Thomas Middleton
The Changeling
El Trueque
(Traducción)
Middleton, Thomas, and William Rowley. <<The Changeling.>> Edited by Joost Daalder. For the EMOTHE collection. 2015. Based on Joost Daalder’s New Mermaids edition (London: A C & Black, 1990). ©Joost Daalder
Joan Oleza Simó
(Investigador principal)
Tronch Pérez, Jesus
(Editor)
English · Verso · 270 versos
https://playcode.fly.dev/plays/EMOTHE0170_TheChangeling
- Tiempo histórico
-
Siglo XVII
Shortly after treaty of the Hague (9 April 1609), possibly January or February. See Wiggins and Richardson, vol. 7, p. 399.
- Datación
-
1622
desde 1622 y hasta 1622
- Bibliografía
-
Ediciones modernas
- Bawcutt, N. W., ed. The Changeling. Middleton, Thomas; Rowley, William. London: Methuen, 1958. Revels Plays.
- Bruster, Douglas, ed. The Changeling. Middleton, Thomas and William Rowley. In: Taylor, Gary and John Lavangino, ed. The Collected Works. Oxford, 2007. pp. 1632-78.
- Daalder, Joost, ed. The Changeling. Middleton, Thomas; Rowley, William. 2nd ed. London: A & C Black, 1990. New Mermaids.
- Daalder, Joost, ed. The Changeling. Middleton, Thomas; Rowley, William. Valencia: ARTELOPE / EMOTHE Universitat de València, 2015. EMOTHE Digital Library. Based on Joost Daalder’s New Mermaids edition (London: A C & Black, 1990). URL: https://emothe.uv.es/biblioteca/textosEMOTHE/EMOTHE0170_TheChangeling.php
- Dutton, Richard, ed. The Changeling. Middleton, Thomas; Rowley, William. In: Dutton, Richard, ed. Women Beware Women and Other Plays. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999. pp. 165-235.
- Frost, David L., ed. The Changeling. Middleton, Thomas; Rowley, William. In: Frost, David L., ed. The Selected Plays of Thomas Middleton. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1978. pp. 305-96.
- Williams, George Walton, ed. The Changeling. Middleton, Thomas; Rowley, William. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1966. Regents Renaissance Drama.
Bibliografía crítica
- Barker, Roberta and David Nicol. "Does Beatrice Joanna Have a Subtext? The Changeling on the London Stage". Early Modern Literary Studies. 2004, 10.1, p. 31-43.
- Berger, Thomas L. "The Petrarchan Fortress of The Changeling". Ed. Williams, G. W. Renaissance Papers. 1969, p. 185-212.
- Boehrer, Bruce. "Alsemero’s Closet". JEGP. 1997, 96, p. 349-68.
- Bradbrook, Muriel. Themes and Conventions of Elizabethan Tragedy (2nd edition). Cambridge, 1980.
- Brittin, Norman A. Thomas Middleton. New York, 1971.
- Bromham, A. A. and Zara Bruzzi. “The Changeling” and the Years of Crisis 1619-24. London and New York, 1990.
- Bueler, Lois E. "The Rhetoric of Change in The Changeling". ELR. 1984, 14, p. 95-113.
- Burnett, Mark T. "The Changeling and Masters and Servants". Ed. Sullivan, Garrett A., Cheney, Patrick and Andrew Hadfield. Early Modern English Drama: A Critical Companion. New York, 2006, p. 298-308.
- Chakravorty, Swapan. Society and Politics in the Plays of Thomas Middleton. Oxford, 1996.
- Dawson, Anthony B. "Giving the Finger: Puns and Transgression in The Changeling". Ed. Magnusson, A. L. and C. E. McGee. The Elizabethan Theatre. Vol. 12. Toronto, 1993, p. 93-112.
- Eliot, T. S. "Thomas Middleton". Elizabethan Dramatists. London, 1927.
- Farr, Dorothy M. Thomas Middleton and the Drama of Realism. New York, 1973.
- Holdsworth, Roger. Three Jacobean Revenge Tragedies. London, 1990.
- Holmes, David M. The Art of Thomas Middleton. Oxford, 1970.
- Hopkins, Lisa. "Beguiling the Master of the Mystery". MRDE. 1997, 9, p. 149-61.
- Hoy, Cyrus. "The Shares of Fletcher and his Collaborators in the Beaumont and Fletcher Canon (V)". Studies in Bibliography. 1960, 13, p. 77-108.
- Jackson, MacD P. Studies in Attribution in Middleton and Shakespeare. Salzburg, 1979.
- Jordan, Robert. "Myth and Psychology in The Changeling". RenD ns.2. 1970, p. 157-65.
- Kowsar, Mohammed. "Middleton and Rowley’ The Changeling. The Besieged Temple". Criticism. 1986, 28, p. 145-66.
- Lancashire, Anne. "The Emblematic Castle in Shakespeare and Middleton". Ed. Gray, J. C. Mirror up to Shakespeare: Essays in Honour of G. R. Hibbard. Toronto, 1984, p. 223-41.
- Levin, Richard. The Multiple Plot in English Renaissance Drama. Chicago, 1971.
- Little, Arthur L. "“Transshaped” Women: Virginity and Hysteria in The Changeling". Ed. Redmond, James. Madness in Drama (Themes in Drama). Vol. 15. 1993, p. 19-42.
- Malcomson, Cristina. "“As Tame as the Ladies”: Politics and Gender in The Changeling". ELR. 1990, 20, p. 320-39.
- McAlindon, T. English Renaissance Tragedy. London, 1986.
- Neill, Michael. "“A Woman’s Service”: Gender, Subordination, and the Erotics of Rank in the Drama of Shakespeare and his Contemporaries". Shakespearean International Yearbook. 2005, 5, p. 127-44.
- Ornstein, Robert. The Moral Vision of Jacobean Tragedy. Madison, 1960.
- Pentzell, Raymond . "“The Changeling”: Notes on Mannerism in Dramatic Form". Ed. Davidson, Clifford, Gianakaris, C. J., John H. Stroupe. Drama in the Renaissance. New York: AMS, 1986, p. 282-3.
- Salingar, Leo. "The Changeling and the Drama of Domestic Life". E&S. 1979, 33, p. 92-3.
- Salingar, Leo. Dramatic Form in Shakespeare and the Jacobeans. Cambridge, 1986.
- Scott, Michael. The Changeling. London, 1989.
- Simmons, J. L. "Diabolical Realism in Middleton and Rowley’s The Changeling". RenD. 1980, 11, p. 135-70.
- Steen, Sara Jayne. Ambrosia in an Earthen Vessel: Three Centuries of Audience and Reader Response to the Works of Thomas Middleton. New York, 1993.
Traducciones
Français
- Middleton, Thomas; Rowley, William. "La tragédie de l’échange". Tra. de Kisch, Marie-Anne; Laroque, François. Théâtre élisabéthain. Vol. 2. Paris: Gallimard, 2009.
© Text: Joost Daalder
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
VERMANDERO
father to Beatrice
TOMAZO DE PIRACQUO
a noble lord
ALONZO DE PIRACQUO
his brother, suitor to Beatrice
ALSEMERO
a nobleman, afterwards married to Beatrice
JASPERINO
his friend
ALIBIUS
a jealous doctor
LOLLIO
his man
PEDRO
friend to Antonio
ANTONIO
the changeling
FRANCISCUS
the counterfeit madman
DE FLORES
servant to Vermandero
MADMEN
SERVANTS
BEATRICE
[also called JOANNA or BEATRICE JOANNA], daughter to Vermandero
DIAPHANTA
her waiting woman
ISABELLA
wife to Alibius
Act I [, Scene i]
(Enter ALSEMERO)
[ALSEMERO]
’Twas in the temple where I first beheld her,
1
And now again the same. What omen yet
2
Follows of that? None but imaginary:
3
Why should my hopes of fate be timorous?
4
The place is holy, so is my intent:
5
I love her beauties to the holy purpose,
6
And that, methinks, admits comparison
7
With man’s first creation, the place blest,
8
And is his right home back, if he achieve it.
9
The church hath first begun our interview,
10
And that’s the place must join us into one;
11
So there’s beginning, and perfection too.
12
(Enter JASPERINO)
JASPERINO
O sir, are you here? Come, the wind’s fair with you;
13
Y’are like to have a swift and pleasant passage.
14
ALSEMERO
Sure y’are deceivèd, friend; ’tis contrary
15
In my best judgement.
16
JASPERINO
What, for Malta?
If you could buy a gale amongst the witches
17
They could not serve you such a lucky pennyworth
18
As comes a’ God’s name.
19
ALSEMERO
Even now I observed
The temple’s vane to turn full in my face;
20
I know it is against me.
21
JASPERINO
Against you?
Then you know not where you are.
22
ALSEMERO
Not well indeed.
JASPERINO
Are you not well, sir?
23
ALSEMERO
Yes, Jasperino;
Unless there be some hidden malady
24
Within me that I understand not.
25
JASPERINO
And that
I begin to doubt, sir. I never knew
26
Your inclinations to travels at a pause,
27
With any cause to hinder it, till now.
28
Ashore you were wont to call your servants up,
29
And help to trap your horses for the speed;
30
At sea I have seen you weigh the anchor with ’em,
31
Hoist sails for fear to lose the foremost breath,
32
Be in continual prayers for fair winds:
33
And have you changed your orisons?
34
ALSEMERO
No, friend,
I keep the same church, same devotion devotion Pronounced as four syllables: “de-vo-ti-on”. .
35
JASPERINO
Lover I’m sure y’are none, the stoic was
36
Found in you long ago; your mother nor
37
Best friends, who have set snares of beauty (ay,
38
And choice ones, too), could never trap you that way.
39
What might be the cause?
40
ALSEMERO
Lord, how violent
Thou art! I was but meditating of
41
Somewhat I heard within the temple.
42
JASPERINO
Is this
Violence? ’Tis but idleness compared
43
With your haste yesterday.
44
ALSEMERO
I’m all this while a-going, man.
45
(Enter SERVANTS)
JASPERINO
Backwards, I think, sir. Look, your servants.
46
1 SERVANT
The seamen call; shall we board your trunks?
47
ALSEMERO
No, not today.
48
JASPERINO
’Tis the critical day,
It seems, and the sign in Aquarius.
49
2 SERVANT
We must not to sea today; this smoke will bring forth fire!
ALSEMERO
Keep all on shore; I do not know the end,
52
Which needs I must do, of an affair in hand
53
Ere I can go to sea.
54
1 SERVANT
Well, your pleasure.
55
2 SERVANT
Let him e’en take his leisure too; we are safer on land.
(Exeunt SERVANTS)
(Enter BEATRICE, DIPHANTA, and SERVANTS)
([ALSEMERO greets BEATRICE and kisses her])
JASPERINO
How now! The laws of the Medes are changed sure! Salute a woman? He kisses too. Wonderful! Where learnt he this? And does it perfectly too; in my conscience, he ne’er rehearsed it before. Nay, go on; this will be stranger and better news at Valencia than if he had ransomed half Greece from the Turk.
BEATRICE
You are a scholar, sir?
63
ALSEMERO
A weak one, lady.
BEATRICE
Which of the sciences is this love you speak of?
64
ALSEMERO
From your tongue I take it to be music.
65
BEATRICE
You are skillful in’t, can sing at first sight.
66
ALSEMERO
And I have showed you all my skill at once.
67
I want more words to express me further,
68
And must be forced to repetition repetition Pronounced as five syllables: “re-pe-ti-ti-on”. :
69
I love you dearly.
70
BEATRICE
Be better advised, sir:
Our eyes are sentinels unto our judgements,
71
And should give certain judgement what they see;
72
But they are rash sometimes, and tell us wonders
73
Of common things, which when our judgements find,
74
They can then check the eyes, and call them blind.
75
ALSEMERO
But I am further, lady; yesterday
76
Was mine eyes’ employment, and hither now
77
They brought my judgement, where are both agreed.
78
Both houses then consenting, ’tis agreed;
79
Only there wants the confirmation confirmation Pronounced as five syllables: “con-fir-ma-ti-on”.
80
By the hand royal − that is your part, lady.
81
BEATRICE
– For five days past
82
To be recalled! Sure, mine eyes were mistaken:
83
This was the man was meant me. That he should come
84
So near his time, and miss it!
85
JASPERINO
We might have come by the carriers from Valencia, I see, and saved all our sea-provision; we are at farthest, sure. Methinks I should do something too − I meant to be a venture in this voyage. Yonder’s another vessel; I’ll board her. If she be lawful prize, down goes her top-sail.
([Greets DIAPHANTA])
(Enter DE FLORES)
DE FLORES
Lady, your father −
92
BEATRICE
Is in health, I hope.
DE FLORES
Your eye shall instantly instruct you, lady.
93
He’s coming hitherward.
94
BEATRICE
What needed then
Your duteous preface? I had rather
95
He had come unexpected: you must stall
96
A good presence with unnecessary blabbing,
97
And how welcome for your part you are
98
I’m sure you know.
99
DE FLORES
Will’t never mend, this scorn,
One side nor other? Must I be enjoined
100
To follow still whilst she flies from me? Well,
101
Fates, do your worst; I’ll please myself with sight
102
Of her, at all opportunities,
103
If but to spite her anger. I know she had
104
Rather see me dead than living − and yet
105
She knows no cause for’t but a peevish will.
106
ALSEMERO
You seemed displeased, lady, on the sudden.
107
BEATRICE
Your pardon, sir; ’tis my infirmity.
108
Nor can I other reason render you
109
Than his or hers, of some particular thing
110
They must abandon as a deadly poison
111
Which to a thousand other tastes were wholesome.
112
Such to mine eyes is that same fellow there,
113
The same that report speaks of, the basilisk.
114
ALSEMERO
This is a frequent frailty in our nature.
115
There’s scarce a man amongst a thousand found
116
But hath his imperfection: one distastes
117
The scent of roses, which to infinites
118
Most pleasing is, and odoriferous;
119
One oil, the enemy of poison poison Pronounced with three syllables: “po-i-son”. ;
120
Another wine, the cheerer of the heart
121
And lively refresher of the countenance.
122
Indeed this fault, if so it be, is general:
123
There’s scarce a thing but is both loved and loathed.
124
Myself, I must confess, have the same frailty.
125
BEATRICE
And what may be your poison, sir? I am bold with you.
126
ALSEMERO
What might be your desire perhaps: a cherry.
127
BEATRICE
I am no enemy to any creature
128
My memory has but yon gentleman.
129
ALSEMERO
He does ill to tempt your sight, if he knew it.
130
BEATRICE
He cannot be ignorant of that, sir:
131
I have not spared to tell him so; and I want
132
To help myself, since he’s a gentleman
133
In good respect with my father, and follows him.
134
ALSEMERO
He’s out of his place then now.
135
([They talk apart])
JASPERINO
I am a mad wag, wench.
DIAPHANTA
So methinks; but for your comfort I can tell you we have a doctor in the city that undertakes the cure of such.
JASPERINO
Tush, I know what physic is best for the state of mine own body.
DIAPHANTA
’Tis scarce a well-governed state, I believe.
JASPERINO
I could show thee such a thing with an ingredient that we that would compound together, and if it did not tame the maddest blood i’ th’ town for two hours after, I’ll ne’er profess physic again.
DIAPHANTA
A little poppy, sir, were good to cause you sleep.
JASPERINO
Poppy? I’ll give thee a pop i’ th’ lips for that first, and begin there: [He kisses her] poppy is one simple indeed, and cuckoo what-you-call’t another. I’ll discover no more now; another time I’ll show thee all.
BEATRICE
My father, sir.
151
(Enter VERMANDERO and SERVANTS)
VERMANDERO
O Joanna, I came to meet thee.
Your devotion’s ended?
152
BEATRICE
For this time, sir.
I shall change my saint, I fear me; I find
153
A giddy turning in me.
154
I am beholding to this gentleman
155
Who left his own way to keep me company,
156
And in discourse I find him much desirous
157
To see your castle. He hath deserved it, sir,
158
If ye please to grant it.
159
VERMANDERO
With all my heart, sir.
Yet there’s an article between: I must know
160
Your country. We use not to give survey survey Pronounced with stress on the second syllable.
161
Of our chief strengths to strangers: our citadels
162
Are placed conspicuous to outward view
163
On promonts’ tops, but within are secrets.
164
ALSEMERO
A Valencian Valencian Pronounced as four syllables (“Va-len-ci-an”), with stress on the first and third syllables. , sir.
165
VERMANDERO
A Valencian Valencian Pronounced as four syllables (“Va-len-ci-an”), with stress on the first and third syllables. ?
That’s native, sir. Of what name, I beseech you?
166
ALSEMERO
Alsemero, sir.
167
VERMANDERO
Alsemero? Not the son
Of John de Alsemero?
