John Ford

The Broken Heart

Ford, John. <<The Broken Heart>> . In: Brooke, Charles F. Tucker; Paradise, Nathaniel Burton (ed.). <<English Drama 1580-1642.>> Boston: Heath, 1933.

Joan Oleza Simó (Investigador principal) FaltaTraductor (Traductor) Tronch Pérez, Jesus (Editor)

English · Verso · 286 versos

https://playcode.fly.dev/plays/EMOTHE0354_TheBrokenHeart

Tiempo histórico: Antigüedad clásica
Datación: posterior 1630 y anterior 1633; ¿1629?; ¿1625? y ¿1633?

Bibliografía

Ediciones modernas

Anderson, Donald K., ed. The Broken Heart. Ford, John. London: Edward Arnold, 1968. Regents Renaissance Drama.
Baskervill, Charles R., ed. Elizabethan and Stuart Plays. New York: H. Holt, 1934.
Brooke, Charles F. Tucker; Paradise, Nathaniel Burton, ed. English Drama 1580-1642. Boston: Heath, 1933.
Ford, John. In: Harrier, Richard C., ed. The Anchor anthology of Jacobean drama. Vol. 2. New York: Anchor, 1963.
Gibson, Colin, ed. The Selected Plays of John Ford: ‘The Broken Heart’; 'Tis Pity She's a Whore; ‘Perkin Warbeck’. Vol. 7. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986, pp. 356. Cambridge: Plays by Renaissance & Restoration Dramatists. Gibson, Colin (ed. & introd.); Storey, Graham (pref.).
Kingsley-Smith, Jane, ed. The Duchess of Malfi, The White Devil, The Broken Heart and 'Tis Pity She's a Whore. Vol. 48. London: Penguin Books, 2015, pp. 591. Kingsley-Smith, Jane (ed. and introd.).
Morris, Brian, ed. The Broken Heart. Ford, John. London: E. Benn, 1965. New Mermaids.
Nethercot, Arthur H.; Baskervill, Charles R.; Heltzel, Virgil B., ed. Stuart Plays. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1971.
Ornstein, Robert; Spencer, Hazelton, ed. Elizabethan and Jacobean Comedy: An Anthology. Boston: Heath, 1964.
Spencer, Hazelton, ed. Elizabethan Plays. Boston: Heath, 1933.
Spencer, T. J. B., ed. The Broken Heart. Ford, John. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1980. The Revels Plays.
Sturgess, Keith, ed. Three plays, (''Tis Pity she's a Whore'; 'The Broken Heart'; 'Perkin Warbeck'). Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1970, pp. 414.
Wine, M. L., ed. The Broken Heart. Ford, John. New York: Modern Library, 1969. Drama of the English Renaissance.

Bibliografía crítica

Anderson, Donald K., Jr. "The Heart and the Banquet: Imagery in Ford's ''Tis Pity' and 'The Broken Heart'". SEL: Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900. 1962, 2, 2, p. 209-17.
Barker, Roberta. "Death and the Married Maiden: Performing Gender in 'The Broken Heart'". English Studies in Canada. 2004, 30, 2, p. 67-89.
Barton, Anne. "Oxymoron and the structure of Ford's 'The Broken Heart'". Essays and Studies. 1980, 33, p. 70-94.
Burbridge, Roger T. "The Moral Vision of Ford's 'The Broken Heart'". SEL: Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900. 1970, 10, 2, p. 397-407.
Burelback, Frederick M., Jr. "'The Truth' in John Ford's 'The Broken Heart' Revisited". Notes and Queries. 1967, 14, p. 211-212.
Cahill, Patricia A. "Going through the Motions: Affects, Machines, and John Ford's 'The Broken Heart'"". Ed. Arab, Ronda; Dowd, Michelle M.; Zucker, Adam. Historical Affects and the Early Modern Theater. New York: Routledge, 2015, p. 15-27.
Crouch, Kristin. "'The Silent Griefs Which Cut the Heart Strings': John Ford's 'The Broken Heart' in Performance". Ed. Esche, Edward J. Shakespeare and His Contemporaries in Performance. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2000, p. 261-74.
Dyer, William D. "Holding/Withholding Environments: A Psychoanalytic Approach to Ford's 'The Broken Heart'". English Literary Renaissance. 1991, 21, 2, p. 401-24.
Foster, Verna Ann; Foster, Stephen. "Structure and history in 'The Broken Heart': Sparta, England, and the 'truth'". English Literary Renaissance. 1988, 18, 2, p. 305-28.
Greenfield, Thelma N. "The Language of Process in Ford's 'The Broken Heart'". PMLA: Publications of the Modern Language Association of America. 1972, 87, 3, p. 397-405.
Gutierrez, Nancy A. "Trafficking in John Ford's 'The Broken Heart'". Ed. Abate, Corinne S. Privacy, Domesticity, and Women in Early Modern England. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2003, p. 65-81.
Hamilton, Sharon. "'The Broken Heart': Language Suited to a Divided Mind". Ed. Anderson, Donald K., Jr. "Concord in Discord": The Plays of John Ford, 1586-1986. New York: AMS, 1986, p. 171-193.
Hawkins, Harriett. "Mortality, Morality, and Modernity in 'The Broken Heart': Some Dramatic and Critical Counter-Arguments". Ed. Neill, Michael. John Ford: Critical Re-Visions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988, p. 129-152.
Hopkins, Lisa. "'I Am Not Oedipus': Riddling the Body Politic in 'The Broken Heart'". Connotations: A Journal for Critical Debate. 1996, 6, 3, p. 259-82.
Kaufmann, R.J. "Ford's 'Waste Land': 'The Broken Heart'". Renaissance Drama Evanston. 1970, 3, p. 167-87.
Kelly, Michael J. "The Values of Action and Chronicle in 'The Broken Heart'". Papers on Language and Literature: A Journal for Scholars and Critics of Language and Literature Edwardsville. 1971, 7, p. 150-58.
Kessel, Marie L. "'The Broken Heart': An Allegorical Reading". Medieval & Renaissance Drama in England: An Annual Gathering of Research, Criticism and Reviews. 1986, 3, p. 217-230.
McDonald, Charles O. "The Design of John Ford's 'The Broken Heart': A Study in the Development of Caroline Sensibility". Studies in Philology. 1962, 59, p. 141-161.
Murakami, Toshiro. "'The Broken Heart': Nakunarushikanai". Eigo Seinen/Rising Generation. 2005, 150, 11, p. 684.
Neill, Michael. "Ford's Unbroken Art: The Moral Design of 'The Broken Heart'". Modern Language Review. 1980, 75, p. 249-68.
Pellizzi, Giovanna. "The Speech of Ithocles on Ambition in Ford's 'The Broken Heart'". English Miscellany: A Symposium of History, Literature and the Arts. 1969, 20, p. 93-99.
Schlueter, June. "Ford's 'The Broken Heart' as a Multiple-Plot Play". Thoth: Syracuse University Graduate Studies in English. 1975, 15, 2, p. 21-26.
Spinrad, Phoebe S. "Ceremonies of Complement: The Symbolic Marriage in Ford's 'The Broken Heart'". Philological Quarterly. 1986, 65, 1, p. 23-37.
Waith, Eugene M. "Struggle for Calm: The Dramatic Structure of 'The Broken Heart'". Ed. Henning, Standish, Kimbrough, Robert, Knowles, Richard. English Renaissance Drama: Essays in Honor of Madeleine Doran & Mark Eccles. London: Southern Illinois UP, 1976, p. 155-66.

Traducciones

Deutsch

Ford, John. "Das gebrochene Herz". John Ford’s dramatische Dichtungen: neben Stücken von Dekker und Rowley. Vol. 2. Berlin: Verlag der Königlichen Geheimen Ober-Hofbuchdr, 1860, p. 269-355.
Ford, John. "Das gebrochene Herz: ein Trauerspiel". Tra. Friedrich, Adolf (Graf von Schack). Ed. Friedrich, Adolf (Graf von Schack). Die englischen Dramatiker vor, neben und nach Shakespeare. Stuttgart: Cotta, 1893, p. 211-224.
Ford, John. "Ein gebrochenes Herz". Ed. Gelbcke, F. A. Die englische Bühne zu Shakespeare’s Zeit. Leipzig: Brockhaus, 1890, p. 285-376.
Ford, John. Das gebrochene Herz. Tra. Wiener, Moritz. Berlin, 1858. Dramatische Werke.

