breathe ſuch Vows, as Lovers uſe to ſwear ;", "And he as much in Love, her means much leſſ,", "To meet her new Beloved any where :", "But paffion lends them Power, time, means to meet,\nTempting extremities with extream ſweet.", "Enter Romeo alone.", "Rom. Can I go forward, when my Heart is here?\nTurn back, Dull Earth, and find my Center out.", "Enter Benvolio with Mercutio.", "Ben. Romeo, my Couſin Romeo, Romeo.", "Nur. He is wife,", "And on my life hath ſoln him home to bed.", "Ben. He ran this way, and leap'd this Orchard wall.\nCall, good Mercutio:", "Nay, I'le conjure too.", "Mr. Romeo Humours, Madam, Paffion, Lover,", "Appear thou in the likeneſts of a fight,", "Spak but one time, and I am ſatified :", "Cry me but aim, Couply but Love and Day,", "Speak to my Goffip Venus one fair word,", "One Nick-name for her pur-blind Son and her,", "Young Abraham Cupid, he that ſhot ſo true,", "When King Cophetua lov'd the Beggar-maid,", "He heareth not, he ſlirreth not, he moveth not,", "The Ape is dead, and I muſt conjure him,", "I conjure thee by Rofaline's bright Eyes,", "By her high Fore-head, and her Scarlet lip,", "By her fine Foot, Ibreight Leg, and quivering Thigh,", "And the Defineants that there adjacent lie,", "That in thy likeneſts thou appear to us.", "Ben. And if he hear thee, then wilt anger him.", "Mr. This cannot anger him, 'twould anger him,\nTo raife a Spirit in his Miftrefſ's Circle,", "Of ſome ſtrange Nature, letting it there ſtand", "Till ſhe had laid it, and conjur'd it down,", "That were ſone ſpight.", "My Invocation is fair and honest, and in his Miftrefſ's name,\nI conjure only but to raife up him.", "Ben. Come, he hath hied himſelf among theſe Trees\nTo be conſorted with the humorous Night :\nBlind is his Love, and beſt beſits the dark.", "Mr. If Love be blind, Love cannot hit the mark,", "Now will he fit under a Medlar-tree,", "And wifh his Miftrefſs were that kind of Fruit,", {"bbox

311

Romeo, good night, I'le to my Truckle-bed,
This Field-bed is too cold for me tolieep:
Come, fhall we go?

Bon. Go then, for 'tis in vain to feek him here—
That means not to be found.

[Exeunt.]

Rom. He jefts at Scars that never felt a wound,
But foft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the Eaft, and *Juliet* is the Sun,
Arife, fair Sun, and kill the envious Moon,
Who is already fick and pale with grief,
That thou her Maid, art far more fair than he:
Be not her Maid since he is envious,
Her veftal Livery is but fick and green,
And none but Fools do wear it, caft it off:
It is my Lady, O it is my Love, O that he knew he were,
She fpeaks, yet he fays nothing; what of that?
Her Eye difcourſes, I will anſwer it:

I am too bold, 'tis not to me he ſpeaks:
Two of the faireſt Stars in all the Heaven,
Having ſome buſineſs, do intreat her Eyes
To twinkle in their Spheres till they return.
What if her Eyes were there, they in her Head,
The brightneſs of her Cheek would ſhame thofe Stars,
As Day-light doth a Lamp, her Eye in Heaven,
Would through the airy Region ſtream ſo bright,
That Birds would ſing, and think it were not Night:
See how he leans her Cheek upon her Hand.
O that I were a Glove upon that hand.
That I might touch that Cheek.

Jul. Ay me.

Rom. She ſpeaks.

Oh ſpeak again, bright Angel, for thou art
As glorious to this Night being would I'le my Head,
As is a winged Meſtenger of Heaven
Unto the white upturned wondring Eyes

Of Mortals that fall back to gaze on him,
When he beſtrides the lazy puffing Clouds,
And fails upon the boſom of the air.

Jul. O, *Romeo*, *Romeo*, wherefore art thou *Romeo*?

Deny thy Father, and refuse thy name:
Or if thou wilt not, be but ſworn my Love,
And Ple no longer be a Capulet.

Rom. Shall I hear more, or ſhall I ſpeak at this?

Juli. ?Tis but thy name that is my Enemy:
Thou art thy ſelf, though not a *Mountague*,
What's *Mountague* ? it is not hand nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, O be ſome other name
Belonging to a man.

What's in a name ? that which we call a Rofe,
By any other word would ſmell as ſweet,
So *Romeo* would, were he not *Romeo* call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes,
Without that Title; *Romeo*, doſt thy Name,
And for thy Name, which is no part of thee,
Take all my ſelf.

Rom. I take thee at thy word :

Call me but Love, and I'le be new baptiz'd,
Henceforth I never will be *Romeo*.

Jul. What Man art thou, that thus beſcreen'd in Night,
So ſtumbleſt on my Counſel?

Rom. By a Name,

I know not how to tell thee who I am:
My Name, dear Saint, is hateful to my ſelf,
Because it is an Enemy to thee,

Had I it written, I would tear the word.

Jul. My Ears have yet not drunk a hundred words
Of thy Tongues uttering, yet I know the found.
Art thou not *Romeo*, and a *Mountague*?

Rom. Neither, fair Maid, if either thee diſlike.

Jul. How cam'ſt thou hither,
Tell me, and wherefore?

The Orchard Walls are high, and hard to climb,
And the place Death, confidering who thou art,

If any of my Kinſmen find thee here.

Rom. With Loves light wings
Did I o're-perch theſe Walls,

For ſtony Limits cannot hold Love out,
And what Love can do, that dares Love attempt:
Therefore thy Kinſmen are no ſtop to me.

Jul. If they do fee thee, they will murder thee.

Rom. Alack there lies more peril in thine Eye,
Than twenty of their ſwords, look thou but ſweet,
And I am proof againſt their Enmity.

Jul. I would not for the World they ſaw thee here.

Rom. I have Nights cloak to hide me from their Eyes,
And but thou love me, let them find me here,
My Life were better ended by their Hate,
Than Death prorogued wanting of thy Love.

Jul. By whose direction found? It thou out this place?

Rom. By Love that firſt did prompt me to enquire,

He lent me Counſel, and I lent him Eyes:

I am no Pilot, yet wert thou as far

As that vaſt-ſhore, waſh'd with the fartheſt Sea,
I ſhould adventure for ſuch Merchandife.

Jul. Thou knoweſt the mask of Night is on my Face,
Elle would a Maiden bluſh bepaint my Cheek,
For that which thou haſt heard me ſpeak to Night,
Fain would I dwell on form, faſin, faſin, deny

What I have ſpoke, but farewel, Complements,
Doſt thou Love ? O, I know thou wilt ſay, I,
And I will take thy word, yet if thou ſwear't,
Thou may'ſt prove false; at Lovers perjuries
They ſay *Jove* laughs, oh gentle *Romeo*,

If thou doſt love, pronounce it faithfully:

Or if thou thinkeſt I am too quickly won,
I'le frown and be perverſe, and ſay thee nay,
So thou wilt wooe: But elſe not for the world.

In truth, fair *Mountague*, I am too fond :

And therefore thou mayeſt think my haviour light,
But truſt me, Gentleman, Ple prove more true,
Than thofe that have more coyning to be ſtrange,
I should have beene ſtrange, I muſt confefs,
But that thou over-heard'ſt e're I was ware
My true Loves paſſion, therefore pardon me,
And not impute this yielding to light Love,
Which the dark night hath to diſcovered.

Rom. Lady, by yonder Moon, I vow:

That tips with Silver all theſe Fruit-tree tops.

Jul. O ſwear not by the Moon, th' unconſtant Moon,

That monthly changes in her circled Orb,
Left that thy Love prove likewife variable.

Rom. What ſhall I ſwear by?

Jul. Do not ſwear at all :

Or if thou wilt, ſwear by thy gracious ſelf,
Which is the God of my Idolatry,
And I'le believe thee.

Rom. If my Hearts dear love.

Jul. Well do not ſwear although I joy in thee,
I have no joy of this contract to Night,
It is too rafh, too unadvis'd, too ſudden,
Too like the lightning which doth ceafe to be,
E're one can ſay, it lightens, Sweet, good Night,
This bud of Love by Summers ripening breath,
May prove a beauteous Flower when next we meet:
Good night: good night, as sweet ſepſe and reſt,
Come to thy Heart, as that within my ſbreast.

Rom. O wilt thou leave me ſo unſatisfied?

Jul. What ſatisfaction canſt thou have to Night?

Rom. Th' exchange of thy Loves faithful Vow of mine.

Jul. I gave thee mine before thou didſt requeſt it:

And yet I would it were to give again.

Rom. Would'ſt thou withdraw it?

For what purpofe, Love?

Jul. But to be frank, and give it thee again,
And yet I wifh but for the thing I have,
My bounty is as boundleſs as the Sea,
My Love as deep, the more I give to thee,

The

312

The more I have, for both are infinite.

I hear some noise within, dear Love adieu.

[Calls within.

Anon, good Nurfe, sweet Mountague be true:

Stay but a little, I will come again.

Rom. O bleffed, bleffed Night, I am afear'd,
Being in night, all this is but a Dream,
Too flattering sweet to be subflantial.

Enter.

Jul. Three words, dear Romeo,
And good night indeed,

If that thy bent of Love be Honourable,
Thy purpose Marriage, fend me word to morrow,
By one that Ile procure to come to thee,
Where, and what time thou wilt perform the Rite,
And all my Fortunes at thy Foot I'le lay,
And follow thee, my Lord, throughout the World.

[Within: Madam.

I come, anon: but if thou meanest not well,

I do befoeeth thee,

[Within: Madam.

(By and by, I come.)

To cease thy strife, and leave me to my grief,
To morrow will I fend.

Rom. So thrive my Soul.

Jul. A thousand times, good Night.

[Exit.]

Rom. A thousand times the work to want thy light,
Love goes toward Love, as School-boys from their Books,
But Love from Love, towards School with heavy looks.

Enter Juliet again.

Jul. Hift, Romeo, hift: O for a Falkners Voice,
To lure this Taffel gentle back again,

Bondage is hoarfe and may not speak aloud,
Elfe would I tear the Cave where Ecxo lies,
And make her ayry Tongue more hoarfe, than with
The repetition of my Romeo.

Rom. It is my Soul that calls upon my Name.

How silfer-fweet found Lovers Tongues by Night,
Like softest Musick to attending Ears.

Jul. Romeo.

Rom. My Sweet.

Jul. What a Clock to morrow

Shall I fend to thee?

Rom. By the hour of Nine.

Jul. I will not fail, 'tis twenty years till then,
I have forgot why I did call thee back.

Rom. Let me stand here 'till thou remember it.

Jul. I shall forget, to have thee still stand there,
Remembering how I love thy Company.

Rom. And I'll still fly to have thee still forget,
Forgetting any other name but this.

Jul. 'Tis almost morning, I would have thee gone.
And yet no further then a wantons Bird,

That lets it hop a little from his hand,
Like a poor Prifoner in his twifled Gyves,
And with a filken thred plucks it again,
So loving jealous of his Liberty.

Rom. I would I were thy Bird.

Jul. Sweet, so would I,

Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing:
Good night, good night.

Rom. Parting is such sweete forrow,
That I shall say Good night, till it be morrow.

Jul. Sleep dwell upon thine Eyes, peace in thy Breast.

[Exit.]

Rom. Would I were Sleep and Peace fo' sweet to reft,
The gray-ey'd Morn ſmiles on the frowning Night,
Checkring the Eastern Clouds with ſtreaks of Light,
And Darkneſs flecked like a Drunkard reels,

From forth days path-way, made by Titan's Wheels.
Hence will I to my Ghoſtly Friers close Cell,

His help to crave, and my dear hap to tell.

[Exit.]

Enter Frier alone with a Basket.

Fri. Now ere the Sun advance his burning Eye,
The day to clear, and Nights dank dew to dry,
I muſt up-fill this Olier Cage of ours,
With baleful Weeds, and precious juic'd Flowers,
The Earth that's Natures Mother, is her Tomb,
What is her burying Grave, that is her Womb;
And from her Womb Children of divers kind
We ſucking on her natural Bofom find:

Many for many Virtues Excellent:
None but for ſome, and yet all different.
O mickle is the powerful Grace that lies
In Plants, Herbs, Stones, and their true Qualities:
For nought fo' vile, that on the Earth doth live,
But to the Earth ſome ſpecial good doth give.

Nor ought ſo good, but ſtrain'd from that fair uſe,
Revolts from true Birth, ſtumbling on abufe.

Vertue it ſelf turns vice being miſapplied.
And Vice ſometime by action dignified.

Enter Romeo.

Within the infant Rind of this weak Flower,
Poyſon hath reſidence, and medicine Power:

For this being ſmelt, with that part chears each part,
Being tafte flays all Senſes with the Heart.

Two ſuch oppos'd Kings encamp them ſtill,
In Man as well as Herbs, Grace and rude Will:

And where the worſer is predominant,
Full ſoon the Canker Death eats up that Plant,

Rom. Good morrow, Father.

Fri. Benedicite.

What early Tongue ſo sweet ſalute them?

Young Son, it argues a diſtemper'd Head,

So ſoon to bid Good morrow to thy Bed;

Care keeps his watch in every old Mans Eye,

And where Care lodgeth, Sleep will never lie:

But where unbraiſed Youth with unfluſt Brain

Doth couch his Limbs, there golden ſleep doth raigne

Therefore thy earlieſs doth me aſſure,

Thou art up-rouz'd with ſome diſtemperature ;

Or if not ſo, then here I hit it right,

Our Romeo hath not been in bed to Night.

Rom. That laſt is true, the ſweeter reſt was mine.

Fri. God pardon fin: waſt thou with Rofaline?

Rom. With Rofaline, my Ghoſtly Father ? No,

I have forgot that Name, and that Name's woe.

Fri. That's my good Son, but where haſt thou been then?

Rom. Ile tell thee ere thou ask it me again :
I have been feaſting with mine Enemy,
Where on a ſudden one hath wounded me,
That's by me wounded: both our Remedies
Within thy help and holy Phyſick lies:

I bear no hatred, Bleſſed man, for lo

My interceſſon likewife ſteads my Foe.

Fri. Be plain, good Son, reſt homely in thy drift,

Ridling conſeſſion finds but ridling drift.

Rom. Then plainly know my heart's dear Love is ſet
On the fair Daughter of rich Capuſer:

As mine on hers, fo' hers is ſet on mine;

And all combin'd, ſave what thou muſt combine

By holy Marriage: when, and where, and how,
We met, we woo'd, and made exchange of vow,

Ile tell the as paf's, but this I pray,

That thou confem to marry us to day.

Fri. Holy Saint Francis, what a change is here?

Is Rofaline, that thou didst love ſo dear,
So ſoon forſaken ? young mens Love then lies
Not truly in their Hearts, but in their Eyes.

Jefu Maria, what a deal of brine
Hath waſt thy fallow Cheeks for Rofaline?

How much ſalt Water thrown away in waſte,

To

313

To feafon Love, that of it doth not taſte ?

The Sun not yet thy ſighs from heaven clears,

Thy old groans yet ring in my ancient ears ;

Lo here upon thy cheek the ſtain doth fit,
Of an old tear that is not waſt off yet.

If ere thou waſt thy ſelf, and theſe woes thine,

Thou and theſe woes were all for Rofaline.

And art thou chang'd ? Pronounce this ſentence then,

Women may fall, when there's no ſtrength in men.

Rom. Thou chidſt me oft for loving Rofaline.

Fri. For doting, not for loving, Pupil mine.

Rom. And bad?it me bury Love.

Fri. Not in a grave,

To lay one in, another out to have.

Rom. I pray thee chide me not, her I Love now

Doth grace for grace, and Love for Love allow :

The other did not ſo.

Fri. Oh ſhe knew well,

Thy Love did read by rote, that could not ſpell :

But come young waverer, come go with me,

In one reſpect Ple thy alliſant be :

For this alliance may to happy prove,

To turn your household-rancour to pure Love.

Rom. O let us hence, I stand on ſudden haſte.

Fri. Wifely and flow, they ſtumble that run ſaſt.

[Exemnt.]

Enter Benvolio and Mercutio.

Mer. Where the devil should this Romeo be ? came he not home to night ?

Ben. Not to his Fathers, I ſpoke with his man.

Mer. Why that fame pale hard-hearted wench, that
Rofaline torments him ſo, that he will ſure run mad.

Ben. Tybalt, the kinfman to old Capulet, hath ſent a Let-
ter to his Fathers houſe.

Mer. A Challenge on my life.

Ben. Romeo will anſwer it.

Mer. Any man that can write, may anſwer a Letter.

Ben. Nay he will anſwer the Letters after how he dares,
being dared.

Mer. Alas poor Romeo, he is already dead, ſtabb'd with a white whenches black eye, run through the ear with a Love-fong, the very pin of his heart cleft with the blind Bow-boyes-but-ſhaft, and is he a man to encounter Tybalt ?

Ben. Why what is Tybalt ?

Mer. More then Prince of Cats. Oh he's the Courag-
ous Captain of Complements : he fightes as you ſung prick-
fongs, keeps time, diſtance, and proportion ; he reſts his
minum, one, two, and the third in your Boſom : the very
butcher of a ſilk button, a Duellift, a Duellift : a Gentleman
of the very firſt houſe of the firſt and ſecond caſe : ah the
immortal Paſſado, the Punto reverſo, the Hay.

Ben. The what ?

Mer. The Pox of ſuch antique lifping affecting phanta-
fies, theſe new tuners of accent: Jefu, a very good blade,
a very tall man, a very good Wore. Why is not this a la-
mentable thing Grandfir, that we ſhould be thus affiſted
with theſe ſtrange flies, theſe ſaſhion-mongers, theſe par-
don-me's, who it land to much on the new ſorm, that they
cannot fit at eafe on the old bench. O their bones, their
bones.

Enter Romeo.

Ben. Here comes Romeo, here comes Romeo.

Mer. Without his Roe, like a dried Herring. O ſleth,
ſleſi, how art thou ſihified ? Now is he for the numbers
that Petrarch flowed in: Laura to his Lady was a Kitchen-
wench, marry he had a better love to berime her: Dido
a Dowdy, Cleopatra, a Gipſe, Helen and Hero, hildings and
harlots: Thisby a gray eye or ſo, but not to the purpufe.
Signior Romeo, Bonjour, there's a French falutation to your

French ſlop: you gave us the counterfeit fairly ſaſt night.

Romeo. Good morrow to you both, what counterfeit did I give you ?

Mer. The ſlip Sir, the ſlip, can you not conceire ?

Rom. Pardon Mercutio, my buſineſs was great, and in
ſuch a caſe as mine, a man may ſtrain courteſie.

Mer. That's as much as to ſay, ſuch a caſe as yours con-
frains a man to bow in the hams.

Rom. Meaning to courteſe.

Mer. Thou haſt moſt kindly hit it.

Rom. A moſt courteous expofition.

Mer. Nay, I am the very pinck of courteſe.

Rom. Pinke for flower.

Mer. Right.

Rom. Why then is my Pump well flowr'd.

Mer. Sure wit, follow me this jeſt now till thou haſt
worn out thy Pump, that when the ſingle ſole of it is
worn, the jeſt may remain after the wearing, ſole-fingu-
lar.

Rom. O ſingle-ſol'd jeſt.

Solely ſingular, for the ſinglenefs.

Mer. Comè between us good Benvolio, my wit ſaints.

Rom. Swits and Spurs,

Swits and Spurs, or I'le cry a match.

Mer. Nay, if our wits run the Wild-goofe chaſe, I am
done: For thou haſt more of the Wild-goofe in one of
thy wits, then I am ſure I have in my whole ſive. Was I
with you there for the Goofe ?

Rom. Thou was never with me for any thing, when
thou waſt not there for the Goofe.

Mer. I will bite thee by the ear for that jeſt.

Rom. Nay, good Goofe bite not.

Mer. Thy wit is a very bitter-sweeting,

It is a moſt harp ſawce.

Rom. And is it not well ſerv'd in to a weet Goofe ?

Mer. Oh here's a wit of Cheverell, that ſtretches from
an inch narrow, to an ell broad.

Rom. I ſtretch it out for that word, broad, which added
to the Goofe, proves the far and wide, a broad Goofe.

Mer. Why is not this better now, then groaning for
Love? now art thou ſociable, now art thou Romeo: now
art thou what thou art, by Art as well as by Nature, for
this driveling Love is like a great Natural, that runs ſolling
up and down to hide his baſle in a hole.

Ben. Stop there, ſtop there.

(hair.)

Mer. Thou deſireſt me to ſtop in my Tale againſt the

Ben. Thou would'it eſſe made thy tale large.

Mer. O thou art deceiv'd, I would have made it short,
for I was come to the whole depth of my Tale, and meant
indeed to occupy the argument no longer.

Enter Nurse and her Man.

Rom. Here's goodly gear.

A ſayle, a ſayle.

Mer. Two, two, a ſhirt and a ſmock.

Nur. Peter ?

Peter. Anon.

Nur. My Fan Peter.

Mer. Good Peter, to hide her face :

For her Fan's the fairer face ?

Nur. Godsye good morrow Gentlemen.

Mer. God ye gooden fair Gentlewoman.

Nur. Is it gooden ?

Mer. ?Tis no leſt I tell you; for the bawdy hand of the
Dyal is now upon the prick of Noon.

Nur. Out upon you: what a man are you ?

Rom. One, Gentlewoman,

That God hath made himſelf to mar.

Nur. By my troth it is ſad, for himſelf to mar, quoth?
Gentlemen, can any of you tell me where I may find
the young Romeo ?

Romeo. I can tell you: but young Romeo will be older

Eee

when

314

when you have found him, than he was when you fought
him: I am the youngest of that Name, for fault of a worfe.

Nur. You fay well.

Mer. Yea, is the worſt well?

Very well took, I, faith, wifely, wifely.

Nur. If you be he Sir,

I defire fome Confidence with you.

Ben. She will invite him to fome Supper.

Mer. A Baud, a Baud, a Baud. So ho.

Rom. What haſt thou found ?

Mer. No Hare Sir, unleſs a Hare Sir in a Lenten Pie,
that is ſomething Stale and Hoar e're it be ſpent.

An old Hare hoar, and an old Hare hoar is very good meat
in Lent.

But a Hare that is hoar, is too much for a Score, when it
hoars e're it be ſpent.

Romeo, will you come to your Fathers ? Wee'l to Dinner
thither.

Rom. I will follow you.

Mer. Farewell ancient Lady :

Farewel Lady, Lady, Lady.

[Ex. Mercutio, Benvolio.

Nur. I pray you Sir, what ſawcy Merchant was this that
was ſo full of his Roguery ?

Rom. A Gentelman, Nurſe, that loves to hear himſelf
talk, and will ſpeak more in a minute, than he will ſtand
to in a Month.

Nur. And a ſpeak any thing againſt me, Ile take him
down, and a were luſtler than he is, and twenty ſuch Jacks:
And if I cannot, Ile find thofe that ſhall: ſcurvy Knave,
I am none of his flurt-gils, I am none of his skains-Mates.
And thou muſt ſtand by too, and ſuffer every Knave to uſe
me at his Pleaſure.

Pet. I faw no Man uſe you at his Pleaſure : if I had, my
Wapon ſhould quickly have been out, I warrant you, I
dare draw as ſoon as another Man, if I fee occafion in a
good Quarrel, and the Law on my ſide.

Nur. Now afore God, I am ſo vext, that every part
about me quivers: ſcurvy Knave: Pray you Sir a Word:
And as I told you, my young Lady bid me enquire you out,
what ſhe bid me ſay, I will keep to my ſelf: But firſt let me
tell ye, if ye ſhould lead her in a fools Paradife, as they ſay,
it were a very groſs kind of behaviour, as they ſay: For
the Gentlewoman is young, and therefore, if you ſhould
deal double with her, truly it were an ill thing to be of-
fered to any Gentlewoman, and very weak dealing.

Rom. Nurſe, commend me to thy Lady and Miftrefſs, I
proteſt unto thee—

Nur. Good heart, and I 'faith I will tell her as much:
Lord, Lord, ſhe will be a joyful Woman.

Rom. What wilt thou tell her, Nurſe ? Thou doſt not
mark me ?

Nur. I will tell her, Sir, that you do proteſt, which, as I
take it, is a Gentleman-like offer.

Rom. Bid her devife ſome means to come to ſhrift this
And there ſhe ſhall at Frier Lawrence Cell (afternoon;
Be ſhriv'd and married: here is for thy pains.

Nur. No truly Sir, not a penny.

Rom. Go to, I fay you ſhall.

Nur. This afternoon Sir ? Well, ſhe ſhall be there.

Rom. And ſlay thou, good Nurſe, behind the Abby-wall,
Within this hour my Man ſhall be with thee,
And bring thee Cords made like a tackled ſtair,

Which to the high top-gallant of my joy
Muſt be my Convoy in the ſecret Night.

Farewel, be truſtly, and I'le quite thy pains:

Farewel, commend me to thy Miftrefſs.

Nur. Now God in Heaven bleſs thee: Hark you Sir.

Rom. What faſt thou, my dear Nurſe ?

Nur. Is your man ſecret? did you ne're hear ſay, Two may
keep Counſel, putting one away ?

Rom. I warrant thee my man as true as Steel.

Nur. Well Sir, my Miftrefſs is the wſeetest Lady; Lord,
Lord, when 'twas a little prating thing. O, there is a No-

ble man in Town, one Paris, that would fain lay Knifc
board: But ſhe, the good Soul, had as live ſee a Toad, a very
Toad, as fee him: I anger her ſometimes, and tell her that
Paris is the properer man, but Ple warrant you, when I ſay
ſo, ſhe looks as pale as any Clout in the verſal World
Doth not Roſemary and Korneo begin both with a letter ?

Rom. I Nurſe, what of that? Both with an R.

Nur. A mocker that's the Dogs name. R. is for the no,
I know it begins with ſome other Letter, and ſhe hath the
prettieſt ſentencions of it, of you and Roſemary, that it
would do you good to hear it.

Rom. Commeud me to thy Lady.

Nur. I a thouſand times, Peter ?

Pet. Anon.

Nur. Before, and apace.

[Ex. Nurſe and Peter.

Enter Juliet.

Juli. The Clock ſtook nine, when I did ſend the Nurſe
In half an hour he promiſed to retuſt,

Perchance ſhe cannot meet him: That's not ſo.

Oh ſhe is Lame, Loves Heraulds ſhould be thouſhts,
Which ten times ſafter glide than the Suns Beams,

Driving back ſhadows over lowring Hills.

Therefore do nímble Pinnion'd Doves draw Love,

And therefore hath the wind-ſwift Cupid Wings :

Now is the Sun upon the highmoſt Hill

Of this days journey, and from nine till twelve,

I three long hours, yet ſhe is not come:

Had ſhe affections and warm youthful Blood,

She'd be as ſwift in motion as a Ball,

My words would bandy her to my ſweet Love,

And his to me; but old Folks,

Many fain as they were Dead,

Unwieldy, flow, heavy, and pale as Lead.

Enter Nurſe.

O God ſhe comes. O honey Nurſe, what News?

Haſt thou met with him ? Send thy Man away.

Nur. Peter ſtay at the Gate.

Juli. Now good ſweet Nurſe :

O Lord why look'thou ſad ?

Though News be ſad, yet tell them merrily.

If good, thou ſham'th' the Mufick of ſweet News,

By playing it to me with ſo ſower a Face.

Nur. I am a weary, give me leave a while ;

Fie, how my Bones ake, what a Jaunt have I had?

Juli. I would thou hadt my Bones, and I thy News :

Nay come, I pray thee ſpeak, good Nurſe ſpeak.

Nur. Jefu, what haſte ? can you not ſtay a while?

Do you not fee how I am out of breath ?

Juli. How art thou out of breath, when thou haſt breath

To ſay to me, that thou art out of breath ?

The Exufe that thou doſt make in this delay,

Is longer then the Tale thou doſt exufe.

Is thy News good or bad ? Anſwer to that,

Say either, and I ple ſtay the Circumſtance.

Let me be ſatisfied, is't good or bad ?

Nur. Well, you have made a ſimple choice, you know
not how to chufe a man: Romeo, no not he, though his Face
be better than any man, yet his Legs excell all mens, and
for a Hand and a Foot, and a Bawdy, though they be not to
be talk'd on, yet they are pafft compare. He is not the Flower
of Courteſe, but I warrant him as gentle a Lamb: Go thy
waies Wench, ſerve God, what have you din'd at home ?

Juli. No, no: But all this did I know before:

What faies he of our Marriage ? What of that?

Nur. Lord how my Head akes, what a Head have I !
It beats as it would fall in twenty Peices.

My back a tother ſide: O my back, my back:

Belſhew your Heart for ſending me about.

To catch my Death with jaunting up and down.

Juli. I faith I am ſorry that thou art ſo ills,

Sweet,

315

Sweet, sweet, sweet Nurse, tell me what fays my Love?

Nur. Your Love fays like an honest Gentleman,
And a courteous, and a kind, and a handfom,
And I warrant a vertuous; where is your Mother?

Juli. Where is my Mother ?

Why fhe is within, where fhould fhe be?
How odly thou reply? It ?
Your Love fays like an honest Gentleman :
Where is my Mother ?

Nur. O Gods Lady dear,

Are you so hot ? marry come up I trow,
Is this the Poults for my aking bones ?
Hence forward do your meflages your felf.

Juli. Here's fuch a coil, come, what fays Romeo ?

Nur. Have you got leave to go to thrift to day ?

Juli. I have.

Nur. Then hie you hence to Frier Lawrence Cell,
There ftaes a Husband to make you a Wife :

Now comes the wanton blood up in your Cheeks,
They'l be in Scarlet ftraight at any news:
Hie you to Church, I muft another way,
To fetch a Ladder, by the which your Love
Muft climb a Birds neft soon, when it is dark :
I am the drudge, and toil in your delight :
But you fhall bear the Burthen soon at night.
Go P le to Dinner, hie you to the Cell.

Juli. Hie to high Fortune, honest Nurse farewell.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Frier and Romeo.

Fri. So smile the Heavens upon this holy act,
That after hours with forrow chide us not.

Rom. Amen, amen : but come what forrow can,
It cannot countervail the exchange of joy
That one fhort minute gives me in her fight :
Do thou but clofe our Hands with holy words,
Then Love-devouring Death do what he dare,
It is enough I may but call her mine.

Fri. Thefe violent delights have violent ends,
And in their triumph die like Fire and Powder,
Which as they kifs confume. The sweeteft honey
Is loathfom in his own delicioufneſs,
And in the taſte confounds the appetite :
Therefore love moderately, long Love doth ſo,
Too ſwift arrives as tardy as too flow.

Enter Juliet.

Here comes the Lady. Oh ſo light a foot:
Will ne'er wear out the everlaſting flint ;
A Lover may beſtride the Goffamour
That idles in the wanton Summer Air,
And yet not fall, ſo light is vanity.

Juli. Good-even to my ghofly Confeſſor.

Fri. Romeo ſhall thank thee Daughter for us both.

Juli. As much to him, elfe is his thanks too much.
Rom. Ah Juliers, if the meaſure of thy joy
Be heapt like mine, and that thy skill be more
To blafon it, then ſweeten with thy breath
This neighbour Air, and let rich Muficks Tongue
Unfold the imagin'd happineſs that both
Receive in either, by this dear encounter.

Juli. Conceit more rich in matter then in words,
Brags of his Subſtance, not of Ornament :
They are but beggars that can count their worth,
But my true Love is grown to ſuch exceſſ,
I cannot ſum up ſome of half my wealth.

Fri. Come, come with me, and we will make fhort work:
For by your leaves, you fhall not ſtay alone,
Till holy Church incorporate two in one.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Mercutio, Benvolio, and Men.

Ben. I pray thee good Mercutio lets retire,
The day is hot, the Capulets abroad :
And if we meet, we fhall not ſcape a brawl, for now theſe
hot days is the mad blood ſtirring.

Ner. Thou art like one of thofe Fellows, that when
he enters the confines of a Tavern, claps me his ſword up-
on the table, and faies, God ſend me no need of thee: and
by the operation of the ſecond Cup, draws him on the
Drawer, when indeed there is no need.

Ben. Am I like ſuch a fellow ?

Ner. Come, come, thou art as hot a Jack in thy mood,
as any in Italy; and as ſoon moved to be moody, and as
foon moody to be mov'd.

Ben. And what too ?

Ner. Nay, and there were two ſuch, we ſhould have
none ſhortly, for one would kill the other: thou, why thou
wilt quarrel with a man that hath a hair more, or a hair
leſs in his Beard than thou haſt: thou wilt quarrel with a
man for cracking Nuts, having no other reaſon, but be-
cauſe thou, haſt haſel Eyes; what eye, but ſuch an eye,
would ſpy out ſuch a quarrel? thy head is as full of quar-
rels, as an Egg is full of meat, and yet thy head hath been
beaten as addle as an Egg for quarrelling: thou haſt quar-
rell'd with a man for Coughing in the ſtrect, becauſe he hath
wakened thy Dog that hath lain aſleep in the Sun. Did it
thou not fall out with a Taylor for wearing his new Doub-
let before Eaſter ? with another, for tying his new Shoes
with old Ribband? and yet thou wilt Tutor me from
quarrelling.

Ben. And I were ſo apt to quarrel as thou art, any man
ſhould buy the Fee-fimple of my Life for an hour and a
quarter.

Ner. The Fee-fimple ? O ſimple !

Enter Tybalt, Petruchio, and others.

Ben. By my head here come the Capulets.

Ner. By my heel I care not.

Tyb. Follow me cloſe, for I will ſppeak to them.
Gentlemen, Good-den, a word with one of you.

Ner. And but one word with one of us ? couple it with
fomething, make it a word and a blow.

Tyb. You ſhall find me apt enough to that Sir, and you
will give me occaſion.

Mercu. Could you not take ſome occaſion without
giving ?

Tyb. Mercutio, thou confort it with Romeo.

Ner. Confort ? what doſt thou make us Minſtrels ? and
thou make Minſtrels of us, look to hear nothing but Dif-
cords : here's my Fiddleſtick ; here's that ſhall make you
dance. Come confort.

Ben. We talk here in the publick haunt of men :
Either withdraw unto ſome private place,
Or reaſon coldly of your grievances,
Or eſſe depart; here all Eyes gaze on us.

Ner. Mens Eyes were made to look, and let them gaze,
I will not budge for no mans pleafure I.

Enter Romeo.

Tyb. Well, peace be with you Sir, here comes my man.
Ner. But P le be hang'd Sir if he wear your Livery :
Marry go before to field, heel be your follower,
Your Worship in that ſenſe may call him man.

Tyb. Romeo, the love I bear thee, can aſford
No better term than this; Thou art a Villain.
Rom. Tybalt, the reaſon that I have to love thee,
Doth much excufe the appertaining rage

To ſuch a greering :
Therefore farewell, I fee thou know it me not.

Tyb. Boy, this ſhall not excufe the injuries

Eee2

That

316

That thou haſt done me, therefore turn and Draw.

Rom. I do protest I never injur'd thee,
But lov'd thee better than thou can't devife;
Till thou haſt know the Reafon of my Love.
And fo good Capulet, which Name I tender
As dearly as my own, be faſtisfied.

Mer. O calm, diſhonourable, vile subſmission!

Alheafucatho carries it away.

Tybalt, You Rat-catcher, will you walk?

Tib. What would it thou have with me?

Mer. Good King of Cats, nothing but one of your nine
Lives, that I mean to make bold withal, and as you ſhall
uſe me hereafter dry beat the reſt of the eight. Will you
pluck your Sword out of his Pilcher by the Ears? Make
haſte, left mine be about your Ears e're it be out.

Tib. I am for you.

Rom. Gentle Mercutio, put thy Rapier up.

Mer. Come Sir, your Palfado.

Rom. Draw Benvolio, beat down their Weapons :
Gentlemen, for ſhame forbear this outrage,
Tybalt, Mercutio, the Prince expreſſly hath
Forbidden bandying in Verona Streets,
Hold Tybalt, good Mercutio.

Mer. I am hurt.

[Exit Tybalt.

A Plague of both the houſes, I am ſped :

Is he gone and hath nothing?

Ben. What art thou hurt ?

Mer. I, I, a Scratch, a Scratch, marry 'tis enough,

Where is my Page ? Go Villain fetch a Surgeon.

Rom. Courage man, the hurt cannot be much.

Mer. No, 'tis not fo deep as a Well, nor fo wide as a
Church-door, but 'tis enough, 'twill ſerve: ask for me to
morrow, and you ſhall find me a Grave Man. I am pepper'd
I warrant for this World: a Plague of both your Houſes.
What, a Dog, a Rat, a Mouſe, a Cat to scratch a Man to
Death ! a Braggart, a Rogue, a Villain, that fights by the
book of Arithmetick. Why the Div'l came you between us ?
I was hurt under your Arm.

Rom. I thought all for the beſt.

Mer. Help me into some Houſe Benvolio,
Or I ſhall faint: a Plague o'both your Houſes,
They have made worms-meat of me,
I have it, and foundly too, your Houſes.

Rom. This Gentleman, the Princes near Allie,
My very Friend, hath got his mortal Hurt
In my behalf, my Reputation ſtain'd
With Tybalt's ſlander, Tybalt, that an Hour
Hath been my Cozen: O Sweet ſuliet,
Thy Beauty hath made me Effeminate,
And in my Temper ſoftned Valour's Steel.

[Exit.

Enter Benvolio.

Ben. O Romeo, Romeo, brave Mercutio's dead,
That Gallant Spirit hath afpir'd the Clouds,
Which too untimely here did ſcorn the Earth.

Rom. This days black Fate, on more days does depend,
This but begins the Woe, others muſt end.

Enter Tybalt.

Ben. Here comes the ſurious Tybalt back again.

Rom. He gone in Triumph, and Mercutio Slain?
Away to Heaven respective Lenity,

And Fire, and Fury be my Conduct now :

Now Tybalt take the Villain back again
That late thou gav't me, for Mercutio's Soul
Is but a little way above our Heads,
Staying for thine to keep him Company :
Either thou or I, or both, muſt go with him.

Tyb. Thou wretched Boy that didst confort him here,
Shalt with him hence.

Rom. This ſhall determine that.

They fight. Tybalt falls.

Ben. Romeo, away, be gone:

The Citizens are up, and Tybalt flain,
Stand not amaz'd, the Prince will doom thee Death
If thon art taken: Hence, be gone, away.

Rom. O! I am Fortunes Fool.

Ben. Why doſt thou ſtay ?

[Exit Romeo.

Enter Citizens.

Citi. Which way ran he that kill'd Mercutio?
Tybalt that Murtherer, which way ran he?

Ben. There lies that Tybalt.

Citi. Up Sir, go with me:
I charge thee in the Princes Name obey.

Enter Prince, old Mountague, Capulet, their
Wives and all.

Prin. Where are the vile beginners of this Fray?

Ben. O Noble Prince I can diſcover all
The unlucky mannaſe of this fatal Brall :
There lies the man ſlain by young Romeo,
That flew thy Kinfman brave Mercutio.

Cap. Wi. Tybalt my Cozen? O my Brothers Child,
O Prince, O Cozen, Husband, O the Blood is spil'd,
Of my dear Kinfman. Prince as thou art true,
For Blood of ours, ſhed Blood of Mountague,
O Cozen, Cozen.

Prin. Benvolio, Who began this Fray?

Ben. Tybalt here Slain, whom Romeo's hand did Slay,
Romeo that spake him fair, bid him bethink
How nice the Quarrel was, and urg'd withal
Your High Difſpleasure: All this uttered,
With gentle Breath, calm Look, Knees humbly how'd,
Could not take Truce with the unruly Spleen
Of Tybalt, deaf to Peace, but that he Tilts
With Piercing Steel at bold Mercutio's Breaf,
Who all as hot, turns deadly Point to Point,
And with a Martial ſcorn, with one hand beats
Cold Death aſide, and with the other ſends
It back to Tybalt, whose Dexterity
Retorts it: Romeo he cries aloud,

Hold Friends, Friends part, and twifter than his Tongue,
His able Arm beats down their fatal Points,
And twixt them Ruffies, underneath whose Arm,
An envious thrust from Tybalt, hit the Life
Of ſtout Mercutio, and then Tybalt fled.
But by and by comes back to Romeo,
Who had but newly entertained Revenge,
Anto't they go like Lightning, for e're I
Could draw to part them, was ſtout Tybalt Slain:
And as he fell, did Romeo turn and Fly:
This is the Truth, or let Benvolio Die.

Cap. Wi. He is a Kinfman to the Mountague,
Affection makes him falſe, he ſpeaks not true.
Some twenty of them fought in this black ſtrife,
And all that ſtole twenty could but kill one Life.

I beg for Juitice, which thou Prince muſt give:
Romeo flew Tybalt, Romeo muſt not Live.

Prin. Romeo flew him, he flew Mercutio,
Who now the Price of his dear Blood doth owe.

Cap. Not Romeo Prince, he was Mercutio's Friend,
His Fault concludes but what the Law should end,
The Life of Tybalt.

Prin. And for that Offence,
Immediately we do Exile him hence:
I have an Interſt in your hearts Proceeding,
My Blood for your rude Brawls doth lye a Bleeding.
But I'll amerce you with ſo ſtrong a Fine,
That you ſhall all Repent the Jots of Mine.

I will be deaf to Pleading and Excufes,

Nor

317

Nor Tears, nor Prayers shall purchase our abuses.
Therefore use none, let *Romeo* hence in haſte,
Elſe when he is found, that hour is his laſt.
Bear hence this Body, and attend our Will:
Mercy but Murders, pardoning that of Kille.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Juliet alone.

Juliet. Gallop apace, you fiery footed Steeds,
Toward Phœbus lodging, such a Wagoner
As Phæton would whip you to the Weft,
And bring in cloudy night immediately,
Spred thy close Curtain, Love-performing night,
That run-aways eyes may wink, and Romeo
Leap to thefe Arms, untalkt of and unseen,
Lovers can fee to do their Amorous Rites,
By their own Beauties: Or if Love be blind,
It beſt agrees with night: Come civil night,
Thou ſober ſuted Matron, all in black,
And learn me how to loſe a winning Match,
Playd for a pair of ſtainleſs Maidenheads,
Hood my unnam’d Blood baiting in my Cheeks,
With thy black Mantle, till ſtrange Love grow bold,
Think true Love acted ſimple Modety:
Come night, come *Romeo*, come thou day in night,
For thou wilt lie upon the Wings of night,
Whiter than new Snow on a Ravens back:
Come gentle night, come loving black-brow’d night,
Give me my *Romeo*, and when I ſhall die,
Take him and cut him out in little Stars,
And he will make the Face of Heaven ſo fine,
That all the World will be in Love with night,
And pay no Worſhip to the Garibd Sun.
O I have bought the Manſion of a Love,
But not poffeſ’d it, and though I am fold,
Not yet enjoy’d, ſo tedious is this Day,
As is the night before ſome ſeſtival,
To an impatient Child that hath new Robes
And may not wear them. O here comes my Nurſe :

Enter Nurſe with Cords.

And ſhe brings news, and every Tongne that ſpeaks
But *Romeo’s* name, ſpeaks Heavenly Eloquence :
Now Nurſe, what News? What haſt thou there ?
The Cords that *Romeo* bid thee fetch ?

Nur. I, I, the Cords.

Juliet. Ay me, what News?

Why doſt thou wring thy Hands.

Nur. A wedelay he’s dead, he’s dead,
We are undone, Lady, we are undone.
Alack the day, he’s gone, he’s kill’d, he’s dead.

Juliet. Can Heav’n be ſo envious?

Nur. *Romeo* can,

Though Heaven cannot. O *Romeo*, *Romeo*,
Who ever would have thought it, *Romeo*?

Juliet. What Divel art thou,

That doſt torment me thus?

This Torture ſhould de roar’d in diſmal Hell,
Hath *Romeo* flain himſelf ? Say thou but I :
And that bare Vowel I ſhall poyſon more
Than the Death-darting eye of Cockatrice,
I am not I, if there be ſuch an I.

Or thatoſ Eyes (hot that makes the anſwer I,
If he be flain ſay I, or if not, no.

Brief ſounds determine of my weal or woe.

Nur. I faw the Wound, I faw it with mine Eyes,
God fave the Mark here on his manly Breast.
A pitteous Coarſe, a bloody pitteous Coarſe ;
Pale, pale as Aſhes, all bedawb’d in Blood,
All in gore Blood, I fwooned at the fight.

Juliet. O break my heart,

Poor Bankrupt break at once,

To Prifon Eyes, ne’le look on Liberty,
Vile Earth to Earth reſign, end motion here,
And thou and *Romeo* preſe one heavy Beer.

Nur. O *Tybalt*, *Tybalt*, the beſt Friend I had:

O courteous *Tybalt*, honest Gentleman,

That ever I ſhould live to fee thee Dead.

Juliet. What ſtorm is this that blows ſo contrary ?

Is *Romeo* ſlaughter’d ? and is *Tybalt* dead ?

My deareſt Cozen, and my dearer Lord :

The dreadful Trumpet found the general Doom,
For who is living, if thate two are gone ?

Nur. *Tybalt* is gone, and *Romeo* banifhed,
*Romeo* that kill’d him, he is Banifhed.

Juliet. O God!

Did *Romeo’s* hand ſhed! *Tybalt’s* Blood?

Nur. It did, it did, alas the day, it did.

Juliet. O Serpent Heart, hid with a flowring face,
Did ever Dragon keep ſo fair a Cave ?

Beautiful Tyrant, Fiend Angelical,

Ravenous Dove, feather’d Raven,

Wolvifh-ravening Lamb,

Deſpited ſubſtance of Divineſ how:

Juſt oppoſite to what thou juſtly ſeem’st,

A damned Saint, an Honourable Villain :

O Nature ! What haſt thou to do in Hell,

When thou didſt bower the Spirit of a Fiend

In mortal Paradife of ſuch ſweet ſleſt ?

Was ever Book containing ſuch vile matter

So fairly bound? O that deceit ſhould dwell

In ſuch a gorgeous Palace.

Nur. There’s no Truſt, no Faith, no honetly in men,

All perjur’d, all forſworn, all nought, all diſlembers,

Ah where’s my man ? Give me ſome *Aqua-vita*?

Theſe Grieſts, theſe wocs, theſe ſorrows make me old !

Shame come to *Romeo*.

Juliet. Blifter’d be thy Tongue

For ſuch a Wioſh, he was not born to ſhame :

Upon his Brow ſhame is aſham’d to ſit :

For ’tis a THRONE where Honour may be Crown’d

Sole Monarch of the Univerſal Earth :

O what a Beaſt was I to chide him ſo?

Nur. Will you ſpeak well of him

That kill’d your Cozen ?

Juliet. Shall I ſpeak ill of him that is my Husband ?

Agh poor my Lord, what Tongue ſhall ſmooth thy name,
When I thy three hours Wife have mangled it !

But wherefore Villain didſt thou kill my Cozen?

That Villain Cozen would have kill’d my Husband :

Back ſooliſh Tears, back to your native Spring,

Your Tributary drops belong to Woe,

Which your miſtaking offer up to Joy :

My Husband lives that *Tybalt* would have Slain,
And *Tybalt* dead that would have kill’d my Husband,

All this is Comfort, wherefore weep I then?

Some word there was worſer then *Tybalt’s* Death

That Murdered me, I would forget it ſain,

But oh it preſſes to my Memory,

Like damned guilty deeds to finners minds,

*Tybalt* is dead, and *Romeo* Banifhed.

That Banifhed, that one word Banifhed,

Hath ſlain ten thouſand *Tybalts*: *Tybalt’s* death

Was woe enough if it had ended there:

Or if fewer woe delights in Fellowship,

And needy will be rank’d with other Grieſts,

Why followed not, when ſhe ſaid *Tybalt’s* dead,

Thy Father, or thy Mother, nay or both,

Which modern Lamentation might have mov’d,

But with a Rere-ward following *Tybalt’s* death,
*Romeo* is banifhed, to ſpeak that word,

Is Father, Mother, *Tybalt*, *Romeo*, *Juliet*,

All Slain, all Dead: *Romeo* is Banifhed,

There is no end, no limit, meaſure, bound,

In that words death, no words can that woe found.

Where is my Father and my Mother, Nurſe ?

*Eee3

Nur.

["The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.", "319", "The hateful Manfion.", "Fri. Hold thy desperate hand :", "Art thou a man ? Thy form cries out, thou art :\nThy tears are womanish, thy wild Acts do note\nThe unreafonable fury of a Beaft.", "Unfeemly Woman, in a feeming Man,\nAnd ill befeeming Beaft in feeming both,\nThou haſt amaz'd me. By my holy Order,\nI thought thy diſposition better temper'd.", "Haſt thou flain Tybalt ? Wilt thou flay thy ſelf ?\nAnd ſlay thy Lady, that in thy life lives,\nBy doing damned hate upon thy ſelf ?", "Why rail'thou on thy birth ? the Heaven and Earth ?\nSince birth, and heaven, and earth, all three do meet\nIn thee at once which thou at once would't loſe.", "Fie, ſie, thou ſham't thy shape, thy Love, thy Wit :\nWhich like an Uſurer abound't in all :", "And uſeſt none in that true ſue indeed,", "Which ſhould bedeck thy ſhape, thy Love, thy Wit :", "Thy Noble ſhape is but a Form of Wax,", "Digreſſing from the Valour of a Man,", "Thy dear Love ſworn, but hollow Perjury,\nKilling that Love which thou haſt vow'd to Cherifh,\nThy Wit, that Ornament to ſhape and Love,\nMif-shapen in the Conduct of them both :", "Like Powder in a skilleſs Souldiers ſlark,", "Is ſet a fire by thine own ignorance,", "And thou diſmembed with thine own Defence.", "What, rouſe thee, Man, thy ſuliet is alive,", "For whoſe dear ſake thou walt but lately dead.", "There art thou happy. Tybalt would kill thee,", "But thou ſlew't Tybalt, there art thou happy too,", "The Law that threatened Death became thy friend,", "And turn'd it to Exile, there art thou happy.", "A pack of Bleſſings light upon thy back,", "Happineſs courts thee in her beſt Array,", "But like a miſ-shapen and a ſullen Wench,", "Thou putſt up thy Fortune and thy Love :", "Take heed, take heed, for ſuch die miferable.", "Go get thee to thy Love as was decreed,", "Aſcent her Chamber, hence and comfort her :", "But look thou ſlay not till the Watch be ſet,", "For then thou canſt not paſ to Mantua,", "Where thou ſhalt live till we can find a time\nTo blaze your Marriage, reconcile your Friends,\nBeg pardon of thy Prince, and call thee back,\nWith twenty hundred thousand times more Joy\nThan thou went'th forth in Lamentation.", "Go before, Nurfe, and commend me to thy Lady,", "And bid her haſten all the Houſe to Bed,\nWhich heavy Sorrow makes them apt unto.", "Romeo is coming.", "Nur. O Lord, I could have ſtand here all night,", "To hear good Counſel: Oh what Learning is !", "My Lord, I'le tell my Lady you will come.", "Rom. Do ſo, and bid my Sweet prepare to chide.", "Nur. Here, Sir, a Ring ſhe bid me give you, Sir :", "Hie you, make haſte, for it grows very late.", "Rom. How well my comfort is reviv'd by this.", "Fri. Go hence.", "Goodnight, and here ſtands all your ſtate:", "Either be gone before the VWatch be ſet,\nOr by the Break of day diſguis'd from hence,", "Sojourn in Mantua, I'le find out your man,", "And he ſhall ſignifie from time to time,", "Every good hap to you that chances here :", "Give me thy hand, 'tis late, farewel, Goodnight.", "Rom. But that a joy, palt joy, calls out on me,", "It were a grief, ſo brief to part with thee :", "Farewel.", "[Exeunt.]", "Enter old Capulet, his Wife, and Paris.", "Cap. Things have faln out, Sir, ſo unluckily,", "That we have no time to move our Daughter:\nLook you, ſhe lov'd her Kinfman Tybalt clearly,\nAnd ſo did I. Well, we were born to die.", "'Tis very late, ſhe'll not come down to Night :\nI promife you, but for your Company,", "I would have been a bed an hour ago.", "Par. Theſe times of woe afford no times to wooe:", "Madam, 'Good night, commend me to your Daughter.", "Lad. I will, and know her mind early to morrow ;\nTo night ſhe is mewed up to her heavineſs.", "Cap. Sir Paris, I will make a desperate tender", "Of my Childs Love: I think ſhe will be rul'd\nIn all reſpects by me, nay more, I doubt it not.", "Wife, go you to her ere you go to bed,\nAcquaint her here of my Son Paris Love,", "And bid her, mark you me, on Wednesday next,", "But ſoft, what day is this ?", "Par. Monday, my Lord.", "Cap. Monday, ha, ha, well, Wednesday is too ſoon,", "A Thursday let it be: A Thursday tell her", "She ſhall be married to this Noble Earl :", "Will you be ready ? Do you like this haſte ?", "Wee'l keep no great a-do, a friend or two,", "For, hark you, Tybalt being ſlain ſo late,", "It may be thought we held him careleſtly,", "Being our Kinfman, if we revel much:", "Therefore we'll have ſome half a dozen Friends,\nAnd there an end. But what ſay you to Thursday ?", "Par. My Lord,", "I would that Thursday were to morrow.", "Cap. Well, get you gone, a Thursday bei't then :", "Go you to Juliet ere you go to bed,", "Prepare her Wife, againſt this wedding day.", "Farewel, my Lord, light to my Chamber, hoa,", "Afore me, it is ſo late, that we may call it early by and by.", "Good night.", "[Exeunt.]", "Enter Romeo and Juliet aloſt.", "Juli. Wilt thou be gone ?", "It was the Nightingale, and not the Lark,", "That pierc'd the fearful hollow of thine Ear,\nNightly ſhe ſings on yond Pomgranate Tree,\nBelieve me Love, it was the Nightingale.", "Rom. It was the Lark, the Herald of Morn:", "No Nightingale: Look, Love, what envious ſtreaks", "Do lace the fevering Clouds in yonder Eaſt:", "Nights Candles are burnt out, and jocund day", "Stands tiptoe on the milty Mountain tops,", "I muſt be gone and live, or ſlay and die.", "Juli. Yon light is not Day-light, I know it, I :", "It is ſome Meteor that the Sun exhales,", "To be to thee this night a Torch-bearer,", "And light thee on thy way to Mantua.", "Therefore ſtay yet thou need't not to be gone.", "Rom. Let me be ta'ne, let me be put to death,", "I am content, ſo thou wilt have it ſo.", "I'le ſay you gray is not the Mornings eye,", "'Tis but the pale reflex of Cynthia's brow.", "Nor that is not the Lark whose Notes do beat", "The vaulty Heavens ſo high above our Heads,", "I have more care to ſtay, than will to go :", "Come Death and welcome, Juliers wills it ſo.", "How is't, my Soul, let's talk, it is not day.", "Juli. It is, it is, hie hence, be gone, away :", "It is the Lark that ſings ſo out of Tune,", "Straining harſh Difcords, and unpleafing Sharps.", "Some ſay the Lark makes ſweet Divition ;", "This doth not ſo : For the divideth us.", "Some ſay

320

O now be gone, more light, and it light grows.

Ro. More light and light, more dark and dark our woes.

Enter Madam and Nurse.

Nur. Madam.

Juli. Nurse.

Nur. Your Lady Mother is coming to your Chamber,
The Day is broke, be wary, look about.

Juli. Then Window let Day in, and let Life out.

Rom. Farewell, farewell, one kifs, and ple confend.

Juli. Art thou gone fo? Love, Lord, ah Husband, Friend,
I muft hear from thee every day in the hour,

For in a minute there are many days,
O by this count I shall be much in years,

E're I again behold my Romeo.

Rom. Farewell: •

I will omit no opportunity,

That may convey my greetings, Love, to thee.

Juli. O thinkeft thou we shall ever meet again ?

Rom. I doubt it not, and all these woes shall serve

For sweet Discourfes in our time to come.

Juli. O God ! I have an ill Divining Soul,

Methinks I fee thee now, thou art fo low,
As one dead in the bottom of a Tomb,

Either my Eye-fight fails: or thou look'st pale.

Rom. And truſt me, Love, in my Eye fo do you:

Dry sorrow drinks our Blood. Adieu, adieu.

[Exit.]

Juli. O Fortune, Fortune, all men call thee fickle,
If thou art fickle, what doſt thou with him
That is renown'd for Faith ? be fickle Fortune:
For then I hope thou wilt not keep him long,

But ſend him back.

Enter Mother.

La. Ho Daughter, are you up?

Juli. Who is't that calls ? is it my Lady Mother ?

Is she not down fo late, or up fo early ?

What unaccuſtom'd caufe procures her hither?

La. Why how now, Juliet ?

Juli. Madam, I am not well.

La. Evermore weeping for your Couſins death?

What wilt thou waſh him from his Grave with tears ?

And if thou couldſt, thou couldſt not make him live :
Therefore have done, ſome grief ſlewths much of Love,
But much of grief ſlewths ſtill ſome want of wit.

Juli. Yet let me weep, for ſuch a feeling loſs.

La. So ſhall you feel the loſs, but not the Friend

Which you weep for.

Juli. Feeling fo the loſs,

I cannot chufe but ever weep the Friend.

La. Well Girl, thou weep'st not ſo much for his death,
As that the Villain lives which floughtered him.

Juli. What Villain, Madam ?

La. That fame Villain, Romeo.

Juli. Villain and he be many miles aſunder :

God Pardon him, I do with all my heart,

And yet no man like he doth grieve my heart.

La. That is becauſe the Traitor lives.

Juli. I, Madam, from the reach of theſe my hands:

Would none but I might venge my Couſin's death.

La. We will have vengeance for it, fear thou not.
Then weep no more. Ile ſend to one in Mantua,
Where that fame banifh'd Runnagete doth live,
Shall give him ſuch an unaccuſtom'd dram,

That he shall ſoon keep Tybalt Company :
And then I hope thou wilt be ſatisfied.

Juli. Indeed I never ſhall be ſatisfied
With Romeo, till I behold him. Dead

Is my poor heart, fo for a Kinfman vext :
Madam, if you could find out but a man
To bear a Poison, I would temper it;

That Romeo should upon receipt thereof,
Soon fleep in quiet. Oh how my heart abhors
To hear him nam'd, and cannot come to him,
To wreak the love I bore my Couſin Tybalt,
Upon his Body that hath floughter'd him.

No. Find thou the means, and I'll find ſuch a man,
But now I le' tell thee joyful tidings, Girl.

Juli. And joy comes well, in ſuch a needy time,
What are they, I beſeech your Ladyſhip ?

No. Well, well, thou haſt a careful Father, Child;
One, who to put thee from thy heaſeines,
Hath forted out a ſudden day of joy,
That thou expeſts not, nor I look'd not for.

Juli. Madam, in happy time, what day is this?

No. Marry, my Child, early next Thursday morrow,
The gallant, Young, and Noble Gentleman,
The County Parisat St. Peter's Church,
Shall happily make thee a joyful Bride.

Juli. Now by Saint Peter's Church, and Peter too,
He ſhall not make me there a joyful Bride.
I wonder at this haſte, that I muſt wed

E're he that ſhould be Husband comes to wooe.
I pray you tell my Lord and Father, Madam,

I will not marry yet, and when I do, I wear
It ſhall be Romeo, whom you know I hate,

Rather than Paris. These are News indeed.

No. Here comes your Father, tell him fo your ſelf,
And ſee how he will take it at your hands.

Enter Capulet and Nurse.

Cap. When the Sun fets, the Earth doth drizzle Dew;
But for the Sunſet of my Brother's Son,
It rains down-right.

How now? a Conduit Girl, what ſtill in tears?

Evermore flowring in one little Body ?

Thy Counterfeit's a Bark, a Sea, a Wind:

For ſtill thy Eyes, which I may call the Sea,
Do ebb and flow with tears, the Bark thy Body
Sailing in this Salt flood, the Winds thy Sighs,
Who raging with the Tears, and they with them,
Without a ſudden calm will over-fet

Thy tempeſt-toſſed Body. How now, Wife ?

Have you delivered to her our Decree?

La. I, Sir;

But he will none, ſhe gives you thanks ?

I would the Fool were married to her Grave.

Cap. Soft, take me with you, take me with you, Wife,
How, will ſhe none ? doth ſhe not give us thanks ?

Is ſhe not proud ? doth ſhe not count her bleſſ

Unworthy as ſhe is, that we have wrought

So worthy a Gentleman to be her Bridegroom?

Juli. Not proud you have,

But thankful that you have.

Proud can I never be of what I have,

But thankful even for Hate, that is meant Love.

Cap. How now ?

How now ? Chopt Logick ? what is this ?

Proud, and I thank you: and I thank you not.

Thank me no thankings, nor proud me no proud,
But fettle your fine joints ? gainſt Thursday next,
To go with Paris to Saint Peter's Church :

Or I will drag thee on a Hurdle thither.

Out you Green-fickneſs Carrion, out you baggage,
Out you Tallow-face.

Lad. Fie, fie, what are you mad ?

Juli. Good Father, I beſeech you on my Knees

Hear me with patience, but to ſpeak a word.

Fa. Hang thee, Young Baggage, diſobedient wretch,
I tell thee what, get thee to Church a Thursday,
Or never after look me in the Face.

Speak not, reply not, do not anſwer me.

My Fingers itch, Wife: we ſcarce thought us bleſſ,
That God had lent us that only Child,

But

But now I see this one is one too much,
And that we have a Curſe in having her;
Out on her, Hilding.

Nur. God in Heaven bleſs her,

You are to blame, my Lord, to rate her ſo.

Fa. And why, my Lady Wifdom ? hold your tongue,
Good Prudence, ſmatter with your Gofflip, go.

Nur. I speak no Treason,

O God gi' goode'en,

May not one ſpeak ?

Fa. Peace you mumbling Fool,

Utter your Gravity o're a Gofflip bowl,

For here we need it not.

La. You are too hot.

Fa. Gods bread, it makes me mad :

Day, night, hour, tide, time, work, play,
Alone, in company, ſtill my care hath been
To have her match'd, and having now provided
A Gentleman of Noble Parentage,

Of fair Demeans, Youthful, and Nobly Allied,
Stuft, as they ſay, with Honourable parts,
Proportion'd as ones thought would with a Man.

And then to have a wretched puling Fool,
A whining Mammet, in her Fortunes tender,
To anſwer Ple not wed, I cannot Love,
I am too young, I pray you pardon me.

But, and you will not wed, I'le pardon you.

Graze where you will, you ſhall not Houſe with me:
Look to't, think on't, I do not uſe to jeſt.

Thurſday is near, lay Hand on Heart, adviſe ;

And you be mine, Ple give you to my Friend :

And you be not Hang, Beg, Starve, die in the Streets,
For, by my Soul, I'le ne're acknowledge thee,
Nor what is mine, ſhall never do thee good :

Trauſt to't, bethink you, Ple not be forſworn.

[Exit.]

Jul. Is there no pity fitting in the Clouds,
That fees into the bottom of my grief ?

O weet my Mother, caſt me not away,
Delay this Marriage for a Month, a Week,

Or if you do not, make the Bridal Bed

In that dim Monument where Tybalt lies.

Mo. Talk not to me, for I'le not ſpeak a word,
Do as thou wilt, for I have done with thee.

[Exit.]

Jul. O God !

O Nurſe, how ſhall this be prevented ?

My Husband is on Earth, my Faith in Heaven,

How ſhall that Faith return again to Earth,
Unleſſes that Husband ſend it me from Heaven,

By leaving Earth ? Comfort me, counſel me,
Alack, alack, that Heaven ſhould practiſe Stratagems
Upon ſo ſoft a Subjeſt, as my ſelf.

What ſay it thou ? haſt thou not a word of joy ?

Some comfort, Nurſe.

Nur. Faith here it is,

Romeo is banifhed, and all the World to nothing
That he dares ne're come back to challenge you :
Or if he do, it needs muſt be by ſtealth.

Then ſince the caſe ſo ſtands as now it doth,
I think it beſt you married with the Count,

Oh he's a lovely Gentleman :

Romeo's a diſh-clout to him : an Eagle, Madam,
Hath not ſo green, ſo quick, ſo fair an Eye

As Paris hath, beſhrew my very Heart,

I think you are happy in this ſecond match,
For it excels your firſt : or if it did not,
Your firſt is dead, or ?were as good he were,
As living here, and you no uſe of him.

Jul. Speakeſt thou from thy Heart ?

Nur. And from my Soul to,

Or eſſe beſhow them both.

Jul. Amen.

Nur. What ?

Jul. Well, thou haſt comforted me marv'lous much;
Go in, and tell my Lady I am gone,

Having diſpleas'd my Father, to Lawrence Cell,
To make Conſeſſion, and to be Abſolv'd.

Nur. Marry I will, and this is wifely done.

[Exit.]

Jul. Ancient Damnation, O moſt wicked Fiend.
Is it more Sin to with me thus forſworn,
Or to diſpraſe my Lord with that fame Tongue
Which ſhe hath prais'd him with above compare,
So many thouſand times ? Go, Counſellor,
Thou and my boſom henceforth ſhall be twain :
Ple to the Frier to know his remedy.

I fall eſſe fail, my ſelf have power to die.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Frier and Count Paris.

Fri. On Thursday, Sir, the time is very ſhort.

Par. My Father Capulet will have it ſo,

And I am nothing flow to ſlack his haſte.

Fri. You ſay you do not know the Ladies mind :
Uneven is the courſe, I like it not.

Pa. Immoderately ſhe weeps for Tybalt's death,
And therefore have I little talk of Love,

For Venus ſmiles not in a Houſe of Tears,
Now, Sir, her Father counts it dangerous

That ſhe ſhould give her ſorrow ſo much ſway :

And in his Wifdom, haſtes our Marriage,

To ſtop the inundation of her Tears,

Which too much minded by her ſelf alone,

May be put from her by Society.

Now do you know the reaſon of this haſte ?

Fri. I would I knew not why it ſhould be ſlow'd.

Look, Sir, here comes the Lady towards my Cell.

Enter Juliet.

Par. Happily met, my Lady and my Wife.

Jul. That may be, Sir, when I may be a Wife.

Par. That may be, muſt be, Love, on Thursday next.

Jul. What muſt be, ſhall be.

Fri. That's a certain Text.

Par. Come you to make Conſeſſion to this Father ?

Jul. To anſwer that, I ſhould confefs to you.

Par. Do not deny to him, that you love me.

Jul. I will confefs to you that I Love him.

Par. So will ye, I am ſure, that you Love me.

Jul. If I do ſo, it will be of more Price,

Being ſpoke behind your back, than to your Face.

Par. Poor Soul, thy Face is much abus'd with Tears.

Jul. The Tears have got ſmall Victory by that :

For it was bad enough before their ſpight.

Pa. Thou wrong't it more than Tears with that report.

Jul. That is no ſlander, Sir, which is truth,

And what I ſpeak, I ſpeak it to my Face.

Par. Thy Face is mine, and thou haſt ſlandred it.

Jul. It may be ſo, for it is not mine own.

Are you at leſure, Holy Father now,

Or ſhall I come to you at evening Mafs ?

Fri. My leſure ſerves me, penſive Daughter, now.

My Lord, I muſt intreat the time alone.

Par. God ſhield, I ſhould diſturb Devotion :

Juliet, on Thursday early will I rowze ye,

Till then adieu, and keep this holy kifs.

[Exit Paris.]

Jul. O flut the Door, and when thou haſt done ſo,
Come weep with me, paſt hope, paſt care, paſt help.

Fri. O, Juliet, I already know thy grief,

It ſtrains me paſt the compaſs of my wits :
I hear thou muſt, and nothing may prorogue it,

Jul. On Thursday next be married to this Count.

Jul. Tell me not, Frier, that thou hearted of this,
Unleſſs thou tell me how I may prevent it:

If

322

If in thy wisdom, thou canst give no help,
Do thou but call my resolution Wife,
And with this Knife, I'll help it prefently.
God joyn'd my heart and Romeo's, thou our hands,
And e're this hand, by thee to Romeo sea I'd,
Shall be the Label to another Deed,
Or my true Heart with treacherous revolt,
Turn to another, this shall flay them both:
Therefore out of thy long experience'd Time,
Give me fome prefent Counfel, or behold
'Twixt my extreams and me, this bloody Knife
Shall play the umpire, arbitrating that,
Which the Comnillion of my years and Art,
Could to no Ille of true Honour bring:
Be not so long to speak, I long to die,
If what thou speak'st speak not of Remedy.

Fri. Hold, Daughter, I do spie a kind of hope,
Which craves as desperate an Execution,
As that is desperate which we would prevent.
If rather than to marry County Paris,
Thou haft the strength of Will to flay thy self,
Then it is likely thou wilt undertake
A thing like Death to chide away this shame,
That cop it with Death himself, to ape from it:
And if thou dar it, I'le give thee remedy.
Juli. O bid me leap, rather than marry Paris,
From off the Battlements of any Tower,
Or walk in Thievish ways, or bid me lurk
Where Serpents are: Chain me with roaring Bears
Or hide me nightly in a Charnel House,
O're-covered quite with dead Mens ratling Bones,
With recky thanks, and yellow chaplets skulls:
Or bid me go into a new made Grave,
And hide me with a dead Man in his Grave,
Things that to hear them told, have made me tremble,
And I will do it without fear or doubt,
To live an unftain'd Wife to my sweet Love.
Fri. Hold then: Go home, be merry, give consent,
To marry Paris: Wednesday is to tomorrow,
To morrow Night look that thou lie alone,
Let not thy Nurfe lie with thee in thy Chamber:
Take thou this Viol being then in Bed,
And this divtilling Liquor drink thou off,
When presently through all thy Veins shall run
A cold and drowfie Humour: For no Pulfe
Shall keep his Native Progreſs, but Surceafe:
No warmth, no breath shall teſtifie thou liveſt.
The Rofes in thy Lips and Cheeks shall fade
To meaty affes, the eyes windows fall
Like Death when he fluts up the day of Life;
Each part depriv'd of ſupple Government,
Shall diff and itark, and cold appear like Death,
And in this borrowed likenefs of ſhrunk Death,
Thou ſhalt continue two and forty Hours,
And then awake, as from a pleafant Sleep,
Now when the Bridegroom in the morning comes
To rowſe thee from thy Bed, there art thou Dead:
Then as the manner of our Country is,
In thy beſt Robes uncover'd on the Beer,
Be born to Burial in thy Kindreds Grave,
Thou ſhalt be born to that fame Ancient Vault,
Where all the Kindred of the Capulets lie,
In the mean time, againſt thou ſhalt awake,
Shall Romeo by my Letters know our drift,
And hither shall he come, and that very Night
Shall Romeo bear thee hence to Mantua,
And this shall free thee from this preſent ſhame,
If no unconſtant Toy nor Womanſh fear,
Abate thy Valour in the acting it.

Juli. Give me, give me, O tell not me of fear.
Hold, get you gone, be ſtrong and profperous
In this resolve, I'le fend a Frier with ſpeed
To Mantua with my Letters to thy Lord.

Juli. Love give me ſtrength,

And ſtrength shall help afford:
Farewell, dear Father.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Father Capulet, Mother, Nurfe, and
ſerving-men, two or three.

Cap. So many Gueſts invite as here are writ,
Sirrah, go hire me twenty cunning Cooks.
Ser. You shall have none ill, Sir, for I'le try if they can
lick their fingers.