168
ALSEMERO
The same, sir.
VERMANDERO
My best love bids you welcome.
169
BEATRICE
He was wont
To call me so, and then he speaks a most
170
Unfeignèd truth.
171
VERMANDERO
O sir, I knew your father;
We two were in acquaintance long ago
172
Before our chins were worth iulan iulan Pronounced as three syllables: “i-u-lan”. down,
173
And so continued till the stamp of time
174
Had coined us into silver. Well, he’s gone;
175
A good soldier went with him.
176
ALSEMERO
You went together in that, sir.
177
VERMANDERO
No, by Saint Jaques; I came behind him.
178
Yet I have done somewhat too. An unhappy day
179
Swallowed him at last at Gibraltar Gibraltar Pronounced with stress on the final (not the second) syllable.
180
In fight with those rebellious Hollanders,
181
Was it not so?
182
ALSEMERO
Whose death I had revenged,
Or followed him in fate, had not the late league
183
Prevented me.
184
VERMANDERO
Ay, ay, ’twas time to breathe.−
O Joanna, I should ha’ told thee news:
185
I saw Piracquo lately.
186
BEATRICE
That’s ill news.
VERMANDERO
He’s hot preparing for this day of triumph:
187
Thou must be a bride within this sevennight.
188
ALSEMERO
Ha!
BEATRICE
Nay, good sir, be not so violent; with speed
189
I cannot render satisfaction satisfaction Pronounced as five syllables: “sa-tis-fac-ti-on”.
190
Unto the dear companion of my soul,
191
Virginity, whom I thus long have lived with,
192
And part with it so rude and suddenly.
193
Can such friends divide, never to meet again,
194
Without a solemn farewell?
195
VERMANDERO
Tush, tush, there’s a toy.
ALSEMERO
I must now part, and never meet again
196
With any joy on earth.
197
My affairs call on me.
198
VERMANDERO
How, sir? By no means;
Not changed so soon, I hope. You must see my castle,
199
And her best entertainment ere we part;
200
I shall think myself unkindly us’d else.
201
Come, come, let’s on; I had good hope your stay
202
Had been a while with us in Alicant:
203
I might have bid you to my daughter’s wedding.
204
ALSEMERO
He means to feast me, and poisons me beforehand.
205
[To VERMANDERO] I should be dearly glad to be there, sir,
206
Did my occasions suit as I could wish.
207
BEATRICE
I shall be sorry if you be not there
208
When it is done, sir; − but not so suddenly.
209
VERMANDERO
I tell you, sir, the gentleman’s complete,
210
A courtier courtier Pronounced as three syllables: “cour-ti-er”. and a gallant gallant Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. , enriched
211
With many fair and noble ornaments.
212
I would not change him, for a son-in-law,
213
For any he in Spain, the proudest he;
214
And we have great ones, that you know.
215
ALSEMERO
He’s much
Bound to you, sir.
216
VERMANDERO
He shall be bound to me
As fast as this tie can hold him; I’ll want
217
My will else.
218
BEATRICE
I shall want mine if you do it.
VERMANDERO
But come, by the way I’ll tell you more of him.
219
ALSEMERO
How shall I dare to venture in his castle,
220
When he discharges murderers at the gate?
221
But I must on, for back I cannot go.
222
BEATRICE
Not this serpent gone yet?
223
([Drops a glove])
VERMANDERO
Look, girl, thy glove’s fall’n.
Stay, stay. – De Flores, help a little.
224
([Exeunt VERMANDERO, ALSEMERO, JASPERINO, and SERVANTS])
DE FLORES
Here, lady.
([Offers the glove])
BEATRICE
Mischief on your officious forwardness!
225
Who bade you stoop? They touch my hand no more:
226
There, for t’other’s sake I part with this –
227
([Takes off and throws down the other glove])
Take ’em and draw thine own skin off with ’em.
228
(Exeunt [BEATRICE, DIAPHANTA, and SERVANTS])
DE FLORES
Here’s a favour come, with a mischief! Now I know
229
She had rather wear my pelt tanned in a pair
230
Of dancing pumps than I should thrust my fingers
231
Into her sockets here. I know she hates me,
232
Yet cannot choose but love her.
233
No matter: if but to vex her I’ll haunt her still;
234
Though I get nothing else, I’ll have my will.
235
(Exit)
[Act I, Scene II]
(Enter ALIBIUS and LOLLIO)
ALIBIUS
Lollio, I must trust thee with a secret,
1
But thou must keep it.
2
LOLLIO
I was ever close to a secret, sir.
3
ALIBIUS
The diligence that I have found in thee,
4
The care and industry already past,
5
Assures me of thy good continuance.
6
Lollio, I have a wife.
7
LOLLIO
Fie, sir, ’tis too late to keep her secret; she’s known to be married all the town and country over.
ALIBIUS
Thou goest too fast, my Lollio. That knowledge
10
I allow no man can be barrèd it;
11
But there is a knowledge which is nearer,
12
Deeper and sweeter, Lollio.
13
LOLLIO
Well, sir, let us handle that between you and I.
14
ALIBIUS
’Tis that I go about, man. Lollio,
15
My wife is young.
16
LOLLIO
So much the worse to be kept secret, sir.
17
ALIBIUS
Why, now thou meet’st the substance of the point:
18
I am old, Lollio.
19
LOLLIO
No, sir, ’tis I am old Lollio.
20
ALIBIUS
Yet why may not this concord concord Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. and sympathize?
21
Old trees and young plants often grow together,
22
Well enough agreeing.
23
LOLLIO
Ay, sir, but the old trees raise themselves higher and broader than the young plants.
ALIBIUS
Shrewd application! There’s the fear fear Pronounced as two syllables: “fe-ar” (the “r” was clearly sounded). , man.
26
I would wear my ring on my own finger;
27
Whilst it is borrowed it is none of mine,
28
But his that useth it.
29
LOLLIO
You must keep it on still then; if it but lie by, one or other will be thrusting into’t.
ALIBIUS
Thou conceiv’st me, Lollio; here thy watchful eye
32
Must have employment. I cannot always be
33
At home.
34
LOLLIO
I dare swear you cannot.
35
ALIBIUS
I must look out.
36
LOLLIO
I know’t, you must look out; ’tis every man’s case.
37
ALIBIUS
Here I do say must thy employment be:
38
To watch her treadings, and in my absence
39
Supply my place.
40
LOLLIO
I’ll do my best, sir; yet surely I cannot see who you should have cause to be jealous of.
ALIBIUS
Thy reason for that, Lollio? ’Tis a comfortable question.
43
LOLLIO
We have but two sorts of people in the house, and both under the whip: that’s fools and madmen. The one has not wit enough to be knaves, and the other not knavery enough to be fools.
ALIBIUS
Ay, those are all my patients, Lollio.
48
I do profess the cure of either sort;
49
My trade, my living ’tis, I thrive by it.
50
But here’s the care that mixes with my thrift:
51
The daily visitants, that come to see
52
My brainsick patients patients Pronounced as three syllables: “pa-ti-ents”. , I would not have
53
To see my wife. Gallants Gallants Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. I do observe
54
Of quick enticing eyes, rich in habits,
55
Of stature and proportion very comely:
56
These are most shrewd temptations, Lollio.
57
LOLLIO
They may be easily answered, sir. If they come to see the fools and madmen, you and I may serve the turn, and let my mistress alone; she’s of neither sort.
ALIBIUS
’Tis a good ward; indeed, come they to see
61
Our madmen or our fools; let ’em see no more
62
Than what they come for. By that consequent
63
They must not see her: I’m sure she’s no fool.
64
LOLLIO
And I’m sure she’s no madman.
65
ALIBIUS
Hold that buckler fast, Lollio; my trust
66
Is on thee, and I account it firm and strong.
67
What hour is’t, Lollio?
68
LOLLIO
Towards belly-hour, sir.
69
ALIBIUS
Dinner time? Thou mean’st twelve o’clock?
70
LOLLIO
Yes, sir, for every part has his hour. We wake at six and look about us, that’s eye-hour; at seven we should pray, that’s knee-hour; at eight walk, that’s leg-hour; at nine gather flowers and pluck a rose, that’s nose-hour; at ten we drink, that’s mouth-hour; at eleven lay about us for victuals, that’s hand-hour; at twelve go to dinner, that’s belly-hour.
ALIBIUS
Profoundly, Lollio! It will be long
78
Ere all thy scholars learn this lesson, and
79
I did look to have a new one ent’rèd: − stay,
80
I think my expectation is come home.
81
(Enter PEDRO, and ANTONIO like an idiot)
PEDRO
Save you, sir. My business speaks itself:
82
This sight takes off the labour of my tongue.
83
ALIBIUS
Ay, ay, sir,
84
’Tis plain enough; you mean him for my patient.
85
PEDRO
And if your pains prove but commodious, to give but some little strength to his sick and weak part of nature in him, these are [Gives money] but patterns to show you of the whole pieces that will follow to you, beside the charge of diet, washing, and other necessaries fully defrayed.
ALIBIUS
Believe it, sir, there shall no care be wanting.
91
LOLLIO
Sir, an officer in this place may deserve something: the trouble will pass through my hands.
PEDRO
’Tis fit something should come to your hands then, sir.
([Gives him money])
LOLLIO
Yes, sir, ’tis I must keep him sweet and read to him. What is his name?
PEDRO
His name is Antonio. Marry, we use but half to him, only Tony.
LOLLIO
Tony, Tony; ’tis enough, and a very good name for a fool. −What’s your name, Tony?
ANTONIO
He, he, he! Well, I thank you, cousin! He, he, he!
LOLLIO
Good boy! Hold up your head. – He can laugh: I perceive by that he is no beast.
PEDRO
Well, sir,
105
If you can raise him but to any height,
106
Any degree of wit − might he attain
107
(As I might say) to creep but on all four
108
Towards the chair of wit, or walk on crutches,
109
’Twould add an honour to your worthy pains,
110
And a great family might pray for you,
111
To which he should be heir, had he discretion
112
To claim and guide his own; assure you, sir,
113
He is a gentleman.
114
LOLLIO
Nay, there’s nobody doubted that; at first sight I knew him for a gentleman − he looks no other yet.
PEDRO
Let him have good attendance and sweet lodging.
LOLLIO
As good as my mistress lies in, sir; and as you allow us time and means, we can raise him to the higher degree of discretion.
PEDRO
Nay, there shall no cost want, sir.
LOLLIO
He will hardly be stretched up to the wit of a magnifico.
PEDRO
O no, that’s not to be expected − far shorter will be enough.
LOLLIO
I warrant you [I’ll] make him fit to bear office in five weeks; I’ll undertake to wind him up to the wit of con- stable.
PEDRO
If it be lower than that, it might serve turn.
128
LOLLIO
No, fie, to level him with a headborough, beadle, or watchman were but little better than he is; constable I’ll able him. If he do come to be a justice afterwards, let him thank the keeper. Or I’ll go further with you − say I do bring him up to my own pitch, say I make him as wise as myself.
PEDRO
Why, there I would have it.
135
LOLLIO
Well, go to; either I’ll be as arrant a fool as he, or he shall be as wise as I, and then I think ’twill serve his turn.
PEDRO
Nay, I do like thy wit passing well.
LOLLIO
Yes, you may. Yet if I had not been a fool, I had had more wit than I have too: remember what state you find me in.
PEDRO
I will, and so leave you. Your best cares, I beseech you.
(Exit PEDRO)
ALIBIUS
Take you none with you; leave ’em all with us.
143
ANTONIO
O my cousin’s gone! Cousin, cousin, O!
144
LOLLIO
Peace, peace, Tony! You must not cry, child − you must be whipped if you do. Your cousin is here still: I am your cousin, Tony.
ANTONIO
He, he! Then I’ll not cry, if thou be’st my cousin! He, he, he!
LOLLIO
I were best try his wit a little, that I may know what form to place him in.
ALIBIUS
Ay, do, Lollio, do.
152
LOLLIO
I must ask him easy questions at first. − Tony, how many true fingers has a tailor on his right hand?
ANTONIO
As many as on his left, cousin.
LOLLIO
Good. And how many on both?
ANTONIO
Two less than a deuce, cousin.
LOLLIO
Very well answered. I come to you again, cousin Tony. How many fools goes to a wise man?
ANTONIO
Forty in a day sometimes, cousin.
LOLLIO
Forty in a day? How prove you that?
ANTONIO
All that fall out amongst themselves, and go to a lawyer to be made friends.
LOLLIO
A parlous fool! He must sit in the fourth form at least, I perceive that. − I come again, Tony. How many knaves make an honest man?
ANTONIO
I know not that, cousin.
LOLLIO
No, the question is too hard for you. I’ll tell you, cousin: there’s three may make an honest man − a sergeant, a jailor, and a beadle. The sergeant catches him, the jailor holds him, and the beadle lashes him. And if he be not honest then, the hangman must cure him.
ANTONIO
Ha, ha, ha! That’s fine sport, cousin!
ALIBIUS
This was too deep a question for the fool, Lollio.
174
LOLLIO
Yes, this might have served yourself, though I say’t. –
175
Once more, and you hall go play, Tony.
ANTONIO
Ay, play at push–pin, cousin, ha, he!
LOLLIO
So thou shalt. Say how many fools are here.
ANTONIO
Two, cousin, thou and I.
LOLLIO
Nay, y’are too forward there, Tony. Mark my question: how many fools and knaves are here? A fool before a knave, a fool behind a knave, between every two fools a knave: how many fools, how many knaves?
ANTONIO
I never learnt so far, cousin.
ALIBIUS
Thou putt’st too hard questions to him, Lollio.
185
LOLLIO
I’ll make him understand it easily. − Cousin, stand there.
ANTONIO
Ay, cousin.
LOLLIO
Master, stand you next the fool.
ALIBIUS
Well, Lollio?
189
LOLLIO
Here’s my place. Mark now, Tony, there[’s] a fool before a knave.
ANTONIO
That’s I, cousin.
LOLLIO
Here’s a fool behind a knave, that’s I; and between us two fools there is a knave, that’s my master. ’Tis but we three, that’s all.
ANTONIO
We three, we three, cousin!
(MADMEN within)
1 [MADMAN]
(within) Put’s head i’ th’ pillory, the bread’s too little.
2 [MADMAN]
(within) Fly, fly, and he catches the swallow.
3 [MADMAN]
(within) Give her more onion, or the devil put the rope about her crag.
LOLLIO
You may hear what time of day it is: the chimes of Bedlam goes.
ALIBIUS
Peace, peace, or the wire comes!
203
3 [MADMAN]
(within) Cat-whore, cat-whore, her permasant, her permasant!
ALIBIUS
Peace, I say! − Their hour’s come; they must be fed,
205
Lollio.
206
LOLLIO
There’s no hope of recovery of that Welsh madman was undone by a mouse that spoiled him a permasant; lost his wits for’t.
ALIBIUS
Go [you] to your charge, Lollio; I’ll to mine.
210
LOLLIO
Go you to your madmen’s ward; let me alone with your fools.
ALIBIUS
And remember my last charge, Lollio.
213
(Exit)
LOLLIO
Of which your patients do you think I am? − Come, Tony, you must amongst your school-fellows now. There’s pretty scholars amongst ’em, I can tell you; there’s some of ’em at stultus, stulta, stultum .
ANTONIO
I would see the madmen, cousin, if they would not bite me.
LOLLIO
No, they shall not bite thee, Tony.
ANTONIO
They bite when they are at dinner, do they not, coz?
LOLLIO
They bite at dinner indeed, Tony. Well, I hope to get credit by thee; I like thee the best of all the scholars that ever I brought up, and thou shalt prove a wise man, or I’ll prove a fool myself.
(Exeunt)
Act II [, Scene i]
(Enter BEATRICE and JASPERINO severally)
BEATRICE
O sir, I am ready now for that fair service
1
Which makes the name of friend sit glorious on you!
2
Good angels and this conduct be your guide;
3
([Gives a paper])
Fitness of time and place is there set down, sir.
4
JASPERINO
The joy I shall return rewards my service.
5
(Exit)
BEATRICE
How wise is Alsemero in his friend!
6
It is a sign he makes his choice with judgement.
7
Then I appear in nothing more approved
8
Than making choice of him;
9
For ’tis a principle, he that can choose
10
That bosom well who of his thoughts partakes,
11
Proves most discreet in every choice he makes
12
Methinks I love now with the eyes of judgement
13
And see the way to merit, clearly see it.
14
A true deserver like a diamond sparkles;
15
In darkness you may see him, that’s in absence,
16
Which is the greatest darkness falls on love:
17
Yet is he best discerned then,
18
With intellectual eyesight. What’s Piracquo
19
My father spends his breath for? And his blessing
20
Is only mine as I regard his name;
21
Else it goes from me, and turns head against me,
22
Transformed into a curse. Some speedy way
23
Must be rememb’rèd − he’s so forward too,
24
So urgent that way, scarce allows me breath
25
To speak to my new comforts.