For this digital edition, speech prefixes have been expanded. With the support of research project GVAICO2016-094, funded by Generalitat Valenciana (2016-2017). __________________________________________________

The Speakers' Names, Fitted To Their Qualities

Amyclas Common to the Kings of Laconia

Ithocles Honour of loveliness, a Favourite

Orgilus Angry, son to Crotolon

Bassanes Vexation, a jealous Nobleman

Armostes an Appeaser, a Councillor of State

Crotolon Noise, another Councillor

Prophilus Dear, Friend to Ithocles

Nearchus Young Prince, Prince of Argos

Tecnicus Artist, a Philosopher

Lemophil Glutton, }

Groneas Tavern-haunter, } two Courtiers

Amelus Trusty, Friend to Nearchus

Phulas Watchful, Servant to Bassanes

Calantha Flower of beauty, the King's Daughter

Penthea Complaint, Sister to Ithocles [and Wife to Bassanes]

Euphranea Joy, a Maid of honour [Daughter to Crotolon]

Christalla Christal, }

Philema A Kiss, } Maids of honour

Grausis Old Beldam, Overseer of Penthea

Thrasus Fierceness, Father of Ithocles

Aplotes Simplicity, Orgilus so disguised

Both

Omnes

All

The Prologue

Our scene is Sparta. He whose best of art 1

Hath drawn this piece calls it The Broken Heart . 2

The title lends no expectation here 3

Of apish laughter, or of some lame jeer 4

At place or persons; no pretended clause 5

Of jests fit for a brothel courts applause 6

From vulgar admiration: such low songs, 7

Tun'd to unchaste ears, suit not modest tongues. 8

The Virgin Sisters then deserv'd fresh bays, 9

When Innocence and Sweetness crown'd their lays; 10

Then vices gasp'd for breath, whose whole commerce 11

Was whipp'd to exile by unblushing verse. 12

This law we keep in our presentment now, 13

Not to take freedom more than we allow. 14

What may be here thought a fiction, when time's youth 15

Wanted some riper years, was known a truth: 16

In which, if words have cloth'd the subject right, 17

You may partake a pity with delight. 18

Actus Primus:

Scæna prima

([House of Crotolon])

(Enter Crotolon and Orgilus)

Crotolon

Dally not further; I will know the reason 1

That speeds thee to this journey. 2

Orgilus

Reason! good sir,

I can yield many. 3

Crotolon

Give me one, a good one;

Such I expect, and ere we part must have. 4

Athens! Pray, why to Athens? You intend not 5

To kick against the world, turn Cynic, Stoic? 6

Or read the logic lecture? or become 7

An Areopagite, and judge in causes 8

Touching the commonwealth? for, as I take it, 9

The budding of your chin cannot prognosticate 10

So grave an honour. 11

Orgilus

All this I acknowledge.

Crotolon

You do! Then, son, if books and love of knowledge 12

Inflame you to this travel, here in Sparta 13

You may as freely study. 14

Orgilus

'T is not that, sir.

Crotolon

Not that, sir! As a father, I command thee 15

To acquaint me with the truth. 16

Orgilus

Thus I obey ye.

After so many quarrels as dissension, 17

Fury, and rage had broach'd in blood, and sometimes 18

With death to such confederates as sided 19

With now-dead Thrasus and yourself, my lord; 20

Our present king, Amyclas, reconcil'd 21

Your eager swords and seal'd a gentle peace. 22

Friends you profess'd yourselves; which to confirm, 23

A resolution for a lasting league 24

Betwixt your families was entertain'd, 25

By joining in a Hymenean bond 26

Me and the fair Penthea, only daughter 27

To Thrasus. 28

Crotolon

What of this?

Orgilus

Much, much, dear sir.

A freedom of converse, an interchange 29

Of holy and chaste love, so fix'd our souls 30

In a firm growth of holy union, that no time 31

Can eat into the pledge. We had enjoy'd 32

The sweets our vows expected, had not cruelty 33

Prevented all those triumphs we prepar'd for 34

By Thrasus his untimely death. 35

Crotolon

Most certain.

Orgilus

From this time sprouted up that poisonous stalk 36

Of aconite, whose ripen'd fruit hath ravish'd 37

All health, all comfort of a happy life; 38

For Ithocles, her brother, proud of youth, 39

And prouder in his power, nourish'd closely 40

The memory of former discontents, 41

To glory in revenge. By cunning partly, 42

Partly by threats, 'a woos at once and forces 43

His virtuous sister to admit a marriage 44

With Bassanes, a nobleman, in honour 45

And riches, I confess, beyond my fortunes. 46

Crotolon

All this is no sound reason to importune 47

My leave for thy departure. 48

Orgilus

Now it follows.

Beauteous Penthea, wedded to this torture 49

By an insulting brother, being secretly 50

Compell'd to yield her virgin freedom up 51

To him who never can usurp her heart, 52

Before contracted mine, is now so yok'd 53

To a most barbarous thraldom, misery, 54

Affliction, that he savours not humanity, 55

Whose sorrow melts not into more than pity 56

In hearing but her name. 57

Crotolon

As how, pray?

Orgilus

Bassanes,

The man that calls her wife, considers truly 58

What heaven of perfections he is lord of 59

By thinking fair Penthea his. This thought 60

Begets a kind of monster-love, which love 61

Is nurse unto a fear so strong and servile 62

As brands all dotage with a jealousy: 63

All eyes who gaze upon that shrine of beauty, 64

He doth resolve, do homage to the miracle; 65

Some one, he is assur'd, may now or then, 66

If opportunity but sort, prevail. 67

So much, out of a self-unworthiness, 68

His fears transport him; not that he finds cause 69

In her obedience, but his own distrust. 70

Crotolon

You spin out your discourse. 71

Orgilus

My griefs are violent:

For knowing how the maid was heretofore 72

Courted by me, his jealousies grow wild 73

That I should steal again into her favours, 74

And undermine her virtues; which the gods 75

Know I nor dare nor dream of. Hence, from hence 76

I undertake a voluntary exile; 77

First, by my absence to take off the cares 78

Of jealous Bassanes; but chiefly, sir, 79

To free Penthea from a hell on earth; 80

Lastly, to lose the memory of something 81

Her presence makes to live in me afresh. 82

Crotolon

Enough, my Orgilus, enough. To Athens! 83

I give a full consent. — Alas, good lady! — 84

We shall hear from thee often? 85

Orgilus

Often.

Crotolon

See,

Thy sister comes to give a farewell. 86

(Enter Euphranea)

Euphranea

Brother!

Orgilus

Euphranea, thus upon thy cheeks I print 87

A brother's kiss; more careful of thine honour, 88

Thy health, and thy well-doing, than my life. 89

Before we part, in presence of our father, 90

I must prefer a suit t' ye. 91

Euphranea

You may style it,

My brother, a command. 92

Orgilus

That you will promise

To pass never to any man, however 93

Worthy, your faith, till, with our father's leave, 94

I give a free consent. 95

Crotolon

An easy motion!

I'll promise for her, Orgilus. 96

Orgilus

Your pardon;

Euphranea's oath must yield me satisfaction. 97

Euphranea

By Vesta's sacred fires I swear. 98

Crotolon

And I,

By great Apollo's beams, join in the vow, 99

Not without thy allowance to bestow her 100

On any living. 101

Orgilus

Dear Euphranea,

Mistake me not: far, far 't is from my thought, 102

As far from any wish of mine, to hinder 103

Preferment to an honourable bed 104

Or fitting fortune. Thou art young and handsome; 105

And 't were injustice, — more, a tyranny, — 106

Not to advance thy merit. Trust me, sister, 107

It shall be my first care to see thee match'd 108

As may become thy choice and our contents. 109

I have your oath. 110

Euphranea

You have. But mean you, brother,

To leave us, as you say? 111

Crotolon

Ay, ay, Euphranea.

He has just grounds direct him. I will prove 112

A father and a brother to thee. 113

Euphranea

Heaven

Does look into the secrets of all hearts. 114

Gods, you have mercy with ye, else — 115

Crotolon

Doubt nothing;

Thy brother will return in safety to us. 116

Orgilus

Souls sunk in sorrows never are without 'em; 117

They change fresh airs, but bear their griefs about 'em. 118

(Exeunt omnes.)

Scene 2

([The Court])

(Flourish. Enter Amyclas the King, Armostes, Prophilus, and Attendants)

Amyclas

The Spartan gods are gracious; our humility 1

Shall bend before their altars, and perfume 2

Their temples with abundant sacrifice. 3

See, lords, Amyclas, your old king, is ent'ring 4

Into his youth again! I shall shake off 5

This silver badge of age, and change this snow 6

For hairs as gay as are Apollo's locks. 7

Our heart leaps in new vigour. 8

Armostes

May old time

Run back to double your long life, great sir! 9

Amyclas

It will, it must, Armostes. Thy bold nephew, 10

Death-braving Ithocles, brings to our gates 11

Triumphs and peace upon his conquering sword. 12

Laconia is a monarchy at length; 13

Hath in this latter war trod under foot 14

Messene's pride; Messene bows her neck 15

To Lacedæmon's royalty. O, 't was 16

A glorious victory, and doth deserve 17

More than a chronicle — a temple, lords, 18

A temple to the name of Ithocles. — 19

Where didst thou leave him, Prophilus? 20

Prophilus

At Pephon,

Most gracious sovereign. Twenty of the noblest 21

Of the Messenians there attend your pleasure, 22

For such conditions as you shall propose 23

In settling peace, and liberty of life. 24

Amyclas

When comes your friend, the general? 25

Prophilus

He promis'd

To follow with all speed convenient. 26

(Enter Crotolon, Calantha, Christalla, Philema [with a garland] and Euphranea)

Amyclas

Our daughter! — Dear Calantha, the happy news, 27

The conquest of Messene, hath already 28

Enrich'd thy knowledge. 29

Calantha

With the circumstance

And manner of the fight, related faithfully 30

By Prophilus himself. — But, pray, sir, tell me, 31

How doth the youthful general demean 32

His actions in these fortunes? 33

Prophilus

Excellent princess,

Your own fair eyes may soon report a truth 34

Unto your judgment, with what moderation, 35

Calmness of nature, measure, bounds, and limits 36

Of thankfulness and joy, 'a doth digest 37

Such amplitude of his success as would 38

In others, moulded of a spirit less clear, 39

Advance 'em to comparison with heaven. 40

But Ithocles — 41

Calantha

Your friend —

Prophilus

He is so, madam,

In which the period of my fate consists: 42

He, in this firmament of honour, stands 43

Like a star fix'd, not mov'd with any thunder 44

Of popular applause or sudden lightning 45

Of self-opinion. He hath serv'd his country, 46

And thinks 't was but his duty. 47

Crotolon

You describe

A miracle of man. 48

Amyclas

Such, Crotolon,

Flourish. On forfeit of a king's word, thou wilt find him. — 49

Hark, warning of his coming! All attend him. 50

(Enter Ithocles, Lemophil, and Groneas; the rest of the Lords ushering him in)

Return into these arms, thy home, thy sanctuary, 51

Delight of Sparta, treasure of my bosom, 52

Mine own, own Ithocles! 53

Ithocles

Your humblest subject.