Cap. How canſt thou try them ſo?
Ser. Marry, Sir, 'tis an ill Cook that cannot lick his own
fingers: Therefore he that cannot lick his fingers, goes
not with me.

Cap. Go, be gone, we shall be much unfurniſh'd for this
time: What is my Daughter gone to Frier Lawrence?

Nur. I forſooth.

Cap. Well he may chance to do ſome good on her,
A peeviſh ſelf-wild Harlotry it is.

Enter Juliet.

Nur. See where the comes from ſhrift
With merry look.

Cap. How now, my Headſtrong,
Where have you been gadding?

Juli. Where I have learnt me to repent the Sin
Of diſobedient Oppofition
To you and your beheſts, and am enjoynd
By holy Lawrence, to fall proſtrate here,
To beg your Pardon: Pardon I beſeeth you,
Henceforward I am ever rul'd by you.

Cap. Send for the Count, go tell him of this,
I'le have this Knot knit up to morrow morning.

Juli. I met the youthful Lord at Lawrence Cell,
And gave him what became Love I might,
Not lepping o're the bounds of Modesty.

Cap. Why I am glad on't, this is well, stand up,
This is as't should be, let me fee the County:
I marry, go I ſay, and fetch him hither.
Now afore God, this reverend Holy Frier,
All our whole City is much bound to him.

Juli. Nurſe, will you go with me into my Cloſet,
To help me forſt much needful Ornaments,
As you think fit to furniſh me to morrow?

Mo. No not till Thursday, there is time enough.
Fa. Go Nurſe, go with her,
Wee'l to Church to morrow.

[Exeunt Juliet and Nurſe.]

Mo. We shall be ſhort in our Provision,
'Tis now neer Night.
Fa. Tuth, I will flir about,
And all things shall be well, I warran tthee, wife:
Go thou to Juliet, help to deck up her,
I'le not to bed to night, let me alone:
I'le play the Hufwife for this on ce. What ho?
They are all forth, well I will walk my ſelf
To County Paris, to prepare him up
Againſt to morrow, my heart is wondrous light,
Since this fame way-ward Girl is ſo reclaim'd.

[Exeunt Father and Mother.]

Enter Juliet and Nurſe.

Juli. I, those attires are beſt, but gentle Nurſe,
I pray you leave me to my ſelf to Night:
For I have need of many Orifons,
To move the Heavens to ſmile upon my ſtate,
Which well thou know'st is croſs and full of fin.

Enter Mother.

Mo. What are you buſe, ho ? Need you my help ?
Jul.

323

Juli. No, Madam, we have cu'd such neceffaries
As are behoveful for our flate to morrow :
So pleafe you, let me now be left alone;
And let the Nurfe this night fit up with yo u,
For I am sure you have your hands full all,
In this so sudden buſneſs.

Mo. Goodnight,
Get thee to bed and reſt, for thou haſt need.

[Exeunt.]

Juli. Farewell:
God knows, when we ſhall meet again.
I have a faint cold fear thrills through my Veins,
That almost freezes up the heat of Fire:
Ple call them back to comfort me.
Nurfe, what ſhould ſhe do here ?
My diſmal Scene, I needs muſt act alone:
Come Vial, what if this mixture do not work at all?
Shall I be married to morrow morning ?
No, no, this ſhall forbid it. Lie thou there,
What if it be a Poyſon, which the Frier,
Subtially hath Miniftried to have me Dead,
Left in this Marriage he ſhould be diſhonour'd,
Becaufe he Married me before to Romeo ?
I fear it is, and yet methinks it ſhould not,
For he hath ſtill been tried a Holy Man.
How, if when I am laid into the Tomb,
I wake before the time that Romeo
Come to redeem me ? There's a fearful Point:
Shall I not then be ſtifted in the Vault ?
To whole foul mouth no healthſome Air breaths in,
And there die ſtrangled e're my Romeo comes.
Or if I live, is it not very like,
The horrible conceit of Death and Night,
Together with the Terror of the Place,
As in a Vault, an ancient Receptacle,
Where for theſe many hundred years the Bones
Of all my buried Anceſtors are packt,
Where bloody Tybalt, yet but green in Earth,
Lies ſeſtring in his ſhow'd, where, as they ſay,
At ſome hours in the night, Spirits reſort :
Alack, alack is it not like that I
So early waking, what with loathſome ſmells,
And ſhrieks like Mandrakes torn out of the Earth,
That living Mortals, hearing them, run mad.
Or if I walk, ſhall I not be diſtraught,
Inviron'd with all theſe Hideous fears,
And madly play with my fore-fathers joynths ?
And pluck the mangled Tybalt from his ſhow'd ?
And in this rage, with ſome great Kinſmans Bone,
As (with a Club) daſh out my desperate Brains.
O look, methinks I fee my Cozens Ghoſt,
Seeking out Romeo that did ſpit his Body
Upon his Rapiers point: Stay, Tybalt ſtay;
Romeo, Romeo, Romeo, here's drink: I drink to thee.

Enter Lady of the house and Nurfe.

Lady. Hold,
Take theſe Keies and fetch more Spices, Nurſe.
Nur. They call for Dates and Quinces in the Paſtry.

Enter old Capulet.

Cap. Come, ſtir, ſtir, ſtir,
The ſecond Cock hath Crow'd,
The Curphey Bell hath rung, 'tis three a Clock:
Look to the Bak'd Meats, good Angelica.
Spare not for coſt.
Nur. Go, you Cot-quean, go,
Get you to Bed, faith you'll be ſick to morrow
For this nights Watching.
Cap. No not a whit, I have watch'd e're now
All Night for a leſs Caufe, and ne're been ſick.
La. I, you have been a Mouſe-hunt in your time,

But I will watch you from ſuch watching now.
[Exit Lady and Nurſe.
Cap. A jealous-hood, a jealous-hood,
Now, Fellow, what's there ?

Enter three or four with Spirits, and Logs, and Baskets.

Fel. Things for the Cook, Sir, but I know not what.
Cap. Make haſte, make haſte, firra, fetch drier Logs.
Call Peter, he will ſhow thee where they are.

Fel. I have a head, fir, that will find out Logs.
And never trouble Peter for the matter.

Cap. Mafs and well faſd, a merry Horſon, ha.
Thou ſhalt be Logger-head, good Faith, 'tis day.

[Play Mufick]
The County will be here with Mufick ibright,
For ſo he faſd he would, I hear him near,
Nurſe, Wife, what ho ? What, Nurſe, I ſay ?

Enter Nurſe.

Go waken Juliet, go and trim her up,
Ple go and chat with Paris : Hie, make haſte,
Make haſte, the Bridegroom, he is come already :
Make haſte, I ſay.

Nur. Miftrefſs, what Miftrefſs ? Juliet ? Faſt I warrant her.
Why Lamb, why Lady ? Fie you flug-a-bed,
Why Love, I ſay ? Madam, Sweet-heart : Why Bride ?
What, not a word ? You take your Penniworths now,
Sleep for a week, for the next night I warrant
The County Paris hath ſet up his reſt,
That you ſhall reſt but little, God forgive me :

Marry and Amen : How ſound is the alleep ?
I muſt needs wake her : Madam, Madam, Madam,
I, let the County take you in your Bed ;
Hee'l fright you up y'faith. Will it not be ?
What dreſſ, and in your Cloths, and down again ?
I muſt needs wake you : Lady, Lady, Lady ?
Alas, alas, help, help, my Lady's dead.

Oh well-a-day, that ever I was born,
Some Aqua-vitæ ho, my Lord, my Lady ?

Enter Mother.

Mo. What noſe is here ?

Nur. O lamentable day.

Mo. What is the matter ?

Nur. Look, look, oh heavy day.

Mo. O me, O me, my Child, my only life:
Revive, look up, or I will die with thee :
Help, help, call help.

Enter Father.

Fa. For ſhame bring Jullier forth, her Lord is come.
Nur. She's dead : Deceaſt, ſhe's dead : Alack the day.
Mo. Alack the day, ſhe's dead, ſhe's dead, ſhe's dead.
Fa. Ha ? Let me ſee her : Out alas, ſhe's cold,
Her blood is fetled, and her joynths are ſtiff :
Life and theſe Lips have long been ſeparated :
Death lies on her like an untimely Froſt
Upon the sweeteſt flower of all the Field.
Nur. O, lamentable day !
Mo. O woful time.
Fa. Death that hath ta'ne her hence to make me waile,
Ties up my Tongue and will not let me ſpeak.

Enter Frier and the County.

Fri. Come, is the Bride ready to go to Church ?
Fa. Ready to go, but never to return.
O Son, the night before thy Wedding day,
Hath Death lain with thy Wife : See, there ſhe lies,

Flower

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Flower as he was, Deflow'r'd now by him,
Death is my Son in Law, Death is my Her,
My Daughter he hath wedded. I will die,

And leave him all Life living, all is Deaths.

Pa. Have I thought long to see this mornings face,
And doth it give me such a light as this ?

No. Accurst, unhappy, wretched, hateful day,
Moſt miferable Hour, that e're time law
In laſting Labour of his Pilgrimage.

But one, poor one, one poor and loving Child,
But one thing to rejoyce and solace in,
And cruel Death hath catcht it from my fight.

Nur. O,wo, O woful, woful, woful Day,
Moſt lamentable Day, moſt woful Day,
That ever, ever, I did yet behold,
O day, O day, O day, O hateful day,
Never was ſeen ſo black a day as this:
O woful day, O woful day.

Pa. Beguil'd, divorced, wronged, ſpighted, flain,
Moſt deteſtable death, by thee beguil'd,
By cruel, cruel thee quite overthrown :

O love, O life; not Life, but Love in Death.

Fa. Despis'd, diſtrefſed, hated, martyr'd, kill'd,
Uncomfortable time, why cam't thou now
To murther, murther our Solemnity ?

O Child, O Child; my Soul and not my Child,
Dead art thou, alack my Child is Dead,
And with my Child, my joys are Buried.

Fri. Peace ho for ſhame, Confusions: Care lives not
In theſe Confusions, Heaven and your ſelf
Had part in this fair Maid, now Heaven hath all,

And all the better is it for the Maid :
Your part in her, you could not keep from Death,
But Heaven keeps his part in Eternal Life :
The moſt you fought was her Promotion,

For 'twas your Heaven that ſhe ſhould be advanc'd;
And weep ye now, feeing ſhe is advanc'd
Above the Clouds, as high as Heaven it ſelf?
O in this love, you love your Child ſo ill,
That you run mad, feeing that ſhe is well,
She's not well married, that lives married long,
But ſhe's beſt married, that dies married young.

Dry up your tears, and ſtick your Roſemary
On this fair Coarſe, and as the Cuſtom is,
And in her beſt Array, bear her to Church :
For though fond Nature bids all us lament,

Yet Natures te rs are Reaſons merriment.

Fa. All things that we ordained Feſtival,
Turn from their Office to black Funeral :
Our Inſtruments to melancholy Bells,
Our wedding Chear, to a ſad burial Feaſt:
Our ſolemn Hymns, to ſullen Dyrges change;
Our Bridal Flowers ſerve for a buried Coarſe;
And all things change them to the contrary.

Fri. Sir go you in, and Madam, go with him,
And go Sir Paris, every one prepare
To follow this fair Coarſe unto her Grave :
The Heavens do lowre upon you, for ſome ill :
Move them no more, by croulling their high Will.

[Exeunt.]

Mu. Faith we may put up our Pipes and be gone.

Nur. Honeſt good ſeels: Ah put up, put up,
For well you know this is a pittifull Cafe.

Mu. I by my Troth, the cafe may be amended.

Enter Peter.

Pet. Mufitians, oh Mufitians,

Hearts eafe, hearts eafe,

O, and you will have me live, play hearts eafe.

Mu. Why hearts eafe?

Pet. O Mufitians,

Because my heart it ſelf plays, my heart is full.

Mt. Not a dump we, ?tis no time to play now.

Pet. You will not then?

Mu. No.

Pet. I will then give it you foundly.

Mu. What will you give us ?

Pet. No Money on my Faith, but the Gleek.

I will give you the Minilfrel.

Mu. Then will I give you the Serving Creaſure.

Pet. Then will I lay the ſerving Creaſures Daggeſ
on your Pate. I will carry no Crotchets, Ple Re you, Ple Fa you,
do you Note me?

Mu. And you Re us, and Fa us, you Note us.

2 Mu. Pray you put up your Daggeſ,
And put out your Wit.

Then have at you with my Wit.

Pet. I will drie-beat you with an Iron Wit,
And put up my Iron Daggeſ.

Anſwer me like Men :

When griping griefs the Heart doth wound, then Mufick
With her filver found.

Why Silver found ? VVhy Mufick with her Silver found?

What ſay you Simon Caiuſet ?

Mu. Marry Sir, becauſe Silver hath a ſweet found.

Pet. Prateſt, what ſay you Hugh Reſick?

2 Mu. I ſay Silver found, becauſe Mufitians found for Sil-

Pet. Prateſt too, what ſay you James Sounſd. Poſſ ? (ver.

3 Mu. Faith I know not what to ſay.

Pet. O I cry you mercyc, you are the Singer.

I will ſay for you, it is Mufick with her Silver found,
Because Mufitians have no Gold for founding :

Then Mufick with her Silver found, with ſpeedy help doth
lend redrefs.

[Exit.]

Mu. What a peſtilent Knave is this fame?

2 Mu. Hang him Jack, come we'll in here, tarry for
the Mourners, and lay dinner.

[Exit.]

Enter Romeo.

Rom. If I may truſt the flattering truth of ſleep,
My Dreams preſage ſome joyful news at hand :

My boſoms Lord ſits lightly in his THRONE :
And all this winged unacceſtom'd Spirit,

Lifts me above the ground with chearful Thoughts.
I dreamt my Lady came and found me Dead,

(Strange Dream that gives a dead man leave to think)
And breath'd ſuch life with Killes in my lips,

That I reviv'd, and was an Emperour.

Ah me, how ſweet is Love it ſelf Poſſeſ,

When but Loves Shadows are ſo rich in Joy.

Enter Romeo's Man.

News from Verona, how now Ealthazar ?

Doſt thou not bring me Letters from the Frier ?

How doth my Lady ? Is my Father well ?

How doth my Lady Juliet ? That I ask again,
For nothing can be ill, if ſhe be well.

Man. Then ſhe is well, and nothing can be ill.

Her Body ſleeps in Capulet's Monument,
And her immortal part with Angels lives,
I ſaw her laid low in her Kindreds Vault,
And prefently took Poſſ to tell it you:

O pardon me for bringing these ill News,
Since you did leave it for my Office, Sir.

Rom. Is it even so ?

Then I deny you Stars.

Thou knoweſt my Lodging, get me Ink and Paper,
And hire Poſſ-Horſes, I will hence to Night.

Man. I do beſeech you, Sir, have Patience:
Your looks are pale and wild, and do import
Some miſadventure.

Rom. Tuff, thou art deceiv'd,

Leave

325

Leave me, and do the thing I bid thee do :
Haft thou no Letters to me from the Frier ?

Man. No, my good Lord.

[Exit Man.

Rom. No matter: Get thee gone,
And hire thofe Horfes, Ile be with thee freight.
Well Frier, I will lie with thee to Night :
Let's fee for means: O mifchief thou art fwidth
To enter in the Thoughts of desperate Men :
I do remember an Apothecary,
And hereabouts he dwells, which late I noted
In tatter'd Weeds, with overwhelming Brows,
Culling of Simples, Meager were his Looks,
Sharp Mifery had worn him to the Bones :
And in his needy Shop a Tortoife hung,
An Allegator ſluft, and other Skins
Of ill-shap'd Fihes, and about his Shelves
A beggarly Account of empty Boxes;
Green earthen Pots, Bladders, and muſty Seeds,
Remnants of Packtred, and old Cakes of Rofes
Were thinly ſcattered, to make up a ſhew.
Noting this Penury, to my Self I faid,
And if a Man did need a Poyſon now,
Whoſe ſale is prefent Death in Mantua,
Here lives a Caitiff Wretch would ſell it him.
O this fame Thought did but fore-run my need,
And this fame needy Man muſt ſell it me.
As I remember, this ſhould be the Houſe,
Being holy day, the Beggars Shop is ſhut.
What ho ? Apothecary ?

Enter Apothecary.

Ap. Who call'ss ſo lowd ?
Rom. Come hither Man, I fee that thou art Poor,
Hold, there is forty Ducks, let me have
A Dram of Poyſon, ſuch ſoon-speeding Geer,
As will diſperſe it ſelf through all the Veins,
That the Life-weary-taker may fall Dead,
And that the Trunk may be diſcharg'd of Breath,
As violently, as haſty Powder fir'd
Doth hurry from the fatal Cannons Womb.
Ap. Such Mortal Drugs I have, but Mantua's Law
Is Death to any he that utters them.
Rom. Art thou ſo bare and full of Wretchedneſs,
And fear it to die ? Famine is in thy Cheeks,
Need and Oppreſſion ſtaveth in thine Eyes,
Contempt and Beggary hang on thy Back !
The world is not thy Friend, nor the world's Law:
The world affords no Law to make thee Rich.
Then be not Poor, but break it, and take this.
Ap. My Poverty, but not my Will confents.
Rom. I pray thy Poverty, and not thy Will.
Ap. Put this in any Liquid thing you will,
And drink it off, and if you had the Strength
Of twenty men, it would diſpatch you ſtreight.
Rom. There's thy Gold,
Worſe Poyſon to Mens Souls,
Doing more Murder in this loathſom World,
Than theſe poor Compounds that thou maſt not ſell :
I ſell thee Poyſon, thou haſt ſold me none.
Farewel, buy Food, and get thy ſelf in Fleſh,
Come Cordial, and not Poyſon, go with me
To Frier's Grave, for there muſt I uſe thee.

[Exeunt.

Enter Frier John to Frier Lawrence.
John. Holy Francifcan Frier, Brother, ho ?

Enter Frier Lawrence.

Law. This fame ſhould be the Voice of Frier John.
Welcome from Mantua, what ſays Romeo ?

Or if mind be writ, give me his Letter.
Yoh. Going to find a bare-foot Brother out,
One of our Order, to afflucte me,
Here in this City viiſiting the Sick,
And finding him, the Scarchers of the Town
Sufpeſting that we both were in a Houſe
Where the infectious Peftilence did reign,
Seal'd up the Doors, and would not let us forth,
So that my ſpeed to Mantua there was ſtald.
Law. Who bare my Letter then to Romeo ?
Yoh. I could not ſend it, here it is again,
Nor get a Meſſenger to bring it thee,
So fearful were they of Infection.

Law. Unhappy Fortune ! by my Brother hood
The Letter was not nice, but ſull of charge
Of dear Import, and the neglecting it
May do much Danger: Frier John, go hence,
Get me an Iron Crow, and bring it ſtreight
Unto my Cell.

John. Brother, Ple go and bring it thee.

Law. Now muſt I to the Monument alone,
VVithin this three Hours will fair Frier wake,
She will beſrew me much that Romeo
Hath had no notice of theſe Accidents:
But I will write again to Mantua,
And keep her at my Cell till Romeo come,
Poor living Coarſe, clos'd in a dead Man's Tomb.

[Exit.]

[Exit.]

Enter Paris and his Page.

Par. Give me thy Torch, Boy, hence and ſtand aloof:
Yet put it out, for I would not be ſeen :
Under yond young Trees lay thee all along,
Laying thy Ear close to the hollow ground,
So ſhall no foot upon the Church-yard tread,
Being loose, unfirm, with digging up of Graves,
But thou ſhalt hear it: VVhile then to me,
As ſignal that thou heareſt ſomething approach.
Give me thofe Flowers. Do as I bid thee, go.
Pag. I am almost afraid to ſtand alone
Here in the Church-yard, yet I will adventure.

Pag. Sweet Flower, with Flowers thy Bridal bed I ſtrew:
O woe, thy Canopy is duſt and ſones,
VVhich with fweet VVater nightly I will dew,
Or wanting that, with tears diſtill'd by Mones ;
The Obſequies that I for thee will keep,
Nightly shall be, to ſtrew thy Grave and weep.

The Boy gives warning, ſomething doth approach,
VVhat curled Foot wanders this way to night,
To crosſ my Obſequies, and true Loves Right ?
VWhat with a Torch ? Muffle me Night a while.

[Whistle Boy.

Enter Romeo and Peter.

Rom. Give me that Mattock, and the wrenching Iron,
Hold, take this Letter, early in the Morning
See thou deliver it to my Lord and Father,
Give me the Light: upon thy Life I charge thee,
What-e're thou hear'st or ſeeſt, ſtand all aloof,
And do not interrupt me in my Courſe.
Why I defcend into this Bed of Death,
Is partly to behold my Lady's Face:
But chiefly to take thence from her dead finger,
A precious Ring, A Ring that I muſt uſe
In dear Employment, therefore hence be gone :
But if thou, Jealous, doſt return to Pry
In what I further ſhall intend to do,
By Heaven I will tear thee joyn't by joyn't,
And ſtrew this hungry Church-yard with thy Limbs :
The time, and my intents are Savage Wild:

More

326

More fierce, and more mexorable far,
than empty Tygers, or the Roaring Sea.

*Pet.* I will be gone Sir, and not trouble you.

*Ro.* So fhalt thou ſhew me Friendſhip : Take thou that,
Live and be Proſperous, and farewel good Fellow.

*Pet.* For all this fame, Ile hide me here about,
His Looks I fear, and his Intents I doubt.

[Exit.]

*Rom.* Thou detestable Maw, thou Womb of Death,
Gorg'd with the deareſt Morſel of the Earth:
Thus I enforce thy rotten Jaws to open,
And in deſpight, Ile cram thee with more Food.

*Par.* This is that Banifht haughty Mountague
That murdered my Loves Cozin; with which Grief,
It is ſuppofed the Fair Creature died,
And here is come to do ſome Villanous Shame
To the Dead Bodys: I will apprehend him.
Stop thy unhallowed Toyl, vile Mountague:
Can Vengeance be purſued further then Death?
Condemned Villain, I do apprehend thee;
Obeay, and go with me, for thou muſt Die.

*Rom.* I muſt indeed, and therefore came I hither.

Good gentle Youth, tempt not a deſperate Man,
Fly hence and leave me, think upon thofe gone,
Let them affright thee. I beſeech thee Youth,
Put not another Sin upon my Head,

By urging me to Fury. O be gone,
By Heaven I Love thee better than my ſelf,
For I come hither Arm'd againſt my ſelf:
Stay not, be gone, Live, and hereafter ſay,
A mad Man's Mercy bid thee run away.

*Par.* I do defe thy Commification,
And apprehend thee for a Felon here.

*Rom.* Wilt thou provoke me ? Then have at thee Boy,

*Pet.* O Lord they fight, I will go call the Watch.

*Pa.* O I am Slain; if thou be Merciful,
Open the Tomb, lay me with *Juliet*.

*Rom.* In Faith I will : let me perſue this Face,
MercEUtio's Kinfman, Noble County Paris.
What faid my Man, when my betoſſed Soul
Did not attend him as we Rode ? I think
He told me *Paris* should have Married *Juliet*.
Said he not fo ? Or did I Dream it fo ?
Or am I Mad, hearing him talk of *Juliet*,
To think it was fo ? O give me thy Hand,
One writ with me in ſowr Misfortunes Book,
Ile bury thee in a Triumphant Grave.

A Grave, O no a Lanthorn, ſlaughter'd Youth :
For here lies *Juliet*, and her Beauty makes
This Vault a Feaſting prefence full of Light.

Death, be thou there by a Dead Man interr'd.
How oft when Men are at the Point of Death,
Have they been Merry ? Which their Keepers call
A Lightning before Death ? Oh how may I
Call this a Lightning ? O my Love, my Wife,
Death that hath fuckt the Honey of thy Breath,
Hath had no Power yet upon thy Beauty :

Thou art not Conquer'd, Beauties Enſign yet
Is Crimſom in thy Lips, and in thy Cheeks,
And Deaths pale Flag is not advanced there.

*Tybalt*, Iy'ft thou there in thy Bloody Sheet ?

O what more Favour can I do to thee,
Then with that Hand that cut thy Youth in twain,
To ſunder his that was thy Enemy ?

Forgive me Cozen. Ah dear *Juliet* :
Why art thou yet ſo fair ? I will believe,
Shall I believe, that unſubſtantial Death is Amorous ?

And that the lean abhorred Monſter keeps
Thee here in Dark to be his Paramour ?

For fear of that, I ſkill will ſtay with thee,
And never from this Palace of dim Night

Depart again : Come lie thou in my Arms,
Here's to thy Health, where e're thou tumbleſt in.

O true Apothecary !

Thy Drugs are quick. Thus with a Kifs I Die,
Depart again ; here, here will I remain,

With Worms that are thy Chamber-Maids : O here
Will I ſet up my Everlafting reſt :

And shake thy Yoak of inauipuſious Stars

From this Worlds wearied Fleh : Eyes look your laſt :
Arms take your laſt Embrace: And Lips, O you

The Doors of Breath, ſeal with a Righteous Kifs
A dateleſs Bargain to engroſſing Death :

Come bitter Conduct, come unfavourable Guide,
Thou deſperate Pilot, now at once run on
The daſhing Rocks thy Sea-tick weary Bark :

Here's to my Love. O true Apothecary !
Thy Drugs are quick. Thus with a Kifs I Die,

Enter Frier with Lanthorn, Crow, and Spade.

*Fri.* St. Francis be my ſpeed, how oft to Night
Have my old Feet ſtumbled at Graves ? Who's there?

*Man.* Here's one, a Friend, and one that knows you well.

*Fri.* Blifs be upon you. Tell me good my Friend
What Torch is yond, that vainly lends his Light
To grubs and eyeleſs Sculls? As I diſcern,
It burneth in the Capuſer's Monument.

*Man.* It doth fo, Holy Sir.

And there's my Maſter, one that you Love.

*Fri.* Who is it ?

*Man.* *Romeo.*

*Fri.* How long hath he been there ?

*Man.* Full half an hour.

*Fri.* Go with me to the Vault.

*Man.* I dare not, Sir.

My Maſter knows not but I am gone hence,
And fearfully did Menace me with Death,
If I did ſtay to look on his Intents.

*Fri.* Stay, then Ile goe alone, fears come upon me.

O much I fear ſome fome ill unlucky thing.

*Man.* As I did ſleep under this young Tree here,
I dreamt my Maſter and another ſought,
And that my Maſter flew him.

*Fri.* *Romeo.*

Alack, alack, what Blood is this which flains

The ſtony entrance of this Sepulchre ?

What mean theſe Maſterleſs and Goary Swords

To lie diſcolour'd by this place of Peace?

*Romeo*, oh pale ! Who elſe ? What *Paris* too?

And ſleep'd in Blood ? Ah what an unkind Hour
Is guilty of this Lamentable chance ?
The Lady flirs.

*Juli.* O comfortable Frier, where's my Lord?

I do remember well where I should be :

And there I am, where is my *Romeo* ?

*Fri.* I hear ſome noife Lady, come from that Neſt
Of Death, contagion, and unnatural Sleep ;
A greater Power than we can contradict
Hath thwarted our intents; come, come away,
Thy Husband in thy Boſome there lies Dead,
And *Paris* too: Come I'le diſpofe of thee,
Among a Sifterhood of Holy Nuns :
Stay not to queſtion, for the Watch is coming,
Come, go good *Juliet*, I dare no longer ſtay.

[Exit.]

*Juli.* Go, get thee hence, for I will not away.
What's here ? A Cup clos'd in my true Loves hand?

*Poyſon I fee hath been his timeleſs End.*

O Churle, drink all, and left no Friendly drop,
To help me after ? I will Kifs thy Lips,

Haply ſome Poyſon yet doth Hang on them,
To make me Die with a Reſtorative.

Thy Lips are warm.

Enter Boy and Watch.

*Watch.* Lead Boy, which way ?

*Juli.*

["The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.", "Juli. Yea, noife ?", "Then Ple be brief. O happy Dagger,", "Tis in thy heath, there rult and let me die.", "[Kills her selfe.", "Boy. This is the place,", "There were the Torch burn'd.", "Watch. The ground is bloody,", "Search about the Churchyard.", "Go fome of you, who e're you find atrach.", "Pittyful fight, heres lies the County flain,", "And Julier bleeding, warm, and newly dead,", "Who here hath lain thefe two daies Buried.", "Go tell the Prince, run to the Capulets,", "Raife up the Mountagues, fome others fearch,\nWe fee the Ground whereon thefe Woes do lye.", "But the true Ground of all theſe piteous Woes", "We cannot without Circumſtance deftry.", "Enter Romeo's Man.", "Wat. Here's Romeo's Man,", "We found him in the Churchyard.", "Con. Hold him in safety, till the Prince comes hither.", "Enter Frier and another Watchman.", "3. Wat. Here is a Frier that trembles, ſights, and weeps:\nWe took this Mattock and this Spade from him,\nAs he was coming from this Church-yard ſide.", "Con. A great Sufpicion, ſtay the Frier too.", "Enter the Prince.", "Pri. What miſadventure is ſo early up,", "That calls our Perſon from our Mornings Reſt ?", "Enter Capulet and his Wife.", "Cap. What ſhould it be that they ſo ſtrick abroad ?", "Wife. O the People in the Street cry Romeo,", "Some Juliet, and fome Paris,", "With open out-cry toward our Monument.", "Pri. What Fear is this which ſtartles in your Ears ?", "Wat. Soveraign, here lies the County Paris flain,", "And Romeo dead, and Juliet dead before,", "Warm and new kill'd.", "Pri. Search,", "Seek, and know how this foul Murther comes.", "Wat. Here is a Frier, and flanghter'd Romeo's Man,", "With Inſtruments upon them fit to open", "Theſe Dead mens Tombs.", "Cap. O Heaven !", "O Wife, look how our Daughter Bleeds!", "This Dagger hath miſtaine, for loe his Houſe", "Iſempty on the back of Mountague,", "And is miſheathed in my Daughters Boſom.", "Wife. O me, this fight of Death is as a Bell,", "That warns my old Age to a Sepulcher.", "Enter Mountague.", "Pri. Come Mountague, for thou art early up", "To fee thy Son and Heir now early down.", "Moun. Alas my Liege, my Wife is dead to Night,\nGrief of my Sons Exile hath ſtopt her Breath :", "What further Woe confpires againſt my Age ?", "Pri. Look, and thou ſhalt fee.", "Moun. O thou untaught, what Manners is in this,\nTo preſ before thy Father to a Grave ?", "Pri. Seal up the Mouth of out-rage for a while,", "Till we can clear theſe Ambiguties,", "And know their Spring, their Head, their true Deſcent,", "And then will I be General of your Woes,", "And lead you even to Death ; mean time forbear,", "And let Mifeſchance be Slave to Patience.", "Bring forth the Parties of ſuſpicion.", "Fri. I am the greatest, able to do leaſt,", "Yet moſt ſuſpected, as the Time and Place", "Doth make againſt me, of this direful Murther :", "And here I ſtand both to Impeach and Purge", "My ſelf Condemned, and my ſelf Excus'd.", "Pri. Then ſay at once what thou doſt know in this ?", "Fri. I will be brief, for my ſhort date of Breath", "Is not ſo long as is a tedious Tale.", "Romeo there Dead, was Husband to that Juliet,", "And ſhe there Dead, that's Romeo's faithful Wife:", "I Married them : and their ſtoſn Marriage Day", "Was Tybalt's Dooms-day, whoſe untimely Death", "Banifh'd the new-made Bridegroom from this City :", "For whom (and not for Tybalt ) Juliet pin'd.", "You, to remove that Siege of Grief from her,\nBetroth'd, and would have Married her perſorce", "To County Paris. Then comes ſhe to me,", "And (with wild Looks) bid me devife ſome means", "To rid her from this ſecond Marriage,", "Or in my Cell there would ſhe kill her ſelf.", "Then gave I her (fo tutored by my Art)", "A fleeping Potion, which ſo took Eſſet", "As I intended, for it wrought on her", "The Form of Death. Mean time I writ to Romeo,", "That he ſhould hither come, as this dire Night,", "To help to take her from her borrowed Grave,", "Being the time the Potions force ſhould ceaſe.", "But he which bore my Letter, Frier John,", "Was ſtay'd by accident, and yeſternight", "Return'd my Letter back ; then all alone,", "At the prefixed Hour of her waking,", "Came I to take her from her Kindreds Vault,", "Meaning to keep her cloſely at my Cell,", "Till I conveniently could ſend to Romeo.", "But when I came (fome Minute e're the time", "Of her awaking) here untimely lay", "The Noble Paris, and true Romeo dead.", "She wakes, and I intreat her to come forth,", "And bear this Work of Heaven with Patience :", "But then, a Noife did ſcare me from the Tomb,", "And ſhe (too deſperate) would not go with me,", "But (as it ſeems) did Violence on her ſelf.", "All this I know, and to the Marriage her Nurſe is privy :", "And if ought in this miſcarried by my fault,", "Let my old Life be ſacrific'd ſome Hour before the time,", "Unto the Rigor of fevered Law.", "Pri. We ſtill have known thee for an Holy man.", "Where's Romeo's Man ? What can he ſay to this ?", "Boy. I brought my Maſter News of Juliers Death,", "And then in Poſſe he came from Mantua", "To this fame place, to this fame Monument.", "This Letter he early bid me give his Father,", "And threatened me with Death, going in the Vault,", "If I departed not, and left him there.", "Pri. Give me the Letter, I will look on it.", "Where is the Counties Page that RAIS'd the Watch ?", "Sirrah, what made your Maſter in this Place ?", "Pag. He came with Flowers to ſtrew his Ladies Grave,\nAnd bid me ſtand aloof, and ſo I did :", "Anon comes one with light to ope the Tomb,", "And by and by my Maſter drew on him,", "And then I ran away to call the Watch.", "Prin. This Letter doth make good the Friers words,", "Their Courſe of Love, the tydings of her Death :", "And here he Writes, that he did buy a Poyſon", "Of a

Timon of Athens.

Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hugg
With ampleft entertainment: My free drift
Halts not particularly, but moves it ſelf
In a wide Sea of Wax, no levell'd malice
Infecſt one comma in the courſe I hold,
But flies an Eagle flight, bold, and forth on,
Leaving no Tract behind.

*Pain.* How ſhall I underſtand you?

*Poet.* I will unbolt to you.

You fee how all Conditions, how all Minds,
As well of glib and flipp'ry Creatures, as
Of grave and auſtere quality, tender down
Their ſervices to Lord Timon: His large Fortune,
Upon his good and gracious Nature hanging,
Subdues and properties to his love and tendance
All forſts of hearts; year from the glaſs ſac'd Flatterer
To Apemantus, that ſew things loves better
Than to abhor himſelf, even he drops down
The knee before him, and returns in peace
Moſt rich in Timon's nod.

*Pain.* I faw them ſpeak together.

*Poet.* Sir, I have upon a high and pleafant hill
Feign'd Fortune to be thron'd.

The Baſe o'th' Mount
Is rank'd with all deferts, all kind of Natures
That labour on the boſom of this Sphere,
To propagate their flates; amongſt them all,
Whoſe eyes are on this Sovereign Lady fixt,
One do I perſonate of Lord Timon's frame,
Whom Fortune with her Ivory hand waſts to her,
Whoſe prefent grace, to prefent flaves and ſervants
Transflates his Rivals.

*Pain.* 'Tis conceiv'd, to ſcope

This THRONE, this Fortune, and this Hill methinks
With one man beckn'd from the reſt below,
Bowing his head againſt the ſteepie Mount,
To climb his happineſs, would be well expreſt
In our Condition.

*Poet.* Nay, Sir, but hear me on :

All thatſe which were his Fellows but of late,
Some better than his value; on the moment
Follow his ſtrides, his Lobbies fill with tendance,
Rain Sacrificial whisperings in his ear,
Make Sacred, even his Stirrop, and through him
Drink the free Air.

*Pain.* I marry, what of theſe?

*Poet.* When Fortune in her ſhift and change of mood
Spurns down her late beloved; all his Dependants
Which labour'd after him to the Mountains top,
Even on their knees and hands let him ſit down,
Not one accompanying his declining foot.

*Pain.* 'Tis common :

A thouſand moral Paintings I can ſhew,
That ſhall demonſtrate theſe quick blows of Fortune,
More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well,
To ſhew Lord Timon, that mean eyes have ſeen
The foot above the head.

Trumpets found.

Enter Lord Timon, addreſſing himſelf courteouſly
to every Suitor.

*Tim.* Imprifoned is he, fay you ?

*Mef.* I my good Lord, five Talents is his debt,
His means moſt ſhort, his Creditors moſt ſtraight :
Your honourable Letter he deſires
To thofe have ſhut him up, which failing to him,
Periods his comfort.

*Tim.* Noble *Ventidius*, well :

I am not of that Feather, to ſhake off
My friend when he moſt needs me. I do know him
A Gentleman, that well deſerves a help,
Which he ſhall have. I'll pay the debt, and free him.

*Mef.* Your Lordſhip ever binds him.

*Tim.* Commend me to him, I will ſend his ranſon,
And being enfranchiz'd, bid him come to me;
'Tis not enough to help the feeble up,
But to ſupport him after. Fare you well.

*Mef.* All happineſs to your Honour.

Enter an Old Athenian.

Exiſt.

*O. Ath.* Lord Timon, hear me ſpeak.

*Tim.* Freely, good Father.

*O. Ath.* Thou haſt a ſervant nam'd *Lucilius*.

*Tim.* I have ſo: What of him ?

*O. Ath.* Moſt Noble Timon, call the man before thee.

*Tim.* Attends he here, or no? *Lucilius*.

*Luc.* Here, at your Lordſhips ſervice.

*O. Ath.* This fellow here, L. Timon, this thy Creature
By night frequents my houſe. I am a man
That from my firſt have been inclin'd to thrift,
And my eſtate deſerves an Heir more rais'd,
Than one which holds a Trencher.

*Tim.* Well: What further ?

*O. Ath.* One only Daughter I have, no Kin elfe,
On whom I may confer what I have got:
The Maid is fair, a'th'youngeſt for a Bride,
And I have bred her at my deareſt coſt,

In Qualities of the beſt. This man of thine
Attempts her Love: I pray thee (Noble Lord)
Joyn with me to forbid him her ſerſort,
My ſelf have ſpoke in vain.

*Tim.* The man is honest.

*O. Ath.* Therefore he will be, Timon,
His Honeſty rewards him in it ſelf,
It moſt not bear my Daughter.

*Tim.* Does ſhe love him ?

*O. Ath.* She is young and apt:
Our own precedent paffions do inſtruct us
What levity's in Youth.

*Tim.* Love you the Maid ?

*Luci.* I my good Lord, and ſhe accepts of it.

*O. Ath.* If in her Marriage my confent be mifſing,
I call the Gods to witneſs, I will chufe
Mine Heir from forth the Beggars of the World,
And diſpoſeſs her all.

*Tim.* How ſhall he be endowed,
If ſhe be mated with an equal Husband ?

*O. Ath.* Three Talents on the prefent, in future, all.

*Tim.* This Gentleman of mine
Hath ſev'd me long:

To build his Fortune I will ſtrain a little,
For 'tis a Bond in men. Give him thy Daughter,
What you beſtow, in him I'll counterpoize,
And make him weigh with her.

*O. Ath.* Moſt Noble Lord,
Pawn me to this your Honour, ſhe is his.

*Tim.* My Hand to thee,
Mine Honour on my Promife.

*Luci.* Humbly I thank your Lordſhip, never may
That State or Fortune fall into my keeping,
Which is not owed to you.

[Exit.]

*Poet.* Vouchſaſe my Labour,
And long live your Lordſhip.

*Tim.* I thank you, you ſhall hear from me anon:
Go not away. What have you there, my Friend?

*Pain.* A piece of Painting, which I do beſeech
Your Lordſhip to accept.

*Tim.* Painting is welcome.
The Painting is almoſt the Natural Man :

For ſince Difhonour trafficks with mans Nature,
He is but outside: The Penſil'd Figures are
Even ſuch as they give out. I like your work,
And you ſhall find I like it: Wait Attendance
Till you hear further from me.

*Pain.* The Gods preferve ye.

*Tim.* Well fare you Gentleman: Give me your hand.

We

Timon of Athens.

3

We must needs dine together: Sir, your Jewel
Hath suffered under praise.

Jew. What my Lord, difpraife ?

Tim. A meer fatiety of Commendations,
If I should pay you for't as 'tis extoll'd,
It would unclew me quite.

Jew. My Lord, 'tis rated

As thatof which fell would give: But you well know,
Things of like value differing in the Owners,
Are priz'd by their Masters. Believ't, dear Lord,
You mend the Jewel by the wearing it.

Tim. Well mock'd.

[Enter Apemantus.

Mer. No, my good Lord, he speaks the common tongue
Which all men speak with him.

Tim. Look who comes here, will you be chid ?

Jew. We'll bear with your Lordship.

Mer. He'll fpare none.

Tim. Good morrow to thee,
Gentle Apemantus.

Apem. Till I be gentle, flay thou for thy good morrow.
When thou art Timon's dog, and thefe Knaves honest.

Tim. Why doft thou call them Knaves, thou know'ft
them not?

Apem. Are they not Athenians?

Tim. Yes.

Apem. Then I repent not.

Jew. You know me, Apemantus ?

Apem. Thou know'ft I do, I call'd thee by thy name.

Tim. Thou art proud, Apemantus.

Apem. Of nothing fo much, as that I am not like Timon.

Tim. Whither art going?

Apem. To knock out an honeſt Athenians brains.

Tim. That's a deed thou'lt die for.

Apem. Right, if doing nothing be death by th' Law.

Tim. How lik'ft thou this Picture, Apemantus ?

Apem. The beſt, for the Innocence.

Tim. Wrought he not well that painted it?

Apem. He wrought better that made the Painter, and yet
he's but a filthy piece of work.

Pain. Y'are a Dog.

Apem. Thy Mother's of my generation: What's ſne,
If I be a Dog ?

Tim. Wilt dine with me, Apemantus ?

Apem. No, I eat not Lords.

Apem. And thou hould'ſt, thou'ſt anger Ladies.

Apem. O they eat Lords.

So they come by great bellies.

Tim. That's a laſcivious apprehension.

Apem. So thou apprehend'ſt it.

Take it for thy labour.

Tim. How doſt thou like this Jewel, Apemantus ?

Apem. Not ſo well as plain-dealing, which will not
coſt a man a Doit.

Tim. What doſt thou think ?'tis worth ?

Apem. Not worth my thinking.

How now, Poet ?

Poet. How now, Philofopher ?

Apem. Thou lieſt.

Poet. Art not one ?

Apem. Yes.

Poet. Then I lie not.

Apem. Art not a Poet ?

Poet. Yes.

Apem. Then thou lieſt:

Look in thy laſt work, where thou haſt feign'd him a
worthy Fellow.

Poet. That's not feign'd, he is ſo.

Apem. Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for
thy labour. He that loves to be flattered is worthy o'th'
flatterer. Heavens, that I were a Lord.

Tim. What wouldſt do then, Apemantus ?

Apem. E'en as Apemantus does now, hate a Lord with
my heart.

Tim. What thy ſelf?

Apem. I.

Tim. Wherefore?

Apem. That I had no angry wit to be a Lord.
Art not thou a Merchant ?

Mer. I, Apemantus.

Apem. Traffick confound thee, if the Gods will not

Mer. If Traffick do it, the Gods do it.

Apem. Traffick's thy God, and thy God confound thee,

Trumpet ſounds. Enter a Mellenger.

Tim. What Trumpet's that?

Mef. 'Tis Alcibiades, and fome twenty Horſe,
All of Companionſhip.

Tim. Pray entertain them, give them guide to us,
You muſt needs dine with me: Go not you hence
Till I have thafk't you; and when dinner's done
Shew me this piece. I am joyful of your ſights.

Enter Alcibiades with the reſt.

Moft welcome Sir.

Apem. So ſo, their Aches contract, and ſtarve your ſup-
ple Joynts: That there ſhould be ſmall love amongst the
ſweet Knaves, and all this Courteſe. The ſtrain of man's
bred out into Baboon and Monkey.

Alci. You have fav'd my longing, and I feed
Moft hungerly on your ſight.

Tim. Right welcome, Sir.

E're we depart, we'll ſhare a bounteous time
In different pleafures.

Pray you let us in.

[Exeunt.]

Enter two Lords.

1. Lord. What time a day is't, Apemantus ?

Apem. Time to be honest.

1. That time ſerves full.

Apem. The moſt accurſed thou that ſtill omit t'ſtill.

2. Thou art going to Lord Timon's Feaſt.

Apem. I, to fee Meat fill Knaves, and Wine heat Fools.

2. Fare thee well, fare thee well.

Apem. Thou art a Fool to bid me farewell twice.

2. Why, Apemantus ?

Apem. Should'ſt have kept one to thy ſelf, for I mean to
give thee none.

1. Hang thy ſelf.

Apem. No, I will do nothing at thy bidding:
Make thy requeſts to thy Friend.

2. Away unpeaceable Dog,
Or I'll ſpurn thee hence.

Apem. I will fly like a Dog, the heels a'th' Aſs.

1. He's oppolite to humanity.

Come, ſhall we in,

And taſte Lord Timon's Bounty ? He outgoes
The very heart of kindneſs.

2. He pours it out: Plutus, the God of gold,
Is but his Steward; no meed but he repairs
Seven-fold above it ſelf: No gift to him,
But breeds the giver a return: Exceeding
All uſe of quittance.

1. The Nobleft mind he carries,
That ever govern'd man.

2. Long may he live in Fortunes: Shall we in?
I'll keep you company.

[Exeunt.]

Hoboyes playing, Loud Mufſeks.

A great Banquet ſerv'd in; and then enter Lord Timon, the
States, the Athenian Lords, Ventidius which Timon re-
deemed from prifon. Then comes dropping after all, Apeman-
tus discontentedly like himſelf.

Fentid. Moſt honoured Timon,

It hath pleas'd the Gods to remember my Father's age,
And call him to long peace:

He is gone happy, and has left me rich:

Aaa 2

Then,

Timon of Athens.

Then as in grateful virtue I am bound
To your free heart, I do return thofe Talents
Doubled with thanks and ſervice, from whose help
I deriv'd liberty.

Tim. O by no means,

Honest *Vendidius*: You mistake my Love,
I gave it freely ever, and there's none

Can truly fay he gives, if he receives :
If our betters play at that game, we muſt not dare
To imitate them. Faults that are rich are fair.

*Ventid.* A Noble Spirit.

Tim. Nay my Lords, Ceremony was but devis'd at first
To fet a gloſs on faint deeds, hollow welcomes,

Recanting goodneſs, forry ere 'tis ſhown:
But where there is true friendliſh there needs none.

Pray, fit, more welcome are ye to my Fortunes,
Than my Fortunes to me.

1 *Lord*. My Lord, we alwaies have confed it.

Apem. Ho, ho, confed it? Hang'd it? Have you not?

Tim. O *Apemantus*, you are welcome.

Apem. No: You ſhall not make me welcome.

I come to have thee truſt me out of doors.

Tim. Fye, th'art a Churle, ye have got a humour there
Does not become a man, 'tis much to blame :

They fay, my Lords, *Ira furor brevis eſt*,

But yond man is very angry.

Go, let him have a Table by himſelf:

For he does neither affect company,

Nor is he fit for't indeed.

Apem. Let me ſlay at thine apperil, *Timon*,
I come to obſerve, I give thee warning on't.

Tim. I take no heed of thee; Th'art an *Athenian*, there-
fore welcome : I my ſelf would have no power, prethee
let my meat make thee ſilent.

Apem. I corn thy meat, 'twould choak me: For I ſhould
ne'er flatter thee. Oh you Gods ! What a number of men
eats *Timon*, and he fees 'em not? It grieves me to fee ſo
many dip their meat in one mans blood, and all the mad-
neſs is, he cheers them up too.

I wonder men dare truſt themſelves with men.

Methinks they ſhould invite them without knives,
Good for their meat, and ſafer for their lives.

There's much example for't, the fellow that fits next him
now, parts bread with him, pledges the breath of him in
a divided draught: is the readieſt man to kill him. 'T has
been proved, if I were a huge man, I ſhould fear to drink
at meals, left they ſhould ſpy my wind-pipes dangerous
notes, great men ſhould drink with harneſs on their
throats.

Tim. My Lord in heart: and let the health go round.

2 *Lord*. Let it flow this way, my good Lord.

Apem. Flow this way? A brave fellow; he keeps his
tides well, thofe healths will make thee and thy ſtate look
ill, *Timon*.

Here's that which is too weak to be a ſinner,

Honeſt water, which ne'er left man i'th'mire:

This and my food are equal, there's no ods,

Feaſts are too proud to give thanks to the Gods.

Apemantus' *Grace*.

*Immortal Gods, I crave no pelf,*
*I pray for no man but my ſelf,*
*Grant I may never prove ſo ſond,*

*To truſt man on his Oath or Bond:*

*Or a Harlot for her weeping:*

*Or a Dog that seems a ſleeping:*

*Or a Keeper with my Freedom:*

*Or my Friends if I ſhould need 'em.*

*Amen. So fall too't:*

*Rich men ſin, and I eat root.*

Much good dich thy good heart, *Apemantus*.

Tim. Captain,

*Alcibiades, your heart's in the field now.*

*Alci.* My heart is ever at your ſervice, my Lord.

Tim. You had rather be at a breakſaſt of Enemies, than
a dinner of Friends.

Alci. So they were bleeding new my Lord, there's no
meat like 'em, I could with my friend at ſuch a Feaſt.

Apem. Would all thofe flatterers were thine Enemies
then, that then thou might'ſt kill 'em: And bid me to 'em.

1 *Lord.* Might we but have that happineſs, my Lord,
that you would once uſe our hearts, whereby we might ex-
preſs ſome part of our zeals, we should think our ſelves
for ever perfect.

Tim. Oh no doubt, my good friends, but the Gods
themſelves have provided that I ſhall have much help from
you: How had you been my friends eſle? Why have you
that charitable title from thouſands? Did not you chieſely
belong to my heart? I have told more of you to my ſelf,
than you can with modety ſpeak in your own behalf.
And Thus far I coſirm you. Oh you Gods (think I) what
need we have any friends if we ſhould never have
need of 'em? They were the moſt needeſſs Creatures ſi-
ving, ſhould we ne'er have uſe for 'em. And would moſt
reſemble ſweet Inſtruments hung up in Caſes, that keep
their ſounds to themſelves. Why I have often willed my
ſelf poorer, that I might come nearer to you: We are
born to do benefits. And what better or properer can we
call our own, than the riches of our Friends? Oh what a
precious comfort 'tis to have ſo many like Brothers com-
manding one anothers Fortunes! Oh Joys, e'en made a-
way e're't can be born, mine eyes cannot hold out water,
methinks, to forget their faults. I drink to you,

Apem. *Thou weep'ſt to make them drink, Timon.*

2. *Lord.* Joy had the like conception in our eyes,
And at that inflant like a Babe ſprung up.

Apem. Ho, ho, I laugh to think that Babe a Baſtard.

3 *Lord.* I promiſe you my Lord you mov'd me much.

Apem. Much.

*Sound Tucket. Enter the Maskers of Amazon with Lutes in their hands, dancing and playing.*

Tim. What means that Trump ? How now?

*Enter Servant.*

Ser. Pleafe you, my Lord, there are certain Ladies
Moſt defirous of admittance.

Tim. Ladies ? What are their wills ?

Ser. There comes with them a Fore-runner, my Lord,
which bears that office to ſignifie their pleafures.

Tim. I pray let them be admitted.

*Enter Cupid with the Mask of Ladies.*

Cap. Hail to thee, worthy Timon, and to all that of his
Bounties taſt: The five beſt Senſes acknowledge thee their
Patron, and come freely to gratulate thy plenteous Boſom.
There taſt, touch all, pleas'd from thy Table rife:
They only now come but to ſeafth thine eyes.

Tim. They're welcome all; let 'em have kind admittance.
Mufick make their welcome.

Luc. You fee, my Lord, how ample you are belov'd.

Apem. *Hoyday!*

What a ſweep of vanity comes this way.

They dance, they are mad Women.

Like Madneſs is the Glory of this life,

As this pomp ſhews to a little oyl and root.

We make our ſelves fools, to disport our ſelves,

And ſpend our flatteries to drink thofe men,

Upon whose Age we void it up agen.

With poyſonous Spight and Envy.

Who lives, that's not deprav'd, or depraves ?

Who dies, that bears not one ſpurn to their graves
Of their friends gift ?

I ſhould fear, thofe that dance before me now,

Would one day ſtamp upon me: 'T'as been done,

Men

Timon of Athens.

5

Men that their doors againſt a Setting Sun.

The Lords rife from Table, with much adoring of Timon, and
to ſhow their loves, each ſingle out an Amazon, and all
dance, Men with Women, a lofty ſtrain or two
to the Heboyes, and ceaſe.

Tim. You have done your pleaſures,
Much Grace (Fair Ladies)

Sets a fair ſhion on our entertainment;
Which was not half so beautiful, and kind:
You have added worth unto't, and lively ſuſtře,
And entertain'd me with mine own device.
I am to thank you for it.

1. Lord. My Lord, you take us even at the beſt.

Ape. Faith for the worſt is filthy, and would not hold
taking, I doubt me.

Tim. Ladies, there is an idle Banquet attends you.
Please you to diſpofe your ſelves.

All La. Moſt thankfully, my Lord.

Exeunt.

Tim. Flavius.

Flav. My Lord.

Tim. The little Casket, bring me hither.

Fla. Yes, my Lord. More Jewels yet?

There is no croſſing him in's ſhoulders,

Elſe I ſhould tell him well, I' faith I ſhould,

When all's ſpent, he'd be croſſ'd then, and he could:
Tis pity bounty has not eyes behind,
That man might ne'r be wretched for his mind.

1. Lord. Where be our men?

Serv. Here, my Lord, in readineſs.

2. Lord. Our Horſes.

Tim. O my Friends!

I have one word to ſay to you: Look you, my good Lord:

I muſt entreat you, honour me ſo much,
As to advance this Jewel, accept, and wear it,
Kind my Lord.

1. Lord. I am ſo far already in your Gifts.

All. So are we all.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. My Lord, there are certain Nobles of the Senate
newly alighted, and come to viſit you.

Tim. They are fairly welcome.

Enter Flavius.

Fla. I beſech your Honour, vouchſaſe me a word, it
does concern you near.

Tim. Near! Why then another time I'll hear thee.

I prethee let be provided to ſhow them entertainment.
Fla. I ſearce know how.

Enter another Servant.

Ser. May it please your Honour, Lord Lucius
(Out of his free Love) hath prefented to you
Four Milk-white Horſes traſt in Silver.

Tim. I. I shall accept them fairly : Let the Preſents
Be worthily entertain'd.

Enter a third Servant.

How now? What News?

3. Serv. Pleaſe you, my Lord, that honourable Gentleman, Lord Lucullus, entreats your company to morrow, to hunt with him, and h'as ſent your Honour two brace of Grey-Hounds.

Tim. I'll hunt with him.

And let them be received, not without fair Reward.

Fla. What will this come to?

He commands us to provide, and give great gifts, and all
out of an empty Coſer.

Nor will he know his purſe, or yield me this,

To ſhow him what a Beggar his heart is,

Being of no Power to make his wifhes good,
His promiſes fly ſo beyond his ſtate,

That what he ſpeaks is all in debt, owes for ev'ry word:
He is ſo kind, that he now payes intereſt for't;
His Land's put to their Booke. Well, would I were

Gently put out of Office, e'er I were forc'd:
Happier is he that has no friend to feed,
Than thatch that do e'en Enemies exceed.

I bleed inwardly for my Lord.

Tim. You do your ſelves much wrong,
You bate too much of your own merits.

Here, my Lord, a trifle of our love.

2. Lord. With more than common thanks
I will receive it.

3. Lord. O ha's the very foul of Bounty.

Tim. And now I remember, my Lord, you gave good
words the other day of a Bay Courſer I rode on. 'Tis yours
becauſe you lik'd it.

1. L. Oh, I beſech you, pardon me, my Lord, in that.

Tim. You may take my word, my Lord: I know no
man can juſtly prieſe, but what he does aſſeſt. I weigh
my friends affection with my own? I'll tell you true,
I'll call to you.

All Lords. O none ſo welcome.

Tim. I take all, and your ſeveral viſitations
So kind to heart, 'tis not enough to give :

Methinks I could deal Kingdoms to my Friends,
And ne'er be weary. Alci biades,

Thou art a ſouldier, therefore feldom rich,
It comes in charity to thee; for all thy living
Is 'mongſt the dead; and all the Lands thou haſt

Lie in a Pitcht Field.

Alci. I deſie Land, my Lord.

1. Lord. We are ſo vertuouſly bound.

Tim. And fo am I to you.

2. Lord. So infinitely endear'd.

Tim. All to yo you. Lights, more Lights, more Light.

1. Lord. The beſt of Happineſs, Honour and Fortunes,
Keep with you, Lord Timon.

Tim. Ready for his Friends.

[Exeunt Lords.

Ape. What a coils here, ſerving of beaks and jutting
out of bums, I doubt whether their Legs be worth
the fummes that are given for 'em.

Friendſhip's full of Dreggs:

Methinks ſalſe hearts ſhould never have ſound legs.

Thus hones ſtools lay out their wealth on Court? lies.

Tim. Now, Apemantus! (if thou wert not ſullen)
I would be good to thee.

Ape. No, I'll nothing; for if I should be brib'd too,
there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then thou
wouldſt fin the ſaſter. Thou giv'd ſt fo long, Timon (I fear
me) thou wilt give away thy ſelf in paper ihortly. What
need theſe Feaſts, Pomps, and Vain-glories?

Tim. Nay, and you begin to rail on Society once, I
am ſworn not to give regard to you. Farewell, and come
with better Mufick.

Ape. So: Thou wilt not hear me now, thou ſhalt not
then. I'll lock thy Heaven from thee:

Oh that mens ears ſhould be

To Counſel deaf, but not to ſlattery.

[Exit.]

Enter a Senator.

Sen. And late five thouſand: to Varro and to Iſidore
He owes nine thouſand, beſides my former ſumme,
Which make it five and twenty. Still in motion
Of raging waſte? It cannot hold, it will not.

If I want Gold, I ſeal but a Beggar's Dog,
And give it Timon, why the Dog coins Gold.
If I would ſell my Horſe, and buy twenty more
Better than he; why give my horſe to Timon.

Ask nothing, give it him, it foals me ſtraight
An able Horſe: No Porter at his gate,

But rather one that smiles and ſtill invites

All that paſs by. It cannot hold, no reaſon

Aaa 3

Can

6

Timon of Athens.

Can found his flate in safety. Caphis, hoa.
Caphis I lay.

Enter Caphis.

Caph. Here, Sir, what is your pleafure?
Sen. Get on your Cloak, and haſte you to Lord Timon;
Importune him for my monies, be not ceaſt
With flight denial; nor then filenc'd, then
Commend me to your Maſter, and the Cap
Plaics in the right hand, thus: But tell him, firrah,
My uſes cry to me; I muſt serve my turn
Out of mine own, his dayes and times are paſt,
And my reliances on his fraſted dates
Have ſmit my credit. I love and honour him,
But muſt not break my back, to heal his finger.
Immediate are my needs, and my relief
Muſt not be toſt and turn'd to me in words,
But find ſupply immediate. Get you gone,
Put on a moſt importunate aspect,
A viſage of demand: For I do fear
When every Feather flicks in his own wing,
Lord Timon will be left a naked gull,
Which flaſhes now a Phoenix, get you gone.

Caph. I go, Sir.
Sen. I go, Sir?

Take the Bonds along with you,
And have the dates in. Come.

Caph. I will, Sir.
Sen. Go.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Steward, with many Bills in his hand.

Stew. No care, no ſtop, ſo ſenſeſefs of expence,
That he will know neither how to maintain it,
Nor ceaſe his flow of Riot. Takes no account
How things go from him, nor ſeſume no care
Of what is to continue: Never mind
Was to be ſo unwife, to be ſo kind.
What ſhall be done, he will not hear, till ſeel:
I muſt be round with him, now he comes from hunting.
Fie, ſie, ſie, ſie.

Enter Caphis, Ifidore, and Varro.

Caph. Good even, Varro, what, you come for money?
Var. Is't not your buſineſs too?

Caph. It is, and yours too, Ifidore?
Ifid. It is ſo.

Caph. Would we were all diſcharg'd.

Var, I fear it.

Caph. Here comes the Lord.

Enter Timon, and his Train.

Tim. So ſoon as dinner's done, we'll forth again,
My Alcibiades. With me, what is your will?

Caph. My Lord, here is a note of certain dues.

Tim. Dues? Whence are you?

Caph. Of Athens here: My Lord.

Tim. Go to my Steward.

Caph. Pleaſe it your Lordſhip, he hath put me off
To the ſucceſſion of new dayes this month:
My Maſter is awak'd by great occafion,
To call upon his own, and humbly prays you,
That with your other Noble parts, you'll ſuit,
In giving him his right.

Tim. Mine honest Friend,

I prethee but repair to me next morning.

Caph. Nay, good my Lord.

Tim. Contain thy ſelf, good Friend.

Var. One Varro's ſervant, my good Lord.

Ifid. From Ifidore, he humbly prays your ſpeedy pay-
ment.

Caph. If you did know, my Lord, my Maſter's wants.
Var. 'Twas due on forfeiture, my Lord, fix weeks, and
paſt.

Ifid. Your Steward puts me off, my Lord, and I
Am ſent expreſſly to your Lordſhip.

Tim. Give me breath:

I do beſeech you, good my Lords, keep on,
I'll wait upon you inſtantly. Come hither, pray you
How goes the world that I am thus encountered?
With clamorous demands of debt, broken Bonds,
And the detention, long ſince due debts
Againſt my Honour?

Stew. Pleaſe you, Gentlemen,
The time is unagreeable to this buſineſs:
Your importunacy ceaſe, till after dinner,
That I may make his Lordſhip understand
Wherefore you are not paid.

Tim. Do ſo, my Friends, ſee them well entertain'd.

Stew. Pray draw near.

[Exit.]

Enter Apemantus and Fool.

Caph. Stay, ſtay, here comes the Fool with Apemantus,
let's have ſome ſport with 'em.

Var. Hang him, he'll abufe us.

Ifid. A plague upon him dog.

Var. How doſt, Fool?

Apem. Doſt dialogue with thy ſhadow?

Var. I ſpeak not to thee.

Apem. No, 'tis to thy ſelf. Come away.

Ifid. There's the Fool hangs on your back already.

Apem. No, thou ſtandſt ſingle, thou art not on him yet.

Caph. Where's the Fool now?

Apem. He laſt ask'd the Queſtion. Poor Rogues and
Uſurers men, Bawds between Gold and want.

All. What are we, Apemantus?

Apem. Aſſes.

All. Why?

Apem. That you ask me what you are, and do not know
your ſelves. Speak to 'em Fool.

Fool. How do you, Gentlemen?

All. Gramercies, good Fool:

How does your Miftrieſs?

Fool. She's e'en ſetting on water to ſcald ſuch Chickens
as you are. Would we could ſee you at Corinth.

Apem. Good, Gramercy.

Enter Page.

Fool. Look you, here comes my Maſter's Page.

Page. Why how now, Captain? What do you in this
wife company?

How doſt thou, Apemantus?

Apem. Would I had a Rod in my mouth, that I might
anſwer thee profitably.

Page. Prethee, Apemantus, read me the ſupreſcription
of theſe Letters, I know not which is which.

Apem. Canſt not read?

Page. No.

Apem. There will little learning die then that day thou
art hang'd. This is to Lord Timon, this to Alcibiades. Go
thou waſt born a Baſtard and thou'lt die a Bawd.

Page. Thou waſt whelpt a Dog, and thou ſhalt family a
Dogs death.

Anſwer not, I am gone.

Apem. E'en ſo thou out-runſt Grace,
Fool, I will go with you to Lord Timons.

Fool. Will you leave me there?

Apem. If Timon ſtay at home.

You three ſerve three Uſurers?

All. I wouſt they ſerv'd us.

Apem. So would I:

As good a trick as ever Hangman ſerv'd Thieſe.

Fool. Are you three Uſurers men?

[Exit.]

All

Timon of Athens.

7

All I; Fool.

Fool. I think no Ufurer but has a fool to his Servant.
My Miftrefis is one, and I am her fool: when men come
to borrow of your Mafters, they approach fadly, and go
away merrily: but they enter your Mafters houfe merrily,
and go away fadly. The reafon of this?

Var. I could render one.

Apem. Do it then, that we may account thee a Whore-
mafter, and a Knave, which notwithstanding thou fhalt
be no lefs eſteemed.

Var. What is a Whore-maſter, Fool?

Fool. A Fool in good cloaths, and fomething like thee.
'Tis a ſpirit, fometime 't appears like a Lord, fometimes
like a Lawyer, fometime like a Philofopher, with two
ſtones more than's artificial one. He is very often like a
Knight; and generally, in all ſhapes that man goes up
and down in, from fourſcore to thirteen, this Spirit
walks in.

Var. Thou art not altogether a fool.

Fool. Nor thou altogether a wife man,
As much foolery as I have, fo much wit thou lack'ſt.

Apem. That anſwer might have become Apemantus.

All. Aſide, aſide, here comes Lord Timon.

Enter Timon and Steward.

Apem. Come with me (fool) come,

Fool. I do not always follow Lover, elder Brother,
and Woman, fometime the Philofopher.

Stew. Pray you walk near,

I'll ſpeak with you anon.

[Exeunt.]

Tim. You make me marvel wherefore e'er this time
Had you not fully laid my ſlate before me,
That I might ſo have rated my expence,
As I had leave of means.

Stew. You would not hear me;

At many leifures I prop'd.

Tim. Go to:

Perchance fome ſingle vantages you took,
When my indifpofition put you back,
And that unaptnſes made you minifter
Thus to excufe your ſelf.

Stew. O my good Lord,

At many times I brought in my accompts,
Laid them before you, you would throw them off,
And fay you found them in mine honeſty,
And trifling you for Prefent you have bid me
Return ſo much, I have ſhook my head, and wept;
Yea againſt th' Authority of manners, pray'd you
To hold your hand more cloſe: I did endure
Not ſeldom, nor no flight checks, when I have
Prompted you in the Ebbe of your Eſtate,
And your great flow of Debts; my dear lov'd Lord,
Though you here now (too late) yet now's a time
The greatest of your having, lacks a half,
To pay your prefent debts.

Tim. Let all my Land be ſold.

Stew. 'Tis all engag'd, ſome forfeited and gone,
And what remains to hardely ſtop the mouth
Of prefent dues; the future comes apace:
What ſhall defend the interim, and at length
How goes our reck'ning?

Tim. To Lacedemon did my Land extend.

Stew. O my good Lord, the world is but a world,
Were it all yours, to give it in a breath,
How quickly were it gone?

Tim. You tell me true?

Stew. If you ſuſpect my Husbandry or Falſhood,
Call me before the exaſtſt Auditors,
And fet me on the proof. So the Geds bleſs me,
When all our Offices have been oppreſt
With riotous Feeders, when our Vaults have wept
With drunken Spilth of wine; when every Room
Hath blaz'd with Lights, and braid with Minſtreflie,

I have retir'd me to a wafteſt cock,
And fet mine eyes at flow.

Tim. Preethee no more.

Stew. Heavens have I faid, the bounty of this Lord!
How many prodigal Slaves have Slavants and Peazants
This night englutted! who is not Timon's?
What heart, head, ſword, force, means, but is L. Timon's?
Great Timon, Noble, Worthy, Royal Timon's:
Ab, when the means are gone, that buy this praife,
The breath is gone whereof this praife is made:
Feaſt won, Falt loft, one cloud of winter ſhowres,
Theſe flies are coucht.

Tim. Come ſermon me no further.

No villanous bounſy yet hath papt my heart;
Unwifely not ignobly have I given.

Why doſt thou weep, canſt thou the confiſcience lack,
To think I ſhall lack Friends? Secure thy heart,
If I would broach the Veffels of my Love,
And try the argument of hearts, by borrowing,
Men and mens Fortunes could I frankly uſe,
As I can bid thee ſpeak.

Stew. Aſſurance bleſs your thoughts.

Tim. And in ſome ſort theſe wants of mine are crown'd,
That I account them Bleſſings. For by theſe
Shall I try Friends. You ſhall perceive
How you miſtake my fortunes:

I am wealthy in my friends,

Within there, Flavius, Servilius?

Enter three Servants.

Ser. My Lord, my Lord.

Tim. I will difpatch you feverally.

You to Lord Lucius, to Lord Lucullus you, I hunted with
his Honour to day; you to Sempronius; commend me to
their loves, and I am proud, ſay, that my occasions have
found time to uſe 'em toward a ſupply of money: let the
requeſt be fifty Talents.

Flam. As you have faid, my Lord.

Stew. Lord Lucius and Lucullus? Humb.

Tim. Go you, Sir, to the Senators;
Of whom, even to the States beſt health, I have
Deſerv'd this hearing; bid 'em ſend o'ch' inflant

A thouſand Talents to me,

Stew. I have been bold

(For that I knew it the moſt general way)
To them to uſe your Signet and your Name,
But they do ſhake their heads, and I am here
No richer in return.

Tim. Is't true? Can't be?

Stew. They anſwer in a joint and corporate voice,
That now they are at fall, want Treasure, cannot
Do what they would, are forry: You are Honourable,
But yet they could have wuſt, they know not,
Something hath been amifs; a Noble Nature
May catch a wrench; would all were well; 'tis pity,
And ſo intending other ferious matters,
After diſtaſtful looks, and theſe hard Fractions,
With certain half-caps, and cold moving nods,
They froze me into ſilence.

Tim. You God's reward them:
Prethee man, look cheerly. Theſe old Fellows
Have their Ingratitude in them Hereditary:
Their blood is cak'd, 'tis cold, it ſeldom flowes,
'Tis lack of kindly warmth, they are not kind;
And Nature, as it grows again toward earth,
Is ſaſhion'd for the journey, dull and heavy.
Go to Ventidius (prethee be not ſad,
Thou art true, and honeſt; ingenuouſly I ſpeak,
No blame belongs to thee;) Ventidius lately
Buri'd his Father, by whoſe death he's ſlepp'd
Into a great eſtate: when he was poor,
Imprifon'd, and in ſcarcity of friends,
I clear'd him with five Talents. Greet him from me,

Bid

8

Timon of Athens.

Bid him fuppofe, fome good neceffity
Touches his Friend, which craves to be remembred
With thofe five Talents; that had, giv't thefe Fellows
To whom 'tis infant due. Nev'r 'peak, or think,
That Timon's fortunes 'mong his Friends can fink.

Stew. I would I could not think it:
That thought is bounties Foe:

Being free it felf it thinks all others fo.

[Exeunt.]

Flaminius waiting to ſpeak with a Lord from his Maſter:
enters a Servant to him.

Ser. I have told my Lord of you, he is coming down
to you.

Flam. I thank you, Sir.

Enter Lucullus.

Ser. Here's my Lord.

Luc. One of Lord Timon's men? A Gift I warrant.
Why, this hits right: I dreamt of a Silver Bafon and
Ewre to night. *Flaminius, honest Flaminius, you are very respectively welcome, Sir, Fill me fome Wine. And how does that Honourable, Compleat, Free-hearted Gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good Lord and Maſter.*

Flam. His health is well, Sir.

Luc. I am right glad that his health is well, Sir; and
what haſt thou there under thy Cloak, pretty *Flaminius*?