26
(Enter DE FLORES)
DE FLORES
Yonder’s she.
Whatever ails me, now a-late especially
27
I can as well be hanged as refrain seeing her.
28
Some twenty times a day, nay not so little,
29
Do I force errands, frame ways and excuses
30
To come into her sight − and I have small reason for’t,
31
And less encouragement: for she baits me still
32
Every time worse than other, does profess herself
33
The cruelest enemy to my face in town,
34
At no hand can abide the sight of me,
35
As if danger or ill luck hung in my looks.
36
I must confess my face is bad enough,
37
But I know far worse has better fortune,
38
And not endured alone, but doted on:
39
And yet such pick-haired faces, chins like witches’,
40
Here and there five hairs, whispering in a corner,
41
As if they grew in fear one of another,
42
Wrinkles like troughs, where swine-deformity swills
43
The tears of perjury that lie there like wash
44
Fallen from the slimy and dishonest eye −
45
Yet such a one plucks sweets without restraint,
46
And has the grace of beauty to his sweet.
47
Though my hard fate has thrust me out to servitude,
48
I tumbled into th’ world a gentleman.
49
She turns her blessèd eye upon me now,
50
And I’ll endure all storms before I part with’t.
51
BEATRICE
Again!
52
This ominous, ill-faced fellow more disturbs me
53
Than all my other passions.
54
DE FLORES
Now’t begins again;
I’ll stand this storm of hail though the stones pelt me.
55
BEATRICE
Thy business? What’s thy business?
56
DE FLORES
Soft and fair,
I cannot part so soon now.
57
BEATRICE
The villain’s fixed. −
[To DE FLORES] Thou standing toad-pool!
58
DE FLORES
The shower falls amain now.
BEATRICE
Who sent thee? What’s thy errand? Leave my sight!
59
DE FLORES
My lord your father charged me to deliver
60
A message to you.
61
BEATRICE
What, another since?
Do’t and be hanged then; let me be rid of thee.
62
DE FLORES
True service merits mercy.
63
BEATRICE
What’s thy message?
DE FLORES
Let beauty settle but in patience patience Pronounced as three syllables: “pa-ti-ence”. ,
64
You shall hear all.
65
BEATRICE
A dallying, trifling torment!
DE FLORES
Signor Alonzo de Piracquo, lady,
66
Sole brother to Tomazo de Piracquo —
67
BEATRICE
Slave, when wilt make an end?
68
DE FLORES
Too soon I shall.
BEATRICE
What all this while of him?
69
DE FLORES
The said Alonzo,
With the foresaid Tomazo —
70
BEATRICE
Yet again?
DE FLORES
Is new alighted.
71
BEATRICE
Vengeance strike the news!
Thou thing most loathed, what cause was there in this
72
To bring thee to my sight?
73
DE FLORES
My lord your father
Charged me to seek you out.
74
BEATRICE
Is there no other
To send his errand by?
75
DE FLORES
It seems ’tis my luck
To be i’ th’ way still.
76
BEATRICE
Get thee from me!
DE FLORES
So!–
Why, am not I an ass to devise devise Pronounced with stress on the first syllable. ways
77
Thus to be railed at? I must see her still;
78
I shall have a mad qualm within this hour again,
79
I know’t, and, like a common Garden-bull,
80
I do but take breath to be lugged again.
81
What this may bode I know not. I’ll despair the less
82
Because there’s daily precedents of bad faces
83
Beloved beyond all reason. These foul chops
84
May come into favour one day ’mongst his fellows.
85
Wrangling has proved the mistress of good pastime;
86
As children cry themselves asleep, I ha’ seen
87
Women have chid themselves a-bed to men.
88
(Exit DE FLORES)
BEATRICE
I never see this fellow but I think
89
Of some harm towards me: danger’s in my mind still,
90
I scarce leave trembling of an hour hour Pronounced as two syllables (rhyming with “power”). after.
91
The next good mood I find my father in
92
I’ll get him quite discarded. – O, I was
93
Lost in this small disturbance and forgot
94
Affliction’s fiercer torrent that now comes
95
To bear down all my comforts!
96
(Enter VERMANDERO, ALONZO, TOMAZO)
VERMANDERO
Y’are both welcome,
But an especial one belongs to you, sir,
97
To whose most noble name our love presents
98
The addition of a son, our son Alonzo.
99
ALONZO
The treasury of honour cannot bring forth
100
A title I should more rejoice in, sir.
101
VERMANDERO
You have improved it well. − Daughter, prepare:
102
The day will steal upon thee suddenly.
103
BEATRICE
Howe’er, I will be sure to keep the night,
104
If it should come so near me.
105
([BEATRICE and VERMANDERO talk apart])
TOMAZO
Alonzo.
ALONZO
Brother?
TOMAZO
In troth I see small welcome in her eye.
106
ALONZO
Fie, you are too severe a censurer
107
Of love in all points; there’s no bringing on you
108
If lovers should mark everything a fault
109
Affection would be like an ill-set book
110
Whose faults might prove as big as half the volume.
111
BEATRICE
That’s all I do entreat.
112
VERMANDERO
It is but reasonable.
I’ll see what my son says to’t. − Son Alonzo,
113
Here’s a motion made but to reprieve
114
A maidenhead three days longer. The request
115
Is not far out of reason, for indeed
116
The former time is pinching.
117
ALONZO
Though my joys
Be set back so much time as I could wish
118
They had been forward, yet, since she desires it,
119
The time is set as pleasing as before;
120
I find no gladness wanting.
121
VERMANDERO
May I ever
Meet it in that point still. Y’are nobly welcome, sirs.
122
(Exeunt VERMANDERO and BEATRICE)
TOMAZO
So. Did you mark the dulness of her parting now?
123
ALONZO
What dullness? Thou art so exceptious still!
124
TOMAZO
Why, let it go then. I am but a fool
125
To mark your harms so heedfully.
126
ALONZO
Where’s the oversight?
TOMAZO
Come, your faith’s cozened in her, strongly cozened:
127
Unsettle your affection with all speed
128
Wisdom can bring it to; your peace is ruined else.
129
Think what a torment ’tis to marry one
130
Whose heart is leapt into another’s bosom:
131
If ever pleasure she receive from thee,
132
It comes not in thy name, or of thy gift −
133
She lies but with another in thine arms,
134
He the half father unto all thy children
135
In the conception; if he get ’em not,
136
She helps to get ’em for him, in his passions;
137
And how dangerous
138
And shameful her restraint may go in time to
139
It is not to be thought on without sufferings.
140
ALONZO
You speak as if she loved some other then.
141
TOMAZO
Do you apprehend so slowly?
142
ALONZO
Nay, and that
Be your fear only, I am safe enough.
143
Preserve your friendship and your counsel, brother,
144
For times of more distress; I should depart
145
An enemy, a dangerous, deadly one
146
To any but thyself that should but think
147
She knew the meaning of inconstancy,
148
Much less the use and practice. Yet w’are friends:
149
Pray let no more be urged − I can endure
150
Much, till I meet an injury to her,
151
Then I am not myself. Farewell, sweet brother;
152
How much w’are bound to heaven to depart lovingly!
153
(Exit)
TOMAZO
Why, here is love’s tame madness: thus a man
154
Quickly steals into his vexation vexation Pronounced as four syllables (“vex-a-ti-on”). .
155
(Exit)
[Act II, Scene ii]
(Enter DIAPHANTA and ALSEMERO)
DIAPHANTA
The place is my charge; you have kept your hour,
1
And the reward of a just meeting bless you!
2
I hear my lady coming. Complete Complete Pronounced with stress on the first syllable. gentleman,
3
I dare not be too busy with my praises;
4
Th’are dangerous things to deal with.
5
(Exit)
ALSEMERO
This goes well.
These women are the ladies’ cabinets;
6
Things of most precious trust are lock[ed] into ’em.
7
(Enter BEATRICE)
BEATRICE
I have within mine eye all my desires;
8
Requests that holy prayers ascend heaven for,
9
And brings ’em down to furnish our defects defects Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. ,
10
Come not more sweet to our necessities
11
Than thou unto my wishes.
12
ALSEMERO
W’are so like
In our expressions, lady, that unless I borrow
13
The same words, I shall never find their equals.
14
([Kisses her])
BEATRICE
How happy were this meeting, this embrace,
15
If it were free from envy! This poor kiss,
16
It has an enemy, a hateful one
17
That wishes poison to’t. How well were I now
18
If there were none such name known as Piracquo,
19
Nor no such tie as the command of parents!
20
I should be but too much blessèd.
21
ALSEMERO
One good service
Would strike off both your fears, and I’ll go near it too,
22
Since you are so distressed. Remove the cause,
23
The command ceases; so there’s two fears blown out
24
With one and the same blast.
25
BEATRICE
Pray let me find you, sir;
What might that service be, so strangely happy?
26
ALSEMERO
The honourablest piece about man, valour.
27
I’ll send a challenge to Piracquo instantly.
28
BEATRICE
How? Call you that extinguishing of fear
29
When ’tis the only way to keep it flaming?
30
Are not you ventured in the action action Pronounced as three syllables: “ac-ti-on”. ,
31
That’s all my joys and comforts? Pray, no more, sir.
32
Say you prevailed, you’re danger’s and not mine then:
33
The law would claim you from me, or obscurity
34
Be made the grave to bury you alive.
35
I’m glad these thoughts come forth; O keep not one
36
Of this condition, sir! Here was a course
37
Found to bring sorrow on her way to death:
38
The tears would ne’er ha’ dried till dust had choked ’em.
39
Blood-guiltiness becomes a fouler visage;
40
− And now I think on one: I was too blame
41
I ha’ marred so good a market with my scorn.
42
’T had been done questionless: the ugliest creature
43
Creation framed for some use! Yet to see
44
I could not mark so much where it should be!
45
ALSEMERO
Lady.
46
BEATRICE
Why, men of art make much of poison,
Keep one to expel another. Where was my art?
47
ALSEMERO
Lady, you hear not me.
48
BEATRICE
I do especially, sir.
The present times are not so sure of our side
49
As those hereafter may be; we must use ’em then
50
As thrifty folks their wealth, sparingly now,
51
Till the time opens.
52
ALSEMERO
You teach wisdom, lady.
BEATRICE
Within there! Diaphanta!
53
(Enter DIAPHANTA)
DIAPHANTA
Do you call, madam?
BEATRICE
Perfect your service, and conduct this gentleman
54
The private way you brought him.
55
DIAPHANTA
I shall, madam.
ALSEMERO
My love’s as firm as love e’er built upon.
56
Exeunt DIAPHANTA and ALSEMERO
57
(Enter DE FLORES)
DE FLORES
I have watched this meeting, and do wonder much
58
What shall become of t’other; I’m sure both
59
Cannot be served unless she transgress. Happily
60
Then I’ll put in for one; for if a woman
61
Fly from one point, from him she makes a husband,
62
She spreads and mounts then, like arithmetic,
63
One, ten, a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand −
64
Proves in time sutler to an army royal.
65
Now do I look to be most richly railed at,
66
Yet I must see her.
67
BEATRICE
Why, put case I loathed him
As much as youth and beauty hates a sepulchre,
68
Must I needs show it? Cannot I keep that secret,
69
And serve my turn upon him? See, he’s here.
70
[To him] De Flores.
71
DE FLORES
Ha, I shall run mad with joy!
She called me fairly by my name, De Flores,
72
And neither rogue nor rascal.
73
BEATRICE
What ha’ you done
To your face a-late? Y’have met with some good physician;
74
Y’have pruned yourself methinks: you were not wont
75
To look so amorously.
76
DE FLORES
Not I; −
’Tis the same physnomy, to a hair and pimple
77
Which she called scurvy scarce an hour ago.
78
How is this?
79
BEATRICE
Come hither, nearer, man!
DE FLORES
I’m up to the chin in heaven.
80
BEATRICE
Turn, let me see.
Faugh, ’tis but the heat of the liver, I perceive’t:
81
I thought it had been worse.
82
DE FLORES
Her fingers touched me!
She smells all amber.
83
BEATRICE
I’ll make a water for you shall cleanse this
84
Within a fortnight.
85
DE FLORES
With your own hands, lady?
BEATRICE
Yes, mine own, sir; in a work of cure
86
I’ll trust no other.
87
DE FLORES
’Tis half an act of pleasure
To hear her talk thus to me.
88
BEATRICE
When w’are used
To a hard face, it is not so unpleasing;
89
It mends still in opinion, hourly mends,
90
I see it by experience.
91
DE FLORES
I was blest
To light upon this minute; I’ll make use on’t.
92
BEATRICE
Hardness becomes the visage of a man well:
93
It argues service, resolution, manhood,
94
If cause were of employment.
95
DE FLORES
’Twould be soon seen,
If e’er your ladyship had cause to use it.
96
I would but wish the honour of a service
97
So happy as that mounts to.
98
BEATRICE
We shall try you. – O my De Flores!
99
DE FLORES
How’s that?
She calls me hers already, ‘my’ De Flores!
100
[To BEATRICE] You were about to sigh out somewhat, madam?
101
BEATRICE
No, was I? I forgot. − O!
102
DE FLORES
There ’tis again,
The very fellow on’t.
103
BEATRICE
You are too quick, sir.
DE FLORES
There’s no excuse for’t now; I heard it twice, madam.
104
That sigh would fain have utterance; take pity on’t,
105
And lend it a free word. ’Las, how it labours
106
For liberty! I hear the murmur yet
107
Beat at your bosom.
108
BEATRICE
Would creation creation Pronounced as four syllables: “cre-a-ti-on”. −
DE FLORES
Ay, well said, that’s it.
109
BEATRICE
Had formed me man.
DE FLORES
Nay, that’s not it.
110
BEATRICE
O, ’tis the soul of freedom!
I should not then be forced to marry one
111
I hate beyond all depths; I should have power
112
Then to oppose my loathings, nay, remove ’em
113
For ever from my sight.
114
DE FLORES
O blest occasion! −
Without change to your sex, you have your wishes.
115
Claim so much man in me.
116
BEATRICE
In thee, De Flores?
There’s small cause for that.
117
DE FLORES
Put it not from me,
It’s a service that I kneel for to you.
118
([Kneels])
BEATRICE
You are too violent to mean faithfully.
119
There’s horror in my service, blood and danger;
120
Can those be things to sue for?
121
DE FLORES
If you knew
How sweet it were to me to be employed
122
In any act of yours, you would say then
123
I failed, and used not reverence enough
124
When I receive[d] the charge on’t.
125
BEATRICE
This is much, methinks;
Belike his wants are greedy, and to such
126
Gold tastes like angels’ food.
127
DE FLORES
I’ll have the work first.
128
BEATRICE
Possible his need
Is strong upon him.
129
As thou art forward and thy service dangerous,
130
Thy reward shall be precious.
131
DE FLORES
That I have thought on.
I have assured myself of that beforehand,
132
And know it will be precious; the thought ravishes!
133
BEATRICE
Then take him to thy fury.
134
DE FLORES
I thirst for him.
BEATRICE
Alonzo de Piracquo.
135
DE FLORES
His end’s upon him,
He shall be seen no more.
136
([Rises])
BEATRICE
How lovely now
Dost thou appear to me! Never was man
137
Dearlier rewarded.
138
DE FLORES
I do think of that.
BEATRICE
Be wondrous careful in the execution.
139
DE FLORES
Why, are not both our lives upon the cast?
140
BEATRICE
Then I throw all my fears upon thy service.
141
DE FLORES
They ne’er shall rise to hurt you.
142
BEATRICE
When the deed’s done,
I’ll furnish thee with all things for thy flight;
143
Thou may’st live bravely in another country.
144
DE FLORES
Ay, ay, we’ll talk of that hereafter.
145
BEATRICE
I shall rid myself
of two inveterate loathings at one time,
146
Piracquo, and his dog-face.
147
(Exit)
DE FLORES
O my blood!
Methinks I feel her in mine arms already,
148
Her wanton fingers combing out this beard,
149
And being pleasèd, praising this bad face.
150
Hunger and pleasure, they’ll commend sometimes
151
Slovenly dishes, and feed heartily on ’em,
152
Nay, which is stranger, refuse daintier for ’em.
153
Some women are odd feeders. − I’m too loud:
154
Here comes the man goes supperless to bed,
155
Yet shall not rise tomorrow to his dinner.
156
(Enter ALONZO)
ALONZO
De Flores.
157
DE FLORES
My kind, honorable lord?
ALONZO
I am glad I ha’ met with thee.
158
DE FLORES
Sir.
ALONZO
Thou canst show me
The full strength of the castle?
159
DE FLORES
That I can, sir.