Armostes

Proud of the blood I claim an interest in, 54

As brother to thy mother, I embrace thee, 55

Right noble nephew. 56

Ithocles

Sir, your love 's too partial.

Crotolon

Our country speaks by me, who by thy valour, 57

Wisdom, and service, shares in this great action; 58

Returning thee, in part of thy due merits, 59

A general welcome. 60

Ithocles

You exceed in bounty.

Calantha

Christalla, Philema, the chaplet. 61

[Takes the chaplet from them.] — Ithocles,

Upon the wings of Fame the singular 62

And chosen fortune of an high attempt 63

Is borne so past the view of common sight, 64

That I myself with mine own hands have wrought, 65

To crown thy temples, this provincial garland: 66

Accept, wear, and enjoy it as our gift 67

Deserv'd, not purchas'd. 68

Ithocles

Y' are a royal maid.

Amyclas

She is in all our daughter. 69

Ithocles

Let me blush,

Acknowledging how poorly I have serv'd, 70

What nothings I have done, compar'd with th' honours 71

Heap'd on the issue of a willing mind. 72

In that lay mine ability, that only: 73

For who is he so sluggish from his birth, 74

So little worthy of a name or country, 75

That owes not out of gratitude for life 76

A debt of service, in what kind soever 77

Safety or counsel of the commonwealth 78

Requires, for payment? 79

Calantha

'A speaks truth.

Ithocles

Whom heaven

Is pleas'd to style victorious, there to such 80

Applause runs madding, like the drunken priests 81

In Bacchus' sacrifices, without reason 82

Voicing the leader-on a demi-god; 83

Whenas, indeed, each common soldier's blood 84

Drops down as current coin in that hard purchase 85

As his whose much more delicate condition 86

Hath suck'd the milk of ease. Judgment commands, 87

But resolution executes. I use not, 88

Before this royal presence, these fit slights 89

As in contempt of such as can direct; 90

My speech hath other end: not to attribute 91

All praise to one man's fortune, which is strengthen'd 92

By many hands. For instance, here is Prophilus, 93

A gentleman — I cannot flatter truth — 94

Of much desert; and, though in other rank, 95

Both Lemophil and Groneas were not missing 96

To wish their country's peace; for, in a word, 97

All there did strive their best, and 't was our duty. 98

Amyclas

Courtiers turn soldiers! — We vouchsafe our hand. 99

([Lemophil and Groneas kiss his hand.])

Observe your great example. 100

Lemophil

With all diligence.

Groneas

Obsequiously and hourly. 101

Amyclas

Some repose

After these toils are needful. We must think on 102

Conditions for the conquer'd; they expect 'em. 103

On! — Come, my Ithocles. 104

Euphranea

Sir, with your favour,

I need not a supporter. 105

Prophilus

Fate instructs me.

(Exeunt. Manent Lemophil, Groneas, Christalla, et Philema. Lemophil stays Christalla, Groneas Philema.)

Christalla

With me? 106

Philema

Indeed, I dare not stay.

Lemophil

Sweet lady,

Soldiers are blunt, — your lip. 107

Christalla

Fie, this is rudeness:

You went not hence such creatures. 108

Groneas

Spirit of valour

Is of a mounting nature. 109

Philema

It appears so. —

Pray, in earnest, how many men apiece 110

Have you two been the death of? 111

Groneas

'Faith, not many;

We were compos'd of mercy. 112

Lemophil

For our daring,

You have heard the general's approbation 113

Before the king. 114

Christalla

You "wish'd your country's peace":

That show'd your charity. Where are your spoils, 115

Such as the soldier fights for? 116

Philema

They are coming.

Christalla

By the next carrier, are they not? 117

Groneas

Sweet Philema,

When I was in the thickest of mine enemies, 118

Slashing off one man's head, another's nose, 119

Another's arms and legs, — 120

Philema

And all together.

Groneas

Then would I with a sigh remember thee, 121

And cry "Dear Philema, 't is for thy sake 122

I do these deeds of wonder!" — Dost not love me 123

With all thy heart now? 124

Philema

Now as heretofore.

I have not put my love to use; the principal 125

Will hardly yield an interest. 126

Groneas

By Mars,

I'll marry thee! 127

Philema

By Vulcan, y' are forsworn,

Except my mind do alter strangely. 128

Groneas

One word.

Christalla

You lie beyond all modesty: — forbear me. 129

Lemophil

I'll make thee mistress of a city; 't is 130

Mine own by conquest. 131

Christalla

By petition; sue for 't

In forma pauperis . — City! kennel. — Gallants, 132

Off with your feathers, put on aprons, gallants; 133

Learn to reel, thrum, or trim a lady's dog, 134

And be good quiet souls of peace, hobgoblins! 135

Lemophil

Christalla! 136

Christalla

Practise to drill hogs, in hope

To share in the acorns. — Soldiers! corncutters, 137

But not so valiant: they ofttimes draw blood, 138

Which you durst never do. When you have practis'd 139

More wit or more civility, we'll rank ye 140

I' th' list of men: till then, brave things-at-arms, 141

Dare not to speak to us, — most potent Groneas! — 142

Philema

And Lemophil the hardy! — at your services. 143

(Exeunt Christalla and Philema.)

Groneas

They scorn us as they did before we went. 144

Lemophil

Hang 'em! let us scorn them, and be reveng'd. 145

Groneas

Shall we? 146

Lemophil

We will: and when we slight them thus, 147

Instead of following them, they'll follow us; 148

It is a woman's nature. 149

Groneas

'T is a scurvy one.

(Exeunt omnes.)

Scene 3

([Grove near the palace])

(Enter Tecnicus, a philosopher, and Orgilus disguised like a Scholar of his)

Tecnicus

Tempt not the stars; young man, thou canst not play 1

With the severity of fate: this change 2

Of habit and disguise in outward view 3

Hides not the secrets of thy soul within thee 4

From their quick-piercing eyes, which dive at all times 5

Down to thy thoughts. In thy aspect I note 6

A consequence of danger. 7

Orgilus

Give me leave,

Grave Tecnicus, without foredooming destiny, 8

Under thy roof to ease my silent griefs 9

By applying to my hidden wounds the balm 10

Of thy oraculous lectures. If my fortune 11

Run such a crooked by-way as to wrest 12

My steps to ruin, yet thy learned precepts 13

Shall call me back and set my footings straight. 14

I will not court the world. 15

Tecnicus

Ah, Orgilus,

Neglects in young men of delights and life 16

Run often to extremities; they care not 17

For harms to others who contemn their own. 18

Orgilus

But I, most learned artist, am not so much 19

At odds with nature that I grutch the thrift 20

Of any true deserver; nor doth malice 21

Of present hopes so check them with despair 22

As that I yield to thought of more affliction 23

Than what is incident to frailty: wherefore 24

Impute not this retired course of living 25

Some little time to any other cause 26

Than what I justly render, — the information 27

Of an unsettled mind; as the effect 28

Must clearly witness. 29

Tecnicus

Spirit of truth inspire thee!

On these conditions I conceal thy change, 30

And willingly admit thee for an auditor. — 31

I'll to my study. 32

Orgilus

I to contemplations

In these delightful walks. 33

([Exit Tecnicus.])

Thus metamorphos'd

I may without suspicion hearken after 34

Penthea's usage and Euphranea's faith. 35

Love, thou art full of mystery! The deities 36

Themselves are not secure in searching out 37

The secrets of those flames, which, hidden, waste 38

A breast made tributary to the laws 39

Of beauty. Physic yet hath never found 40

A remedy to cure a lover's wound. — 41

Ha! who are those that cross yon private walk 42

Into the shadowing grove in amorous foldings? 43

(Prophilus passeth over, supporting Euphranea, and whispering)

My sister! O, my sister! 't is Euphranea 44

With Prophilus: supported too! I Would 45

It were an apparition! Prophilus 46

Is Ithocles his friend. It strangely puzzles me. 47

Again! help me, my book; this scholar's habit 48

Must stand my privilege: my mind is busy, 49

Mine eyes and ears are open. 50

(Walks by, reading.)

(Enter again Prophilus and Euphranea)

Prophilus

Do not waste

The span of this stol'n time, lent by the gods 51

For precious use, in niceness. Bright Euphranea, 52

Should I repeat old vows, or study new, 53

For purchase of belief to my desires, — 54

Orgilus

Desires! 55

Prophilus

My service, my integrity, —

Orgilus

That's better. 56

Prophilus

I should but repeat a lesson

Oft conn'd without a prompter but thine eyes. 57

My love is honourable. 58

Orgilus

So was mine

To my Penthea, chastely honourable. 59

Prophilus

Nor wants there more addition to my wish 60

Of happiness than having thee a wife; 61

Already sure of Ithocles, a friend 62

Firm and unalterable. 63

Orgilus

But a brother

More cruel than the grave. 64

Euphranea

What can you look for,

In answer to your noble protestations, 65

From an unskilful maid, but language suited 66

To a divided mind? 67

Orgilus

Hold out, Euphranea!