Flam. Faith, nothing but an empty box, Sir, which in
my Lords behalf, I come to intreat your honour to fupply,
who having great and infant occafion to uſe fifty Talents,
hath ſent to your Lordſhip to furniſh him, nothing doubt-
ing your prefent affiſtance therein.

Luc. La, la, la, la: Nothing doubting, fays he? Alas,
good Lord, a Noble Gentleman 'tis, if he would not keep
ſo good a houſe. Many a time and often I ha' din'd with
him, and told him on't, and come again to ſupper to him
on purpoſe to have him ſpend leſs, and yet he would em-
brace no counſel, take no warning by my coming, every
man having his fault, and honeſty is his. I ha' told him on't,
but I could never get him from't.

Enter Servant, with Wine.

Ser. Pleafe your Lordſhip, here is the Wine.

Luc. *Flaminius, I have noted thee always wife.
Here's to thee.*

Flam. Your Lordſhip ſpeaks your pleafure.

Luc. I have obſerved thee alwaies for a towardly
prompt ſpirit, give thee thy due, and one that knowes
what belongs to reaſon; and canſt uſe the time well, if
the time uſe thee well. Good parts in thee; get you gone,
Sirrah. Draw nearer, honest *Flaminius*. Thy Lord's a boun-
tiful Gentleman, but thou art wife, and thou knoweſt well
enough (although thou comeſt to me) that this is no
time to lend money, eſpecially upon bare Friendſhip
without ſecurity. Here's three *Solidares* for thee, Good
Boy, wink at me, and ſay thou law'ſt me not. Fare thee
well.

Flam. Is't poſſible the world ſhould ſo much differ,
And we alive that liv'd? Fly damned bafeſſes
To him that worſhips thee.

Luc. Ha? Now I ſee thou art a Fool, and fit for thy
Maſter.

[Exit] Lucullus.

Flam. May theſe add to the number that may ſcald thee:
Let molten Coyn be thy damnation,
Thou diſeaſe of a Friend, and not himſelf:
Has Friendſhip ſuch a faint and milky heart,
It turns in leſs than two nights? O you Gods!
I feel my Maſters paſſion. This Slave unto his honour
Has my Lords meat in him:
Why should it thrive and come to Nutriment,
When he is turn'd to poyſon?

O may diſeaſes only work upon't:
And when he's ſick to death, let not that part of Nature,
Which my Lord paid for, be of any power,
To expel ſickneſs, but prolong his hour.

[Exe.]

Enter Lucius, with three Strangers.

Luci. Who, the Lord Timon? He is my very good
Friend, and an honourable Gentleman.

1. We know him for no leſs, though we are but tran-
gers to him. But I can tell you one thing, my Lord, and
which I hear from common rumours, now Lord Timon's
happy hours are done and paſſ, and his eſtate ſhinks
from him.

Luci. Fye, no, do not believe it: He cannot want for
Money.

2. But believe you this, my Lord, that not long ago,
one of his men was with the Lord *Lucullus*, to borrow ſo
many Talents, nay, urg'd extremely for't, and ſhewed
what neceſſity belong'd to't, and yet was deny'd.

Luci. How?

2. I tell you, deny'd, my Lord.

Luci. What a ſtrange cafe was that? Now before the
Gods I am afham'd on't. Deny'd that honourable man?
There was very little honour ſhew'd in that. For my own
part, I muſt needs confefs, I have received ſome ſin-
kindneſſes from him, as money, Plate, Jewels, and ſin-
like Trifles; nothing comparing to his: Yet had he
miſtook him, and ſent him to me, I ſhould ne'er have
denied his occafion ſo many Talents.

Enter Servilius.

Servil. See, by good hap yonder's my Lord, I have
ſwet to ſee his honour. My honour'd Lord.

Luci. *Servilius? You are kindly met, Sir. Fare thee
well, commend me to thy honourable vertuous Lord, my
very exquifite Friend.*

Servil. May it pleafe your honour, my Lord hath ſent

Luci. Ha! What hath he ſent? I am so much endeared
to that Lord; he's ever ſending: How ſhall I thank him,
think'ft thou? And what has he ſent now?

Servil. H'as only ſent his prefent occafion now, my
Lord; requeſtuing your Lordſhip to ſupply his infant uſe,
with ſo many Talents.

Luci. I know his Lordſhip is but merry with me,
He cannot want fifty ſive hundred Talents.

Servil. But in the mean time he wants leſs, my Lord.
If his occafion were not vertuous,
I should not urge it half so faithfully.

Luci. Doſt thou ſpeak ſeriously, *Servilius*?

Servil. Upon my Soul 'tis true, Sir.

Luci. What a wicked Beaſt was I, to disſurniſh
my ſelf againſt ſuch a good time, when I might ha' ſhewn
my ſelf honourable? How unluckily it hapned, that I
hould purchase the day before for a little part, and undoe
a great deal of honour! *Servilius*, now before the Gods I
am not able to do (the more beaſt I ſay) I was ſending
to uſe Lord Timon my ſelf, theſe Gentlemen can witness:
but I would not for the wealth of *Athens* I had don't now.
Commend me bountifully to his good Lordſhip, and I
hope his honour will conceive the faireſt of me, becauſe
I have no power to be kind. And tell him this from me,
I count it one of my greaſt affiſtions, ſay, that I can-
not pleaſure ſuch an honourable Gentleman. Good *Servi-
lius*, will you beſtriſe me ſo far, as to uſe my own words
to him?

Servil. Yes, Sir, I ſhall.

[Exit] Servilius.

Luci. I'll look you out a good turn, *Servilius*.
True as you ſaid, Timon is ſhrunk indeed,
And he that's once deny'd will hardly ſpeed.

[Exit.]

1. Do you obſerve this, *Hofilius*?

2. I, too well,

I. Why

Timon of Athens.

9

1. Why, this is the worlds foul,
And just of the fame piece
Is every flatterers sport: Who can call him his Friend
That dips in the fame diſh? For in my knowing,
Timon has been this Lords Father,

And kept his credit with his purſe:
Supported his eſtate, nay, Timon's money
Has paid his men their wages. He ne'er drinks,
But Timon's Silver treads upon his lip;
And yet Oh fee the monſtrouſe neſſes of Man,
When he looks out in an ungrateful ſhape:
He does deny him (in reſpect of his)
What Charitable Men afford to Beggars.

3. Religion groans at it.

1. For mine own part I never taſted Timon in my life,
Nor came any of his bounties over me,
To mark me for his Friend. Yet I proteſt,
For his right Noble Mind, Illuſtrious vertue,
And Honourable Carriage,

Had his neceſſity made uſe of me,
I would have put my wealth into Donation,
And the beſt half ſhould have return'd to him,
So much I love his heart: But I perceive,
Men muſt learn now with pity to diſpence.

For policy fits above Conſcience.

[Exeunt.]

Enter a third Servant with Sempronius, another of Timon's Friends.

Semp. Muſt he needs trouble me in't? Humb.

'Bove all others ?
He might have tried Lord Lucius, or Lucullus,
And now Ventidius is wealthy too.

Whom he redeem'd from prifon. All theſe
Owe their Eſtates unto him.

Ser. My Lord,

They have all been touch'd, and all are found bafe Mettala,
For they have all deny'd him.

Semp. How ? Have they deny'd him ?

Has Ventidius and Lucullus deny'd him ?
And does he ſend to me ? Three? Humb.

It ſhews but little love or judgment in him.
Muſt I be his laſt Refuge ? His Friends (like Phyſicians)
That thriv'd, give him over. Muſt I take th' Cure upon me?

Has much diſgrac'd me in't, I'm angry at him,
That might have known my place, I fee no ſenſe for't

But his occafions may have wooed me firſt :
For in my conſcience I was the firſt man
That e'er received gift from him.

And does he think ſo backwardly of me now,
That I'll requite it laſt ? No:
So it may prove an argument of laughter

To th' reſt, and 'mongſt Lords I be thought a fool:
I'd rather than the worth of thrice the ſum,
H'ad ſent to me firſt, but for my minds ſake:
I'd ſuch a courage to do him good. But now return,

And with their faint reply this anſwer joyn :
Who bates mine honour, ſhall not know my Coyn. [Exit].

Ser. Excellent: Your Lordſhip's a goodly Villain, the
Devil knew not what he did, when he made man Poli-
tick; he croſſed himſelf by't: And I cannot think, but
in the end the villanies of man will fet him clear. How
fairly this Lord ſtrives to appear foul? Takes vertuous
Copies to be wicked: Like thofe that under hot, ardent
zeal, would fet whole Realms on fire, of ſuch a nature is
his politick love.

This was my Lord's beſt hope, now all are ſled,
Save only the Gods, now his Friends are dead,
Doors that were ne'er acquired with their Wards,
Many a bounteous year, muſt be employ'd
Now to guard ſure their Maſter.
And this is all a liberal courſe allows;

Who cannot keep his wealth, muſt keep his houſe.

[Exit.]

Enter Varro's man, meeting others. All Timon's Creditors to
wait for his coming out. Then enter Lucius
and Hortenſius.

Var. man. Well met, good morrow, Titus and Hortenſius.

Tit. The like to you, kind Varro.

Hort. Lucius, what do we meet together ?

Luc. I, and I think one buſineſs do's command us all.

For mine is money.

Tit. So is theirs, and ours.

Enter Philotus.

Luci, And Sir Philotus too.

Phi. Good day at once.

Luci. Welcome, good Brother.

What do you think the Hour ?

Phi. Labouring for nine.

Luci. So much ?

Phil. Is not my Lord ſeen yet?

Luci. Not yet.

Phil. I wonder on't, he was want to ſhine at ſeven.

Luci. I, but the days are wax'd ſhorter with him:

You muſt confider that a prodigal courſe

Is like the Suns, but not like his recoverable, I fear:

'Tis deepeſt Winter in Lord Timon's purſe, that is: One
may reach deep enough, and yet find little.

Phil. I am of your fear for that.

Tit. I'll ſhew you t'obſerve a ſtrange event:

Your Lord ſends now for money?

Hort. Moſt true, he does.

Tit. And he wears Jewels now of Timon's gift,
For which I wait for money.

Hort. It is againſt my heart.

Luci. Mark how ſtrange it ſhews,

Timon in this ſhould pay more than he owes:

And e'en as if your Lord ſhould wear rich Jewels,
And ſend for money for 'em.

Hort. I'm weary of this Charge,

The Gods can witneſſes:

I know my Lord hath ſpent of Timon's wealth,

And now ingratitude makes it worſe than ſtealth.

Var. Yes, mine's three thouſand Crowns:

What's yours?

Luci. Five thouſand mine,

Var. 'Tis much deep, and it ſhould ſeem by th' ſum,
Your Maſter's confidence was above mine,
Elſe ſurely his had equal'l'd.

Enter Flaminius.

Tit. One of Lord Timon's men.

Luc. Flaminius? Sir, a word: Pray is my Lord ready
to come forth?

Flam. No, indeed he is not.

Tit. We attend his Lordſhip: Pray ſignifie ſo much.

Flam. I need not tell him that, he knows you are too
diligent.

Enter Steward in a Cloak muffled.

Luci. Ha! Is not that his Steward muffled ſo ?

He goes away in a Cloud: Call him, call him.

Tit. Do you hear, Sir ?

2a. Varro. By your lieve, Sir.

Stew. What do you ask of me, my Friend ?

Tit. We wait for certain money here, Sir.

Stew. If money were as certain as your waiting,

'Twere ſure enough.

Why then preferr'd you not your Sums and Bills,
When your falſe Maſters eat of my Lords meat ?
Then they would ſmile and fawn upon his debts,

And take down th' interest into their glutt' nous Maws.

You

ure,
[Exit].

fran,
d, and
[Exit].

good
[Exit].

fran,
d, and
[Exit].

["Timon of Athens.", "10", "You do your felves but wrong to fltir me up,\nLet me pafes quietly:", "Believ't, my Lord, and I have made an end,\nI have no more to reckon, he to fpend.", "Luci. I, but this anſwer will not ſerve.", "Stew. If 'twill not ſerve, 'tis not to bafe as you,", "For you ſerve Knaves.", "1. Varro. How ? What does his caſhier'd worſhip mut-\nter?", "2. Varro. No matter what, he's poor, and that's re-\nvenge enough. Who can ſpeak broader, than he that has\nno houſe to put his head in ? Such may rail againſt great\nbuildings.", "Enter Servilius.", "Tit. Oh, here's *Serviliuš*, now we shall know ſome\nanſwer.", "Servil. If I might beſeech you, Gentlemen, to repair\nfome other hour, I ſhould derive much from't. For tak't\nof my Soul, my Lord leans wondroullly to diſcontent: His\ncomfortable temper has forſook him, he's much out of\nhealth, and keeps his Chamber.", "Luci. Many do keep their Chambers, are not ſick:\nAnd if it be ſo far beyond his health,", "Methinks he ſhould the ſooner pay his debts,", "And make a clear way to the Gods.", "Servil. Good Gods !", "Tit. We cannot take this for anſwer, Sir.", "Flaminius within. *Servilius, help, my Lord, my Lord.*", "Enter Timon in a rage.", "Tim. What, are my doors oppos'd againſt my paffage?\nHave I been ever free, and mult my houſe", "Be my retentive Enemy ? My Gaol?", "The place which I have feaſted, does it now", "(Like all Mankind) ſhew me an Iron heart ?", "Luci. Put in now, Titus.", "Tit. My Lord, here's my Bill.", "Luci. Here's mine.", "1. Varro. And mine, my Lord.", "2. Varro. And ours, my Lord.", "Philo. All our Bills.", "Tim. Knock me down with 'em, cleave me to the\nGirdle.", "Luci. Alas, my Lord.", "Tim. Cut out my heart in ſums:", "Tit. Mine, fifty Talents.", "Tim. Tell out my Blood.", "Luci. Five thouſand Crowns, my Lord.", "Tim. Five thouſand drops pays that,", "What yours? And yours ?", "1. Varro. My Lord.", "2. Varro. My Lord.", "Tim. Tear me, take me, and the gods fall upon you.", "Exit Timon.", "Hort. Faith, I perceive our Maſters may throw their caps\nat their money, theſe debts may well be call'd desperate\nones, for a mad man owes 'em.", "[Exeunt.]", "Enter Timon.", "Tim. They have e'ne put my breath from me, the flaves.\nCreditors ? Devils", "Stew. My dear Lord.", "Tim. What if it ſhould be ſo ?", "Stew. My Lord.", "Tim. I'll have it ſo. My Steward ?", "Stew. Here, my Lord.", "Tim. So fitly ? Goe, bid all my Friends again,", "Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius : All,", "I'll once more Feaſt the Raſcals.", "Stew. O my Lord, you only ſpeak from your diſtraſted", "foul; there's not ſo much left to furniſh out a moderate\nTable.", "Tim. Be it not in thy care :", "Go I charge thee, invite them all, let in the tide", "Of Knaves once more : My Cook and I'll provide. Exeunt.", "Enter three Senators at one door, Alcibiades meeting them, with Attendants.", "1. Sen. My Lord, you have my voice to't,\nThe fault's bloody;", "'Tis neceſsary he ſhould die :", "Nothing emboldens ſin to much as Mercy.", "2. Moſt true; the Law ſhall bruiſe 'em.", "Alci. Honour, health and compaſſion to the Senate.", "1. Now, Captain.", "Alci. I am an humble Suitor to your Vertues ;", "For pity is the Vertue of the Law,", "And none but Tyrants uſe it cruelly.", "It pleafes Time and Fortune to lie heavy", "Upon a Friend of mine, who in hot blood", "Hath ſtept into the Law : which is paſt depth", "To thofe that (without heed) do plunge into't.", "He's a man (fetting his Fate aſide) of comely Vertues,", "Nor did he ſoyl the fact with Cowardife.", "And honour in him, which buyes out his fault)", "But with a Noble Fury and Fair Spirit,", "Seeing his reputation touch'd to death,", "He did oppoſe his Foe;", "And with ſuch ſober and unnoted paſſion", "He did behoove his anger e're'twas ſpent,", "As if he had but prov'd an Argument.", "1. Sen. You undergo too ſtrict a Paradox,", "Striving to make an ugly deed look fair:", "Your words have took ſuch pains, as they labour'd", "To bring Man-flaughter into form, and fet Quarrelling", "Upon the head of Valour ; which indeed", "Is Valour mis-begot, and came into the world,", "When Seſts and Faſtions were newly born.", "He's truly valiant, that can wifely ſuffer", "The worſt that man can breathe,", "And make his wrongs his Out-fides,", "To wear them like his Rayment, careleſtly,", "And ne'er prefer his injuries to his heart,", "To bring it into danger.", "If wrongs be evils, and enforce us kill,", "What Folly 'tis to hazzard life for ill.", "Alci. My Lord.", "1. Sen. You cannot make groſs fins look clear,", "To revenge is no Valour, but to bear.", "Alci. My Lords, then under favour, pardon me;", "If I ſpeak like a Captain.", "Why do fond men expoſe themſelves to Battel,", "And not endure all threats ? Sleep upon't,", "And let the Foes quietly cut their throats", "Without repugnancy ? If there be", "Such Valour in the bearing, what make we", "Abroad? Why then, Women are more valiant", "That ſlay at home, if bearing carry it :", "And the Aſs, more Captain than the Lion? The Fellow", "Loaden with Irons, wiser than the Judge?", "If Wifdom be in ſuffering. Oh my Lords,", "As you are great, be pitifully good,", "Who cannot condemn rafhneſs in cold blood?", "To kill, I grant, is fins extreameſt Guſt,", "But in defence, by Mercy 'tis moſt juſt.", "To be in Anger, is impieſt :", "But who is man, that is not Angry ?", "Weigh but the Crime with this.", "2. Sen. You breath in vain.", "Alci. In vain ?", {"

Timon of Athens.

11

*Alcib. Why, I fay my Lords h' as done fair service,
And flain in Fight many of your Enemies:
How full of Valour did he bear himself
In the laft Confliet, and made plenteous Wounds?

2. He has made too much plenty with 'em,
He's a worn Rioter, he has a fin
That often drowns him, and takes his valour Prifoner.
If there were no Foes, that were enough
To overcome him. In that beaſtly fury,
He has been known to commit outrages,
And cheriſh Facons. 'Tis inferr'd to us,
His days are foul, and his drink dangerous.

1. He dyes.

*Alcib. Hard Fate! He might have dy'd in War,
My Lords, if not for any Parts in him,
Though his right arm might purchase his own time,
And be in debt to none: yet more to move you,
Take his deferts to his, and joyn 'em both.
And for I know, your Reverend Ages love Security,
I'll pawn my Victories, all my Honours to you,
Upon his good returns.

If by this Crime, he owes the Law his life,
Why let the War receive 't in valiant Gore,
For Law is ſtrict, and War is nothing more.

1. We are for Law, he dyes, urge it no more
On heigth of our diſpleasure: Friend, or Brother,
He forfeits his own bloud, that ſpills another.

*Alcib. Muſt it be ſo? It muſt not be:
My Lords, I do beſeech you know me.

2. How?

*Alcib. Call me to your remembrances.

3. What?

*Alcib. I cannot think but your Age hath forgot me,
It could not else be, I should prove ſo bafe,
To ſue, and be deny'd ſuch common Grace.
My Woundsake at you.

1. Do you dare our anger?

'Tis few words, but ſpacious in effect.
We baniſh thee for ever.

*Alcib. Baniſh me, baniſh your dotage, baniſh Uſury,
That makes the Senate ugly.

1. If after two days ſhine, Athens contain thee,
Attend our weightier Judgment.

And, not to ſwell our Spirit,
He ſhall be executed prefently.

Exeunt.

*Alcib. Now the Gods keep you old enough,
That you may live
Only in Bone, that none may look on you.
I'm worſe than mad: I have kept back their Foes
While they have told their Money, and let out
Their Coin upon large Interſe. I my ſelf
Rich only in large hurts ? All thatoſe, for this ?
Is this the Balfom that the uſuring Senate
Pours into Captains wounds ? Ha ! Baniſhment !
It comes not ill : I hate not to be baniſht,
It is a Caufe worthy my Spileen and Fury,
That I may ſtrike at Athens. I'll cheer up
my diſcontented Troops, and lay for hearts :
'Tis honour with moſt Lands to be at odds,
Souldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods.

Exit.

Enter divers Friends at ſeveral Doors.

1. The good time of day to you, Sir.

2. I alſo with it to you: I think this honourable Lord did
but try this other day.

1. Upon that were my thoughts tiring when we encoun-
tred. I hope it is not ſo low with him as he made it ſeem
in the tryal of his ſeveral Friends.

2. It ſhould not be, by the perſuafion of his new Feaſt-
ing.

1. I ſhould think ſo: He hath ſent me an earneſt invi-
ting, which many my near occafions did urge me to put

off: but he hath conjur'd me beyond them, and I muſt
needs appear.

2. In like manner was I in debt to my importunate bu-
ſineſs, but he would not hear my excufe. I am ſorry,
when he ſent to borrow of me, that my Provision was
out.

1. I am ſick of that grief too, as I underſand how all
things go.

2. Every man here's ſo: What would he have borrow-
ed of you ?

1. A thouſand Pieces.

2. A thouſand Pieces !

1. What of you ?

2. He ſent to me; Sir— Here he comes.

Enter Timon and Attendants.

*Tim. With all my heart, Gentlemen both; and how
fare you ?*

1. Ever at the beſt, hearing well of your Lordſhip.

2. The Swallow follows not Summer more willingly,
Than we your Lordship.

*Tim. Nor more willingly leaves Winter, ſuch Summer-
Birds are men. Gentlemen, our Dinner will not recom-
pence this long ſtay: Feaſt your ears with the Muſick a
while : if they will fare ſo harſily o'th' Trumpets found:
we ſhall to't prefently.*

1. I hope it remains not unkindly with your Lordſhip,
that I return'd you an empty Meſſenger.

*Tim. O Sir, let it not trouble you.*

2. My Noble Lord.

*Tim. Ah my good Friend, what Cheer ?*

*The Banquet brought in.*

2. My moſt honourable Lord, I am e'en ſick of ſhame,
that when your Lordſhip the other day ſent to me, I was
ſo unfortunate a Beggar.

*Tim. Think not on't, Sir.*

2. If you had ſent but two hours before—

*Tim. Let it not cumber your better remembrance,
Come, bring in all together.*

2. All cover'd Difſes!

1. Royal C hear, I warrant you.

3. Doubt not that, if Money and the Seafon can yield it.

1. How do you ? What's the News?

3. Alcibiades is baniſht: Hear you of it ?

*Both. Alcibiades baniſh'd !*

3. 'Tis ſo, be ſure of it.

1. How? How?

2. I pray you upon what?

*Tim. My worthy Friends will you draw near ?*

3. I'll tell you more anon. Here's a Noble Feaſt toward.

2. This is the Old man ſtill.

3. Will 't hold ? Will 't hold ?

2. It does, but time will, and ſo—

3. I do conceive.

*Tim. Each man to his Stool, with that Spur as he would
to the Lip of his Miftris: Your Diet ſhall be in all places a-
like. Make not a City-Feaſt of it, to let the Meat cool; e're
we can agree upon the firſt place. Sir, Sir.*

The Gods require our thanks.

*You great Benefactors, sprinkle our Society with Thankful-
neſs. For your own giſts, make your ſeues prais'd? But re
ſerve ſill to give, left your Deities be despised. Lend to each
man enough, that one need not lend to another. For were your
godheads to borrow of men, men would forſake the gods. Make
the meat be beloved, more than the man that giſes it. Let no
Assemſly of Twenty, be without a Score of Villains. If there
ſit twelve Women at the Table, let a Dozen of them be as they
are— The reſt of your Fees, O gods, the Senators of A
thens, together with the common leg of People, what is amſiſ
them, you gods, make ſutable for deſtruction. For these my
prefent Friends, as they are to me nothing, ſo in nothing blep
them, and to nothing are they welcome.*

Uncover

12

Timon of Athens.

Uncover Dogs, and lap.

Some *fpeak*. What does his Lordship mean?

Some *other*. I know not.

Tim. May you a better Feaft never behold,
You Knot of Mouth Friends: Smoke, and lukewarm Water
Is your perfection. This is Timon's laft,
Who fluck and fpangled you with flatteries,
Wafhes it off, and sprinkles in your faces
Your reeking villany. Live loath'd, and long
Moft smiling, smooth, detefted Parafites,
Courteous D'froyers, affable Wolves, meek Bears:
You Fools of Fortune, Trencher-friends, Tim'-flies,
Cap and Knee Slaves, Vapours and Minute Jacks
Of Man and Beaft, the infinite Malady
Croft you quite o'r. What doft thou go?
Soft, take thy Phyfick firſt; thou too, and thou ;
Stay, I will lend thee Money, borrow none.
What ! all in motion ? Henceforth be no Feaſt,
Whereat a Villain's not a welcome Gueſt.
Burn house, ſink Athens, henceforth hate be
Of Timon, Man, and all humanity.

Exit.

Enter the Senators, with other Lords.

1. How now, my Lords?

2. How you the quality of Lord Timon's fury?

3. Pufh, did you fee my Cap ?

4. I have loft my Gown.

1. He's but a mad Lord, and nought but humour fwas
him. He gave me a Jewel th' other day, and now he has
beat it out of my Hat.

Did you fee my Jewel?

2. Did you fee my Cap ?

3. Here 'tis.

4. Here lyes my Gown.

1. Let's make no flay.

2. Lord Timon's mad.

3. I feel't upon my Bones.

4. One day he gives us Diamonds, next day Stones.

Exeunt the Senators.

Enter Timon.

Tim. Let me look back upon thee. O thou Wall,
That girdles in thofe Wolves, dive in the Earth,
And fence not Athens Matrons, turn incontinent:
Obedience fail in Children: Slaves and Fools
Pluck the grave wrinkled Senate from the Bench,
And minifter in their ſteads to general Filths.
Convert o' th' inflant green Virginity,
Do't in your Parents eyes. Bankrup'ts, hold ſaft,
Rather than render back; out with your Knives,
And cut your Truſters throats. Bound Servants, ſteal,
Large-handed Robbers your grave Maſters are,
And Pill by Law. Maid, to thy Maſters Bed,
Thy Maſtrefs is o' th' Brothel. Son of ſixteen,
Pluck the lin'd Crutch from thy old limping Sire,
With it, beat out his Brains Piety, and fear,
Religion to the gods, Peace, Juſtice, Truth,
Domeſtick awe, Night-reſt, and Neighbourhood,
Inſtruction, Manners, Myſteries, and Trades,
Degrees, Obſervances, Culoſms, and Laws,
Decline to your confounding contraries.
And yet conſuſion live: Plagues incident to men,
Your potent and inſectious Feavers, heap
On Athens ripe for ſtroke. Thou cold Sciatica,
Cripple our Senators, that their Limbs may halt
As lamely as their Manners. Luſt and liberty
Creep in the Minds and Marrows of your Youth,
That 'gainſt the Stream of Vertue they may ſtrive,
And drown themſelves in Riot. Itches, Blains,
Sow all the Athenian boſoms, and their Crop
Be general Leproſe: Breath inſect breath,
That their Society (as their friendſhip) may

Be beely Poyson. Nothing I'll bear from thee,
But Nakedneſs, thou deteftable Town.
Take thou that too, with multiplying Banns:
Timon will to the Woods, where he ſhall find,
Th' unkindleſt Beaſt much kinder than Mankind.
The gods confound (hear me you good gods all)
Th' Athenians both within and out that Wall;
And grant as Timon grows, his hate may grow
To the whole Race of Mankind, high and low.
Amen.

Exit.

Enter Steward with two or three Servants.

1. Here you, Maſter Steward, where's our Maſter?
Are we undone, caſt off, nothing remaining?

Stew. Alack, my Fellows, what ſhould I lay to you?
Let me be recorded by the righteous gods,
I am as poor as you.

1. Such a Houſe broke?
So Noble a Maſter faſn, all gone, and not
One Friend to take his Fortune by the Arm,
And go along with him.

2. As we do turn our Backs
From our Companion, thrown into his Grave,
So his Familiars to his buried Fortunes
Slink all away, leave their ſalſe Vows with him
Like empty Purſes pickt. And his poor ſelf
A dedicated Beggar to the Air,
With his Difeaſe, of all ſhun'd poverty,
Walks like contempt alone. More of our Fellows.

Enter other Servants.

Stew. All broken Implements of a ruin'd Houſe.

3. Yet do our hearts wear Timon's Livery,
That fee I by our faces: we are Fellows ſtil,
Serving alike in forrow: Leak'd is our Bark,
And we poor Mates ſland on the dying Deck,
Hearing the Surges threat: we muſt all part
Into this Sea of Air.

Stew. Good Fellows all,
The lateſt of my wealth I'll ſhare amongſt you.
Whereever we ſhall meet, for Timon's ſake,
Let's yet be Fellows. Let's shake our heads, and ſay,
As 'twere a Knell unto our Maſters Fortunes,
VWe have ſeen better days. Let each take ſome:
Nay put out all your hands: Not one word more,
Thus part we rich in forrow, parting poor.

Embrace, and part ſeveral weys.

Oh the ſterce wretchedneſs that Glory brings us!
Who would not wifh to be from wealth exempt,
Since Riches point to Mifery and Contempt?
VWho would be ſo mock'd with Glory, or to live
But in a Dream of Friendſhip,
To have his Pomp, and all what flate compounds,
But only painted like his varnifht friends:
Poor honelt Lord, brought low by his own heart,
Undone by goodneſs: ſtrange unuſual blood,
VWhen man's worſt fin is, he does too much good.
VWho then dares to be half ſo kind agen?
For Bounty that makes gods, does ſtil mar men,
My deareſt Lord, bleſt to be moſt accurſt,
Rich only to be wretched; thy great Fortunes
Are made thy chief afflictions. Alas (kind Lord)
He's ſlung in Rage from this ungrateful Seat
Of monſtrous Friends:
Nor has he with him to ſupply his life,
Or that which can command it:
I'll follow and enquire him out.
I'll ever ſerve his mind, with my beſt will,
Whilſt I have Gold, I'll be his Steward ſtill.

Exit.

Enter Timon in the Woods.

Tim. O bleſſed breeding Sun, draw from the Earth
Rotten humidity: below thy Sifters Orb

Timon of Athens.

13

Infest the air. Twin'd Brothers of one womb,
Whole procreation, reidence, and birth,
Scarce is divident; touch them with feveral fortunes,
The greater fcorns the leffer. Not Nature
(To whom all fores lay Siege) can bear great Fortune
But by contempt of Nature.

Raife me this Beggar, and deny't that Lord,
The Senators inall bear contempt Hereditary,
The Beggar Native honour.

It is the Paftor Lords, the Brothers fides,

The want that makes him lean: who dares ? who dares
In purity of Manhood, ſtand upright

And fay, this man's a Flatterer ? If one be,
So are they all, for every grize of fortune

Is fmooth'd by that below. The Learned pate

Ducks to the Golden Fool. All's obliquy :

There's nothing level in our curfed Natures

But direct Villany. Therefore be abhorr'd,

All Feaſts, Societies, and Throngs of men.

His femblable, yea himſelf Timon diſdains,
Deſtruction phang mankind, Earth yield me Roots,

Who feeks for better of thee, fawce his pallate

With thy moſt operant poifon. What is here?

Gold ? Yellow, glittering, precious Gold ?

No gods, I am no idle Votarift,

Roots you clear Heavens. Thus much of this will make

Black, white; fowl, fair; wrong, right;

Bafe, Noble; Old, Young; Coward, Valiant.

Ha you gods? why this? what this you gods? why, this
Will lug your Prieſs and Servants from your fides :

Pluck ſlout mens Pilows from below the Heads.

This yellow Slave

Will knit and break Religions, bleſs th'accurſt,

Make the hoar Leproſe ador'd, place Thieves,

And give them title, knee, and approbation

With Senators on the Bench ? This is it

That makes the wapen'd Widdow wed again ;

She, whom the Spittle-Houſe, and ulcerous Sores,

Would caſt the gorge at. This Embalms and Spices

To th' April day again. Come damn'd Earth,

Thou common Whore of Mankind, that puts odds

Among the rout of Nations, I will make thee

Do thy right Nature.

March afar off.

But yet I'll bury thee : Thou'lt go (Itrong Thief)

When Gouty Keepers of thee cannot ſtand :

Nay ſlay thou out for earneſt.

Enter Alcibiades with Drum and Fife in warlike manner,
and Phrinia, and Timandra.

Alci. What art thou there? ſpeak.

Tim. A Beaſt as thou art. The Canker gnaw thy heart
For ſhewing me again the Eyes of man.

Alci. What is thy name ? is man ſo hateſtul to thee,
That art thy ſelf a man ?

Tim. I am Mifanthropos, and hate Mankind.

For thy part, I do with thou wert a Dog,

That I might love thee ſomething.

Alci. I know thee well :

But in thy fortunes am unlearn'd, and ſtrange.

Tim. I know thee too, and more than that I know thee
I not define to know. Follow thy Drum,
With mans blood paint the ground Gules, Gules :
Religious Cannons, civil Laws are cruel,
Then what ſhould War be? This fell Whore of thine,
Hath in her more deſtruction than thy Sword,
For all her Cherubin look.

Phrin, Thy Lips rot off.

Tim. I will not kiſs thee, then the rot returns
To thine own Lips again.

Alci. How came the Noble Timon to this change ?

Tim. As the Moon do's, by wanting light to give :
But then renew I could not, like the Moon,

There were no Suns to borrow of.

Alci. Noble Timon, what Friendſhip may I do thee ?

Tim. None, but to maintain my opinion.

Alci. What is it Timon ?

Tim. Prouſe me Friendſhip, but perform none.
If thou wilt not promife, the Gods plague thee, for thou
art a man: if thou doſt perform, confound thee, for thou
art a man.

Alci. I have heard in ſome fort of thy Miferies.

Tim. Thou faw'ſt them when I had properity.

Alci. I fee them now, then was a bleſſed time.

Tim. As thine is now, held with a brace of Harlots.

Timan. Is this th' Athenian Minion, whom the World;
Voic'd to regardfully?

Tim. Art thou Timandra ?

Timandra Yes.

Tim. Be a Whore ſtill, they love thee not that uſe thee,
give them Diſeafes, leaving with thee their Luſt. Make
uſe of thy ſalt hours, ſeafon the Slaves for Tubs and
Baths, bring down Rofe-cheek'd Youth to the Fubſalt,
and the Diet..

Timan. Hang thee Monſter.

Alci. Pardon him, ſweet Timandra, for his Wits
Are droun'd and loſt in his Calamities.

I have but little Gold of late, brave Timon,

The want whereof, doth daily make revolt

In my penurious Band. I have heard and-griev'd,

How Curſed Athens, mindleſs of thy worth,

Forgetting thy great deeds, when Neighbour flates

But for thy Sword and Fortune trod upon them.

Tim. I prethee beat thy Drum, and get thee gone.

Alci. I am thy Friend, and pity thee, dear Timon.

Tim. How doſt thou pity him, whom thou doſt trouble,
I had rather be alone.

Alci. Why fare thee well :

Here is ſome Gold for thee.

Tim. Keep it, I cannot eat it.

Alci. When I have laid proud Athens on a heap.

Tim. War'ſt thou 'gainſt Athens ?

Alci. I, Timon, and have cauſe.

Tim. The gods confound them all in thy Conqueſt,
And thee after, when thou haſt conquer'd.

Alci. Why me, Timon?

Tim. That by killing of Villains
Thou was't born to conquer my Country.

Put up thy Gold. Go on, here's Gold, go on ;

Be as a Planetary plague, whom Jove

Will o're ſome high-vic'd City hang his poſſon

In the ſick air: let not thy Sword skip one.

Pity not honour'd Age for his white Beard,

He is an Uſurer. Strike me the counterfeit Matron,
It is her habit only, that is honest,

Her ſelf's a Kawd. Let not the Virgins cheek

Make ſoſt thy trenchant Sword: for thofe Milk-Paps

That through the Window Barn bore at mens Eyes,
Are not within the Leaf of pity writ,

But fet them down horrible Traitors. Spare not the Babe
Whoſe dimpled ſmiles from Fools exhauſt their mercy ;

Think it a Baſtard, whom the Oracle

Hath doubtfully pronounced, the throat ſhall cut,

And mince it ſans remorſe. Swear againſt Objects,

Put Armour on thine Ears, and on thine Eyes,

Whoſe proof, nor yels of Mothers, Maids, nor Babes,
Nor fight of Prieſs in holy Veſtments bleeding,

Shall pierce a jot. There's Gold to pay thy Souldiers.

Make large confuſion: and thy fury ſpent,

Confounded be thy ſelf. Speak not, be gone.

Alci. Haſt thou gold yet ? I'll take the gold thou giveſt
me, not all thy Counſel.

Tim. Doſt thou, or doſt thou not, Heavens Curiſe upon
thée.

Both. Give us ſome gold, good Timon, haſt thou more ?

Tim. Enough to make a Whore forſwear her Trade,
And to make Whores a Kawd. Hold up, you Sluts,
Your Aprons Mountant, you are not Oθable,

B b b

Although

Timon of Athens.

14

Although I know you'll swear, terribly swear
into strong hudders, and to Heavenly Agues
Th' immortal gods that hear you. Spare your Oaths:
Ile truft to your conditions, be VVhores still.
And he whole pious breath feeks to convert you,
Be strong in VVhore, allure him, burn him up.
Let your close fire predominate his fmoak,
And be no Turn-Coats: yet may your pains fix months
Be quite contrary. And Thatch
Your poor thin Roofs, with burthens of the dead,
(Some that were hang'd) no matter:
VVear them, betray with them; VVhore still.
Paint till a Horfe may mire upon your face:
A Pox of wrinkles.

Both. VVell, more Gold, what then?
Believ't that we'll do any thing for Gold.

Tim. Consumptions low

In hollow bones of man, ifrike their sharp flins,
And mar mens spurring. Crack the Lawyers Voice,
That he may never more falfe Title plead,
Nor found his Quillets thrilly. Hoar the Flamen,
That I cold it againft the quality of fleh,
And not believes himfelf, Down with Nofe,
Down with it flat, take the Bridge quite away
Of him, that his particular to forefee
(bald)
Smells from the general weal. Make curl'd pate Ruffians
And let the unfcar'd Braggarts of the War
Derive fome pain from you. Plague all,
That you activity may defeat and quell
The source of all Erection. There's more Gold.
Do you damn others, and let this damn you,
And Ditches grave you all.

Both. More counfel with more Money, bounteous
Timon.

Tim. More Whore, more miſchief firſt, I have given
you earneſt.

Alci. Strike up the Drum towards Athens, farewel

Timon: if I thrive well, I'll visit thee again.

Tim. If I hope well, I'll never fee thee more.

Alci. I never did thee harm.

Tim. Yes, thou ſpok'ft well of me.

Alci. Call it that harm ?

Tim. Men daily find it. Get thee away,
And take thy Beagles with thee.

Alci. We but offend him, ifrike.

[Exeunt.]

Tim. That Nature being ſick of mans unkindneſs.

Should yet be hungry: Common Mother, thou
Whofe Womb unmeaſurable, and infinite breake
Teems and feeds all: wholeſelf fame mettle
Whereof thy proud Child (arrogant man) is puſt,
Engenders the black Toad, and Adder blew,
The gilded Newt, and Eyeleſs venom'd Worm,
With all th' abhorred Births below Crisp Heaven,
Whereon Hyperions quickning fire doth ſhine:
Yield him, who all the humane Sons do hate,
From forth thy plenteous boſom, one poor root
Enfear thy Fertile, and Conceptions Womb,
Let it no more bring out ingrateful man.
Go great with Tygers, Dragons, Wolves, and Bears,
Teem with new Monſters, whom thy upward face
Hath to the Marbled Manſion all above
Never prefented. O, a Root, dear thanks:
Dry up thy Marrows, Vines, and Plough-torn Leas,
Whereof ingrateful man with Liquorith draughts
And Morſels Unctious, greaſes his pure mind,
That from it all confideration slips —

Enter Apemantus.

More man ? Plague, Plague.

Ape. I was directed hither. Men report,
Thou doſt affect my Manners, and doſt uſe them.

Tim. 'Tis then, becauſe thou doſt not keep a Dog
VVhom I would imitate, Conſumption catch thee.

Ape. This is in thee a Nature but infected,
A poor unmanly Melancholly ſprung
From change of future. VVhy this Spade ? this place?
This Slave-like Habit, and theſe looks of Care?
Thy Flatterers yet wear Silk, drink VVine, lye ſoſt,
Hug their diſeafed Perfumes, and have forgot
That ever Timon was. Shame not theſe VVoods,
By putting on the cunning of a Carper.

Be thou a Flatterer now, and ſee to thrive
By that which has undone thee; hinde thy Knee,
And let his very breath whom thou'lt obſerve
Blow off thy Cap: prieſe his moſt vicious ſtrain,
And call it excellent: thou waſt told thus:

Thou gav'ſt thine Ears (like Tapſters, that bid welcome)
To Knaves, and all approachers: 'Tis moſt juſt
That thou turn Raſcal, hadſt thou wealth again,
Raſcals ſhould hav't. Do not affume my likenes.

Tim. VVere I like thee, I'de throw away my ſelf.

Ape. Thou haſt caſt away thy ſelf, being like thy ſelf
A Madman fo long, now a Fool: what think't
That the bleak Air, thy boſterous Chamberlain
VVill put thy ſhirt on warm ? VVill theſe moſt Trees,
That have out-liv'd the Eagle, page thy heels,
And skip when thou point'ſt out ? VVill the cold Brook
Candied with Ice, Cawdle thy Morning taſe.

To cure thy o're-nights ſurfeit ? Call the Creatures,
VVhoſe naked Natures live in all the ſpight
Of wreekful Heaven, wholeſe bare unhouſted Trunks,
To the conflicting Elements expos'd

Anſwer meer Nature: bid them flatter thee.
O thou ſhalt find.

Tim. A Fool of thee: depart.

Ape. I love thee better now than ere I did.

Tim. I hate thee worſe.

Ape. VVhy ?

Tim. Thou flatter'ſt miſery.

Ape. I flatter not, but ſay thou art a Caytiff.

Tim. VVhy doſt thou ſeek me out?

Ape. To vex thee.

Tim. Always a Villains Office, or a Fools

Doſt pleafe thy ſelf in't?

Ape. I.

Tim. VVhat, a Knave too ?

Ape. If thou didſt put this ſowre cold habit on
To caſtify thy pride, 'twere well: but thou
Doſt it enforcedly: Thou'ſt Courtier be again
VVert thou not Beggar: willing miſery
Out-lives: in certain pomp, is crown'd before:
The one is filling ſtill, never compleat:
The other, at high wih: beſt ſlade Contentleſs,
Hath a diſtraſted and moſt wretched being,
VVorſe than the worſt, content.

Thou ſhouldſt define to die, being miſerable.

Tim. Not by his breath, that is more miſerable.
Thou art a Slave, whom Fortunes tender arm
VVith favour never clasſt: but bred a Dog.
Hadſt thou like us from our firſt ſwath proceeded,
The ſweet degrees that this brief VWorld affords,
To ſuch as may the paffive drugs of it
Freely command'ſt: thou wouldſt have plung'd thy ſelf
In general Riot, melted down thy youth
In different beds of Luſt, and never learn'd
The Icy precepts of reſpect, but followed
The Sugared Game before thee. But my ſelf
VVho had the world as my Confectionary,
The mouths, the tongues, the eyes, the hearts of men,
At duty more than I could frame employments:

That numberleſs upon thee ſtuck, as leaves
Do on the Oak, have with one Winters bruth
Fell from their boughs, and left me open bare,
For every ſtorm that blows. I to bear this,
That never knew but better, is ſome burthen
Thy Nature did commence in ſufferance, Time
Hath made thee hard in't. Why ſhouldſt thou hate men?

They

Timon of Athens.

Enter the Banditti.

1. Where should he have this Gold ? It is some poor Fragment, some flender Ort of his remainder: the meer want of Gold, and the falling from of his Friends, drove him into this Melancholy.

2. It is nois'd
He hath a Maſs of Treasure,
3. Let us make the affay upon him, if he care not for't,
he will supply us easily: if he covetouſly reſerve it, how ſhall's get it?

2. True: for he bears it not about him:
'Tis hid.

1. Is not this he ?

All. Where?

2. 'Tis his deſcription.

3. He ? I know him.

All. Save thee, Timon.

Tim. Now Thieves.

All. Souldiers, not Thieves.

Tim. Both too, and Womens Sons.

All. We are not Thieves, but men

That much do want.

Tim. Your greatest want is, you want much of meat:
Why should you want? Behold, the Earth hath Roots:
Within this Mile break forth an hundred Springs:
The Oaks bear Maſt, the Briers Scarlet Hips,
The bounteous Hufwife Nature, on each Buſh,
Lays her full Maſs before you. Want ? why want?

1. We cannot live on Graſs, on Berries, Water, As Beaſts, and Birds, and Fifeſhs.

Tim. Nor on the Beaſts themſelves, the Birds and Fifeſhs,
You muſt eat men. Yet thanks I muſt you con,
That you are Thieves proſeſt: that you work not
In hoſler ſhapes: for there is boundleſs theft
In limited profefſions. Raſcal Thieves,
Here's Gold. Go, ſuck the fuble blood o'th' Grape,
Till the high Feaver ſeeth your Bloud to Froth,
And ſo ſcape hanging. Truſt not the Phyſician,
His Antidotes are poyſon, and he ſlayes
More than you Rob: Take wealth, and live together,
Do Villain do, ſince you proteſt to do't.

Like Workmen, Ile Example you with Thievery:
The Sun's a Thief, and with his great attraction
Robs the vaſt Sea. The Moon's an Arrant Thief,
And her pale fire the ſnatches from the Sun.

The Sea's a Thief, whole liquid Surge reſolves
The Moon into Salt tears. The Earth's a Thief,
That feeds and breeds by a compoſure ſtoſn
From gen'ral Excrement: Each thing's a Thief.

The Laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power
Ha's uncheck'd theft. Love not your ſelves, away,
Rob one another, there's more Gold, Cut-Throats;
All that you meet are Thieves: to Athens go,
Break open Shops, nothing can you ſteal
But Thieves do loſe it: ſteal leſs, for this I give you,
And Gold confound you howſoere: Amen.

3. H'as almost charm'd me from my Proſection, by per-
fwading me to it.

1. 'Tis in the malice of mankind, that he thus advices us not to have us thrive in our myſtery.

2. Ile believe him as an Enemy,
And give over my Trade.

1. Let us firſt fee peace in Athens, there is no time to mi-
ferable but a man may be true.
[Exeunt Thieves.

Enter the Steward to Timon.

Stew. Oh you Gods !
Is yond deſpis'd and ruinous man my Lord ?
Full of decay and failing ? Oh Monument
And wonder of good deeds, evilly beſtow'd !
What an alteration of honour has deſp'rate want made ?

What vilder thing upon the Earth, than Friends,
Who can bring Nobleſt minds to bafeſt ends,
How rarely does it meet with this times guile,
When man was wifht to love his Enemies:
Grant I may ever love, and rather woo
Thofe that would miſchief me, than thofe that do.
H'as caught me in his Eye, I will prefent my honeſt grief
Unto him; and as my Lord, ſtill ſerve him with my life.
My dearſt Maſter.

Tim. Away: what art thou ?

Stew. Have you forgot me, Sir?

Tim. Why doſt ask that? I have forgot all men.
Then if thou gruſt it th' art a man,
I have forgot thee.

Stew. An honeſt poor Servant of yours.

Tim. Then I know thee not:
I nev'r had honeſt man about me, I, all
I kept were Knaves, to ſerve in meat to Villains.

Stew. The Gods are witneſſs,
Never did poor Steward wear a truer grief
For his undone Lord, than mine Eyes for you.

Tim. What doſt thou weep ?
Come nearer, then I love thee
Becaufe thou art a Woman, and diſclaim'ſt
Flinty Mankind: whole Eyes do never give,
But through Luſt and Laughter: pitie's fleeping:
Strange times that weep with laughing, not with weeping.

Stew. I beg of you to know me, good my Lord,
T? accept my grief, and whilſt this poor wealth laſts,
To entertain me as your Steward ſtill.

Tim. Had I a Steward
So true, ſo juſt, and now ſo comfortable ?
It almoſt turns my dangerous Nature wild.
Let me behold thy face: Surely, this man
Was born of Woman.

Forgive my general, and exceptleſs rafneſſs
You perpetual ſober Gods. I do proclaɪm
One honeſt man: Miftake me not, but one:
No more I pray, and he's a Steward.
How ſain would I have hated all mankind,
And thou redeem'ſt thy ſelf: But all ſave thee,
I ſell with Curſes.

Me thinks thou art more honeſt now than wife:
For, by oppreſſing and betraying me,
Thou might'ſt have ſooner got another Service:
For many ſo arrive at ſecond Maſters,
Upon their firſt Lords neck. But tell me true,
(For I muſt ever doubt, though ne're ſo ſure)
Is not thy kindneſſs ſubtle, covetous,

If not a ſulſuring kindneſſ, and as rich men deal Gifts,
Expecting in return twenty for one ?

Stew. No, my moſt worthy Maſter, in whole breſt
Doubt and ſuſpect (alas) are plac'd too late:
You should have fear'd falſe times, when you did Feaſt.

Suſpect it comes where an eſtate is leaſt.
That which I ſhow, Heaven knows, is meery Love,
Duty, and Zeal, to your unmatched mind,
Care of your Food and Living, and believe it,
My moſt honour'd Lord,

For any benefit that points to me,
Either in hope, or preſent, I'd exchange
For this one wifh, that you had power and wealth
To requite me, by making rich your ſelf.

Tim. Look thee 'tis ſo: thou ſingly honeſt man,
Here take: the Gods out of my miſery,
Ha's ſent thee treſasure. Go, live rich and happy.
But thus condition'd: Thou ſhalt build from men:
Hate all, Curſe all, ſhow Charity to none,
But let the famiſht fleſh ſlide from the bone,
Ere thou relieve the Beggar. Give to Dogs
What thou denyſt to men. Let Priſons ſwallow 'em,
Debts wither 'm to nothing, be men like blafed Woods
And may Difeaſes lick up their falſe cloudes,
And ſo farewel, and thrive.

Stew.

["Timon of Athens.", "17", "Stew. O let me stay and comfort you my Maſter:", "Tim. If thou hat't Curſes,", "Stay not: flée, whil't thou art bleſt and free:", "Ne're fee thou man, and let me ne're fee thee.", "[Exit.]", "Enter Poet and Painter.", "Pain. As I took note of the place, it cannot be far\nWhere he abides.", "Poet. What's to be thought of him ?", "Does the Rumour hold for true,", "That he's ſo full of Gold ?", "Pain. Certain.", "Alcibiades reports it: Phronin and Timandra", "Had Gold of him, he likewife enrich'd", "Poor ſtragling ſouldiers, with great quantity.", "Tis faid, he gave unto his Steward", "A mighty Summ.", "Poet. Then this breaking of his,", "Has been but a try for his Friends.", "Pain. Nothing else :", "You haſt him a Palm in Athens again,", "And flourith with the highest :", "Therefore, 'tis not amits, we tender our loves", "To him, in this ſuppos'd diſtrefes of his:", "It will ſhow honestely in us,", "And is very likely to load our purpofes", "With what they travail for,", "If it be a juit and true report, that goes", "Of his having.", "Poet. What have you now", "To prefent unto him?", "Painter. Nothing at this time", "But my Vifitation: only I will promife him", "An excellent Piece.", "Poet. I muſt ſerve him ſo too;", "Tell him of an intent that's coming toward him,", "Painter. Good as the beſt,", "Promifying is the very Air o'th' Time;", "It opens the Eyes of Expectation.", "Performance is ever the duller for his aft,", "And but in the plainer and dimpler kind of people,", "The deed of Saying is quite out of uſe.", "To promife is moſt Courtly and falſionable;", "Performance is a kind of Will or Teſtament,", "Which argues a great ſickneſs in his judgment\nThat makes it.", "Enter Timon from his Cave.", "Timon. Excellent Workman,", "Thou canſt not paint a man ſo bad", "As is thy ſelf.", "Poet. I am thinking", "What I ſhall fay I have provided for him :", "It muſt be a perſonating of himſelf:", "A ſatyre againſt the ſoftneſs of Prosperity,", "With a Diſcovery of the infinite Flatteries", "That follow youth and opulency.", "Timon. Muſt thou needs", "Stand for a Villain in thine own Work?", "Wilt thou whip thine own faults in other men?", "Do ſo, I have Gold for thee.", "Poet. Nay let's ſeek him.", "Then do we ſin againſt our own eſtate,", "When we may profit meet, and come too late.", "Painter. True,", "When the day ſerves before black corner'd night,", "Find what thou want't, by free and offer'd light.", "Come.", "Tim. Ile meet you at the turn :", "What a God's Gold, that he is worſhipt", "In a baſer Temple, than where Swine feed?", "'Tis thou that riggt it the Bark, and plow it the Fome,", "Setleft admired reverence in a Slave,", "To thee be worſhip't, and thy Saints for aye :", "Be crown'd with Plagues, that thee alone obey.", "Fit I meet them:", "Poet. Hail, worthy Timon.", "Pain. Our late Noble Maſter.", "Timon. Have I once liv'd", "To fee two honeft men ?", "Poet. Sir:", "Having often of your open Bounty taſted,", "Hearing you were retir'd, your Friends faln off,", "Whofe thankleſs Natures (O abhorred Spirits)", "Not all the Whips of Heaven are large enough,", "What, to you,", "Whole Star-like Noblenefs gave life and influence", "To their whole being ? I am rapt, and cannot cover", "The monſtrous bulk of this Ingratitude", "With any ſize of words.", "Timon. Let it go,", "Naked men may fee't the better :", "You that are honeft, by being what you are,", "Make them beſt ſeen, and known.", "Pain. He, and my ſelf", "Have travel'd in the great ſhowre of your gifts,", "And fweetly felt it.", "Timon. I, you are honeft men,", "Pain. We are hither come.", "To offer you our ſervice :", "Timon. Moſt honeft men :", "Why how ſhall I requife you ?", "Can you eat Roots, and drink cold Water, no ?", "Both. What we can do,", "Wee'l do, to do you ſervice.", "Tim. Y'are honeft men,", "Y'have heard that I have Gold,", "I am ſure you have, I speak truth, y'are honeft men.", "Pain. So it is faſd, my Noble Lord, but therefore", "Came not my Friend, nor I.", "Tim. Good honeft man: thou draw't a counterfeit", "Bef in all Athens, tha't indeed the beſt,", "Thou counterfeit't moſt lively.", "Pain. So, ſo, my Lord.", "Tim. E'ne ſo, Sir, as I ſay. And for thy ſiſtion,", "Why thy Verſe ſwells with ſtuff ſo fine and ſmooth,", "That thou art even Natural in thine Art.", "But for all this (my honeft Natur'd Friends)", "I muſt needs ſay you have a little ſault,", "Marry 'tis not monſtrous in you, neither with I", "You take much pains to mend.", "Both. Befeech your Honour", "To make it known to us.", "Tim. You'l take it ill.", "Both. Moſt thankfully, my Lord.", "Tim. Will you indeed?", "Both. Doubt it not, worthy Lord.", "Tim. There's never a one of you but truſts a Knave,", "That mightily deceives you.", "Both. Do we, my Lord?", "Tim. I, and you hear him cogge,", "See him diſſemble,", "Know his groſs patchery, love him, feed him,", {"bbox":

18

Timon of Athens.

Each man apart, all fingle and alone,
Yet an arch Villain keeps him company:
If where thou art, two villains shall not be,
Come not near him. If thou would'ft not recide
But where one villain is, then him abandon.
Hence, pack, there's Gold, ye came for Gold ye Slaves:
You have work for me; there's payment, thence,
You are an Alchymift, make Gold of that:
Out Rafcal Dogs.
[Exeunt].

Enter Steward, and two Senators.

Srew. It is in vain that you would ſpeak with Timon :
For he is fet ſo onely to himſelf,
That nothing but himſelf, which looks like man,
Is friendly with him.

1 Sen. Bring us to his Cave.

It is our part and promife to th'
Athenians
To ſpeak with Timon.

2 Sen. At all times alike.

Men are not ſtill the fame : twas Time and Griefs
That fram'd him thus. Time with his fairer hand,
Offering the Fortunes of his former days,
The former man may make him; bring us to him
And chance it as it may.

Srew. Here is his Cave:
Peace and content be here, Timon, Timon,
Look out, and ſpeak to Friends: Th' Athenians
By two of their moſt reverend Senate greet thee:
Speak to them, Noble Timon.

Enter Timon out of his Cave.

Tim. Thou Sun that comfort burn,
Speak and be hang'd:
For each true word, a blifer, and each falſe
Be as a Catherizing to the root o'th tongue.

Conſuming it with ſpeaking.

1. Worthy Timon.

Tim. Of none but ſuch as you,
And you of Timon.

1. The Senators of Athens greet thee, Timon.

Tim. I thank them.

And would ſend them back the plague,
Could I but catch it for them:

1. O forget

What we are ſory for our ſelves in thee:
The Senators, with one conſent of love,
Intreat thee back to Athens, who have thought
On ſpecial Dignities, which vacant lie
For thy beſt uſe and wearing.

2. They confes

Toward thee, forgetſuſe too general groſs;
Which now the publick Body, which doth ſeldom,
Play the Re-canter, feeling in it ſelf
A lack of Timons aid, hath ſince withal
Of it own fall, reſtraining aid to Timon,
And ſend forth us to make their ſorrowed render,
Together, with a recompence more fruitful
Than their offeſe can weigh down by the Dram,
I even ſuch heaps and ſums of Love and Wealth,
As ſhall to thee blot out, what wrongs were theirs,
And write in thee, the Figures of their Love,
Ever to read them thine.

Tim. You witch me in it?

Surprize me to the very brink of ſears;
Lend me a Fools heart, and a Womans Eyes,
And ile beweep these comforts, worthy Senators.

1. Therefore ſo pleafe thee to return with us,
And of our Athens, thine and ours to take
The Captainſhip, thou ſhalt be met with thanks,
Allowed with abſolute power, and thy good name
Live with authority: ſo foon we ſhall drive back
Of Alcibiades h'approaches wild

Who like a Boar too favage, doth root up
His Countreys Peace.

2. And ſhakes his threatening Sword
Against the Walls of Athens.

1. Therefore, Timon.

Tim. Well Sir, I will: therefore I will Sir thus:
If Alcibiades kill my Countreymen,
Let Alcibiades know this of Timon,
That Timon cares not. But if he ſack fair Athens,
And take our goodly aged men by th'Beards,
Giving our holy Virgins to the flain
Of contumelious, beaſtly, mad-brain'd War:

Then let him know, and tell him Timon ſpeaks it.
In pitty of our aged, and our youth,
I cannot chufe but tell him that I care not,
And let him tak't at workt: For their Knives care not,
While you have throats to anſwer. For my ſelf,
There's not a whittle in th' unruly Camp,
But I do prize it at my love, before

The reverendſt Throat in Athens: So I leave you
To the protection of the proſperous Gods,
As Thieves to Keepers.

Srew. Stay not, all's in vain.

Tim. Why I was writing of my Epitaph,
It will be ſeen to Morrow. My long ſickneſs
Of Health, and Living, now begins to mend,
And nothing brings me all things. Go, live ſull,
Be Alcibiades your plague; you his,
And laſt ſo long enough.

1. We ſpeak in vain.

Tim. But yet I love my Countrey, and am not
One that rejoices in the common wrack,
As common bruit doth put it.

1. That's well ſpoke.

Tim. Commend me to my loving Countrey-men.

1. Theſe words become your Lips as they pales thence
them.

2. And enter into our Ears, like great Triumphers
In their applauding Gates.

Tim. Commend me to them,
And tell them, that to eafe them of their griefs,
Their fears of Hoftile ſtrokes, their Aches, loſſes,
Their pangs of Love, with other incident throes
That Natures fragile Veffel doth ſuſtain
In lifeſes uncertain Voyage, I will fome kindneſs do them,
Ile teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades wrath.

1. I like this well, he will return again.
Tim. I have a Tree which grows here in my Cloſe,
That mine own uſe invites me to cut down,
And ſhortly muſt I ſell it. Tell my Friends,
Tell Athens, in the frequence of degree,
From high to low throughout, that who ſo pleafe
To ſtop Affiſion, let him take his hafte;
Come hither ere my Tree hath felt the Axe,
And hang himſelf. I pray you do my greeting.

Srew. Trouble him no further, thus you ſtill ſhall
Find him.

Tim. Come not to me again, but ſay to Athens,
Timon hath made his Everlaſting Manſion
Upon the Beached Verge of the ſalt Flood,
Which once a day with his emboffed Froth
The turbulent Surge ſhall cover; thither come,
And let my Grave-ſtone be your Oracle:
Lips, let four words go by, and Language end;
What is amifs, Plague and Inſection mend.
Graves only be mens works, and Death their gain;
Sun, hide thy beams, Timon hath done his Reign.

[Exit Timon.

1. His discontents are unremoveably coupled to Na-
ture.

2. Our hope in him is dead: let us return,
And ſtrain what other means is left unto us
In our dear peril.

1. It requires ſwift foot.

[Exeunt.
Enter

Timon of Athens.

Enter two other Senators, with a Messenger.

1. Thou haſt painfully diſcoy'd: are his Files
As full as thy report?

Mef. I have ſpoke the leaſt.

Besides, his expedition promiſes preſent approach.

2. We ſland much hazard, if they bring not Timon.
Mef. I met a Currier, one mine ancient friend,
Whom though in general part we were oppos'd,
Yet our old love made a particular force,
And made us ſpeak like Friends. This man was riding
From Alcibiades to Timon's Cave,
With Letters of intreaty, which imported
His Fellowship th' cauſe againſt your City,
In pact for his ſake mov'd.

Enter the other Senators.

1. Here come our Brothers.

3. No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect,
The Enemies Drum is heard and fearful ſcouring
The doo choak the air with Duſt: In, and prepare,
Ours is the fall I fear, our Foes the Snare.
[Exeunt.]

Enter a Soüldier in the Woods seeking Timon.

Sol. By all deſcription this hould be the place.
Who's here? Speak ho. No anſwer? What is this?
Timon is dead, who hath outſtretcht his ſpan,
Some Beaſt read this; There do's not live a Man.
Dead ſure, and this his Grave, what's on this Tomb?
I cannot read: the Charaſter ile take with Wax,
Our Captain-hath in every figure skill,
An ag'd interpreter, though young in days:
Before proud Athens he's ſet down by this,
Whose ſall the mark of his ambition is.
[Exit.]

Trumpets found. Enter Alcibiades with his Powers before Athens.

Alc. Sound to this Coward and laſcivious Town,
Our terrible approach.

Sounds a parley.
The Senators appear upon the Walls.

Till now you have gone on, and fill'd the time
With all Licentious meaſure, making your wills
The ſcope of Juitice. Till now my ſelf and ſuch
As ſlept within the ſhadow of your power
Have wander'd with our traverſt Arms, and breath'd
Our ſufferance vainly. Now the time is ſuſh,
When crouching Marrow in the bearer ſtrong
Cries (of it ſelf) no more: Now breathleſs wrong,
Shall fit and pant in your great Chairs of caſe,
And purſy Inſolence shall break his wind
With fear and horrid flight.

1. Sen. Noble and young;
When thy firſt griefs were but a meer conceit,
Ere thou hadſt power, or we had cauſe to fear,
We ſent to thee, to give thy rages Balm,
To wipe out our ingratitude, with Loves
Above their quantity.

2. So did we wooe
Transformed Timon to our Cities love

By humble Meſſage, and by promis'd means:
We were not all unkind, nor all deſerve
The common ſtroke of War.

1. These Walls of ours
Were not ereſted by their hands, from whom
You have receiv'd your grief: Nor are they ſuch,
That these great Towres, Trophees, and Schools hould fall
For private faults in them.

2. Nor are they living
Who were the motives that you firſt went out,
Shame (that they wanted cunning in exſeſ)
Hath broke their hearts, March, Noble Lord,
Into our City with thy Banners ſpred,
By decimation and a tyſhed death;
If thy Revenges hunger for that Food
Which Nature loaths, take thou the deſtin'd tenth;
And by the hazard of the ſpotted die,
Let die the ſpotted.

1. All have not offended:
For thofe that were, it is not ſquare to take,
On thofe that are, Revenge: Crimes, like Lands
Are not inherited, then dear Countryman,
Bring in thy ranks, but leave without thy rage,
Spare thy Athenian Cradle, and thofe Kin
Which in the bluſter of thy wrath muſt fall
With thofe that have offended, like a Shepherd,
Approach the Fold, and cull th' inſected forth,
But kill not all together.

2. What thou wilt,
Thou rather ſhalt enforce it with thy ſmile,
Than hew to't with thy Sword.

1. Set but thy foot
Againſt our rampyr'd Gates, and they ſhall ope:
So thou wilt ſend thy gentle heart before,
To ſay thoul't enter Friendly.

2. Throw thy Glove,
Or any token of thine honour elfe,
That thou wilt uſe the Wars as thy reſreds,
And not as our Conſuſion: All thy Powers
Shall make their harbour in our Town till we
Have ſeal'd thy full deſire.

Alc. Then there's my Glove,
Defend and open your uncharged Ports,
Thofe Enemies of Timons, and mine own
Whom you your ſelves ſhall ſet out for reproof,
Fall and no more; and to atone your fears
With my more Noble meaning, not a man
Shall paſs his quarter, or offend the ſtream
Of Regular Juitice in your Cities bounds,
But ſhall be remedied by your publick Laws
At heavyſt anſwer.

Both. 'Tis moſt Nobly ſpoken.

Alc. Defend, and keep your words.

Enter a Messenger.

Mef. My Noble General, Timon is dead;
Entomb'd upon the very hem o'th' Sea,
And on his Grave ſtone, this Inſculpment which
With Wax I brought away: whoſe ſoft Impression
Interprets for my poor Ignorance.

Alcibiades reads the Epitaph.
Here lies a wretched Coarſe, of wretched Soul, bereſſ,
Seek not my name: A Plague confume you Catiffs ſeſt;
Here lie I Timon, who all living men did hate,
Paſs by, and curse thy fill, but ſtay not here thy gate.

Theſe well expreſs in thee thy latter ſpirits:
Though thou abhorrd'ſt in us our humane griefs,
Scorrd'ſt our Brains flow, and thofe our droplets, which
From niggard Nature fall; yet Rich Conceit
Taught thee to make vnaſt Neptune weep for aye
On thy low Grave: on faults forgiven. Dead
Is Noble Timon, of whoſe Memory
Hereafter more? Bring me into your City,
And I will uſe the Olive with my Sword:
Make War breed Peace; make peace ſtint War, make each
Preſcribe to other, as each others Leach;
Let our Drums ſtrike.
[Exeunt.]

THE

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

21

Cæf. Ha! Who calls?
Ca k. Bid every noife be fitl : peace yet again.
Cæf. Who is it in the preſs, that calls on me ?
I hear a tongue ſthriller than all the Muſick
Cry, Cæſar : Speak, Cæſar is turn'd to hear.
Sooth. Beware the Ides of March.
Cæf. What man is that ?
Br. A Sooth-layer bids you beware the Ides of March.
Cæf. Set him before me, let me fee his face,
Caſſi. Fellow, come from the throng, look upon Cæſar.
Cæf. What ſay't thou to me now ? Speak once again.
Sooth. Beware the Ides of March.
Cæf. He is a Dreamer, let us leave him : Pafs.
Senate. Exeunt. Manent Brut. & Caffi.
Caffi. Will you go fee the order of the courſe ?
Brut. Not I.
Caſſi. I pray you do.
Brut. I am not Gameſom : I do lack ſome part
Of that quick Spirit that is in Antony :
Let me not hinder Caſſius, your deſires ;
I'll leave you.
Caſſi. Then Brute, I do obſerve you now of late :
I have not from your eyes that gentlenefs
And ſhew of Love, as I was wont to have :
You bear too ſubborn, and too ſtrange a hand
Over your Friends, that love you.
Brut. Caſſius.
Be not deceiv'd: if I have veil'd my look,
I turn the trouble of my Countenance
Merry upon my self. Vexed I am
Of late, with paſſions of ſome difference,
Conceptions only proper to my ſelf,
Which give ſome foil (perhaps) to my Behaviours :
But let not therefore my good friends be griev'd
(Among which number Caſſius be you one)
Nor conftrue any further my neglect,
Than that poor Brutus with himself to War,
Forgets the ſhews of Love to other men.
Caſſi. Then Brutus, I have much miſtook your paſſion,
By means whereof, this Breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value, worthy Cogitations.
Tell me good Brutus, can you fee your face ?
Brut. No Caſſius:
For the eye fees not himself: but by reflection,
By ſome other things.
Caſſi. 'Tis juſt,
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no ſuch mirrors, as will turn
Your hidden worthinſes into your eye,
That you might fee your ſhadow:
I have heard,
Where many of the beſt reſpect in Rome,
(Except Immortal Cæſar) ſpeaking of Brutus,
And groaning underneath this ages yoak,
Have wifd' that Noble Brutus had his eyes.
Brut. Into what dangers would you
Lead me, Caſſius ?
That you would have me feek into my ſelf,
For that which is not in me ?
Caſſi. Therefore good Brutus be prepar'd to hear ;
And ſince you know you cannot fee your ſelf
So well as by reflection ; I your Glaſs,
Will modeſtly diſcover to your ſelf
That of your ſelf, which yet you know not of,
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus,
Were I a common Laughter, or did uſe
To ſtale with ordinary Oaths my Love
To every new Proteſtor: if you know,
That I do fawn on men, and hug them hard,
And after ſcandal them : or if you know,
That I profefs in Banqueting
To all the Rout, then hold me dangerous.

Flourish and Shout.

Bru. What means this Shouting ?

I do fear the people choose Cæſar
For their King.
Caſſi. I, do you fear it ?

Then muſt I think you would not have it ſo.

Bri. I would not, Caſſius, yet I love him well :

But wherefore do you hold me here ſo long ?

What is it, that you would impart to me ?

If it be ought toward the general good,

Set Honour in one eye, and Death i'th'other,

And I will look on both indifferently :

For let the Gods ſo ſpeed me, as I love

The name of Honour, more than I fear Death.

Caſſi. I know that vertue to be in you, Brutus,
As well as I do know your outward favour,
Well, Honour is the Subject of my Story :
I cannot tell, what you and other men

Think of this life : But my ſingle ſelf,

I had as lief not be, as live to be

In awe of ſuch a thing, as I my ſelf.

I was born free as Cæſar, ſo were you,

We both have ſed as well, and we can both

Endure the Winters cold, as well as he.

For once upon a Raw and Guſty Day,

The troubled Tyber chafing with her Shores,

Cæſar lays to me, dar'ſt thou Caſſius now

Leap in with me into this angry Flood,

And fwim to yonder Point ? Upon the word,

Accounted as I was, I plunged in,

And bad him follow : ſo indeed he did.

The Torrent roar'd, and we did buſet it

With luſty Sinews, throwing it alide,

And ſlemming it with hearts of Controverſie.

But e're we could arrive the Point propos'd,

Cæſar cry'd, Help me Caſſius, or I ſink.

I (as Æreas, our great Anceſtor,

Did from the Flames of Troy, upon his ſhoulder

The old Anchises bear) ſo, from the Waves of Tyber

Did I the tired Cæſar : And this Man

Is now become a God, and Caſſius is

A wretched Creature, and muſt bend his body,

If Cæſar careſely but nod on him.