ALONZO
I much desire it.
160
DE FLORES
And if the ways and straits
Of some of the passages be not too tedious for you,
161
I will assure, you worth your time and sight, my lord.
162
ALONZO
Puh, that shall be no hindrance.
163
DE FLORES
I’m your servant, then.
’Tis now near dinner-time; ’gainst your lordship’s rising
164
I’ll have the keys about me.
165
ALONZO
Thanks, kind De Flores.
DE FLORES
He’s safely thrust upon me beyond hopes.
166
(Exeunt)
Act III [, Scene i]
(Enter ALONZO and DE FLORES)
((In the act-time De Flores hides a naked rapier))
DE FLORES
Yes, here are all the keys. I was afraid, my lord,
1
I’d wanted for the postern; this is it.
2
I’ve all, I’ve all, my lord; this for the sconce.
3
ALONZO
’Tis a most spacious and impregnable fort.
4
DE FLORES
You’ll tell me more, my lord lord Pronounced as two syllables: “lo-rd” (like “lo-erd”, with the “r” clearly sounded). . This descent
5
Is somewhat narrow, we shall never pass
6
Well with our weapons, they’ll but trouble us.
7
([Takes off his sword])
ALONZO
Thou sayest true.
8
DE FLORES
Pray let me help your lordship.
([Takes ALONZO’s sword])
ALONZO
’Tis done. Thanks, kind De Flores.
9
DE FLORES
Here are hooks, my lord,
To hang such things on purpose.
10
([Hangs up the swords])
ALONZO
Lead, I’ll follow thee.
(Exeunt at one door and enter at the other)
[Act III, Scene ii]
DE FLORES
All this is nothing; you shall see anon
1
A place you little dream on.
2
ALONZO
I am glad
I have this leisure; all your master’s house
3
Imagine I ha’ taken a gondola.
4
DE FLORES
which makes up my safety.
5
[To ALONSO] My lord, I’ll place you at a casement here
6
Will show you the full strength of all the castle.
7
Look, spend your eye a while upon that object.
8
ALONZO
Here’s rich variety, De Flores.
9
DE FLORES
Yes, sir.
ALONZO
Goodly munition.
10
DE FLORES
Ay, there’s ordnance, sir −
No bastard metal − will ring you a peal like bells
11
At great men’s funerals. Keep your eye straight, my lord,
12
Take special notice of that sconce before you:
13
There you may dwell awhile.
14
([Takes up the rapier])
ALONZO
I am upon’t.
DE FLORES
And so am I.
15
([Stabs him])
ALONZO
De Flores! O De Flores!
Whose malice hast thou put on?
16
DE FLORES
Do you question
A work of secrecy? I must silence you.
17
([Stabs him])
ALONZO
O, O, O!
18
DE FLORES
I must silence you.
([Stabs him; he dies])
So, here’s an undertaking well accomplished.
19
This vault serves to good use now. − Ha! What’s that
20
Threw sparkles in my eye? − O, ’tis a diamond
21
He wears upon his finger. It was well found:
22
This will approve the work. What, so fast on?
23
Not part in death? I’ll take a speedy course then:
24
Finger and all shall off. [Cuts off the finger] So, now I’ll clear
25
The passages from all suspect suspect Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. or fear.
26
(Exit with body)
[Act III, Scene iii]
(Enter ISABELLA and LOLLIO)
ISABELLA
Why, sirrah? Whence have you commission commission Pronounced as four syllables: “com-mi-ssi-on”.
1
To fetter the doors against me? If you
2
Keep me in a cage, pray whistle to me,
3
Let me be doing something.
4
LOLLIO
You shall be doing, if it please you; I’ll whistle to you if you’ll pipe after.
ISABELLA
Is it your master’s pleasure, or your own
7
To keep me in this pinfold?
8
LOLLIO
’Tis for my master’s pleasure; lest, being taken in another man’s corn, you might be pounded in another place.
ISABELLA
’Tis very well, and he’ll prove very wise.
11
LOLLIO
He says you have company enough in the house, if you please to be sociable, of all sorts of people.
ISABELLA
Of all sorts? Why, here’s none but fools and madmen.
14
LOLLIO
Very well: and where will you find any other, if you should go abroad? There’s my master, and I to boot too.
ISABELLA
Of either sort one, a madman and a fool.
17
LOLLIO
I would ev’n participate of both then, if I were as you: I know y’are half mad already; be half foolish too.
ISABELLA
Y’are a brave, saucy rascal. Come on, sir,
20
Afford me then the pleasure of your bedlam;
21
You were commending once today to me
22
Your last-come lunatic: what a proper
23
Body there was without brains to guide it,
24
And what a pitiful delight appeared
25
In that defect defect Pronounced with stress on the second syllable . , as if your wisdom had found
26
A mirth in madness. Pray, sir, let me partake,
27
If there be such a pleasure.
28
LOLLIO
If I do not show you the handsomest, discreetest madman, one that I may call the understanding madman, then say I am a fool.
ISABELLA
Well, a match: I will say so.
32
LOLLIO
When you have [had] a taste of the madman, you shall, if you please, see Fools’ College, o’ th’ [other] side. I seldom lock there; ’tis but shooting a bolt or two, and you are amongst ’em. Exit Enter presently − Come on, sir, let me see how handsomely you’ll behave yourself now.
(Enter FRANCISCUS)
FRANCISCUS
How sweetly she looks! O, but there’s a wrinkle in her brow as deep as philosophy. – Anacreon, drink to my mistress’ health, I’ll pledge it. Stay, stay, there’s a spider in the cup! No, ’tis but a grape-stone; swallow it, fear northing, poet. So, so; lift, higher.
ISABELLA
Alack, alack, ’tis too full of pity
44
To be laughed at. How fell he mad? Canst thou tell?
45
LOLLIO
For love, mistress. He was a pretty poet too, and that set him forwards first. The Muses then forsook him; he ran mad for a chambermaid, yet she was but a dwarf neither.
FRANCISCUS
Hail bright Titania!
49
Why stand’st thou idle on these flow’ry banks?
50
Oberon is dancing with his Dryades Dryades Pronounced as three syllables: “Dry-a-des”. ;
51
I’ll gather daisies, primrose, violets,
52
And bind them in a verse of poesy.
53
([Approaches Isabella])
LOLLIO
Not too near! You see your danger.
([Holds up a whip])
FRANCISCUS
O hold thy hand, great Diomed!
55
Thou feed’st thy horses well, they shall obey thee.
56
Get up, Bucephalus kneels.
57
([Kneels])
LOLLIO
You see how I awe my flock. A shepherd has not his dog at
more obedience.
59
ISABELLA
His conscience is unquiet; sure that was
60
The cause of this. A proper gentleman.
FRANCISCUS
Come hither, Aesculapius. Hide the poison.
62
LOLLIO
Well, ’tis hid.
([Hides the whip])
FRANCISCUS
[Rising] Didst thou never hear of one Tiresias,
64
A famous poet?
65
LOLLIO
Yes, that kept tame wild-geese.
FRANCISCUS
That’s he; I am the man.
67
LOLLIO
No!
FRANCISCUS
Yes. But make no words on’t; I was a man
69
Seven years ago −
70
LOLLIO
A stripling, I think you might −
FRANCISCUS
Now I’m a woman, all feminine.
72
LOLLIO
I would I might see that.
FRANCISCUS
Juno struck me blind.
74
LOLLIO
I’ll ne’er believe that; for a woman, they say, has an eye more than a man.
FRANCISCUS
I say she struck me blind.
77
LOLLIO
And Luna made you mad: you have two trades to beg with.
FRANCISCUS
Luna is now big-bellied, and there’s room
80
For both of us to ride with Hecate Hecate Pronounced as three syllables: “He-ca-te” (with stress on the first and third syllables). ;
81
I’ll drag thee up into her silver sphere,
82
And there we’ll kick the dog – and beat the bush −
83
That barks against the witches of the night;
84
The swift lycanthropi that walks the round,
85
We’ll tear their wolvish skins, and save the sheep.
86
([Tries to seize LOLLIO])
LOLLIO
Is’t come to this? Nay, then my poison comes forth again: [Shows the whip] mad slave indeed − abuse your keeper!
ISABELLA
I prithee, hence with him, now he grows dangerous.
89
FRANCISCUS
Sing[s] Sweet love pity me, give me;
90
Give me leave to lie with thee.
91
LOLLIO
No, I’ll see you wiser first. To your own kennel!
FRANCISCUS
No noise, she sleeps; draw all the curtains round,
93
Let no soft sound molest the pretty soul
94
But love, and love creeps in at a mouse-hole.
95
LOLLIO
I would you would get into your hole. Exit FRANCISCUS Now, mistress, I will bring you another sort: you shall be fooled another while. − Tony, come hither, Tony! Look who’s yonder, Tony.
(Enter ANTONIO)
ANTONIO
Cousin, is it not my aunt?
LOLLIO
Yes, ’tis one of ’em, Tony.
ANTONIO
He, he! How do you, uncle?
LOLLIO
Fear him not, mistress, ’tis a gentle nigget; you may play with him, as safely with him as with his bauble.
ISABELLA
How long hast thou been a fool?
105
ANTONIO
Ever since I came hither, cousin.
ISABELLA
Cousin? I’m none of thy cousin, fool.
107
LOLLIO
O mistress, fools have always so much wit as to claim their kindred.
MADMAN
within Bounce, bounce! He falls, he falls!
ISABELLA
Hark you, your scholars in the upper room
111
Are out of order.
112
LOLLIO
Must I come amongst you there? − Keep you the fool, mistress; I’ll go up and play left-handed Orlando amongst the madmen.
(Exit)
ISABELLA
Well, sir.
116
ANTONIO
’Tis opportuneful now, sweet lady! Nay,
117
Cast no amazing eye upon this change.
118
ISABELLA
Ha!
119
ANTONIO
This shape of folly shrouds your dearest love,
120
The truest servant to your powerful beauties,
121
Whose magic had this force thus to transform me.
122
ISABELLA
You are a fine fool indeed.
123
ANTONIO
O, ’tis not strange!
Love has an intellect that runs through all
124
The scrutinous sciences and, like a cunning poet,
125
Catches a quantity of every knowledge,
126
Yet brings all home into one mystery,
127
Into one secret secret Pronounced as three syllables: “se-cr-et” (like “se-cer-et”, with the “r” clearly sounded). , that he proceeds in.
128
ISABELLA
Y’are a parlous fool.
129
ANTONIO
No danger in me; I bring nought but love
130
And his soft-wounding shafts to strike you with.
131
Try but one arrow; if it hurt you, I
132
Will stand you twenty back in recompense.
133
([Kisses her])
ISABELLA
A forward fool too!
134
ANTONIO
This was love’s teaching:
A thousand ways he fashioned out my way,
135
And this I found the safest and [the] nearest
136
To tread the Galaxia Galaxia Pronounced with stress on the third syllable: “Galaxía”. to my star.
137
ISABELLA
Profound withal! Certain you dreamed of this;
138
Love never taught it waking.
139
ANTONIO
Take no acquaintance
Of these outward follies. There is within
140
A gentleman that loves you.
141
ISABELLA
When I see him,
I’ll speak with him; so in the meantime keep
142
Your habit, it becomes you well enough.
143
As you are a gentleman, I’ll not discover you;
144
That’s all the favour that you must expect.
145
When you are weary, you may leave the school,
146
For all this while you have but played the fool.
147
(Enter LOLLIO)
ANTONIO
And must again. − He, he! I thank you, cousin;
148
I’ll be your valentine tomorrow morning.
149
LOLLIO
How do you like the fool, mistress?
ISABELLA
Passing well, sir.
151
LOLLIO
Is he not witty, pretty well, for a fool?
ISABELLA
If he hold on as he begins, he is like
153
To come to something.
154
LOLLIO
Ay, thank a good tutor. You may put him to’t; he begins to answer pretty hard questions. − Tony, how many is five times six?
ANTONIO
Five times six is six times five.
LOLLIO
What arithmetician could have answered better? How many is one hundred and seven?
ANTONIO
One hundred and seven is seven hundred and one, cousin.
LOLLIO
This is no wit to speak on! − Will you be rid of the fool now?
ISABELLA
By no means; let him stay a little.
165
MADMAN
within Catch there, catch the last couple in hell!
LOLLIO
Again! Must I come amongst you? Would my master were come home! I am not able to govern both these wards together.
(Exit)
ANTONIO
Why should a minute of love’s hour be lost?
170
ISABELLA
Fie, out again! I had rather you kept
171
Your other posture; you become not your tongue
172
When you speak from your clothes.
173
ANTONIO
How can he freeze
Lives near so sweet a warmth? Shall I alone
174
Walk through the orchard of the Hesperides
175
And cowardly not dare to pull an apple?
176
This with the red cheeks I must venture for.
177
([Kisses her])
(Enter LOLLIO above)
ISABELLA
Take heed, there’s giants keep ’em.
178
LOLLIO
How now, fool, are you good at that? Have you read Lipsius? He’s past Ars Amandi ; I believe I must put harder questions to him, I perceive that −
ISABELLA
You are bold without fear too.
182
ANTONIO
What should I fear,
Having all joys about me? Do you [but] smile,
183
And love shall play the wanton on your lip,
184
Meet and retire, retire and meet again;
185
Look you but cheerfully, and in your eyes
186
I shall behold mine own deformity,
187
And dress myself up fairer. I know this shape
188
Becomes me not, but in those bright mirrors
189
I shall array me handsomely.
190
LOLLIO
Cuckoo, cuckoo −
(Exit)
([Enter] MADMEN above, some as birds, some as beasts)
ANTONIO
What are these?
192
ISABELLA
Of fear enough to part us,
Yet are they but our schools of lunatics,
193
That act their fantasies in any shapes
194
Suiting their present thoughts: if sad, they cry;
195
If mirth be their conceit, they laugh again;
196
Sometimes they imitate the beasts and birds,
197
Singing or howling, braying, barking − all
198
As their wild fancies prompt ’em.
199
([Exeunt MADMEN above])
(Enter LOLLIO)
ANTONIO
These are no fears.
ISABELLA
But here’s a large one − my man.
200
ANTONIO
Ha, he! That’s fine sport indeed, cousin!
201
LOLLIO
I would my master were come home! ’Tis too much for one shepherd to govern two of these flocks. Nor can I believe that one churchman can instruct two benefices at once: there will be some incurable mad of the one side, and very fools on the other. − Come, Tony.
ANTONIO
Prithee, cousin, let me stay here still.
LOLLIO
No, you must to your book now; you have played suf- ficiently.
ISABELLA
Your fool is grown wondrous witty.
210
LOLLIO
Well, I’ll say nothing, but I do not think but he will put you down one of these days.
(Exeunt LOLLIO and ANTONIO)
ISABELLA
Here the restrainèd current might make breach,
213
Spite of the watchful bankers. Would a woman stray,
214
She need not gad abroad to seek her sin,
215
It would be brought home one ways or or Pronounced as two syllables: “o-r” (like “o-er”, with the “r” clearly sounded). other:
216
The needle’s point will to the fixèd north,
217
Such drawing arctics women’s beauties are.
218
(Enter LOLLIO)
LOLLIO
How dost thou, sweet rogue?
ISABELLA
How now?
220
LOLLIO
Come, there are degrees: one fool may be better than another.
ISABELLA
What’s the matter?
223
LOLLIO
Nay, if thou giv’st thy mind to fool’s-flesh, have at thee!
([Tries to kiss her])
ISABELLA
You bold slave, you!
226
LOLLIO
I could follow now as t’other fool did:
227
‘What should I fear,
228
Having all joys about me? Do you smile,
229
And love shall play the wanton on your lip,
230
Meet and retire, retire and meet again;
231
Look you but cheerfully, and in your eyes
232
I shall behold mine own deformity,
233
And dress myself up fairer. I know this shape
234
Becomes me not –’
235
And so as it follows; but is not this the more foolish way? Come, sweet rogue, kiss me, my little Lacedaemonian. Let me feel how thy pulses beat. Thou hast a thing about thee would do a man pleasure − I’ll lay my hand on’t.
ISABELLA
Sirrah, no more! I see you have discovered
240
This love’s knight-errant, who hath made adventure
241
For purchase of my love. Be silent, mute,
242
Mute as a statue, or his injunction injunction Pronounced as four syllables: “in-junc-ti-on”.
243
For me enjoying shall be to cut thy throat:
244
I’ll do it, though for no other purpose, and
245
Be sure he’ll not refuse it.
246
LOLLIO
My share, that’s all! I’ll have my fool’s part with you.
ISABELLA
No more! Your master.
248
(Enter ALIBIUS)
ALIBIUS
Sweet, how dost thou?
ISABELLA
Your bounden servant, sir.