Euphranea

Know, Prophilus, I never undervalu'd, 68

From the first time you mention'd worthy love, 69

Your merit, means, or person. It had been 70

A fault of judgment in me, and a dulness 71

In my affections, not to weigh and thank 72

My better stars that offer'd me the grace 73

Of so much blissfulness. For, to speak truth, 74

The law of my desires kept equal pace 75

With yours; nor have I left that resolution: 76

But, only in a word, whatever choice 77

Lives nearest in my heart must first procure 78

Consent both from my father and my brother, 79

Ere he can own me his. 80

Orgilus

She is forsworn else.

Prophilus

Leave me that task. 81

Euphranea

My brother, ere he parted

To Athens, had my oath. 82

Orgilus

Yes, yes, 'a had, sure.

Prophilus

I doubt not, with the means the court supplies, 83

But to prevail at pleasure. 84

Orgilus

Very likely!

Prophilus

Meantime, best, dearest, I may build my hopes 85

On the foundation of thy constant suff'rance 86

In any opposition. 87

Euphranea

Death shall sooner

Divorce life and the joys I have in living 88

Than my chaste vows from truth. 89

Prophilus

On thy fair hand

I seal the like. 90

Orgilus

There is no faith in woman.

Passion, O, be contain'd! My very heartstrings 91

Are on the tenters. 92

Euphranea

Sir, we are overheard.

Cupid protect us! 'T was a stirring, sir. 93

Of some one near. 94

Prophilus

Your fears are needless, lady.

None have access into these private pleasures 95

Except some near in court, or bosom-student 96

From Tecnicus his oratory, granted 97

By special favour lately from the king 98

Unto the grave philosopher. 99

Euphranea

Methinks

I hear one talking to himself, — I see him. 100

Prophilus

'T is a poor scholar, as I told you, lady. 101

Orgilus

I am discover'd. 102

([Half aloud to himself, as if studying.])

Say it: is it possible,

With a smooth tongue, a leering countenance, 103

Flattery, or force of reason — I come t' ye, sir — 104

To turn or to appease the raging sea? 105

Answer to that. — Your art! what art to catch 106

And hold fast in a net the sun's small atoms? 107

No, no; they'll out, they'll out: ye may as easily 108

Outrun a cloud driven by a northern blast 109

As fiddle-faddle so! Peace, or speak sense. 110

Euphranea

Call you this thing a scholar? 'Las, he's lunatic. 111

Prophilus

Observe him, sweet; 't is but his recreation. 112

Orgilus

But will you hear a little? You are so tetchy, 113

You keep no rule in argument. Philosophy 114

Works not upon impossibilities, 115

But natural conclusions. — Mew! — absurd! 116

The metaphysics are but speculations 117

Of the celestial bodies, or such accidents 118

As not mix'd perfectly, in the air engend'red 119

Appear to us unnatural; that's all. 120

Prove it. Yet, with a reverence to your gravity, 121

I'll balk illiterate sauciness, submitting 122

My sole opinion to the touch of writers. 123

Prophilus

Now let us fall in with him. 124

([They come forward.])

Orgilus

Ha, ha, ha!

These apish boys, when they but taste the grammates 125

And principles of theory, imagine 126

They can oppose their teachers. Confidence 127

Leads many into errors. 128

Prophilus

By your leave, sir.

Euphranea

Are you a scholar, friend? 129

Orgilus

I am, gay creature,

With pardon of your deities, a mushroom 130

On whom the dew of heaven drops now and then. 131

The sun shines on me too, I thank his beams! 132

Sometime I feel their warmth, and eat and sleep. 133

Prophilus

Does Tecnicus read to thee? 134

Orgilus

Yes, forsooth,

He is my master surely; yonder door 135

Opens upon his study. 136

Prophilus

Happy creatures.

Such people toil not, sweet, in heats of state, 137

Nor sink in thaws of greatness; their affections 138

Keep order with the limits of their modesty; 139

Their love is love of virtue. — What's thy name? 140

Orgilus

Aplotes, sumptuous master, a poor wretch. 141

Euphranea

Dost thou want anything? 142

Orgilus

Books, Venus, books.

Prophilus

Lady, a new conceit comes in my thought, 143

And most available for both our comforts. 144

Euphranea

My lord, — 145

Prophilus

Whiles I endeavour to deserve

Your father's blessing to our loves, this scholar 146

May daily at some certain hours attend 147

What notice I can write of my success, 148

Here in this grove, and give it to your hands; 149

The like from you to me: so can we never, 150

Barr'd of our mutual speech, want sure intelligence, 151

And thus our hearts may talk when our tongues cannot. 152

Euphranea

Occasion is most favourable; use it. 153

Prophilus

Aplotes, wilt thou wait us twice a day, 154

At nine i' th' morning and at four at night, 155

Here in this bower, to convey such letters 156

As each shall send to other? Do it willingly, 157

Safely, and secretly, and I will furnish 158

Thy study, or what else thou canst desire. 159

Orgilus

Jove, make me thankful, thankful, I beseech thee, 160

Propitious Jove! I will prove sure and trusty: 161

You will not fail me books? 162

Prophilus

Nor aught besides

Thy heart can wish. This lady's name 's Euphranea, 163

Mine Prophilus. 164

Orgilus

I have a pretty memory;

It must prove my best friend. I will not miss 165

One minute of the hours appointed. 166

Prophilus

Write

The books thou wouldst have bought thee in a note, 167

Or take thyself some money. 168

Orgilus

No, no money.

Money to scholars is a spirit invisible, 169

We dare not finger it: or books, or nothing. 170

Prophilus

Books of what sort thou wilt: do not forget 171

Our names. 172

Orgilus

I warrant ye, I warrant ye.

Prophilus

Smile, Hymen, on the growth of our desires; 173

We'll feed thy torches with eternal fires! 174

(Exeunt. Manet Orgilus.)

Orgilus

Put out thy torches, Hymen, or their light 175

Shall meet a darkness of eternal night! 176

Inspire me, Mercury, with swift deceits. 177

Ingenious Fate has leapt into mine arms, 178

Beyond the compass of my brain. Mortality 179

Creeps on the dung of earth, and cannot reach 180

The riddles which are purpos'd by the gods. 181

Great arts best write themselves in their own stories; 182

They die too basely who outlive their glories. 183

(Exit.)

Actus Secundus:

Scæna Prima

([House of Bassanes])

(Enter Bassanes and Phulas)

Bassanes

I'll have that window next the street damm'd up. 1

It gives too full a prospect to temptation, 2

And courts a gazer's glances. There's a lust 3

Committed by the eye, that sweats and travails, 4

Plots, wakes, contrives, till the deformed bear-whelp, 5

Adultery, be lick'd into the act, 6

The very act. That light shall be damm'd up; 7

D' ye hear, sir? 8

Phulas

I do hear, my lord; a mason

Shall be provided suddenly. 9

Bassanes

Some rogue.

Some rogue of your confederacy, — factor 10

For slaves and strumpets! — to convey close packets 11

From this spruce springal and t' other youngster, 12

That gaudy earwig, or my lord your patron, 13

Whose pensioner you are. — I'll tear thy throat out, 14

Son of a cat, ill-looking hound's-head, rip up 15

Thy ulcerous maw, if I but scent a paper, 16

A scroll, but half as big as what can cover 17

A wart upon thy nose, a spot, a pimple, 18

Directed to my lady. It may prove 19

A mystical preparative to lewdness. 20

Phulas

Care shall be had: I will turn every thread 21

About me to an eye. — 22

Here's a sweet life! 23

Bassanes

The city housewives, cunning in the traffic 24

Of chamber merchandise, set all at price 25

By wholesale; yet they wipe their mouths and simper, 26

Cull, kiss, and cry "sweetheart," and stroke the head 27

Which they have branch'd; and all is well again! 28

Dull clods of dirt, who dare not feel the rubs 29

Stuck on their foreheads. 30

Phulas

'T is a villanous world;

One cannot hold his own in 't. 31

Bassanes

Dames at court,

Who flaunt in riots, run another bias. 32

Their pleasure heaves the patient ass that suffers 33

Up on the stilts of office, titles, incomes; 34

Promotion justifies the shame, and sues for 't. 35

Poor honour, thou art stabb'd, and bleed'st to death 36

By such unlawful hire! The country mistress 37

Is yet more wary, and in blushes hides 38

Whatever trespass draws her troth to guilt. 39

But all are false. On this truth I am bold: 40

No woman but can fall, and doth, or would. — 41

Now for the newest news about the city; 42

What blab the voices, sirrah? 43

Phulas

O, my lord,

The rarest, quaintest, strangest, tickling news 44

That ever — 45

Bassanes

Hey-day! up and ride me, rascal!

What is 't? 46

Phulas

Forsooth, they say the king has mew'd

All his gray beard, instead of which is budded 47

Another of a pure carnation colour, 48

Speckled with green and russet. 49

Bassanes

Ignorant block!

Phulas

Yes, truly; and 't is talk'd about the streets 50

That, since Lord Ithocles came home, the lions 51

Never left roaring, at which noise the bears 52

Have danc'd their very hearts out. 53

Bassanes

Dance out thine too.

Phulas

Besides, Lord Orgilus is fled to Athens 54

Upon a fiery dragon, and 't is thought 55

'A never can return. 56

Bassanes

Grant it, Apollo!

Phulas

Moreover, please your lordship, 't is reported 57

For certain, that whoever is found jealous, 58

Without apparent proof that's wife is wanton, 59

Shall be divorc'd: but this is but she-news; 60

I had it from a midwife. I have more yet. 61

Bassanes

Antic, no more! Idiots and stupid fools 62

Grate my calamities. Why, to be fair 63

Should yield presumption of a faulty soul! — 64

Look to the doors. 65

Phulas

The horn of plenty crest him!