He had a Feaver when he was in Spain

And when the Fit was on him, I did mark

How he did ſake : ?Tis true, this God did ſake,

His Coward lips did from their colour flye,

And that fame eye, whoſe bend doth awe the World,

Did loſe his Luſtre: I did hear him groan:

I, and that tongue of his that bad the Romans

Mark him, and writ his Speeches in their Books,

Alas! it cryed, Give me ſome drink, Titinius,

As a ſick Girl: Ye Gods, it doth amaze me,

A man of ſuch a feeble temper ſhould

So get the ſtart of the Maſeſtick World,

And bear the Palm alone.

Shout.

Flourish.

Bru. Another general ſhout ?

I do believe, that theſe applaues are

For ſome new Honours that are heap'd on Cæſar.

Caſſi. Why man, he doth beſtride the narrow VWorld
Like a Coloſſus, and we petty men

VValk under his huge Legs, and peep about

To find our ſelves diſhonourable Graves.

Men at ſome time, are Maſters of their Fates.

The fault (dear Brutus) is not in our Stars,

But in our ſelves, that we are Underlings.

Brutus and Cæſar : VVhat ſhould be in that Cæſar ?

Why ſhould that name be founded more than yours ?

Write them together : yours is as fair a Name :

Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well,

VVeigh them, it is as heavy : Conjure with 'em man,

Brutus will ſtart a Spirit as ſoon as Cæſar.

Now in the names of all the Gods at once,

Upon what meat doth this our Cæſar feed,

That he is grown ſo great ? Age, thou art ſham'd.

Rome,

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

22

Rome, thou haſt left the breed of noble Blouds.
When went there by an Age, ſince the great Floud,
But it was ſam'd with more than with one man ?
When could they ſay (till now) that talk'd of Rome,
That her wide walks incompaſt but one man ?
Now is it Rome indeed, and Room enough
When there is in it but one only man.
O ! you and I, have heard our Fathers ſay,
There was a Brutus once, that would have brook'd
Th' eternal Devil to keep his State in Rome,
As eafily as a King.

Bru. That you do love me, I am nothing jealous:
What you would work me to, I have ſome aim:
How I have thought of this, and of theſe times
I ſhall recount hereafter: For this prefent,
I would not ſo (with love I might entreat you)
Be any further mov'd: What you have faid,
I will confider: what you have to ſay
I will with patience hear, and find a time
Both meet to hear, and anſwer ſuch high things.
Till then, my noble Friend, chew upon this:
Brutus had rather be a Villager,
Than to repute himſelf a Son of Rome
Under theſe hard Conditions, as this time
Is like to lay upon us.

Caffi. I am glad that my weak words
Have ſtruck but thus much ſhow of fire from Brutus.

Enter Cæsar and his Train.

Bru. The Games are done,
And Cæsar is returning.

Caffi. As they paſs by,
Pluck Caska by the Sleeve,
And he will (after his ſowre ſaſhion) tell you
What hath proceeded worthy note to day.

Bru. I will do ſo: but look you, Caffius,
The angry ſpot doth blow on Cæſars brow,
And all the reſt look like a chidden train ;

Calphurnia's Cheek is pale, and Cicero

Looks with ſuch Ferret, and ſuch ſiery Eyes
As we have ſeen him in the Capitol

Being croſt in Conference, by ſome Senators.

Caffi. Caska will tell us what the matter is.

Cæf. Antonio.

Ant. Cæsar.

Caf. Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men, and ſuch as ſleep a nights:
Yond Caffius has a lean and hungry look,
He thinks too much: ſuch men are dangerous.

Ant. Fear him not, Cæsar, he's not dangerous,
He is a Noble ſ Roman, and well given.

Caf. Would he were fatter; But I fear m not:
Yet if my name were liable to fear,
I do not know the man I should avoid,
So ſoon as that ſpare Caffius. He reads much,
He is a great Obſerver, and he looks
Quite through the Deeds of men. He loves no Playes,
As thou doſt Antony: he hears no Muſick:
Seldom he ſmiles, and ſmiles in ſuch a fort
As if he mock'd himſelf, and ſcorn'd his ſpirit
That could be mov'd to ſmile at any thing,
Such men as he, be never at hearts eafe.
Whiles they behold a greater than themſelves,
And therefore are they very dangerous.

I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd,
Than what I fear: for always I am Cæsar,
Come on my right hand, for this Ear is deaf,
And tell me truly, what thou think'st of him.

Bru. I Caska, tell us what hath chanc'd to day

That Cæſar looks ſo fad.

Cask. Why you were with him, were you not?

Bru. I ſhould not then ask Caska what had chanc'd.

Cask. Why there was a Crown offer'd him, and being
offer'd him, he put it by with the back of his hand thus,
and then the people fell a ſhouting.

Bru. What was the ſecond noife for ?

Cask. Why for that too.

Caffi. They ſhouted thrice: what was the laſt cry for ?

Cask. Why for that too.

Bru. Was the Crown offer'd him thrice ?

Cask. I marry was't, and he put it by thrice, every
time gentler than other; and at every putting by, mine
honest Neighbours ſhouted.

Caffi. Who offer'd him the Crown ?

Cask. Why, Antony.

Bru. Tell us the manner of it, gentle Caska.

Cask. I can as well be hang'd as tell the manner of it:
It were meer Foolery, I did not mark it. I ſaw Mark
Antony offer him a Crown, yet 'twas not a Crown neither,
'twas one of theſe Coronets: and as I told you, he put it
by once: but for all that, to my thinking, he would ſain
have had it. Then he offer'd it to him again: then he
put it by again: but to my thinking, he was very loth
to lay his Fingers off it. And then he offer'd it the third
time: he put it the third time by, and ſtill as he reſu'd
it, the rabblement houted, and clapp'd their chopt hands,
and threw up their ſweaty Night-Caps, and uttered ſuch
a deal of ſtinking breath, becauſe Cæſar reſu'd the
Crown, that it had (almoſt) choaked Cæſar: for he
ſwooned, and fell down at it: And for mine own part,
I durſt not laugh, for fear of opening my Lips, and re-
ceiving the bad Air.

Caffi. But ſoft I pray you: what did Cæſar ſ wound?

Cask. He fell down in the Market-place, and ſoam'd
at mouth, and was ſpeechleſs.

Bru. 'Tis very like he hath the falling-fickneſt.

Caffi. No, Cæſar hath it not: but you, and I.
And honest Caska, we have the falling ſickneſs.

Cask. I know not what you mean by that, but I am fire
Cæſar fell down, if the tag rag people did not clap him,
and hſis him, according as he pleas'd, and diſpleas'd
them, as they uſe to do the Players in the Theatre, I am
no true man.

Bru. What faſd he, when he came unto himſelf?

Cask. Matry, before he ſell down, when he perſeern'd
the common Herd was glad he reſu'd the Crown, he
pluckt me ope his Doublet, and offer'd them his Threat
to cut: and I had been a man of any Occupation, if I
would not have taken him at a word, I would I might
go to Hell among the Rogues, and ſo he ſell. When
he came to himſelf again, he ſaid, If he had done, or
faid any thing amſis, he deſir'd their worſhips to think
it was his inſirmity. Three or four Wenches where I
ſtood, cryed, Alas good Soul, and forgave him with
all their hearts: But there's no heed to be taken of them;
if Cæſar had ſtраб'd their Mothers, they would have done
no leſ.

Bru. And after that, he came thus ſad away.

Cask. I.

Caffi. Did Cicero ſay any thing ?

Cask. I, he ſpoke Greek.

Caffi. To what effect ?

Cask. Nay, and I tell you that, I'le ne're look you i'th
face again. But thofe that underſood him, ſmil'd at one
another, and ſhook their heads: but for mine own part it
was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too: Mo
rellus and Flavius, for pulling Scarſſs off Cæſar's Images,
are put to ſilence. Fare you well. There was more Foolery
yet, if I could remember it.

Caffi. Will you ſup with me to night, Caska?

Cask. No, I am promis'd fourth.

Caffi. Will you dine with me to morrow?

Cask.

["The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.", "23", "Caesar, I, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your\nDinner worth the eating,", "Cæsar. Good, I will expect you.", "Cæsar. Do I: farewell both.", "[Exit.]", "Brutus. What a blunt fellow is this grown to be?", "He was quick Mettle, when he went to School.", "Cæsar. So is he now, in Execution", "Of any bold or noble Enterprize,", "How-ever he puts on this tardy form :", "This Redene's is a Sawce to his good wit,", "Which gives men fromom to digeſt his words\nWith better Appetites.", "Brut. And fo it is :", "For this time I will leave you :", "To morrow if you pleafe to ſpeak with me,", "I will come home to you ; or if you will,", "Come home to me, and I will wait for you.", "Cæsar. I will do to : till then, think of the World.", "[Exit Brutus.]", "Well Brutus, thou art Noble : Yet I fee\nThy honourable Metal may be wrought\nFrom that it is diſpos'd, therefore 'tis meet,\nThat Noble minds keep ever with their likes :\nFor who fo firm, that cannot be ſeduc'd ?", "Cæsar. How! doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.", "If I were Brutus now, and he were Cæſiua,", "He ſhouſd not humor me. I will this night,", "In feveral hands, in at his Windows throw,", "As if they came from ſeveral Citizens,", "Writings, all tending to the great opinion", "That Rome holds of his Name: wherein obſcurely\nCaſars ambition ſhall be glanced at.", "And after this, let Cæſar feaſt him ſure,", "For we will ſhake him, or worſe days endure.", "[Exit.]", "Thunder and Lightning. Enter Caska,\nand Cicero.", "Cic. Good even, Caska: brought you Cæſar home ?", "Why are you breathleſs, and why ſtare you ſo ?", "Cask. Are not you mov'd, when all the ſway of Earth\nShakes, like a thing unſirm ? O Cicero,", "I have ſeen Tempeſts, when the ſcolding Winds", "Have riv'd the knotty Oaks, and I have ſeen", "Th'ambitious Ocean ſwell, and rage, and foam,", "To be exalted with the threatening Clouds:", "But never till to night, never till now,", "Did I go through a Tempeſt-dropping fire.", "Either there is a Civil ſtrife in Heaven,", "Or eſſe the World, too ſawcy with the Gods,", "Incenses them to ſend deſtruction.", "Cic. Why, faw you any thing more wonderful?", "Cask. A common ſlave, you know him well by ſight,", "Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn", "Like twenty Torches join'd ; and yet his hand,", "Not ſenſible of fire, remain'd unſcorch'd.", "Befides, I ha' not ſince put up my Sword,", "Against the Capitol I met a Lion,", "Who glaz'd upon me, and went ſurly by,", "Without annoying me. And there were drawn", "Upon a heap, a hundred gaffily Women,", "Transformed with their fear, who ſware, they ſaw", "Men, all in fire, walk up and down the ſtreets.", "And yefterday, the Bird of Night did ſit,", "Even at Noon day, upon the Market place,", "Houting, and ſhreeking. When theſe Prodigies", "Do ſo conjointly meet, let not men ſay,", "Theſe are their Reaſons, they are Natural :", "For I believe, they are portentous things", "Unto the Climate, that they point upon.", "Cic. Indeed, it is a ſtrange diſpoſed time :", "But men may conſtueſe things after their ſaſhion,", "Clean from the purpofe of the things themſelves.", "Comes Cæſar up the Capitol to morrow ?", "Cask. He doth: for he did bid Antonio", "Send word to you, he would be there to morrow.", "Cic. Good night then, Caska :", "This diſtubed Sky is not to walk in.", "Cask. Farewell, Cicero.", "[Exit Cicero.]", "Enter Cæſiua.", "Cæſiua. Who's there ?", "Cask. A ſomanee,", "Cæſiua. Caska, by your Voice.", "Cask. Your Ear is good.", "Cæſiua. What night is this?", "Cask. A very pleaſing night to honeſt men.", "Cask. Who ever knew the Heavens menace ſo?", "Cæſiua. Thoſe that have known the Earth ſo full of\nfaults.", "For my part I have walk'd about the ſtreets,", "Submitting me unto the perillous Night :", "And thus unbraced, Caska, as you fee,", "Have bar'd my Boſom to the Thunder-ſone :", "And when the croſs blue Lightning ſeem'd to open", "The Breaſt of Heaven, I did preſent my ſelf", "Even in the aim, and very ſlath of it.", "[vens ?]", "Cask. But wherefore did you ſo much tempt the Hea-\nIt is the part of men, to fear and tremble,", "When the moſt Mighty Gods by tokens ſend", "Such dreadful Heralds, to aſtoniſh us.", "Cæſiua. You are dull, Caska :", "And thofe sparks of Life that ſhould be in a ſoman,", "You do want, or eſſe you ule not,", "You look pale, and gaze, and put on fear,", "And caſt your ſelf in wonder,", "To fee the ſtrange impatience of the Heavens :", "But if you would ſonider the true cauſe,", "Why all theſe fires, why all theſe gliding Ghoſts,", "Why Birds and Beaſts, from quality and kind,", "Why Old men, Fools, and Children calculate.", "Why all theſe things change from their Ordinance,", "Their Natures, and pre-formed Faculties,", "To moſtrous quality; why you inall find,", "That Heaven hath inſuſ'd them with theſe Spirits,", "To make them inſtruments of fear, and warning,", "Unto ſome moſtrous State.", "Now could I (Caska) name to thee a man,\nMoſt like this dreadful Night,", "That Thunder, Lightens, opens Graves, and tears,", "As doth the Lyon in the Capitol ;", "A man no mightier than thy ſelf, or me,", "In perſonal action ; yet prodigious grown,", "And fearful as theſe ſtrange eruptions are.", "Cask. 'Tis Cæſar that you mean,", "Is it not, Cæſiua ?", "Cæſiua. Let it be who it is: for ſorans now", "Have Sinews and Limbs like to their Anceſtors ;", "But woe the while, our Fathers minds are dead,", "And we are govern'd with our Mothers ſpirits,", "Our yoke, and ſufferance, ſhew us Womaniſh.", "Cask. Indeed, they ſay, the Senators to morrow", "

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

Cask. So can I:
So every Bondman in his own hand bears
The power to Cancel his Captivity.
Caffi. And why should Cæsar be a Tyrant then?
Poor man, I know he would not be a Wolf,
But that he fees the Romans are but Sheep;
He were no Lyon, were not Romans Hinds,
Thofe that with haſte will make a mighty fire,
Begin it with weak Straws. What trafp is Rome?
What Rubbifh, and what Offal? when it ſerves
For the bafe matter, to illuminate
So vile a thing as Cæsar. But oh grief!
Where haſt thou led me? I (perhaps) ſpeak this
Before a willing Bondman: then I know
My anſwer muſt be made. But I am arm'd,
And dangers are to me indifferent.
Cask. You ſpeak to Caska, and to ſuch a man,
That is no flearing Tell-tale. Hold, my hand:
Be factious for redrefs of all theſe Griefs,
And I will fet this foot of mine as far,
As who goes fartheſt.
Caffi. There's a Bargain made.
Now know you, Caska, I have mov'd already
Some certain of the Nobleft minded Romans
To under-go, with me, an enterprize,
Of Honourable dangerous conſequnce;
And I do know by this, they ſtay for me
In Pompey's Porch; for now this fearful night,
There is no ſtir, or walking in the ſtreets,
And the Complexion of the Element
Is Favours, like the work we have in hand,
Moſt bloody, fiery, and moſt terrible.

Enter Cinna.

Cask. Stand cloſe a while, for here comes one in
haſte.
Caffi. 'Tis Cinna, I do know him by his Gate,
He is a Friend. Cinna, where haſte you ſo?
Cinna. To find out you: Who's that, Metellus
Cymber?
Caffi. No, it is Caska, one incorporate
To our Attempts. Am I not ſtaid for, Cinna?
Cin. I am glad on't.
What a Feartul Night?
There's two or three of us have ſeen ſtrange fights.
Caffi. Am I not ſtaid for? tell me.
Cin. Yes, you are, O Caffius,
If you could but win the Noble Brutus
To our party —
Caffi. Be you content. Good Cinna take this paper,
And look you lay it in the Prætors Chair,
Where Brutus may but find it: and throw this
In at his Window; fet this up with Wax
Upon old Brutus Statue: all this done,
Repair to Pompey's Porch, where you ſhall find us.
Is Decius Brutus and Trebomus there?
Cin. All, but Metellus Cymber, and he's gone
To ſEEK you at your Houſe. Well, I will hie,
And ſo beſtow theſe papers as you bad me.
Caffi. That done, repair to Pompey's Theater.

[Exit.]

Come Caska, you and I will yet, ere day,
See Brutus at his Houſe: three parts of him
Is ours already, and the man entire
Upon the next encounter, yields him ours.
Cask. O, he fits high in all the peoples hearts:
And that which would appear offence in us,
His Countenance, like richeſt Alchymy,
Will change to Vertue, and to Worthineſſes.
Caffi. Him, and his worth, and our great need of him,
You have right well conceited: let us go,
For it is after Mid-night, and ere day,
We will awake him, and be ſure of him.

[Exeunt.]

Actus Secundus.

Enter Brutus in his Orchard.

Bru. W Hat Lucius, hoe?
I cannot, by the progreſs of the Stars,
Give gueſs how near to day — Lucius, I ſay?
I would it were my fault to ſleep ſo foundly.
When Lucius, when? awake, I ſay: what Lucius?

Enter Lucius.

Luc. Call'd you, my Lord?
Bru. Get me a Taper in my Study, Lucius:
When it is lighted, come and call me here.
Luc. I will, my Lord.
Bru. It muſt be by his death: and for my part,
I know no perſonal cauſe, to ſpurn at him,
But for the general. He would be crown'd:
How that might change his Nature, there's the queſtion?
It is the bright day, that brings forth the Adder,
And that craves wary walking: Crown him that,
And then I grant we put a ſtir in him,
That at his will he may do danger with.
Th'abuſe of Greatneſs, is, when it diſjoins
Remorſe from power: And to ſpeak truth of Cæsar,
I have not known, when his affections ſway'd
More than his Reaſon. But 'tis a common proof,
That Lowlineſs is young Ambitions Ladder,
Whereſo the Climber upward turns his face:
But when he once attains the upmoſt Round,
He then unto the Ladder turns his back,
Looks in the Clouds, ſcorning the bafe degrees
By which he did ascend: ſo Cæsar may;
Then left he may, prevent. And ſince the quarrel
Will bear no colour, for the thing he is,
Fafhion it thus; that what he is augmented,
Would run to theſe, and theſe extremities:
And therefore think him as a Serpents Egge,
Which hatch'd, would as his kind grow miſchievous;
And kill him in the ſhell.

[Exit.]

Enter Lucius.

Luc. The Taper burneth in your Cloſet, Sir:
Searching the Window for a Flint, I found
This Paper, thus ſeal'd up, and I am ſure
It did not lye there when I went to Bed.
Gives him the Letter.

Bru. Get you to Bed again, it is not day:
Is not to Morrow (Boy) the firſt of March?
Luc. I know not, Sir.
Bru. Look in the Kalendar, and bring me word.
Luc. I will, Sir.
Bru. The exhalations, whizzing in the air,
Give ſo much light: that I may read by them.

[Exit.]

Opens the Letter and reads.

Brutus, thou ſleep'st; awake, and ſee thy ſelf:
Shall Rome, &c. ſpeak, ſtrike, redrefs.
Brutus, thou ſleep'st: awake.
Such inſtigations have been often dropt.
Where I have took them up:
Shall Rome, &c. Thus muſt I piece it out:
Shall Rome ſtand under one mans awe? What Rome?
My Anceſtors did from the ſtreets of Rome
The Targuin drive, when he was call'd a King.
Speak, ſtrike, redrefs, Am I nreamted
To ſpeak, and ſtrike? O Rome, I make thee promife,
If the redrefs will follow, thou receivest
Thy full Petition at the hand of Brutus.

[Enter]

["The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.", "Enter Lucius.", "Luc. Sir, March is walled fifteen days.", "[Knock. within.", "Bru. 'Tis good. Go to the Gate, some body knocks:\nSince *Caffius* firſt did whet me againſt *Cæsar*,\nI have not flept.", "Between the acting of a dreadful thing,\nAnd the firſt motion, all the Interim is\nLike a Phantafia, or a hideous Dream:\nThe *Genius*, and the mortal instruments\nAre then in counsel; and the ſtate of man,\nLike to a little Kingdom, ſuffers then\nThe nature of an infurrection.", "Enter Lucius.", "Luc. Sir, 'tis your Brother *Caffius* at the door,\nWho doth defire to fee you.", "Bru. Is he alone?", "Luc. No, Sir, there are moe with him.", "Bru. Do you know them ?", "Luc. No, Sir, their Hats are pluck'd about their Ears,\nAnd half their Faces buried in their Cloaths,\nThat by no means I may diſcover them,\nBy any mark of favour.", "Bru. Let them enter:", "They are the Faſtion. O Conſpiracy,\nSham'd ſt thou for thy dang'drous Brow by Night,\nWhen evils are moſt free? O then, by day", "Where wift thou find a Cavern dark enough,\nTo mask thy monſtrous Vifage? Seek none, Conſpiracy,\nHide it in Smiles, and Affability :", "For if thou path thy native ſemblance on,", "Not *Evebus* it ſelf were dim enough,", "To hide thee from prevention.", "Enter the Conſpirators, *Caffius*, *Caska*, *Decius*, *Cinna*, *Metellus*, and *Trebonius*.", "Caffi. I think we are too bold upon your Reſt:", "Good morrow, *Brutus*, do we trouble you?", "Bru. I have been up this hour, awake all Night:", "Know I these men, that come along with you?", "Caffi. Yes, every man of them; and no man here", "But honours you: and every one doth wifh,", "You had but that opinion of your ſelf,", "Which every Noble *Roman* bears of you.", "This is *Trebonius*.", "Bru. He is welcome hither.", "Caffi. This, *Decius Brutus*.", "Bru. He is welcome too.", "Caffi. This, *Caska*; this, *Cinna*; and this *Metellus*.", "Cinna.", "Bru. They are all welcome.", "What watchful men do interpo themſelves", "Betwixt your Eyes and Night?", "Bru. Shall I intreat a word?", "[They whisper.", "Dec. Here lies the Eaſt: doth not the Day break here?", "Cask. No.", "Cn. O pardon, Sir, it doth, and yon grey Lines,\nThat fret the Clouds, are Meffengers of Day.", "Cask. You ſhall confess that you are both deceiv'd:", "Here as I point my Sword, the Sun arifes,", "Which is a great way growing on the South,", "Weighing the youthful Seafon of the year.", "Some two months hence, up higher toward the North", "He firſt prefents his ſire, and the high Eaſt", "Stands as the Capitol, directly here.", "Bru. Give me your hands all over, one by one.", "Caffi. And let us ſwear our ſolution.", "Bru. No, not an Oath: if not the face of men,\nThe ſufferance of our ſouſs, the times abufe;", "If these be motives weak, break off betimes,\nAnd every man hence, to his idle bed :", "So let high-fighted-Tyranny range on,", "Till each man drop by Lottery. But if these", "(As I am ſure they do) bear fire enough", "To kindle Cowards, and to feel with valour", "The melting Spirits of women; Then, Countrymen,", "What need we any ſpur, but our own caufe", "To prick us to redrefs ? What other Bond,", "Then ſecreſt *Romans*, that have ſpoke the word,", "And will not palter ? And what other Oath,", "Than Honeſtly to Honeſty engag'd,", "That this ſhall be, or we will fall for it.", "Sweat Prieſts and Cowards, and men cautious,\nOld feeble Carrions, and ſuch ſuffering fouls", "That welcome wrongs: Unto bad cauſes, ſwear", "Such Creatures as men doubt; but do not ſlain", "The even vertue of our Enterprize,", "Nor th'infuppreſſive Mettle of our Spirits,", "To think, that or our Caufe, or our Performance", "Did need an Oath. When every drop of blood", "That every *Roman* bears, and nobly bears,", "Is guilty of a ſeveral Bailardry,", "If he doth break the ſmallest Particle", "Of any promise that heathen pаст from him.", "Caffi. But what of *Cicero*? Shall we found him?", "I think he will ſtand very ſtrong with us.", "Cask. Let us not leave him out,", "Cin. No, by no means.", "Met. O let us have him, for his filver hairs\nWill purchase us a good opinion.", "And buy mens voices, to commend our deeds:", "It ſhall be faid, his judgment rul'd our hands,", "Our youths, and wildneſs, ſhall no whit appear,", "But all be buried in his gravity.", "Bru. O name him not; let us not break with him.", "For he will never follow any thing", "That other men begin.", "Caffi. Then leave him out.", "Cask. Indeed, he is not fit.", "Dec. Shall no man eſſe be touch'd, but only *Cafar*?", "Caffi. Decius, Weil ung'd: I think it is not meet,\nMark *Antony*, so well beſtov'd of *Cafar*,", "Should out live *Cafar*, we ſhall find of him", "A ſhrewd Contriver. And you know, his means,", "If he improve them, may well ſtretch ſo far", "As to annoy us all: which to prevent,", "Let *Antony* and *Cafar* fall together.", "Bru. Our courſe will ſeem too bloody, *Caius Caffius*,\nTo cut the Head off, and then back the Limbs :", "Like wrath in death, and Envy afterwards.", "For *Antony* is but a Limb of *Cafar*.", "Let's be Sacrificers, but not Butchers, *Caius*:", "We all ſtand up againſt the Spirit of *Cafar*,", "And in the Spirit of men, there is no blood :", "O that we then could come by *Cafar*'s Spirits,", "And not diſmember *Cafar*! But (alas)", "*Cafar* muſt bleed for it. And gentle Friends,", "Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully :", "Let's carve him, as a Difh fit for the Gods,", "Not hew him as a Carkaſs fit for Hounds;", "And let our hearts, as ſubtle Maſters do,", "Stir up their Servants to an act of rage,", "And after ſeem to chide them. This ſhall make", "Our purpofe neceſſary, and not envious,", "Which ſo appearing to the common eyes,", "We ſhall be call'd Purgers, not Murderers.", "And for Mark *Antony*, think not of him :", "For he can do no more than *Cafar*'s Arm,", "When *Cafar*'s head is off.", "Caffi. Yet I fear him,", "For in the ingrafted Love he bears to *Cafar*.", "Bru. Alas, good *Caffius*, do not think of him :", {"bbox":

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

Is to himself, take thought, and dye for *Cæsar*.
And that were much he should : for he is given
To sports, to wildneſs, and much company.
*Treb.* There is no fear in him ; let him not die,
For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter.

[Clock strikes.]

*Bru.* Peace, count the Clock.
*Caffi.* The Clock hath ſtricken three.
*Treb.* 'Tis time to part.
*Caffi.* But it is doubtful yet,

Whether *Cæsar* will come forth to day, or no:
For he is ſuperflitious grown of late,
Quite from the main opinion he held once,
Of Fantafie, of Dreams, and Ceremonies:
It may be, theſe apparent Prodigies,
The unaccuſtom'd terrour of this Night,
And the perſuafion of his Augurers,
May hold him from the Capitol to day,

*Dec.* Never fear that: if he be so reſolv'd,
I can o're-ſway him: for he loves to hear,
That Unicorns may be betray'd with Trees,
And Bears with Glافſes, Elephants with Holes,
Lyons with Toils, and Men with Flatterers,
But, when I tell him, he hates Flatterers,
He lays, he does; being then moſt flattered.
Let me work :

For I can give his humour the true bent;
And I will bring him to the Capitol.

*Caffi.* Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch him.

*Bru.* By the eighth hour, is that the uttermoſt ?

*Cin.* Be that the uttermoſt, and fail not then.

*Met.* Cains Ligarius doth bear *Cæsar* hatred,
Who rated him for ſpeaking well of Pompey;
I wonder none of you have thought of him.

*Bru.* Now good Metellus go along by him:
He loves me well, and I have given him Reaſons,
Send him but hither, and I'll ſaſhion him.

*Caffi.* The Morning comes upon's:
Wee'l leave you, Brutus,
And Friends diſperſe your ſelves: but all remember
What you have faid, and ſhow your ſelves true *Romans*.

*Bru.* Good Gentlemen, look fresh and merrily,
Let not our looks put on our purpoſes,
But bear it as our *Roman* Actors do,
With untir'd ſpirits, and formal Conſtancy,
And ſo good morrow to you every one.

*Manet Brutus.*

*Boy.* *Lucius* : faſt aſleep? It is no matter,
Enjoy the hony-heavy-dew of Slumber :
Thou haſt no Figures, nor no Fantafies,
Which buſe care draws in the Brains of men;
Therefore thou ſleep'ſt ſo found.

*Enter Portia.*

*Por.* *Brutus*, my Lord.
*Bru.* *Portia*, What mean you ? wherefore rife you now ?
It is not for your health, thus to commit
Your weak condition to the raw cold Morning.

*Por.* Nor for yours neither. Y'have ungently, *Brutus*,
Stole from my Bed : and yefternight at Supper
You suddenly aroſe, and walk'd about,
Muſing, and fighting, with your arms a-croſs :
And when I ask'd you what the matter was,
You ſtar'd upon me with ungentle looks.
I urg'd you further, then you ſcraſh'd your head,
And too impatiently ſtamp'd with your foot :
Yet I inflſted, yet you anſwer'd not,
But with an angry waſter of your hand
Gave ſign for me to leave you : So I did,
Fearing to ſtrengthen that impatience
Which ſeem'd too much inkinſled, and withal,
Hoping it was but an effect of Humour,
Which ſometime hath his hour with every man.

It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor ſleep;
And could it work ſo much upon your ſhape,
As it hath much prevail'd on your Condition,
I ſhould not know you, *Brutus*. Dear, My Lord,
Make me acquainted with your canſe of grief.

*Bru.* I am not well in health, and that is all.
*Por.* *Brutus* is wife, and were he not in health,
He would embrace the means to come by it.

*Bru.* Why ſo I do: good Portia, go to Bed.

*Por.* Is *Brutus* ſick ? and is it Phyſical
To walk unbraced, and ſuck up the humors
Of the dark Morning ? What, is *Brutus* ſick ?
And will he ſteal out of his wholſom Bed,
To dare the vile contagion of the Night ?
And tempt the Rheumy, and unpurged Air
To add unto his ſickneſs ? No, my *Brutus*,
You have ſome ſick offence within your mind,
Which by the Right and Vertue of my place
I ought to know of : And upon my knees,
I charm you, by my once commended Beauty,
By all your vows of Love, and that great Vow
Which did incorporate and make us one,
That you unfold to me, your ſelf, your half;
Why you are heavy, and what men to night
Have had reſort to you : for here have been
Some ſix or ſeven, who did hide their faces
Even from darkneſs.

*Bru.* Kneel not, gentle Portia.

*Por.* I ſhould not need, if you were gentle *Brutus*,
Within the bond of Marriage, tell me, *Brutus*,
Is it excepted, I ſhould know no ſecrets
That appertain to you ? Am I your ſelf,
But as it were in ſort, or limitation?
To keep with you at meals, comfort your Bed,
And talk to you ſometimes ? Dwell I but in the Suburbs
Of your good pleafure ? If it be no more,
Portia is *Brutus* Harlot, not his Wife.

*Bru.* You are my true and honourable Wife,
As dear to me, as are the ruddy drops
That vifit my ſad heart.

*Por.* If this were true, then ſhould I know this ſecret.
I grant I am a woman; but withal,
A woman that Lord *Brutus* took to Wife :
I grant I am a woman; but withal,
A woman well reputed: *Cato's* Daughter.
Think you, I am no ſtronger than my ſex,
Being ſo Father'd, and ſo Husband'd ?
Tell me your Counſels, I will not diſcloſe them :
I have made ſtrong proof of my Conſtancy,
Giving my ſelf a voluntary wound
Here, in the Thigh: Can I bear that with patience,
And not my Husband's ſecrets?

*Bru.* O ye Gods !

*Render me worthy of this Noble Wife.*
[Hark, hark, one knocks: *Portia*, go in a while,
And by and by thy boſome ſhall partake
The ſecrets of my heart.

All my engagements, I will conſtrue to thee,
All the Charaſtery of my ſad brows:
Leave me with haſte

[Knock.]

[Exit Portia.]

*Enter Lucius and Ligarius.*

*Lucius*, who's that knocks ?

*Luc.* Here is a ſick man that would ſpeak with you.

*Bru.* *Caius Ligarius*, that *Metellus* ſpake of.

*Boy*, ſtand aſide. *Caius Ligarius*, how ?
*Cai.* Vouchſaſe good morrow from a feeble tongue,
*Bru.* O what a time have you chofe out, brave *Caius*,
To wear a Kerchief ? Would you have not ſick.

*Cai.* I am not ſick, if *Brutus* have in hand
Any exploit worthy the name of Honour.

*Bru.* Such an exploit have I in hand, *Ligarius*,
Had you an healthful Ear to hear of it.

*Ca.*

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

27

Cai. By all the Gods that Romans bow before,
I here discard my fickneſs. Soul of Rome,
Brave Son, deriv'd from honourable Loins,
Thou like an Exorcit, haſt conjur'd up
My mortified Spirit. Now bid me run,
And I will ſtrive with things impoffible,
Yea get the better of them. What's to do?

Bru. A piece of work,

That will make ſick men whole.

Cai. But are not ſome whole that we muſt make ſick?

Bru. That muſt we alſo. What it is, my Caius,
I ſhall unfold to thee, as we are going,
To whom it muſt be done.

Cai. Set on your foot,
And with a heart new ſit'd, I follow you,
To do I know not what: But it ſufficeth
That Brutus leads me on.

Bru. Follow me then.

Thunder and Lightning.

Enter Julius Cæsar in his Night-Gown

Caf. Nor Heaven, nor Earth,
Have been at peace to night:

Thrice hath Calphurnia in her ſleep cryed out;

Help, ho: They murder Cæsar. Who's within?

Enter a Servant.

Ser. My Lord.

Cæf. Go, bid the Priefes do preſent Sacrifice,
And bring me their opinions of Success.

Ser. I will, my Lord.

Enter Calphurnia.

Cal. What mean you, Cæsar? Think you to walk forth?
You ſhall not ſit out of your houſe to day.

Cæſar shall forth; the things that threatn'd me,
Ne'rt lookt but on my back: When they ſhall fee
The face of Cæsar, they are vanifhed.

Calph. Cæsar, I never ſtood on Ceremonies,
Yet now they fright me: There is one within,
Belides the things that we have heard and ſeen,
Recounts moſt horrid fights ſeen by the Watch.
A Lioneſs hath whelped in the ſtrees,
And Graves have yawn'd and yielded up their dead;
Fierce ſiery warriours fight upon the Clouds:
In Ranks and Squadrons and right form of war
Which drizzel'd blood upon the Capitol:
The noife of Battel hurried in the Air:
Horſes did neigh, and dying men did groan,
And Ghoſt did ſhriek and ſqueal about the ſtrees.
O Cæsar, theſe things are beyond all uſe,
And I do fear them.

Cæf. What can be avoided
Whofe end is purpós'd by the mighty Gods?
Yet Cæſar ſhall go forth: For theſe Predictions
Are to the world in general, as to Cæsar.

Calph. When Beggars die there are no Comets ſeen,
The Heavens themſelves blaze forth the death of Princes.

Cæf. Cowards die many times before their deaths,
The valiant never taſe of death but once:
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard,
It ſeems to me moſt ſtrange that men ſhould fear,
Seeing that death, a neceſſary end
Will come, when it will come.

Enter a Servant.

What ſay the Augurers?

Ser. They would not have you ſit forth to day.
Plucking the Entrails of an Offering ſorth,
They could not find a heart within the beaſt.

Cæf. The Gods do this in ſhame of Cowardife:

Cæſar ſhould be a beaſt without a heart

If he ſhould ſtay at home to day for fear:
No, Cæſar ſhall not; Danger knows full well
That Cæſar is more dangerous than he.

We hear two Lions litter'd in one day,
And I the elder and more terrible,
And Cæſar ſhall go forth.

Cal. Alas, my Lord,
Your wifdom is confuſ'd in confidence:

Do not go forth to day: Call it my fear,
That keeps you in the houſe, and not your own.
We'll ſend Mark Antony to the Senate houſe,
And he ſhall ſay your are not well to day:

Let me upon my knee prevail in this.

Cæſ. Mark Antony ſhall ſay I am not well,

And for thy humour, I will ſtay at home.

Enter Decius.

Here's Decius Brutus, he ſhall tell them for:

Dec. Cæſar, all hail: Good morrow, worthy Cæſar,
I come to fetch you to the Senate houſe.

Cæſ. And you are come in very happy time,
To bear my greeting to the Senators,

And tell them that I will not come to day:

Cannot be ſal: and that I dare not, falſer :

I will not come to day, tell them so, Decius.

Cal. Say he's ſick.

Cæſ. Shall Cæſar ſend a Lie?

Have I in Conqueſt ſtretcſt mine arm ſo far,

To be afraid to tell Grey-beards the truth:

Decius, go tell them Cæſar will not come.

Dec. Moſt mighty Cæſar, let me know ſome cauſe,
Left I be lauſt at when I tell them so.

Cæſ. The cauſe is in my will, I will not come,
That is enough to ſatisſe the Senate.

But for your private ſatisfaction,

Because I love you, I will let you know.

Calphurnia here my wife, ſtays me at home:

She dreamt to night the ſaw my Statue,

Which like a Fountain, with an hundred ſpouts,

Did run pure blood: and many luity Romans

Came ſmiling, and did bathe their hands in it:

And theſe does ſhe apply, for warnings and portents,

And evils imminent, and on her knee

Hath begg'd that I will ſtay at home to day.

Dec. This dream is all amſis interpreted,
It was a viſion ſait and fortunate:

Your Statue ſpouting blood in many Pipes,

In which ſo many ſmiling Romans bath'd,

Signifies that from you great Rome ſhall ſuck

Reviving blood, and that great Men ſhall preſs

For Tinctures, Stains, Reliques, and Cogniſance:

This, by Calphurnia's dream is ſignified.

Cæſ. And this way have you well expounded it.

Dec. I have, when you have heard what I can ſay,
And know it now, the Senate have concluded

To give this day a Crown to mighty Cæſar.

If you ſhall ſend them word you will not come,

Their minds may change. Belides it were a mock

Apt to be render'd for ſome one to ſay,

Break up the Senate till another time,

When Cæſar's wife ſhall meet with better Dreams:

If Cæſar hide himſelf, ſhall they not whiſper,

Lo, Cæſar is aſraid?

Pardon me, Cæſar, for my dear dear love,

To your Proceeding, bids me tell you this:

And reaſon to my love is liable.

Cæſ. How foolish do your fears ſeem now, Calphurnia?

I am alſhed I did yield to them.

Give me my Robe, for I will go.

Ccc 2

Enter

["The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.", "29", "He draws Mark Antony out of the way.", "Dec. Where is Mettbus Cimber ? let him go,", "And prefently prefer his fuit to Cæsar.", "Bru. He is addreft: preſs near, and fecon him.", "Cin. Caskq, you are the firſt that rears your hand.", "Cæf. Are we all ready ? What is now amifs,", "That Cæſar and his Senate muſt redreſſ?", "Met. Moſt high, moſt mighty, and moſt puſſiſant Cæſar,\nMettbus Cimber throws before thy Seat,\nAn humble heart.", "Caf. I muſt prevent thee, Cimber :", "Theſe couchings, and theſe lowly curſies", "Might fire the blood of ordinary men,", "And turn pre-Ordinance, and firſt Decree,", "Into the lane of Children. Be not fond,", "To think that Cæſar bears ſuch Rebel Blood", "That will be thaw'd from the true quality", "With that which melteth Fools, I mean, ſweet words,", "Low-crooked-curſies, and bafe Spaniel fawning :", "Thy Brother by Decree is banifhed :", "If thou doſt bend, and pray, and fawn for him,", "I ſpurn thee like a Cur out of my way :", "Know, Cæſar doth not wrong, nor without cauſe\nWill he be ſatisſed.", "Met. Is there no voice more worthy than my own,\nTo found more fweetly in great Cæſar's Ear,\nFor the repealing of my banifh'd Brother ?", "Bru. I kifſs thy hand, but not in flattery, Cæſar :", "Defiring thee that Publius Cimber may", "Have an immediate freedom of repeal.", "Caf. What Brutus ?", "Caffi. Pardon, Cæſar : Cæſar, pardon :", "As low as to thy Foot doth Caffius fall,", "To beg infranchifement for Publius Cimber.", "Cæf. I could be well mov'd, if I were as you,\nIf I could pray to move, Prayers would move me :", "But I am conſtant as the Northern Star,", "Of whoſe true fixt, and reſting quality", "There is no fellow in the Firmament,", "The Skies are painted with unnumbred ſparks,", "They are all fire, and every one doth ſnine :", "But there's but one in all doth hold his place.", "So, in the World, 'tis furniſh'd well with men,\nAnd men are fleſh and blood, and apprehenſive ;", "Yet in the number, I do know but one", "That unſaſſable holds on his rank,", "Unſhak'd of motion : and that I am he,", "Let me a little ſhow it, even in this :", "That I was conſtant Cimber ſhould be banifh'd,", "And conſtant do remain to keep him ſo.", "Cin. O Cæſar.", "Cæſ. Hence: wilt thou lift up Olympus ?", "Dec. Great Cæſar.", "Cæſ. Do not Brutus bootſels kneel ?", "Cask. Speak hands for me.", "They ſtab Cæſar.", "Cæſ. Et tu Brute— Then fall Cæſar.", "Cin. Liberty, Freedom; Tyranny is dead,", "Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the ſtrees.", "Caffi. Some to the common Pulpits, and cry out,", "Liberty, Freedom, and Enfranchifement.", "Bru. People and Senators, be not affrighted :", "Fly not, ſtand ſtill, ambitions debt is paid.", "Cask. Go to the Pulpit, Brutus.", "Dec. And Caffius too.", "Bru. Where's Publius ?", "Cin. Here quite conſounded with this mutiny.", "Met. Stand ſaſt together, left ſome friend of Cæſar's\nShould chance—", "Bru. Talk not of ſtanding. Publius, good cheer,\nThere is no harm intended to your Perſon,", "Nor ot no Roman elfe: ſo tell them; Publius.", "Caffi. And leave us, Publius, left that the People\nRuſhing on us, ſhould do your age ſome miſchief.", "Bru. Do ſo, and let no man abide this deed,\nBut we the Doers.", "Enter Trebonius.", "Caffi. Where is Antony ?", "Treb. Fled to his houſe amaz'd,", "Men, Wives, and Children, ſtare, cry out, and run,\nAs it were Doomeſday.", "Bru. Fates, we will know your pleaſures :", "That we ſhall dye we know, 'tis but the time", "And drawing days out, that men ſtand upon.", "Cask. Why he that cuts off twenty years of life,\nCuts of ſo many years of fearing death.", "Bru. Grant that, and then is death a benefit :", "So are we Cæſar's friends, that have abridg'd", "His time of fearing death, ſtoop Romans, ſtoop,", "And let us bath our hands in Cæſar's blood", "Up to the Elbows, and befear our Swords :", "Then walk we forth even to the Market Place,", "And waving our red Weapons o're our heads,", "Let's all cry Peace, Freedom, and Liberty.", "Caffi. Stoop then, and wafh. How many ages hence\nShall this our lofty Scene be aſted over,", "In States unborn, and Accents yet unknown ?", "Bru. How many times ſhall Cæſar bleed in ſport,\nThat now on Pompey's Bafis lies along,", "No worthier than the duſt ?", "Caffi. So oft as that ſhall be,", "So often ſhall the knot of us be call'd,", "The men that gave their Country Liberty.", "Dec. What, ſhall we forth?", "Caffi. I, every man away.", "Brutus ſhall lead, and we will grace his heels", "With the moſt boldeſt, and beſt hearts of Rome.", "Enter a Servant.", "Bru. Soft, who comes here ? a friend of Antony's.", "Ser. Thus, Brutus, did my Maſter bid me kneel ;", "Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down,", "And being proſtrate, thus he bad me ſay,", "Brutus is noble, Wife, Valiant, and Honeſt ;", "Cæſar was Mighty, Bold, Royal, and Loving :", "Say, I love Brutus, and I honour him ;", "Say, I fear'd Cæſar, honour'd him, and lov'd him.", "If Brutus will vouchſafe, that Antony", "May safely come to him, and be reſolv'd", "How Cæſar hath deferv'd to lye in death,", "Mark Antony ſhall not love Cæſar dead", "So well as Brutus living ; but will follow", "The Fortunes and Affairs of Noble Brutus,", "Thorough the hazards of this untrod State,", "With all true Faith. So ſays my Maſter Antony,", "Bru. Thy Maſter is a Wife and Valiant Roman,", "I never thought him worſe :", "Tell him, ſo pleafe him come unto this place", "He ſhall be ſatisſed, and by my honour", "Depart untouch'd.", "Ser. I'll fetch him preſently.", "Bru. I know that we ſhall have him well to Friend.", "Caffi. I with me may: But yet have I a mind", "That fears him much : and my miſgiving ſtill", "Falls ſhrewdly to the purpofe.", {"bbox": [601, 1215, 694

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

30

If I my felf, there is no hour fo fit
As Cæsar's deaths hour; nor no instrament
Of half that worth, as thofe your Swords; made rich
With the moft Noble Blood of all this World,
I do befeech ye, if you bear me hard,
Now, whil'their purpled hands do reek and fmoak
Fulfil your pleafure. Live a thoufand years,
I ſhall not find my felf fo apt to dye.
No place will pleafe me ſo, no mean of death,
As here by Cæsar, and by you cut off,
The Choice and Maſter Spirits of this age,

Bru. O Antony ! Beg not your death of us:
Though now we muſt appear bloody and cruel,
As by our hands, and this our prefent Act
You fee we do : yet fee you but our hands,
And this, the bleeding buſineſs they have done :
Our hearts you fee not, they are pitiful :
And pity to the general wrong of Rome,
As fire drives out fire, fo pity, pity,
Hath done this deed on Cæsar. For your part,
To you, our Swords have leaden points, Mark Antony;
Our Arms in ſtrength of malice, and our Hearts
Of Brothers temper, do receive you in,
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.
Caffi. Your voice ſhall be as ſtrong as any mans,
In the diſpoſing of new Dignities.

Bru. Only be patient till we have appeas'd
The multitude, befide themſelves with fear,
And then we will deliver you the caufe,
Why I, that did love Cæsar when I ſtrook him,
Have thus proceeded.

Ant. I doubt not of your wifdom :
Let each man render me his bloody hand.
Firſt, Marcus Brutus, will I ſhake with you ;
Next, Caius Caffius, do I take your hand,
Now, Decius Brutus, yours, now yours, Metellus ;
Yours, Cinna ; and my valiant Caska, yours ;
Though laſt, not laſt in love, yours, good Trebonius :
Gentlemen all, alas, what ſhall I ſay,
My credit now ſtands on ſuch ſlippery ground,
That one of two bad ways you muſt conceit me,
Either a Coward, or a Flatterer.
That I did love thee, Cæsar, O 'tis true :
If then thy Spirit look upon us now,
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death,
To fee thy Antony making his peace,
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes ?
Moſt Noble in the prefence of thy Coarſe,
Had I as many eyes, as thou haſt wounds,
Weeping as faſt as they ſtream forth thy blood,
It would become me better, than to cloſe
In terms of friendſhip with thine Enemies.
Pardon me, Julius, here was't thou bay'd brave heart.
Here didſt thou fall, and here thy Hunters ſtand
Sign'd in thy ſpoil, and Crimſon'd in thy Lethe.
O World ! thou waſt the Foreſt to this Hart,
And this indeed, O World, the Hart of thee.
How like a Deer, ſtricken by many Princes,
Doſt thou here lye ?

Caffi. Mark Antony.
Ant. Pardon me, Caius Caffius :
The Enemies of Cæsar ſhall ſay this :
Then, in a friend, it is cold Modeſt.
Caffi. I blame you not for praiing Cæsar ſo,
But what compaſt mean you to have with us?
Will you be prick'd in number of our friends,
Or ſhall we on ; and not depend on you ?
Ant. Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed
Sway'd from the point, by looking down on Cæsar.
Friends am I with you all, and love you all,
Upon this hope, that you ſhall give me Reaſons,
Why, and wherein Cæsar was dangerous.

Bru. Or eſſe were this a favage ſpectacle :
Our reaſons are ſo full of good regard,

That were you Antony the Son of Cæsar.
You ſhould be ſatisſed.

Ant. That's all I ſeek,
And am moreover ſuitor that I may
Produce his Body to the Market-place,
And in the Pulpit as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his Funeral.
Bru. You ſhall, Mark Antony.
Caffi. Brutus, a word with you :
You know not what you do ; do not conſent
That Antony ſpeak in his Funeral :
Know you how much the people may be mov'd
By that which he will utter,

Bru. By your pardon :
I will my ſelf into the Pulpit firſt,
And ſhow the reaſon of our Cæsar's death,
What Antony ſhall ſpeak, I will proteſt
He ſpeaks by leave, and by permiffion :
And that we are contented Cæsar ſhall
Have all true Rites, and lawful Ceremonies,
It ſhall advantage more, than do us wrong.
Caffi. I know not what may fall, I like it not.
Bru. Mark Antony, here take you Cæsar's Body :
You ſhall not in your Funeral ſpeech blame us,
But ſpeak all good you can devife of Cæsar,
And ſay you do't by our permiffion :
Elſe ſhall you not have any hand at all.
About his Funeral. And you ſhall ſpeak
In the ſame Pulpit whereto I am going,
After my ſpeech is ended.

Ant. Be it ſo :
I do define no more.
Bru. Prepare the Body then, and follow us. [Exult.
Manet Antony.

O pardon me, thou bleeding piece of Earth :
That I am meek and gentle with theſe Butchers,
Thou art the Ruines of the Nobleſt man
That ever lived in the Tide of Times.
Woe to the hand that ſhed this coſtly Blood.
Over thy wounds, now do I prophetic,
(Which like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips,
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue)
A Curſe ſhall light upon the limbs of men ;
Domeſtick ſury, and ſierce civil ſtrife,
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy :
Blood and deſtruction ſhall be ſo in uſe,
And dreadful objects ſo familiar,
That Mothers ſhall but ſmile, when they behold
Their Infants quartered with the hands of War :
All pity coak'd with cuſtom of fell deeds,
And Cæsar's Spirit ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his ſide, come hot from Hell,
Shall in theſe Confines, with a Monarch's voice,
Cry havock, and let ſlip the Dogs of War,
That this foul deed ſhall ſmell above the earth
With Carrion men, groaning for burial.

Enter Octavio's Servant.

You ſerve Octavius Cæsar, do you not ?
Ser. I do, Mark Antony.
Ant. Cæsar did write for him to come to Rome,
Ser. He did receive his Letters, and is coming,
And bid me ſay to you by word of mouth—
O Cæsar !
Ant. Thy heart is big, get thee a-part and weep:
Paffion I fee is catching, for mine eyes,
Seeing theſo Beads of ſorrow ſand in thine,
Began to water. Is thy Maſter coming ?

Ser. He lies to night within ſeven Leagues of Rome.
Ant. Poſt back with ſpeed,
And tell him what hath chanc'd:
Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet,

Hic

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

31

Hie hence, and tell him so: Yet fly a while,
Thou shall not back, till I have born this Coarfe
Into the Market-place: There shall I try
In my Oration, how the people take
The cruel ill use of thefe bloody men,
According to the which, thou shall difcourfe
To young Oezius of the flat e of things.
Lend me your hand.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Brutus, and goes into the Pulpit; and Caffius, with the Plebeians.

Pleb. We will be satisfied : let us be satisfied.

Brut. Then follow me, and give me audience, Friends,
Caffius, go you into the other Street,
And part the Numbers:
Thofe that will hear me ſpeak, let ’em fly here;
Thofe that will follow Caffius, go with him,
And publick Reafons ſhall be rendred
Of Cæsar’s death.

1. Pleb. I will hear Brutus ſpeak.

2. I will hear Caffius, and compare their Reafons,

When feverally we hear them rendred.

3. The noble Brutus is aſcended: Silence.

Brut. Be patient till the laft.

Romans, Country-men, and Lovers, hear me for my
Caufe, and be silent, that you may hear. Believe me for
mine Honour, and have reſpect to mine Honour, that you
may believe. Cenſure me in your wiſdom, and awake
my Senſes, that you may the better judge. If there be
any in this Aſſembly, any dear Friend of Cæsar’s, to them
I ſay, That Brutus love to Cæsar was no leſs than his. If
then, that Friend demand, why Brutus roſe againſt Cæsar,
this is my Anſwer: Not that I lov’d Cæsar leſs, but that
I lov’d Rome more. Had you rather Cæsar were living,
and dye all Slaves; than that Cæsar were dead, to live all
Free-men? As Cæsar lov’d me, I weep for him; as he was
fortunate, I rejoyce at it; as he was valiant, I honour
him: But, as he was ambitious, I ſlew him. There is
Tears for his Love, Joy for his Fortune, Honour for his
Valour, and Death for his Ambition. Who is here ſo
bafe that would be a Bond-man? If any, ſpeak; for him
have I offended. Who is here ſo rude, that would not be
a Roman? If any, ſpeak; for him have I offended. Who
is here ſo vile, that will not love his Countrie? If any,
ſpeak; for him have I offended. I paufe for a reſply.

All. None, Caffius, none.

Brut. Then none have I offended. I have done no
more to Cæsar than you ſhall do to Brutus. The Quæſtion
of his Death is inroll’d in the Capitol; his Glory not ex-
tenuated, wherein he was worthy; not his offences en-
forc’d, for which he ſuffered death.

Enter Mark Antony, with Cæsar’s Body.

Here comes his Body, mourn’d by Mark Antony, who
though he had no hand in his death, ſhall receive the bene-
fit of his dying, a Place in the Commonwealth; as which
of you ſhall not? With this I depart, That as I ſlew my
beſt Lover for the good of Rome, I have the fame Dagger
for my ſelf, when it ſhall pleafe my Countrie to need my
Death.

All. Live, Brutus, live, live.

1. Bring him with Triumph home unto his houſe.

2. Give him a Statue with his Anceſtors.

3. Let him be Cæsar.

4. Cæsar’s better Parts

Shall be crown’d in Brutus.

1. We’ll bring him to his houſe

With Shouts and Clamors.

Brut. My Country-men—

2. Peace, ſilence, Brutus ſpeaks.

1. Peace, Ho.

Brut. Good Country-men, let me depart alone,
And (for my ſake) fly here with Antony :

Do grace to Cæsar’s Corps, and grace his ſpeech

Tending to Cæsar’s Glories, which Mark Antony
(By our perſmission) is allow’d to make.
I do entreat you, not a man depart,
Save I alone, till Antony have ſpoke.

[Exit.]

1. Stay, Hoe, and let us hear Mark Antony.

3. Let him go up into the Publick Chair,

We’ll hear him: Noble Antony, go up

Ant. For Brutus’s fake I am beholden to you,

4. What does he ſay of Brutus?

3. He ſays for Brutus’s ſake

He finds himſelf beholding to us all.

4. ’T were beſt ſpeak no harm of Brutus here.

1. This Cæsar was a Tyrant.

3. Nay, that’s certain:

We are glad that Rome is rid of him.

2. Peace, let us hear what Antony can ſay.

Ant. You gentle Romans—

All. Peace, Hoe, let us bear him.

Ant. Friends, Romans, Country-men, lend me your ears:
I come to bury Cæsar, not to praife him:

The evil that men do, lives after them,

The Good is oft interred with the Bones;

So let it be with Cæsar. The Noble Brutus

Hath told you, Cæsar was ambitious:

If it were ſo, it was a grievous ſault,

And grievouſly hath Cæsar anſwer’d it

Here, under leave of Brutus, and the reſt,

(For Brutus is an honourable man,

So are they all, all honourable men)

Come I to ſpeak in Cæsar’s Funeral.

He was my Friend, faithful and juſt to me;

But Brutus ſays, He was ambitious,

And Brutus is an Honourable man.

He hath brought many Captives home to Rome,

Whofe Ranſomes did the general Coffers fill;

Did this in Cæsar ſeem ambitious?

When that the poor have cry’d, Cæsar hath wept:

Ambition ſhould be made of Iſterner Stuff:

Yet Brutus ſays, He was ambitious,

You all did fee, That on the Lupercal,

I thrice preſented him a Kingly Crown,

Which he did thrice refufe. Was this Ambition?

And ſure he is an Honourable man.

I ſpeak not to diſprove what Brutus ſpoke,

But here I am to ſpeak what I do know;

You all did love him once, not without caufe,

What caufe with-holds you then to mourn for him?

O Judgment! thou art fled to Brutus’ Beaſts,

And Men have loft their Reaſon. Bear with me,

My heart is in the Coffin there with Cæsar,

And I muſt paufe till it come back to me.

1. Methinks there is much reaſon in his Sayings.

If thou confider rightly of the matter,

Cæsar has had great wrong.

[place.

3. Has he, Maſters? I fear, there will a worſe come in his

4. Mark’d ye his words? He would not take the Crown,
Therefore ’tis certain, he was not ambitious.

1. If it be found ſo, ſome will dear abide it.

2. Poor Soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping.

3. There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.

4. Now mark him, he begins again to ſpeak.

Ant. But yefterday the word of Cæsar might
Have flood againſt the World; Now Iyes he there,
And none ſo poor to do him reuerence.

O Maſters! If I were diſpos’d to ſtir

Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,

I ſhould do Brutus wrong, and Caffius wrong;

Who (you all know) are Honourable men.

I will not do them wrong: I rather chufe

To wrong the dead, to wrong my ſelf and you,
Than I will wrong ſuch Honourable men.

But here’s a Parchment, with the Seal of Cæsar,

I found

The Tragedy of Julius Cælar.

I found it in his Clofet, 'tis his Will :
Let but the Commons hear this Teftament :
(Which pardon me) I do not mean to read,
And they would go and kifs dead Cæsar's Wounds,
And dip their Napkins in his Sacred blood :
Yea, beg a hair of him for Memory,
And dying, mention it within their Wills,
Bequeathing it as a rich Legacy
Unto their iffue.

4. Wee'll hear the Will, read it, Mark Antony.

All. The Will, the Will; we will hear Cæsar's Will.

Ant. Have patience, gentle Friends, I muſt not read it.

It is not meet you know how Cæsar lov'd you:

You are not Wood, you are not Stones, but men:
And being men, hearing the Will of Cæsar,
It will inflame you, it will make you mad ;

?Tis good you know not that you are his Heirs,
For if you ſhould, O what would come of it?

4. Read the Will, wee'll hear it, Antony :

You ſhall read us the Will, Cæsar's Will.

Ant. Will you be Patient ? will you ſtay a while?

I have o're flot my ſelf to tell you of it,
I fear I wrong the Honourable men,

Whofe Daggers have ſtabb'd Cæsar : I do fear it.

4. They were Traytors, Honourable men ?

All. The Will, the Teſtament.

2. They were Villains, Murderers: the Will, read the Will.

Ant. You will compel me then to read the Will;
Then make a Ring about the Corps of Cæsar,
And let me ſhow you him that made the Will :
Shall I defcnd ? and will you give me leave ?

All. Come down.

2. Defcnd.

3. You ſhall have leave.

4. A Ring, ſtand round.

1. Stand from the Hearſe, ſtand from the Body.

2. Room for Antony, moſt Noble Antony.

Ant. Nay preſs not ſo upon me, ſtand far off.

All. Stand back, room, bear back.

Ant. If you have tears, prepare to ſhed them now.
You all do know this Mantle, I remember

The firſt time ever Cæsar put it on,
'Twas on a Summers Evening in his Tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii

Look, in this place ran Caffius's Dagger through :

See what a Rent the envious Caska made :

Through this, the well beloved Brutus ſtab'd,
And as he pluck'd his curſed Steell away,
Mark how the blood of Cæsar followed it.

As rufing out of Doors, to be refolv'd,
If Brutus ſo unkindly knock'd, or no :

For Brutus as you know, was Cæsar's Angel,
Judge, O you Gods, how dearly Cæsar lov'd him :
This was the moſt unkindeſt cut of all.

For when the Noble Cæsar ſaw him ſtab,
Ingratitude, more ſtrong than Traitors arms,

Quite vanquifh'd him : then burſt his Mighty heart,
And in his Mantle, mufſling up his face,
Even at the Bafe of Pompey's Statue

(Which all the while ran blood) great Cæsar ſell,
O what a fall was there, my Country-men?

Then I, and you, and all of us ſell down,
Whilft bloody Treason flourifh'd over us.

O now you weep, and I perceive you feel

The dint of pity : There are gracious drops.

Kind Souls, what weep you, when you but behold
Our Cæsar's Vefture wounded ? Look you here,
Here is Himſelf, marr'd as you fee with Traytors.

1. O piteous Spectacle !

2. O Noble Cæsar !

3. O woful day !

4. O Traytors, Villains !

1. O moſt bloody fight !

2. We will be reveng'd: Revenge
About, ſeek, burn, fire, kill, ſlay,
Let not a Traytor live.

Ant. Stay, Country-men.

1. Peace there, hear the Noble Antony,

2. Wee'll hear him, wee'll follow him, wee'll dye
with him.

Ant. Good Friends, weet Friends, let me not flir you up
To ſuch a ſudden Flood of Mutiny :

They that have done this Deed, are Honourable,
What private griefs they have, alas I know not,
That made them do it: They are wife and honourable,
And will no doubt with reaſons anſwer you.

I come not (Friends,) to ſteal away your hearts;
I am no Orator, as Brutus is ;

But (as you know me all) a plain blunt man
That love my Friend, and that they know full well,
That give me publick leave to ſpeak of him:

For I have neither Wit, nor words, nor worth,
Action nor utterance, nor the power of ſpeech,
To flir mens Blood. I only ſpeak right on:

I tell you that, which you your ſelves do know,
Shew you weſt Cæsar's Wounds, poor, poor dumb mouths,
And bid them ſpeak for me: But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony

Would rufle up your Spirits, and put a Tongue
In every Wound of Cæsar, that ſhould move
The ſtones of Rome to rife and mutiny.

All. Wee'll Mutiny.

1. Wee'll burn the Houſe of Brutus,

3. Away then, come ſeek the Conſpirators,

Ant. Yet hear me, Country-men, yet hear me ſpeak.

All. Peace ho, hear Antony, moſt Noble Antony.

Ant. Why, Friends, you go to do you know not what.

Wherein hath Cæsar thus deferv'd your loves?

Alas you know not, I muſt tell you then:

You have forgot the Will I told you of.

All. Moſt true, the Will, let's ſtay and hear the Will.

Ant. Here is the Will, and under Cæsar's Seal:

To every Roman Citizen he gives,

To every ſeveral man, ſeventy ſive Drachmes.

2. Ple. Moſt noble Cæsar, wee'll revenge his Death.

3. Ple. O Royal Cæsar.

Ant. Hear me with patience.

All. Peace ho.

Ant. Moreover he hath left you all his Walks,
His private Airbours, and new-planted Orchards:
On this ſide Tyber, he hath left them you,
And to your Heirs for ever : common pleafures
To walk abroad, and recreate your ſelves.

Here was a Cæsar : when comes ſuch another ?

1. Ple. Never, never: come, away, away:

Wee'll burn his body in the holy place,
And with the Brands fire all the Traytors Houſes.

Take up the Body.

2. Ple. Go fetch fire.

3. Ple. Pluck down Benches.

4. Ple. Pluck down Forms, Windows, any thing.

[Exeunt] Plebeians

Ant. Now let it work : Mifchief thou art a foot,
Take thou what courſe thou wilt.

How now, Fellow ?

Enter Servant.

Ser. Sir, Oſtavius is already come to Rome.

Ant. Where is he ?

Ser. He and Lepidus are at Cæsar's Houſe.

Ant. And thither will I ſtraight, to viſit him:

He comes upon a wifh. Fortune is merry,
And in this mood will give us any thing.

Ser. I heard him ſay, Brutus and Caffius

Are rid like Madmen through the Gates of Rome.
Ant. Belike they had ſome notice of the people,

How I had moved them. Bring me to Oſtavius. [Exeunt.

Enter

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

Enter Cinna the Poet, and after him the Plebeians.

Cin. I dreamt to Night, that I did Feast with Cæsar,
And things unluckily charge my Fantasie:
I have no will to wander forth of Doors,
Yet something leads me forth.

1. What is your Name ?

2. Whither are you going ?

3. Where do you dwell ?

4. Are you a Married Man, or a Batchelor ?

2. Anfwer every man directly.

1. I, and briefly.

4. I, and wifely.

3. I, and truly, you were beſt.

Cin. What is my Name? Whither am I going ? Where
do I dwell? Am I a Married Man, or a Batchelor ? Then
to Anſwer every Man directly and briefly, wifely and
truly: wifely, I fay, I am a Batchelor.

2. That's as much as to ſay, they are Fools that Marry:
you'll bear me a bang for that I fear: Proceed directly.

Cin. Directly, I am going to Cæsar's Funeral.

1. As a Friend, or an Enemy ?

Cin. As a Friend.

2. That matter is anſwered directly.

4. For your Dwelling: briefly.

Cin. Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.

3. Your Name, Sir, truly.

Cin. Truly my Name is Cinna.

1. Tear him to pieces, he's a Conſpirator.

Cin. I am Cinna the Poet, I am Cinna the Poet.

4. Tear him for his bad Verſes, tear him for his bad
Verſes.

Cin. I am not Cinna the Conſpirator.

4. It is no matter, his Name's Cinna, pluck but his
name out of his heart, and turn him going.

3. Tear him, tear him; Come Brands ho, Firebrands :
to Brutus, to Caffius, burn all. Some to Decius' Houſes,
and fome to Caska's, fome to Ligarius: Away, go.

[Exeunt all the Plebeians.

Actus Quartus.

Enter Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.

Ant. Here many then ſhall die, their Names are
prickt.

Oft. Your Brother too muſt die : conſent you, Lepidus ?

Lep. I do conſent.

Oſt. Prick him down, Antony.

Lep. Upon condition Publius ſhall not live,

Who is your Sifters Son, Mark Antony.

Ant. He ſhall not live ; look, with a ſpot, I damn him.
But Lepidus, go you to Cæsar's Houſe :

Fetch the Will hither, and we ſhall determine

How to cut off ſome charge in Legacies.

Lep. What ? ſhall I find you here ?

Oſt. Or here, or at the Capitol.

Ant. This is a flight unmeritable man,

Meet to be ſent on Errands : is it fit

The three-fold World divided, he ſhould ſtand

One of the three to ſhare it ?

Oſt. So you thought him,

And took his Voice who ſhould be prickt to die
In our black Sentence and Proſcription.

Ant. Oſtavius, I have ſeen more days than you ;

And though we lay theſe honours on this man,
To cafe our ſelves of divers ſtand'rous loads,

He ſhall but bear them, as the Aſs bears Gold,
To groan and fweat under the Bulineſs,
Either led or driven, as we print the way:
And having brought our treaſure, where we will,
Then take we down his load, and turn him off
(Like to the empty Aſs) to ſhake his Ears,
And graze in Commons.

Oſt. You may do your will :

But he's a tri'd and valiant Souldier.

Ant. So is my Horſe, Oſtavius, and for that,
I do appoint him ſtore of Provender.

It is a Creature that I teach to fight,

To wind, to ſtop, to run directly on :

His corporal Motion, govern'd by my Spirit,

And in ſome taſt, is Lepidus but ſo :

He muſt be taught, and train'd, and bid go forth :

A barren ſpirited Fellow, one that feeds

On Objecſts, Arts, and Imitations.

Which out of uſe, and ſtall'd by other men

Begin his ſhion. Do not talk of him,

But as a property: and now, Oſtavius,

Liſten great things. Brutus and Caffius.

Are levying Powers; We muſt ſtraight make head :

Therefore let our Alliance be combin'd,

Our beſt Friends made, and our beſt means ſtretcht out,

And let us prefently go fit in Council,

How covert matters may be beſt diſclos'd,

And open Perils ſureſt anſwered.

Oſt. Let us do ſo: for we are at the ſtake,

And bayed about with many Enemies,

And ſome that ſmile have in their hearts, I fear,

Millions of Mifchiefs.

[Exeunt.

Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucilius, and the Army. Titinius and Pindarus meet them.

Bru. Stand, ho.

Luc. Give the word, ho, and Stand.

Bru. What now, Lucilius, is Caffius near ?

Luc. He is at hand, and Pindarus is come

To do you ſalutation from his Maſter.

Bru. He greets me well. Your Maſter Pindarus,
In his own change, or by ill Officers,
Hath given me ſome worthy cauſe to with
Things done, undone : But if he be at hand,
I ſhall be ſatisſed.

Pin. I do not doubt

But that my Noble Maſter will appear

Such as he is, full of regard, and Honour.

Bru. He is not doubted. A word, Lucilius,

How he receiv'd you: let me be revol'd.

Luc. With curſeſe, and with reſpect enough,

But not with ſuch familiar inſtances,

Nor with ſuch free and friendly Conference,

As he hath us'd of old.

Bru. Thou haſt deſcrib'd.

A hot Friend, cooling : Ever note, Lucilius,

When Love begins to ſicken and decay,

It ſueth an en ſored Ceremony.

There are no tricks in plain and ſimple Faith :

But hollow men, like Horſes hot at hand,

Make gallant ſhew, and promife of their Mettle:

Low March within.

But when they ſhould endure the bloody Spur,

They fall their Creſt, and like deceitful Jades,

Sink in the Trial. Comes his Army on ?

Luc. They mean this Night in Sardis to be quarter'd :

The greater part, the Horſe in general

Are come with Caffius.

Enter Caffius and his Powers.

Bru. Hark, he is arriv'd :

March gently on to meet him.

Caffi.

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

34

Caffi. Stand, ho.
Bru. Stand, ho, fpeak the word along.
Stand,
Stand.
Stand.
Caffi. Moſt Noble Brother: you have done me wrong.
Bru. Judge me, you Gods; wrong I mine Enemies ?
And if not fo, how ſhould I wrong a Brother ?
Caffi. Brutus, this ſober form of yours, hides wrongs,
And when you do them —

Bri. Caffius, be content,
Speak your griefs ſoftly, I do know you well.
Before the Eyes of both our Armies here
(Which ſhould perceive nothing but Love from us)
Let us not wrangle. Bid them move away:
Then in my Tent Caffius enlarge your Griefs,
And I will give you Audience.
Caffi. Pindarus,

Caffi. Pindarus,
Bid our Commanders lead their Charges off
A little from this ground.

Bru. Lucilius, do you the like, and let no man
Come to our Tent, till we have done our Conference.
Let Lucius and Titinius guard our Door.

[Exeunt]

Manent Brutus and Caffius.

Caffi. That you have wrong'd me, doth appear in this
You have condemn'd, and noted Lucius Pella

For taking Bribes here of the Sardians;
Wherein my Letter, praying on his fide,
Becaufe I knew the man, was flighted off.

Bru. You wrong'd your ſelf to write in ſuch a cafe.

Caffi. In ſuch a time as this, it is not meet,
That every nice offence ſhould bear his Comment.

Bru. Let me tell you, Caffius, you your ſelf,
Are much condemn'd to have an itching Palm,
To ſell, and Mart your Offices for Gold
To Undefervers.

Caffi. I, an itching Palm ?

You know that you are Brutus that ſpeaks this,
Or by the Gods, this ſpeech were elfe your laſt.

Bru. The name of Caffius honours this Corruption,
And Chaſtifeament doth therefore hide his head.

Caffi. Chaſtifeament?