249
ALIBIUS
Fie, fie, sweetheart,
No more of that.
250
ISABELLA
You were best lock me up.
ALIBIUS
In my arms and bosom, my sweet Isabella,
251
I’ll lock thee up most nearly! − Lollio,
252
We have employment, we have task in hand.
253
At noble Vermandero’s, our castle-captain,
254
There is a nuptial to be solemnized −
255
Beatrice Joanna his fair daughter, bride −
256
For which the gentleman hath bespoke our pains:
257
A mixture of our madmen and our fools,
258
To finish, as it were, and make the fag
259
Of all the revels, the third night from the first.
260
Only an unexpected passage over,
261
To make a frightful pleasure, that is all −
262
But not the all I aim at. Could we so act it
263
To teach in a wild, distracted measure,
264
Though out of form and figure, breaking time’s head,
265
It were no matter (’twould be healed again
266
In one age or or Pronounced as two syllables: “o-r” (like “o-er”, with the “r” clearly sounded). other, if not in this):
267
This, this, Lollio, there’s a good reward begun,
268
And will beget a bounty, be it known.
269
LOLLIO
This is easy, sir, I’ll warrant you. You have about you fools and madmen that can dance very well; and ’tis no wonder: your best dancers are not the wisest men – the reason is, with often jumping they jolt their brains down into their feet, that their wits lie more in their heels than in their heads.
ALIBIUS
Honest Lollio, thou giv’st me a good reason,
276
And a comfort in it.
277
ISABELLA
Y’have a fine trade on’t;
Madmen and fools are a staple commodity.
278
ALIBIUS
O wife, we must eat, wear clothes, and live;
279
Just at the lawyer’s haven we arrive,
280
By madmen and by fools we both do thrive.
281
(Exeunt)
[Act III, Scene iv]
(Enter VERMANDERO, ALSEMERO, JASPERINO, and BEATRICE)
VERMANDERO
Valencia speaks so nobly of you, sir,
1
I wish I had a daughter now for you.
2
ALSEMERO
The fellow of this creature were a partner
3
For a king’s love.
4
VERMANDERO
I had her fellow once, sir,
But heaven has married her to joys eternal;
5
’Twere sin to wish her in this vale again.
6
Come, sir, your friend and you shall see the pleasures
7
Which my health chiefly joys in.
8
ALSEMERO
I hear the beauty of this seat largely.
9
VERMANDERO
It falls much short of that.
10
(Exeunt)
(Manet BEATRICE)
BEATRICE
So, here’s one step
Into my father’s favour; time will fix him.
11
I have got him now the liberty of the house.
12
So wisdom by degrees works out her freedom;
13
And if that eye be dark’nèd that offends me
14
(I wait but that eclipse), this gentleman
15
Shall soon shine glorious in my father’s liking
16
Through the refulgent virtue of my love.
17
(Enter DE FLORES)
DE FLORES
My thoughts are at a banquet for the deed;
18
I feel no weight in’t, ’tis but light and cheap
19
For the sweet recompense that I set down for’t.
20
BEATRICE
De Flores?
21
DE FLORES
Lady.
BEATRICE
Thy looks promise cheerfully.
DE FLORES
All things are answerable: time, circumstance,
22
Your wishes, and my service.
23
BEATRICE
Is it done then?
DE FLORES
Piracquo is no more.
24
BEATRICE
My joys start at mine eyes; our sweet’st delights
25
Are evermore born weeping.
26
DE FLORES
I’ve a token for you.
BEATRICE
For me?
27
DE FLORES
But it was sent somewhat unwillingly;
I could not get the ring without the finger.
28
([Shows her the finger])
BEATRICE
Bless me! What hast thou done?
29
DE FLORES
Why, is that more
Than killing the whole man? I cut his heart-strings.
30
A greedy hand thrust in a dish at court
31
In a mistake hath had as much as this.
32
BEATRICE
’Tis the first token my father made me send him.
33
DE FLORES
And I [have] made him send it back again
34
For his last token. I was loath to leave it,
35
And I’m sure dead men have no use of jewels.
36
He was as loath to part with’t, for it stuck
37
As if the flesh and it were both one substance.
38
BEATRICE
At the stag’s fall, the keeper has his fees;
39
’Tis soon applied: all dead men’s fees are yours, sir.
40
I pray, bury the finger; but the stone
41
You may make use on shortly − the true value,
42
Take’t of my truth, is near three hundred ducats.
43
DE FLORES
’Twill hardly buy a capcase for one’s conscience, though,
44
To keep it from the worm, as fine as ’tis.
45
Well, being my fees, I’ll take it;
46
Great men have taught me that, or else my merit
47
Would scorn the way on’t.
48
BEATRICE
It might justly, sir.
Why, thou mistak’st, De Flores: ’tis not given
49
In state of recompense.
50
DE FLORES
No, I hope so, lady;
You should soon witness my contempt to’t then.
51
BEATRICE
Prithee, thou look’st as if thou wert offended.
52
DE FLORES
That were strange, lady; ’tis not possible
53
My service should draw such a cause from you.
54
Offended? Could you think so? That were much
55
For one of my performance, and so warm
56
Yet in my service.
57
BEATRICE
’Twere misery in me to give you cause, sir.
58
DE FLORES
I know so much, it were so: misery
59
In her most sharp condition.
60
BEATRICE
’Tis resolved then;
Look you, sir, here’s three thousand golden florins:
61
I have not meanly thought upon thy merit.
62
DE FLORES
What? Salary? Now you move me.
63
BEATRICE
How, De Flores?
DE FLORES
Do you place me in the rank of verminous fellows,
64
To destroy things for wages? Offer gold
65
[For] the life blood of man! Is anything
66
Valued too precious for my recompense?
67
BEATRICE
I understand thee not.
68
DE FLORES
I could ha’ hired
A journeyman in murder at this rate,
69
And mine own conscience might have [had], and have had
70
The work brought home.
71
BEATRICE
I’m in a labyrinth;
What will content him? I would fain be rid of him.
72
[To DE FLORES] I’ll double the sum, sir.
73
DE FLORES
You take a course
To double my vexation, that’s the good you do.
74
BEATRICE
Bless me! I am now in worse plight than I was:
75
I know not what will please him.
76
I prithee make away with all speed possible.
77
And if thou be’st so modest not to name
78
The sum that will content thee, paper blushes not;
79
Send thy demand in writing, it shall follow thee.
80
But prithee take thy flight.
81
DE FLORES
You must fly too then.
BEATRICE
I?
82
DE FLORES
I’ll not stir a foot else.
BEATRICE
What’s your meaning?
DE FLORES
Why, are not you as guilty, in, I’m sure,
83
As deep as I? And we should stick together.
84
Come, your fears counsel you but ill: my absence
85
Would draw suspect suspect Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. upon you instantly;
86
There were no rescue for you.
87
BEATRICE
He speaks home.
DE FLORES
Nor is it fit we two, engaged so jointly,
88
Should part and live asunder.
89
([Tries to kiss her])
BEATRICE
How now, sir?
This shows not well.
90
DE FLORES
What makes your lip so strange?
This must not be ’twixt us.
91
BEATRICE
The man talks wildly.
DE FLORES
Come, kiss me with a zeal now.
92
BEATRICE
Heaven, I doubt him!
DE FLORES
I will not stand so long to beg ’em shortly.
93
BEATRICE
Take heed, De Flores, of forgetfulness,
94
’Twill soon betray us.
95
DE FLORES
Take you heed first;
Faith, y’are grown much forgetful, y’are to blame in’t.
96
BEATRICE
He’s bold, and I am blamed for’t.
97
DE FLORES
I have eased you
Of your trouble; think on’t. I’m in pain
98
And must be eased of you; ’tis a charity.
99
Justice invites your blood to understand me.
100
BEATRICE
I dare not.
101
DE FLORES
Quickly!
BEATRICE
O, I never shall!
Speak it yet further off, that I may lose
102
What has been spoken, and no sound remain on’t.
103
I would not hear so much offence again
104
For such another deed.
105
DE FLORES
Soft, lady, soft!
The last is not yet paid for. O, this act
106
Has put me into spirit: I was as greedy on’t
107
As the parched earth of moisture, when the clouds weep.
108
Did you not mark, I wrought myself into’t,
109
Nay, sued and kneeled for’t? Why was all that pains took?
110
You see I have thrown contempt upon your gold:
111
Not that I want it [not], for I do piteously −
112
In order I will come unto’t, and make use on’t −
113
But ’twas not held so precious to begin with,
114
For I place wealth after the heels of pleasure;
115
And were I not resolved in my belief
116
That thy virginity were perfect in thee,
117
I should but take my recompense with grudging,
118
As if I had but half my hopes I agreed for.
119
BEATRICE
Why, ’tis impossible thou canst be so wicked,
120
Or shelter such a cunning cruelty,
121
To make his death the murderer of my honour!
122
Thy language is so bold and vicious vicious Pronounced as three syllables: “vi-ci-ous”. ,
123
I cannot see which way I can forgive it
124
With any modesty.
125
DE FLORES
Push, you forget yourself!
A woman dipped in blood, and talk of modesty?
126
BEATRICE
O misery of sin! Would I had been bound
127
Perpetually unto my living hate
128
In that Piracquo, than to hear these words!
129
Think but upon the distance that creation
130
Set ’twixt thy blood and mine, and keep thee there.
131
DE FLORES
Look but into your conscience, read me there;
132
’Tis a true book, you’ll find me there your equal.
133
Push, fly not to your birth, but settle you
134
In what the act has made you; y’are no more now.
135
You must forget your parentage to me:
136
Y’are the deed’s creature; by that name you lost
137
Your first condition; and I challenge you,
138
As peace and innocency has turned you out
139
And made you one with me.
140
BEATRICE
With thee, foul villain?
DE FLORES
Yes, my fair murd’ress. Do you urge me,
141
Though thou writ’st ‘maid’, thou whore in thy affection?
142
’Twas changed from thy first love, and that’s a kind
143
Of whoredom in thy heart; and he’s changed now
144
To bring thy second on, thy Alsemero,
145
Whom (by all sweets that ever darkness tasted)
146
If I enjoy thee not, thou ne’er enjoy’st:
147
I’ll blast the hopes and joys of marriage marriage Pronounced as three syllables: “ma-rri-age”. −
148
I’ll confess confess Pronounced with stress on the first syllable. all; my life I rate at nothing.
149
BEATRICE
De Flores!
150
DE FLORES
I shall rest from all plagues then;
I live in pain now: that love-shooting eye
151
Will burn my heart to cinders.
152
BEATRICE
O sir, hear me!
DE FLORES
She that in life and love refuses me,
153
In death and shame my partner she shall be.
154
BEATRICE
Stay, hear me once for all. [Kneels] − I make thee master
155
Of all the wealth I have in gold and jewels;
156
Let me go poor unto my bed with honour,
157
And I am rich in all things.
158
DE FLORES
Let this silence thee:
The wealth of all Valencia shall not buy
159
My pleasure from me.
160
Can you weep fate from its determined purpose?
161
So soon may [you] weep me.
162
BEATRICE
Vengeance begins;
Murder I see is followed by more sins.
163
Was my creation in the womb so curst
164
It must engender with a viper first?
165
DE FLORES
Come, rise and shroud your blushes in my bosom.
166
([Raises her])
Silence is one of pleasure’s best receipts:
167
Thy peace is wrought forever in this yielding.
168
’Las, how the turtle pants! Thou’lt love anon
169
What thou so fear’st and faint’st to venture on.
170
(Exeunt)
Act IV [, Scene i]
([Dumb show])
(Enter GENTLEMEN, VERMANDERO meeting them with action of wonderment at the flight of PIRACQUO. Enter ALSEMERO, with JASPERINO and GALLANTS; VERMANDERO points to him, the GENTLEMEN seeming to applaud the choice. [Exeunt in procession VERMANDERO], ALSEMERO, JASPERINO and GENTLEMEN. [Enter] BEATRICE the bride, following in great state, accompanied with DIAPHANTA, ISABELLA, and other GENTLEWOMEN. [Enter] DE FLORES after all, smiling at the accident. ALONZO’s ghost appears to DE FLORES in the midst of his smile; startles him, showing him the hand whose finger he had cut off. They pass over in great solemnity.)
(Enter BEATRICE)
BEATRICE
This fellow has undone me endlessly:
1
Never was bride so fearfully distressed.
2
The more I think upon th’ ensuing night,
3
And whom I am to cope with in embraces −
4
One who’s ennobled both in blood and mind,
5
So clear in understanding (that’s my plague now),
6
Before whose judgement will my fault appear
7
Like malefactors’ crimes before tribunals
8
(There is no hiding on’t) − the more I dive
9
Into my own distress. How a wise man
10
Stands for a great calamity! There’s no venturing
11
Into his bed, what course soe’er I light upon,
12
Without my shame, which may grow up to danger.
13
He cannot but in justice strangle me
14
As I lie by him, as a cheater use me;
15
’Tis a precious craft to play with a false die
16
Before a cunning gamester. Here’s his closet,
17
The key left in’t, and he abroad i’ th’ park;
18
Sure ’twas forgot, I’ll be so bold as look in’t.
19
([Opens closet])
Bless me! A right physician’s closet ’tis,
20
Set round with vials, every one her mark too.
21
Sure he does practice physic for his own use,
22
Which may be safely called your great man’s wisdom.
23
What manuscript lies here? ‘The Book of Experiment,
24
Called Secrets in Nature ’; so ’tis, ’tis so
25
‘How to know whether a woman be with child or no.’
26
I hope I am not yet; if he should try though!
27
Let me see: ‘folio forty-five.’ Here ’tis;
28
The leaf tucked down upon’t, the place suspicious.
29
‘If you would know whether a woman be with child or not, give her two spoonfuls of the white water in glass C −’
Where’s that glass C? O, yonder, I see’t now −
32
‘and if she be with child, she sleeps full twelve hours after; if not, not.’
None of that water comes into my belly:
35
I’ll know you from a hundred. I could break you now,
36
Or turn you into milk, and so beguile
37
The master of the mystery, but I’ll look to you.
38
Ha! That which is next is ten times worse:
39
‘How to know whether a woman be a maid or not.’
40
If that should be applied, what would become of me?
41
Belike he has a strong faith of my purity,
42
That never yet made proof; but this he calls
43
‘A merry sleight, but true experiment, the author Antonius Mizaldus. Give the party you suspect the quantity of a spoonful of the water in the glass M, which upon her that is a maid makes three several effects: ’twill make her incontinently gape, then fall into a sudden sneezing, last into a violent laughing; else dull, heavy, and lumpish.’
Where had I been?
50
I fear it, yet ’tis seven hours to bedtime.
51
(Enter DIAPHANTA)
DIAPHANTA
Cuds, madam, are you here?
52
BEATRICE
Seeing that wench now,
A trick comes in my mind; ’tis a nice piece
53
Gold cannot purchase.
54
To look my lord.
55
DIAPHANTA
Would I had such a cause
To look him too!
56
BEATRICE
There let him be.
57
DIAPHANTA
Ay, madam, let him compass
Whole parks and forests, as great rangers do;
58
At roosting time a little lodge can hold ’em.
59
Earth-conquering Alexander, that thought the world
60
Too narrow for him, in the end had but his pit-hole.
61
BEATRICE
I fear thou art not modest, Diaphanta.
62
DIAPHANTA
Your thoughts are so unwilling to be known, madam;
63
’Tis ever the bride’s fashion towards bed-time
64
To set light by her joys, as if she owed ’em not.
65
BEATRICE
Her joys? Her fears, thou would’st say.
66
DIAPHANTA
Fear of what?
BEATRICE
Art thou a maid, and talk’st so to a maid?
67
You leave a blushing business business Pronounced as three syllables: “bu-si-ness”. behind,
68
Beshrew your heart for’t!
69
DIAPHANTA
Do you mean good sooth, madam?
BEATRICE
Well, if I’d thought upon the fear at first,
70
Man should have been unknown.
71
DIAPHANTA
Is’t possible?
BEATRICE
I will give a thousand ducats to that woman
72
Would try what my fear were, and tell me true
73
Tomorrow, when she gets from’t; as she likes
74
I might perhaps be drawn to’t.
75
DIAPHANTA
Are you in earnest?
BEATRICE
Do you get the woman, then challenge me,
76
And see if I’ll fly from’t. But I must tell you
77
This by the way: she must be a true maid,
78
Else there’s no trial, my fears are not hers else.
79
DIAPHANTA
Nay, she that I would put into your hands, madam,
80
Shall be a maid.
81
BEATRICE
You know I should be shamed else,
Because she lies for me.
82
DIAPHANTA
’Tis a strange humour!
But are you serious still? Would you resign
83
Your first night’s pleasure, and give money too?
84
BEATRICE
− Alas, the gold
85
Is but a by-bet to wedge in the honour.