(Exit Phulas.)

Bassanes

Swarms of confusion huddle in my thoughts 66

In rare distemper. — Beauty! O, it is 67

An unmatch'd blessing or a horrid curse. 68

(Enter Penthea and Grausis, an old Lady)

She comes, she comes! so shoots the morning forth, 69

Spangled with pearls of transparent dew. — 70

The way to poverty is to be rich, 71

As I in her am wealthy; but for her, 72

In all contents a bankrupt. — 73

Lov'd Penthea!

How fares my heart's best joy? 74

Grausis

In sooth, not well.

She is so over-sad. 75

Bassanes

Leave chattering, magpie. —

Thy brother is return'd, sweet, safe, and honour'd 76

With a triumphant victory: thou shalt visit him. 77

We will to court, where, if it be thy pleasure, 78

Thou shalt appear in such a ravishing lustre 79

Of jewels above value, that the dames 80

Who brave it there, in rage to be outshin'd, 81

Shall hide them in their closets, and unseen 82

Fret in their tears; whiles every wond'ring eye 83

Shall crave none other brightness but thy presence. 84

Choose thine own recreations; be a queen 85

Of what delights thou fanciest best, what company, 86

What place, what times. Do anything, do all things 87

Youth can command, so thou wilt chase these clouds 88

From the pure firmament of thy fair looks. 89

Grausis

Now 't is well said, my lord. — What, lady! laugh, 90

Be merry; time is precious. 91

Bassanes

Furies whip thee!

Penthea

Alas, my lord, this language to your hand-maid 92

Sounds as would music to the deaf. I need 93

No braveries nor cost of art to draw 94

The whiteness of my name into offence. 95

Let such, if any such there are, who covet 96

A curiosity of admiration, 97

By laying out their plenty to full view, 98

Appear in gaudy outsides; my attires 99

Shall suit the inward fashion of my mind; 100

From which, if your opinion, nobly plac'd, 101

Change not the livery your words bestow, 102

My fortunes with my hopes are at the highest. 103

Bassanes

This house, methinks, stands somewhat too much inward, 104

It is too melancholy; we'll remove 105

Nearer the court: or what thinks my Penthea 106

Of the delightful island we command? 107

Rule me as thou canst wish. 108

Penthea

I am no mistress.

Whither you please, I must attend; all ways 109

Are alike pleasant to me. 110

Grausis

Island? prison!

A prison is as gaysome: we 'll no islands; 111

Marry, out upon 'em! Whom shall we see there? 112

Sea-gulls, and porpoises, and water-rats, 113

And crabs, and mews, and dog-fish? goodly gear 114

For a young lady's dealing, — or an old one's! 115

On no terms islands; I'll be stew'd first. 116

Bassanes

Grausis,

You are a juggling bawd. 117

Becomes not youthful blood. — 118

I'll have you pounded.

For my sake put on a more cheerful mirth; 119

Thou 't mar thy cheeks, and make me old in griefs. — 120

Damnable bitch-fox! 121

Grausis

I am thick of hearing,

Still, when the wind blows southerly. — What think ye, 122

If your fresh lady breed young bones, my lord? 123

Would not a chopping boy d' ye good at heart? 124

But, as you said — 125

Bassanes

I'll spit thee on a stake,

Or chop thee into collops! 126

Grausis

Pray, speak louder.

Sure, sure the wind blows south still. 127

Penthea

Thou prat'st madly.

Bassanes

'T is very hot; I sweat extremely. 128

(Enter Phulas.)

Now?

Phulas

A herd of lords, sir. 129

Bassanes

Ha!

Phulas

A flock of ladies.

Bassanes

Where? 130

Phulas

Shoals of horses.

Bassanes

Peasant, how?

Phulas

Caroches

In drifts; th' one enter, th' other stand without, sir: 131

And now I vanish. 132

(Exit Phulas.)

(Enter Prophilus, Lemophil, Groneas, Christalla, and Philema)

Prophilus

Noble Bassanes!

Bassanes

Most welcome, Prophilus! Ladies, gentlemen, 133

To all my heart is open; you all honour me, — 134

A tympany swells in my head already, 135

Honour me bountifully. — 136

How they flutter,

Wagtails and jays together! 137

Prophilus

From your brother,

By virtue of your love to him, I require 138

Your instant presence, fairest. 139

Penthea

He is well, sir?

Prophilus

The gods preserve him ever! Yet, dear beauty, 140

I find some alteration in him lately, 141

Since his return to Sparta. — My good lord, 142

I pray, use no delay. 143

Bassanes

We had not needed

An invitation, if his sister's health 144

Had not fallen into question. — Haste, Penthea, 145

Slack not a minute. — Lead the way, good Prophilus; 146

I'll follow step by step. 147

Prophilus

Your arm, fair madam.

(Exeunt omnes sed Bassanes & Grausis.)

Bassanes

One word with your old bawdship: th' hadst been better 148

Rail'd at the sins thou worshipp'st than have thwarted 149

My will. I'll use thee cursedly. 150

Grausis

You dote,

You are beside yourself. A politician 151

In jealousy? No, y' are too gross, too vulgar. 152

Pish, teach not me my trade; I know my cue. 153

My crossing you sinks me into her trust, 154

By which I shall know all; my trade 's a sure one. 155

Bassanes

Forgive me, Grausis, 't was consideration 156

I relish'd not; but have a care now. 157

Grausis

Fear not.

I am no new-come-to 't. 158

Bassanes

Thy life's upon it,

And so is mine. My agonies are infinite. 159

(Exeunt omnes.)

Scene 2

([Lodging of Ithocles])

(Enter Ithocles, alone)

Ithocles

Ambition! 't is of vipers' breed: it gnaws 1

A passage through the womb that gave it motion. 2

Ambition, like a seeled dove, mounts upward, 3

Higher and higher still, to perch on clouds, 4

But tumbles headlong down with heavier ruin. 5

So squibs and crackers fly into the air, 6

Then, only breaking with a noise, they vanish 7

In stench and smoke. Morality, appli'd 8

To timely practice, keeps the soul in tune, 9

At whose sweet music all our actions dance. 10

But this is form of books and school-tradition; 11

It physics not the sickness of a mind 12

Broken with griefs: strong fevers are not eas'd 13

With counsel, but with best receipts and means. 14

Means, speedy means and certain; that's the cure. 15

(Enter Armostes and Crotolon)

Armostes

You stick, Lord Crotolon, upon a point 16

Too nice and too unnecessary; Prophilus 17

Is every way desertful. I am confident 18

Your wisdom is too ripe to need instruction 19

From your son's tutelage. 20

Crotolon

Yet not so ripe,

My Lord Armostes, that it dares to dote 21

Upon the painted meat of smooth persuasion, 22

Which tempts me to a breach of faith. 23

Ithocles

Not yet

Resolv'd, my lord? Why, if your son's consent 24

Be so available, we'll write to Athens 25

For his repair to Sparta. The king's hand 26

Will join with our desires; he has been mov'd to 't. 27

Armostes

Yes, and the king himself impórtun'd Crotolon 28

For a dispatch. 29

Crotolon

Kings may command; their wills

Are laws not to be question'd. 30

Ithocles

By this marriage

You knit an union so devout, so hearty, 31

Between your loves to me and mine to yours, 32

As if mine own blood had an interest in it; 33

For Prophilus is mine, and I am his. 34

Crotolon

My lord, my lord! — 35

Ithocles

What, good sir? Speak your thought. 36

Crotolon

Had this sincerity been real once, 37

My Orgilus had not been now unwiv'd, 38

Nor your lost sister buried in a bride-bed. 39

Your uncle here, Armostes, knows this truth; 40

For had your father Thrasus liv'd, — but peace 41

Dwell in his grave! I have done. 42

Armostes

Y' are bold and bitter.

Ithocles

'A presses home the injury; it smarts. 43

No reprehensions, uncle; I deserve 'em. 44

Yet, gentle sir, consider what the heat 45

Of an unsteady youth, a giddy brain, 46

Green indiscretion, flattery of greatness, 47

Rawness of judgment, wilfulness in folly, 48

Thoughts vagrant as the wind and as uncertain, 49

Might lead a boy in years to: — 't was a fault, 50

A capital fault; for then I could not dive 51

Into the secrets of commanding love; 52

Since when, experience, by the extremes (in others), 53

Hath forc'd me to collect. And, trust me, Crotolon, 54

I will redeem those wrongs with any service 55

Your satisfaction can require for current. 56

Armostes

Thy acknowledgment is satisfaction.— 57

[To Crotolon] What would you more? 58

Crotolon

I'm conquer'd. If Euphranea

Herself admit the motion, let it be so; 59

I doubt not my son's liking. 60

Ithocles

Use my fortunes,

Life, power, sword, and heart, — all are your own. 61

(Enter Bassanes, Prophilus, Calantha, Penthea, Euphranea, Christalla, Philema, and Grausis)

Armostes

The princess, with your sister! 62

Calantha

I present ye

A stranger here in court, my lord; for did not 63

Desire of seeing you draw her abroad, 64

We had not been made happy in her company. 65

Ithocles

You are a gracious princess. — Sister, wedlock 66

Holds too severe a passion in your nature, 67

Which can engross all duty to your husband, 68

Without attendance on so dear a mistress. — 69

[To Bassanes.] 'T is not my brother's pleasure I presume, 70

T' immure her in a chamber. 71

Bassanes

'T is her will;

She governs her own hours. Noble Ithocles, 72

We thank the gods for your success and welfare. 73

Our lady has of late been indispos'd, 74

Else we had waited on you with the first. 75

Ithocles

How does Penthea now? 76

Penthea

You best know, brother,

From whom my health and comforts are deriv'd. 77

Bassanes

I like the answer well; 't is sad and modest. 78

There may be tricks yet, tricks. 79

Calantha

Now, Crotolon, the suit we join'd in must not 80

Fall by too long demur. 81

Crotolon

'T is granted, princess,

For my part. 82

Armostes

With condition, that his son

Favour the contract. 83

Calantha

Such delay is easy. —

The joys of marriage make thee, Prophilus, 84

A proud deserver of Euphranea's love, 85

And her of thy desert! 86

Prophilus

Most sweetly gracious!