Bru. Remember March, the Ides of March remember:
Did not great Julius bleed for Juitce fake ?
What Villain touch'd his Body, that did ſtab,
And not for Juitce ? What, ſhall one of Us,
That ſtruck the Formoft man of all this World,
But for fufforting Robbers: ſhall we now
Contaminate our Fingers with bafe Bribes?
And ſell the mighty ſpace of our large Honours
For ſo much trafh, as may be graſped thus ?
I had rather be a Dog, and bait the Moon,
Than ſuch a Roman.

Caffi. Brutus, bait not me,
I'll not endure it: you forget your ſelf,
To hedge me in, I am a Souldier, I,
Older in practice, abler than your ſelf
To make Conditions.

Bru. Go to: you are not Caffius.

Caffi. I am.

Bru. I fay, you are not.

Caffi. Urge me no more, I ſhall forget my ſelf:
Have mind upon your health: Tempt me no farther.

Bru. Away, flight man.

Caffi. Is't poffible?

Bru. Hear me, for I will ſpeak.
Muſt I give way, and room to your rafh Choler?
Shall I be frighted, when a mad man ſtares?
Caffi. O ye Gods, ye Gods, muſt I endure all this?
Bru. All this ? I more. Fret till your proud heart break,
Go ſhew your Slaves how Cholerick you are,
And make your Bondmen tremble. Muſt I budge?
Muſt I obſerve you ? Muſt I ſtand and crouch
Under your teſty humour ? By the Gods

You ſhall digeſt the Venom of your ſpleen
Though it do ſplit you. For from this day forth,
I'll ſne you for my Mirth, yea for my Laughter,
When you are wafpih.

Caffi. Is it come to this?

Bru. You ſay, you are a better Souldier:
Let it appear ſo; make your vaunting true,
And it ſhall pleafe me well. For mine own part,
I ſhall be glad to learn of Noble men.

Caffi. You wrong me every way :
You wrong me, Brutus:

I faid, an Elder Souldier, not a Better.
Did I ſay Better?

Bru. If you did, I care not.

Caffi. When Cæsar liv'd, he durſt not thus have mo'd
me.

Bru. Peace, peace, you durſt not ſo have tempted him.

Caffi. I durſt not.

Bru. No.

Caffi. What? durſt not tempt him ?

Bru. For your life you durſt not?

Caffi. Do not preſume too much upon my love,
I may do that I ſhall be forry for.

Bru. You have done that you ſhould be forry for.
There is no terror, Caffius, in your threats.

For I am arm'd ſo ſtrong in honeſty,
That they paſs by me, as the idle wind,
Which I reſpect not. I did ſend to you
For certain ſums of Gold, which you deny'd me,
For I can raſe no money by vile means :
By Heaven, I had rather coin my heart,
And drop my blood for Drachmaes, than to wring
From the hard hands of Peazants, their vile trafh
By any Indirecſion. I did ſend
To you for Gold to pay my Legions,
Which you deny'd me: was that done like Caffius?
Should I have anſwer'd Caius Caffius ſo?

When Marcus Brutus grows ſo covetous,
To lock ſuch Raſcal Counters from his Friends,
Be ready gods with all your Thunder-bolts,
Dath him to pieces.

Caffi. I deny'd you not.

Bru. You did.

Caffi. I did not. He was but a Fool
That brought my anſwer back. Brutus hath riſ'd my heart,
A Friend ſhould bear his Friends infirmities,
But Brutus makes mine greater than they are.

Bru. I do not till you practice them on me.

Caffi. You love me not.

Bru. I do not like your faults.

Caffi. A Friendly Eye could never fee ſuch faults.

Bru. A Flatterers would not, though they do appear
As huge as high Olympus.

Caffi. Come, Antony, and young Octavius come,
Revenge your ſelves alone on Caffius,
For Caffius is a weary of the World:
Hated by one he loves, brav'd by his Brother,
Check'd like a Bondman, all his faults obſerv'd,
Set in a Note-Book, learn'd, and con'd by roat
To caſt into my Teeth. O I could weep
My Spirit from mine Eyes: There is my Daguer,
And here my naked Breaſt: Within a heart
Dearer than Pluto's Mine: Richer than Gold:
If that thou beaſt a Roman, take it forth.
I that deny'd thee Gold, will give my Heart:
Strike as thou didſt at Cæsar, for I know,
When thou didſt hate him worſt, thou lovedt him better
Than ever thou lovedt Caffius.

Bru. Sheath your Daguer:
Be angry when you will, it ſhall have ſcpe,
Do what you will, diſhonour ſhall be humour.
O, Caffius, you are yoaked with a Lamb
That carries anger, as the Flint bears fire,
Who much inſorced, ſhews a haly ſpark,

And

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

36

Enter Lucius.

Bru. Lucius, my Gown: farewel, good Messala,
Good Night, Titinius: Noble, Noble Caffius,
Good Night, and good repofe.
Caffi. O my dear Brother:
This was an ill beginning of the night :
Never come such divination ?tween our Souls:
Let it not, Brutus.

Enter Lucius with the Gown.

Bru. Every thing is well.
Caff. Good Night, my Lord.
Bru. Good Night, good Brother.
Tit. Messa. Good Night, Lord Brutus.
Bru. Farewel, every one.
[Exeunt.
Give me the Gown. Where is thy Instrument ?
Luc. Here in the Tent.
Bru. What, thou fpeakeſt drowſily ?
Poor Knave, I blame thee, thou art o're-watch'd.
Call Claudio, and fome other of my men,
I'll have them fleep on Cuffions in my Tent.
Luc. Varrus and Claudio.

Enter Varrus and Claudio.

Var. Calls my Lord ?
Bru. I pray you, Sirs, lie in my Tent, and fleep,
It may be I ſhall raife you by and by
On buſineſs to my Brother Caffius.
Var. So pleafe you, we will ſtand,
And watch your pleafure.
Bru. I will not have it ſo: lie down, good Sirs,
It may be I ſhall otherwife bethink me.
Look Lucius, here's the Book I fought for ſo:
I put it in the Pocket of my Gown.
Luc. I was ſure your Lordship did not give it me.
Bru. Bear with me, good Boy, I am much forgetful.
Canſt thou hold up thy Inſtrument a ſtrain or two.
And touch thy heavy Eyes a while.
Luc. I, my Lord, an't pleafe you.
Bru. It does, my Boy;
I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing.
Luc. It is my duty, Sir.
Bru. I ſhould not urge thy duty paſt thy might,
I know young bloods look for a time of reſt.
Luc. I have flept, my Lord, already.
Bru. It was well done, and thou ſhalt fleep again:
I will not hold thee long. If I do live,
I will be good to thee.

Mufick and a Song.

This is a fleepy Tune: O murderous ſlumber !
Layſt thou thy Leaden Mace upon my Boy,
That plays thee Mufick? Gentle Knave, good night:
I will not do thee ſo much wrong to wake thee:
If thou doſt nod, thou breakſt thy Inſtrument,
I'll take it from thee, and (good Boy) good night.
Let me fee, let me fee? is not the Leaf turn'd down
Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.

Enter the Gheſt of Cæsar.

How ill this Taper burns. Ha! Who comes here ?
I think it is the weakneſs of mine Eyes
That ſhapes this monſtrous Apparition.
It comes upon me: Art thou any thing ?
Art thou fome God, fome Angel, or ſome Devil,
That mak't my blood cold, and my hair to ſtare ?
Speak to me, what thou art.

Gheſt. Thy evil Spirit, Brutus.

Bru. Why com't ſt thou ?
Gheſt. To tell thee thou ſhalt fee me at Philippi.
Bru. Well: then I ſhall fee thee again?
Gheſt. I, at Philippi.
Bru. Why, I will fee thee at Philippi then:
Now I have taken heart, thou vanifheſt.
Ill Spirit, I would hold more talk with thee,
Boy, Lucius, Varrus, Claudio, Sirs: awake:
Claudio.
Luci. The ſtrings, my Lord, are falſe.
Bru. He thinks he is ſtill at his Inſtrument.
Lucius, awake.
Luci. My Lord.
Bru. Didſt thou dream, Lucius, that thou ſo cryedſt
out ?
Luc. My Lord, I do not know that I did cry.
Bru. Yes, that thou didſt; Didſt thou fee any thing?
Luc. Nothing, my Lord.
Bru. Sleep again, Lucius: Sirrah, Claudio, Fellow,
Thou, awake.
Var. My Lord.
Clau. My Lord.
Bru. Why did you ſo cry out, Sirs, in your Sleep?
Both. Did we, my Lord ?
Bru. I: faw you any thing ?
Var. No, my Lord, I faw nothing.
Clau. Nor I, my Lord.
Bru. Go, and commend me to my Brother Caffius:
Bid him ſet on his powers betimes before,
And we will follow.
Both. It ſhall be done, my Lord.
[Exeunt]

Actus Quintus.

Enter Octavius, Antony, and their Army.

Ot. NOW, Antony, our hopes are anſWERED,
You faid the Enemy would not come down,
But keep the Hills and upper Regions:
It proves not ſo: their Battels are at hand,
They mean to warn us at Philippi here:
Anſwering before we do demand of them.
Ant. Tut I am in their boſoms, and I know
Wherefore they do it: They could be content
To viſit other places, and come down
With fearful bravery: thinking by this face
To ſaſten in our thoughts that they have Courage:
But 'tis not ſo.

Enter a Meſſinger.

Mſ. Prepare you Generals,
The Enemy comes on in gallant ſhew:
Their cloudy ſign of Battel is hung out,
And ſomething to be done immediately.
Ant. Oſtavius, lead your Battel ſoftly on
Upon the left hand of the evil Field.

Oſt. Upon the right hand I, keep thou the left.

Ant. Why do you croſs me in this exigent ?

Oſt. I do not croſs you: but I will do it. [March

Drum. Enter Brutus, Caffius, and their Army.

Bru. They ſtand, and would have parley.

Caffi. Stand ſaſt, Titinius, we muſt out and talk.

Oſt. Mark Antony, ſhall we give ſign of Battel?

Ant. No, Cæsar, we will anſwer on their Charge.

Make forth, the Generals would have ſome words.

Oſt. Stir not until the Signal.

Bru. Words before blows: is it ſo, Country-men?

["The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.", "Ota. Not that we love words better, as you do.\nBru. Good words are better than bad frokes, Oſtavius.\nAnt. In your bad ſrokes, Brutus, you give good words,\nWitneſs the hole you made in Cæsar's heart,\nCrying, long live, hail Cæsar.\nCaffi. Antony,\nThe poſture of your blows are yet unknown;\nBut for your words, they rob the Hibla Bees,\nAnd leave them Honey-lees.\nAnt. Not ſtlingleſs too.\nBru. O yes, and foundleſs too:\nFor you have Iſolin their buzzing, Antony,\nAnd very wifely threat before you ſting.\nAnt. Villains: you did not ſo, when your vile Daggers", "Hack one another in the ſides of Cæsar:", "You flew'd your teeth like Apes,", "And fawn'd like Hounds,", "And bow'd like Bondmen, kiſſing Cæsar's feet:", "Whilſt damned Caska, like a Cur, behind", "Struck Cæsar on the neck. O you flatterers!", "Caffi. Flatterers ? Now Brutus thank your ſelf:", "This ſoong had not offended ſo to day,\nIf Caffius might have rul'd.", "Ota. Come, come, the caufe. If arguing make us ſwet,\nThe proof of it will turn to redder drops:", "Look, I draw a Sword againſt Conspirators,\nWhen think you that the Sword goes up again?", "Never till Cæsar's three and thirty wounds", "Be well aveng'd ; or till another Cæsar", "Have added Slaughter to the Sword of Traytors.", "Bru. Cæsar, Thou canſt not die by Traytors hands,", "Unleſs thou bring't with thee.", "Ota. So I hope:", "I was not come to die on Brutus Sword.", "Bru. O if thou wert the Nobleft of thy Strain,", "Young-man, thou couldt not die more honourable.", "Caffi. A peeviſh School-Boy, worthies of ſuch honour\nJoin'd with a Masker and a Reveller.", "Ant. Old Caffius ſtill.", "Ota. Come, Antony: away :", "Defiance, Traytors, hurler we in your teeth.", "If you dare fight to day, come to the field :", "If not, when you have ſtomachs.", "[Exit Octavius, Antony, and Army.", "Caffi. Why now blow wind, ſwell billow,", "And ſwim Bark.", "The Storm is up, and all is on the hazard.", "Bru. Ho, Lucilius, hark, a word with you.", "Lucilius, and Meſſala ſtand forth.", "Luc. My Lord.", "Caf. Meſſala.", "Meſſa. What fayes my General ?", "Caf. Meſſala, this is my Birth-Day: as this very day", "Was Caffius born. Give me thy hand, Meſſala :", "Be thou my witneſs, that againſt my will,", "(As Pompye was) am I compell'd to ſet", "Upon one Battel all our Liberties.", "You know that I held Epicurus ſtrong,", "And his opinion: Now I change my mind,", "And partly credit things that do prefage.", "Coming from Sardis, on our former Enſign,\nTwo mighty Eagles fell, and there they pearch'd,", "Gorging and feeding from our Souldiers hands,", "Who to Philippi here conſorted us:", "This Morning are they fled away, and gone,\nAnd in their ſteads, do Ravens, Crows and Kites,", "Fly o're our heads, and downward look on us", "As we were fickely prey ; their hedges seem", "A Canopy moſt fatal, under which", "Our Army lies, ready to give up the Ghoſt.", "Meſſa. Believe not ſo.", "Caffi. I but believe it partly,", "For I am fresh of ſpirit, and revolv'd", "To meet all peril, very conſtantly.", "Bru. Even ſo, Lucilius.", "Caffi. Now moſt Noble Brutus,", "The gods to day ſtand friendly, that we may", "Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age.", "But ſince the affairs of men reſts still incertain,", "Lets reaſon with the worſt that may beſal.", "If we do loſe this Battel, then is this", "The very laſt time we ſhall ſpeak together:", "What are you then determined to do ?", "Bru. Even by the rule of that Philofophy,", "By which I did blame Cato, for the death", "Which he did give himſelf, I know not how :", "But I do find it Cowardly, and vile,", "For fear of what might fall, ſo to prevent", "The time of life, arming my ſelf with patience,", "To ſtay the providence of ſome high Powers,", "That govern us below.", "Caffi. Then if we loſe this Battel,", "You are contented to be led in triumph", "Through the ſtreets of Rome.", "Bru. No, Caffius, no :", "Think not thou, Noble Roman,", "That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome,", "He bears too great a mind, But this fame day", "Moft end that work, that Ides of March begun.", "And whether we ſhall meet again, I know not:", "Therefore our everlaſting farewel take :", "For ever, and for ever, farewel, Caffius,", "If we do meet again, why, we ſhall ſmile :", "If not, why then this parting was well made.", "Caffi. For ever, and for ever, farewel, Brutus :", "If we do meet again, wee'l ſmile indeed ;", "If not, 'tis true, this parting was well made.", "Bru. Why then lead on. O that a man might know", "The end of this days buſineſs, ere it come:", "But it ſufficeth, that the day will end,", "And then the end is known. Come ho, away. [Exeunt.", "Alarum. Enter Brutus and Meſſala.", "Bru. Ride, ride, Meſſala, ride and give theſe Bills\nUnto the Legions, on the other ſide.", "[Doud Alarum.", "Let them ſet on at once: for I perceive", "But cold demeanour in Oſtavio's Wing :", "And ſudden pufh gives them the overthrow :", "Ride, ride, Meſſala, let them all come down.", "[Exeunt.", "Alarums. Enter Caffius and Titinius.", "Caffi. O look, Titinius, look, the Villains fly :", "My ſelf have to mine own turn'd Enemy :", "This Enſign here of mine was turning back,", "I flew the Coward, and did take it from him.", "Titin. O Caffius, Brutus gave the word too early,", "Who having ſome advantage on Oſtavius", "Took it too eagerly : his Souldiers fell to ſpoil,", "Whilſt we by Antony are all inclos'd.", "Enter Pindarus.", "Pind. Fly further off my Lord: fly further off,", "Mark Antony is in your Tents, my Lord :", "Fly therefore, Noble Caffius, fly far off.", "Caffi. This Hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius,\nAre thofe my Tents where I perceive the fire ?", "Tit. They are, my Lord.", "Caffi. Titinius, if thou loveſt me,\nMount thou my Horſe, and hide thy Spurs in him,", "Till he have brought thee up to yonder Troops,", "And here again, that I may reſt affur'd", "Whether yond Troops are Friend or Enemy.", {"bbox": [478, 1319, 821, 1338], "category":

["The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.", "My fight was ever thick: regard, Titinius,\nAnd tell me what thou not'ft about the field.\nThis day I breath'd firſt, time is come round,\nAnd where I did begin, there ſhall I end,\nMy life is run his compaſs. Sirrah, What news?", "Pind. Above. O, my Lord.", "Caffi. What news?", "Pind. Titinius is encloſed round about", "With Horſemen, that make to him on the Spur,\nYet he ſpurs on. Now they are almoſt on him:", "Now Titinius, Now ſome light: O he lights too.", "He's tane.", "And hark, they ſhout for joy.", "Caffi. Come down, behold no more:", "O Coward, that I am, to live ſo long,", "To fee my beſt Friend tane before my Face!", "### Enter Pindarus.", "Come hither Sirrah; In Parthia did I take thee Prifoner,\nAnd then I ſwore thee, ſaving of thy life,\nThat whatsoever I did bid thee do,", "Thou ſhouſt attempt it. Come now, keep thine Oath,\nNow be a Freeman, and with this good Sword\nThat ran through Caſars Bowels, ſearch this Boſom.", "Stand not to Anſwer: Here, take thou the Hilts,", "And when my face is cover'd, as 'tis now,", "Guide thou the Sword — Caſar thou art reveng'd,", "Even with the Sword that kill'd thee.", "Pin. So, I am free,", "Yet would not ſo have been,", "Durf't I have done my will. O Caffius,", "Far from this Country Pindarus ſhall run,", "Where never Roman ſhall take note of him.", "[Kills him.", "### Enter Titinius, and Meſſala.", "Meſſa. It is but change, Titinius: for Oſtavius", "Is overthrown by Noble Brutus power,", "As Caffius Legions are by Antony.", "Titin. Theſe tidings will well comfort Caffius.", "Meſſa. Where did you leave him?", "Titin. All diſconſolate,", "With Pindarus his Bondman, on this Hill.", "Meſſa. Is not that he that lies upon the ground?", "Titin. He lies not like the Living. O my heart!", "Meſſa. Is not that he?", "Titin. No, this was he, Meſſala,", "But Caffius is no more. O fetting Sun:", "As in thy red Rayes thou doſt ſink to night;", "So in his red blood Caffius day it ſet.", "The Son of Rome is ſet. Our day is gone,", "Clouds, Dews, and Dangers come; our deeds are done:", "Miftruit of my ſucces hath done this deed.", "Meſſa. Miftruit of good ſucces hath done this deed.", "O hateful Error, Melancholies Child:", "Why doſt thou ſhew to the apt thoughts of men,\nThe things that are not? O Error ſoon conceiv'd,\nThou never com't unto a happy Birth,", "But kill't the Mother that engendred thee.", "Tit. What Pindarus? Where art thou, Pindarus?", "Meſſa. Seek him, Titinius: whilſt I go to meet", "The Noble Brutus, thraſuing this report", "Into his Ears; I may ſay, thraſuing it:", "For piercing Steel, and Darts invenomed", "Shall be as welcome to the Ears of Brutus,", "As tydings of this fight.", "Tit. Hye you, Meſſala,", "And I will ſee for Pindarns the while:", "Why didſt thou ſend me forth, brave Caffius?", "Did I not meet thy Friends, and did not they", "Put on my brows this wreath of Viſtory,", "And bid me give it thee? Didſt thou not hear their ſhouts?", "Alas, thou haſt miſconſtrued every thing.", "But hold thee, take this Garland on thy Brow,\nThy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I", "Will do his bidding. Caffus, come apace,\nAnd fee how I regarded Cains Caffius:", "By your leave, gods: This is a Romans part,\nCome Caffius Sword, and find Titinius heart.", "[Dies.", "Alarum. Enter Brutus, Meſſala, young Cato,\nStrato, Volumnius, and Lucillius.", "Bru. Where, where, Meſſala, doth his Body lie?", "Meſſa. Lo yonder, and Titinius mourning it.", "Bru. Titinius face is upward.", "Cato. He is flain.", "Bru. O Julius Caſar, thou art mighty yet,\nThy Spirit walks abroad, and turns our Swords", "In our own proper Entrails.", "Cato. Brave Titinius,", "[Low Alarum.", "Look where he have not Crown'd dead Caffius.\nBru. Are yet two Romans living ſuch as theſe?", "The laſt of all the Romans, fare thee well:", "It is impoffible that ever Rome", "Should breed thy Fellow: know me who moe tears", "To this dead man, than you ſhall fee me pay.", "I ſhall find time, Caffius: I ſhall find time.", "Come therefore, and to Tharsus ſend his body,\nHis Funerals ſhall not be in our Camp,", "Left it diſcomfort us. Lucillius come,", "And come, young Cato, let us to the Field,\nLabio and Flavius, let our Battels on:", "'Tis three a Clock, and Romans yet ere night,", "We ſhall try Fortune in a ſecond fight.", "[Exeunt.", "Alarum. Enter Brutus, Meſſala, Cato, Lucillius,\nand Flavius.", "Bru. Yet Countrymen: O yet, hold up your heads.", "Cato. What Baſtard doth not? who will go with me?", "I will proclaim my name about the field.", "I am the Son of Marcus Cato, ho.", "A Foe to Tyrants, and my Countreys Friend.", "I am the Son of Marcus Cato, ho.", "Enter Souldiers and fight.", "And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I.", "Brutus my Countries Friend: know me for Brutus.", "Luc. O young and Noble Cato, art thou down?", "Why now thou dyeſt, as bravely as Titinius,", "And may'ſt be honour'd being Cato's Son.", "Sould. Yield, or thou dyeſt.", "Luc. Only I yield to die:", "There is ſo much, that thou wilt kill me straight:\nKill Brutus, and be honour'd in his Death.", "Sould. We muſt not: a Noble Prifoner.", "### Enter Antony.", "2. Sould. Room ho: tell Antony, Brutus is tane.", "1. Sould. I'll tell thee news, here comes the General, Brutus is tane, Brutus is tane, my Lord.", "Ant. Where is he?", "Luc. Safe Antony, Brutus is ſafe enough:", "I dare auſſure thee, that no Enemy", "Shall ever take alive the Noble Brutus:", "The gods defend him from ſo great a ſhame,\nWhen you do find him or alive, or dead,\nHe will be found like Brutus, like himſelf.", "Ant. This is not Brutus, Friend, but I auſſure you,", "A prize no leſs in worth: keep this man ſafe,", "Give him all kindneſs. I had rather have", "Such men my Friends, than Enemies. Go on,", {"bbox": [736, 1312, 985, 1330], "category": "Text", "text":

The Tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

39

Enter Brutus, Dardanius, Clitus, Strato,
and Volumnius.

Bru. Come, poor remains of Friends, reft on this Rock.
Cat. Statillus shew'd the Torch-light, but, my Lord,
He came not back, he is, or tane, or flain.
Bru. Sit thee down, Clitus: slaying is the word,
It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus.
Clit. What I, my Lord? No, not for all the World.
Bru. Peace then, no words.
Clit. I'll rather kill my self.
Bru. Hark thee, Dardanius.
Dard. Shall I do such a Deed ?
Clit. O Dardanius.
Dar. O Clitus.
Clit. What ill requeft did Brutus make to thee?
Dar. To kill him, Clitus: look he meditates.
Clit. Now is that Noble Veffel full of grief,
That it runs over even at his Eyes.
Bru. Come hither, good Volumnius, lift a word.
Volum. What says, my Lord?
Bru. Why this, Volumnius:
The Ghast of Cæsar hath appear'd to me
Two feveral times by night: at Sardis, once;
And this laft night, here in Philippi-fields :
I know my hour is come.
Volum. Not fo, my Lord.
Bru. Nay, I am fure it is, Volumnius.
Thou feest the World, Volumnius, how it goes,
Our Enemies have beat us to the Pit: [Low Alarum.
It is more worthy, to leap in our felves,
Than tarry till they pufh us. Good Volumnius,
Thou knoweft that we two went to School together :
Even for that our love of old, I prethee
Hold thou my Swords Hilt, while I run on it.
Vol. That's not an office for a Friend, my Lord.
[Alarum fill.
Clit. Fly, fly, my Lord, there is no tarrying here.
Bru. Farewel to you, and you, and you, Volumnius,
Strato, thou haft been all this while afleep:
Farewel to thee, to Strato; Countrymen:
My heart doth joy, that yet all my life,
I found no man, but he was true to me.
I ſhall have glory by this loofing day,
More than Oelevius and Mark Antony,
By this vile Conqueſt ſhall attain unto.
So fare you well at once, for Brutus tongue

Hath almost ended his lives Hiftory:
Night hangs upon mine Eyes, my Bones would reſt,
That have but labour'd, to attain this hour.
Alarum. Cry within. Flie, flie, flie.
Clit. Flie, my Lord, flie.
Bru. Hence: I will follow:
I prethee, Strato, fly thou by thy Lord,
Thou art a Fellow of a good reſpect:
Thy life hath had ſome ſmatch of honour in it.
Hold then my Sword, and turn away thy face,
While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?
Strat. Give me your hand firſt. Fare you well, my Lord.
Bru. Farewel, good Strato. — Cæsar, now be ſtill,
I kill'd not thee with half ſo good a will.
[Dies.
Alarum. Retreat. Enter Antony, Oelevius, Meſſala,
Lucillius, and the Army.
Oeſt. What man is that?
Meffla. My Maſters man. Strato, where is thy Maſter?
Stra. Free from the Bondage you are in, Meſſala?
The Conquerours can but make a fire of him:
For Brutus only overcame himſelf,
And no man else hath honour by his Death.
Luci. So Brutus ſhould be found. I thank thee, Brutus,
That thou haſt prov'd Lucillius faying true.
Oeſt. All that ferv'd Brutus I will entertain them,
Fellow, wilt thou beſtow thy time with me?
Stra. I, if Meſſala will prefer me to you.
Oeſt. Do ſo, good Meſſala.
Meffla. How died my Lord, Strato?
Stra. I held the Sword, and he did run on it.
Meffla. Oeſtavius, then take him to follow thee,
That did the lateſt ſervice to my Maſter.
Ant. This was the Nobleft Roman of them all:
All the Conſpirators ſave only he,
Did that they did, in envy of great Cæsar:
He, only in a general honeſt thought,
And common good to all, made one of them.
His life was gentle, and the Elements
So mixt in him, that Nature might ſtand up,
And ſay to all the World; This was a man.
Oeſt. According to his Vertue, let us uſe him
With all reſpect, and rites of Burial.
Within my Tent his Bones to night ſhall lie,
Moſt like a Souldier, ordered honourably:
So call the field to reſt, and let's away,
To part the glories of this happy day.
[Exeunt omnes.

Ddd 2

THE

40

THE
TRAGEDY
OF
MACBETH.

Actus Primus. Scæna Prima.

Thunder and Lightning. Enter three Witches.

1. W HEN shall we three meet again ?
   In Thunder, Lightning, or in Rain ?
2. When the Hurly-burly's done,
   When the Battel's loft and won.

3. That will be e're the set of Sun.

1. Where the place ?

2. Upon the Heath.

3. There to meet with Macbeth.

1. I come, Gray-Malkin.

All. Padoeke calls anon: Fair is foul, and foul is fair.
Hover through the fog and filthy air. [Exeunt.

Scæna Secunda.

Alarum within. Enter King, Malcolm, Donalbaine,
Lenox, with Attendants, meeting
a. bleeding Captain.

King. What bloody man is that? He can report,
As feemeth by his plight, of the revolt
The newest flate.

Mal. This is the Serjeant,
Who like a good and hardy Souldier fought
'Gainst my Captivity: Hail, hail, brave Friend;
Say to the King, the knowledge of the broyl,
As thou didst leave it.

Cap. Doubtful it fiood,
As two fpent Swimmers, that do cling together,
And choak their Art: The mercileſs Macdonnel
(Worthy to be a Rebel, for to that
The multiplying villanies of Nature
Do fwarm upon him) from the westerne ſlles
Of Kernes and Gallow glaſſes is ſupply'd,
And Fortune on his damned Quarry ſmiling,
Shew'd like a Rebels whore: But all's too weak:
For brave Macbeth (well he deferves that name.)
Diflaining Fortune with his brandiſht Steel,
Which ſmoak'd with bloody execution
Like Valours Minion) carv'd out his paffage,
Till he fac'd the Slave:

Which never fhook hands, nor bid farewel to him,
Till he unfeam'd him from the Nave to th' Chops,
And fix'd his head upon our Battlements.

King. O valiant Couſin, worthy Gentleman.

Cap. As whence the Sun gins his reflection,

Shipwracking ſtorms and direful Thunders breaking.
So from that ſpring, whence comfort ſeem'd to come,
Difcomfort ſwells: Mark, King of Scotland, mark,
No noſoner Jufſice had with Valour arm'd,
Compell'd theſe skipping Kernes to truſt their heels,
But the Norwegian Lord ſurveying vantage,
With ſurſuſt arms and new ſupplies of men,
Began a fresh ſaſſault.

King. Difmaid not this our Captains, Macbeth and Banquo ?

Cap. Yes, as Sparrows Eagles;
Or the Hare the Lion.

If I ſay ſooth, I muſt report they were
As Cannons overcharg'd with double Cracks,
So they doubly redoubled ſtroaks on the Foe:
Except they meant to bathe in reeking Wounds,
Or memorize another Golyotha,
I cannot tell: But I am ſaint,
My Gathes cry for help.

King. So well thy words become thee, as thy wounds,
They ſmack of Honour both: Go, get him Surgeons.

Enter Roffe and Angus.

Who comes here ?

Mal. The worthy Thane of Roffe.

Len. What haſt looks through his eyes?

So ſhould he look, that ſeems to ſpeak things ſtrange.

Roffe. God fave the King,

King. Whence cam'ſt thou, worthy Thane ?

Roffe. From Fife, great King,

Where the Norwegian Banners flout the Sky,
And fan our people cold.

Norway himſelf, with terrible numbers,
Aſſited by that moſt diſloyal Traytor,
The Thane of Cawdor, began a diſmal Conflict,
Till that Bekona's Bridegroom, lapt in proof,
Confronted him with ſelf-comparifons,
Point againſt Point, rebellious Arm 'gainſt Arm,
Curbing his lavilſ spirit: And to conclude,
The victory fell on us.

King. Great happineſs.

Roffe. That now Sweno, the Norwayes King,
Craves compoſition:

Nor would we deign him burial of his men,
'Till he disburſed, at Saint Colmes-hill,
Ten thouſand Dollars, to our general ufe.

King. No more that Thane of Cawdor that shall deceive
Our boſom intereſt: Go, pronounce his preſent death,
And

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

41

And with his former Title, great Macbeth,

Rosse. I'll fee it done.

King. What he hath loft, noble Macbeth hath won.

[Exeunt.]

## Scena Tertia.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

1. Where haſt thou been, Sifter ?

2. Killing Swine.

3. Sifter, where then ?

1. A Saylors wife had Cheſnut in her Lap,
And mouncht, and mouncht, and mouncht:
Give me, quoth I.

Anoyt thee, Witch, the Rump-fed Ronyon cries.

Her husband's to *Aleppo* gone, Maſter o'ch? **Tiger:**

But in a ſieve I'll thither fail,
And like a Rat without a Tail,
I'll do, I'll do, and I'll do.

2. I'll give thee a wind.

1. Th'art kind.

3. And I another.

1. I my ſelf have all the other,
And the very Ports they blow,
All the Quarters that they know.
I'ch' Shipman's Card.

I'll drain him dry as Hay:

Sleep ſhall all night nor day,

Hang upon his Pent-houſe Lid:

He ſhall live a man forbid:

Weary Sev'nights, nine times nine,

Shall he dwindle, peak and pine:

Though his Bark cannot be loſt,

Yet it ſhall be Tempeſt-toſt.

Look what I have.

2. Shew me, ſhew me.

1. Here, I have a Pilot? Thumb,
Wratck as homeward he did come.

[Drum within]

3. A Drum, a Drum:

*Macbeth* doth come.

All. The weyward Sifters, hand in hand,
Poſters of the Sea and Land.

Thus do go, about, about,

Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine,

And thrice again to make up nine.

Peace, the Charm's wound up.

## Enter Macbeth and Banquo.

Macb. So foul and fair a day I have not feen.

Banq. How far is't call'd to *Soris* ? what are theſe ?
So wither'd, and fo wild in their attire,
That look not like th' inhabitants o'ch' Earth,
And yet are on't? Live you, or are you ought
That man may quetſion? You seem to understand me,
By each at once her choppy finger laying

Upon her skinny Lips: You ſhould be Women,
And yet your Beards forbid me to interpret
That you are ſo.

Macb. Speak if you can: What are you ?

1. All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, *Thane of Glamis*,

2. All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, *Thane of Cawdor*.

3. All hail, Macbeth, that ſhal be King hereafter.

Ban. Good Sir, why do you ſtart and ſeem to fear
Things that do found to ſair ? I'ch' name of Truth,
Are ye ſantſaſtical, or that indeed

Which outwardly ye ſhew ? My noble Partner,
You greet with preſent Grace, and great Prediction
Of Noble having, and of Royal hope,
That he ſeems wrapt withal; to me you ſpeak not.
If you can look into the Seeds of Time,
And ſay, which Grain will grow, and which will not,
Speak then to me, who neither beg, nor fear

Your favours, nor your hate.

1. Hail.

2. Hail.

3. Hail.

1. Lefter than Macbeth, and greater.

2. Not ſo happy, yet much happier.

3. Thou ſhalt get Kings, though thou be none:

So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo.

1. Banquo and Macbeth, all hail.

Macb. Stay, you imperfect Speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel's death I know I am *Thane of Glamis*,

But how of *Cawdor* ? The *Thane of Cawdor* lives,

A prosperous Gentleman: And to be King,

Stands not within the proſpect of belief,

No more than to be *Cawdor*. Say from whence

You owe this ſtrange intelligence, or why,

Upon this blaſted heath you ſtop our way

With ſuch Prophetique greeting ?

Speak, I charge you.

[Witches vanish.

Banq. The Earth hath bubbles, as the water has.

And theſe are of them: Whither are they vanilſh'd ?

Macb. Into the Air: and what ſeem'd corporal,

Melted, as breath into the wind.

Would they had ſtaid.

Banq. Were ſuch things here, as we do ſpeak about?

Or have we eaten of the infane Root,

That takes the Reafon Přifoner ?

Macb. Your Children ſhall be Kings.

Banq. You ſhall be King.

Macb. And *Thane of Cawdor* too: Went it not ſo?

Banq. To th' ſelf fame tune, and words: Who's here?

## Enter Rosſe and Angus.

Rosſe. The King hath happily receiv'd, Macbeth,
The news of thy Succes: and when he reads

Thy perſonal Venture in the Rebels fight,

His wonders and his Praſes do contend,

Which should be thine or his: Silenc'd with that,

In viewing o're the reſt o'ch' ſelf-fame day,

He finds thee in the ſlout *Norweyan* Ranks,

Nothing afraid of what thy ſelf didſt make

Strange Images of death, as thick as tale

Can poſt with Poſt, and every one did bear

Thy Praſifes in his Kingdoms great defence,

And pour'd them down before him.

Ang. We are ſent,

To give thee, from our Royal Maſter, thanks,

Only to herald thee into his fight,

Not pay thee.

Rosſe. And for an earneſt of a greater honour,
He bad me, from him, call thee *Thane of Cawdor*:
In which addition, hail, moſt worthy *Thane*,
For it is thine.

Banq. What, can the Devil ſpeak true?

Macb. The *Thane of Cawdor* lives:

Why do you drefs me in his borrowed Robes ?

Ang. Who was the *Thane*, lives yet,
But under heavy judgment bears that life,
Which he deferves to lobe,

Whether he was combin'd with thofe of *Norway*,
Or else did line the Rebel with hidden help,
And vantage; or that with both he labour'd

In his Countreys wrack, I know not :

But Treafons Capital, confefs'd, and prov'd,

Have overthrown him.

Macb. *Glamis*, and *Thane of Cawdor*:

The greatreſt is behind. Thanks for your pains.

Do you not hope your Children ſhall be Kings,

When thofe that gave the *Thane of Cawdor* to me,

Promis'd no leſs to them ?

Banq. That truſted home,

Might yet enkindle you into the Crown,

Befides the *Thane of Cawdor*. But 'tis ſtrange:

Ddd 3

And

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of Darknefs tell us Truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray's
In deepeft consequence.

Cousins, a word, I pray you.

Macb. Two truths are told,

As happy Prologues to the ſwelling Act
Of the imperial Theam. I thank you, Gentlemen:

This ſupernatural ſolliciting

Cannot be ill; cannot be good.

If ill? Why hath it given me earneſt of ſuccesſ,
Commencing in a Truth? I am Thane of Cawdor.

If good? Why do I yield to that ſuggelſion,
Whose horrid Image doth unfix my heir,
And make my ſeated heart knock at my Ribs,
Againſt the uſe of nature ? Prefent ſears

Are leſs than horrible imaginings :
My thought, whose murther yet is but ſantasticl,
Shakes ſo my ſingle ſtate of man.

That function is ſmother'd in ſurmiſe,

And nothing is, but what is not.

Ban. Look how our Partner's rapt.

Macb. If Chance will have me King,

Why Chance may crown me

Without my ſtir.

Ban. New honours come upon him,

Like our ſtrange Garments, cleave not to their mould,

But with the aid of uſe.

Macb. Come what may,

Time and the hour runs through the rougheſt day.

Ban. Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leifure.

Macb. Give me your favour :

My dull brain was wrought with things ſorgotten.

Kind Gentlemen, your pains are registred,
Where every day I turn the Leaf,
To read them.

Let us toward the King; think upon,

What hath chanc'd : and at more time,
The interim having weigh'd it, let us ſpeak

Our free hearts each to other.

Ban. Very gladly.

Macb. Till then enough :

Come, friends.

[Exeunt]

## Scæna Quarta.

Flourish. Enter King, Lenox, Malcolm, Donalbain, and Attendants.

King. Is execution done on Cawdor ?

Are not thofe in commiffion yet return'd ?

Mal. My Liege, they are not yet come back.

But I have ſpoke with one that ſaw him die:
Who did report, that very frankly he

Confess'd his Treaſons, implor'd your Highneſts pardon,
And fet forth a deep Repentance :

Nothing in his life became him,
Like the leaving it. He dy'd,

As one that had been ſtudied in his death,
To throw away the deareſt thing he ow'd,
As 'twere a careleſs trifle.

King. There's no Art,
To find the minds conſtruction in the face :
He was a Gentleman on whom I built.
An absolute truſt.

Enter Macbeth, Banquo, Roffe, and Angus.

O worthieſt Couſin,

The ſin of my Ingratitude even now

Was heavy on me. Thou art ſo far before,
That ſwiftſt Wine of Recompence is flow:

To overtake thee. Would thou hadſt leſs deſerv'd,

That the Proportion both of thanks and payment,
Might have been mine: Only I have left to lay,
More is thy due, than more than all can pay.

Macb. The ſervice and the loyalty I owe,
In doing it, paies it ſelf.

Your Highneſts part is to receive our Duties:
And our Duties are to your Throne and State.

Children and Servants, which do but what they ſhould
By doing every thing ſafe toward your love
And honour.

King. Welcome hither:

I have begun to plant thee, and will labour
To make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo,
That haſt no leſs deſerv'd, nor muſt be known,
Nor leſs to have done ſo: Let me enfold thee,
And hold thee to my heart.

Ban. There if I grow,
The Harveſt is your own.

King. My plenteous joys,
Wanton in fulneſſ, ſeek to hide themſelves
In drops of Sorrow. Sons, Kinaſman, Thanes,
And you, whole places are the neareſt, know,
We will eſtabliſh our Eſtate upon
Our eldeſt, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter,
The Prince of Cumberland: Which honour muſt
Not unaccompanied, inveſt him only.

But ſigns of Noblenefs, like Stars ſhall ſhine
On all Defervers. From hence to Envernes,
And bind us further to you.

Mal. The reſt is labour, which is not us'd for you :
I'll be my ſelf the Harbenger, and make joyfull
The hearing of my wife with your approach:
So humbly take my leave.

King. My worthy Cawdor.

Macb. The Prince of Cumberland: That is a ſtep,
On which I muſt fall down, or elfe o'r leap,
For in my way it lies. Stars hide your fires,
Let not light fee my black and deep deſires :
The eye wink at the hand: Yet let that be,
Which the eye fears, when it is done to fee.

King. True, worthy Banquo : He is full ſo valiant,
And in his commendations, I am fed :

It is a Banquet to me, let's after him,

Whose care is gone before, to bid us welcome:

It is a peerleſs kinaſman.

[Exit.]

[Exeunt.]

## Scæna Quinta.

Enter Macbeth's wife alone with a Letter.

Lady. They met me in the day of ſucces: and I have leaneſt
by the perſecſt ſt report, they have more in them, than marſt
knowledge. When I burnt in deſire to queſtion them further,
they made themſelves Air. Into which they vaniſhed. While I
ſlood rapt in the wonder of it, came Miſſives from the King,
who all hail'd me Thane of Cawdor, by which Title before,
thoſe weyward Sifters falutred me, and reſerv'd me to the co-
ming on of time, with hail King that ſhall be. This have I
thought good to deliver thee (my deareſt partner of Greatneſs)
that thou might'ſt not loſe the dues of rejoycing by being ſuitor
of what Greatneſs is promis'd thee. Lay it to thy heart, and
farewell.

Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and ſhalt be
What thou art promis'd: Yet I do fear thy Nature,
It is too full o'th' milk of humane kindneſſ,
To catch the neareſt way. Thou wouldſt be great,
Art not without ambition: But without
The Illneſts should attend it. What thou would'ſt highly,
That wouldſt thou holily: Would'ſt not play ſalſe,
And yet would'ſt wrongly win.

Thou'ſt have, great Glamis, that which cries,
Thus thou muſt do if thou have it;

And that which rather thou doſt fear to do,

Than

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Than wiſheſt should be undone. Hie thee hither,
That I may pour my Spirits in thine ear,
And chafte with the valour of my tongue
All that thee hinders from the Golden Round,
Which Fate and Metaphysical aid dooth seem
To have thee crown'd withal.

Enter Mellenger.

What is your tidings?

Mell. The King comes here to night,
Lady. Thou'rt mad to fay it,
Is not thy Maſter with him ? who, wer't so,
Would have inform'd for preparation.

Mell. So pleafe you, it is true: our Thane is coming,
One of my ſellows had the ſpeed of him ;
Who almoſt dead for breath, had ſcarcely more
Than would make up his Mellage.

Lady. Give him tending,
He brings great News,
The Raven himſelf is hoarſe,
That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncane
Under my Battlements. Come you Spirits.
That tend on mortal thoughts, unſex me here,
And fill me from the Crown to the Toe, top-full
Of direſt Cruelty : make thick my blood,
Stop up the acceds and paffage to Morrem,
That no compuſtions viſitings of Nature
Shake my ſell purpose, nor keep peace between
Th' effect, and it. Come to my Womans Breaths,
And take my Milk for Gall, you murth'ring Minifters,
Where-ever in your fightleſs ſubſtances,
You wait on Natures Mifchief. Come, thick Night,
And pall thee in the dunnest ſmoak of Hell,
That my keen knife fee not the wound it makes,
Nor Heaven peep through the blanket of the dark,
To cry, hold, hold.

[Exeunt Mellenger.

Enter Macbeth.

Great Glamis, worthy Cawdor,
Greater than both, by the all hail hereafter,
Thy Letters have tranſported me beyond
This ignorant prefent, and I feel now
The future in the inflant.

Macb. My deareſt Love,
Duncane comes here to Night.

Lady. And when goes hence ?
Macb. To morrow, as he purpofes.

Lady. O never,
Shall Sun that morrow fee.

Your Face, my Thane, is as a book, where men
May read ifrange matters to beguile the time.
Look like the time, bear welcome in your eye,
Your hand, your tongue; look like the innocent flower,
But be the Serpent under't. He that's coming,
Muſt be provided for: and you ſhall put
This Nights great buſineſs into my diſpatch,
Which ſhall to all our Nights and Days to come,
Give ſolely Soveraign Sway and Maſterdom.

Macb. We will ſpeak further.

Lady. Only look up clear :
To alter favour ever is to fear :
Leave all the reſt to me.

Enter Macbeth.

Macb. We will ſpeak further.

[Exeunt.

Scena Sexta.

Hoboyes, and Torches. Enter King, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lenox, Macduffe, Roffe, Angus, and Attendants.

King. This Castle hath a pleafant ſeat,
The air-nimbly and fweetly recommends it ſelf

Scena Septima.

Unto our gentle ſenſes.

Banq. This Guſt of Summer,
The Temple-haunting Barlet does approve,
By his loved Monſonry, that the Heavens breath,
Smells wooingly here: No Jutty frieze,
Buttrice, nor Coigne of Vantage, But this Bird
Hath made this pendant Bed, and procreant Cradle,
Where they muſt breed, and haunt: I have obſerv'd
The air is delicate,

Enter Lady.

King. See, fee, our honour'd Holfteſs:
The love that follows us, fometime is our trouble,
Which ſtill we thank as Love. Herein I teach you,
How you ſhall bid god-eyld us for your pains,
And thank us for your trouble.

Lady. All our ſervic[e],
In every point twice done, and then done double,
Were poor, and ſingle Buſineſs, to contend
Against thofe honours deep, and broad,
Wherewith your Maſjeſty loads our houſe :
For thofe of old, and the late Dignities,
Heap'd up to them, we reſt your Hermits.

King. Where's the Thane of Cawdor ?
We courſt him at the heels, and had a purpose
To be his Purveyor: But he rides well,
And his great Love (tharp as his Spur) hath holp him
To his home before us: Fair and Noble Holfteſs,
We are your guelt to Night.

Lady. Your ſervants ever,
Have theirs, themſeſves, and what is theirs in compſt,
To make their Audit at your highneſs pleasure,
Still to return your own.

King. Give me your hand :
Conduct me to mine Hoft, we love him highly,
And ſhall continue, our Graces towards him.
By your leave, Holfteſs.

[Exeunt.

Hoboyes. Torches.

Enter a Sewer, and devers Servants with Difhes and Service
over the Stage. Then enter Macbeth.

Macb. If it were done, when 'tis done, then 'twere well,
It were done quickly: if th'Allaffination
Could trammel up the Conſequence, and catch
With his ſurceafe, Succeſs: that but this blow
Might be the be all, and the end all. Here,
But here, upon this Bank and School of time.
We'd jump the life to come. But in theſe Cafes,
We ſtill have judgment here, that we but teach
Bloody inſtructions, which being taught, return
To plague th'ingredience of our poyſon'd Chalice
To our own lips. He's here in double truſt :
Firſt, as I am his Kinaſman, and his Subject,
Strong both againſt the Deed: then, as his Hoft,
Who ſhould againſt his Murderer ſnut the door,
Not bear the knife my ſelf. Befides this Duncane
Hath born this Faculty fo meek: hath been
So clear in his great Office, that his Vertues
Will please like Angels, Trumpet tongu'd againſt
The deep damnation of his taking off :
And Pity, like a naked new-born-babe,
Striding the blaſt, or Heavens Cherubin, hors'd
Upon the fightleſs Curriers of the Air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears ſhall drown the Wind. I have no Spur
To prick the fides of my intent, but only
Vaulting Ambition, which o're-leaps it ſelf,

Enter

["The Tragedy of Macbeth.", "44", "Enter Lady.", "And falls on th'other.", "How now ? What News ?", "La. He has almost fup'd: why have you left the chamber?", "Mac. Hath he ask'd for me?", "Lady. Know you not, he has?", "Mac. We will proceed no further in this Bufinefs:", "He hath honour'd me of late, and I have bought\nGolden Opinions from all forts of People,\nWhich would be worn now in their newest glofs,\nNot caft afide so foon.", "Lady. Was the hope drunk,", "VVherein you dreft your felf ? Hath it flept ſince ?", "And wakes it now to look so green and pale ?", "At what it did so freely ? From this time,", "Such I account thy love. Art thou afraid", "To be the fame in thine own Act, and Valour,", "As thou art in deſire ? Wouldſt thou have that", "Which thou eſteem'd the Ornament of Life,", "And live a Coward in thine own eſteem ?", "Letting I dare not, wait upon I would,", "Like the poor Cat i'th' Adage.", "Macb. Prethee, peace:", "I dare do all that may become a man;", "Who dares no more is none.", "Lady. What beaſt was't then,", "That made you break this enterprize to me?", "When you durſt do it, then you were a man:", "And to be more than what you were, you would", "Be ſo much more the man. Nor time, nor place", "Did then adhere, and yet you would make both:", "They have made themclves, and that their fitneſs now", "Do's unmake you. I have given Suck, and know", "How tender'tis to love the Babe that milks me,", "I would, while it was ſmiling in my face,", "Have pluckt my Nipple from his boneſſes Gumms,", "And daſt the Brains out, had I but ſo ſworn", "As you have done to this.", "Macb. If we ſhould fail?", "Lady. We fail?", "But ſcrew your courage to the ſticking place,", "And we'll not fail: When Duncan is aſſeep,\n(Where to the rather ſhall his days hard Journey\nfoundly invite him) his two Chamberlains\nWill I with VVine and VVaſſel, ſo convince,", "That memory, the warder of the Brain,", "Shall be a Fume, and the Receipt of Reafon", "A Limbeck only, when in ſwinſh ſleep,", "Their drenched Natures lie as in a Death,", "What cannot you and I perform upon", "Th'unguarded Duncan ? What, not put upon", "His ſpungy Officers? Who ſhall bear the guilt", "Of our great Quell?", "Macb. Bring forth Men-Children only:", "For thy undaunted Metal ſhould compoſe", "Nothing but Males. VVill it not be receiv'd,", "VWhen we have mark'd with blood thate ſleep ſtwo", "Of his own Chamber, and us'd their very Daggers,", "That they have don't?", "Lady. Who dares receive it other,", "As we ſhall make our Griefs and Clamour roar,", "Upon his Death?", "Macb. I am fetled, and bend up", "Each corporal Agent to this terrible Feat,", "Away, and mock the time with faireſt ſhow,", "Falſe Face muſt hide what the falſe heart doth know.", "Exeunt.", "Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.", "Enter Banquo, and Fleance, with a Torch\nbefore him.", "Banq. How goes the Night, Boy ?", "Fleance. The Moon is down: I have not", "heard the Clock.", "Banq. And ſhe goes down at Twelve,", "Fleance. I tak't'tis later, Sir.", "Banq. Hold, Take my Sword:", "There's Husbandry in Heaven,", "Their Candles are all out: Take thee that too.", "A heavy Summons lies like lead upon me,", "And yet I would not ſleep:", "Merciful Powers, reſtrain in me the curſed thoughts", "That Nature gives way to in repofe.", "Enter Macbeth, and a Servant with a Torch.", "Give me my Sword: Who's there?", "Macb. A Friend.", "Banq. What, Sir, not yet at reſt? The King's a bed", "He hath been in unuſual pleaſure.", "And ſent forth a great Larges to your Offices.", "This Diamond he greets your Wife withal,", "By the name of moſt kind Hoftefs,", "And ſhut it up in meaſureſſs content.", "Macb. Being unprepar'd,", "Our will became the ſervant to defect,", "Which eſſe ſhould free have wrought.", "Banq. All's well.", "I dreamt laſt night of the three weyward Sifters:", "To you they have ſhew'd ſome truth.", "Macb. I think not of them:", "Yet when we can intreat an hour to ſerve,", "We would ſpend it in ſome words upon that Bufineſſs,", "If you would grant the time.", "Banq. At your kind leiſure.", "Macb. If you ſhall cleave to my conſent,", "When'tis, it ſhall make honour for you.", "Banq. So I loſe none,", "In seeking to augment it, but ſtill keep", "My boſom franchis'd, and allegiance clear,", "I ſhall be counſell'd.", "Macb. Good repofe the while.", "Banq. Thanks, Sir: The like to you.", "[Exit Banquo.", "Macb. Go, bid thy Mifſrels, when my drink is ready,", "She ſtrike upon the Bell. Get thee to bed.", "[Exit.]", "Is this a dagger which I fee before me,", "The handle toward my hand ? Come let me clutch thee:", "I have thee not, and yet I fee thee ſtill,", "Art thou not fatal Vifion, ſenſible", "To feeling, as to ſight ? Or art thou but", "A Dagger of the Mind, a falſe Creation,", "Proceeding from the heat oppreſſed Brain?", "I fee thee yet, in form, as palpable", "As this which now I draw.", "Thou marſhalt me the way that I was going,", "And ſuch an Inſtrument I was to uſe.", "Mine eyes are made the fools o'th' other Senſes,", "Or eſſe worth all the reſt: I fee thee ſtill,", "And on thy blade, and Dudgeon, Gouts of blood,", "Which was not ſo before.

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

45

Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace,
With Tarquin's ravish'd fides, towards his design
Moves like a Ghost. Thou four and firm-set Earth,
Hear not my fteps, which they may walk, for fear
Thy very flones prate of my where-about,
And take the prefent horror from the time,
Which now fuits with it. Whileſ I threat, he lives:
Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.

A Bell rings.

I go, and it is done: the Bell invites me.
Hear it not, Duncane, for it is a Knell,
That ſummons thee to Heaven, or to Hell.

[Exit.]

## Scena Secunda.

Enter Lady.

(bold)

**La.** That which hath made them drunk, hath made me
What hath quench'd them, hath given me fire.
Heark, peace: It was the Owl that hriek'd,
The fatal Bell-man, which gives the ſtern'ft good night,
He is about it, the doors are open:-
And the furſured Grooms do mock their charge
With Snores. I have drugg'd their Poffels,
That D.ath and Nature do contend about them,
Whether they live or die.

Enter Macbeth.

Macb. Who's there? What ho?

Lady. Alack, I am afraid they have awak'd,
And 'tis not done: The attempt, and not the deed,
Confounds us: Hark! I laid their Daggers ready,
He could not miſs 'em. Had he not ſembl'd
My Father as he ſlept, I had done't.
My Husband?

Macb. I have done the deed:

Didst not thou hear a noife?

Lady. I heard the Owl ſcream, and the Crickets cry.

Did not you ſpeak?

Macb. When?

Lady. Now.

Macb. As I defcended?

Lady. I.

Macb. Hark, who lies i'ch' ſecond Chamber?

Lady. Donalbaine.

Macb. This is a forry fight.

Lady. A foolish thought, to ſay a forry fight.

Macb. There's one did laugh in's ſleep,

And one cry'd Murder, that they did wake each other:
I ſtood, and heard them: But they did ſay their Prayers,
And addreſt them again to ſleep.

Lady. There are two lodg'd together.

Macb. One cry'd, God bleſs us, and Amen the other,
as they had ſeen me with the Hangmans hands:
Lining their fear, I could not ſay Amen,
When they did ſay, God bleſſs us.

Lady. Conſider it not ſo deeply.

Mac. But wherefore could not I pronounce Amen?

I had mo' need of bleſſing, and Amen ſtuck in my throat.

Lady. Hefe deeds muſt not be thought

After thefe ways: ſo, it will make us mad.

Macb. Methought I heard a voice cry, ſleep no more:
Macbeth does nurſer ſleep, the innocent ſleep,
Sleep that kniſt up the ravell'd Sleeve of Care,
The death of each daies Life, ſore Labours Bath,
Balm of hurt m'ds, great Natures ſecond Courſe,
Chief Nourifher 1 Lifes Feaſt.

Lady. What do you mean?

Macb. Still it crys, ſleep no more to all the houſe:

Glamis hath murthen ſleep, and therefore Lawdor

Shall ſleep no more: Macbeth shall ſleep no more.

La. Who was it then thus cry'd? Why, worthy Thanę,

You do unbend your noble ſtrength, to think
So brainſickly of things: Go, get ſome water,
And wath this filthy witneſs from your Hand,

Why did you bring theſe Daggers from the place?
They muſt lie there: Go, carry them, and Ihear
The ſleepy Grooms with bloud.

Macb. I'll go no more:

I am afraid, to think what I have done:

Look on't again, I dare nor.

Lady. Inſirm of purpofe:

Give me the Daggers: The ſleeping and the dead,
Are but as Pictures: 'Tis the Eye of Child-hood,
That fears a painted Devil. If he do bleed,
I'll gild the Faces of the Grooms withal,
For it muſt ſeem their Guilt.

[Exit.]

Knock within.

Macb. Whence is that Knocking?

How is't with me, when every noife appalls me?

What Hands are here? Hah: they pluck out mine eyes.
Will all great Neptune's Ocean wath this bloud
Clean from my Hand? No: This my Hand will rather
The multitudinous Sear, incarnardine,
Making the Green one Red.

Enter Lady.

Lady. My hands are of your colour: But I ſhame

To wear a heart ſo white.

I hear a Knocking at the South Entry:
Retire we to our Chamber:

A little Water clears us of this deed,
How eafe is it then? Your Conſtancy

Hath left you unattended,
Heark, more Knocking.

Get on your Night-Gown, left occafion call us,
And ſhew us to be Watchers: Be not loſt
So poorly in your thoughts.

Macb. To know my deed,
'Twere beſt not know my ſelf.

Wake Duncane with thy Knocking:
I would you could'ſt.

[Knock.]

[Knock.]

[Knock.]

[Exeunt.]

## Scena Tertia.

Enter a Porter.

[Knocking within.]

Porter. Here's a knocking indeed: If a man were
Porter of Hell Gate, he ſhould have old turning the
Key. Knock. Knock, knock, knock. Who's there,
i'ch' name of Belzebub? Here's a Farmer, that hang'd
himſelf on th'expectation of Plenty: Come in time, have
Napkins enough about you, here you'll ſweat for't. Knock.
Knock, knock, Who's there, in th'other Devils Name?
Faith, here's an Equivocator, that could ſwear in both
the Scales, againſt either Scale, who committed Treafon
enough for God's ſake, yet could not equivocate to Hea-
ven: Oh come in, Equivocator. Knock. Knock,
knock, knock. Who's there? Faith, here's an English
Taylor come hither for ſtealing out of a French Hoke:
Come in, Taylor, here you may raſt your Goofe. Knock.
Knock, knock, never at quiet! What are you? But this
place is too cold for Hell. I'll Devil-Porter it no further:
I had thought to have let in ſome of all profefſions, that
go the Primroſe way to th' everlaſting Bonfire. Knock,
Anon, anon, I pray you remember the Porter.

Enter Macduff, and Lenox.

Mced. Was it ſo late, Friend, ere you went to bed,
That you do lie ſo late?

Port. Faith, Sir, we were carouſing till the ſecond Cock:
And Drink, Sir, is a great Provoker of three things.

Mced.

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Macd. What three things does Drink especially pro-
voke?

Port. Marry, Sir, Noſe-painting, Sleep, and Urine.
Letchery, Sir, it provokes, and unprovokes : it Provokes
the defire, but it takes away the performance. Therefore
much Drink may be ſaid to be an Equivocator with Le-
chery : it makes him and it mars him ; it sets him on,
and it takes him off; it perſwades him, and diſheartens
him; makes him ſtand to, and not ſtand to : in conclu-
ſion, equivocates him in a ſleep, and giving him the Lye,
leaves him.

Macd. I believe, Drink gave thee the Lye laſt Night.
Port. That it did, Sir, I' the very Throat on me: but I
requited him for his Lye, and (I think) being too ſtrong
for him, though he took up my Legs ſometime, yet I made
a Shift to caſt him.

Enter Macbeth.

Macd. Is thy Maſter fltirring ?
Our knocking has awak'd him : here he comes.

Lenox. Good Morrow, Noble Sir.

Macb. Good Morrow both.

Macb. Is the King fltirring, worthy Thane?

Macb. Not yet.

Macb. He did command me to call timely on him,
I have almost flipt the hour.

Macb. I'll bring you to him.

Macb. I know this is a joyful trouble to you :
But yet 'tis one.

Macb. The labour we delight in, Phyſick's pain :
This is the Door.

Macb. I'll make ſo bold to call, for 'tis my limited
ſervice. [Exit Macduff.

Lenox. Goes the King hence to day.
Macb. He does : he did appoint ſo.
Lenox. The Night has been unruly :
Where we lay, our Chimneys were blown down.
And (as they ſay) lamentings heard i'th' Air ;
Strange Screams of Death,
And Propheſying, with Accents terrible,
Of dire combuſions, and confus'd Events,
New hatch'd to th' woful time.
The obſure Bird clamor'd the live-long Night,
Some ſay, the Earth was feaſerous,
And did ſhake.

Macb. 'Twas a rough Night.
Lenox. My young remembrance cannot parallel
A fellow to it.

Enter Macduff.

Macb. O horrour, horrour, horrour !
Tongue nor Heart cannot conceive, nor name thee.

Macb. and Lenox. What's the matter ?

Macb. Conſuſion now hath made his Maſter-piece :
Moſt facrilegious Murther hath broke ope
The Lord's annointed Temple, and ſtole thence
The Life o'th' Building.

Macb. What is't you ſay ? the Life ?

Lenox. Mean you his Majesty?

Macb. Approach the Chamber, and deſtroy your fight
With a new Gorgon. Do not bid me ſpeak :
See, and then ſpeak your ſelves: awake, awake.

[Exeunt Macbeth and Lenox.
Ring the Alarum-Bell: Murther, and Treason,
Banquo, and Donalbaine: Malcolm awake,
Shake off this Downy ſleep, Death's counterfeit,
And look on Death it ſelf: up, up, and ſee
The great Doom's Image: Malcolm, Banquo,
As from your Graves rife up, and walk like Sprights,
To countenance this horror. Ring the Bell.

Bell rings. Enter Lady.

Lady. What's the buſineſs ?
That ſuch a hideous Trumpet calls to parley
The ſleepers of the Houſe ? ſpeak, ſpeak.

Macb. O gentle Lady,
'Tis not for you to hear what I can ſpeak :
The repetition in a Woman's Ear,
Would murther as it ſell.

Enter Banquo.

O Banquo, Banquo, Our Royal Maſter's murther'd.
Lady. Woe, alas :

What, in our Houſe ?
Ban. Too cruel, any where,
Dear Duff, I prythee contract thy ſelf,
And ſay, it is not ſo.

Enter Macbeth, Lenox, and Roffe.

Macb. Had I but dy'd an hour before this chance,
I had liv'd a bleſſed time : for from this inflant,
There's nothing ſerious in Mortality :
All is but toyes : Renown and Grace is dead,
The Wine of Life is drawn, and the mere Lees
Is left this Vault to brag of,

Enter Malcolm, and Donalbaine.

Donal. What is amifs ?

Macb. You are, and do not know't:
The Spring, the Head, the Fountain of your Blood
Is ſlopt; the very Source of it is ſlopt.

Macb. Your Royal Father's murther'd.

Mal. Oh, by whom ?

Lenox. Thoſe of his Chamber, as it ſeem'd, had don't :
Their Hands and Faces were all badg'd with blood,
So were their Daggers, which unwip'd, we found
Upon their Pillows : they ſtar'd, and were diſtraſted,
No man's life was to be truſted with them.

Macb. O, yet I do repent me of my fury,
That I did kill them.

Macb. Wherefore did you ſo ?

Macb. Who can be wife, amaz'd, temp'rate, and ſurious,
Loyal, and Neutral, in a moment ? No man:
Th'expedition of my violent Love
Out-run the pauſer, Reaſon. Here lay Duncan,
His ſilver skin, lac'd with his Golden Bloud,
And his gath'd Stabs, look'd like a Breach in Nature,
For Ruins waſtful entrance : there the Murtherers,
Steep'd in the Colours of their Trade; their Daggers
Unmannerly breech'd with gore : who could refrain,
That had a heart to love, and in that heart,
Courage, to make's love known ?

Lady. Help me hence, ho.

Macb. Look to the Lady.

Mal. Why do we hold our tongues,
That moſt may claim this argument for ours?

Donal. What ſhould be ſpoken here,
Where our Fate hid within an awger-hole,
May rufn, and ſeize us ? Let's away,
Our tears are not yet brew'd.

Mal. Nor our ſtrong Sorrow
Upon the foot of Motion,
Banq. Look to the Lady :
And when we have our naked Frailtie'slid,
That ſuffer in expofure; let us meet,
And queſtion this moſt bloudy piece I work,
To know it further. Fears and fcrup's ſhake us:
In the great Hand of God I ſtand, thence,
Against the un-divulg'd pretence I light
Of treaſonous Malice.

Macb.

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

47

Macd. And so do I.

All. So all.

Mach. Let's briefly put on manly readiness,

And meet it th' Hail together.

All. Well contented, ted.

Malc. What will you do ?

Let's not conform with them :

To shew an unfelt Sorrow, is an Office
Which the false man do's eafe.

I'll to England.

Don. To Ireland, I :

Our separated fortune shall keep us both the safer :
Where we are, ther's Daggers in mens Smiles;
The near in bloud, the nearer bloudy.

Malc. This murtherous shaft that's hot,
Hath not yet lighted : and our safest way,
Is to avoid the aim. Therefore to Houfe,
And let us not be dainty of leave-taking,
But shift away: there's warrant in that Theft
Which it keals it self, when there's no mercy left.

[Exeunt]

[Exeunt]

## Scæna Quarta.

Enter Roffe, with an Old man.

Old man. Threecore and ten I can remember well,
Within the Volume of which time, I have feen
Hours dreadful, and things ftrange : but this fore Night
Hath trifled former knowings.

Roffe. Ha, good Father,

Thou feelest the Heavens, as troubled with man's Act,
Threatens his bloudy Stage : by th' Clock 'tis Day,
And yet dark Night ftrangles the travelling Lamp :
Is't Night's predominance, or the Day's flame,
That Darkneſs do's the face of Earth intomb,
When living Light should kifs it ?

Old man. ?Tis unnatural,

Even like the deed that's done: on Tuesday laſt,
A Faulcon towring in her pride of place;
Was by a Mouſing Owl hawkt at, and kill'd.

Roffe. And Duncan's Horſes,

(A thing moſt ftrange, and certain)

Beauteous, and ſwift, the Minions of their Race,
Turn'd wild in nature, broke their ftalls, flung out,
Contending 'gainſt Obedience, as they would
Make War with Mankind.

Old man. ?Tis faid, they eat each other.

Roffe. They did fo :

To th' amazement of mine Eyes that look'd upon't.

Enter Macduff.

Here comes the good Macduff.

How goes the World, Sir, now ?

Mach. Why fee you not ?

Roffe. Is't known who did this more than bloody deed ?

Mach. Thoſe that Macbeth hath flain.

Roffe. Alas the day,

What good could they pretend ?

Mach. They were ſuborned,

Malcolm, and Donalbain the King's two Sons
Are ſtoln away and fled, which puts upon them
Suspicion of the deed.

Roffe. 'Gainſt Nature ſtill,

Thriftleſts Ambition, that will raven upon
Thine own lives means: then 'tis moſt like,
The Sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.

Mach. He is already nam'd, and gone to Scone
To be invetited.

Roffe. Where is Duncan's Body?

Mach. Carried to Colmekill,

The Sacred Store-houſe of his Predeceſſors,

And Guardian of their Bones.

Roffe. Will you to Scone ?

Mach. No Couſin, I'll to Fife.

Roffe. Well, I will thither.

Mach. Well may you fee things well done there : Adieu.

Left our old Robes fit eafier than our new.

Roffe. Farewell, Father.

Old.M. God's benifon go with you, Sir, and with thofe
That would make good of bad, and Friends of Foes.

[Exeunt omnes.]

## Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima.

Enter Banquo.

Banq. T. Hou haſt it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,

As the weyward Woman promis'd, and I fear
Thou playd'it moſt foully for't: yet it was faid

It should not ſtand in thy Pafterity,

But that my ſelf should be the Root, and Father
Of many Kings. If there come truth from them,

As upon thee, Macbeth, their Speeches ſhine,

Why by the verities on thee made good,

May they not be my Oracles as well,

And fet me up in hope ? But hulh, no more.

Semit founded. Enter Macbeth as King, Lady Lenox, Roffe, Lords, and Attendants.

Mach. Here's our chief Gueſt.

La. If he had been forgotten,

It had been as a gap in our great Feaſt,
And all things unbecoming.

Mach. To night we hold a ſolemn Supper, Sir,
And I'll requeſt your prefence.

Banq. Let your Highneſs

Command upon me, to the which my duties

Are with a moſt indifſoluble tye

For ever knit.

Mach. Ride you this Afternoon ?

Banq. I, my good Lord.

Mach. We should have eſſe defir'd your good advice,
(Which ſtill hath been both grave, and profperous)
In this dayes Council: but we'll take to Morrow.

Is't far you ride ?

Banq. As far, my Lord, as will fill up the time
'Twixt this and Supper. Go not my Horſe the better,
I muſt become a borrower of the Night,
For a dark hour or twain.

Mach. Fail not our Feaſt.

Ban. My Lord, I will not.

Mach. We hear our bloudy Couſins are beſtow'd
In England, and in Ireland, not confefling

Their cruel Parricide, filling their hearers

With ſtrange invention. But of that to morrow,

When therewithal we ſhall have cauſe of State,

Craving us jointly. Hye you to Horſe :

Adieu, till you return at Night.

Goes Fleance with you ?

Ban. I, my good Lord: our time does call upon's.

Mach. I with your Horſes ſwift, and ſure of foot :
And so do I commend you to their backs.

Farewell.

Let every man be mafter of his time,
'Till feven at Night, to make Society

The ſweeter welcome :

We will keep our ſelf till Supper time alone :

While then, God be with you.

Sirrah, a word with you: Attend thofe men
Our pleafure ?

Servant. They are, my Lord, without the Pallace
Gate.

Mach.

er'd.

hance,

oud,

had don't

ound

etracted,

and furious,

ature,

ers,

aggers

efraint,

Mach.

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

48

Macb. Bring them before us.
[Exit Servant.
To be thus, is nothing, but to be safely thus:
Our fears in Banquo flick deep,
And in his Royalty of Nature reigns that
Which would be fear'd. 'Tis much he dares,
And to that dauntlets temper of his Mind,
He hath a Wifdom, that doth guide his Valour,
To act in safety. There is none but he,
Whofe being I do fear: and under him,
My Genius is rebuk'd, as it is faid
Mark Anthony's was by Cæsar, He chid the Sifters,
When first they put the Name of King upon me,
And bad them speak to him. Then Prophet-like,
They hayl'd him Father to a line of Kings.
Upon my Head, they plac'd a fruitleſs Crown,
And put a barren Scepter in my Gripe,
Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal Hand,
No Son of mine succeeding: if't be so,
For Banquo's Ille have I fill'd my Mind,
For them, the gracious Duncan have I murther'd,
Put Rancours in the Veſſel of my Peace
Only for them, and mine Eternal Jewel
Given to the common Enemy of Man,
To make them Kings, the Seeds of Banquo Kings:
Rather than ſo, come Fate into the Lift,
And Champion me to th' utterance.
Who's there?

Enter Servant, and two Murtherers.

Now go to the Door, and stay there 'till we call.

[Exit Servant.

Was it not yesterday we spoke together?

**Murth.** It was, fo pleafe your Highneſs.

**Macb.** Well then,

Now you have confider'd of my ſpeeches?