86
DIAPHANTA
I do not know how the world goes abroad
87
For faith or honesty; there’s both required in this. −
88
Madam, what say you to me, and stray no further?
89
I’ve a good mind, in troth, to earn your money.
90
BEATRICE
Y’are too quick, I fear, to be a maid.
91
DIAPHANTA
How? Not a maid? Nay, then, you urge me, madam!
92
Your honourable self is not a truer,
93
With all your fears upon you −
94
BEATRICE
Bad enough then.
DIAPHANTA
Than I with all my lightsome joys about me.
95
BEATRICE
I’m glad to hear’t. Then you dare put your honesty
96
Upon an easy trial?
97
DIAPHANTA
Easy? − Anything.
BEATRICE
I’ll come to you straight.
98
([Goes to the closet])
DIAPHANTA
She will not search me, will she,
Like the forewoman of a female jury?
99
BEATRICE
Glass M: ay, this is it.
100
You take no worse than I do.
101
([Drinks])
DIAPHANTA
And in so doing,
I will not question what ’tis, but take it.
102
([Drinks])
BEATRICE
Now if the experiment be true, ’twill praise itself,
103
And give me noble ease. − Begins already;
104
([DIAPHANTA gapes])
There’s the first symptom. And what haste it makes
105
To fall into the second, there by this time!
106
([DIAPHANTA sneezes])
Most admirable secret! On the contrary,
107
It stirs not me a whit, which most concerns it.
108
DIAPHANTA
Ha, ha, ha!
109
BEATRICE
Just in all things, and in order,
As if ’twere circumscribed; one accident
110
Gives way unto another.
111
DIAPHANTA
Ha, ha, ha!
BEATRICE
How now, wench?
112
DIAPHANTA
Ha, ha, ha! I am so − so light
At heart! Ha, ha, ha! − so pleasurable!
113
But one swig more, sweet madam.
114
BEATRICE
Ay, tomorrow;
We shall have time to sit by’t.
115
DIAPHANTA
Now I’m sad again.
BEATRICE
It lays itself so gently too!
116
[To DIAPHANTA] Come, wench;
117
Most honest Diaphanta I dare call thee now.
118
DIAPHANTA
Pray tell me, madam, what trick call you this?
119
BEATRICE
I’ll tell thee all hereafter; we must study
120
The carriage of this business.
121
DIAPHANTA
I shall carry’t well,
Because I love the burden.
122
BEATRICE
About midnight
You must not fail to steal forth gently,
123
That I may use the place.
124
DIAPHANTA
O fear not, madam;
– The bride’s place,
125
And with a thousand ducats! I’m for a justice now:
126
I bring a portion with me; I scorn small fools.
127
(Exeunt)
[Act IV, Scene ii]
(Enter VERMANDERO and SERVANT)
VERMANDERO
I tell thee, knave, mine honour is in question,
1
A thing till now free from suspicion suspicion Pronounced as four syllables: “su-spi-ci-on”. ,
2
Nor ever was there cause. Who of my gentlemen
3
Are absent? Tell me, and truly, how many and who.
4
SERVANT
Antonio, sir, and Franciscus.
VERMANDERO
When did they leave the castle?
6
SERVANT
Some ten days since, sir, the one intending to Briamata, th’other for Valencia.
VERMANDERO
The time accuses ’em. A charge of murder
9
Is brought within my castle gate, Piracquo’s murder;
10
I dare not answer faithfully their absence.
11
A strict command of apprehension apprehension Pronounced as five syllables: “a-ppre-hen-si-on”.
12
Shall pursue ’em suddenly, and either wipe
13
The stain off clear, or openly discover it.
14
Provide me wingèd warrants for the purpose.
15
(Exit SERVANT)
See, I am set on again.
16
(Enter TOMAZO)
TOMAZO
I claim a brother of you.
17
VERMANDERO
Y’are too hot;
Seek him not here.
18
TOMAZO
Yes, ’mongst your dearest bloods,
If my peace find no fairer satisfaction.
19
This is the place must yield account for him,
20
For here I left him; and the hasty tie
21
Of this snatched marriage gives strong testimony
22
Of his most certain ruin.
23
VERMANDERO
Certain falsehood!
This is the place indeed: his breach of faith
24
Has too much marred both my abusèd love −
25
The honourable love I reserved for him −
26
And mocked my daughter’s joy. The prepared morning
27
Blushed at his infidelity; he left
28
Contempt and scorn to throw upon those friends
29
Whose belief hurt ’em. O, ’twas most ignoble
30
To take his flight so unexpectedly,
31
And throw such public wrongs on those that loved him!
32
TOMAZO
Then this is all your answer?
33
VERMANDERO
’Tis too fair
For one of his alliance, and I warn you
34
That this place no more see you.
35
(Exit)
(Enter DE FLORES)
TOMAZO
The best is,
There is more ground to meet a man’s revenge on. −
36
Honest De Flores?
37
DE FLORES
That’s my name indeed.
Saw you the bride? Good sweet sir, which way took she?
38
TOMAZO
I have blest mine eyes from seeing such a false one.
39
DE FLORES
I’d fain get off, this man’s not for my company:
40
I smell his brother’s blood when I come near him.
41
TOMAZO
Come hither, kind and true one; I remember
42
My brother loved thee well.
43
DE FLORES
O purely, dear sir!
− Methinks I am now again a-killing on him,
44
He brings it so fresh to me.
45
TOMAZO
Thou canst guess, sirrah −
One honest friend has an instinct instinct Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. of jealousy −
46
At some foul guilty person?
47
DE FLORES
’Las, sir, I am so charitable, I think none
48
Worse than myself. − You did not see the bride then?
49
TOMAZO
I prithee, name her not. Is she not wicked?
50
DE FLORES
No, no: a pretty, easy, round-packed sinner,
51
As your most ladies are (else you might think
52
I flattered her), but, sir, at no hand wicked
53
Till th’are so old their chins and noses meet,
54
And they salute witches. − I am called, I think, sir.
55
− His company ev’n o’erlays my conscience.
56
(Exit)
TOMAZO
That De Flores has a wondrous honest heart;
57
He’ll bring it out in time, I’m assured on’t.
58
O, here’s the glorious master of the day’s joy.
59
’Twill not be long till he and I do reckon.
60
(Enter ALSEMERO)
Sir!
61
ALSEMERO
You are most welcome.
TOMAZO
You may call that word back:
I do not think I am, nor wish to be.
62
ALSEMERO
’Tis strange you found the way to this house then.
63
TOMAZO
Would I’d ne’er known the cause! I’m none of those, sir,
64
That come to give you joy, and swill your wine;
65
’Tis a more precious liquor that must lay
66
The fiery thirst I bring.
67
ALSEMERO
Your words and you
Appear to me great strangers.
68
TOMAZO
Time and our swords
May make us more acquainted. This the business: −
69
I should have [had] a brother in your place;
70
How treachery and malice have disposed of him
71
I’m bound to enquire of him which holds his right,
72
Which never could come fairly.
73
ALSEMERO
You must look
To answer for that word, sir.
74
TOMAZO
Fear you not;
I’ll have it ready drawn at our next meeting.
75
Keep your day solemn. Farewell, I disturb it not;
76
I’ll bear the smart with patience for a time.
77
(Exit)
ALSEMERO
’Tis somewhat ominous, this: a quarrel ent’rèd
78
Upon this day. My innocence relieves me;
79
(Enter JASPERINO)
I should be wondrous sad else. − Jasperino,
80
I have news to tell thee, strange news.
81
JASPERINO
I ha’ some too,
I think as strange as yours. Would I might keep
82
Mine, so my faith and friendship might be kept in’t.
83
Faith, sir, dispense a little with my zeal,
84
And let it cool in this.
85
ALSEMERO
This puts me on,
And blames thee for thy slowness.
86
JASPERINO
All may prove nothing,
Only a friendly fear that leapt from me, sir.
87
ALSEMERO
No question it may prove nothing; let’s partake it, though.
88
JASPERINO
’Twas Diaphanta’s chance − for to that wench
89
I pretend honest love, and she deserves it −
90
To leave me in a back part of the house,
91
A place we chose for private conference;
92
She was no sooner gone but instantly
93
I heard your bride’s voice in the next room to me
94
And, lending more attention, found De Flores
95
Louder than she.
96
ALSEMERO
De Flores? Thou art out now.
JASPERINO
You’ll tell me more anon.
97
ALSEMERO
Still I’ll prevent thee;
The very sight of him is poison to her.
98
JASPERINO
That made me stagger too, but Diaphanta
99
At her return confirmed it.
100
ALSEMERO
Diaphanta!
JASPERINO
Then fell we both to listen, and words passed
101
Like those that challenge interest in a woman −
102
ALSEMERO
Peace, quench thy zeal; ’tis dangerous to thy bosom.
103
JASPERINO
Then truth is full of peril.
104
ALSEMERO
Such truths are. −
O, were she the sole glory of the earth,
105
Had eyes that could shoot fire into kings’ breasts,
106
And touched, she sleeps not here! Yet I have time,
107
Though night be near, to be resolved hereof;
108
And prithee do not weigh me by my passions.
109
JASPERINO
I never weighed friend so.
110
ALSEMERO
Done charitably.
That key will lead thee to a pretty secret,
111
([Gives key])
By a Chaldean taught me, and I’ve [made]
112
My study upon some. Bring from my closet
113
A glass inscribed there with the letter M,
114
And question not my purpose.
115
JASPERINO
It shall be done, sir.
(Exit)
ALSEMERO
How can this hang together? Not an hour since,
116
Her woman came pleading her lady’s fears,
117
Delivered her for the most timorous virgin
118
That ever shrunk at man’s name, and so modest,
119
She charged her weep out her request to me,
120
That she might come obscurely to my bosom.
121
(Enter BEATRICE)
BEATRICE
All things go well. My woman’s preparing yonder
122
For her sweet voyage, which grieves me to lose;
123
Necessity compels it, I lose all else.
124
ALSEMERO
Push, modesty’s shrine is set in yonder forehead.
125
I cannot be too sure, though.
126
BEATRICE
Sir, I was bold to weep a message to you;
127
Pardon my modest fears.
128
ALSEMERO
The dove’s not meeker.
She’s abused, questionless.
129
(Enter JASPERINO [with glass])
– O, are you come, sir?
BEATRICE
The glass, upon my life! I see the letter.
130
JASPERINO
Sir, this is M.
131
ALSEMERO
’Tis it.
BEATRICE
I am suspected.
ALSEMERO
How fitly our bride comes to partake with us!
132
BEATRICE
What is’t, my lord?
133
ALSEMERO
No hurt.
BEATRICE
Sir, pardon me,
I seldom taste of any composition.
134
ALSEMERO
But this, upon my warrant, you shall venture on.
135
([Gives her the glass])
BEATRICE
I fear ’twill make me ill.
136
ALSEMERO
Heaven forbid that.
([Talks apart to JASPERINO])
BEATRICE
I’m put now to my cunning. Th’ effects I know −
137
If I can now but feign ’em handsomely.
138
([Drinks])
ALSEMERO
It has that secret virtue it ne’er missed, sir,
139
Upon a virgin.
140
JASPERINO
Treble-qualitied?
([BEATRICE gapes, then sneezes])
ALSEMERO
By all that’s virtuous, it takes there, proceeds!
141
JASPERINO
This is the strangest trick to know a maid by.
142
BEATRICE
Ha, ha, ha!
143
You have given me joy of heart to drink, my lord.
144
ALSEMERO
[To her] No, thou hast given me such joy of heart
145
That never can be blasted.
146
BEATRICE
What’s the matter, sir?
ALSEMERO
[To JASPERINO] See, now ’tis settled in a melancholy
147
Keep[s] both the time and method. – [To her] My Joanna,
148
Chaste as the breath of heaven or morning’s womb
149
That brings the day forth, thus my love encloses thee!
150
([Embraces her])
(Exeunt)
[Act IV, Scene iii]
(Enter ISABELLA and LOLLIO)
ISABELLA
O heaven! Is this the waxing moon?
1
Does love turn fool, run mad, and all [at] once?
2
Sirrah, here’s a madman, akin to the fool too,
3
A lunatic lover.
4
LOLLIO
No, no! − Not he I brought the letter from?
ISABELLA
Compare his inside with his out, and tell me.
6
([Gives him the letter])
LOLLIO
The out’s mad, I’m sure of that; I had a taste on’t. [Reads] ‘To the bright Andromeda, chief chambermaid to the Knight of the Sun, at the sight of Scorpio, in the middle region, sent by the bellows-mender of Aeolus. Pay the post.’ This is stark madness.
ISABELLA
Now mark the inside. [Takes the letter and she reads] ‘Sweet lady, having now cast off this counterfeit cover of a madman, I appear to your best judgement a true and faithful lover of your beauty.’
LOLLIO
He is mad still.
ISABELLA
‘If any fault you find, chide those perfections in you which have made me imperfect: ’tis the same sun that causeth to grow and enforceth to wither, −’
LOLLIO
O rogue!
ISABELLA
‘− Shapes and transhapes, destroys and builds again. I come in winter to you, dismantled of my proper ornaments: by the sweet splendour of your cheerful smiles I spring and live a lover.’
LOLLIO
Mad rascal still!
ISABELLA
‘Tread him not under foot, that shall appear an honour to your bounties. I remain − mad till I speak with you, from whom I expect my cure, yours all, or one beside himself, Franciscus.’
LOLLIO
You are like to have a fine time on’t. My master and I may give over our professions; I do not think but you can cure fools and madmen faster than we, with little pains too.
ISABELLA
Very likely.
LOLLIO
One thing I must tell you, mistress. You perceive that I am privy to your skill: if I find you minister once and set up the trade, I put in for my thirds; I shall be mad or fool else.
ISABELLA
The first place is thine, believe it, Lollio,
38
If I do fall −
39
LOLLIO
I fall upon you.
ISABELLA
So.
41
LOLLIO
Well, I stand to my venture.
ISABELLA
But thy counsel now: how shall I deal with ’em?
43
LOLLIO
Why, do you mean to deal with ’em?
ISABELLA
Nay, the fair understanding − how to use ’em.
45
LOLLIO
Abuse ’em! That’s the way to mad the fool and make a fool of the madman, and then you use ’em kindly.
ISABELLA
’Tis easy. I’ll practice. Do thou observe it.
48
The key of thy wardrobe.
49
LOLLIO
There; fit yourself for ’em, and I’ll fit ’em both for you.
([Gives her the key])
ISABELLA
Take thou no further notice than the outside.
52
(Exit)
LOLLIO
Not an inch: I’ll put you to the inside.
(Enter ALIBIUS)
ALIBIUS
Lollio, art there? Will all be perfect, think’st thou?
54
Tomorrow night, as if to close up the solemnity,
55
Vermandero expects us.
56
LOLLIO
I mistrust the madmen most. The fools will do well enough; I have taken pains with them.
ALIBIUS
Tush, they cannot miss. The more absurdity,
59
The more commends it, so no rough behaviours
60
Affright the ladies. They are nice things, thou know’st.
61
LOLLIO
You need not fear, sir; so long as we are there with our commanding pizzles, they’ll be as tame as the ladies them- selves.
ALIBIUS
I will see them once more rehearse before they go.
65
LOLLIO
I was about it, sir. Look you to the madmen’s morris, and let me alone with the other; there is one or two that I mistrust their fooling; I’ll instruct them, and then they shall rehearse the whole measure.
ALIBIUS
Do so; I’ll see the music prepared. But, Lollio,
70
By the way, how does my wife brook her restraint?
71
Does she not grudge at it?
72
LOLLIO
So, so. She takes some pleasure in the house, she would abroad else. You must allow her a little more length, she’s kept too short.
ALIBIUS
She shall along to Vermandero’s with us:
76
That will serve her for a month’s liberty.
77
LOLLIO
What’s that on your face, sir?
ALIBIUS
Where, Lollio? I see nothing.
79
LOLLIO
Cry you mercy, sir, ’tis your nose: it showed like the trunk of a young elephant.
ALIBIUS
Away, rascal! I’ll prepare the music, Lollio.
82
(Exit ALIBIUS)
LOLLIO
Do, sir, and I’ll dance the whilst. − Tony, where art thou, Tony?
(Enter ANTONIO)
ANTONIO
Here, cousin. Where art thou?
LOLLIO
Come, Tony, the footmanship I taught you.
ANTONIO
I had rather ride, cousin.
LOLLIO
Ay, a whip take you! But I’ll keep you out. Vault in – look you, Tony: fa, la, la, la, la.
([Dances])
ANTONIO
Fa, la, la, la, la.
([Dances])
LOLLIO
There, an honour.
([Bows])
ANTONIO
Is this an honour, coz?
([Bows])
LOLLIO
Yes, and it please your worship.