Bassanes

The joys of marriage are the heaven on earth, 87

Life's paradise, great princess, the soul's quiet, 88

Sinews of concord, earthly immortality, 89

Eternity of pleasures; — no restoratives 90

Like to a constant woman! — 91

But where is she?

'T would puzzle all the gods but to create 92

Such a new monster. 93

For I rest in Elysium; 't is my happiness. 94

Crotolon

Euphranea, how are you resolv'd, speak freely, 95

In your affections to this gentleman? 96

Euphranea

Nor more nor less than as his love assures me; 97

Which (if your liking with my brother's warrants) 98

I cannot but approve in all points worthy. 99

Crotolon

So, so! — 100

[To Prophilus.] I know your answer. 101

Ithocles

'T had been pity 102

To sunder hearts so equally consented. 103

(Enter Lemophil)

Lemophil

The king, Lord Ithocles, commands your presence; — 104

And, fairest princess, yours. 105

Calantha

We will attend him.

(Enter Groneas)

Groneas

Where are the lords? All must unto the king 106

Without delay: the Prince of Argos — 107

Calantha

Well, sir?

Groneas

Is coming to the court, sweet lady. 108

Calantha

How!

The Prince of Argos? 109

Groneas

'T was my fortune, madam,

T' enjoy the honour of these happy tidings. 110

Ithocles

Penthea! — 111

Penthea

Brother?

Ithocles

Let me an hour hence

Meet you alone within the palace-grove; 112

I have some secret with you. — Prithee, friend, 113

Conduct her thither, and have special care 114

The walks be clear'd of any to disturb us. 115

Prophilus

I shall. 116

Bassanes

How's that?

Ithocles

Alone, pray be alone. —

I am your creature, princess. — On, my lords! 117

(Exeunt. [Manet] Bassanes.)

Bassanes

Alone! alone! What means that word "alone"? 118

Why might not I be there? — hum! — he's her brother. 119

Brothers and sisters are but flesh and blood, 120

And this same whoreson court ease is temptation 121

To a rebellion in the veins. — Besides, 122

His fine friend Prophilus must be her guardian: 123

Why may not he dispatch a business nimbly 124

Before the other come? — or — pand'ring, pand'ring 125

For one another, — be 't to sister, mother, 126

Wife, cousin, anything, — 'mongst youths of mettle 127

Is in request. It is so — stubborn fate! 128

But if I be a cuckold, and can know it, 129

I will be fell, and fell. 130

(Enter Groneas)

Groneas

My lord, y 'are call'd for.

Bassanes

Most heartily I thank ye. Where's my wife, pray? 131

Groneas

Retir'd amongst the ladies. 132

Bassanes

Still I thank ye.

There's an old waiter with her; saw you her too? 133

Groneas

She sits i' th' presence-lobby fast asleep, sir. 134

Bassanes

Asleep! sleep, sir! 135

Groneas

Is your lordship troubled?

You will not to the king? 136

Bassanes

Your humblest vassal.

Groneas

Your servant, my good lord. 137

Bassanes

I wait your footsteps.

(Exeunt.)

Scene the third

([The Palace-Grove])

(Prophilus, Penthea)

Prophilus

In this walk, lady, will your brother find you: 1

And, with your favour, give me leave a little 2

To work a preparation. In his fashion 3

I have observ'd of late some kind of slackness 4

To such alacrity as nature once 5

And custom took delight in. Sadness grows 6

Upon his recreations, which he hoards 7

In such a willing silence, that to question 8

The grounds will argue little skill in friendship, 9

And less good manners. 10

Penthea

Sir, I'm not inquisitive

Of secrecies without an invitation. 11

Prophilus

With pardon, lady, not a syllable 12

Of mine implies so rude a sense; the drift — 13

(Enter Orgilus [disguised as before])

[To Org.] Do thy best 14

To make this lady merry for an hour. 15

(Exit.)

Orgilus

Your will shall be a law, sir. 16

Penthea

Prithee, leave me.

I have some private thoughts I would account with: 17

Use thou thine own. 18

Orgilus

Speak on, fair nymph; our souls

Can dance as well to music of the spheres 19

As any's who have feasted with the gods. 20

Penthea

Your school-terms are too troublesome. 21

Orgilus

What Heaven

Refines mortality from dross of earth 22

But such as uncompounded beauty hallows 23

With glorified perfection? 24

Penthea

Set thy wits

In a less wild proportion. 25

Orgilus

Time can never

On the white table of unguilty faith 26

Write counterfeit dishonour; turn those eyes, 27

The arrows of pure love, upon that fire, 28

Which once rose to a flame, perfum'd with vows 29

As sweetly scented as the incense smoking 30

On Vesta's altars, . . . . . . . 31

. . . the holiest odours, virgin tears, 32

. . . . like sprinkled dews, to feed 'em 33

And to increase their fervour. 34

Penthea

Be not frantic.

Orgilus

All pleasures are but mere imagination, 35

Feeding the hungry appetite with steam 36

And sight of banquet, whilst the body pines, 37

Not relishing the real taste of food: 38

Such is the leanness of a heart divided 39

From intercourse of troth-contracted loves. 40

No horror should deface that precious figure 41

Seal'd with the lively stamp of equal souls. 42

Penthea

Away! some fury hath bewitch'd thy tongue. 43

The breath of ignorance, that flies from thence, 44

Ripens a knowledge in me of afflictions 45

Above all suff'rance. — Thing of talk, begone! 46

Begone, without reply! 47

Orgilus

Be just, Penthea,

In thy commands: when thou send'st forth a doom 48

Of banishment, know first on whom it lights. 49

Thus I take off the shroud, in which my cares 50

Are folded up from view of common eyes. 51

([Removes his Scholar's gown.])

What is thy sentence next? 52

Penthea

Rash man! thou layest

A blemish on mine honour, with the hazard 53

Of thy too-desperate life. Yet I profess, 54

By all the laws of ceremonious wedlock, 55

I have not given admittance to one thought 56

Of female change since cruelty enforc'd 57

Divorce betwixt my body and my heart. 58

Why would you fall from goodness thus? 59

Orgilus

O, rather

Examine me, how I could live to say 60

I have been much, much wrong'd. 'T is for thy sake 61

I put on this imposture. Dear Penthea, 62

If thy soft bosom be not turn'd to marble, 63

Thou 't pity our calamities; my interest 64

Confirms me, thou art mine still. 65

Penthea

Lend your hand.

With both of mine I clasp it thus, thus kiss it, 66

Thus kneel before ye. 67

Orgilus

You instruct my duty.

Penthea

We may stand up. — Have you aught else to urge 68

Of new demand? As for the old, forget it; 69

'T is buried in an everlasting silence, 70

And shall be, shall be ever. What more would ye? 71

Orgilus

I would possess my wife; the equity 72

Of very reason bids me. 73

Penthea

Is that all?

Orgilus

Why, 't is the all of me, myself. 74

Penthea

Remove

Your steps some distance from me: — at this space 75

A few words I dare change; but first put on 76

Your borrow'd shape. 77

Orgilus

You are obey'd; 't is done.

([He resumes his disguise.])

Penthea

How, Orgilus, by promise I was thine 78

The heavens do witness: they can witness too 79

A rape done on my truth. How I do love thee 80

Yet, Orgilus, and yet, must best appear 81

In tendering thy freedom; for I find 82

The constant preservation of thy merit, 83

By thy not daring to attempt my fame 84

With injury of any loose conceit, 85

Which might give deeper wounds to discontents. 86

Continue this fair race: then, though I cannot 87

Add to thy comfort, yet I shall more often 88

Remember from what fortune I am fallen, 89

And pity mine own ruin. — Live, live happy, — 90

Happy in thy next choice, that thou mayst people 91

This barren age with virtues in thy issue! 92

And O, when thou art married, think on me 93

With mercy, not contempt! I hope thy wife, 94

Hearing my story, will not scorn my fall. — 95

Now let us part. 96

Orgilus

Part! yet advise thee better:

Penthea is the wife to Orgilus, 97

And ever shall be. 98

Penthea

Never shall nor will.

Orgilus

How! 99

Penthea

Hear me; in a word I'll tell thee why.

The virgin-dowry which my birth bestow'd 100

Is ravish'd by another; my true love 101

Abhors to think that Orgilus deserv'd 102

No better favours than a second bed. 103

Orgilus

I must not take this reason. 104

Penthea

To confirm it,

Should I outlive my bondage, let me meet 105

Another worse than this and less desir'd, 106

If, of all men alive, thou shouldst but touch 107

My lip or hand again! 108

Orgilus

Penthea, now

I tell 'ee, you grow wanton in my sufferance. 109

Come, sweet, th' art mine. 110

Penthea

Uncivil sir, forbear!