Know, that it was he, in the times paſt;

Which held you ſo under fortune,

Which you thought had been our innocent ſelf,

This I made good to you, in our laſt Conference,

Paſt in probation with you:

How you were born in hand, how croſt:

The Inſtruments: who wrought with them:

And all things eſſe, that might

To half a Soul, and to a Notion craz'd,

Say, thus did Banquo.

1. **Murth.** You made it known to us.
   **Macb.** I did ſo:

   And went further, which is now
   Our point of ſecond meeting.

   Do you find your patience ſo predominant
   In your nature, that you can let this go?

   Are you ſo Gofſpell'd to pray for this good man,
   And for his Ille, whose heavy hand
   Hath bow'd you to the Grave, and begger'd
   Yours for ever?

1. **Murth.** We are men, my Liege.
   **Macb.** I, in the Catalogue ye go for men,
   As Hounds, and Greyhounds, Mungrels, Spaniels, Curs,
   Showghes, Water-Rugs, and Demy-Wolves are clipt
   All by the Name of Dogs: the valued ſile
   Diftinguifhes the ſwift, the flow, the ſubtle,
   The Houſe Keeper, the Hunter, every one
   According to the gift, which bounteous Nature
   Hath in him clos'd: whereby he does receive
   Particular addition, from the Bill,
   That writes them all alike: and ſo of men.
   Now, if you have a ſation in the ſile,
   Not i' th' worſt rank of Manhood, ſay't,
   And I will put the buſineſs in your Boſoms,
   Whofe Execution takes your Enemy off,
   Grapples you to the heart; and love of us,
   Who wear our Health but ſickly in his Life,
   Which in his Death were perfect.

2. **Murth.** I am one, my Liege,
   Whom the vile Blows and Buſeins of the World
   Hath ſo incensed that I am reckleſs what I do,
   To ſpight the World.

1. **Murth.** And I another,
   So weary with Difafterſ, tugg'd with Fortune,
   That I would fet my Life on any Chance,
   To mend it, or be rid on't.

**Macb.** Both of you know Banquo was your Enemy.

**Murth.** True, my Lord.

**Macb.** So is he mine: and in ſuch bloody diſtance,
   That every minute of his being, thrifts
   Againſt my near'ft of Life: and though I could
   With bare fac'd power ſweep him from my ſight,
   And bid my will avouch it; yet I muſt not,
   For certain Friends that are both his, and mine,
   Whofe loves I may not drop, but wail his fall,
   Who I my ſelf truck'd down: and thence it is,
   That I to your affiſtance do make love,
   Masking the buſineſs from the common Eye,
   For ſundry weighty Reaſons.

2. **Murth.** We ſhall, my Lord,
   Perform what you command us.

1. **Murth.** Though our Lives—

**Macb.** Your Spirits ſhine through you.

Within this hour, at moſt,

I will adſive you where to plant your ſelves,

Acquaint you with the perfect Spy o' th'time,

The moment on't, for't muſt be done to Night,

And ſomethink from the Palace: always thought,

That I require a clearneſs; and with him,

To leave no Rubs nor Boſches in the Work:

Fleance, his Son, that keeps him company,

Whofe abſence is no leſs material to me,

Than is his Fathers, muſt embrace the ſate

Of that dark hour: reſolve your ſelves a-part,

I'll come to you anon.

**Murth.** We are reſoly'd, my Lord.

**Macb.** I'll call upon you ſtraight: abide within,

It is concluded: Banquo, thy Soul's flight,

If it find Heaven, muſt find it out to Night.

[Exeunt.

## Scena Secunda.

Enter Macbeth's Lady, and a Servant.

**Lady.** Is Banquo gone from Court?

**Servant.** I, Madam, but returns again to Night.

**Lady.** Say to the King, I would attend his leifure,

For a few words.

Servant. Madam, I will.

[Exit.]

**Lady.** Nought's had, all's ſpent,

Where our defire is got without content:

'Tis ſafer, to be that which we deftroy,

Than by deſtruction dwell in doubtful joy.

Enter Macbeth.

How now, my Lord, why do you keep alone?
Of forrieſt Fancies your Companions making,
Uſing thofe Thoughts, which should indeed have dy'd
With them they think on: things without all remedy
Should be without regard: what's done, is done.

**Macb.** We have ſorch'd the Snake, not kill'd it:
She'll cloſe, and be her ſelf, whileſt our poor Malice
Remains in danger of her former Tooth.
But let the frame of things disjoint,
Both the Worlds ſuffer,
E're we will eat our Meal in fear, and ſleep
In the affiſt of theſe terrible Dreams,
That ſhake us Nightly: Better be with the dead,
Whom we, to gain our place, have ſent to peace:
Than on the torture of the Mind to lie

In

["The Tragedy of Macbeth.", "49", "In rewlefs eclefie :", "Duncan is in his Grave :", "After Life's fitful Fever, he fleeps well,", "Treaſon has done his worſt : nor Steel nor Poiſon,", "Malice domeſtick, Foreign Levy, nothing", "Can touch him further.", "Lady. Come on :", "Gentle, my Lord, ſleek o're your rugged Looks,", "Be bright and Jovial 'mong your Guelt's to Night.", "Mach. So ſhall I, Love, and ſo I pray be you :", "Let your remembrance fill apply to Banquo,", "Prefent him Eminence, both with Eye and Tongue :", "Unſaſe the while, that we muſt lave", "Our Honours in theſe flattering ſtreams,", "And make our Faces Vizards to our Hearts,", "Difluing what they are.", "Lady. You muſt leave this.", "Macb. O, full of Scorpions is my Mind, dear Wife :", "Thou knowſt, that Banquo and his Fleanſs lives.", "Lady. But in them, Nature's Copie's not eterne.", "Macb. There's comfort yet, they are affaileable,", "Then be thou jocund : e're the Bat hath flown", "His Cloyler'd flight, e're to black Heac's Summons", "The hard-born Beetle, with his drowſe hums,", "Hath rung Night's yawning Peal,", "There ſhall be done a deed of dreadful note.", "Lady. What's to be done?", "Macb. Be innocent of the knowledge, deareft Chuck,", "'Till thou applaud the deed : Come, feeling Night,", "Skarſ up the tender Eye of pitiful Day,", "And with thy bloody and inviſible Hand", "Cancel and tear to pieces that great Bond,", "Which keeps me pale. Light thicksens,", "And the Crow makes Wing to th' Rooky Wood :", "Good things of Day begin to droop, and drowze,", "Whiles Night's black Agents to their Preys do rowze.", "Thou marvell't at my words : but hold thee ſtill :", "Things bad begun, make ſtrong themſelves by ill :", "So prythee go with me.", "[Exeunt.]", "### Scena Tertia.", "Enter three Murtherers.", "1. But who did bid thee join with us ?", "3. Macbeth.", "2. He needs not our miſtruſt, ſince he delivers", "Our Offices, and what we have to do,", "To the direction juſt.", "1. Then itand with us.", "The Weſt yet glimmers with ſome ſtreaks of Day.", "To ſpurs the lateſt Traveller apace,", "To gain the timely Inn, and near approaches", "The ſubject of our Watch.", "3. Hark, I hear Horſes.", "Banquo within, Give us a Light there, ho.", "2. Then 'tis he :", "The reſt, that are within the note of expeſtation,", "Already are 't th' Court.", "1. His Horſes go about.", "3. Almoſt a mile : but he does uſually,", "So all men do, from hence to th' Palace Gate", "Make it their walk.", "Enter Banquo and Fleanſs, with a Torch.", "2. A Light, a Light.", "3. 'Tis he.", "1. Stand to't.", "Ban. It will be Rain to Night.", "1. Let it come down.", "Ban. O, Treachery!", "Fly, good Fleanſs, flie, flie, flie,", "Thou may't ſ revenue. O Slave !", "3. Who did ſtrike out the light ?", "1. Was't not the way ?", "3. There's but one down : the Son is ſled.", "2. We have loſt.", "Beſt half of our Aſſair.", "1. Well, let's away, and ſay how much is done.", "[Exeunt.]", "### Scena Quarta.", "Banquet prepar'd, Enter Macbeth, Lady, Roffe, Lenox,\nLords, and Attendants.", "Macb. You know your own degrees, fit down :", "At firſt and laſt, the hearty welcome.", "Lords. Thanks to your Majeſtly.", "Macb. Our ſelf will mingle with Society,", "And play the humble Hoſt :", "Our Hoſteſs keeps her State, but in the beſt time", "We will require her welcome.", "Lady. Pronounce it for me, Sir, to all our Friends,\nFor my heart ſpeaks, they are welcome.", "Enter firſt Murtherer.", "Macb. See they encounter thee with their hearts thanks,", "Both fides are even : here I'll ſic i' th' mid'ſt,", "Be large in Mirth, anon we'll drink a Meaſure", "The Table round. There's bloud upon thy Face.", "Mur. 'Tis Banquo's then.", "Macb. 'Tis better thee without, than he within.", "Is he diſpatch'd ?", "Mur. My Lord, his Throat is cut, that I did for him.", "Macb. Tnou art the beſt o' th' Cut Throats,", "Yet he's good that did the like for Fleanſs :", "If thou did'ſt it, thou art the Non-parcile,", "Mur. Moſt Royal Sir,", "Fleanſs is ſcap'd.", "Macb. Then comes my Fit again :", "I had eſſe been perfect ;", "Whole as the Marble, founded as the Rock,", "As broad, and general, as the caling Air :", "But now I am cabin'd, crib'd, confin'd, bound in", "To fawcy doubts, and fears. But Banquo's ſafe?", "Mur. I, my good Lord : ſafe in a Ditch he bides,", "With twenty trenched gathes on his head ;", "The leaſt a Death to Nature.", "Macb. Thanks for that,", "There the grown Serpent lies, the Worm that's ſled", "Hath Nature, that in time will Venom breed,", "No teeth for th' preſent. Get thee gone, to morrow", "Well hear our ſelves again.", "[Exeunt Murtherer.]", "Lady. My Royal Lord,", "You do not give the Cheer, the Feaſt is ſold", "That is not often vouch'd, while 'tis making :", "'Tis given with welcome : to feed were beſt at home :", "From thence, the ſawce to meat is Ceremony,", "Meeting were bare without it.", "Enter the Gheſt of Banquo, and ſits in Macbeth's place.", "Macb. Sweet Remembrancer :", "Now good digeſion wait on Appetite,\nAnd health on both.", "Lenox. May't pleafe your Highneſs ſt.", {"bbox": [485, 1244, 825, 1262], "category": "Text", "

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

50

Macb. The Table's full.
Lenox. Here is a place reserv'd, Sir.
Macb. Where?
Lenox. Here, my good Lord.
What is't that moves your Highnefs ?
Macb. Which of you have done this ?
Lords. What, my good Lord ?
Macb. Thou canst not fay I did it; never fhake
Thy goary Locks at me.
Roffe. Gentlemen rife, his Highnefs is not well.
Lady. Sit, worthy Friends: my Lord is often thus,
And hath been from his youth. Pray you keep feat,
The fit is momentary, upon a thought
He will again be well. If much you note him
You fhall offend him, and extend his Paffion,
Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man ?
Macb. I, and a bold one, that dare look on that
Which might appall the Devil.
Lady. O, proper fluff !
This is the very painting of your fear:
This is the Air-drawn-Dagger which you faid
Led you to Duncan. O, thefe flaws and flarts
(Impoftors to true fear) would well become
A Woman's ſtory at a Winter's fire
Authoriz'd by her Grandam: fhame it ſelf,
Why do you make fuch faces ? When all's done
You look but on a ſtool.
Macb. Prythee fee there:
Behold, look, Ioe, how ſay you:
Why what care I, if thou canſt nod, ſpeak too.
If Charnel-Houſes, and our Graves muſt ſend
Thofe that we bury, back; our Monuments
Shall be the Mawes of Kites.
[Exit Ghoſt.
Lady. What? quite unmann'd in folly.
Macb. If I ſtand here, I faw him.
Lady. Fie for ſhame.
Macb. Bloud hath been ſhed e're now, i' th' olden time
E're humane Statue purg'd the gentle Weal:
i, and ſince too, Murthers have been perform'd
Too terrible for the Ear: the times have been,
That when the Brains were out, 'the man would die;
And there an end; But now they rife again
With twenty mortal murthers on their Crowns,
And pufh us from our ſtools: this is more ſtrange
Than fuch a Murther is.
Lady. My worthy Lord,
Your Noble Friends do lack you.
Macb. I do forget:
Do not mufe at me, my moſt worthy Friends,
I have a ſtrange infirmity, which is nothing
To thofe that know me. Come, love and health to all,
Then I'll fit down: Give me fome Wine, fill full:
Enter Ghoſt.
I drink to th' general joy o' th' whole Table,
And to our dear Friend Banquo, whom we mifs:
Would he were here: to all; and him we thirſt,
And all to all.
Lords. Our duties, and the pledge.
Macb. Avant, and quit my fight, let the Earth hide thee:
Thy bones are marrowleſs: thy blond is cold:
Thou haſt no ſpeculation in thofe Eyes
Which thou doſt glare with.
Lady. Think of this good Peers
But as a thing of Cuſtom: 'tis no other,
Only it ſpoils the pleasure of the time.
Macb. What man dare, I dare :
Approach thou like the rugged Ruffian Bear,
The arm'd Rhinoceros, or th' Hyrcan Tyger,
Take any ſhape but that, and my firm Nerves
Shall never tremble. Or be alive again,
And dare me to the Defart with thy Sword:
If trembling I inhabit, then protect me

The Baby of a Girl. Hence horrible ſhadow,
Unreal mock'ry hence. Why fo, be gone
I am a man again: pray you fit ſtil.
Lady. You have diſplaſ'd the mirth,
Broke the good meeting, with moſt admir'd diſorder.
Macb. Can ſuch things be,
And overcome us like a Summer's Cloud
Without our ſpecial wonder ? You make me ſtrange
Even to the diſpoſition that I owe,
When now I think you can behold ſuch ſights,
And keep the natural Ruby of your Cheeks,
When mine is blanch'd with fear.
Roffe. What ſigns, my Lord ?
Lady. I pray you ſpeak not: he grows worſe and worſe,
Queſtion enrages him: at once, goodnight.
Stand not upon the order of your going,
But go at once.
Lenox. Good night, and better health
Attend his Majesty.
Lady. A kind goodnight to all.
Macb. It will have bloud they ſay:
Bloud will have Bloud:
Stones have been known to move, and trees to ſpeak:
Augures, and underſood Relations, have
By Maggot Pyes, and Choughs, and Rooks brought forth
The ſecret ſt man of bloud. What is the night?
La. Almoſt at odds with Morning, which is which,
Macb. How ſay'ſ that Macduff denies his perſon
At our great bidding ?
La. Did you ſend to him, Sir?
Macb. I hear it by the way: But I will ſend:
There's not a one of them but in his Houſe
I keep a Servant Fee'd. I will to morrow
(And betimes I will) to the wizard Sifters.
More ſhall they ſpeak: for now I am bent to know
By the worſt means, the worſt, for mine own good,
All cauſes shall give way, I am in bloud
Spent in to far, that ſhould I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o're:
Strange things I have in head, that will to hand,
Which muſt be acted, e're they may be ſcann'd.
Lady. You lack the ſeafon of all Natures, ſleep.
Macb. Come, we'll to ſleep; My ſtrange and ſelf-abufe
Is the initiate fear, that wants hard uſe:
We are yet but young indeed.
[Exenunt Lords.
Exenunt Hecate.

## Scena Quinta.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting Hecate.

I. Why how now, Hecate, you look angry ?
Hec. Have I not reaſon (Beldams) as you are?
Sawcy, and over-bold, how did you dare
To trade, and traffick with Macbeth,
In Riddles, and Affairs of death;
And I the Mifſrels of your Charms.
The cloſe contriver of all harms,
Was never call'd to bear my part,
Or ſhew the glory of our Art ?
And which is worſe, all you have done
Hath been but for a wayward Son,
Spightful, and wrathful, who ('as others do')
Loves for his own ends, not for you.
But make amends now: Get you gon,
And at the Pit of Acheron
Meet me i' th' Morning: thither he
Will come, to know his Deſtiny,
Your Veffels, and your ſpells provide,
Your Charms, and every thing before;
I am for th' Air: this night I'll ſpend
Unto a diſmal, and a fatal end.
Great buſineſs muſt be wrought e're Noon.
Upon the Corner of the Moon

There

There

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

51

There hangs a vap'rous drop, profound,
I'll catch it ere it come to ground;
And that diffill'd by Magick flights,
Shall raise such Artificial Sprights,
As by the strength of their illusion,
Shall draw him on to his Confusion.
He shall spurn Fate, scorn Death, and bear
His hopes above Wifdom, Grace, and Fear:
And you all know, Security
Is mortals chiefeft Enemy.

Hark, I am call'd; my little Spirit ice
Sits in a foggy Cloud, and flays for me.

Sing within. Come away, come away, &c.

1. Come, let's make haft, free'! soon be
Back again.

[Exeunt.]

## Scena Sexta.

Enter Lenox, and another Lord:

Lenox. My former Speeches
Have but hit your Thoughts,
Which can interpret farther: Only I fay
Things have been ftrangely born. The gracious Duncan
Was pitied of Macbeth : marry he was dead :
And the right valiant Banquo walk'd too late,
Whom you may fay, (if't pleafe you) Fleans kill'd,
For Fleans red: Men muft not walk too late.
Who cannot want the thought, how monſtrous
It was for Malcolm, and for Donalbane
To kill their gracious Father? Damned Faet,
How it did grieve Macbeth? Did he not ftraight
In pious rage, the two delinquents tear,
That were the flaves of Drink, and thralls of Sleep?
Was that not nobly done ? I, and wifely too:
For 'twould have anger'd any heart alive
To hear the men deny't. So that I fay,
He has born all things well, and I do think,
That had he Duncan's Sons under the Key,
(As, and't pleafe Heaven he ſhall not) they ſhall find
What 'twere to kill a Father: So should Fleans.
But peace; for from broad words, and caufe he fail'd
His prefence at the Tyrant's Feaſt; I hear
Macduffe lives in difgrace. Sir, can you tell
Vwhere he beſtows himſelf?

Lord. The Sons of Duncan

(From whom this Tyrant holds the due of Birth)
Live in the English Court, and is receiv'd
Of the moſt Pious Edward, with fuch grace,
That the malevolence of Fortune, nothing
Takes from his high reſpect. Thither Macduſſe
Is gone, to pray the holy King, upon his aid
To wake Northumberland, and warlike Seyward,
That by the help of theſe (with him above
To ratifie the VVork) we may again
Give to our Tables Meat, Sleep to our Nights:
Free from our Feaſts, and Banquets bloody Knives;
Do faithful Homage, and receive free Honours,
All which we pine for now. And this report
Hath fo exasperate their King, that he
Prepares for ſome attempt of VVar.

Lenox. Sent he to Macduffe?

Lord. He did: and with an abſolute, Sir, not I,
The cloudy Meſſenger turns me his back,
And hums; as who Ihould fay, you'll rue the time
That clogs me with this Anſwer.

Lenox. And that well might,
Advife him to a caution, t'hold what diffance
His wifdom can provide. Some Holy Angel
Fly to the Court of England, and unfold
His Meſſage e're he come, that a ſwift bleſſing

May ſoon return to this our suffering Country,
Under a hand accurs'd.

Lord. I'll ſend my Prayers with him.

[Exeunt.]

## Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.

Thunder. Enter the three VVitches.

1. T Hrice the brinded Cat hath mew'd.
2. Thrice, and once the Hedges Pig whin'd.
3. Harpier crys, 'tis time, 'tis time.
1. Round about the Cauldron go:
In the poifon'd Entrails throw
Toad, that under cold ſtone,
Days and Nights, has thirty one:
Sweptred Venom ſleeping got,
Boil thou firſt i'th' charmed Pot.

All. Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and Cauldron bubble.

2. Fillet of a Fenny Snake,
In the Cauldron Boil and Bake:
Eye of Newt, and Toe of Frog:
Wool of Bat, and Tongue of Dog:
Adders Fork, and Blind-worms Sting,
Lizards Leg, and Howlet's Wing:
For a Charm of powerful trouble,
Like a Hell-broth, boil and bubble.

All. Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn, and Cauldron bubble.

3. Scale of Dragon, Tooth of Wolf,
Witches Mummy, Maw, and Gulf
Of the ravin'd ſalt Sea Shark:
Root of Hemlock, digg'd i'th' dark:
Liver of Blaphpheming Jew:
Gall of Goat, and Slips of Yew,
Sliver'd in the Moon's Eclipse:
Nofe of Turk, and Tartar's lips,
Finger of Birth-ftrangled Babe,
Ditch-deliver'd by a Drab,
Make the Gruel thick, and flab.
Add thereto a Tyger's Chawdron,
For th'Ingredience of our Cauldron.

2. Cool it with a Baboon's blood,
Then the Charm is firm and good.

Enter Hecate, and the other three Witches.

Hec. O well done: I commend your pains,
And every one ſhall fare i'th' gains :
And now about the Cauldron fing
Like Elves and Fairies in a Ring,
Inchanting all that you put in.

Mufick and a Song. Black Spirits, &c.

2. By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes:
Open Locks, whoever knocks.

Enter Macbeth.

Mac. How now you ſecret, black, and midnight Hags?
What is't you do?

All. A deed without a name.

Mac. I conjure you, by that which you profefs,
(How e're you come to know it!) anſwer me:
Though you untie the Winds, and let them fight
Against the Churches: Though the yefly Waves
Confound and ſwallow Navigation up:
Though bladed Corn be lodg'd, and Trees blown down,
Though Caſtles topple on their Warders heads:

Eee 2

Though

["The Tragedy of Macbeth.", "52", "Though Palaces, and Pyramids do slope", "Their heads to their Foundations: though the treasure", "Of Natures Germain, tumble altogether,", "Even till destruption fickén: Anſwer me", "To what I ask you.", "1. Speak.", "2. Demand.", "3. We'll anſwer.", "1. Say, if th' had'ſt rather hear it from our mouths,\nOr from our Maſters.", "Màcb. Call 'em: let me fee 'em.", "1. Pour in Sowes bloud, that hath eaten\nHer mine Farrow: Greace that's ſweaten", "From the Murtherers Gibbet, throw", "Into the Flame.", "All. Come high or low :", "Thy Self and Office deftely ſhow.", "1. Apparition, an Armed Head.", "Màcb. Tell me thou unknown power.", "1. He knows thy thought:", "Hear his Speech, but ſay thou nought.", "1 Appar. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth :", "Beware Macduſſ,", "Beware the Thane of Fife: diſmifs me. Enough", "[He Defcends.", "Màcb. What-e're thou art, for thy good caution, thanks.", "Thou haſt harp'd my fear aright. But one word more.", "1. He will not be commanded: here's another", "More potent than the firſt.", "[Thunder.", "2. Apparition, a Bloudy Child.", "2. Appar. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth.", "Màcb. Had I three Ears, I'd hear thee.", "2. Appar. Be bloudy, bold, and refolute:", "Laugh to ſcorn", "The power of man: For none of Woman born", "Shall harm Macbeth.", "[Defcends.", "Màcb. Then live Macduſſ: what need I fear of thee?", "But yet I'll make alluurance, double ſure,", "And take a Bond of Fate: thou haſt not live,", "That I may tell pale-hearted Fear, it lies ;", "And ſleep in ſpight of Thunder.", "[Thunder.", "3. Apparition, a Child crowned, with a Tree in his hand,\nWhat is this, that ríſes like the ilſue of a King,\nAnd wears upon his Baby-brow, the round\nAnd top of Soveraignty?", "All. Líſen, but Ipeak not to't.", "3. Appar. Be Lyon metled, proud, and take no care:", "Who chafes, who fretſ, or where Conſpirers are :", "Macbeth ſhall never vanquifh'd be, until", "Great Birnam Wood to high Dunſinane Hill", "Shall come againſt him.", "[Defcend.", "Màcb. That will never be:", "Who can impreſs the Foreſt, bid the Tree", "Unfix his Earth-bound Root ? Sweet Boadments, good :", "Rebellious dead, ríſe never 'till the Wood", "Of Birnam ríſe, and our high-plac'd Macbeth", "Shall live the Leafe of Nature, pay his breath", "To time, and mortal Cuſtom. Yet my heart", "Throbs to know one thing: tell me, if your Art", "Can tell ſo much: Shall Banquo's ilſue ever", "Reign in this Kingdom?", "All. Seek to know no more.", "Màcb. I will be ſatified. Deny me this,", "And an eternal Curſe fall on you: Let me know.", "Why finks that Cauldron ? and what noife is this ?", "1. Shew.", "2. Shew.", "3. Shew.", "All. Shew his Eyes, and grieve his Heart,", "Come like ſhadows, ſo depart.", "A ſhew of eight Kings, and Banquo laſt, with a\nglafs in his hand.", "Màcb. Thon art too like the Spirit of Banquo: Down :", "Thy Crown do's fear mine Eye-Balls. And thy hair", "Thou other Gold-bound-brow, is like the firſt:", "A third, is like the former. Filthy Haggæs,", "Why do you ſhow me this? — A fourth ? Start Eye !", "What will the Line iftrench out to th' crack of Doom?", "Another yet ? A ſeventh ? I'll fee no more:", "And yet the eighth appears, who bears a Glafs,", "Which ſhews me many more: and fome I fee,", "That twofold Balls, and treble Scepters carry.", "Horrible fight: Now I fee 'tis true,", "For the Bloud-bolter'd Banquo ſmiles upon me,", "And points at them for his. What is this to?", "1. I Sir, all this is ſo. But why", "Stands Macbeth thus amazedly ?", "Come Sifters, cheer we up his ſprights,", "And ſhew the beſt of our delights.", "I'll Charm the Air to give a found,", "While you perform your Antique round :", "That this great King may kindly ſay,", "Our duties did his welcome pay.", "The Witches Dance, and vanquish.", "Màcb. Where are they ? Gone?", "Let this pernicious hour,", "Stand aye accur'd in the Kalender.", "Come in, without there.", "Enter Lenox.", "Lenox. What's your Graces will?", "Màcb. Saw you the Wizards Sifters ?", "Lenox. No, my Lord.", "Màcb. Came they not by you?", "Lenox. No indeed, my Lord.", "Màcb. Inſected be the Air whereon they ride,", "And damn'd all thofe that truſt them. I did hear", "The gallopping of Horſe. Who was't came by ?", "Lenox. 'Tis two or three, my Lord, that bring you word:", "Macduſſ is fled to England.", "Màcb. Fled to England ?", "Len. I, my good Lord.", "Màcb. Time, thou anticipat'ſt my dread exploits:", "The flighty purpofe never is o're-took", "Unleſſ the deed go with it. From this moment,", "The very firſtling of my heart ſhall be", "The firſtlings of my hand. And even now", "To Crown my thoughts with Aſts: be it thought and done:", "The Caſtle of Macduſſ I will ſurprize.", "Seize upon Fife; give to th' edge o' th' Sword", "His Wife, his Babes, and all unfortunate Souls,", "That trace him in his Line. No boating like a Fool,", "This deed I'll do, before this purpofe cool,", "But no more fights. Where are theſe Gentlemen?", "Come, bring me where they are.", "[Exeunt.", {"bbox

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Macd. What should he be ?

Mal. It is my self I mean, in whom I know
All the particulars of Vice so grafted,
That when they shall be open'd black Macbeth
Will seem as pure as Snow, and the poor State
Eeleem him as a Lamb, being compa'd
With my confinelefs harms.

Macd. Not in the Legions
Of horrid Hell, can come a Devil more damn'd
In evils, to top Macbeth.

Macb. I grant him Blondy,
Luxurious, Avaricious, Falfe, Deceitful,
Sudden, Malicious, smoaking of every fin
That has a name. But there's no bottom, none
In my Voluptuouneſls: Your Wives, your Daughters,
Your Matrons, and your Maids, could not fill up
The Ciltern of my Luft, and my Deſire
All continent Impediments would o're-bear
That did oppoſe my will. Better Macbeth,
Than ſuch an one to reign.

Macd. Boundleſs intemperance
In Nature is a Tyranny: It hath been
Th' untimely emptying of the happy THRONE,
And fall of many Kings. But fear not yet
To take upon you what is yours: you may
Convey your pleaſures in a ſpacious plenty,
And yet ſeem cold. The time you may to Hoodwink:
We have willing Dames enough: there cannot be
That Vulture in you, to devour ſo many
As will to Greatneſs dedicate themſelves,
Finding it ſo inclin'd.

Mal. With this, there grows
In my moſt ill-compos'd Affection, ſuch
A ſtanchleſs Avarice, that were I King,
I ſhould cut off the Nobles for their Lands,
Deſire his Jewels, and this others Houſe,
And my more-having would be as a Sawce
To make me hunger more, that I ſhould forge
Quarrels unjult againſt the Good and Loyal,
Deſtroying them for wealth.

Msed. This Avarice
Sticks deeper: grows with more pernicious root
Than Summer-feeming Luft: and it hath been
The Sword of our ſlain Kings: yet do not fear,
Scotland hath Poisons to fill up your will
Of your mere Own. All theſe are portable,
With other Graces weigh'd.

Mal. But I have none, The King becoming Graces,
As Juſtice, Verity, Temp'rance, Stablenefs,
Bounty, Perſeverance, Mercy, Lowlineſs,
Devotion, Patience, Courage, Fortitude;
I have no relief of them, but abound
In the divifion of each ſeveral Crime,
Acting it many ways. Nay had I power I ſhould
Pour the ſweet Milk of Concord, into Hell,
Uproar the univerſal peace, confound
All unity on earth.

Msed. O Scotland, Scotland!
Mal. If ſuch a one be fit to govern, ſpeak:
I am as I have ſpoken.
Msed. Fit to govern? No not to live. O Nation miferable!

With an untitled Tyrant, bloudy Sceptred,
When ſhalt thou fee thy wholeſome days again ?
Since that the trueſt ſlſue of thy THRONE
By his own Interdiſion ſtands accuſt,
And do's blafpheme his breed ? thy Royal Father
Was a moſt Sainted King: the Queen that bore thee,
Oſtner upon her Knees, than on her feet,
Dy'd every day the liv'd. Fare thee well,
These Evils thou repeat'ſt upon thy ſelf,
Hath banifht me from Scotland. O my Breaſt,
Thy hope ends here.

Mal. Macduff, this Noble paſſion
Child of Integrity, hath from my Soul

Wip'd the black Scruples, reconcil'd my thoughts
To thy good truth, and honour. Devillith Macbeth,
By many of theſe trains, hath ſought to win me
Into his power: and moded ſt Wifdom plucks me
From over-credulous haſte: but God above
Deal between thee and me; For even now
I put my ſelf to thy direction, and
Unſpeak mine own deſtraſion. Here abjure
The taints, and blames I laid upon my ſelf,
For I ſtrangers to my Nature, I am yet
Unknown to Women, never was forſwere,
Scarcely have coveted what was mine own,
At no time broke my Faith, would not betray
The Devil to his Fellow, and delight
No ſeſ in truth than life. My firſt falſe ſpeaking
Was this upon my ſelf, what I am truly
Is thine, and my poor Countries to command:
Whether indeed, before thy here approach,
Old Seyward with ten thouſand warlike men
Already at a point, was fetting forth ?
Now we'll together, and the chance of goodneſs
Be like our warranted Quarrel. Why are you filent?

Macd. Such welcome, and unwelcome things at once
'Tis hard to reconcile.

Enter a Doctor.

Mal. Well, more anon. Comes the King forth
I pray you?

Doct. I Sir: there are a crew of wretched Souls
That ſlay his Cure: their malady convinces
The great affay of Art. But at his touch,
Such fanſity hath Heaven given his hand,
They prefently amend.

Mal. I thank you, Doctor.

Msed. What's the Difeaſe he means ?

Mal. 'Tis call'd the Evil,

[Exit.]

A moſt miraculous work in this good King,
Which often ſince my here remain in England,
I have ſeen him do: How he ſolicits Heaven,
Himſelf beſt knows: but ſtrangely viſited people,
All ſwoſn and Ulcerous, pitiful to the Eye,
The mere deſpair of Surgery, he cures,
Hanging a golden ſtamp about their Necks,
Put on with holy Prayers, and 'tis ſpoken
To the ſuceeding Royalty he leaves
The healing Benediction: with this ſtrange virtue,
He hath a Heavenly Gift of Prophecy,
And ſundry Bleſſings hang about his THRONE,
That ſpeak him full of Grace.

Enter Roffe.

Msed. See, who comes here.

Malc. My Countrieſman: but yet I know him not.

Msed. My ever gentle Counſin, welcome hither.

Malc. I know him now. Good God betimes remove

The means, the means that makes us ſtrangers.

Roffe. Sir, Amen.

Msed. Stands Scotland where it did?

Roffe. Alas poor Countrie,
Almoſt afraid to know it ſelf. It cannot

Be call'd our Mother, but our Grave; where nothing
But who knows nothing is once ſeen to ſmile:
Where ſights and groans, and ſhrieks that rent the air
Are made, not mark'd: Where violent ſorrow ſeems
A Modern eſtaſſe: the Dead-man's Knell,
Is there ſcarce ask'd for who, and good men's lives
Expire before the Flowers in their Caps,
Dying, or e're they ſicken.

Msed. Oh relation; too nice, and yet too true.

Malc. What's the neweſt grief ?

Roffe. That of an hours age, doth hils the ſpeaker,
Each minute teems a new one.

Msed.

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

55

Macd. How does my Wife?

Rosse. Why, well.

Macd. And all my Children?

Rosse. Well too.

Macd. The Tyrant has not batter'd at their peace?

Rosse. No, they were well at peace when I did leave 'em.

Macd. Be not a niggard of your speech : how go's it?

Rosse. When I came hither to transport the Tidings

Which I have heavily born, there ran a Rumour

Of many worthy Fellows, that were out,

Which was to my belief witneſt the rather,

For that I ſaw the Tyrant's Power a-foot,

Now is the time of help: your Eye in Scotland

Would create Souldiers, make our Women fight,

To doſſ their dire diſtreſſes.

Male. Be't their comfort

We are coming thither: Gracious England hath

Lent us good Seyward, and ten thouſand men,

An older, and a better Souldier, none

That Chriſtendom gives out.

Rosse. Would I could anſwer

This comfort with the like. But I have words

That would be howl'd out in the defert air,

Where hearing ſhouſt not latch them.

Macd. What concern they,

The general cauſe, or is it a Fee grief

Due to ſome ſingle Breaſ?

Rosse. No mind that's honeſt

But in it ſhares ſome woe, though the main part

Pertains to you alone.

Macd. If it be mine

Keep it not from me, quickly let me have it.

Rosſe. Let not your Ears despife my tongue for ever,

Which ſhall poſſe them with the heaviſt found

That ever yet they heard.

Macd. Humh : I gueſts at it.

Rosſe. Your Caſtle is ſurpriz'd: your Wife, and Babes

Savagely ſlaughter'd: to relate the manner

Were on the Quarry of theſe further'd Deer

To adu the Death of you.

Male. Merciful Heaven :

What man, ne're pull your Hat upon your brows :

Give forrow words ; the grief that do's not ſpeak,

Whifpers the o're-fraught heart, and bids it break.

Macd. My Children too?

Rosſe. Wife, Children, Servants, all that could be found.

Macd. And I muſt be from thence ? My Wife kill'd too?

Rosſe, I have faid.

Male. Be comforted.

Let's make us Med'cines of our great Revenge,

To cure this deadly grief.

Macd. He has no Children. All my pretty ones?

Did you ſay All ? O Hell Kite ! All?

What, All my pretty Chickens, and their Damm

At one ſell ſwoop ?

Male. Difpute it like a man.

Macd. I ſhall do ſo.

But I muſt alſo feel it as a man ;

I cannot but remember ſuch things were

That were moſt precious to me : Did Heaven look on,

And would not take their part ? Sinful Macauff,

They were all ſwook for thee: Naught that I am,

Not for their own demerits, but for mine

Fell ſlaughter on their Souls: Heaven reſt them now.

Mal. Be this the Whetſhone of your Sword, let grief

Convert to anger : blunt not the heart, enrage it.

Macd. O I could play the Woman with mine Eyes,

And Braggart with my tongue. But gentle Heavens,

Cut ſhort all intermiſſion : Front to Front,

Bring thou this Fiend of Scotland, and my ſelf

Within my Swords length ſet him, if he tope,

Heaven forgive him too.

Mal. This time goes manly :

Come go we to the King, our Power is ready,

Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth

Is ripe for ſhaking, and the Powers above

Put on their Inſtruments: Receive what cheer you may,

The Night is long that never finds the Day.

[Exeunt.]

Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.

Enter a Doctor of Physick, and a waiting

Gentlewoman.

Doſt. I. Have two Nights watch'd with you, but can per-
ceive no truth in your report. When was it the
laſt walk'd?

Gent. Since his Majefly went into the Field, I have ſeen
her rife from her Bed, throw her Night-Gown upon her,
unlock her Cloſet, take forth Paper, fold it, write upon't,
read it, afterwards Seal it, and again return to Bed ; yet
all this while in a moſt laſt ſleep.

Doſt. A great perturbation in Nature, to receive at once the benefit of ſleep and do the effects of watching. In this ſlumbry agitation, besides her walking, and other actual performances, what (at any time) have you heard her ſay ?

Gent. That Sir, which I will not report after her.

Doſt. You may to me, and 'tis moſt meet you ſhouſt.

Gent. Neither to you, nor any one, having no witneſs
to confirm my ſpeech.

Enter Lady with a Taper.

Lo you, here the comes : This is her very guife, and up-
on my life laſt aſſeep; obſerve her, ſtand cloſe.

Doſt. How came ſhe by that light ?

Gent. Why, it flood by her : ſhe has light by her con-
tinually, 'tis her command.

Doſt. You ſee her Eyes are open.

Gent. I but their ſenſe are ſhut.

Doſt. What is it the do's now?

Look how ſhe rubs her hands.

Gent. It is an accuſtom'd action with her, to ſeem thus waſhing her hands: I have known her continue in this a quarter of an hour.

Lad. Yet here's an ſpot.

Doſt. Hark, ſhe ſpeaks, I will ſet down what comes
from her, to ſatisſe my ſemembrance the more ſtrongly.

La. Out damned ſpot: out I ſay. One: Two: Why then ? is time to do't: Hell is murky. Fie, my Lord, Fie, a Souldier, and aſear'd ? what need we fear ? who knows it, when none can call our power to account: yet who would have thought the old man to have had ſo much bloud in him.

Doſt. Do you mark that ?

Lad. The Thane of Fife, had a Wife: where is the now?
What will theſe hands ne're be clean ? No more o' that,
my Lord, no more o' that: you mar ſt all with ſtarting.

Doct. Go to, go to:

You have known what you ſhouſt not.

Gent. She has ſpoke what ſhe ſhould not, I am ſure of that: Heaven knows what ſhe has known.

La. Here's the ſmell of bloud ſtill: all the perfumes
of Arabia will not ſwecten this little hand.

Oh, oh, oh.

Doſt. What a ſigh is there? The heart is ſorely charg'd.

Gent. I would not have ſuch a heart in my boſome, for
dignity of the whole body.

Doct. Well, well, well.

Gent. Pray God it be, Sir.

Doct. This Difeaſe is beyond my practice: yet I have
known theſoſe which have walkt in their ſleep, who have
died holily in their Beds.

Lad. Waſh your hands, put on your Night-Gown, look not ſo pale: I tell you yet again, Banquo's buried ; he cannot come out on's Grave.

Doct. Even ſo ?

Lady. To Bed, to Bed: there's knocking at the Gate:
Come,

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Come, come, come, come, give me your hand: What's
done, cannot be undone. To bed, to bed, to bed.

[Exit Lady.

Do't. Will she go now to bed?

Gent. Directly.

Do't. Foul whisperings are abroad: unnatural deeds
Do breed unnatural troubles: Infected minds
To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets:

More needs she the Divine than the Physician:
God, God forgive us all. Look after her,
Remove from her the means of all annoyance,
And still keep eyes upon her: So good night:
My mind she has mated, and amaz'd my fight.
I think, but dare not speak.

Gent. Good night, good Doctor.

[Exeunt.]

## Scæna Secunda.

Drum and Colours. Enter Menteth, Cathnes, Angus, Lenox, Souldiers.

Ment. The English power is near, led on by Malcolm,
His Uncle Seyward, and the good Macduff.

Revenues burn in them: For their dear caufes
Excite the mortified man.

Ang. Near Birnam wood

Shall we meet them, that way are they coming.

Cath. Who knows if Donalbaine be with his Brother ?

Lenox. For certain, Sir, he is not: I have a File

Of all the Gentry; there is Seyward's Son,
And many unruff Youths, that even now
Protest their firft of Manhood.

Ment. What do's the Tyrant?

Cath. Great Dunfinane he strongly fortifies,

Some fay he's mad: Others, that lefer hates him,

Do call it valiant Fury, but, for certain,

He cannot buckle his diftemper'd caufe
Within the belt of Rule.

Ang. Now do's he feel

His ſecret Murthers ſticking on his hands,

Now minutely Revolts upraid his faith-breach :

Thofe he commands move only in command,

Nothing in love: Now does he feel his Title

Hang loose about him, like a Giants Robe

Upon a Dwarfifh Thief.

Ment. Who then ſhall blame

His peſter'd Senſes to recoyl, and ſtart,

When all that is within him do's condemn.

It ſelf for being there.

Cath. Well, march we on,

To give obedience where 'tis truly ow'd:

Meet we the Med'cine of the ſickly Weal,

And with him pour we in our Countries purge,

Each drop of us.

Lenox. Or ſo much as it needs,

To dew the Sovereign Flower, and drown the Weeds.

Make we our March towards Birnam.

[Exeunt Marching.]

## Scæna Tertia.

Enter Macbeth, Doctor, and Attendants.

Mac. Bring me no more Reports, let them fly all:
Till Birnam Wood remove to Dunfinane,

I cannot taint with fear. What's the Boy, Malcolm ?

Was he not born of Woman ? The Spirits that know
All mortal Confequences, have pronounc'd me thus:

Fear not, Macbeth, no man that's born of woman

Shall e're have power upon thee. Then fly falſe Thanes,
And mingle with the English Epicures,

The mind I ſway by, and the heart I bear,

Shall never ſag with doubt, nor ſhake with fear.

Enter a Servant.

The Devil damn thee black, thou cream-fac'd Lown:
Where got it thou that Goofe-Look ?

Ser. There is ten thoufand.

Mach. Geeſe, Villain ?

Ser. Souldiers, Sir.

Macd. Go, prick thy face, and over-red thy fear,
Thou Lilly-liver'd Boy. What Souldiers, Patch?

Death of thy Soul, thofe linnen cheeks of thine

Are Counſellours to fear. VVhat, Souldiers, Why-face?

Ser. The English Force, ſo pleafe you.

Macb. Take thy face hence, Seyton, I am ſick at heart,
When I behold: Seyton, I ſay, this pufh

Will cheer me ever, or diſeafe me now.

I have liv'd long enough: My way of life

Is faln into the Sear, the yellow leaf,

And that which ſhould acompany Old Age,

As Honour, Love, Obedience, troops of Friends,

I muſt not look to have: But in their ſtead,

Curſes, not loud but deep, Mouth-honour breath,

Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.

Seyton ?

Enter Seyton.

Sey. What's your Gracious pleasure?

Macb. What news more ?

Sey. All is confirm'd, my Lord, which was reported.

Macb. I'll fight, till from my bones my fleth is hackt.
Give me my Armour.

Sey. 'Tis not needed yet.

Macb. I'll put it on:

Send out more horſes, skir the Country round,

Hang thofe that ſtand in fear. Give me mine Armour:

How do's your Patient, Doctor ?

Do't. Not ſo ſick, my Lord,

As ſhe is troubled with thick-coming Fancies,

That keep her from her reſt.

Macb. Cure her from that:

Canſt thou not minifter to a mind diſeas'd,

Pluck from the memory a rooted Sorrow,

Rafe out the written troubles of the Brain,

And with ſome ſweet oblivious Antidote,

Cleaſe the ſluſt boſome of that perilous ſtuff,

Which weighs upon the heart ?

Do't. Therein the Patient

Muſt minifter unto himself.

Macb. Throw Phyſick to the Dogs, I'll none of it.

Come, put my Armour on, give me my ſtaſſe:

Seyton, Send out: Doctor, the Thanes fly from me:

Come, Sir, diſpatch. If thou could't, Doctor, caſt

The water of my Land, find her diſeafe,

And purge it to a found and prifline Health,

I would applaud thee to the very Echo,

That ſhould applaud again. Pull't of, I ſay,

What Rubarb, Senna, or what Purgative Drug,

Would ſcour the ſeſt English hence: Hear't thou of them?

Do't. I, my good Lord: Your Royal preparation

Makes us hear ſomething.

Macb. Bring it after me:

I will not be afraid of Death and Bane,

Till Birnam Foreſt come to Dunfinane.

Do't. Were I from Dunfinane away, and clear,
Profit again ſhould hardly draw me here.

[Exeunt.]

## Scæna Quarta.

Drum and Colours. Enter Malcolm, Seyward, Macduffe,
Seyward's Son, Menteth, Cathnes, Angus,
and Souldiers Marching.

Mal. Couſin, I hope the days are near at hand,
That Chambers will be ſafe.

Ment.

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

57

Ment. We doubt it nothing.
Seyw. What Wood is this before us?
Ment. The Wood of Birnam,
Male. Let every Souldier hew him down a Bough,
And bear't before him, thereby shall we shadow
The numbers of our Hoaft, and make discovery
Erre in report of us.
Sould. It shall be done.
Seyw. We learn no other, but the confident Tyrant,
Keeps still in Dunfinane, and will endure
Our fetting down before't.
Male. 'Tis his main hope:
For where there is advantage to be given,
Both more and lefs have given him the Revolt,
And none serve with him, but confrained things,
Whole hearts are abent too.
Mae. Let our beft Cenfures
Before the true event, and put we on
Induſtrious Souldierſhip.
Sey. The time approaches,
That will with due decition make us know
What we shall fay we have, and what we owe:
Thoughts ſpeculative, their unfure hopes relate,
But certain ilſue, ilſrokes muſt arbitrate,
Towards which, advance the War. [Exeunt marching.

## Scena Quinta.

Enter Macbeth, Seyton, and Souldiers, with
Drums and Colours.

Mach. Hang out our Banners on the outward Walls,
The Cry is ſill, they come : Our Caſſes ſtrength
Will laugh a Siege to ſcorn : Here let them lie,
Till Famine and the Ague eat them up:
Were they not ſore'd with thofe that ſhould be ours,
We might have met them careful, heard to beard,
And beat them backward home. What is that noife?

[A cry within of Women.

Sey. It is the cry of Women, my good Lord.
Mach. I have almost forgot the ſaile of Fears :
The time has been, my ſenſes would have cooſ'd
To hear a Night-THiſk, and my ſell of hair
Would at a diſmal Treatiſe rouſe, and ſir
As life were in't. I have ſuſt full with horrors,
Direnſes familiar to my ſlaughteſer thoughts
Cannot once ſtart me. Wherefore was that cry ?

Sey. The Queen (my Lord) is dead.

Mach. She ſhould have dy'd hereafter ;

There would have been a time for ſuch a word :
To morrow, and to morrow, and to morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the laſt Syllable of Recorded time :
And all our yefterdays have lighted Fools
The way to ſtudy death. Out, out, brief Candle,
Life's but a walking Shadow, a poor Player,
That ſtruts and frets his hour upon the Stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an Ideot, full of ſound and ſury
Signifying nothing.

Enter a Meſtenger.

Thou com'd to uſe thy tongue: thy ſtory quickly.
Mef. My Gracious Lord,
I should report that which I fay I ſaw,
But know not how to do't.

Mach. Well, fay, Sir.

Mef. As I did ſtand my Watch upon the Hill,
I look'd toward Birnam, and anon me thought
The Wood began to move.

Mach. Lyar, and Slave.

Mef. Let me endure your wrath, if't be not so :

Within this three mile you may fee it coming.
I fay, a moving Grove.

Mach. If thou ſpeak'ft falſe,

Upon the next Tree ſhalt thou hang alive
Till Famine cling thee: If thy ſpeech be ſooth,
I care not if thou doſt for me as much.

I pull in Refolution, and begin
To doubt the Equivocation of the Fiend,
That lies like truth. Fear not, till Birnam Wood
Do come to Dunfinane, and now a Wood
Comes toward Dunfinane. Arm, arm, and out,
If this which he avouches do's appear,

There is no flying hence, nor tarrying here,
I'gin to be a weary of the Sun,
And with th' eſtate o' th' World were now undone.
Ring the alarum Bell, blow Wind, come wrack,
At leaſt we'll die with Harnels on our back.

[Exeunt.]

## Scena Sexta.

Drums and Colours.
Enter Malcolm, Seyward, Macduffe, and their Army,
with Boughs.

Mal. Now near enough :

Your Leavy Screens throw down,
And ſhow like thofe you are: You (worthy Uncle)
Shall with my Couſin, your right Noble Son,
Lead our firſt Battel. Worthy Macduffe, and we
Shall take upon's what eſſe remains to do
According to our order.

Seyw. Fare you well :

Do we but find the Tyrants power to night,
Let us be beaten, if we cannot fight.

(breath,

Mach. Make all our Trumpets ſpeak, give them all
Thofe clamorous Harbingers of blood and death.

[Alarums continued.

## Scena Septima.

Enter Macbeth.

Mach. They have ty'd me to a ſlake, I cannot fly,
But Bear-like I muſt fight the courſe. What's he
That was not born of Woman ? Such a one
Am I to fear, or none.

Enter Young Seyward.

T. Sey. What is thy name ?

Mach. Thou'lt be afraid to hear it.

T. Sey. No: though thou call'ſt thy ſelf a hotter name
Than any is in Hell.

Mach. My name's Macbeth.

T. Sey. The Devil himſelf could not pronounce a Title
More hateful to mine Ear.

Mach. No: nor more fearful.

T. Sey. Thou lieſt thou abhorred Tyrant, with my Sword
I'll prove the lye thou ſpeak'ſt.

Fight, and young Seyward's flain.

Mach. Thou waſt born of Woman ;
But Swords I ſmile at, Weapons laugh to ſcorn,
Brandiſh'd by man that's of a Woman born.

[Exit.]

Alarums. Enter Macduff.

Mach. That way the noife is: Tyrant, ſhow thy face,
If thou beſt ſlain, and with no ſtroke of mine,
My Wife and Childrens Ghoſts will haunt me till :
I cannot ſtrike at wretched Kernes, whoſe arms
Are hir'd to bear their Staves; either thou, Macbeth,
Or eſſe my Sword with an unbattered edge

I ſheath

The Tragedy of Macbeth.

I fheath again undeeded. There thou should'ft be
By this great clatter, one of greatest note
Seems bruited. Let me find him Fortune,
And more I beg not.

[Exit.]

Alarums.

Enter Malcolm and Seyward.

Seyw. This way, my Lord, the Caftles gently rendred:
The Tyrants people, on both fides do fight,
The Noble Thanes do bravely in the War,
The day almoft it self professes yours,
And little is to do.

Malc. We have met with Foes
That ftrike befide us.

Seyw. Enter, Sir, the Castle.

[Exeunt.]

Alarum.

Enter Macbeth.

Mac. Why fhould I play the Roman Fool, and die
On mine own Sword ? whiles I fee lives, the gaffes
Do better upon them.

Enter Macduffe.

Macd. Turn Hell-hound, turn.
Macb. Of all men elfe I have avoided thee :
But get the back, my Soul is too much charg'd
With bloud of thine already.

Macd. I have no words,

My Voice is in my Sword, thou bloudier Villain
Than terms can give thee out.

[Fight.]

Alarum.

Macb. Thou loſeſt labour,
As eafie may'ſt thou the intrenchant Air
With thy keen Sword impreſs, as make me bleed :
Let fall thy blade on vulnerable Crefts,
I bear a charmed life, which muſt not yield
To one of Woman born.

Macd. Defpair thy Charm,
And let the Angel whom thou ſtill haſt ſerv'd
Tell thee, Macduffe was from his Mothers Womb
Untimely ripr.

Macb. Accurſed be that tongue that tells me fo ;
For it hath Cow'd my better part of man :

And be theſe Jugling Fiends no more believ'd,
That palter with us in a double ſenſe,
That keep the word of promife to our Ear,
And break it to our hope. I'll not fight with thee.

Macd. Then yield thee Coward,
And live to be the ſhew, and gaze o' th' time.
We'll have thee, as our Rarer Monſters are
Painted upon a Pole, and under-writ,
Here may you fee the Tyrant.

Macb. I will not yield
To kifs the ground before young Maſcolms ſeet,
And to be baited with the Rabbles Curſe,
Though Birnam Wood be come to Dunſinane,
And thou oppos'd, being of no Woman born,
Yet I will try the laſt. Before my Body,

I throw my Warlike Shield : Lay on Macduffe,
And damn'd be him, that firſt cries hold, enough.

[Exeunt fighting.]

Alarums.

Enter fighting, and Macbeth flain.
Retreat and Flourish. Enter with Drum and Colours.
Malcolm, Seyward, Roffe, Thanes, and Souldiers.

Mal. I would the Friends we miſs, were ſafe arriv'd.
Sey. Some muſt go off: and yet by theſe I fee,
So great a day as this is cheaply bought.
Mal. Macduffe is miſling, and your noble Son.
Roff. Your Son, my Lord, ha's paid a Souldiers Debt,
He only liv'd but till he was a man,
The which no ſooner had his prowefs confirm'd
In the unfrinking ſtation where he fought,
But like a man he dy'd.
Sey. Then he is dead ?
Roffe. I, and brought off the Field : your caufe of ſorrow
Muſt not be meaſur'd by his worth, for then
It hath no end.

Sey. Had he his hurts before.

Roff. I, on the Front.

Sey. Why then, Gods Souldier be he :
Had I as many Sons as I have hairs,
I would not with them to a fairer death :
And ſo his Knell is knoll'd.
Mal. He's worth more ſorrow,
And that I'll ſpend for him.
Sey. He's worth no more,
They ſay he parted well, and paid his ſcore,
And ſo God be with him. Here comes newer comfort.

Enter Macduffe, with Macbeths Head.

Macd. Hail, King, for ſo thou art.
Behold where ſlands
Th' Uſurpers Curſed Head; the time is free:
I fee thee compaſt with thy Kingdoms Pearl,
That ſpeak my falutation in their minds :
Whofe Voices I defire aloud with mine.

Hail King of Scotland.

All. Hail, King of Scotland.
Mal. We ſhall not ſpend a large expeſe of time,
Before you reckon with your ſeveral loves,

[Flourish.]

And make us even with you. My Thanes and Kinfmen
Henceforth be Earls, the firſt that ever Scotland
In ſuch an honour nam'd : What's more to do
Which would be planted newly with the time,
As calling home our exil'd Friends abroad,
That ſled the Snares of watchful Tyranny,
Producing forth the cruel Minifters
Of this dead Butcher, and his Fiend-like Queen;
Who (as 'tis thought) by ſelf and violent hands,
Took off her life. This, and what needful elfe
That calls upon us, by the Grace of Grace,
We will perform in meaſure, time and place :
So thanks to all at once, and to each one,
Whom we invite, to fee us Crown'd at Scene.

[Flourish. Exeunt omne.

THE

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

This boads fome łrange eruption to our State.

Mar. Good now fit down, and tell me he that knows
Why this fame strict and moft obfervant watch,
So nightly toils the ſubject of the Land,
And why fuch daily caſt of Brazen Cannon
And foreign Mart for Implements of War:
Why fuch imprefſe of Shipwrights, whoſe ſore Task
Doſt not divide the Sunday from the week,
What might be toward, that this fweaty haſe
Doth make the night joynt-labourer with the day :
Who is't that can informe me?

Hor. That can I,

At leaſt the whifper goes ſo, Our laſt King,
Whoſe Image even but now appear'd to us,
Was (as you know) by Fortinbras of Norway,
( Thereto prick'd on by a moſt emulate pride )
Dar'd to the combate. In which, our valiant Hamlet,
( For ſo this ſide of our known world eſteem'd him )
Did ſlay this Fortinbras : who by a ſeel'd Compaſt,
Well ratified by Law, and Heraldry,

Did forfeit (with his life) all thole his Lands
Which he ſlood ſeiz'd on, to the Conqueror :
Againſt the which, a Moiety competent
Was gaged by our King: which had return'd
To the Inheritance of Fortinbras,

Had he bin Vanquifher, as by the fame Cov'nant
And carriage of the Article deſign'd,
His ſell to Hamlet. Now fir, young Fortinbras,
Of unimproved mettle, hot and full,
Hath in the skirts of Norway, here and there,
Shark'd up a Lift of Landleſs Reſolutes,
For food and Dyet, to ſome enterprize
That hath a ſlomach in't: which is no other
( And it doth well appear unto our State )
But to recover of us by ſtrong hand
And terms compulſative, thofe ſorefaid Lands
So by his father loſt: and this ( I take it )
Is the main motive of our Preparations,

Enter Ghoſt again.

But loſt, behold : Lo, where it comes again :
I'le croſs it, though it blaſt me. Stay, Iſſuſion :
If thou haſt any found, or uſe of voice,
Speak to me. If there be any good thing to be done,
That may to thee do eafe, and grace to me; ſpeak to me.
If thou art privy to thy Countries Fate
( Which happily foreknowing may avoid ) Oh ſpeak.

Or, if thou haſt uphorded in thy life
Extorted Treasure in the womb of Earth,

(For which, they ſay, you ſpirits oft walk in death)
Speak of it. Stay, and ſpeak. Stop it, Marcellus.

Mar. Shall I ſtrike at it with my Partizan?

Hor. Do it if it will not stand.

Barn. 'Tis here.

Hor. 'Tis here.

Mar. 'Tis gone.

[Exit Ghoſt.

We do it wrong, being ſo Majeſtical

To offer it the ſhew of Violence,

For it is as the air, invulnerable,

And our vain blows, malicious mockery,

Barn. It was about to ſpeak, when the Cock crew.

Hor. And then it flarted, like a guilty thing

Upon a fearful Summons. I have heard,

The Cock that is the Trumpet to the day,
Doth with his lofty and ſhrill-founding throat
Awake the God of Day: and at his warning,
Whether in Sea, or Fire, in Earth, or Air,

Th'extravagant and erring ſpirit hyes
To his Confine. And of the truth herein,
This preſent Object made probation.

Mar. It faded on the crowing of the Cock.

Some ſayes, that ever 'gainſt that ſeafon comes
Wherein our Saviours birth is celebrated,
The Bird of Dawning fingeth all night long :
And ( they ſay ) no ſpirit can walk abroad,
The nights are wholſome, then no Planets ſtrike,
No Fairy talks, no Witch hath power to charm,
So hallow'd, and ſo gracious is the time.

Hor. So have I heard, and do in part believe it,
But look, the Morn in Ruffet Mantle clad,
Walks o're the Dew of yon high Eaſtern hill,
Break we our VVatch up, and by my advice
Let us impart what we have seen to night
Unto young Hamlet. For upon my life,
This ſpirit dumb to us, will ſpeak to him :
Do you confent we ſhall acquaint him with it,
As needful in our Loves, fitting our duty?

Mar. Let's do't, I pray, and I this morning know
Where we ſhall find him moſt conveniently.

[Exeunt.]

## Scena Secunda.

Enter Clandius, King of Denmark, Gertrude the Queen, Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, and his子
After Ophelia, Lords, Attendants.

King. Though yet of Hamlet our dear Brothers death,
The Memory be green: and that it us beſtred
To bear our hearts in grief, and our whole Kingdom
To be contraſted in one brow of woe :
Yet fo far hath Difference fought with Nature,
That we with wiser ſorrow think on him,
Together with remembrance of our ſelves.
Therefore our fometimes Sifter, now our Queen,
Th' Imperial Joyntreſe of this warlike State,
Have we, as 'were, with a defeated joy,
VVith one Aufpicious, and one Dropping eye,
VVith mirth in Funeral, and with Dirge in Marriage,
In equal Scale weighing delight and Dole
Taken to wife ; nor have we herein barr'd
Your better wifdoms, which have freely gone
VVith this affair along, for all our thanks.
Now follows, that you know young Fortinbras,
Holding a weak ſuppofal of our worth;
Or thinking by our late dear Brothers death,
Our State to be disjoyn't, and out of Frame,
Colleagued with the dream of his Advantage ;
He hath not fail'd to peſter us with Meflage,
Importing the ſurrender of thofe lands
Loſt by his Father, with all Bonds of Law
To our moſt valiant Brother. So much for him.

Enter Voltimand and Cornelius.

Now for our ſelf, and for this time of meeting:
Thus much the buſineſs is, VVe have here writ
To Norway, Uncle of young Fortinbras,
VVho impotent and bedrid, iſcarely hears
Of this his Nephews purpofe, to ſuppreſs
His further gate herein. In that he levies,
The Lifts, and full proportions are all made
Out of his ſubject: and we here diſpatch
You, good Cornelius, and you Voltimand,
For bearing of this greeting to old Norway,
Giving to you no further perſonal power
To buſineſs with the King, more than the ſcope
Of theſe dilated Articles allow :

Farewell, and let your haſte commend your duty.

Volt. In that, and all things, will we ſhow our duty.

King. VVe doubt in nothing, heartily farewell.

[Exeunt Voltimand and Cornelius.
And now Laertes, what's the news with you?
You told us of ſome ſuit. VVhat is't, Laertes,
You cannot ſpeak of Reaſon to the Dane,

And

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

And lofe your voice. What wouldst thou beg, *Laertes*,
That shall not be my Offer, not thy Asking?
The head is not more native to the heart,
The hand more instrumental to the mouth,
Than is the THRONE of *Denmark* to thy father.
What wouldst thou have, *Laertes*?

*Laer.* Dread my Lord,

Your leave and favour to return to France :
From whence, though willingly I came to Denmark,
To bew my duty in your Coronation,
Yet now I muft confess, that duty done,
My thoughts and wills bend again towards France,
And bow them to your gracious leave and pardon.

*King.* Have you your Fathers leave ?

What says Polonius ?

*Pol.* He hath, my Lord :

I do befeech you give him leave to go,
King. Take thy fair hour, *Laertes*, time be thine,
And thy beſt graces ſpend it at thy will :

But now, my Couſin *Hamlet*, and my Son ?
*Ham.* A little more than kin, and leſs then kind.

*King.* How is it that the Clouds ſtill hang on you ?

*Ham.* Not ſo, my Lord, I am too much i'th' Sun,

*Queen.* Good *Hamlet* caſt thy nightly colour off,

And let thine eye look like a Friend to Denmark.
Do not for ever with thy veiled lids
Seek for thy Noble Father in the duſt;
Thou knowſt 'tis common, all that live muſt dye,
Paſſing through Nature to Eternity.

*Ham.* I, Madam, it is common.

*Queen.* If it be,

Why seems it so particular with thee ?
*Ham.* Seems, Madam ? Nay, it is: I know not Seems :

'Tis not alone my Inky Cloak (good Mother)
Nor Cuitomary ſuits of ſolemn Black,
Nor windy ſupſpiration of fore'd breath,
No, nor the fruitful River in the Eye,
Nor the dejeſted haviour of the Vifage,
Together with all Forms, Moods, Thews of Grief,
That can denote me truly. Theſe indeed Seem,
For they are actions that a man might play :
But I have that within, which paffeth ſhow :
Theſe, but the Trappings, and the Suits of woe.
King. 'Tis sweet and commendable

In your Nature, *Hamlet*,
To give theſe mourning duties to your Father :
But you muſt know, your Father loft a Father,
The Father loft, loft his, and the ſurviver bound
In filial Obligation, for ſome term
To do obſequious Sorrow. But to perſevere
In obſtinate condolement, is a courſe
Of impious ſtubbornneſs. 'Tis unmanly grief,
It ſthews a will muſt incorrect to Heaven,
A heart unfortiſed, a mind impatient,
An Understanding ſimple, and unſchool'd :
For what we know muſt be, and is as common
As any the moſt vulgar thing to fence,
Why should we in our peeviſh Oppofition
Take it to heart ? Fie, 'tis a fault to Heaven,
A fault againſt the Dead, a fault to Nature,
To Reaſon moſt abfurd, whole common theame
Is death of Fathers, and who ſtill hath cry'd,
From the firſt Coarſe, till he that dyed to day,
This muſt be ſo. We pray you throw to earth
This unprevailing woe, and think of us,
As of a Father: For let the world take note,
You are the moſt immediate to our Thrope,
And with no leſs Nobility of Love,

But that which deareſt Father bears his Son,
Do I impart towards you. For your intent
In going back to School in Wittenberg,
It is moſt retrograde to our defire:
And we beſeech you, bend you to remain

Here in the cheer and comfort of our Eye,

Our chiefſt Courtier, Couſin, and our Son.

*Queen.* Let not thy Brother loſe her Prayers, *Hamlet* :
I priuice ſtay with us, go not to Wittenberg,

*Ham.* I ſhall in all my beſt

Obey you, Madam.

*King.* Why 'tis a loving, and a fair Reply;
Be as our ſelf in *Denmark*. Madam, come,
This gentle and unforſe'd accord of *Hamlet*
Sits smiling to my heart, in grace whereof,
No Jocund Health that *Denmark* drinks to day,
But the great Cannon to the Clouds ſhall tell,
And the Kings Rouse, the Heaven ſhall bruſt again,
Re-ſpeaking earthly Thunder. Come away.

[Exeunt.]

Manet Hamlet.

*Ham.* O that this too too ſolid Fleſh would melt,
Thaw, and refolve it ſelf into a Dew :
Or that the Everlaſting had not fixt

His Cannon 'gainſt ſelf ſlaughter. O God, O God !

How weary, ſtale, flat, and unprofitable

Seems to me all the uſes of this World?

Fie on't! O ſie! 'tis an unweeded Garden

That grows to Seed: things rank, and grogs in Nature

Poffels it meerly. That it ſhould come to this:

But two Months dead: Nay, not ſo much, not two,

So excellent a King, that was to this

*Hyperion* to a Satyr: ſo loving to my Mother,
That he might not between the winds of Heaven

Viliſt her face too roughly. Heaven and Earth
Muſt I remember: why ſhe would hang on him,

As if increafe of Appetite had grown

By what it ſed on; and yet within a Month?

Let me not think on't: Frailty, thy name is woman :

A little Month, or e're that ſhoes were old,

With which ſhe followed my poor Father's Body,

Like *Niohe*, all tears. Why ſhe, even ſhe,

(O Heaven! A Beaſt that wants diſcourſe of Reaſon
Would have mourn'd longer) married with mine Uncle,
My Fathers Brother: but no more like my Father,

Than I to *Hercules*. Within a Month?

E're yet the falt of moſt unrighteous ſtears

Had left the flushing of her gauſed eyes.

She married. O moſt wicked ſpeed, to poſt

With ſuch dexterity to inſeuous fleets :

It is not, nor it cannot come to good,

But break, my heart, for I muſt hold my tongue.

Enter Horatio, Barnard, and Marcellus.

*Hor.* Hail to your Lordship.

*Ham.* I am glad to fee you well,

*Horatio*, or I do forget my ſelf.

*Hor.* The fame, my Lord,

And your poor ſervant ever.

*Ham.* Sir, my good friend,

I'll change that name with you :

And what make you from Wittenberg, Horatio ?

Marcellus.

*Mar.* My good Lord.

*Ham.* I am very glad to fee you: good even, fir.

But, in faith, make you from Wittenberg.

*Hor.* A Truaut diſpoſition, good my Lord.

*Ham.* I would have your Enemy ſay ſo ;

Nor ſhall you do mine ear that violence,

To take it truſter of your own report

Aſgainst your ſelf. I know you are no Truant :

But what is your affair in *Eſſenoore*?

We'll teach you to drink deep e're you depart.

*Hor.* My Lord, I came to fee your Father's Funeral.

*Ham.* I prithee do not mock me (fellow Student)

I think it was to fee my Mothers Wedding.

*Hor.* Indeed, my Lord, it followeth hard upon.