ANTONIO
Does honour bend in the hams, coz?
LOLLIO
Marry does it, as low as worship, squireship, nay, yeomanry itself sometimes, from whence it first stiffened. There, rise, a caper.
ANTONIO
Caper after an honour, coz?
LOLLIO
Very proper: for honour is but a caper − rise[s] as fast and high, has a nee or two, and falls to th’ ground again. You can remember your figure, Tony?
(Exit)
ANTONIO
Yes, cousin; when I see thy figure I can remember mine.
(Enter ISABELLA [like a madwoman])
ISABELLA
Hey, how he treads the air!
103
Shough, shough, t’other way − he burns his wings else!
104
Here’s wax enough below, Icarus Icarus Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. − more
105
Than will be cancellèd these eighteen moons.
106
([ANTONIO falls])
He’s down, he’s down! What a terrible fall he had!
107
Stand up, thou son of Cretan Daedalus,
108
And let us tread the lower labyrinth;
109
I’ll bring thee to the clue.
110
([Grabs him])
ANTONIO
Prithee, coz, let me alone.
111
([Rises])
ISABELLA
Art thou not drowned?
112
About thy head I saw a heap of clouds
113
Wrapped like a Turkish turban; on thy back
114
A crookt chameleon-coloured rainbow hung
115
Like a tiara down unto thy hams.
116
Let me suck out those billows in the belly:
117
([Kneels and listens])
Hark how they roar and rumble in the straits!
118
Bless thee from the pirates.
119
ANTONIO
Pox upon you, let me alone!
120
ISABELLA
Why shouldst thou mount so high as Mercury,
121
Unless thou hadst reversion of his place?
122
Stay in the moon with me, Endymion,
123
And we will rule these wild rebellious waves
124
That would have drowned my love.
125
ANTONIO
I’ll kick thee if again thou touch me,
126
Thou wild unshapen antic; I am no fool,
127
You bedlam!
128
ISABELLA
But you are, as sure as I am, mad.
Have I put on this habit of a frantic,
129
With love as full of fury to beguile
130
The nimble eye of watchful jealousy,
131
And am I thus rewarded?
132
([Reveals herself])
ANTONIO
Ha, dearest beauty!
133
ISABELLA
No, I have no beauty now,
Nor never had, but what was in my garments.
134
You a quick-sighted lover? Come not near me!
135
Keep your caparisons, y’are aptly clad;
136
I came a feigner, to return stark mad.
137
(Exit)
(Enter LOLLIO)
ANTONIO
Stay, or I shall change condition condition Pronounced as four syllables: “con-di-ti-on”.
138
And become as you are.
139
LOLLIO
Why, Tony, whither now? Why, fool?
ANTONIO
Whose fool, usher of idiots? You coxcomb!
141
I have fooled too much.
142
LOLLIO
You were best be mad another while then.
ANTONIO
So I am, stark mad: I have cause enough,
144
And I could throw the full effects on thee,
145
And beat thee like a fury!
146
LOLLIO
Do not, do not! I shall not forbear the gentleman under the fool, if you do − alas, I saw through your fox-skin before now! Come, I can give you comfort. My mistress loves you, and there is as arrant a madman i’ th’ house as you are a fool, your rival, whom she loves not. If after the masque we can rid her of him, you earn her love, she says, and the fool shall ride her.
ANTONIO
May I believe thee?
154
LOLLIO
Yes, or you may choose whether you will or no.
ANTONIO
She’s eased of him; I have a good quarrel on’t.
156
LOLLIO
Well, keep your old station yet, and be quiet.
ANTONIO
Tell her I will deserve her love.
158
([Exit])
LOLLIO
And you are like to have your desire.
(Enter FRANCISCUS)
FRANCISCUS
[Sings] ‘Down, down, down a-down a-down’; and then with a horse-thrick
160
To kick Latona’s forehead, and break her bowstring.
161
LOLLIO
This is t’other counterfeit; I’ll put him out of his humour.
FRANCISCUS
Ha! What’s that?
LOLLIO
‘Chide those perfections in you which [have]made me imperfect.’
FRANCISCUS
I am discovered to the fool.
LOLLIO
I hope to discover the fool in you, ere I have done with you. ‘Yours all, or one beside himself, Franciscus.’ This madman will end sure.
FRANCISCUS
What do you read, sirrah?
LOLLIO
Your destiny, sir. You’ll be hanged for this trick, and another that I know.
FRANCISCUS
Art thou of counsel with thy mistress?
LOLLIO
Next her apron-strings.
FRANCISCUS
Give me thy hand.
LOLLIO
Stay, let me put yours in my pocket first. [Puts away the letter] Your hand is true is it not? It will not pick? I partly fear it, because I think it does lie.
FRANCISCUS
Not in a syllable.
LOLLIO
So; if you love my mistress so well as you have handled the matter here, you are like to be cured of your mad- ness.
FRANCISCUS
And none but she can cure it.
LOLLIO
Well, I’ll give you over then, and she shall cast your water next.
FRANCISCUS
Take for thy pains past.
([Gives him money])
LOLLIO
I shall deserve more, sir, I hope. My mistress loves you, but must have some proof of your love to her.
FRANCISCUS
There I meet my wishes.
LOLLIO
That will not serve: you must meet her enemy and yours.
FRANCISCUS
He’s dead already!
LOLLIO
Will you tell me that, and I parted but now with him?
FRANCISCUS
Show me the man.
LOLLIO
Ay, that’s a right course now: see him before you kill him in any case. And yet it needs not go so far neither. ’Tis but a fool that haunts the house and my mistress in the shape of an idiot. Bang but his fool’s coat well-favouredly, and ’tis well.
FRANCISCUS
Soundly, soundly!
LOLLIO
Only reserve him till the masque be past, and if you find him not now in the dance yourself, I’ll show you. In, in! My master!
([Dances])
FRANCISCUS
He handles him like a feather. Hey!
([Exit dancing])
(Enter ALIBIUS)
ALIBIUS
Well said. In a readiness, Lollio?
207
LOLLIO
Yes, sir.
ALIBIUS
Away then, and guide them in, Lollio;
209
Entreat your mistress mistress Pronounced as three syllables: “miss-tr-ess” (like “miss-ter-ess”, with the “r” clearly sounded). to see this sight.
210
([Exit LOLLIO])
Hark, is there not one incurable fool
211
That might be begged? I have friends.
212
LOLLIO
[Within] I have him for you: one that shall deserve it too.
ALIBIUS
Good boy, Lollio.
214
([Enter ISABELLA, then LOLLIO with MADMEN and FOOLS])
(The MADMEN and FOOLS dance)
’Tis perfect. Well, fit [we] but once these strains,
215
We shall have coin and credit for our pains.
216
(Exeunt)
Act V [, Scene i]
(Enter BEATRICE. A clock strikes one)
BEATRICE
One struck, and yet she lies by’t! – O my fears!
1
This strumpet serves her own ends, ’tis apparent now,
2
Devours the pleasure with a greedy appetite,
3
And never minds my honour or my peace,
4
Makes havoc of my right. But she pays dearly for’t:
5
No trusting of her life with such a secret,
6
That cannot rule her blood to keep her promise.
7
Beside, I have some suspicion of her faith to me,
8
Because I was suspected of my lord,
9
And it must come from her. − Hark, by my horrors,
10
Another clock strikes two.
11
(Strike[s] two)
(Enter DE FLORES)
DE FLORES
Pist, where are you?
BEATRICE
De Flores!
12
DE FLORES
Ay. Is she not come from him yet?
BEATRICE
As I am a living soul, not.
13
DE FLORES
Sure the devil
Hath sowed his itch within her. Who would trust
14
A waiting-woman?
15
BEATRICE
I must trust somebody.
DE FLORES
Push, they are termagants,
16
Especially when they fall upon their masters
17
And have their ladies’ first-fruits; th’are mad whelps,
18
You cannot stave ’em off from game royal. Then,
19
You are so harsh and hardy, ask no counsel;
20
And I could have helped you to a[n] apothecary’s daughter
21
Would have fall’n off before eleven, and thank[ed] you too.
22
BEATRICE
O me, not yet? This whore forgets herself.
23
DE FLORES
The rascal fares so well. Look, y’are undone:
24
The day-star, by this hand! See Phosphorus plain yonder.
25
BEATRICE
Advise me now to fall upon some ruin;
26
There is no counsel safe else.
27
DE FLORES
Peace! I ha’t now,
For we must force a rising; there’s no remedy.
28
BEATRICE
How? Take heed of that.
29
DE FLORES
Tush, be you quiet, or else give over all.
30
BEATRICE
Prithee, I ha’ done then.
31
DE FLORES
This is my reach: I’ll set
Some part a-fire of Diaphanta’s chamber.
32
BEATRICE
How? Fire, sir? That may endanger the whole house.
33
DE FLORES
You talk of danger when your fame’s on fire?
34
BEATRICE
That’s true; do what thou wilt now.
35
DE FLORES
Push, I aim
At a most rich success, strikes all dead sure:
36
The chimney being a-fire, and some light parcels
37
Of the least danger in her chamber only,
38
If Diaphanta should be met by chance then
39
Far from her lodging (which is now suspicious),
40
It would be thought her fears fears Pronounced as two syllables: “fe-ars” (with the “r” clearly sounded). and affrights then
41
Drove her to seek for succour; if not seen
42
Or met at all, as that’s the likeliest,
43
For her own shame she’ll hasten towards her lodging.
44
I will be ready with a piece high-charged,
45
As ’twere to cleanse the chimney; there, ’tis proper,
46
But she shall be the mark.
47
BEATRICE
I’m forced to love thee now,
’Cause thou provid’st so carefully for my honour.
48
DE FLORES
’Slid, it concerns the safety of us both,
49
Our pleasure and continuance.
50
BEATRICE
One word now,
Prithee. How for the servants?
51
DE FLORES
I’ll dispatch them
Some one way, some another in the hurry
52
For buckets, hooks, ladders. Fear not you;
53
The deed shall find its time. − And I’ve thought since
54
Upon a safe conveyance for the body too.
55
How this fire purifies wit! Watch you your minute.
56
BEATRICE
Fear keeps my soul upon’t; I cannot stray from’t.
57
(Enter ALONZO’s ghost)
DE FLORES
Ha! what art thou, that tak’st away the light
58
’Twixt that star and me? I dread thee not;
59
’Twas but a mist of conscience. − All’s clear again.
60
(Exit)
BEATRICE
Who’s that, De Flores? Bless me! It slides by.
61
[Exit Ghost]
62
Some ill thing haunts the house; ’t has left behind it
63
A shivering sweat upon me. I’m afraid now.
64
This night hath been so tedious! O, this strumpet!
65
Had she a thousand lives, he should not leave her
66
Till he had destroyed the last. List! O my terrors!
67
(Struck three o’ clock)
Three struck, by Saint Sebastian’s!
68
[VOICES]
within Fire, fire, fire!
BEATRICE
Already! How rare is that man’s speed!
70
How heartily he serves me! His face loathes one,
71
But look upon his care, who would not love him?
72
The east is not more beauteous than his service.
73
[VOICES]
within Fire, fire, fire!
(Enter DE FLORES; SERVANTS pass over, ring a bell)
DE FLORES
Away, dispatch! Hooks, buckets, ladders! That’s well said! −
75
The fire-bell rings, the chimney works; my charge,
76
The piece is ready.
77
(Exit)
BEATRICE
Here’s a man worth loving! −
(Enter DIAPHANTA)
O, y’are a jewel!
78
DIAPHANTA
Pardon frailty, madam;
In troth I was so well I ev’n forgot myself.
79
BEATRICE
Y’have made trim work.
80
DIAPHANTA
What?
BEATRICE
Hie quickly to your chamber;
Your reward follows you.
81
DIAPHANTA
I never made
So sweet a bargain.
82
(Exit)
(Enter ALSEMERO)
ALSEMERO
O my dear Joanna!
Alas, art thou risen too? I was coming,
83
My absolute treasure.
84
BEATRICE
When I missed you,
I could not choose but follow.
85
ALSEMERO
Th’art all sweetness.
The fire is not so dangerous.
86
BEATRICE
Think you so, sir?
ALSEMERO
I prithee, tremble not; believe me, ’tis not.
87
(Enter VERMANDERO, JASPERINO)
VERMANDERO
O, bless my house and me!
88
ALSEMERO
My lord your father.
(Enter DE FLORES with a piece)
VERMANDERO
Knave, whither goes that piece?
89
DE FLORES
To scour the chimney.
(Exit)
VERMANDERO
O, well said, well said!
90
That fellow’s good on all occasions occasions Pronounced as four syllables: “o-cca-si-ons”. .
91
BEATRICE
A wondrous necessary man, my lord.
92
VERMANDERO
He hath a ready wit; he’s worth ’em all, sir.
93
Dog at house on fire − I ha’ seen him singed ere now.
94
(The piece goes off)
Ha, there he goes.
95
BEATRICE
’Tis done.
ALSEMERO
Come, sweet, to bed now;
Alas, thou wilt get cold.
96
BEATRICE
Alas, the fear keeps that out!
My heart will find no quiet till I hear
97
How Diaphanta, my poor woman, fares;
98
It is her chamber, sir, her lodging chamber.
99
VERMANDERO
How should the fire come there?
100
BEATRICE
As good a soul as ever lady countenanced,
101
But in her chamber negligent and heavy.
102
She ’scaped a ruin twice.
103
VERMANDERO
Twice?
BEATRICE
Strangely, twice, sir.
VERMANDERO
Those sleepy sluts are dangerous in a house,
104
And they be ne’er so good.
105
(Enter DE FLORES)
DE FLORES
Oh, poor virginity!
Thou hast paid dearly for’t.
106
VERMANDERO
Bless us! What’s that?
DE FLORES
A thing you all knew once − Diaphanta’s burnt.
107
BEATRICE
My woman! O my woman!
108
DE FLORES
Now the flames
Are greedy of her: burnt, burnt, burnt to death, sir.
109
BEATRICE
O my presaging soul!
110
ALSEMERO
Not a tear more!
I charge you by the last embrace I gave you
111
In bed, before this raised us.
112
BEATRICE
Now you tie me:
Were it my sister, now she gets no more.
113
(Enter SERVANT)
VERMANDERO
How now?
114
SERVANT
All danger’s past; you may now take
Your rests, my lords. The fire is throughly quenched.
115
Ah, poor gentlewoman, how soon was she stifled!
116
BEATRICE
De Flores, what is left of her inter,
117
And we as mourners all will follow her.
118
I will entreat that honour to my servant
119
Ev’n of my lord himself.
120
ALSEMERO
Command it, sweetness.
BEATRICE
Which of you spied the fire first?
121
DE FLORES
’Twas I, madam.
BEATRICE
And took such pains in’t too? A double goodness!
122
’Twere well he were rewarded.
123
VERMANDERO
He shall be. −
De Flores, call upon me.
124
ALSEMERO
And upon me, sir.
(Exeunt [all but DE FLORES])
DE FLORES
Rewarded? Precious! Here’s a trick beyond me!
125
I see in all bouts, both of sport and wit,
126
Always a woman strives for the last hit.
127
(Exit)
[Act V, Scene ii]
(Enter TOMAZO)
TOMAZO
I cannot taste the benefits of life
1
With the same relish I was wont to do.
2
Man I grow weary of, and hold his fellowship
3
A treacherous bloody friendship; and because
4
I am ignorant in whom my wrath should settle,
5
I must think all men villains, and the next
6
I meet, whoe’er he be, the murderer
7
Of my most worthy brother. – Ha! What’s he?
8
(Enter DE FLORES, passes over the stage)
O, the fellow that some call honest De Flores.
9
But methinks honesty was hard bested
10
To come there for a lodging − as if a queen
11
Should make her palace of a pest-house.
12
I find a contrariety in nature
13
Betwixt that face and me; the least occasion
14
Would give me game upon him. Yet he’s so foul,
15
One would scarce touch [him] with a sword he loved
16
And made account of; so most deadly venomous,
17
He would go near to poison any weapon
18
That should draw blood on him. One must resolve
19
Never to use that sword again in fight,
20
In way of honest manhood, that strikes him.
21
Some river must devour it; ’twere not fit
22
That any man should find it. – What, again?
23
(Enter DE FLORES)
He walks a’ purpose by, sure, to choke me up,
24
To infect my blood.
25
DE FLORES
My worthy noble lord!
TOMAZO
Dost offer to come near and breath upon me?
26
([Strikes him])
DE FLORES
A blow!
27
([Draws his sword])
TOMAZO
Yea, are you so prepared?
I’ll rather like a soldier die by th’ sword
28
Then like a politician by thy poison.
29
([Draws])
DE FLORES
Hold, my lord, as you are honourable.
30
TOMAZO
All slaves that kill by poison are still cowards.