Or I can turn affection into vengeance; 111

Your reputation, if you value any, 112

Lies bleeding at my feet. Unworthy man, 113

If ever henceforth thou appear in language, 114

Message, or letter, to betray my frailty, 115

I'll call thy former protestations lust, 116

And curse my stars for forfeit of my judgment. 117

Go thou, fit only for disguise and walks, 118

To hide thy shame: this once I spare thy life. 119

I laugh at mine own confidence; my sorrows 120

By thee are made inferior to my fortunes. 121

If ever thou didst harbour worthy love, 122

Dare not to answer. My good genius guide me, 123

That I may never see thee more! — Go from me! 124

Orgilus

I'll tear my veil of politic frenzy off, 125

And stand up like a man resolv'd to do: 126

Action, not words, shall show me. — O Penthea! 127

(Exit Orgilus.)

Penthea

'A sigh'd my name, sure, as he parted from me: 128

I fear I was too rough. Alas, poor gentleman! 129

'A look'd not like the ruins of his youth, 130

But like the ruins of those ruins. Honour, 131

[Walks aside.] How much we fight with weakness to preserve thee! 132

(Enter Bassanes and Grausis)

Bassanes

Fie on thee! damn thee, rotten maggot, damn thee! 133

Sleep? sleep at court? and now? Aches, convulsions, 134

Imposthumes, rheums, gouts, palsies, clog thy bones 135

A dozen years more yet! 136

Grausis

Now y' are in humours.

Bassanes

She's by herself, there's hope of that; she's sad too; 137

She's in strong contemplation; yes, and fix'd: 138

The signs are wholesome. 139

Grausis

Very wholesome, truly.

Bassanes

Hold your chops, nightmare! — Lady, come; your brother 140

Is carried to his closet; you must thither. 141

Penthea

Not well, my lord? 142

Bassanes

A sudden fit; 't will off!

Some surfeit or disorder. — How dost, dearest? 143

Penthea

Your news is none o' the best. 144

(Enter Prophilus)

Prophilus

The chief of men,

The excellentest Ithocles, desires 145

Your presence, madam. 146

Bassanes

We are hasting to him.

Penthea

In vain we labour in this course of life 147

To piece our journey out at length, or crave 148

Respite of breath: our home is in the grave. 149

Bassanes

Perfect philosophy! 150

Penthea

Then let us care

To live so, that our reckonings may fall even 151

When w' are to make account. 152

Prophilus

He cannot fear

Who builds on noble grounds: sickness or pain 153

Is the deserver's exercise; and such 154

Your virtuous brother to the world is known. 155

Speak comfort to him, lady; be all gentle: 156

Stars fall but in the grossness of our sight; 157

A good man dying, th' earth doth lose a light. 158

(Exeunt omnes.)

Actus Tertius:

Scæna prima

([House of Tecnicus])

(Enter Tecnicus, and Orgilus in his own shape)

Tecnicus

Be well advis'd; let not a resolution 1

Of giddy rashness choke the breath of reason. 2

Orgilus

It shall not, most sage master. 3

Tecnicus

I am jealous;

For if the borrow'd shape so late put on 4

Inferr'd a consequence, we must conclude 5

Some violent design of sudden nature 6

Hath shook that shadow off, to fly upon 7

A new-hatch'd execution. Orgilus, 8

Take heed thou hast not, under our integrity, 9

Shrouded unlawful plots; our mortal eyes 10

Pierce not the secrets of your heart, the gods 11

Are only privy to them. 12

Orgilus

Learned Tecnicus,

Such doubts are causeless; and, to clear the truth 13

From misconceit, the present state commands me. 14

The Prince of Argos comes himself in person 15

In quest of great Calantha for his bride, 16

Our kingdom's heir; besides, mine only sister, 17

Euphranea, is dispos'd to Prophilus; 18

Lastly, the king is sending letters for me 19

To Athens, for my quick repair to court: 20

Please to accept these reasons. 21

Tecnicus

Just ones, Orgilus,

Not to be contradicted: yet beware 22

Of an unsure foundation. No fair colours 23

Can fortify a building faintly jointed. 24

I have observ'd a growth in thy aspect 25

Of dangerous extent, sudden, and — look to 't — 26

I might add, certain — 27

Orgilus

My aspéct! Could art

Run through mine inmost thoughts, it should not sift 28

An inclination there more than what suited 29

With justice of mine honour. 30

Tecnicus

I believe it.

But know then, Orgilus, what honour is. 31

Honour consists not in a bare opinion 32

By doing any act that feeds content, 33

Brave in appearance, 'cause we think it brave. 34

Such honour comes by accident, not nature, 35

Proceeding from the vices of our passion, 36

Which makes our reason drunk. But real honour 37

Is the reward of virtue, and acquir'd 38

By justice, or by valour which for basis 39

Hath justice to uphold it. He then fails 40

In honour, who for lucre or revenge 41

Commits thefts, murders, treasons, and adulteries, 42

With suchlike, by intrenching on just laws, 43

Whose sovereignty is best preserv'd by justice. 44

Thus, as you see how honour must be grounded 45

On knowledge, not opinion, — for opinion 46

Relies on probability and accident, 47

But knowledge on necessity and truth, — 48

I leave thee to the fit consideration 49

Of what becomes the grace of real honour, 50

Wishing success to all thy virtuous meanings. 51

Orgilus

The gods increase thy wisdom, reverend oracle, 52

And in thy precepts make me ever thrifty! 53

Tecnicus

I thank thy wish. 54

(Exit Orgilus.)

Much mystery of fate

Lies hid in that man's fortunes. Curiosity 55

May lead his actions into rare attempts: — 56

But let the gods be moderators still; 57

No human power can prevent their will. 58

(Enter Armostes [with a casket])

From whence come ye? 59

Armostes

From King Amyclas, — pardon

My interruption of your studies. — Here, 60

In this seal'd box, he sends a treasure dear 61

To him as his crown. 'A prays your gravity, 62

You would examine, ponder, sift, and bolt 63

The pith and circumstance of every tittle 64

The scroll within contains. 65

Tecnicus

What is 't, Armostes?

Armostes

It is the health of Sparta, the king's life, 66

Sinews and safety of the commonwealth; 67

The sum of what the oracle deliver'd 68

When last he visited the prophetic temple 69

At Delphos: what his reasons are, for which, 70

After so long a silence, he requires 71

Your counsel now, grave man, his majesty 72

Will soon himself acquaint you with. 73

Tecnicus

[Takes the casket.] Apollo

Inspire my intellect! — The Prince of Argos 74

Is entertain'd? 75

Armostes

He is; and has demanded

Our princess for his wife; which I conceive 76

One special cause the king importunes you 77

For resolution of the oracle. 78

Tecnicus

My duty to the king, good peace to Sparta, 79

And fair day to Armostes! 80

Armostes

Like to Tecnicus!

(Exeunt.)

[Scene II.]

([Ithocles' Apartment])

(Soft music.)

Can you paint a thought? or number 1

Every fancy in a slumber? 2

Can you count soft minutes roving 3

From a dial's point by moving? 4

Can you grasp a sigh? or, lastly, 5

Rob a virgin's honour chastely? 6

No, O, no! yet you may 7

Sooner do both that and this, 8

This and that, and never miss, 9

Than by any praise display 10

Beauty's beauty; such a glory, 11

As beyond all fate, all story, 12

All arms, all arts, 13

All loves, all hearts, 14

Greater than those or they, 15

Do, shall, and must obey. 16

(During which time enters Prophilus, Bassanes, Penthea, Grausis, passing over the stage. Bassanes and Grausis enter again softly, stealing to several stands, and listen.)

Bassanes

All silent, calm, secure. — Grausis, no creaking? 17

No noise? Dost hear nothing? 18

Grausis

Not a mouse,

Or whisper of the wind. 19

Bassanes

The floor is matted;

The bedposts sure are steel or marble. — Soldiers 20

Should not affect, methinks, strains so effeminate: 21

Sounds of such delicacy are but fawnings 22

Upon the sloth of luxury, they heighten 23

Cinders of covert lust up to a flame. 24

Grausis

What do you mean, my lord? — speak low; that gabbling 25

Of yours will but undo us. 26

Bassanes

Chamber-combats

Are felt, not heard. 27

Prophilus

[Within.] 'A wakes.

Bassanes

What's that?

Ithocles

[Within.] Who's there?

Sister? — All quit the room else. 28

Bassanes

'T is consented!

(Enter Prophilus)

Prophilus

Lord Bassanes, your brother would be private. 29

We must forbear; his sleep hath newly left him. 30

Please ye, withdraw. 31

Bassanes

By any means; 't is fit.

Prophilus

Pray, gentlewoman, walk too. 32

Grausis

Yes, I will, sir.

(Exeunt omnes.)