*Ham.* Thrift, thrift, Horatio : the Funeral bak'd Meats

F f f

Did

["The Tragedy of Hamlet.", "Did coldly furnish forth the Marriage Tables;\nWould I had met my deareft Foe in Heaven,\nE're I had ever seen that day, Horatio.", "My Father, methinks I see my Father.", "Hor. O where, my Lord?", "Ham. In my minds eye (Horatio)", "Hor. I faw him once, he was a goodly King.", "Ham. He was a man, take him for all in all:", "I should not look upon his like again.", "Hor. My Lord, I think I faw him yeſternight.", "Ham. Saw ? Who ?", "Hor. My Lord, the King your Father.", "Ham. The King my Father !", "Hor. Season your admiration for a while", "With an attentive Ear; till I may deliver", "Upon the witneſs of theſe Gentlemen,", "This marvel to you.", "Ham. For Heavens love, let me hear.", "Hor. Two nights together, had theſe Gentlemen\n(Marcellus and Barnardo) on their Watch\nIn the dead waſte and middle of the night", "Been thus encountréd. A figure like your Father,\nArm'd at all points exaſtly, Cap a Pe,", "Appears before them, and with solemn March\nGoes flow and ſtately: By them thrice he walk'd,\nBy their oppreſt and fear-furprized Eyes,", "Within his Truncheons length; whilſt they be ſtill'd", "Almoſt to Jelly with the Act of fear,", "Stand dumb and ſpeak not to him. This to me", "In dreadful ſecrecy impart they did,", "And I with them the third night kept the Watch,", "Whereas they had deliver'd both in time,", "Form of the thing; each word made true and good,", "The Apparition comes. I knew your Father :", "Theſe hands are not more like.", "Ham. But where was this ?", "Mar. My Lord, upon the platform where we watcht.", "Ham. Did you not ſpeak to it ?", "Hor. My Lord, I did ;", "But anſwer made it none: yet once methought\nIt lifted up its head, and did addrefs", "It ſelf to motion, like as it would ſpeak :", "But even then, the Morning Cock crew loud ;", "And at the found it ſhrunk in haſte away,", "And vaniſht from our ſight.", "Ham. 'Tis very ſtrange.", "Hor. As I do live, my honourable Lord, 'tis true ;", "And we did think it writ down in our duty", "To let you know of it.", "Ham. Indeed, indeed, Sirs, but this troubles me.", "Hold you the Watch to night?", "Both. We do, my Lord ?", "Ham. Arm'd, fay you ?", "Both. Arm'd, my Lord.", "Ham. From top to toe ?", "Both. My Lord, from head to foot.", "Ham. Then faw you not his face ?", "Hor. O yes, my Lord, he wore his Beaver up.", "Ham. What, lookt he frowningly ?", "Hor. A countenance more in forrow than in anger.", "Ham. Pale, or red ?", "Hor. Nay, very pale.", "Ham. And fixt his Eyes upon you ?", "Hor. Moſt conſtantly.", "Ham. I would I had been there.", "Hor. It would have much amaz'd you.", "Ham. Very like, very like: ſtaid it long? (dred.", "Hor. While one with moderate haſte might tell a hun-\nAll. Longer, longer.", "Hor. Not when I faw't.", "Ham. His Beard was grilſt ?", "Hor. It was, I have ſeen it in his life,", "A Sable Silver'd.", "Ham. I'll watch to night; perchance 'twill walk again.", "Hor. I warrant you it will.", "Ham. If it affume my noble Fathers perſon,\nI'll ſpeak to it, though Hell it ſelf should gape\nAnd bid me hold my peace. I pray you all,\nIf you have hitherto concealed this ſight;\nLet it be treble in your ſilence ſtill :", "And whatsoever elfe ſhall hap to night,\nGive it an underſtanding but no tongue ;\nI will require your loves; fo, fare ye well:", "Upon the Platform 'twixt eleven and twelve,\nI'll viſit you.", "All. Our duty to your Honour.", "[Exeunt.]", "Ham. Your love, as mine to you: farewell.\nMy Fathers ſpirit in Arms ! All is not well :", "I doubt ſome foul play: would the night were come;\nTill then ſit ſtill, my Soul; foul deeds will rife,", "Though all the Earth o'rewhelm them to mens Eyes. [Exit.]", "## Scena Tertia.", "Enter Laertes and Ophelia.", "Laer. My neceſsaries are imbark'd, farewel:\nAnd Sifter, as the Winds give benefit,\nAnd Convoy is afflaitant; do not ſleep,\nBut let me hear from you.", "Ophe. Do you doubt that ?", "Laer. For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favours,\nHold it a ſashion and a toy in Bloud ;", "A Violet in the youth of Primy Nature ;", "Forward, not permanent; ſwet, not laſting", "The ſupplice of a minute; No more.", "Ophe. No more but fo.", "Laer. Think it no more :", "For nature creſcent does not grow alone,", "In thews and Bulk : but as his Temple waxes,\nThe inward ſervice of the mind and foul", "Grows wide withal. Perhaps he loves you now,\nAnd now no foil nor cautel doth beſmerch", "The vertue of his fear: but you muſt fear\nHis greatneſs weigh'd, his will is not his own:", "For he himſelf is ſubject to his Birth:", "He may not, as unvalued perſons do,", "Carve for himſelf; for, on his choice depends", "The Fanctity and health of the whole State.", "And therefore muſt his choice be circumſcrib'd", "Unto the voice and yielding of that body,\nWhereof he is the head. Then if he loves you,\nIt fits your wifdom ſo far to believe it;", "As he in his peculiar ſeſt and ſorce", "May give his ſaying deed: which is no further,", "Than the main Voice of Denmark, goes withal.", "Then weigh that loſs your honour may ſuſtain,", "If with too credent Ear you lift his Songs ;", "Or loofe your heart; or your chaſte treasure open\nTo his unmaſtered importunity.", "Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear Sifter,", "And keep within the rear of your affection ;", "Out of the ſhot and danger of define:", "The chariſe maid is prodigal enough,", "If the unmask her beauty to the Moon :", "Vertue it ſelf ſcapes not calumnious ſtrokes,", "The Canker galls the infant of the ſpring", "Too oft before the Buttons is diſcloſ'd,", "And in the morn and liquid dew of Youth,", "Contagious blaſtments are moſt imminent.", "Be wary then, beſt safety lies in fear ;", "Youth to it ſelf rebels, though none elfe near.", "Ophe. I ſhall th' effect of this good Leſson keep,\nAs Watchmen to my heart: but good my Brother,\nDo not as ſome ungracious Paſtors do,", "Shew me the ſteep and thorny way to Heaven ;", "Whilſt like a puſt and reckleſs Libertine", {"bbox": [1038, 1352, 1079, 1372], "category":

["The Tragedy of Hamlet.", "Himself, the Primrofe path of dalliance treads,\nAnd reaks not his own read.", "Laer. Oh, fear me not.", "Enter Polonius.", "I flay too long; but here my Father comes :", "A double bleffing is a double grace ;", "Occasion imiles upon a second leave,", "Polons. Yet here, Laertes ? Aboard, aboard for flame,\nThe wind fits in the shoulder of your fail,", "And you are flaid for there : my bleffing with you :", "And these few Precepts in thy memory,\nSee thou Character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,", "Nor any disproportion'd thought his Act :", "Be thou familiar ; but by no means vulgar :\nThe friends thou haft, and their adoption try'd,", "Grapple them to thy Soul, with hoops of steel :\nBut do not dull thy palm, with entertainment", "Of each unhatch'd, unfledg'd Comrade, Beware", "Of entrance to a quarrel: but being in", "Bear't that th'opposed may beware of thee,", "Give every man thine ear; but few thy voice :", "Take each mans censure : but reserve thy judgment :", "Cofly thy habit as thy purfe can buy ;", "But not expreſt in fancy; rich, not gaudy :", "For the apparel of proclaims the man.", "And they in France of the beſt rank and flation,", "Are of a molſt ſelect and generous cheſt in that.", "Neither a borrower, nor a lender be :", "For Loan of loſes both it ſelf and friend :", "A borrowing dulls the edge of Husbandry.", "This above all; to thine own ſelf be true :", "And it muſt follow, as the night the Day,", "Thou canſt not then be falſe to any man.", "Farewel: my bleffing ſeafon this in thee.", "Laer. Mol ſt humbly do I take my leave, my Lord.", "Polon. The time invites you, go, your ſervants tend.", "Laer. Farewel, Ophelia, and remember well", "What I have faid to you.", "Ophel. 'Tis in my memory lockt,", "And you your ſelf shall keep the key of it.", "Laer. Farewel.", "Polon. What is't, Ophelia, he faid to you ?", "Ophel. So pleafe you, I ſomething touching the Lord Hamlet.", "Polon. Marry, well bethought :", "'Tis told me he hath very oft of late", "Given private time to you; and you your ſelf", "Have of your audience been molſt free and bounteous,", "If it be ſo, as ſo it is, put on me ;", "And that in way of caution: I muſt tell you,", "You do not underſtand your ſelf ſo clearly,", "As it behooves my Daughter, and your honour.", "What is between you, give me up the truth ?", "Ophel. He hath my Lord of late, made many tenders\nOf his affection to me.", "Polon. Affection, puh. You ſpeak like a green Girle,\nUnflited in ſuch perillous circumſtance.", "Do you believe his tenders as you call them ?", "Ophel. I do not know, my Lord, what I ſhould think.", "Pol. Marry, I'le teach you ; think your ſelf a Baby,", "That you have tane his tenders for true pay,", "Which are not ſtarling. Tender your ſelf more clearly ;", "Or not to crack the wind of the poor phraſe,", "Roaming it thus, you'll render me a fool.", "Ophel. My Lord, he hath importu'n'd me with lov e,\nIn honourable fashion.", "Polon. I, fashion you may call it, go to, go to.", "Ophel. And hath given countenance to his ſpeech,", "My Lord, with all the vows of heaven.", "Polon. I, Springs to catch VVoodcocks. I do know", "When the blind burns, how prodigal the Soul", "Gives the tongue vows: theſe blazes, daughter,", "Giving more light than heat; extinct in both,", "Even in their promife, as it is a making ;", "You muſt not take for fire. For this time, Daughter,", "Be ſomewhat ſcanter of your Maiden prefence,", "Set your entreatments at a higher rate,", "Than a command to parley. For Lord Hamlet,", "Believe ſo much in him, that he is young,", "And with a larger tether may he walk,", "Than may be given you. In few, Ophelia,", "Do not believe his Vows; for they are Brokers,", "Not of the eye, which their inſtections ſhow :", "But meer implorators of unholy Suits,", "Breathing like ſanſtified and pious bonds,", "The better to beguile. This is for all :", "I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth,", "Have you ſo flander any moment leifure,", "As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet :", "Look to't, I charge you; come your way.", "Ophel. I ſhall obey my Lord.", "[ Exeunt. ]", "Enter Hamlet, Horatio, Marcellus.", "Ham. The air bites ſhrew'dly: it is very cold ?", "Hor. It is a nipping and eager air.", "Ham. What hour now?", "Hor. I think it lacks of twelve.", "Mar. No, it ha's ſtruck.", "( ſeafon,", "Hor. Indeed I heard it not: then it draws near the\nWherein the Spirit held his wont to walk.", "What do's this mear, my Lord ?", "Ham. The King doth wake to night, and takes his rouse,", "Keeps waffels, and the flogging uplring reels,", "And as he drains his draughts of Rheniſh down,", "The Kettle Drum and Trumpet thus bray out", "The triumph of his pledge.", "Hor. Is it a cultom?", "Ham. I marry is't :", "And to my mind, though I am native here,", "And to the manner born: It is a cultom", "More honour'd in the breach, than the obſervance.", "Enter Ghouſt.", "Hor. Look, my Lord, it comes.", "Ham. Angels and Minifters of grace defend us :", "Be thou a Spirit of health, or Goblin damn'd,", "Bring with thee air from heaven, or bleaſts from hell,", "Be thy events wicked or charitable,", "Thou com't in ſuch a questionable ſhape,", "That I will ſpeak to thee. I'le call thee Hamlet,", "King, Father, Royal Dane: Oh, oh, anſwer me,", "Let me not burſt in ignoranceness : but tell", "Why thy Canoniz'd bones heaſed in death,", "Have burſt their Cearements, why the Sepulcher,", "Wherein we ſaw thee quietly Inurn'd,", "Hath op'd his ponderous and Marble jaws,", "To caſt thee up again ? What may this mean ?", "That thou dead Coarſe again in compleat ſteel,", "Revif't thus the gl imples of the Moon,", "Making night hideous ? and we fools of Nature,", "So horribly to ſake our diſpoſition,", "With thoughts beyond thee; reaches of our Souls,", "Say, why is this, wherefore ? what should we do?", {"bbox": [652, 1165, 801, 1185], "category":

["The Tragedy of Hamlet.", "And for my Soul what can it do to that?", "Being a thing immortal as it self:", "It waves me forth again; I'le follow it.", "Hor. What if it tempt you toward the Floud, my Lord?", "Or to the dreadful Sonnet of the Cliff,", "That beetles o're his baſt into the Sea,\nAnd there allumes fome other horrible form,", "Which might deprive your Soveraignty of Reaſon,\nAnd draw you into madneſs ? think of it.", "Ham. It waſts me ſtil : go on, I'le follow thee.", "Mar. You ſhall not go, my Lord.", "Ham. Hold off your hand.", "Hor. Be rul'd, you ſhall not go.", "Ham. My fate cries out,", "And makes each petty Attire in his body,", "As hardy as the Nemean Lions Nerve:", "Still am I call'd? Unhand me, Gentlemen :", "By heav'n, I'le make a Ghoſt of him that letts me :", "I fay away, go on, I'le follow thee.", "[Exeunt. Ghoſt, and Hamlet.", "Hor. He waxes desperate with imagination.", "Mar. Let's follow ; 'tis not fit thus to obey him.", "Hor. Have after, to what ill ſue will this come ?", "Mar. Something is rotten in the State of Denmark.", "Hor. Heaven will direct it.", "Mar. Nay, let's follow him.", "[Exeunt.", "Enter Ghoſt and Hamlet.", "Ham. Where wilt thou lead me? speak; I'le go no", "Ghoſt. Mark me. Ham. I will.", "( further,", "Ghoſt. My hour is almost come,", "When I to sulphurous and tormenting Flames", "Muſt render up my ſelf.", "Ham. Alas poor Ghoſt.", "Ghoſt. Pitty me not, but lend thy ſerious hearing", "To what I ſhall unfold.", "Ham. Speak, I am bound to hear.", "Ghoſt. So art thou to revenge, when thou ſhalt hear.", "Ham. What ?", "Ghoſt. I am thy fathers ſpirit,", "Doom'd for a certain term to walk the night,", "And for the day confin'd to ſaſt in fires,", "Till the foul crimes done in my dayes of Nature,", "Are burnt and purg'd away: But that I am forbid", "To tell the ſecrets of my Prifon houſe;", "I could a Tale unfold, whoſe ſlighte word", "Would harrow up thy foul, freez thy young bloud,", "Make thy two eyes like Stars, ſtart from their Spheres,", "Thy knotty and combined locks to part,", "And each particular hair to ſtand an end", "Like Quills upon the fretful Porpentine :", "But this eternal blazon muſt not be", "To ears of fleſh and bloud; lift Hamlet, oh lift,", "If thou didst ever thy dear father love.", "Ham. Oh heaven !", "Ghoſt. Revenge his foul and moſt unnatural Murther.", "Ham. Murther ?", "Ghoſt. Murther moſt foul, as in the beſt it is ;", "But this moſt foul, ſtrange, and unnatural.", "Ham. Hafeſt, haſte me to know it,", "That I with wings as ſwift", "As Meditation, or the thoughts of Love", "May fweep to my Revenge.", "Ghoſt. I find thee apt,", "And duller ſhould'ſt thou be than the fat weed", "That rots it ſelf in eafe on Lethe Wharf,", "Would'ſt thou not ſtir in this. Now, Hamlet, hear :", "It's given out, that ſleeping in mine Orchard,", "A Serpent ſtung me: fo the whole ear of Denmark,", "Is by a forged proceſs of my death", "Rankly abus'd: But know, thou noble youth,", "The Serpent that did ſtir thy fathers life,", "Now wears his Crown.", "Ham. O my Prophetick Soul: mine Uncle ?", "Ghoſt. I, that inceſtuous, that adulterate Beaſt", "With witchcraft of his wits, and traiterous gifts\n(Oh wicked wit, and gifts, that have the power\nSo to ſeduce)! won to his harmful luſt", "The will of my moſt ſeeming vertuous Queen:", "Oh Hamlet, what a falling off was there,", "From me, whoſe love was of that dignity,", "That it went hand in hand, even with the Vow", "I made to her in Marriage; and to decline", "Upon a Wretch, whoſe natural gifts were poor", "To thofe of mine. But vertue, as it never will be moved,", "Though Lewdneſs court it in a ſhape of heaven:", "So luſt, though to a radiant Angel link'd,", "Will feat it ſelf in a Celestial bed, and prey in Garbage.", "But ſoft, methinks I ſcent the mornings Air:", "Brief let me be: ſleeping within mine Orchard,", "My cuſtom always in the afternoon;", "Upon my ſecure hour thy Uncle ſtole", "With juyce of curſed Hebenon in a Viol,", "And in the Porches of mine ears did pour", "The leprous Difliltment; whoſe effect", "Holds ſuch an enmity with bloud of man,", "That ſwift as Quick-ſilver it courſes through", "The natural Gates and Allies of the body;", "And with a ſudden vigour it doth poffer", "And curd, like Aygre droppings into Milk,", "The thin and wholſom bloud: To did it mine", "And a moſt infant Tetter bak'd about,", "Moſt Lazar-like, with vile and loathſome cruſ,\nAll my ſmooth body.", "Thus was I, ſleeping, by a Brothers hand,", "Of Life, of Crown, and Queen at once diſpatcht:", "Cut off even in the bloſoms of my Sin,", "Unhouzzled, diſappointed, unanueld,", "No reckoning made, but ſent to my account", "With all my imperfections on my head,", "Oh horrible, Oh horrible, moſt horrible !", "If thou haſt nature in thee, bear it not ;", "Let not the Royal Bed of Denmark be", "A Couch for Luxury and damned Inceſt,", "But howfeever thou purſueſt this Act,", "Taint not thy mind; nor let thy Soul contrive", "Againſt thy Mother ought; leave her to heaven,", "And to thofe thorns that in her boſom lodge,", "To prick and ſting her. Fare thee well at once,", "The Glow-worm ſhews the Matine to be near,", "And 'gins to pale his uneffectual Fire:", "[Exit.]", "Adieu, adieu, Hamlet: remember me.", "Ham. Oh all you hoſt of heaven ! Oh Earth; what elle?", "And ſhall I couple hell ? Oh ſie: hold my heart;", {"bbox": [

66

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

Reynol. At clofes in the confequence :
At friend, or fo, and Gentleman.
Polon. At clofes in the confequence, I marry,
He clofes with you thus. I know the Gentleman,
I faw him yefterday, or 'tother day ;
Or then, or then, with fuch and fuch, and as you fay,
There was he gaming, there o'retook in's Rouſe,
There falling out at Tennis; or perchance,
I faw him enter fuch a houſe of fail,
Videlicet, a Brothel, or fo forth. See you now ;
Your bait of falſhood, takes this Cape of truth ;
And thus do we of wifdom and of reach
VWith windlaces, and with affayes of Byas,
By indirections find directions out :
So by my former Læture and advice
Shall you my ſon ; you have me, have you not ?
Reynol. My Lord, I have.
Polon. God b'w? you, fare you well.
Reynol. Good my Lord.
Polon. Obſerve his inclination in your ſelf.
Reynol. I ſhall, my Lord.
Polon. And let him ply his Mufick.
Reynol. VVell, my Lord.

[Exit.]

Enter Ophelia.

Polon. Farewell :
How now, Ophelia, what's the matter ?
Ophe. Alas, my Lord, I have been fo affrighted.
Polon. VWith what, in the Name of Heaven ?
Ophe. My Lord, as I was fowing in my Chamber,
Lord Hamlet with his doublet all unbrac'd,
No Hat upon his head, his ſtockings foul'd,
Ungarter'd, and down-gyved to his Ancle,
Pale as his ſhirt, his knees knocking each other,
And with a look ſo pitious in purport,
As if he had been loofed out of Hell,
To ſpeak of horrors: he comes before me.
Polon. Mad for thy love ?
Ophe. My Lord, I do not know: but truly I do fear it.
Polon. VVhat faid he ?
Ophe. He took me by the wrift.
Then goes he to the length of all his Arme ;
And with his other hand, thus o're his brow,
He falls to fuch perſal of my face,
As he would draw it. Long ſtaid he ſo,
At laft, a little ſhaking of my arme,
And thrice his head thus waving up and down,
He rais'd a ſigh, ſo hideous and profound,
That it did ſeem to ſhatter all his bulk,
And end his being. That done, he lets go,
And with his head over his ſhoulders turn'd,
He ſeem'd to find his way without his eyes,
For out adoors he went without their help;
And to the laft, bended their light on me.
Polon. Go with me, I will go ſeek the King,
This is the very eſtacion of Love,
VVhoſe violent property foredoes it ſelf,
And leads the will to desperate Undertakings,
As oft as any paffion under heaven,
That do's afflict our Natures. I am forry,
VVhat have you given him any hard words of late ?
Ophe. No, my good Lord: but as you did command,
I did repell his Letters, and deny'd
His acceds to me.
Polon. That hath made him mad.
I am forry that with better ſpeed and judgment
I had not quoted him. I fear he did but trifle,
And meant to wrack thee: but beſwrew my Jealousie :
It ſeems it is as proper to our Age,
To caſt beyond our ſelves in our opinions,
As it is common for the younger ſort
To lack difcretion. Come, go we to the King.

This muſt be known, which being kept cloſe might move
More grief to hide, than hate to utter love.
[Exeunt.]

### Scena Secunda.

Enter King, Queen, Rofincroſs, and Guil-
denſtare cum alioe.

King. VVelcome dear Rofincroſſ and Guildenſtare,
Moreover, that we much did long to fee you,
The need we have to uſe you, did provoke
Our haſty fending. Something have you heard
Of Hamlet's transformation: ſo I call it,
Since not th'exterior, nor the inward man
Reſembles that it was. VVhat it ſhould be
More than his fathers death, that thus hath put him
So much from th'underſtanding of himſelf,
I cannot deem of. I intreat you both,
That being of ſo young dayes brought up with him:
And ſince ſo Neighbour'd to his youth, and humour,
That you vouchſaſe your reſt here in our Court
Some little time, ſo by your Companies
To draw him on to pleafures, and to gather
So much as from Occafions you may glean,
That open'd lies within our remedy,
Qu. Good Gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you,
And ſure I am, two men there are not living,
To whom he more adheres. If it will pleafe you
To ſhow us ſo much gentry and good will,
As to expend your time with us a while,
For the ſl prepely and profit of our hope,
Your Vihitation ſhall receive ſuch thanks,
As ſits a Kings remembrance.

Reſin. Both your Maſeſties
Might by the Soveragin power you have of us,
Put your dread pleafures, more into command
Than to Entreaty.
Guil. VVe both obey,
And here give up our ſelves, in the full bent,
To lay our ſervices freely at your feet,
To be commanded.

King. Thanks, Rofincroſſ, and gentle Guildenſtare,
Que. Thanks, Guildenſtare, and gentle Rofincroſſ,
And I befeech you infantly to viſit
My too much changed ſon.
Go ſome of ye,
And bring the Gentlemen where Hamlet is.
Guil. Heavens make our prefence and our practices
Pleasant and helpful to him.
Queen. Amen.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Polonius.

Pol. The Ambaſſadors from Norway, my good Lord,
Are joyfully return'd.
King. Thou ſtill haſt been the father of good news.
Pol. Have I, my Lord? Affure you, my good Liege,
I hold my duty, as I hold my Soul,
Both to my God, one to my gracious King:
And I do think, or eſle this brain of mine
Hunts not the trail of Policy, ſo be ſure
As I have us'd to do, that I have found
The very canſe of Hamlet's Lunacy.
King. O ſpeak of that, that I do long to hear.
Pol. Give ſirſt admittance to th'Ambaſſadors,
My News ſhall be the News to that great Feaſt.
King. Thy ſelf do grace to them, and bring them in.
He tells me, my ſweet Queen, that he hath found
The head and ſource of all your ſons diſtempber.
Queen. I doubt it is no other, but the main,
His fathers death, and our o're-haſty Marriage.

Enter

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

76

Enter Polonius, Voltimand, and Cornelius.

King. Well, we shall fift him. VVelcom, good Friends:
Say Voltimand, what from our Brother Norway?

Vol. Moft fair return of Greetings, and defires.

Upon our first, he fent out to fuppereſs
His Nephews Levies, which to him appear'd
To be a preparation 'gainſt the Polak:
But better look'd into, he truly found
It was againſt your Highneſs, whereat grieved,
That ſo his Sickneſs, Age, and Impotence
VVas falſely born in hand, ſends out Arreſts
On Fortinbras, which he (in brief) obeys,
Receives rebuke from Norway: and in fine,
Makes Vow before his Uncle, never more
To give th'affay of armes againſt your Majeſtly,
VWhereon old Norway, overcome with joy,
Gives him three thouland Crowns in annual Fee,
And his commiffion to employ thofe Souldiers
So levied as before, againſt the Polak:
VWith an intreaty herein further ſhewn,
That it might pleafe you to give quiet pafs
Through your Dominions for his enterprize.
On fuch regards of safety and allowance,
As therein are ſet down.

King. It likes us well:

And at our more confider'd time we'll read,
Anſwer, and think upon this buſineſs.
Mean time we thank you, for your well-look't labor.
Go to your reſt, at night we'll ſeaſt together.

Moft welcom home.

[Exit Ambaf.

Pol. This buſineſs is very well ended.

My Liege and Madam, to expoſtulate
What Majeſtly ſhould be, what duty is,
Why day is day; night, night; and time is time,
Were nothing but to waſte Night, day, and time.
Therefore, ſince Brevity is the Soul of wit,
And tediousneſs, the limbs and outward flouriffeſ,
I will be brief. Your noble Son is mad:
Mad call it; for to define true Madneſs,
What is't, but to be nothing eſle but mad.
But let that go.

Queen. More matter, with leſs Art.

Pol. Madam, I ſwear I uſe no Art at all:

That he is mad 'tis true: 'Tis true, 'tis pity,
And pity it is true: A fooliſh figure,
But farewell it: for I will uſe no art.

Mad let us grant him then: and now remains

That we find out the cauſe of this effect,
Or rather ſay, the cauſe of this defect;

For this effect defective, comes by cauſe,
Thus it remains, and the remainder thus. Perpend.
I have a Daughter: have, whilſt he is mine,
Who in her duty and Obedience, mark,
Hath given me this: now gather, and furmife.

The Letter.

To the Celestiall, and my Souls Idol, the moſt beautified
Ophelia.

That's an ill Phraſe, a vile Phraſe, beautified is a vile
Phraſe: but you ſhall hear theſe in her excellent white
boſome, theſe.

Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her.

Pol. Good Madam ſtay a while, I will be faithfull.

Doubt thou, the Stars are fire,

Doubt, that the Sun doth move:

Doubt Truth to be a Lyar,

But never Doubt, I love.

O dear Ophelia, I am ill at theſe Numbers: I have not
Art to reſcken my groans; but that I love thee beſt, oh
moſt Beſt, believe it. Adieu.

Thine evermore, moſt dear Lady, whilſt this

Machine is to him, Hamlet.

This in Obedience hath my Daughter ſhew'd me:
And more above hath his Soliciting,

As they fell out by time, by means, and place,
All given to mine ear.

King. But how hath ſhe receiv'd his Love?

Pol. What do you think of me?

King. As of a man, faithfull and honourable.

Pol. I would fain prove ſo. But what might you think?
When I had feen his hot love on the wing,

As I perceived it, I muſt tell you that
Before my Daughter told me, what might you
Or my dear Majeſtly your Queen here, think,
If I had play'd the Desk or Table-book,
Or given my heart a winking, mute and dumb;
Or look'd upon this love, with idle fight,
What might you think? No, I went round to work,
And my young Miftris thus I did beſpeak ;

Lord Hamlet is a Prince out of thy Sphere,
This muſt not be: and then, I precepts gave her,
That ſhe ſhould lock her ſelf from his Reſort,
Admit no Meffengers, receive no Tokens:

Which done, ſhe took the fruits of my advice,
And he repulſed, a ſhort Tale to make,
Fell into a Sadneſs, then into a Faſt,

Thence to a Watch, thence into a weakneſs,
Thence to a Lightneſs, and by this declenſion

Into the Madneſs whereon now he raves,
And all we wail for.

King. Do you think 'tis this?

Queen. It may be very likely.

Pol. Hath there been ſuch a time, I'de fain know that,
That I have positively faſt, 'tis ſo,
When it prov'd otherwife?

King. Not that I know.

Pol. Take this from this, if this be otherwife,
If Circumſtances lead me, I will find

Where truth is hid, though it were hid indeed
Within the Center.

King. How may we try it further?

Pol. You know ſometimes

He walks four hours together, here
In the Lobby.

Queen. So he has indeed.

Pol. At ſuch a time I'le loose my Daughter to him,
Be you and I behind an Arras then,
Mark the encounter: If he love her not,

And be not from his reaſon ſaln thereon;
Let me be no Aſſiſtant for a State,
And keep a Farm and Carters,

King. We will try it.

Enter Hamlet reading on a Book.

Queen. But look where fadly the poor wretch
Comes reading.

Pol. Away, I do beſeech you, both away,
I'le board him prefently.

[Exit King and Queen.

Oh give me leave. How does, my good Lord Hamlet?

Ham. Well, god-a-mercy.

Pol. Do you know me, my Lord?

Ham. Excellent, excellent well: y'are a Fisſmonger?

Pol. Not I, my Lord?

Ham. Then I would you were ſo honeſt a man.

Pol. Honeſt, my Lord?

Ham. I, Sir, to be honeſt as this world goes, is to be
one pick'd out of two thouſand.

Pol. That's very true, my Lord.

Ham. For if the Sun breed Maggots in a dead Dog,
being a good kiffing Carrion—

Have you a Daughter?

Pol. I have, my Lord.

Ham. Let her not walk iſt? Sun: Conception is a
bleſſing, but not as your Daughter may conceive. Friend
look to't.

Pol.

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

Pol. How fay you by that? Still harping on my Daugh-
ter: yet he knew me not at firſt; he faid I was a Fishmon-
ger: he is far gone, far gone: and truly in my youth, I
fuffered much extremity for love: very near this. Ile ſpeak
to him again. What do you read, my Lord?

Ham. Words, words, words.

Pol. What is the matter, my Lord?

Ham. Between whom ?

Pol. I mean the matter you mean, my Lord.

Ham. Slanders, Sir: for the Satyrical ſtave fayes here,
that old men have gray Beards; that their faces are wrin-
kled; their eyes purging thick Amber, or Plum Tree-
Gum: and that they have a plentifull lock of Wit,
together with weak Hams. All which, Sir, though I
moſt powerfully, and potently believe, yet I hold it not
Honori to have it thus fet down: For you your ſelf,
Sir, ſhould be old as I am, if like a Crab you could go
backward.

Pol. Though this be madneſs,
Yet there is Method in't: will you walk

Out of the air, my Lord?

Ham. Into my Grave?

Pol. Indeed that is out oth' air :

How pregnant (f sometimes) his replies are?

A happineſs,

That often Madneſs hits on,
Which Reaſon and Sanity could not
So prosperouſly be deliver'd of.

I will leave him,

And suddenly conſive the means of meeting

Between him and my Daughter.

My honourable Lord, I will moſt humbly

Take my leave of you.

Ham. You cannot, Sir, take from me any thing, that
I will more willingly part withall, except my life, my
life.

Polon. Fare you well, my Lord.

Ham. Theſe tedious old fools.

Polon. You go to feek my Lord Hamlet ; there he is.

Enter Rofincros and Guildenſtare.

Rofin. God fave you, Sir.

Guild. Mine honour'd Lord ?

Rofin, My moſt dear Lord?

Ham. My excellent good friends ? How doth thou
Guildenſtare ? Oh, Rofincros, good Lads: How do ye
both ?

Rofin. As the indifferent Children of the earth.

Guild. Happy, in that we are not over-happy: on
Fortunes Cap, we are not the very Button.

Ham. Nor the Soals of her Shooe ?

Rofin. Neither, my Lord.

Ham. Then you live about her waſte, or in the middle
of her favour ?

Guild. Faith, her privates we.

Ham. In the ſecreſt parts of Fortune ? Oh, moſt true:
ſhe is a Strumpet. What's the news.

Rofin. None, my Lord, but that the World's grown
honet.

Ham. Then is Dooms day near: but your News is not
true. Let me queſtion more in particular: what have you,
my good friends, deferved at the hands of fortune, that
he ſends you to prifon hither ?

Guild. Prifon, my Lord ?

Ham. Denmark's a Prifon.

Rofin. Then is the World one.

Ham. A goodly one, in which there are many Con-
fines, Wards, and Dungeons; Denmark being one
o'th' worſt.

Rofin. We think not ſo, my Lord.

Ham. Why then, 'tis none to you; for there is nothing
either good or bad, but thinking makes it ſo: to me it is
a prifon.

Rofin. Why then your Ambition makes it one: 'tis too
narrow for your mind.

Ham. O God, I could be bounded in a Nurſell, and
count my ſelf a King of infinite ſpace; were it not that I
have bad dreams.

Guild. Which dreams indeed are Ambition: for the
very ſubſtance of the Ambitious, is meerly the ſhadow of
a Dream.

Ham. A dream it ſelf is but a ſhadow.

Rofin. Truly, and I hold Ambition of ſo airy and ligh
t a quality, that it is but a ſhadows ſhadow.

Ham. Then are our Beggars bodies; and our Monarches,
and out-stretcht Heroes, the Beggars ſhadows: ſhall we to
'th' Court: for, by my ley I cannot reaſon?

Both. We'll wait upon you.

Ham. No ſuch matter. I will not forſt you with the reſt
of my ſervants: for to ſpeak to you like an honest man:
I am moſt dreadfully attended; but in the beaten way of
friendſhip. What make you at Elſinoore ?

Rofin. To viſit you, my Lord, no other occasion.

Ham. Beggar that I am, I am even poor in thanks; but
I thank you: and ſure, dear friends, my thanks are too
dear a half-penny; were you not ſent for? Is it your own
inclining ? Is it a free viſitation? Come, deal juſtly with
me: come, come; nay, ſpeak.

Guild. What ſhould we ſay, my Lord?

Ham. Why, any thing. But to the purpofe; you were
ſent for; and there is a kind of confession in your looks:
which your modeſties have not craft enough to colour, I
know the good King and Queen have ſent for you.

Rofin. To what end, my Lord ?

Ham. That you muſt teach me: but let me conjure you
by the rights of your ſellowſhip, by the conſonancy of
your youth, by the obligation of our ever-preferved love, and
by what more dear, a better propoſer could charge you
withall; be even and direct with me, whether you were
ſent for or no.

Rofin. What ſay you?

Ham. Nay then I have an eye of you: if you love me,
hold not off.

Guild. My Lord, we were ſent for.

Ham. I will tell you why; ſo ſhall my anticipation
prevent your diſcovery of your ſecrecy to the King and
Queen: mouſt no feather, I have of late, but wherefore I
know not, loft all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercise;
and indeed, it goes ſo heavenly with my diſpoſition; that
this goodly frame, the earth, ſeems to me a ſteril Pro-
montory; this moſt excellent Canopy the air, look you
this brave o're-hanging, this Maſejtical Roof, fretted
with golden fire: why, it appeared no other thing to me, than
a foul and peſtilent congregation of vapours. What a
piece of work is a man ! How Noble in Reaſon ? how in-
finite in faculty ? in form and moving how expreſs and
admirable ? in action, how like an Angel ? in apprehenſion
how like a god ? the beauty of the world, the Parragon
of Animals; and yet to me, what is this quintefſence of
Duſt ? Man delights not me; no, nor Woman neither,
though by your ſmiling you ſeem to ſay to ſo.

Rofin. My Lord, there was no ſuch fluff in my
thoughts.

Ham. Why did you laugh, when I faid, Man delights
not me?

Rofin. To think, my Lord, if you delight not in Man,
what Lenton entertainment the Players ſhall receive from
you: we coated them on the way, and hither are they
coming to offer you Service.

Ham. He that plays the King ſhall be welcome; his
Majeſty ſhall have Tribute of me: the adventurous Knight
ſhall uſe his Foyle and Target: The Lover ſhall not ligh
grats, the humorous man ſhall end his part in peace: the
Clown ſhall make theſe laugh, whoſe lungs are tick'd at
fere: and the Lady ſhall ſay her mind freeſly; or the blank
Verſe ſhall halt for't, what Players are they?

Rofin. Even theſe you were wont to take delight in, the
Tragedians of the City.

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

69

Ham. How chances it they travell ? their residence both
in reputation and profit was better both wayes.

Rofin. I think their Inhibition comes by the means of
the late innovation ?

Ham. Do they hold the fame effimation they did when
I was in the City ? Are they fo follow'd ?

Rofin. No indeed, they are not.

Ham. How comes it ? do they grow rufly ?

Rofin. Nay, their endeavour keeps in the wonted pace;
But there is, Sir, an Airy of Children, little Yafes,
that cry out on the top of quaffe; and are moft tyrannically clapt
for't: thefe are now the fashion, and so be-rattle the
common Stages (so they call them) that many wearing
Rapiers, are afraid of Goofe Quills, and dare scarce come
thither.

Ham. What are they Children ? Who maintains ?em ?
How are they efcoated ? Will they purfue the Quality no
longer than they can fing ? Will they not fay afterwards
if they should grow themfelves to common Players (as it
is like moft if their means are no better) their Writers
do them wrong to make them exclaim againſt their own
Succession.

Rofin. Faith there has been much to do on both fides :
and the Nation holds it no fin, to tarre them to contro-
verſie. There was for a while, no money bid for argu-
ment, unleſs the Poet and the Player went to Cuffis in the
Queſtion.

Ham. Is't poffible ?

Guild. Oh there has been much throwing about of
brains.

Ham. Do the Boyes carry it away ?

Rofin. I that they do, my Lord, *Hercules* and his load too.

Ham. It is not ſtrange, for mine Unkle is King of Denmark, and thate that would make mowes at him while my Father lived, give twenty, forty, an hundred Ducates a piece, for his picture in little. There is ſomething in this more than Natural, if Philofophy could find it out.

Flourish for the Players.

Guild. There are the Players.

Ham. Gentlemen, you are welcome to Elfinoore : your
hands, come : The appurtenance of Welcome, is Fashion
and Ceremony. Let me comply with you in the Garbe,
left my extent to the Players ( which I tell you muſt ſhow
fairly outward) ſhould more appear like entertainment
than yours. You are welcome : but my Unkle Father, and
Aunt Mother are deceiv'd.

Ham. In what, my dear Lord ?

Ham. I am but mad North, North-Weſt: when the
Wind is Southerly, I know a Hawk from a Handſaw.

Enter Polonius.

Pola. Well be with you, Gentlemen.

Ham. Hark you, *Guildenſtare*, and you too, at each ear a
hearer : that great Baby you ſee there, is not yet out of his
ſwathing clouts.

Rofin. Haply he's the ſecond time come to them : for
they ſay, an old man is twice a Child.

Ham. I will Propheſe, He comes to tell me of the
Players. Mark it, you ſay right, Sir: for on Munday mor-
ning 'twas ſo indeed.

Pola. My Lord, I have news to tell you.

Ham. My Lord, I have news to tell you,

When Rofius an Actor in Rome—

Pola. The Actors are come hither, my Lord.

Ham. Buzzi, buzzie.

Pola. Upon mine honour.

Ham. Then can each Actor on his Aſs—

Pola. The beſt Actors in the world, either for Tragedy,
Comedy, Hiftory, Paſtoral: Paſtoral-Comical-Hiftorical-
Paſtoral: Tragical-Hiftorical; Tragical-Comical-Hiftori-
cal-Paſtoral: Scene indiſible, or Poem unlimited. Seneca
cannot be too heavy, nor Plautus too light, for the law of
Writ, and the liberty. Theſe are the onlymen.

Ham. O Jephtha, Judge of Israel, what a Treſure hadſt
thou ?

Pola. What a Treſure had he, my Lord ?

Ham. Why one fair Daughter, and no more,
The which he loved paſſing well.

Pola. Still on my Daughter.

Ham. Am I not ith' right, old Jephtha ?

Pola. If you call me Jephtha, my Lord, I have a Daughter
that I love paſſing well.

Ham. Nay that follows not.

Pola. What follows then, my Lord ?

Ham. Why, as by lot, God wot ? and then you know,
it came to paſſ, as moſt like it was: the firſt row of the
Pans Chanfon will ſhow you more. For look where my
Aſbridgements come.

Enter four or five Players.

Y'are welcome Maſters, welcome all. I am glad to ſee thee
well; welcome good friends. Oh my old friend ! Thy
face is valiant ſince I ſaw thee laſt: Com'ſt thou to beard
me in *Denmark* ? what my young Lady and Miftris ?
Berlady your Lordſhip is nearer heaven, than when I ſaw
you laſt, by the altitude of a Choppine. Pray God your
voyce, like a piece of uncurrant gold, be not crack'd within
the Ring. Maſters, you are all welcome: we'll e'ne'to't
like *French* Faſconers, flye at any thing we ſee: we'll have
a ſpeech ſtraight. Come, give us a taſte of your quality :
come, a paffionate ſpeech.

I. Play. What ſpeech, my Lord ?

Ham. I heard thee ſpeak me a ſpeech once, but it was never Acted : or if it was, not above once, for the Play I remember pleas'd not the Million, 'twas *Cautary* to the General: but it was (as I received it, and others, whole judgment in ſuch matters, cryed in the top of mine) an excellent Play; well digested in the Scenes, fet down with as much modesty, as cunning. I remember one ſaid, there was no Sallets in the lines, to make the matter favourſt; nor no matter in the phraſe, that might indite the Author of aſſection, but call'd it an honeſt method. One chief ſpeech in it, I chiefly lov'd, 'twas *Æneas* Tale to *Dido*, and thereabout of it especially, where he ſpeaks of *Priams* ſlaughteſter. If it live in your memory, begin at this Line, let me fee, let me ſee: The rugged *Pyrrhus*, like the *Hyrcani-* an Beaſt. It is not ſo : it begins with *Pyrrhus*.

The rugged *Pyrrhus*, he whoſe Sable Armes
Black as his purpúse, did the night reſemble
When he lay couched in the Ominous Horſe,
Hath now this dread and black Complexion ſmeare'd
With Heraldry more diſmal: head to foot
Now is he to take Geules, horribly Trickt
With blood of Fathers, Mothers, Daughters, Sons,
Ba'k and impaſſed, with the parching ſtreets,
That lend a tyrannous, and damned light
To their vile Murthers, roaſted in wrath and fire,
And thus o'reſiſed with coagulate gore,
With eyes like Carbuncles, the heliſh *Pyrrhus*
Old Grandſire *Priam* ſeeks.

Pol. 'Fore God, my Lord, well ſpoken, with good accent,
and good diſcretion.

I. Play. Anon he finds him,

Striking too ſhort at Greeks. His antick Sword,
Rebellious to his Arm, lies where it falls
Repugnant to command: unequal match,
*Pyrrhus* at *Priam* drives, in rage ſtrikes wide:
But with the whiff and wind of his ſell Sword,
Th'unnerved father falls. Then ſenſeleſs *Ilium*,
Seeming to feel his blow, with flaming top
Stoops to his Bace, and with a hideous craft
Takes Přifoner *Pyrrhus* ear, For lo, his Sword
Which was declining on the Milky head
Of Reverend *Priam*, ſeem'd ith' Air to ſlick :

So as a Tyrant *Pyrrhus* ſlood,

And like a Neutral to his will and matter, did nothing.

But

["The Tragedy of Hamlet.", "70", "But as we often see againſt fome ſtorm,\nA ſilence in the heavens, the Rack ſtand ſill,\nThe bold winds ſpeechleſs, and the Orbe below\nAs huff as death: Anon the dreadful Thunder\nDoth rend the Region. So after Pyrrhus pawle,\nA rowſed Vengeance fets him new a work,\nAnd never did the Cyclops hammers fall\nOn Mars his Armours, ſorg'd for proof Eterne,\nWith leſs remorſe than Pyrrhus bleeding Sword\nNow falls on Priam;\nOut, out, thou Strumpet-Fortune, all you gods,\nIn general Synod take away her power:\nBreak all the Spokes and Fellies from her wheel,\nAnd bowl the round Nave down the hill of heaven,\nAs low as to the fiends.", "Pol. This is too long.", "Ham. It ſhall to th' Barbers with your Beard. Prethe\nfay on: He's for a Jigge, or a tale of Bawdry, or he ſleeps.\nSay on; come to Hecuba.", "1. Play. But who, O who, had been the Mobled Queen ?", "Ham. The Mobled Queen?", "Pol. That's good: Mobled Queen is good.", "1. Play. Run bare foot up and down,", "Threatening the flame", "With Bifon Rheum: a clout about that head,", "Where late the Diadem ſlood, and for a Robe", "About her lank and all o're teamed Loyns,", "A Blanket in th'alarum of fear caught up.", "Who this had been, with tongue in Venome ſleep'd,", "Ganſt fortunes State, would treaſon have pronounc'd ?", "But if the gods themſelves did fee her then,", "When the ſaw Pyrrhus make malicious ſport", "In mincing with his Sword her Husbands limbs.", "The instant Burſt of Clamour that the made", "(Unleſs things mortal meant them not all)", "Would have made milch the burning eyes of heaven,", "And Paffion in the Gods.", "Pol. Look where he has not turn'd his colour, and has\ntears in's Eyes. Pray you no more.", "Ham. 'Tis well, I'le have the ſpeak out the reſt ſoon.", "Good my Lord, wi' 1 you fee the Players well beſtow'd.", "Do ye hear, let them be well us'd: for they are the abfraſts,\nand brief Chronicles of the time. After your death, you\nwere better have a bad Epitaph, than their ill report while\nyou lived.", "Pol. My Lord, I will use them according to their de-\nfert.", "Ham. Gods bodikins man, better. Uſe every man after\nhis defert, and who hould ſape whipping : uſe them after\nyour own Honour and Dignity. The leſs they deferve, the\nmore merit is in your bounty. Take them in.", "Pol. Come, Sirs.", "[ Exit ] Polonius.", "Ham. Follow him, Friends: We'll hear a Play to mor-\nrow. Doſt thou hear me, old Friend, can you Play the\nmurther of Gonzago ?", "Play. I, my Lord.", "Ham. We'll ha't to morrow night. You could for a\nneed ſtudy a ſpeech of ſome dozen or ſixteen lines, which\nI would ſet down, and infert in't ? Could ye not ?", "Play. I, my Lord.", "Ham. Very well. Follow that Lord, and look you mock\nhim not. My good friends, I'le leave you till night, you are\nwelcom to Elſinoere.", "Rofin. Good my Lord.", "[ Exeunt ]", "Manet Hamlet.", "Ham. I ſo, god b'w'ye: Now I am alone.", "O what a Rogue and Pezant ſclave am I?", "Is it not monſtrous that this Player here,", "But in a Fiction, in a dream of Paffion,", "Could force his Soul ſo to his whole conceit,", "That from her working, all his viſage warm'd ;", "Tears in his eyes, diſtraſſion in's alpeſt,", "A broken voyce, and his whole Function ſuiting", "With forms, to his conceit ? and all for nothing?", "For Hecuba ?", "What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba,", "That he should weep for her ? what would he do,\nHad he the motive and the Cue for paffion", "That I have, he would drown the Stage with tears,\nAnd cleave the general ear with horrid ſpeech:", "Make mad the guilty, and apale the free :", "Confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed,", "The very faculty of Eyes and Ears. Yet I,", "A dull and muddy metled Raſcal, peak", "Like John a-deames, unpregnant of my caufe,", "And can ſay nothing: No, not for a King,", "Upon whole property, and moſt dear life,", "A damn'd defeat was made. Am I a Coward?", "Who calls me Villain ? breaks my pate a-croſs,", "Plucks off my Beard, and blows it in my face ?", "Tweaks me by th'Nofe, gives me the Lye i'th' Throat,", "As deep as to the Lungs. Who does me this ?", "Ha? Why ſhould I take it ? for it cannot be,", "But I am Pigeon-Liver'd, and lack Gall", "To make Oppreſſion bitter, or ere this,", "I hould have factred all the Region Kites,", "With this Slaves Offall, bloody : a bawdy villain,\nRemorſeleſs, Treacherous, Lecherous, kindleſs villain!", "Oh Vengeance !", "Who? what an Aſ am I? I ſure, this is moſt brave,", "That I, the Son of the dear murthered,", "Prompted to my revenge by heaven, and hell,", "Moft (like a Whore) unpack my heart with words,", "And fall a curſing like a very Drab,", "A Scullion ? Fye upon't. Foh. About my Brain.", "I have heard, that guilty Creatures fitting at a Play,", "Have by the very cunning of the Scene,", "Been ſtruck ſo to the Soul, that prefently", "They have proclaim'd their Maleſaſtions.", "For Murther, though it have no tongue, will ſpeak", "With moſt miraculous Organ. I'le have theſe Players,", "Play ſomething like the murder of my Father,", "Before mine Unkle. I'le obſerve his looks,", "I'le rent him to the quick : if he but blench,", "I know my courſe. The Spirit that I have ſeen,", "May be the D. vil, and the Devil hath power", "T'alſume a pleafing ſhape, yea, and perhaps", "Out of my weakneſs, and my melancholy,", "As he is very potent with ſuch Spirits,", "Abufes me to damn me. I'le have grounds", "More relative than this: The Play's the thing,", "Wherein I'le catch the Conſcience of the King.", "[ Exit ]", "Enter King, Queen, Polonius, Ophelia, Rofinoros,\nGuldenflare, and Lords.", "King. And can you by no drift of circumſtance\nGet from him why he puts on this Conſulion,\nGrating ſo harſely all his dayes of quiet\nWith turbulent and dangerous Lunacy.", "Rofin. He does confefs he feels himſelf diſtraſſed,\nBut from what caufe he will by no means ſpeak.", "Guil. Nor do we find him forward to be founded,\nBut with a crafty Madneſs keeps aloof :\nWhen we would bring him on to ſome Conſeſſion\nOf his true ſtate,", "Queen. Did he receive you well ?", "Rofin. Moſt like a Gentleman.", "Gild. But with much forcing of his diſpoſition.", "Rofin. Niggard of queſtion, but of our demands", "Moſt free in his reply.", "Queen. Did you affay him to any paſtime?", "Rofin. Madam, it ſo fell out, that certain Players\nWe o're took on the way : of theſe we told him,", "And there did ſeem in him a kind of Joy", "To hear of it : They are about the Court,", "And (as I think) they have already order.", "This night to play before him.", {"bbox": [1068, 1354, 1084, 1372], "category": "Text

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

71

Pol. 'Tis moſt true :
And he beſeech'd me to intreat your Majefies
To hear and fee the matter.

King. With all my heart, and it doth much content me
To hear him ſo inclin'd. Good Gentlemen,
Give him a further edge, and drive his purpofe on
To theſe delights.

Reſin. We ſhall, my Lord.

[Exeunt.]

King. Sweet Gertrude, leave us too,

For we have cloſely ſent for Hamlet hither,
That he, as 'twere by accident, may there
Aſſort Ophelia. Her Father, and my ſelf (lawful eſpials)
Will ſo beſtow our ſelves, that feeing unſen
We may of their encounter frankly judge,
And gather by him, as he is behaved,
If 't be th'affliction of his love, or no,
That thus he ſuffers for.

Queen. I ſhall obey you:

And for your part, Ophelia, I do wifh
That your good beauties be the happy cauſe
Of Hamlet's wildneſs: ſo ſhall I hope your Virtues
Will bring him to his wonted way again,
To both your Honours.

Ophe. Madam, I wifh it may.

Pol. Ophelia, walk you here. Gracious, ſo pleafe ye,
We will beſtow our ſelves: Read on this Book,
That ſhew of ſuch an exerciſe may colour
Your lonelines. We are oft to blame in this,
'Tis too much prov'd, that with Devotions viſage,
And pious Action, we do ſurge o're
The Devil himſelf.

King. Oh 'tis true :
How I ſmart a laſh that ſpeech doth give my Conſcience?
The Harlots Cheek beautitied with plaftring Art
Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it,
Than is my deed to my moſt painted word.
Oh heavy burthen !

Pol. I hear him coming, let's withdraw, my Lord.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Hamlet.

Ham. To be, or not to be, that is the Queſtion:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to ſuffer

The Slings and Arrows of ouſtrages Fortune,
Or to take Arms againſt a Sea of troubles,
And by oppofing end them: to dye, to ſleep
No more: and by a ſleep, to ſay we end

The heart-ache, and the thouſand natural ſhocks
That fleſh is heir to. 'Tis a ſonſumation
Devoutly to be wifh'd. To die to ſleep,
To ſleep, perchance to dream; I, there's the rub,
For in that ſleep of death, what dreams may come,
VVhen he hath ſhuffled off this mortal coyle,
Mull give us pawſe. There's the reſpect
That makes Calamity of ſo long life:

For who would bear the whips and ſoars of time,
The oppreſſors wrong, the poor mans Contumely,
The pangs of diſpriz'd Love, the Laws delay,
The infolence of office, and the ſpurns
That patient merci of the unworthy takes,
When he himſelf might his Quietus make

With a bare Bodkin ? VVho would theſe Fardles bear
To grunt and fweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of ſomething after death,
The undifcovered Country, from whose Born
No Traveller returns, puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear that ſells we have,
Than fly to others that we know not of.
Thus Conſcience does make Cowards of us all,
And thus the Native hue of Reſolution
Is ſicklied o're, with the pale caſt of thought,
And enterprizes of great pith and moment,
VWith this regard their Currents turn away,

And Iole the name of action. Soft you now,
The fair Ophelia ? Nymph, in thy Horizons
Be all my fins remembred.

Ophe. Good my Lord,

How does your honour for this many a day ?

Ham. I humbly thank you: well, well, well.

Ophe. My Lord, I have remembrances of yours,

That I have longed long to re-deliver.

I pray you now receive them.

Ham. No, no, I never gave you ought.

Ophe. My honour'd Lord, I know right well you did,
And with them words of ſo ſweet breath compos'd,

As made the things more rich, than perfume left :

Take theſe again, for to the noble mind

Rich gifts wax poor, when givers prove unkind.

There, my Lord.

Ham. Ha, ha: are you honest ?

Ophe. My Lord.

Ham. Are you fair ?

Ophe. What means your Lordship?

Ham, That if you be honest and fair, your honesty ſhould
admit no diſcourſe to your beauty.

Ophe. Could beauty, my Lord, have better Commerce
than your honesty ?

Ham. I truly : for the power of beauty, will ſooner
transform honesty from what it is, to a bawd, than the
force of honesty can tranſlate beauty into his likenefs.
This was fometimes a Paradox, but now the time gives it
proof. I did love you once.

Ophe. Indeed, my Lord, you made me believe ſo.

Ham. You ſhould not have believed me. For virtue
cannot be inocualte our old ſtock, but we ſhall rellih of
it. I loved you not.

Ophe. I was the more deceived.

Ham. Get thee to a Nunnery. Why would'ſt thou be a
breeder of Sinners? I am my ſelf indifferently honest, but
yet I could accuſe me of ſuch things, that it were better,
my Mother had not born me. I am very proud, revengeful,
Ambitious, with more offences at my beck, than I have
thoughts to put them in imagination, to give them ſhape,
or time to act them in. VVhat ſhould ſuch Fellows as I
do crawling between Heaven and Earth. We are arrant
Knaves all, believe none of us. Go thy ways to a
Nunnery. Where's your Father ?

Ophe. At home, my Lord.

Ham. Let the doors be flut upon him, that he may
play the Fool no way, but in's own houſe. Farewell.

Ophe. O help him, you ſweet heavens.

Ham. If thou do'ſt Marry, I'le give thee this Plague
for thy Dowry. Be thou as chaſte as Ice, as pure as Snow,
thou ſhalt not eſcape Calumny. Get thee to a Nunnery.
Go, farewell. Or if thou wilt needs marry, marry a
fool: for wife men know well enough, what monſters
you make of them. To a Nunnery go, and quickly too.
Farewell.

Ophe. O heavenly Powers, reſtore him.

Ham. I have heard of your prating too, well enough,
God has given you one pace, and you make your ſelf an-
other: you gidge, you amble, and you liff, and nick-name
Gods Creatures, and make your wantonneſs, your ignorance.
Go Ple no more on't, it hath made me mad. I ſay, we
will have no more Marriages. Thoſe that are married al-
ready, all but one ſhall, the reſt ſhall keep as they are. To
a Nunnery, go.

Ophe. O what a Noble mind is here o're-thrown?

The Courtiers, Souldiers, Scholars ! Eye, tongue, Sword,
Th'expectancy and Roſe of the fair State,
The glaſs of ſashion, and the mould of ſorm,
Th'obſerv'd of all obſervers, quite, quite down.

I am of Ladies moſt dejeſt and wretched,
That ſuck'd the Hony of his Muſick Vows:

Now fee that Noble, and moſt Soveraign Reaſon,

Like sweet Bells jangled out of tune, and harſh,
That unmatch'd fortune and feature of blown youth,

Blaſted

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

Blafted with eeleafie. Oh woe is me,
I'have seen what I have seen: see what I see.

Enter King and Polonius.

King. Love ? his affections do not that way tend,
Nor what he fpaKE, though it lack'd form a little,
Was not like Madneſs. There's fomething in his Soul,
O're which his Melancholy fits on brood,
And I do doubt the hatch, and the diſcloſe
Will be ſome danger, which how to prevent,
I have in quick determination.

Thus fet it down. He ſhall with ſpeed to England
For the demand of our neglected tribute:
Haply the Seas and Countreys different
VWith variable objects, ſhall expel
This ſomething fetled matter in his heart :
Whereon his brains fill beating, puts him thus
From ſhion of himſelf. What think you on't?

Pol. It ſhall do well. But yet do I believe
The Origin and Commencement of this grief
Sprung from neglected love. How now, Ophelia ?
You need not tell us, what Lord Hamlet ſaid,
We heard it all. My Lord, do as you pleafe,
But if you hold it fit after the Play,
Let his Queen Mother all alone intreat him
To ſhew his griefs : let her be round with him:
And I'le be plac'd, to pleafe you, in the ear
Of all their conference. If he find him not,
To England ſend him : or confine him where
Your wifdom beſt ſhall think.

King. It ſhall be ſo:
Madneſs in great Ones muſt not unwatch'd go.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Hamlet, and two or three of the Players.

Ham. Speak the Speech I pray you, as I pronounc'd
it to you trippingly on the Tongue. But if you mouth it,
as many of your Players do, I had as lieve the Town-
Cryer had ſpoke my Lines: Nor do not ſaw the air too
much with your hand thus, but uſe all gently ; for in
the very torrent, tempeſt, and (as I may ſay) the whirl-wind
of paffion, you muſt acquire and beget a temperance that
may give it ſmoothneſs. O it offends me to the Soul, to
ſee a robuſtous Perriwig parted ſellow, tear a Paffion to
tatters, to very rags, to ſplit the ears of the Groundlings:
who (for the moſt part) are capable of nothing, but in-
explicable dumb ſhews, and noife: I could have ſuch a ſel-
low whipt for o're doing Termagant : it out—Herods Herod.
Pray you avoid it.

Player. I warrant your Honour.

Ham. Be not too tame neither: but let your own Dif-
cretion be your Tutor. Sute the Action to the word, the
word to the action, with this ſpecial obſervance: that you
o're-flop not the modety of nature; for any thing ſo over-
done, is from the purpofe of Playing, whose end both at
the firſt and now, was and is, to hold as 'twere the Mirror
up to nature; to ſhew Virtue her own Feature, ſcorn her
own Image, and the very Age and Body of the time, his
form and preſſure. Now, this over-done, or come tardy
off, though it make the unſkilful laugh, cannot but make
the judicious grieve: the cenſure of the which one, muſt
in your allowance o're-fway a whole Theatre of others.
Oh, there be Players that I have ſeen Play, and heard o-
thers praeſe, and that highly (not to ſpeak it pharaphely)
that neither having the accent of Chriſtians, nor the gate
of Chriſtian, Pagan, or Norman, have ſoſtruted and bel-
lowed, that I have thought ſome of natures Journey-men
had made men, and not made them well, they imitated
Humanity ſo abominably.

Play. I hope we have reform'd that indifferently with us, Sir.

Ham. O reform it altogether. And let that of play

your Clowns, ſpeak no more than is ſet down for them. For
there be of them, that will ot themſelves ſaugh, to ſet on
fome quantity of barren ſpectators to ſaugh too, though
in the mean time, ſome neceſſary queſtion of the Play be
then to be considered: that's Villanous, and ſhews a moſt
pitiful Ambition in the Fool that uſes it. Go make you
ready.

[Exeunt Players.]

Enter Polonius, Rofincros, and Guildenstare.

How now, my Lord?

Will the King hear this piece of work ?

Pol. And the Queen too, and that preſently.

Ham. Bid the Players make hafe.

[Exit Polonius.]

Will you two help to haſten them ?

Both. We will, my Lord.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Horatio.

Ham. What ho, Horatio ?

Hora. Here, ſweet Lord, at your ſervice.

Ham. Horatio, thou art e'ne as juſt a man

As e're my Converſation coap'd withal.

Hora. O my dear Lord.

Ham. Nay, do not think I flatter :

for what advancement may I hope from thee,
That no Revenue haſt, but thy good Spirits
To feed and cloathe thee. Why should the poor be flatter'd
No, let the Candied tongue, like ablurd pomp,
And crook the pregnant Hindges of the knee,
Where thrift may follow feigning ? Doſt thou hear,
Since my dear Soul was Miltris of my choice,
And could of men diſtinguifh, her election
Hath feal'd thee for her ſelf. For thou haſt been
As one in suffering all, that ſuffers nothing.

A man that fortune buffets, and rewards
Hath tane with equal thanks. And bleſſe are thioſ,
Whofe blood and Judgement are ſo well co-mingled,
That they are not a Pipe for fortunes finger,
To found what ſtop the pleafe. Give me that man,
That is not Paffions Slave, and I will wear him
In my hearts Core: I, in my heart of heart,
As I do thee. Something too much of this.
There is a Play to night before the King,
One Scene of it comes near the Circumſtance
Which I have told thee, of my Fathers death.
I prethee, when thou ſeeth that Act a foot,
Even with the Comment of my Soul
Obſerve mine Unkle: if his occuſed guilt
Do not it ſelf unkennel in one ſpeech,
It is a damned Ghoſt that we have ſeen :
And my imaginations are as foul
As Vulcan's Styth. Give him heedeed note,
For I mine eyes will rivet to his face,
And after we will both our judgements joyn,
To cenſure of his ſeeming.

Hora. Well, my Lord.

If he ſeel ought the while't this Play is playing,
And ſcape detecting, I will pay the Theſt.

Enter King, Queen, Polonius, Ophelia, Rofincros, Guildenstare, and other Lords Attendant, with his Guard carrying Torches. Danish March. Sound a Flourish.

Ham. They are coming to the Play : I muſt be idle.
Get you a place.

King. How fares my Cousin Hamlet ?

Ham. Excellent iſaith, of the Chameleon's diſh: I eat the

Air promife-cramm'd, you cannot feed Capons to.
King. I have nothing with this anſwer, Hamlet, theſe
words are not mine.

Ham. No, nor mine. Now my Lord, you plaſt once
ith' Univerſity, you ſay ?

Polon. That I did, my Lord, and was accounted a good
Actor.

The Tragedy of Hamlet

73

Ham. And what did you enact ?

Pelon. I did enact Julius Caesar, I was kill'd ith' Capitol: Brutus kill'd me!

Ham. It was a bruit part of him, to kill so Captial a Calf there. Be the Players ready ?

Rofin. My Lord, they fly upon your patience.

Queen. Come hither, my good Hamlet, fit by me.

Ham. No, good Mother, here's mettle more attractive.

Polo. Oh ho, do you mark that?

Ham. Lady, shall I lye in your Lap ?

Ope. No, my Lord.

Ham. I mean, my head upon your Lap ?

Ope. I, my Lord.

Ham. Do you think I meant Country matters ?

Ope. I think nothing, my Lord.

Ham. That's a fair thought to lie between Maids Legs.

Ope. What is my Lord ? Ham. Nothing.

Ope. You are merry, my Lord ?

Ham. Who I ?

Ope. I, my Lord.

Ham. Oh God, your only Jigge-maker: what should a man do, but be merry. For look you how cheerfully my Mother looks, and my Father di'd within's two hours.

Ope. Nay, 'tis twice two months, My Lord.

Ham. So long? Nay then let the Devil wear black, for I'le have a Suit of Sables. Oh heavens! dye two months ago, and not forgotten yet? then there's hope, a great mans Memory may out-live his life half a year: But by'r-lady he must build Churches then : or else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the Hobby-horfe, whose Epitaph is, for o, for o, the Hobby-horfe is forgot.

Hoboyes Play. The dumb Shew enters.

Enter a King and Queen, very lovingly; the Queen embracing him. She kneels; and makes Shew of Protestation unto him. He takes her up, and declines his head upon her neck. Layes him down upon a Bank of Flowers. She seeing him a-sleep, leaves him. Anon comes in a Fellow, takes off his Crown, kiffes it, and pours poyfon in the Kings ears, and Exits. The Queen returns, finds the King dead, and makes passionate Action. The poyfoner, with some two or three Mutes come in again; feeming to lament with her. The dead Body is carried away: The Poyfoner wooes the Queen with Gifts, and she seems loth and unwilling a while, but in the end accepts his love.

[Exeunt.

Ope. What means this, my Lord ?

Ham. Marry this is Miching Maticho, that means mifchief.

Ope. Belike this Shew imports the Argument of the Play.

Ham. We shall know by these fellows: the Players can-
not keep counfel, they'll tell all.

Ope. Will they tell us what this Shew meant ?

Ham. I, or any Shew that you'll Shew him. Be not you alham'd to Shew, he'll not flame to tell you what it means, Ope. You are naught, you are naught, I'll make the Play.

Enter Prologue.

For us, and for our Tregedy,
Here stooping to your Clemency ;
We beg your hearing patiently.

Ham. Is this a Prologue, or the Pofie of a Ring ?

Ope. ?Tis brief, my Lord.

Ham. As Womans love.

Enter King, and Queen.

King. Full thirty times hath Phæbus Cart gon round,
Neptunes falt Wahf, and Tellus Orbed ground :
And thirty dozen Moons with borrowed ffeen,
About the world have time, twelve thirties been,
Since Love our hearts, and Hymen did our hands
Unite co-mutual, in moft facred Bands.

Queen. So many Journeys may the Sun and Moon

Make us again count o're, ere love be done.

But woe is me, you are to fick of late,

So far from cheer, and from your former flate,

That I diftrefl you: yet though I diftrefl,

Difcomfort you (my Lord) it nothing muft:

For womens Fear and Love, holds quantity,

In neither ought, or in extremity :

Now what my love is, proof hath made you know,

And as my love is fixt, my fear is fo.

King. Faith I muft leave thee, Love, and shortly too :

My operant Powers my functions leave to do,

And thou fhalt live in this fair world behind,

Honour'd, belov'd, and haply, one as kind.

For Husband fhalt thou—

Queen. Oh confound the reft :

Such Love muft needs be Trefaon in my breft :

In fecond Husband let me be accurate,

None wed the fecond, but who kill'd the first.

Ham. Wormwood, Wormwood.

Queen. The infances that fecond Marriage move,
Are bafe refpects of Thrift, but none of Love.

A fecond time, I kill my Husband dead,

When fecond Husband killes me, in Bed,

King. I do believe you. Think what now you speak:

But what we do determine, oft we break :

Purpofe is but the flave to Memory.

Of violent Birth, but poor validity,

Which now like fruit unripe flicks on the Tree,

But fall unfhaken, when they mellow be.

Moſt neceffary ?tis that we forget

To pay our felves, what to our felves is debt :

What to our felves in paffion we propofe,

The paffion ending, doth the purpofe lofe,

The violence of other Grief or Joy,

Their own enactors with themfelves deftroy :

Where Joy moſt revels, Grief doth moſt lament :

Grief joys, Joy grieves, on flender accident.

This world is not for aye, nor ?tis not Itrange

That even our Loves should with our Fortunes change.

For ?tis a question left us yet to prove,

Whether Love lead Fortune, or elfe Fortune Love.

The great man down, you mark his favourite flyes,

The poor advanc'd makes friends of Enemies :

And hitherto doth Love on Fortune tend,

For who not needs, fhall never lack a friend ?

And who in want a hollow friend doth try,

Directly feafons him his Enemy.

But orderly to end where I begun,

Our Wills and Fates do ſo contrary run,

That our Devices ſtill are overthrown,

Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own.

So think thou wilt no ſecond husband wed,

But Dye thy thoughts, when thy firſt Lord is dead.

Queen. Nor Earth to give me food, nor heaven light,

Sport and repofe lock from me day and night:

Each oppofite that blanks the face of joy,

Meet what I would have well, and it detroy :

Both here, and hence, purfue me laſting ſtrife,

If once a Widow, ever I be Wife.

Ham. If he ſhould break it now.

King. ?Tis deeply fworn :

Sweet, leave me here a while,

My Spirits grow dull, and fain I would beguile

The tedious day with fleep.

Queen. Sleep rock thy brain,

[Sleeps.]

And never come miſchance between us twain.

[Exit.]

Ham. Madam, how like you the Play ?

Queen. The Lady proteſes too much methinks.

Ham. Oh but he'll keep her word.

King. Have you heard the Argument, is there no Of-
fence in't ?

Ham. No, no, they do but jeſt, poyſon in jeſt, no Of-
fence ith' world.

King. What do you call the Play?

Ggg

Ham.

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

74

Ham. The Mousetrap: Marry how? Tropically: This Play is the image of a murder done in *Vienna*: *Gonzago* is the Dukes name; his Wife *Baptista*: you shall see anon: 'tis a knavish piece of work; but what o' that? Your Majesty, and we that have free fouls, it touches us not: let the gall'd jade winch: our withers are unwrung,

Enter Lucianus.

This is one *Lucianus*, nephew to the King.

*Ophe.* You are a good Chorus, my Lord.

Ham. I could interpret between you and your love: if I could see the Puppets dallying.

*Ophe.* You are keen, my Lord, you are keen.

Ham. It would coït you a groaning, to take off my edge.

*Ophe.* Still better and worfe.

Ham. So you miftake Husbands.

Begin Murtherer. Pox, leave thy damnable Faces, and begin. Come, the croaking Raven doth bellow for Revenge.

Lucian. Thoughts black, hands apt,

Drugs fit, and Time agreeing:

Confederate feafon, else no Creature feeing :

Thou mixture rank, of Midnight Weeds collected,

With *Hecates* Bane, thrice blafted, thrice infected,

The natural Magick, and dire property,

On wholome life, ufurp immediately.

[Pours the poyſon in his ears.

Ham. He poyſons him ith' Garden for's eſtate: His names *Gonzago*: the Story is extant, and writ in choice *Italian*. You shall fee anon how the Murtherer gets the love of *Gonzago*'s Wife.

*Ophe.* The King rifes.

Ham. What, frighted with falſe fire.

*Queen.* How fares my Lord?

Pol. Give ore the Play.

King. Give me some Light. Away,

All. Lights, Lights, Lights.

[Exeunt.

Manent Hamlet and Horatio,

Ham. Why let the ſtrucken Deer go weep,

The Hart unga led play:

For some muſt watch, while ſome muſt ſleep?

So runs the world away.

Would not this, Sir, and a Foreſt of Fathers, if the reſt of my fortunes turn Turk with me: with two Provincial Rofes on my rac'd Shooes, get me a Fellowship in a cry of Players, Sir.

Hor. Half a ſhare.

Ham. A whole one I.

For thou doſt know: Oh *Damon* dear,

This Realm diſmantled was of *Jove* himself,

And now reigns here,

A very very Pajock.

*Hora.* You might have Rim'd.

Ham. Oh good *Horatio*, I'le take the Ghoſts word for a thouſand pounds. Didſt perceive?

*Hora.* Very well, my Lord.

Ham. Upon the talk of the poyſoning ?

*Hora.* I did very well note him.

Enter Rofincros and Gildenſtare.

Ham. Oh, ha! come ſome Mufick. Come the Recorders, For if the King like not the Comedy :

Come, ſome Mufick.

Guild. Good my Lord, vouchſafe me a word with you,

Ham. Sir, a whole Hiftory.

Guild. The King, Sir.

Ham. I, Sir, what of him.

Guild. Is in his retirement, marvellous diſtemper'd.

Ham. With drink, Sir?

Guild. No, my Lord, rather with choler.

Ham. Your wifdom ſhould ſhow it ſelf more rich to ſignifie this to this Doctor; for me to put him to his Purgation, would perhaps plunge him into far more Choler.

Guild. Good my Lord, put your diſcourſe into ſome frame, and ſtart not ſo wildly from my affair.

Ham. I am tame, Sir, pronounce.

Guild. The Queen your Mother, in moſt great affliction of Spirit, hath ſent me to you.

Ham. You are welcom.

Guild. Nay, good my Lord, this courſeſe is not of the right breed. If it ſhall pleafe you to make me a wholeſon anſwer, I will do your Mothers commandment: if not, your pardon, and my return ſhall be the end of my buſineſs.

Ham. Sir, I cannot.

Guild. What my Lord?

Ham. Make you a wholeſon anſwer: my wif's diſeas'd. But Sir, ſuch anſwers as I can make, you ſhall command: or rather you ſay, my mother: therefore no more but to the matter. My mother you ſay.

Rofin. Then thus ſhe ſays: your behaviour hath ſtruck her into amazement, and admiration.

Ham. Oh wonderful Son, that can ſo aſtonilh a Mother. But is there no ſequel at the heels of this Mother-aiming ration?

Rofin. She deſires to ſpeak with you in her Cloſet ere you go to bed.

Ham. We ſhall obey, were ſhe ten times our Mother. Have you any further Trade with us ?

Rofin. My Lord, you once did love me.

Ham. So I do ſtill, by theſe pickers and ſtealers.

Rofin. Good my Lord, what is your cauſe of diſtemper? You do freely bar the door of your own liberty, if you deny your griefs to your friend.

Ham. Sir, I lack advancement.

Rofin. How can that be, when you have the voice of the King himſelf, for your ſucceſſion in Denmark?

Ham. I, but while the graſs grows, the Proverb is ſomething muſty.

Enter one with a Recorder.

O the Recorder. Let me fee to withdraw with you, why do you go about to recover the wind of me, as if you would drive me into a toil?

Guild. O my Lord, if my Duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly.

Ham. I do not well underſand that. Will you play upon this Pipe?

Guild. My Lord, I cannot.

Ham. I pray you.

Guild. Believe me, I cannot.