31
DE FLORES
I cannot strike: I see his brother’s wounds
Fresh bleeding in his eye, as in a crystal.
33
[To TOMAZO] I will not question this: I know y’are noble.
34
([Sheathes his word])
I take my injury with thanks given, sir,
35
Like a wise lawyer lawyer Pronounced as three syllables: “law-y-er” (with the “r” clearly sounded). , and as a favour
36
Will wear it for the worthy hand that gave it.
37
Why this from him, that yesterday appeared
38
So strangely loving to me?
39
O, but instinct instinct Pronounced with stress on the second syllable. is of a subtler strain!
40
Guilt must not walk so near his lodge again –
41
He came near me now.
42
(Exit)
TOMAZO
All league with mankind I renounce for ever
43
Till I find this murderer. Not so much
44
As common courtesy but I’ll lock up,
45
For in the state of ignorance I live in
46
A brother may salute his brother’s murderer,
47
And wish good speed to th’villain in a greeting.
48
(Enter VERMANDERO, ALIBIUS, and ISABELLA)
VERMANDERO
Noble Piracquo!
49
TOMAZO
Pray keep on your way, sir;
I’ve nothing to say to you.
50
VERMANDERO
Comforts bless you, sir.
TOMAZO
I have forsworn compliment; in troth I have, sir.
51
As you are merely man, I have not left
52
A good wish for you, nor [for] any here.
53
VERMANDERO
Unless you be so far in love with grief
54
You will not part from’t upon any terms,
55
We bring that news will make a welcome for us.
56
TOMAZO
What news can that be?
57
VERMANDERO
Throw no scornful smile
Upon the zeal I bring you; ’tis worth more, sir.
58
Two of the chiefest men I kept about me
59
I hide not from the law, or your just vengeance.
60
TOMAZO
Ha!
61
VERMANDERO
To give your peace more ample satisfaction,
62
Thank these discoverers.
63
TOMAZO
If you bring that calm,
Name but the manner I shall ask forgiveness in
64
For that contemptuous smile [I threw] upon you:
65
I’ll perfect perfect Pronounced with stress on the first syllable. it with reverence that belongs
66
Unto a sacred altar.
67
([Kneels])
VERMANDERO
Good sir, rise.
Why, now you overdo as much a’ this hand,
68
As you fell short a’ t’ other. − Speak, Alibius.
69
ALIBIUS
’Twas my wife’s fortune − as she is most lucky
70
At a discovery – to find out lately
71
Within our hospital of fools and madmen
72
Two counterfeits slipped into these disguises;
73
Their names, Franciscus and Antonio.
74
VERMANDERO
Both mine, sir, and I ask no favour for ’em.
75
ALIBIUS
Now that which draws suspicion to their habits:
76
The time of their disguisings agrees justly
77
With the day of the murder.
78
TOMAZO
O blest revelation!
VERMANDERO
Nay more, nay more, sir − I’ll not spare mine own
79
In way of justice − they both feigned a journey
80
To Bramata, and so wrought out their leaves;
81
My love was so abused in’t.
82
TOMAZO
Time’s too precious
To run in waste now. You have brought a peace
83
The riches of five kingdoms could not purchase.
84
Be my most happy conduct. I thirst for ’em:
85
Like subtle lightning will I wind about ’em,
86
And melt their marrow in ’em.
87
(Exeunt)
[Act V, Scene iii]
(Enter ALSEMERO and JASPERINO)
JASPERINO
Your confidence, I’m sure, is now of proof.
1
The prospect from the garden garden Pronounced as three syllables: “ga-r-den” (like “ga-er-den”, with the “r” clearly sounded). has showed
2
Enough for deep suspicion.
3
ALSEMERO
The black mask
That so continually was worn upon’t
4
Condemns the face for ugly ere’t be seen −
5
Her despite to him, and so seeming bottomless.
6
JASPERINO
Touch it home then. ’Tis not a shallow probe
7
Can search this ulcer soundly: I fear you’ll find it
8
Full of corruption corruption Pronounced as four syllables: “co-rrup-ti-on”. . − ’Tis fit I leave you.
9
She meets you opportunely from that walk;
10
She took the back door at his parting with her.
11
(Exit JASPERINO)
ALSEMERO
Did my fate wait for this unhappy stroke
12
At my first sight of woman? – She is here.
13
(Enter BEATRICE)
BEATRICE
Alsemero!
14
ALSEMERO
How do you?
BEATRICE
How do I?
Alas, [sir], how do you? You look not well.
15
ALSEMERO
You read me well enough. I am not well.
16
BEATRICE
Not well, sir? Is’t in my power to better you?
17
ALSEMERO
Yes.
18
BEATRICE
Nay, then y’are cured again.
ALSEMERO
Pray resolve me one question, lady.
19
BEATRICE
If I can.
ALSEMERO
None can so sure. Are you honest?
20
BEATRICE
Ha, ha, ha! That’s a broad question, my lord.
21
ALSEMERO
But that’s not a modest answer, my lady.
22
Do you laugh? My doubts are strong upon me.
23
BEATRICE
’Tis innocence that smiles, and no rough brow
24
Can take away the dimple in her cheek.
25
Say I should strain a tear to fill the vault,
26
Which would you give the better faith to?
27
ALSEMERO
’Twere but hypocrisy of a sadder colour,
28
But the same stuff. Neither your smiles nor tears
29
Shall move or flatter me from my belief:
30
You are a whore.
31
BEATRICE
What a horrid sound it hath!
It blasts a beauty to deformity;
32
Upon what face soever that breath falls,
33
It strikes it ugly. O, you have ruined
34
What you can ne’er repair again!
35
ALSEMERO
I’ll all demolish, and seek out truth within you,
36
If there be any left. Let your sweet tongue
37
Prevent your heart’s rifling; there I’ll ransack
38
And tear out my suspicion suspicion pronounced as four syllables: “su-spi-ci-on”. .
39
BEATRICE
You may, sir,
’Tis an easy passage. Yet if you please,
40
Show me the ground whereon you lost your love.
41
My spotless virtue may but tread on that
42
Before I perish.
43
ALSEMERO
Unanswerable!
A ground you cannot stand on: you fall down
44
Beneath all grace and goodness when you set
45
Your ticklish heel on it. There was a visor
46
O’er that cunning face, and that became you;
47
Now impudence in triumph rides upon’t.
48
How comes this tender reconcilement else
49
’Twixt you and your despite, your rancorous loathing,
50
De Flores? He that your eye was sore at sight of,
51
He’s now become your arm’s supporter, your
52
Lips’ saint!
53
BEATRICE
Is there the cause?
ALSEMERO
Worse; your lust’s devil,
Your adultery!
54
BEATRICE
Would any but yourself say that,
’Twould turn him to a villain.
55
ALSEMERO
It was witnessed
By the counsel of your bosom, Diaphanta.
56
BEATRICE
Is your witness dead then?
57
ALSEMERO
’Tis to be feared
It was the wages of her knowledge. Poor soul,
58
She lived not long after the discovery.
59
BEATRICE
Then hear a story of not much less horror
60
Than this your false suspicion is beguiled with.
61
To your bed’s scandal, I stand up innocence,
62
Which even the guilt of one black other deed
63
Will stand for proof of: your your Pronounced with two syllables: “yo-ur” (with the “r” clearly sounded). love has made me
64
A cruel murd’ress.
65
ALSEMERO
Ha!
BEATRICE
A bloody one;
I have kissed poison for it, stroked a serpent:
66
That thing of hate − worthy in my esteem
67
Of no better employment, and him most worthy
68
To be so employed − I caused to murder
69
That innocent Piracquo, having no
70
Better means than that worst, to assure
71
Yourself to me.
72
ALSEMERO
O, the place itself e’er since
Has crying been for vengeance vengeance Pronounced as three syllables: “ven-ge-ance”. : the temple
73
Where blood and beauty first unlawfully
74
Fired their devotion devotion Pronounced as four syllables: “de-vo-ti-on”. , and quenched the right one;
75
’Twas in my fears at first, ’twill have it now:
76
O, thou art all deformed!
77
BEATRICE
Forget not, sir,
It for your sake was done. Shall greater dangers
78
Make the less welcome?
79
ALSEMERO
O, thou shouldst have gone
A thousand leagues about to have avoided
80
This dangerous bridge of blood! Here we are lost.
81
BEATRICE
Remember I am true unto your bed.
82
ALSEMERO
The bed itself’s a charnel, the sheets shrouds
83
For murdered carcasses. It must ask pause
84
What I must do in this. Meantime you shall
85
Be my prisoner only. Enter my closet;
86
(Exit BEATRICE [into closet])
I’ll be your keeper yet. − O, in what part
87
Of this sad story shall I first begin? – Ha!
88
(Enter DE FLORES)
This same fellow has put me in. – De Flores?
89
DE FLORES
Noble Alsemero!
90
ALSEMERO
I can tell you
News, sir. My wife has her commended to you.
91
DE FLORES
That’s news indeed, my lord; I think she would
92
Commend me to the gallows if she could,
93
She ever loved me so well. I thank her.
94
ALSEMERO
What’s this blood upon your band, De Flores?
95
DE FLORES
Blood? No, sure; ’twas washed since.
96
ALSEMERO
Since when, man?
DE FLORES
Since t’other day I got a knock
97
In a sword-and-dagger school; I think ’tis out.
98
ALSEMERO
Yes, ’tis almost out, but ’tis perceived though. −
99
I had forgot my message. This it is:
100
What price goes murder?
101
DE FLORES
How, sir?
ALSEMERO
I ask you, sir.
My wife’s behindhand with you, she tells me,
102
For a brave bloody blow you gave for her sake
103
Upon Piracquo.
104
DE FLORES
Upon? ’Twas quite through him, sure.
Has she confessed it?
105
ALSEMERO
As sure as death to both of you,
And much more than that.
106
DE FLORES
It could not be much more:
’Twas but one thing, and that she is a whore.
107
ALSEMERO
I[t] could not choose but follow. O cunning devils!
108
How should blind men know you from fair-faced saints?
109
BEATRICE
within He lies, the villain does belie me!
110
DE FLORES
Let me go to her, sir.
111
ALSEMERO
Nay, you shall to her. –
Peace, crying crocodile, your sounds are heard!
112
Take your prey to you. − Get you into her, sir.
113
(Exit DE FLORES [into closet])
I’ll be your pander now: rehearse again
114
Your scene of lust, that you may be perfect perfect Pronounced with stress on the second syllable.
115
When you shall come to act it to the black audience
116
Where howls and gnashings shall be music to you.
117
Clip your adult’ress freely − ’tis the pilot
118
Will guide you to the Mare Mortuum,
119
Where you shall sink to fathoms bottomless.
120
(Enter VERMANDERO, ALIBIUS, ISABELLA, TOMAZO, FRANCISCUS, and ANTONIO)
VERMANDERO
O Alsemero, I have a wonder for you.
121
ALSEMERO
No, sir, ’tis I, I have a wonder for you.
122
VERMANDERO
I have suspicion near as proof itself
123
For Piracquo’s murder.
124
ALSEMERO
Sir, I have proof
Beyond suspicion for Piracquo’s murder.
125
VERMANDERO
Beseech you, hear me. These two have been disguised
126
E’er since the deed was done.
127
ALSEMERO
I have two other
That were more close disguised than your two could be,
128
E’er since the deed was done.
129
VERMANDERO
You’ll hear me − these mine own servants −
130
ALSEMERO
Hear me − those nearer than your servants,
131
That shall acquit them, and prove them guiltless.
132
FRANCISCUS
That may be done with easy truth, sir.
133
TOMAZO
How is my cause bandied through your delays!
134
’Tis urgent in [my] blood, and calls for haste:
135
Give me a brother alive or dead −
136
Alive, a wife with him; if dead, for both
137
A recompense, for murder and adultery.
138
BEATRICE
within O, O, O!
139
ALSEMERO
Hark! ’Tis coming to you.
DE FLORES
within Nay, I’ll along for company.
140
BEATRICE
within O, O!
VERMANDERO
What horrid sounds are these?
141
ALSEMERO
Come forth, you twins of mischief!
142
(Enter DE FLORES bringing in BEATRICE [wounded])
DE FLORES
Here we are. If you have any more
143
To say to us, speak quickly; I shall not
144
Give you the hearing else. I am so stout yet,
145
And so, I think, that broken rib of mankind.
146
VERMANDERO
An host of enemies ent’rèd my citadel
147
Could not amaze like this. Joanna! Beatrice! Joanna!
148
BEATRICE
O come not near me, sir; I shall defile you.
149
I am that of your blood was taken from you
150
For your better health. Look no more upon’t,
151
But cast it to the ground regardlessly;
152
Let the common sewer take it from distinction.
153
Beneath the stars, upon yon meteor
154
([Pointing to DE FLORES])
Even hung my fate, ’mongst things corruptible;
155
I ne’er could pluck it from him. My loathing
156
Was prophet to the rest, but ne’er believed;
157
Mine honour fell with him, and now my life. −
158
Alsemero, I am a stranger to your bed:
159
Your bed was coz’nèd on the nuptial night,
160
For which your false bride died.
161
ALSEMERO
Diaphanta!
DE FLORES
Yes; and the while I coupled with your mate
162
At barley-break. Now we are left in hell.
163
VERMANDERO
We are all there; it circumscribes [us] here.
164
DE FLORES
I loved this woman in spite of her heart;
165
Her love I earned out of Piracquo’s murder.
166
TOMAZO
Ha! My brother’s murderer!
167
DE FLORES
Yes, and her honour’s prize
Was my reward, I thank life for nothing nothing Pronounced with stress on the second syllable.
168
But that pleasure; it was so sweet to me
169
That I have drunk up all, left none behind
170
For any man to pledge me.
171
VERMANDERO
Horrid villain!
Keep life in him for further tortures.
172
DE FLORES
No: −
I can prevent you, here’s my penknife still.
173
It is but one thread more, [Stabs himself] − and now ’tis cut.
174
Make haste, Joanna, by that token to thee
175
Canst not forget, so lately put in mind;
176
I would not go to leave thee far behind.
177
(Dies)
BEATRICE
Forgive me, Alsemero, all forgive!
178
’Tis time to die, when ’tis a shame to live.
179
(Dies)
VERMANDERO
O, my name is ent’rèd now in that record record Pronounced with stress on the second syllable.
180
Where till this fatal hour ’twas never read.
181
ALSEMERO
Let it be blotted out; let your heart lose it,
182
And it can never look you in the face,
183
Nor tell a tale behind the back of life
184
To your dishonour. Justice hath so right
185
The guilty hit, that innocence is quit
186
By proclamation, and may joy again.
187
Sir, you are sensible of what truth hath done;
188
’Tis the best comfort that your grief can find.
189
TOMAZO
[To VERMANDERO] Sir, I am satisfied; my injuries
190
Lie dead before me. I can exact no more,
191
Unless my soul were loose, and could o’ertake
192
Those black fugitives, that are fled from thence,
193
([Pointing to the bodies])
To take a second vengeance. But there are wraths
194
Deeper than mine, ’tis to be feared, about ’em.
195
ALSEMERO
What an opacous body had that moon
196
That last changed on us! Here’s beauty changed
197
To ugly whoredom; here, servant-obedience
198
To a master-sin, imperious murder;
199
I, a supposed husband, changed embraces
200
With wantonness, but that was paid before;
201
[To TOMAZO] Your change is come too, from an ignorant wrath
202
To knowing friendship. Are there any more on’s?
203
ANTONIO
Yes, sir, I was changed too, from a little ass as I was to a great fool as I am; and had like to ha’ been changed to the gallows but that you know my innocence always excuses me.
FRANCISCUS
I was changed from a little wit to be stark mad,
208
Almost for the same purpose.
209
ISABELLA
[To ALIBIUS] Your change is still behind,
But deserve best your transformation transformation Pronounced as five syllables: “trans-for-ma-ti-on”. :
210
You are a jealous coxcomb, keep schools of folly,
211
And teach your scholars how to break your own head.
212
ALIBIUS
I see all apparent, wife, and will change now
213
Into a better husband, and never keep
214
Scholars that shall be wiser then myself.
215
ALSEMERO
[To VERMANDERO] Sir, you have yet a son’s duty living;
216
Please you, accept it. Let that your sorrow,
217
As it goes from your eye, go from your heart.
218
Man and his sorrow at the grave must part.
219
EPILOGUE
ALSEMERO
All we can do, to comfort one another,
1
To stay a brother’s sorrow for a brother,
2
To dry a child from the kind father’s eyes,
3
Is to no purpose; it rather multiplies.
4
Your only smiles have power to cause re-live
5
The dead again, or in their rooms to give
6
Brother a new brother, father a child;
7
If these appear, all griefs are reconciled.
8
(Exeunt OMNES)