Ham. I do beſeech you.

Guild. I know no touch of it, my Lord.

Ham. 'Tis as eafie as lying: govern theſe Ventiges with your finger and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will diſcourſe moſt excellent Mufick.

Look you, theſe are the flops.

Guild. But theſe cannot I command to any utterance of harmony, I have not the skill.

Ham. Why look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me: you would play upon me: you would ſeem to know my flops: you would pluck out the heart of my Myſtery: you would found me from my lowſe note, to the top of my compaſs: and there is much Mufick, excellent Voice, in this little Organ, yet cannot you make it. Why do you think, that I am eafier to be plaid on than a Pipe? Call me what Inſtrument you will, though you can ſre me, you cannot play upon me. God bleſs you, Sir.

Enter Polonius.

Polon. My Lord, the Queen would ſpeak with you, and prefently.

Ham.

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

Ham. Do you see that Cloud, that's almost in shape like a Camel?
Polon. By th' Mafs, and it's like a Camel indeed.
Ham. Methinks it is like a Weazeh.
Polon. It is back'd like a Weazel.
Ham. Or like a Whale?
Polon. Very like a Whale.
Ham. Then will I come to my Mother by and by:
They fool me to the top of my bent.
I will come by and by.
Polon. I will say fo.
[Exit.

Ham. By and by is easily faid. Leave me, friends:
'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When Church-yards yawn, and Hell it self breathes out
Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot blood,
And do such bitter buſeins as the day
Would quake to look on. Soft now, to my Mother:
Oh heart, loofe not thy nature; let not ever
The Soul of Nero enter this firm boſom:
Let me be cruel, not unnatural,
I will fpeak Daggers to her, but uſe none:
My tongue and Soul in this be Hypocrites.
How in my words ſomever ſhe be ſhent,
To give them ſeals, never my Soul content.

Enter King, Rofincros, and Gildenſtare.

King. I like him not, nor ſtands it faſe with us,
To let his madneſs range. Therefore prepare you,
I your Commission will forthwith diſpatch,
And he to England ſhall along with you,
The terms of our eſtate may not endure
Hazard ſo dangerous as doth hourly grow
Out of his Lunacies.

Guild. We will our ſelves provide:
Moft holy and Religious fear it is
To keep thofe many bodies ſafe
That live and feed upon your Maſeſty.

Rofin. The ſingle
And peculiar life is bound
With all the ſtrength and Armour of the mind,
To keep it ſelf from noyance: but much more;
That Spirit, upon whole ſeeling depends and reſts
The lives of many, the caeſe of Maſeſty
Dies not alone: but like a Gulf doſth draw
What's near it, with it, It is a maffle wheel
Fixt on the Somnet of the highest Mount,
To what huge Spooks, ten thouſand leſer things
Are mortiſ'd and adjoin'd: which when it falls,
Each ſmall annexment, petty ſeſequence
Attends the boyſtrous Ruine. Never alone
Did the King ſigh, but with a general groan.

King. Arme you, I pray you to this ſpeedy Voyage;
For we will fetters put upon this fear,
Which now goes too free-footed.

Both. We will haſt us.

[Exeunt Gent.

Enter Polonius.

Pol. My Lord, he's going to his mothers Cloſet:
Behind the Attas I'le convey my ſelf
To hear the Proceſs. I'le warrant ſhe'll tax him home,
And as you faid, and wifely was it faid,
'Tis meet that ſome more audience than a Mother,
Since Nature makes them partial, ſhould o're-hear
The ſpeech of vantage. Fare you well my Liege,
I'le call upon you e're you go to bed,
And tell you what I know.
[Exit.

King. Thanks, dear my Lord.
Oh my offence is rank, it ſmells to heaven,
It hath the primal eldeſt curſe upon 't.
A Brothers murther. Pray can I not,
Though inclination be as ſharp as will:
My ſtronger guilt defeats my ſtrong intent,

And like a man to double buſeins bound,
I ſtand in pawſe where I ſhall firſt begin,
And both neglect; what if this curſed hand
Were thicker than it ſelf with Brothers blood,
Is there not Rain enough in the ſweet heavens
To waſh it white as Snow ? wherefore ſerves mercy;
But to confront the viſage of Offence?
And what in Prayer, but this two-fold force,
To be fore-flalled ere we come to fall,
Or pardon'd being down ? Then I'le look up,
My fault is paſt. But oh, what form of Prayer
Can ſerve my turn ? Forgive me my foul Mother:
That cannot be, ſince I am ſtill poſſed
Of thofe effects for which I did the Murther,
My Crown, mine own Ambition, and my Queen.
May one be pardon'd, and retain th'offence?
In the corrupted currants of this world,
Offences gilded hand may ſhove by Juſtice,
And oft 'tis ſeen, the wicked prize it ſelf
Buys out the Law; but 'tis not ſo above,
There is no ſhuffling, there the Action lies
In his true Nature, and we our ſelves compell'd
Even to the teeth and fore-head of our faults,
To give in evidence. What then ? what reſts?
Try what Repentance can. What can it not?
Yet what can it, when one cannot repent?
Oh wretched ſtate ? oh boſom, black as death!
Oh limed Soul, that ſfrugling to be free,
Art more ingag'd : Help Angels, make affay :
Bow ſtubborn kees, and heart with ſtrings of Steel,
Be ſoft as finewes of the new-born Babe,
All may be well.

Enter Hamlet.

Ham. Now might I do it pat, now he is praying,
And now I'le do't, and fo he goes to heaven,
And fo am I revenged: that would be ſcann'd,
A Villain kills my Father, and for that
I his foul Son, do this fame Villain ſend
To heaven. O this is hire and Sallery, not Revenge.
He took my Father groſſely, full of bread,
With all his Crimes broad blown, as fresh as May,
And how his Audit ſtands, who knows, ſave heaven:
But in our circumſtance and curſe of thought,
'Tis heavy with him: and am I then reveng'd,
To take him in the purging of his Soul,
When he is fit and ſeafon'd for his paffage ? No.
Up Sword, and know thou a more horrid bent
When he is drunk aſleep: or in his Rage,
Or in th'inceſtuous pleasure of his bed,
At gaming, ſwearing, or about ſome act
That has no rellih of Salvation in 't,
Then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven,
And that his Soul may be as damn'd and black
As hell, whereeto it goes. My Mother ſtays,
This Phyſick but prolongs thy ſickly dayes.
[Exit.

King. My words fly up, my thoughts remain below,
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
[Exit.

Enter Queen and Polonius.

Polo. He will come ſtraight:
Look you lay home to him,
Tell him his pranks have been too broad to bear with,
And that your Grace hath ſcreen'd, and ſood between
Much heat and him. I'le ſilence me e'ne here:
Pray you be round with him.
Ham. within. Mother, mother, mother,
Queen. I'le warrant you, fear me not.
Withdraw, I hear him coming.

Ggg 2

Enter

The Tragedy of Hamlet

Enter Hamlet.

Ham. Now, Mother, what's the matter?
Que. Hamlet, thou haſt thy Father much offended.
Ham. Mother, you have my Father much offended.
Que. Come, come, you anſwer with an idle tongue.
Ham. Come, go, you queſtion with an idle tongue.
Que. Why how now, Hamlet?
Ham. What's the matter now?
Que. Have you forgot me?
Ham. No, by the Rood, not fo:
You are the Queen, your Husbands Brothers Wife,
But would you were not ſo. You are my Mother.
Que. Nay, then I'll ſet thofe to you that can ſpeak.
Ham. Come, come, and ſit you down, you ſhall not
budge:

You go not till I ſet up a Glafs.
Where you may fee the inmoſt part of you?

Que. What wilt thou do? thou wilt not murther me?
Help, help, ho.

Pol. What ho, help, help, help.

Ham. How now, a Rat? dead for a Ducate, dead.

Pol. Oh I am flain.

[Kills Polonius.

Que. Oh me, what haſt thou done?

Ham. Nay I know not, is it the King?

Que. Oh what a rafh and bloody deed is this?

Ham. A bloody deed, almost as bad, good Mother,
As kill a King, and marry with his Brother.

Que. As kill'd a King?

Ham. I, Lady, 'twas my word.

Thou wretched, rafh, intruding Fool, farewel,
I took thee for thy Betters, take thy fortune,
Thou find it to be too bulie, is fome danger.
Leave wringing of your hands, peace, fit you down,
And let me wring your heart, for ſo I ſhall
It it be made of penetrable ſtuff;
If damned Cultom have not braz'd it ſo,
That it is proof and bulwark againſt Senſe.

Qu. What have I done, that thou dar'd it wag thy tongue,
In noise for rude againſt me?
Ham. Such an Act

That blurs the grace and bluſh of Modesty,
Calls Virtue Hypocrite, takes off the Rofe
From the fair Fore-head of an innocent love,
And makes a blifter there. Makes marriage vows
As falſe as Dicers Oaths. O ſuch a Deed,
As from the body of conſtraction plucks
The very Soul, and ſweet Religion makes
A raphody of words. Heavens face doth glow,
Yea this ſolidity and compound mafs,
With tritful ſivage as againſt the doom,
Is thought-fick at the act.

Que. Aye me, what act, that roars fo loud, and thunders in the Index.

Ham. Look here upon this Picture, and on this,
The counterfeit preſentment of two Brothers :
See what a grace feared on his Brow,

Hyperions Curls, the front of Jove himſelf,
An Eye like Mars, to threaten or command
A Station like the Herald Mercury,
Now lighted on a Heaven killing Hill :
A Combination, and a form indeed,
Where every god did ſ seem to ſet his Seal,
To give the World affurance of a man.
This was your Husband. Look you now what follows.
Here is your Husband, like a Mildew'd Deer
Blaſting his wholſome breath. Have you Eyes?
Could you on this fair Mountain leave to feed,
And batten on this Moore? Ha? have you Eyes?
You cannot call it Love : For at your Age,
The hey day in the blood is tame, it's humble,
And waits upon the judgment: and what judgment
Would ſtep from this to this? What Devil was't,

That thus hath cozen'd you at Hoodman-blind?
O Shame! where is thy bluſh? Rebellious Hell,
If thou canſt mutine in a Matrons bones,
To flaming youth, let Virtue be as Wax.

And melt in her own fire. Proclaim no ſhame,
When the compulſive Ardure gives the charge,
Since Croft it ſelf, as actively doth burn,
As Reaſon panders Will.

Que. O Hamlet, ſpeak no more.
Thou turnſt mine Eyes into my very Soul,
And there I fee ſuch black and grained ſpots,
As will not leave their Tinſt.

Ham. Nay, but to live

In the rank ſweat of an enfeamed Bed,
Stew'd in Corruption; honying and making love
Over the naſtly Sty.

Que. Oh ſpeak to me, no more,
These words like Daggers enter in mine Ears.
No more, ſweet Hamlet.

Ham. A Murderer, and a Villain :
A Slave, that is not twentieth part, the tythe
Of your precedent Lord. A vice of Kings,
A Cutpurfe of the Empire and the Rule.
That from a ſhelf, the precious Diadem ſtole,
And put it in his Pocket.

Que. No more.

Enter Ghoſt.

Ham. A King of ſhreds and patches.
Save me: and hover o're me with your Wings
You Heavenly Guards. What would you gracious figure?

Que. Alafs he's mad.

Ham. Do you not come your tardy Son to chide,
That laps'd in Time and Paffion, let's go by
Th' important acting of your dread command? Oh ſay.

Ghoſt. Do not forget: this Vifitation
Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpofe.
But look Amazement on thy Mother fits ;
O ſtep between her, and her fighting Soul,
Conceit in weakeſt bodies, ſtrongeſt works.
Speak to her, Hamlet.

Ham. How is it with you, Lady?

Que. Alas, how is't with you?

That thus you bend your Eye on vacancy,
And with the Corporal air do hold difcourſe.

Forth at your Eyes, your ſpirits wildly peep,
And as the fleeping ſouldiers in th' Alarm,
Your bedded hair, like life in Excrements,
Start up, and ſtand an end. O gentle Son,
Upon the heat and flame of thy diſtemper
Sprinkle cool patience. Whereon do you look?

Ham. On him, on him, look you how pale he glares,
His form and caufe conjoin'd, preaching to ſtones,
Would make them capable. Do not look upon me,
Left with this pitious action you convert
My ſtern effects: then what have I to do,
Will want true colour; tears perchance for blood.

Que. To whom do you ſpeak this?

Ham. Do you fee nothing there?

Que. Nothing at all, yet all that is I fee.

Ham. Nor did you nothing hear ?

Que. No, nothing but our ſelves.

Ham. Why look you there: look how it ſteals away;
My Father in his habit, as he lived.

Look where he goes even now out at the Portal.
[Exit.]

Que. This is the very Coinage of your brain,
This bodileſs Creation eſtlaſſe is very cunning in.
Ham. Eſtlaſſe?

My Pulſe, as yours, doth temperately keep time,
And makes as healthful Mufick. It is not madneſs
That I have uttered; bring me to the Teſt
And I the matter will re-word: which madneſs
Would gamboll from. Mother, for love of Grace,
Lay

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

77

Lay not a flattering Unction to your Soul,
That not your trespafs, but my madneſs ſpeaks:
It will but skin and film the Ulcerous place,
Whilft rank Corruption running all within,
Infects unfeen. Conſeſs your ſelf to Heaven,
Repent whatſaft, avoid what is to come,
And do not ſpread the Compoſt or the Weeds,
To make them rank. Forgive me this my Virtue,
For in the madneſs of theſe purſy times,
Virtue it ſelf, of Vice muſt pardon beg,
Yea curb, and wooe, for leave to do him good.

Que. Oh, Hamlet,

Thou haſt cleft my heart in twain.

Ham. O throw away the worſer part of it,
And live the purer with the other half.
Good night, but go not to mine Unkle's Bed,
Aflume a Virtue, if you have it not, refrain to night,
And that ſhall lend a kind of eafineſs.

To the next abſtinence. Once more good night,
And when you are defirous to be bleſſ,
I'll bleſſing beg of you. For this fame Lord,
I do repent: but Heaven hath pleas'd it ſo.
To puniſh me with this, and this with me,
That I muſt be their Scourge and Minifter.
I will beſtow him, and will anſwer well

The death I gave him: to again, good night.
I muſt be cruel, only to be kind;

Thus bad begins, and worte remains behind.

Que. What ſhall I do?

Ham. Not this by no means that I bid you do:
Let the blunt King tempt you again to Bed,
Pinch Wanton on your cheek, call you his Mouſe,
And let him for a pair of reechy killes,
Or padling in your neck with his damn'd fingers,
Make you to ravel all this matter out,
That I eſſentially am not in madneſs,

But mad in craft. 'Twere good you let him know,
For who thatts but a Queen, fair, ſober, wife,
Would from a Paddock, from a Bat, a Gibbe,
Such dear concernings hide? Who would do ſo?

No, in deſpight of Senſe and Secrecy,

Unpeg the Basket on the Houſes top:

Let the Birds fly, and like the famous Ape,

To try Conclusions, in the Basket creep,
And break your own neck down.

Ham. I muſt to England, you know that?

Que. Alack, I had forgot: 'Tis ſo concluded on.

Ham. This man ſhall fet me packing :

I'll lug the Guts into the Neighbour room;
Mother, good night. Indeed this Counſellor
Is now moſt fill, moſt ſecret, and moſt grave,
Who was in life a Fooliſh prating Knave.

Come, Sir, to draw toward an end with you.

Good night, Mother.

[Exit Hamlet tugging in Polonius.

Enter King.

King. There's matters in these ſights.

Theſe profound heaves

You muſt tranſlate: 'tis fit we underſtand them.

Where is your Son?

Que. Ah, my good Lord, what have I feen to night?

King. What, Gertrude? How does Hamlet?

Que. Mad as the Seas, and Wind, when both contend

Which is the Mightier, in his lawleſs fit

Behind the Arras, hearing ſomething ſtir,

He whips his Rapier out, and cries a Rat, a Rat,

And in his brainiſh apprehenſion kills

The unfeen good old man.

King. Oh heavy deed.

It had been ſo with us had we been there :
His Liberty is full of threats to all,

To you your ſelf, to us, to every one.

Alas, how ſhall this bloody deed be anſwered?

It will be laid to us, whose providence

Should have kept ſhort, reſtrain'd, and out of haunt,

This mad young man. But ſo much was our love,

We would not underſtand what was moſt fit,

But like the Owner of a foul Difeaſe,

To keep it from divulging, let's it feed

Even on the pith of life. Where is he gone?

Que. To draw apart the body he hath kill'd,
O're whom his very madneſs like fome Ore
Among a Mineral of Mettals bafe

Shews it ſelf pure. He weeps for what is done,

King. Oh Gertrude, come away :

The Sun no sooner ſhall the Mountains touch,

But we will ſhip him hence, and this vile deed,

We muſt with all our Majelty and Skill

Both countenance, and excufe.

Enter Roſiſcros, and Guildenſtare.

Ho Guildenſtare :

Friends both, go join you with ſome further aid :

Hamlet in madneſs hath Polonius flain,
And from his Mothers Cloſet hath he dragg'd him.

Go ſeek him out, ſpeak fair, and bring the body

Into the Chappel. I pray you haſſe in this.

Come, Gertrude, we'll call up our wifef't Friends,

To let them know both what we mean to do,

And what's untimely done. Oh come away,

My Soul is full of diſcord and diſmay.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Hamlet.

Ham. Safely ſlowed.

Gentlemen within. Hamlet, Lord Hamlet.

Ham. What noife? who calls on Hamlet?

Oh here they come.

Rof. What have you done, my Lord, with the dead body?

Ham. Compounded it with duſt, whereto 'tis kin.

Rofin. Tell us where 'tis, that we may take it thence,

And bear it to the Chappel.

Ham. Do not believe it.

Rofin. Believe what?

Ham. That I can keep your Counſel, and not mine
own. Befides, to be demanded of a Spunge, what repli-
cation ſhould be made by the Son of a King.

Rofin. Take you me for a Spunge, my Lord?

Ham. I, Sir, that fokes up the Kings Countenance, his
Rewards, his Authorities (but ſuch Officers do the King
beſt ſervice in the end.) He keeps them like an Ape in the
corner of his Jaw, firſt mouth'd to be laſt ſwallowed,
when he needs what you have glean'd, it is but ſqueezing
you, and Spunge you ſhall be dry again.

Rofin. I underſtand you not, my Lord.

Ham. I am glad of it: a Knaviſh ſpeech fleeps in a

Fooliſh Ear.

Rofin. My Lord, you muſt tell us where the body is,

and go with us to the King.

Ham. The Body is with the King, but the King is not
with the Body. The King, is a thing —
Guild. A thing, my Lord?

Ham. The Body is with the King, but the King is not
with the Body. The King, is a thing —
Gild. A thing, my Lord?

Ham. Of nothing? bring me to him, hide Fox, and
all after. [Exeunt.]

Enter King.

King. I have ſent to ſeek him, and to find the Body:
How dangerous is it that this man goes loofe:

Ggg 3

Yet

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

Yet must not we put the strong Law on him:
He's lov'd of the distracted multitude,
Who like not in their judgment, but their Eyes:
And where 'tis so, th' Offenders scourge is weigh'd
But nearer the offence: to bear all smooth, and even,
This sudden fending him away, must seem
Deliberate pawle, diffeates desperate grown,
By desperate appliance are relieved,
Or not at all.

Enter Rofincros.

How now ? what hath befallen ?
Rofin. Where the dead body is beflow'd, my Lord,
We cannot get from him.
King. But where is he ?
Rofin. Without, my Lord, guarded to know your pleasure.
King. Bring him before us.
Rofin. Ho, Guildenstare ? bring in my Lord.

Enter Hamlet, and Guildenstare.

King. Now, Hamlet, where's Polonius ?
Ham. At Supper.
King. At Supper ? Where ?
Ham. Not where he eats, but where he is eaten, a certain Convocation of Worms are e'ne at him. Your Worm is your only Emperour for diet. We fat all Creatures elfe to fat us, and we fat our felves for Maggots. Your fat King and your lean Beggar is but variable fervice, two Difhes, but to one Table, that's the end.
King. What doft thou mean by this ?
Ham. Nothing but to ſhow you how a King may go a Progref through the gut of a Beggar.
King. Where is Polonius ?
Ham. In Heaven, ſend thither to fee. If your Melfenger find him not there, ſeek him i' th' other place your ſelf: but indeed, if you find him not this month, you ſhall noſe him as you go up the Stairs into the Lobbey.
King. Go ſeek him there.
Ham. He will ſtay 'till ye come.
Ki. Hamlet, this deed of thine, for thine especial safety Which we do tender, as we dearly grieve For that which thou haſt done, muſt ſend thee hence With fiery quickneſs: therefore prepare thy ſelf,
The Bark is ready, and the wind at help,
Th' Associates tend, and every thing at bent For England.

Ham. For England ?
King. I, Hamlet.
Ham. Good.
King. So is it, if thou knew'ſt our purpoſes.
Ham. I fee a Cherub that fees him : but come, for England. Farewel, dear Mother.
King. Thy loving Father, Hamlet.
Hamlet. My Mother: Father and Mother is Man and Wife: Man and Wife is one ſelſh, and fo my Mother. Come, for England.
King. Follow him at foot,
Tempt him with ſpeed aboard :
Delay it not, I'll have him hence to night.
Away, for every thing is feal'd and done
That elfe leans on th' Aſfair, pray you make hafe.
And England, if my love thou bold'ſt at ought,
As my great power thereof may give thee ſenſe,
Since yet thy Cicatrice looks raw and red
After the Danilſh Sword, and thy free awe
Payes homage to us ; thou may'ſt not coldly fet
Our Sovereign Proceſs, which imports at full
By Letters conjuring to that effect.
The prefent Death of Hamlet. Do it in England,
For like the Heſtick in my cloud he rages,
And thou muſt cure me : 'till I know 'tis done,
How-e're my haps, my joyes were ne're begun.
[Exit].

Enter Fortinbras with an Army.

For. Go, Captain, from me to the Danilſh King,
Tell him that by his Licence, Fortinbras
Claims the conveyance of a promis'd March
Over his Kingdom. You know the Rendevouz:
If that his Majefty would ought with us,
We ſhall exprſe our duty in his Eye,
And let him know fo.

Cap. I will do't, my Lord.
For. Go faſely on.

[Exi].

Enter Queen and Horatio.

Qu. I will not ſpeak with her.
Hor. She is importunate, indeed diftraſt, her mood
will needs be pitied.
Qu. What would ſhe have?
Hor. She ſpeaks much of her Father; ſayes ſhe hears
There's tricks i' th' World, and hems, and beats her heart,
Spurns envиюſtly at Straws, ſpeaks things in doubt,
That carry but half ſenſe: Her ſpeech is nothing,
Yet the unſhaped uſe of it doth move
The hearers to Collection; they aim at it,
And both the words up ſit to their own thoughts,
Which at her winks, and nods, and geſtures yield them,
Indeed would make one think there would be thoughts
Though nothing ſure, yet much unhappily.

Qu. 'Twere good ſhe were ſpoken with,
For the may ſtrow dangerous conjectures
In ill breeding minds. Let her come in
To my ſick Soul (as fin's true nature is)
Each toy ſeems Prologue to some great amijſ,
So full of Artſeſs jealousy is gilt,
It ſpills that ſelf in fearing to be ſpilt.

Enter Ophelia diftraſted.

Oph. Where is the beauteous Majefty of Denmark?
Qu. How now, Ophelia.
Oph. How should I your true love know from another one?
By his cockle hat and ſtaff, and his jandal ſwoon.
Qu. Alas, sweet Lady: what imports this Song?
Oph. Say you? Nay, pray you mark.
He is dead and gone, Lady, he is dead and gone,
At his head a graſſ-greens Turf, at his heels a ſione.

Enter King.

Qu. Nay, but Ophelia.
Oph. Pray you mark.
White his Shroud as the Mountain-Snow.
Qu. Alas, look here, my Lord.
Oph. Larded with sweet flowers:
Which bewept to the grave did not go,
With True-love flowers.

King. How do ye, pretty Lady ?
Oph. Well, God dil'd you. They ſay the Owle was a
Baker's Daughter. Lord, we know what we are, but know
not what we may be. God be at your Table.
King. Conceit upon her Father.
Oph. Pray you let us have no words of this: but when
they ask you what it means, ſay you this:
To morrow is S. Valentine's day, all in the morn betime,
And I a Maid at your window, to be your Valentine.
Then up he roſe, and don't his cloths, and dupt the chamber door:
Let in a Maid, that out a Maid never departed more.

King. Pretty Ophelia.
Oph. Indeed la? without an Oath, I'll make an end ou'r.
By Gis, and by S. Charity:
Alack, an ſie for ſhame.
Young men will do't, if they come to't,
By Cock they are to blame.
[Quitt].

Quitt.

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

81

To an exploit now ripe in my Device,
Under the which he shall not choose but fall:
And for his death no wind of blame shall breathe,
But even his Mother shall uncharge the practice,
And call it accident: Some two Months hence
Here was a Gentleman of Normandy.
I've seen my self and ferv'd againft the French.
And they ran well on horfe back; but this Gallant
Had witchcraft in't; he grew into his Seat,
And to fuch wondrous doing brought his Horfe,
As had he been encorps't and demy-Natur'd
With the brave Beaſt, so far he paff'd my thought,
That I in forgery of Shapes and Tricks,
Come short of what he did.

**Laer.** A Norman was't?

**King.** A Norman.

**Laer.** Upon my life, Lamound.

**King.** The Very fame.

**Laer.** I know him well, he is the brooch indeed,
And Gemm of all our Nation.

**King.** He made conſection of you,
And gave you ſuch a maſterly report,
For art and exercife in your defence;
An for your Rapier moſt especially,
That he cry'd out, 'twould be a fight indeed,
If one could match you, Sir. This Report of his
Did Hamlet ſo envenom with his Envy,
That he could nothing do but with and beg,
Your ſudden coming over to play with him;
Now out of this—

**Laer.** Why out of this, my Lord?

**King.** Laertes, was your Father dear to you?
Or are you like the painting of a Sorrow,
A face without a heart?

**Laer.** Why ask you this?

**King.** Not that I think you did not love your Father,
But that I know Love is begun by Time:
And that I fee in paffages of proof,
Time qualifies the ſpark and fire of it:
Hamlet, come back, what would you undertake,
To ſhow your ſelf your Father's Son in deed,
More than in words?

**Laer.** To cut his Throat i'th? Church.

**King.** No place indeed ſhould further fanſtuarize;
Revenge ſhould have no bounds: but, good Laertes,
Will you do this, keep close within your Chamber?
Hamlet return'd, ſhall know you are come home:
We'll put on thofe ſhall prieſe your excellence,
And fet a double varnifh on the fame
The Frenchman gave you, bring you in fine together,
And wager on your heads, he being remifs,
Moſt generous, and free from all contriving,
Will not peruse the Foils? So that with eafe,
Or with a little fluffling, you may choose
A Sword un-baited, and in a paſs of practice,
Requite him for your Father.

**Laer.** I will do't,
And for that purpofe I'll anoint my Sword:
I bought an Action of a Mountebank,
So mortal, I but dipt a Knifo in it,
Where it draws blood, no Cataplaſm ſo rare,
Collected from all Simpleſes that have Virtue
Under the Moon, can fave the thing from death,
That is but scratcht withal: I'll touch my point,
With this contagion, that if I gall him flightly,
It may be death.

**King.** Let's further think of this,
Weigh what convenience both of time and means
May fit us to our shape if this ſhould fail;
And that our drift lookt through our bad performance,
'Twere better not affay'd; therefore this Project
Should have a back, or ſecon'd, that might hold,
If this ſhould blaſt in proof: Soft, let me fee,
We'll make a ſolemn wager on your comings,

I ha't: When in your motion you are hot and dry,
As make your bounts more violent to the end,
And that he calls for drink; I'll have prepared him
A Chalice for the nonce; whereon but fipping,
If he by chance eſcape your venom'd ſtuck,
Our purpofe may hold there; how now, Sweet Queen,

Enter Queen.

**Queen.** One woe doth tread upon another's heel,
So ſaſt they'll follow: Your Sifter's droun'd, Laertes.
**Laer.** Drown'd! O where?

**Queen.** There is a Willow grows aflant a Brook,
That flews his hoar leaves in the glaſſe stream:
There with fantaſtick Garlands did she come,
Of Crow-flowers, Nettles, Daſſies, and long Purples,
That liberal Shepherds gave a groſſer name;
But our cold Maids do dead men's Fingers call them:
There on the pendant boughs, her Coronet weeds
Clambring to hang; an envious fliver broke,
When down the weedy Trophies, and her ſelf,
Fell in the weeping Brook, her cloaths ſpread wide,
And Maremaid-like, a while they bear her up,
Which time ſhe chaunted ſnatches of old Tunes,
As one incapable of her own diſtrefſ,
Or like a Creature Native, and deduced
Unto that element: But long it could not be,
'Till that her Garments heavy with their drink,
Pull'd the poor wretch from her melodious by
To muddy death.

**Laer.** Alas then, is ſhe drown'd?

**Queen.** Drown'd, drown'd.

**Laer.** Too much of water haſt thou, poor Ophelia,
And therefore I forbid my tears: But yet
It is our trick, Nature her cuſtom holds,
Let ſhame ſay what it will; when theſe are gone,
The woman will be out: Adieu, my Lord,
I have a ſpeech of fire that ſain would blaze,
But that this folly drowns it.

**King.** Let's follow, Gertrude:
How much I had to do to calm his Rage?
Now fear I this will give it ſtart again,
Therefore let's follow.

[Exit.]

[Exeunt.]

Enter two Clowns.

**Clown.** Is ſhe to be buried in Chriſtian burial, that wil-
fully feeks her own falvation?

**Other.** I tell thee, ſhe is, and therefore make her Grave
ſtraight, the Crowner hath ſate on her, and finds it
Chriſtian burial.

**Clown.** How can that be, unless ſhe drowned her ſelf
in her own defence?

**Other.** Why 'tis found ſo.

**Clown.** It muſt be Se offending, it cannot be eſſe: For
here lies the point: If I drown my ſelf wittingly, it argues
an Act: And an Act hath three branches. It is an Act to
do, and to perform, argall ſhe drown'd her ſelf witt-
ingly.

**Other.** Nay, but hear you Goodman Delver.

**Clown.** Give me leave; here lies the water, good:
here flands the man, good: If the man go to this Water,
and drown himſelf: it is will he, nill he, he goes; mark
you that: But if the water come to him, and drown him;
he drowns not himſelf. Argall, he that is not guilty of
his own death, ſhortens not his own life.

**Other.** But is this Law?

**Clown.** I marry is't, Crowner's Queſt Law.

**Other.** Will you ha' the truth on't: if this had not
been a Gentlewoman, ſhe ſhould have been buried out of
Chriſtian Burial.

**Clown.** Why there thou ſay'ſt. And the more pity that
great Folk ſhould have countenance in this World to
drown or hang themſelves, more than their even Chri-
tian.

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

flian. Come, my Spade; there is no ancient Gentlemen
but Gardiners, Ditchers and Grave-makers; they hold up
Adam's profession.

Other. Was he a Gentleman?

Clo. He was the first that ever bore Armes,

Other. Why, he had none.

Clo. What, art a Heathen ? how doft thou understand
the Scripture ? the Scripture fayes Adam digg'd; could
be dig without Armes ? I'le put another question to thee;
if thou anſwereſt me not to the purpofe, confes thy
ſelf —

Other. Go to.

Clo. What is he that builds ſtronger than either the
Mafon, the Ship-wright, or the Carpenter ?

Other. The Gallows-maker, for that Frame out-lives a
thouſand Tenants.

Clo. I like thy wit well in good faith, the Gallows does
well; but how does it well ? it does well to thofe that do
ill: now thou doſt ill to ſay the Gallows is built ſtronger
than the Church: Argal, the Gallows may do well to thee.
To't again, Come.

Other. Who builds ſtronger than a Mafon, a Ship-
wright, or a Carpenter ?

Clo. I, tell me that, and unyoke.

Other. Marry, now I can tell.

Clo. To't.

Other. Mafs, I cannot tell.

Enter Hamlet and Horatio: *afar off.*

Clo. Cudgel thy brains no more about it; for your dull
Aſs will not mend his pace with beating; and when you
are askt this question next, ſay a Grave-maker: the houses
that he makes, laſt till Dooms-day: go, get thee to *Taughan,*
fetch me a ſtop of Liquor.

Sings.

In youth when I did love, did love,
me thought it was very ſweet,

To contrast O the for a my behove,

O me thought there was nothing meet.

Ham. Has this fellow no feeling of his buſineſs, that he
fings at Grave-making.

Hor. Cuffom hath made it in him a property of eafi-
neſs.

Ham. 'Tis e'en ſo; the hand of little employment hath
the daintier ſenſe.

Clown ſings.

But Age with his ſtealing ſteps
hath caught me in his clutch:

And hath ſhipped me in ſtil the Land,
as if I never had bin ſuch.

Ham. That Scull had a tongue in it, and could ſing once:
how the Knave jowles it to th'ground, as if it were Cain's
Jaw-bone, that did the firſt murther: It might be the pate
of a Politician which this Aſs o're-offices: one that could
circumvent God, might it not?

Hor. It might, my Lord.

Ham. Or of a Courtier, which could ſay, Good Morrow,
ſweet Lord: how doſt thou, good Lord ? this might be
my Lord ſuch a one, that prais'd my Lord ſuch a ones horſe,
when he meant to beg it; might it not?

Hor. I, my Lord.

Ham. Why e'en ſo: and now my Lady Worm's, Chap
leſs, and knockt about the Mazzard with a Sexton's Spade,
here's fine Revolution, if we had the trick to ſee't.
Did these bones coſt no more the breeding, but to play at Log-
gers with 'em? mine ake to think on't.

Clown ſings.

A Pick-axe and a Spade, a Spade,
for and a ſhrowding ſheet:

O a Pit of Clay for to be made,
for Juch a Gueſt is meet.

Ham. There's another: why might not that be the Scull
of a Lawyer? where be his Quiddits now? his Quillets?
his Cafes? his Tenures, and his Tricks? why does he
uffer this rude knave now to knock him about the Sconce
with a dirty Shovel, and will not tell him of his Action of
Batterry? hum. This fellow might be in's time a great buyer
of Land, with his Statutes, his Recognizances, his Fines,
his double Vouchers, his Recoveries: Is this the fine of his
Fines, and the recovery of his Recoveries, to have his fine
Pate full of fine Dirt? will his Vouchers vouch him no
more of his Purchases, and double ones too, than the length
and breadth of a pair of Indentures? the very Conveyances
of his Lands will hardly lye in this Box; and mult the In
heritor himſelf have no more? ha?

Hor. Not a jot more, my Lord.

Ham. Is not Parchment made of Sheep skins?

Hor. I my Lord, and of Calve-skins too.

Ham. They are Sheep and Calves that feck out alſ-
rance in that. I will ſpeak to this fellow: whoſe Gravels
this, Sir?

Clo. Mine, Sir:

O a pit of Clay for to be made,
for Juch a Gueſt is meet.

Ham. I think it be thine indeed: for thou lieth in't.

Clo. You lye out on't, Sir, and therefore it is not yours
for my part I do not lie in't, and yet it is mine.

Ham. Thou doſt lye in't, to be in't, and ſay 'tis thine,
'tis for the dead, not for the quick, therefore thou lyeſt.

Clo. 'Tis a quick lye, Sir, 'twill away again from me
to you.

Ham. What man doſt thou dig it for?

Clo. For no man, Sir.

Ham. What woman then?

Clo. For none neither.

Ham. Who is to be buried in't?

Clo. One that was a Woman, Sir; but reſt her Soul,
he's dead.

Ham. How abſolute the Knave is? we muſt ſpeak by
the Card, or equivocation will follow us: by the Lord,
Horatio, these three years I have taken note of it, the Age
is grown ſo picked, and the toe of the Pefant comes ſo near
the heel of our Courtier, he galls his Kibe. How long
haſt thou been a Grave-maker?

Clo. Of all the dayes i'th'year, I came to't that day that
our laſt King Hamlet ſrecame Fortinbras.

Ham. How long is that ſince?

Clo. Cannot you tell that? every fool can tell that: It
was the very day that young Hamlet was born, he that was
mad and ſent into England.

Ham. I marry, why was he ſent into England?

Clo. Why, becaufe he was mad; he ſhall recover his
wits there; or if he do not, it's no great matter there.

Ham. Why?

Clown. 'Twill not be ſeen in him, there the men are as
mad as he.

Ham. How came he mad?

Clo. Very ſtrangely they ſay.

Ham. How ſtrangely?

Clo. Faith e'en with ſofing his wits.

Ham. Upon what ground?

Clo. Why here in Denmark: I have been Sexton here,
Man and Boy thirty years.

Ham. How long will a man lie i'th'earth 'ere he rot?

Clo. Iſaith, if he be rotten before he dye (as we have
many pocky Coarſes now adays, that will ſcarce hold the
laying in) he will laſt you ſome eight year, or nine year.
A Tanner will laſt you nine years.

Ham. Why he, more than another?

Clo. Why Sir, his hide is tann'd with his Trade, that
he will keep out water a great while. And your water
is a fore Decayer of your whoreſon dead body, here's a
Scull

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

Scull now: this Scull has lain in the Earth three and twenty years.

Ham. Whofe was it?

Clo. A whorefion mad Fellow's it was ;

Whofe do you think it was ?

Ham. Nay, I know not.

Clo. A peftilence on him for a mad Rogue, a pour'd a Flagon of Rheniſh on my head once. This fame Scull, Sir, this fame Scull, Sir, was Torick's Scull, the Kings Jeſter.

Ham. This ?

Clo. E'en that.

Ham. Let me fee. Alas poor Torick, I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite Jeſt ; of moſt excellent fancy, he hath born me on his back a thouſand times : And how abhorred my imagination is, my gorge rifes at it. Here hung thofe lips, that I have kift I know not how oft. Where be your Jibes now ? Your Gambals ? Your Songs ? Your flaſhes of Merriment that were wont to fet the Table on a Roar ? No one now to mock your own Jeering ? Quite chop fall'n? Now get you to my Ladies Chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour the muſt come. Make her laugh at that: prethee, Horatio, tell me one thing.

Hor. What's that, my Lord ?

Ham. Do't thou think Alexander lookt o'this ſaſhion i'th' earth ?

Hor. E'en fo.

Ham. And ſmelt fo ? Puh.

Hor. E'en fo, my Lord.

Ham. To what bafe uſes we may return, Horatio. Why may not imagination trace the Noble duſt of Alexander, 'till he find it ſtopping a bung-hole ?

Hor. 'Twere to confider: too curiously to confider fo.

Ham. No faith, no a mot. But to follow him thither with mod ſeſt enough, and likelyhood to lead it; as thus, Alexander died : Alexander was buried : Alexander re- turneth into duſt ; the duſt is earth ; of earth we make Lome, and why of that Lome (whereof he was converted) might they not ſtop a Beer-barrel ?

Imperial Cefar, dead and turn'd to clay,

Might ſtop a hole to keep the wind away.

Oh, that that earth, which kept the world in awe,
Should patch a Wall, t'expell the Winter's ſlaw.

But ſoft, but ſoft, afide : here comes the King.

Enter King, Queen, Laerts, and a Coffin,
with Lords attendant.

The Queen, the Courtiers. What is't that they follow,
And with ſuch maimed rights ? This doth betoken,
The Coarſe they follow, did with deferpeate hand,
Foredo it's own life ; 'twas ſome Eſtate.

Couch we a while, and mark.

Laer. What Ceremony elfe ?

Ham. That is Laertes, a very Noble youth : Mark.

Laer. What Ceremony elfe ?

Prief. Her Obſequies have been as far enlarg'd,
As we have warrant, her death was doubtful,
And but that great command o'reſways the order,
She ſhould in ground unſanctified have lodg'd,
'Till the laſt Trumpet. For charitable prayer,
Shards, Flints, and Pebbles, ſhould be thrown on her :
Yet here ſhe is allowed her Virgin Rites,
Her Maiden ſtrewments, and the bringing home
Of Bell and Burial.

Laer. Muſt there no more be done ?

Prief. No more be done :

We should prophane the ſervice of the dead,
To ſing ſage Reguiem, and ſuch reſt to her
As to peace-departed Souls.

Laer. Lay her i'th'earth,

And from her fair and unpolluted ſleſh.

May Violets ſpring. I tell thee (churlift Prief)
A Miniftring Angel ſhall my Sifter be,

When thou liſt howling.

Ham. What, the fair Ophelia ?

Queen. Sweets, to thee sweet farewell,
I hop'd thou would't have been my Hamlet's wife :
I thought thy Bride bed to have deckt (sweet Maid)
And not t'have ſtrew'd thy Grave.

Laer. Oh terrible wooer,

Fall ten times treble on that curſed head,
Whofe wicked deed, thy moſt ingenious ſenſe
Depriv'd thecoef. Hold off the earth a while,
'Till I have caught her once more in mine arms :

Leaps into the Grave.

Now pile your duſt upon the quick and dead,
'Till of this flat a mountain you have made,
To o're-top old Pelion, or the skyſh head

Of blue Olympus.

Ham. What is he, whoſe griefs

Bear ſuch an Emphais ? whoſe phraſe of ſorrow
Conjures the wandring Stars, and makes them ſtand
Like wonder-wounded hearers ? This is I,

Hamlet the Dane.

Laer. The Devil take thy Soul.

Ham. Thou pray't not well,

I prthee take thy fingers from my throat :

Sir, though I am not ſpleenative and rafh,

Yet have I ſomethine in me dangerous,

VVhich let thy wifeneſs fear. Away thy hand.

King. Pluck them aſunder.

Queen. Hamlet, Hamlet.

Gen. Good my Lord be quiet.

Ham. VVhy I will fight with him upon this Theme,
Until my eye-lids will no longer wag.

Queen. Oh my Son, what Theme ?

Ham. I lov'd Ophelia ; forty thouſand brothers

Could not (with all their quantity of love)

Make up my ſumm. VVhat wilt thou do for her ?

King. Oh he is mad, Laertes.

Queen. What love of God forbear him.

Ham. Come ſhew me what thou'lt do.

VVoo't weep ? woo't fight ? woo't tear thy ſelf ?

VVoo't drink up Eſile, eat a Crocodile ?

I'le do't Do't thou come hither to whine ;

To out-face me with leaping in to her Grave ?

Be buried quick with her, and ſo will I,

And if thou prate of Mountains; let them throw

Millions of Acres on us, 'till our ground

Sindging his pate againſt the burning Zone,

Make Offa like a wart. Nay, and thou'lt month,

I'le rant as well as thou.

King. This is mere madneſs :

And thus a while the fit will work on him :

Anon as patient as the female Dove,

VVhen that her golden Cuplet are diſclos'd ;

His ſilence will fit drooping.

Ham. Hear you Sir :

VVhat is the reaſon that you uſe me thus ?

I lov'd you ever ; but it is no matter :

Let Hercules himself do what he may,

The Cat will mew, and Dog will have his day.

[Exit.]

King. I pray you good Horatio, wait upon him,
Strengthen your patience in our laſt nights ſpeech,
VVe'll put the matter to the preſent pulh.

Good Gertrude ſet ſome watch over your Son,

This Grave ſhall have a living Monument :

An hour of quiet ſhortly ſhall we fee ;

Till then in patience our proceeding be.

[Exeunt.]

Enter Hamlet and Horatio.

Ham. So much for this, Sir, now let me fee the other,
You do remember all the circumſtance.

Hor. Remember it, my Lord.

Ham. Sir, in my heart there was a kind of fighting,
That would not let me ſleep; me thought I lay

VVorſe

The Tragedy of Hamlet.

The treacherous Instrument is in thy hand,
Unbated and envenom'd: the foul practice
Hath turn'd it self on me. Lo, here I lye,
Never to rife again: thy Mother's poifon'd:
I can no more, the King, the King's to blame.

Ham. The point envenom'd too,
Then venom to thy work.

All. Treason, Treason.

King. O yet defend me Friends, I am but hurt.

Ham. Here thou inceſtuous, murd'rous
Damned Dane,

Drink off this Potion: Is thy Union here ?

Follow my Mother.

Laer. He is juſtly ferv'd.

It is a poifon temp'red by himſelf:
Exchange forgiſeſs with me, Noble Hamlet ;
Mine and my Father's Death come not upon thee,

Nor thine on me.

Ham. Heaven make thee free of it, I follow thee.

I am dead, Horatio, wretched Queen, adieu,
You that look pale and tremble at this chance,
That are but Mutes or audience at this act:

Had I but time (as this fell Serjeant Death
Is ſtrict in this Arreſt) oh I could tell you,
But let it be: Horatio, I am dead,

Thou liv'd, report me and my cauſes right
To be uſtatiſed.

Hor. Never believe it.

I am more an Antick Roman than a Dane:
Here's yet ſome Liquor left.

Ham. As th'art a man, give me the Cup,
Let go, by Heaven I'll hav't.

Oh, good Horatio, what a wounded name,
(Things ſtanding thus unknown) ſhall live behind me.

If thou did'ſt ever hold me in thy heart,
Absent thee from felicity a while,

And in this harih World draw thy breath in pain,
To tell my Story.

March a far off, and ſhout within.
What Warlike noife is this?

Enter Ofrick.

Ofr. Young Fortinbras, with conqueſt come from Poland,

To th' Amballadors of England gives this Warlike Volley.

Ham. O, I die, Horatio:

The potent poſſon quite o're-crows my ſpirit,
I cannot live to hear the News from England.

But I do propheſe th' election lights

On Fortinbras, he has my dying Voice,
So tell him with the occurrens more or leſs,

Which have ſolicited. The reſt is ſilence, O, o, o. [Dies.
Hora. Now cracks a Noble heart:

Goodnight, ſweet Prince,
And flights of Angels ſing thee to thy reſt,
Why do's the Drum come hither ?

Enter Fortinbras and English Amballador, with Drum, Colours, and Attendants.

Fort. Where is the fight?

Hor. What is it you would ſee ;

If ought of woe or wonder, ceaſe your ſearch.

Fort. His quarry cryes on Havock. Oh proud death,
What Feaſt is toward in thine eternal Cell,
That thou ſo many Princes at a ſhoot,
So bloudily haſt Iſtook.

Amb. The fight is diſmal,
And our affairs from England come too late,
The Ears are ſenſeleſs that ſhould give us hearing.

To tell him his Commandment is ſuſſuall'd,
That Rofincroſs and Guildenſtare are dead :

Where ſhould we have our thanks?

Hor. Not from his mouth,

Had it th' ability of life to thank you:
He never gave Commandment for their Death.

But ſince to jump upon this bloudy queſtion,
You from the Polack Wars, and you from England

Are here arrived: Give order that theſe bodies
High on a Stage be placed to the view,

And let me ſpeak to th' yet unknowing World,
How theſe things came about. So ſhall you hear
Of carnal, bloudy, and unnatural aſts,

Of accidental judgments, cauſal ſlaughters,
Of Deaths put on by cunning, and ſore cauſe,
And in this upſhot, purpofes miſtook.

Fal'n on the Inventor's heads. All this can I
Truly deliver.

Fort. Let us haſte to hear it,

And call the Nobleſt to the Audience.
For me, with ſorrow, I embrace my Fortune,
I have ſome Rites of memory in this Kingdom,
Which are to claim, my vantage doth
Invite me.

Hor. Of that I ſhall always cauſe to ſpeak,
And from his mouth

Whofe Voice will draw on more :
But let this fame be preſently perform'd,
Even whiles men's minds are wild,
Left more miſchance

On plots, and errours happen.

Fort. Let four Captains

Bear Hamlet like a Souldier off the Stage,
For he was likely, had he been put on
To have prov'd moſt royally :

And for his paſſage,
The Souldiers Muſick, and the rites of War
Speak loudly for him.

Take up the Body; Such a fight as this,
Becomes the Field, but here ſhews much amifs.
Go, bid the Souldiers ſhoot.

[Exeunt Marching after which, a dead of Ordnance are shot off.]

THE

THE
TRAGEDY
OF
KING LEAR.

*Actus Primus. Scena Prima.*

Kent. Enter Kent, Gloster, and Edmund.
Thought the King had more affected the Duke
of Albany, than Cornwall.
Glo. It did always seem to us: But now in
the division of the Kingdom, it appears not
which of the Dukes he values most, for qualities are so
weigh'd, that curiosity in neither, can make choice of
eithers moiety.

Kent. Is not this your Son, my Lord ?

Glo. His breeding, Sir, hath been at my charge. I have
fo often bluh'd to acknowledge him, that now I am
braz'd to't.

Kent. I cannot conceive you.

Glo. Sir, this young Fellows Mother could; where-
upon the grew round womb'd, and had indeed (Sir) a
Son for her Cradle, e're she had a Husband for her Bed.
Do you smell a fault ?

Kent. I cannot with the fault undone, the ill use of it
being so proper.

Glo. But I have a Son, Sir, by order of Law, fome
Year elder than this; who, yet is no dearer in my ac-
count, though this Knave came fomewhat fawcily to the
World before he was sent for: yet was his Mother fair,
there was good sport at his making, and the whorfon
muſt be acknowledged. Do you know this Nobleman,
Edmond ?

Edm. No, my Lord.

Glo. My Lord of Kent :

Remember him hereafter, as my honourable Friend.

Edm. My ſervices to your Lordship.

Kent. I muſt love you, and ſue to know you better.

Edm. Sir, I ſhall fludy deferring.

Glo. He hath been out nine years, and away he ſhall
again. The King is coming.

Sennet. Enter King Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Gonerill,
Regan, Cordelia, and Attendants.

Lear. Attend the Lords of France and Burgundy, Gloster.

Glo. I ſhall, my Lord.

[Exit.]

Lear. Mean time we ſhall exprefs our darker purpofe.
Give me the Map here. Know, that we have divided
Into three, our Kingdom: and 'tis our faſt intent,

Into three, our Kingdom : and 'tis our faſt intent,

To ſhake all cares and buſineſs from our Age,

Conſſerring them on younger ſtrengths, while we
Unburthen'd crawl toward Death. Our Son of Cornwall,

And you our no ſeſs loving Son of Albany,

And you our no ſeſs loving Son of Albany,
We have this hour a conſtant will to publish

Our Daughter's ſeveral Dowers, that future ſtrife

May be prevented now. The Prince, France and Burgundy,

Great Rivals in our younger Daughter's Love,

Long in our Court, have made their amorous ſojourn,
And here are to be anſwer'd. Tell my Daughters
(Since now we will divelſt us both of Rule,
Intereſt of Terrorism, Cares of State.)

Which of you ſhall we ſay doth love you moſt,

That we, our largeſt bounty may extend

Where nature doth with merit challenge. Gonerill,

Our eldeſt born, ſpeak firſt.

Gon. Sir, I love you more than word can wield the matter,

Dearer than Eye ſight, ſpace, and liberty,
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare,

No leſs than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour :

As much as Child e're lov'd, or Father found.

A love that makes breath poor, and ſpeech unable,

Beyond all manner of ſo much I love you.

Cor. What ſhall Cordelia ſpeak ? Love, and be ſilent.

Lear. Of all theſe bounds, even from this Line, to this,
With ſhadowy Foreſts, and with Champions rich'd
With plenteous Rivers, and wide-skirted Meads

We make thee Lady. To thine and Albany's ſlues

Be this perpetual. What ſayes our ſecond Daughter,

Our deareſt Regan, Wife of Cornwall ?

Reg. I am made of that ſelf-metal as my Sifter,

And prize me at her worth. In my true heart,

I find the names my very deed of love :

Only the comes too ſhort, that I proſefs

My ſelf an Enemy to all other joyes,

Which the moſt precious ſquare of ſenſe proſeffes,

And find I am alone felicitate

In your dear Highneſs love.

Cor. Then, poor Cordelia,

And yet not ſo, ſince I am ſure my love's

More ponderous than my tongue.

Lear. To thee, and thine hereditary ever :

Remain this ample third of our fair Kingdom,

No leſs in ſpace, validity, and pleafure

Than that confer'd on Gonerill. Now our Joy,

Although our laſt and leaſt; to whose young love,

The Vines of France, and Milk of Burgundy,

Strive to be intereſt. What can you ſay, to draw

A third, more opulent than your Sifters ? ſpeak.

Cor. Nothing, my Lord.

Lear. Nothing ?

Cor. Nothing.

Lear. Nothing will come of nothing, ſpeak again.

Cord. Unhappy that I am, I cannot have

My heart into my mouth: I love your Majefty

According to my bond, no more nor leſs.

Lear. How, how, Cordelia ? Mend your ſpeth a little,

H h h 2

["The Tragedy of King Lear.", "Left you may marr your fortunes,", "Cor. Good, my Lord,", "You have begot me, bred me, lov'd me.", "I return thole duties back as are right fit,", "Obey you, love you, and moft honour you.", "Why have my Sifters husbands, if they fay", "They love you all ? Happily when I shall wed,", "That Lord, whoſe hand muſt take my plight, ſhall carry", "Half my Love with him, half my Care, and Duty,", "Sure I ſhall never marry like my Sifters.", "Lear. But goes thy heart with this ?", "Cor. I my good Lord.", "Lear. So young, and fo untender ?", "Cor. So young, my Lord, and true ?", "Lear. Let it be fo, the truth then be thy dowre :", "For by the facred radiance of the Sun,\nThe myſteries of Hecate, and the night :", "By all the operations of the Orbs,", "From whom we do exift, and ceafe to be,", "Here I difclaim all my Paternal care,", "Propinquity and property of blood,", "And as a ſtranger to my heart and me,", "Hold thee from this for ever. The Barbarous Scythian,", "Or he that makes his Generation Mefles", "To gorge his appetite, ſhall to my boſom", "Be as well neighbour'd, pitied, and relief'd,", "As thou my fometime Daughter.", "Kent. Good my Liege.", "Lear. Peace, Kent ;", "Come not between the Dragon and his wrath,", "I lov'd her moſt, and thought to ſet my reſt", "On her kind nurſery. Hence, and avoid my fight;", "So be my gravey my peace, as here I give.", "Her Father's heart from her; call France, who ſtirs ?", "Call Burgundy, Cornwall, and Albany,", "With my two Daughters Dowres, digeſt the third,", "Let pride, which ſhe calls plainneſs, marry her :", "I do inveſt you joynly with my power,", "Preeminence, and all the large effects", "That troop with Majeſty. Our ſelf by monthly courſe", "With reſervation of an hundred Knights,", "By you to be ſuſtain'd, ſhall our abode", "Make with you by due turn, only we ſhall retain", "The name, and all th' addition to a King : the Sway,", "Revenue, Execution of the reſt,", "Beloved Sons be yours, which to confirm,", "This Coronet part between you.", "Kent. Royal Lear,", "Whom I have ever honour'd as a King,", "Lov'd as my Father, as my Maſter follow'd,", "As my Patron, thought on in my Prayers.", "Lear. The bow is bent and drawn, make from the ſhaf.", "Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade", "The region of my heart, be Kent unmannerly,", "When Lear is mad, what wouldſt thou do, old man ?", "Think'ft thou that Duty ſhall have dread to ſpeak,", "When Power to Flattery bows ?", "To plainneſs honour's bound,", "When Majeſty falls to folly, reſerve thy ſtate,", "And thy beſt consideration, check", "This hideous raſhneſs, anſwer my life, my judgment:", "Thy youngſt Daughter do's not love thee leaſt,", "Nor are thofe empty hearted, whose low ſounds", "Reverb no hollowneſs.", "Lear. Kent, on my life no more.", "Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn", "To wage againſt thine enemies, ne'er fear to loſe it,", "Thy faſety being motive.", "Lear. Out of my fight.", "Kent. See better, Lear, and let me ſill remain", "The true blank of thine eye.", "Lear. Now by Apollo.", "Kent. Now by Apollo, King,", "Thou ſwear'ſt thy gods in vain.", "Lear. O Vaffal! Mifcreant.", "Alb. Corn. Dear Sir, forbear.", "Kent. Kill thy Phyſician, and thy Fee beſtow", "Upon the foul diſeafe, revoke the gift,\nOr whilſt I can vent clamour from my throat,\nI'll tell thee thou doſt evil.", "Lear. Hear me Recreant, on thine allegiance hear me;\nThat thou haſt fought to make us break our vows,\nWhich we durſt never yet; and with ſtrain'd pride,\nTo come betwixt our ſentence and our power.\nWhich, nor our nature, nor our place can bear;\nOur Potency made good, take thy reward.", "Five days we do allot thee for provision,\nTo ſhield thee from diſaſters of the world,\nAnd on the fixth to turn thy hated back\nUpon our Kingdom; if the tenth day following,\nThy banifht Trunk be found in our Dominions,\nThe moment is thy death, away. By Jupiter,\nThis ſhall not be revok'd.", "", "Kent. Fare thee well, King, fifth thus thou wilt appear,\nFreedom lives hence, and banifhment is here;", "The gods to their dear ſhelter take thee, Maid,", "That juſtly thinks, and haſt moſt rightly faſd:", "And your large ſpeeches may your deeds approve,", "That good effects may ſpring from words of love:", "Thus Kent, O Princes, bids you all aſcien,", "He'll ſhape his old courſe in a Countrie new.", "Enter Glofter, with France and Burgundy Attendants.", "Cor. Here's France and Burgundy, my Noble Lord.", "Lear. My Lord of Burgundy,", "We firſt addreſſes toward you, who, with this King,\nHath rivall'd for our Daughter; what in the leaſt\nWill you require in preſent Dowre with her,\nOr ceaſe your Queſt of Love?", "Bur. Moſt Royal Majeſty,", "I crave no more than what your Highneſs offer'd,\nNor will you tender leſs.", "Lear. Right Noble Burgundy,", "When ſhe was dear to us we held her ſo,", "But now her price is fall'n : Sir, there ſhe ſtands,", "If ought within that little feeming ſubſtance,", "Or all of it with our diſpleasure picct'd,", "And nothing more may fitly like your Grace,", "She's there, and ſhe is yours.", "Bur. I know no anſwer.", "Lear. Will you with thofe infirmities ſhe owes,\nUnfriended, new adopted to our hate,\nDow'r'd with our curſe, and ſtranger'd with our oath,\nTake leave, or leave her.", "Bur. Pardon me, Royal Sir,", "Election makes not up in ſuch conditions.", "Lear. Then leave her, Sir, for by the power that made me,\nI tell you all her wealth. For you, great King,\nI would not from your love make ſuch a ſtray,\nTo match you where I hate, therefore beſeech you\nT'awert your liking a more worthier way,\nThan on a wretch whom nature is alſam'd\nAlmoſt t'acknowledge hers.", "Fra. This is moſt ſtrange,", "That ſhe, who even but now, was your beſt objeſt,", "The argument of your praeile, balm of your age,", "The beſt, the deareſt, should in this trice of time", "Commit a thing ſo monſtrous, to diſmante", "So many folds of favour: ſure her offence", "Moft be of ſuch unnatural degree,", "That monſters it: Or your fore-voucht affection", "Fall into Taint; which to believe of her", "

The Tragedy of King Lear.

90

Glo. You know the character to be your Brother's?

Baſſ. If the matter were good, my Lord, I durſt ſwear it were his: but in reſpect of that, I would fain think it were not.

Glo. It is his.

Baſſ. It is his hand, my Lord: I hope his heart is not in the Contents.

Glo. Has he never before ſounded you in this buſineſs?

Baſſ. Never, my Lord. But I have heard him oft maintain it to be fit, that Sons at perſect age, and Fathers declin'd, the Father ſhould be as Ward to the Son, and the Son maſage his Revenue.

Glo. O Villain, villain: his very opinion in the Letter. Abhorred Villain, unnatural, detested, bruitish Villain; worſe than bruitish: Go, firraſh, ſeek him: I'le apprehend him. Abominable Villain, where is he?

Baſſ. I do not well know, my Lord; if it ſhall pleafe you to ſuſpend your indignation againſt my Brother, 'till you can derive from him better Teſtimony of his intent, you ſhould run a certain courſe: where, if you violently proceed againſt him, miſtaking his purpofe, it would make a great gap in your honour, and ſhake in pieces the heart of his obedieneſe. I dare pawn down my life for him, that he hath writ this to feel my affection to your honour, and to no other pretence of danger.

Glo. Think you no?

Baſſ. If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you ſhall hear us confer this, and by an Auricular affurance have your ſatisfaction, and that without any further delay, than this very Evening.

Glo. He cannot be ſuch a Monſter. Edmund, ſeek him out: wind me into him, I pray you: frame the Buſineſs after your own wifdom. I would unſtate my ſelf, to be in a due reſolution.

Baſſ. I will ſeek him, Sir, prefentely: convey the buſineſs as I ſhall find means, and acquaint you withal.

Glo. Theſe late Eclipſes in the Sun and Moon portend no good to us: though the wifdom of Nature can reaſon it thus, and thus, yef Nature finds it ſelf ſcourg'd by the ſequent effects. Love cools, Friendſhip falls off, Brothers divide. In Cities, mutinies; in Countries, diſcord; in Palaces, Treaſon; and the Bond crack'd, 'twixt Son and Father. This Villain of mine comes under the prediction: there's Son againſt Father, the King falls from biaſs of nature, there's Father againſt Child. We have ſeen the beſt of our time. Machinations, hollowneſs, treachery, and all ruinous diſorders follow us diſquietly to our Graves. Find out this Villain, Edmund, it ſhall lobe thee nothing, do it carefully: and the Noble and true-hearted Kent baniſh'd; his offence, honefly. 'Tis ſtrange. [Exit.]

Baſſ. This is the excellent foppery of the world, that when we are ſick in fortune, often the ſurfeits of our own behaviour, we make guilty of our diſaſters, the Sun, the Moon, and Stars, as if we were Villains on neceſſity, Fools by heavenly compulſion, Knaves, Thieves, and Treachers by Spherical predominance, Drunkards, Lyars, and Adulterers by an inſor'd obedience of Planetary influence; and all that we are evil in, by a divine thruſting on. An admirable evaſion of Whore-maſter-man, to lay his Goatiſh diſpolition on the charge of a Star: My Father compounded with my Mother under the Dragon's tail, and my Nativity was under Urſa major, so that it follows, I am rough and Lecherous. I ſhould have been that I am, had the Maidenlieſt Star in the Firmament twinkled on my Baſtardizing.

Enter Edgar.

Pat: he comes like the Cataſtrophe of the old Comedy: my Cue is villanous Melancholy, with a ſigh like Tom o' Bedlam — O theſe Eclipſes do portend theſe diviſions: Fa, Sol, La, Me.

Ed. How now, Brother Edmund, what ſerious contem-
plation are you in?

Baſſ. I am thinking, Brother, of a Prediction I read this other day, what ſhould follow theſe Eclipſes.

Ed. Do you buſie your ſelf with that?

Baſſ. I promife, the effects he writes of, ſucceed un-
happily.

When faw you my Father laſt?

Ed. The night gone by.

Baſſ. Spake you with him?

Ed. I, two hours together.

Baſſ. Parted you in good terms? Found you no di-
pleaſure in him, by word, nor countenance?

Ed. None at all.

Baſſ. Bethink your ſelf wherein you have offended him: and at my entreaty forbeare his prefence, until ſome little time hath qualified the heat of his diſpleaſure, which at this inſant ſo fargeth in him, that with the miſchief of your perſon, it would ſcarcely allay.

Ed. Some Villain hath done me wrong.

Edm. That's my fear, I pray you have a continent for-
bearance till the ſpeed of his rage goes flower: as I ſay, retire with me to my lodging, from whence I will ſiſtly bring you to hear my Lord ſpeak: pray ye go, there's my key: if you do ſtir abroad, go arm'd.

Ed. Arm'd, Brother?

Edm. Brother, I advife you to the beſt, I am no honef
man, if there be any good meaning toward you: I have
told you what I have ſeen, and heard: But faintly. No-
thing like the image, and horroſence of it, pray you away.

Ed. Shall I hear from you anon?

Edm. I do ſerve you in this buſineſs:
A Credulous Father, and a Brother Noble,
Whole nature is ſo far from doing harms,
That he ſuſpects none: on whole ſoſtill honefly
My practices ride eafe: I fee the buſineſs.
Let me, if not by birth, have lands by wit,
All with me's meet, that I can fashion fit.

## Scena Tertia.

Enter Goneril, and Steward.

Gon. Did my Father ſtrike my Gentleman for chid
ing of his fool?

Stew. I, Madam.

Gon. By day and night, he wrongs me; every hour.
He flaſhes into one groſs crime, or other,
That fets us all at odds: I'le not endure it;
His Knights grow riotous, and himſelf upbraids us
On every trifle. When he returns from hunting,
I will not ſpeak with him, ſay I am ſick,
If you come ſlack of former ſervices,
You ſhall do well, the fault of it I'le anſwer.

Stew. He's coming, Madam, I hear him.

Gon. Put on what weary negligence you pleafe.
You and your Fellows: I'd have it come to queſtion;
If he diſlaſte it, let him to my Sifter,
Whole ſtore and mine I know in that are one,
Remember what I have faid.

Stew. Well, Madam.

Gon. And let his Knights have colder looks among you:
what grows of it no matter, advife your ſellors ſo, I'le
write ſtraight to my Sifter to hold my courſe: prepare for
dinner. [Exeunt.]

## Scena Quarta.

Enter Kent.

Kent. If but as well I other accents borrow,
That can my ſpeech diſſuſe, my good intent
May carry through it ſelf to that full ſuſe
For which I rais'd my likeneſs. Now, baniſht Kent,

The Tragedy of King Lear.

91

If thou canst serve where thou doft stand condemn'd,
So may it come, thy Mafter whom thou lov'ft,
Shall find thee full of labours.

Horns within. Enter Lear and Attendants.

Lear. Let me not flay a jot for dinner, go get it rea-
dy: how now, what art thou ?

Kent. A man, Sir.

Lear. What doft thou profefs ? what would'ft thou
with us?

Kent. I do profefs to be no lefs than I feem ; to serve
him truly that will put me in truſt, to love him that is
honest, to converſe with him that is wife, and fays lit-
tle, to fear judgment, to fight when I cannot chufe, and
to eat no fifth.

Lear. What art thou ?

Kent. A very honest hearted Fellow, and as poor as
the King.

Lear. If thou be'ft as poor for a Subject, as he's for a
King, thou art poor enough. What would'ft thou ?

Kent. Service.

Lear. Whom would'ft thou ſerve ?

Kent. You.

Lear. Do'ft thou know me, fellow ?

Kent. No, Sir, but you have that in your countenance,
which I would fain call Maſter.

Lear. What's that ?

Kent. Authority.

Lear. What ſervices canſt thou do ?

Kent. I can keep honest counſels, ride, run, marr a
curious tale in telling it, and deliver a plain meſſage
bluntly: that which ordinary men are fit for, I am qua-
lified in, and the beſt of me, is diligence.

Lear. How old art thou ?

Kent. Not ſo young, Sir, to love a woman for ſinging,
nor ſo old to doat on her for any thing. I have years on
my back forty eight.

Lear. Follow me, thou ſhalt serve me, if I like thee no
worſe after Dinner, I will not part from thee yet. Dinner
ho, Dinner, where's my Knave ? my Fool? go you and call
my Fool hither. You, you, Sirrah, where's my Daughter ?

Enter Steward.

Stew. So pleafe you—

[Exit.]

Lear. What fays the fellow there? Call the Clotpole
back: where's my Fool? Ho, I think the World's afleep,
how now ? where's that Mungrel ?

Knight. He fays, my Lord, your Daughter is not well.

Lear. Why came not the flave back to me when I
call'd him?

Knight. Sir, he anſwered in the roundeſt manner, he
would not.

Lear. He would not?

Knight. My Lord, I know not what the matter is, but
to my judgment, your Highneſs is not entertain'd with
that Ceremonious Aſſection as you were wont, there's a
great abatement of kindneſs appears as well in the gene-
ral dependents, as in the Duke himself ſalf, and your
Daughter.

Lear. Ha! fay'ft thou ſo ?

Knight. I beſech you, pardon me, my Lord, if I be
miſtaken, for my duty cannot be ſilent, when I think your
Highneſs is wrong'd.

Lear. Thou but remembreſt me of my own Concepti-
on, I have perceiv'd a moſt faint neglect of late, which
I have rather blamed as my own jealous curiſcity, than as
a very pretence and purpofe of unkindneſs; I will look
further into't : but where's my Fool ? I have not feen him
this two days.

Knight. Since my young Ladies going into France, Sir,
the Fool hath much pined away.

Lear. No more of that, I have noted it well; go you

and tell my Daughter, I would ſpeak with her. Go you
call hither my Fool ; O you Sir, come you hither, Sir,
who am I Sir ?

Enter Steward.

Stew. My Ladies Father.

Lear. My Ladies Father ? my Lords Knave, you whor-
fon Dog, you slave, you Cur.

Stew. I am none of theſe, my Lord;
I beſech you pardon.

Lear. Do you bandy looks with me, you Rafcal?

Stew. I'll not be ſtrungen, my Lord.

Kent. Nor tript neither, you bafe Foot-ball Player.

Lear. I thank thee, fellow.

Thou ſerv'ſt me, and I'll love thee.

Kent. Come, Sir, arife, away, I'll teach you differences:
away, away, if you will meaſure your lubbers length a-
gain, tarry, but away, go to, have you wifdom, to.

Lear. Now my friendly Knave I thank thee, there's
carnet of thy ſervice.

Enter Fool.

Fool. Let me hire him too, here's my Coxcomb.

Lear. How now my pretty Knave ? how doſt thou ?

Fool. Sirrah, you were beſt take my Coxcomb.

Kent. Why, my Boy ?

Fool. Why? for taking one's part that is out of favour,
nay, and thou can't not ſmile as the wind fits, thou'l't
catch cold ſhortly, there take my Coxcomb ; why this
fellow has banifh'd two on's Daughters, and did the third
a bleſſing againſt his will ; if thou follow him, thou muſt
needs wear my Coxcomb. How now Nunkle ? would I
had two Coxcombs, and two Daughters.

Lear. Why, my Boy ?

Fool. If I give them all my living, I'd keep my Cox-
comb my ſelf, there's mine, beg another of thy Daugh-
ters.

Lear. Take heed, Sirrah, the whip.

Fool. Truth's a Dog muſt to kennel, he muſt be
whip'd out, when the Lady Brach may ſtand by th'fire
and ſtink.

Lear. A peſtilent gall to me.

Fool. Sirrah, I'll teach thee a ſpeech.

Lear. Do.

Fool. Mark it Nunkle ;

Have more than thou ſhoweſt,

Speak leſs than thou knoweſt,

Lend leſs than thou oweſt,

Ride more than thou goeſt,

Learn more than thou troweſt,

Set leſs than thou throweſt :

Leave thy Drink and thy Whore,

And keep in Door,

And thou ſhalt have more,

Than two tens to a ſcore.

Kent. This is nothing, Fool.

Fool. Then it is like the breath of an unſee'd Lawyer,
you give me nothing for't, can you make no uſe of no-
thing, Nunkle ?

Lear. Why no, Boy,

Nothing can be made out of nothing.

Fool. Prithee tell him, so much the rent of his Land
comes to, he will not believe a Fool.

Lear. A bitter Fool.

Fool. Do'ſt thou know the difference, my Boy, be-
tween a bitter Fool, and a fweet one ?

Lear. No Lad ; teach me.

Fool. Nunkle, give me an egg, and I'll give thee two
Crowns.

Lear. What two Crowns ſhall they be ?

Fool. Why? after I have cut the egg i'th' middle, and
eat up the meat, the two Crowns of the egg: when thou
cloveſt