(Ithocles discovered in a chair, and Penthea)

Ithocles

Sit nearer, sister, to me; nearer yet. 33

We had one father, in one womb took life, 34

Were brought up twins together, yet have liv'd 35

At distance, like two strangers. I could wish 36

That the first pillow whereon I was cradled 37

Had prov'd to me a grave. 38

Penthea

You had been happy:

Then had you never known that sin of life, 39

Which blots all following glories with a vengeance 40

For forfeiting the last will of the dead, 41

From whom you had your being. 42

Ithocles

Sad Penthea,

Thou canst not be too cruel; my rash spleen 43

Hath with a violent hand pluck'd from thy bosom 44

A love-bless'd heart, to grind it into dust; 45

For which mine 's now a-breaking. 46

Penthea

Not yet, Heaven,

I do beseech thee! First let some wild fires 47

Scorch, not consume it! may the heat be cherish'd 48

With desires infinite, but hopes impossible! 49

Ithocles

Wrong'd soul, thy prayers are heard. 50

Penthea

Here, lo, I breathe,

A miserable creature, led to ruin 51

By an unnatural brother! 52

Ithocles

I consume

In languishing affections for that trespass; 53

Yet cannot die. 54

Penthea

The handmaid to the wages

Of country toil drinks the untroubled streams 55

With leaping kids and with the bleating lambs, 56

And so allays her thirst secure; whiles I 57

Quench my hot sighs with fleetings of my tears. 58

Ithocles

The labourer doth eat his coarsest bread, 59

Earn'd with his sweat, and lies him down to sleep; 60

While every bit I touch turns in digestion 61

To gall as bitter as Penthea's curse. 62

Put me to any penance for my tyranny, 63

And I will call thee merciful. 64

Penthea

Pray kill me,

Rid me from living with a jealous husband; 65

Then we will join in friendship, be again 66

Brother and sister. — Kill me, pray; nay, will ye? 67

Ithocles

How does thy lord esteem thee? 68

Penthea

Such an one

As only you have made me: a faith-breaker, 69

A spotted whore. — Forgive me, I am one 70

In act, not in desires, the gods must witness. 71

Ithocles

Thou dost belie thy friend. 72

Penthea

I do not, Ithocles;

For she that's wife to Orgilus, and lives 73

In known adultery with Bassanes, 74

Is at the best a whore. Wilt kill me now? 75

The ashes of our parents will assume 76

Some dreadful figure, and appear to charge 77

Thy bloody guilt, that hast betray'd their name 78

To infamy in this reproachful match. 79

Ithocles

After my victories abroad, at home 80

I meet despair; ingratitude of nature 81

Hath made my actions monstrous. Thou shalt stand 82

A deity, my sister, and be worshipp'd 83

For thy resolved martyrdom: wrong'd maids 84

And married wives shall to thy hallow'd shrine 85

Offer their orisons, and sacrifice 86

Pure turtles, crown'd with myrtle; if thy pity 87

Unto a yielding brother's pressure lend 88

One finger but to ease it. 89

Penthea

O, no more!

Ithocles

Death waits to waft me to the Stygian banks, 90

And free me from this chaos of my bondage; 91

And till thou wilt forgive, I must endure. 92

Penthea

Who is the saint you serve? 93

Ithocles

Friendship, or nearness

Of birth to any but my sister, durst not 94

Have mov'd that question. 'T is a secret, sister, 95

I dare not murmur to myself. 96

Penthea

Let me,

By your new protestations, I conjure 'ee, 97

Partake her name. 98

Ithocles

Her name? — 't is — 't is — I dare not. 99

Penthea

All your respects are forg'd. 100

Ithocles

They are not. — Peace!

Calantha is — the princess — the king's daughter — 101

Sole heir of Sparta. — Me most miserable! 102

Do I now love thee? For my injuries 103

Revenge thyself with bravery, and gossip 104

My treasons to the king's ears, do. Calantha 105

Knows it not yet, nor Prophilus, my nearest. 106

Penthea

Suppose you were contracted to her, would it not 107

Split even your very soul to see her father 108

Snatch her out of your arms against her will, 109

And force her on the Prince of Argos? 110

Ithocles

Trouble not

The fountains of mine eyes with thine own story; 111

I sweat in blood for 't. 112

Penthea

We are reconcil'd.

Alas, sir, being children, but two branches 113

Of one stock, 't is not fit we should divide. 114

Have comfort, you may find it. 115

Ithocles

Yes, in thee;

Only in thee, Penthea mine. 116

Penthea

If sorrows

Have not too much dull'd my infected brain, 117

I'll cheer invention for an active strain. 118

Ithocles

Mad man! why have I wrong'd a maid so excellent! 119

(Enter Bassanes with a poniard, Prophilus, Groneas, Lemophil, and Grausis)

Bassanes

I can forbear no longer; more, I will not. 120

Keep off your hands, or fall upon my point. — 121

Patience is tir'd; for, like a slow-pac'd ass, 122

Ye ride my easy nature, and proclaim 123

My sloth to vengeance a reproach and property. 124

Ithocles

The meaning of this rudeness? 125

Prophilus

He's distracted.

Penthea

O, my griev'd lord! — 126

Grausis

Sweet lady, come not near him; 127

He holds his perilous weapon in his hand 128

To prick 'a cares not whom nor where, — see, see, see! 129

Bassanes

My birth is noble. Though the popular blast 130

Of vanity, as giddy as thy youth, 131

Hath rear'd thy name up to bestride a cloud, 132

Or progress in the chariot of the sun, 133

I am no clod of trade, to lackey pride, 134

Nor, like your slave of expectation, wait 135

The bawdy hinges of your doors, or whistle 136

For mystical conveyance to your bed-sports. 137

Groneas

Fine humours! they become him. 138

Lemophil

How 'a stares,

Struts, puffs, and sweats! Most admirable lunacy! 139

Ithocles

But that I may conceive the spirit of wine 140

Has took possession of your soberer custom, 141

I'd say you were unmannerly. 142

Penthea

Dear brother! —

Bassanes

Unmannerly! — mew, kitling! — smooth Formality 143

Is usher to the rankness of the blood, 144

But Impudence bears up the train. Indeed, sir, 145

Your fiery mettle, or your springal blaze 146

Of huge renown, is no sufficient royalty 147

To print upon my forehead the scorn, "cuckold." 148

Ithocles

His jealousy has robb'd him of his wits; 149

'A talks 'a knows not what. 150

Bassanes

Yes, and 'a knows

To whom 'a talks; to one that franks his lust 151

In swine-security of bestial incest. 152

Ithocles

Ha, devil! 153

Bassanes

I will halloo 't; though I blush more 154

To name the filthiness than thou to act it. 155

Ithocles

Monster! 156

([Draws his sword.])

Prophilus

Sir, by our friendship —

Penthea

By our bloods —

Will you quite both undo us, brother? 157

Grausis

Out on him!

These are his megrims, firks, and melancholies. 158

Lemophil

Well said, old touch-hole. 159

Groneas

Kick him out at doors.

Penthea

With favour, let me speak. — My lord, what slackness 160

In my obedience hath deserv'd this rage? 161

Except humility and silent duty 162

Have drawn on your unquiet, my simplicity 163

Ne'er studied your vexation. 164

Bassanes

Light of beauty,

Deal not ungently with a desperate wound! 165

No breach of reason dares make war with her 166

Whose looks are sovereignty, whose breath is balm. 167

O, that I could preserve thee in fruition 168

As in devotion! 169

Penthea

Sir, may every evil

Lock'd in Pandora's box shower, in your presence, 170

On my unhappy head, if, since you made me 171

A partner in your bed, I have been faulty 172

In one unseemly thought against your honour! 173

Ithocles

Purge not his griefs, Penthea. 174

Bassanes

Yes, say on,

Excellent creature! — 175

[To Ithocles.] Good, be not a hindrance

To peace and praise of virtue. — O, my senses 176

Are charm'd with sounds celestial! — On, dear, on. 177

I never gave you one ill word; say, did I? 178

Indeed I did not. 179

Penthea

Nor, by Juno's forehead,

Was I e'er guilty of a wanton error. 180

Bassanes

A goddess! let me kneel. 181

Grausis

Alas, kind animal!

Ithocles

No; but for penance. 182

Bassanes

Noble sir, what is it?

With gladness I embrace it; yet, pray let not 183

My rashness teach you to be too unmerciful. 184

Ithocles

When you shall show good proof that manly wisdom, 185

Not oversway'd by passion or opinion, 186

Knows how to lead your judgment, then this lady, 187

Your wife, my sister, shall return in safety 188

Home, to be guided by you; but, till first 189

I can out of clear evidence approve it, 190

She shall be my care. 191

Bassanes

Rip my bosom up,

I'll stand the execution with a constancy; 192

This torture is unsufferable. 193

Ithocles

Well, sir,

I dare not trust her to your fury. 194

Bassanes

But

Penthea says not so. 195

Penthea

She needs no tongue

To plead excuse who never purpos'd wrong. 196

Lemophil

[To Grausis.] Virgin of reverence and antiquity, 197

Stay you behind. 198

Groneas

The court wants not your diligence.

(Exeunt omnes sed Bassanes & Grausis.)

Grausis

What will you do, my lord? My lady's gone; 199

I am denied to follow. 200

Bassanes

I may see her,

Or speak to her once more? 201

Grausis

And feel her too, man.

Be of good cheer, she's your own flesh and bone. 202

Bassanes

Diseases desperate must find cures alike. 203

She swore she has been true. 204

Grausis

True, on my modesty.

Bassanes

Let him want truth who credits not her vows! 205

Much wrong I did her, but her brother infinite; 206

Rumour will voice me the contempt of manhood 207

Should I run on thus. Some way I must try 208

To outdo art, and tie up jealousy. 209

(Exeunt omnes.)

([Scene III])

([The Court])

(Flourish. Enter Amyclas, Nearchus, leading Calantha, Armostes, Crotolon, Euphranea, Christalla, Philema, and Amelus)

Amyclas

Cousin of Argos, what the heavens have pleas'd, 210

In their unchanging counsels, to conclude 211

For both our kingdoms' weal, we must submit to: 212

Nor can we be unthankful to their bounties, 213

Who, when we were even creeping to our grave, 214

Sent us a daughter, in whose birth our hope 215

Continues of succession. As you are 216

In title next, being grandchild to our aunt, 217

So we in heart desire you may sit nearest 218

Calantha's love; since we have ever vow'd 219

Not to enforce affection by our will, 220

But by her own choice to confirm it gladly. 221

Nearchus

You speak the nature of a right just father. 222

I come not hither roughly to demand 223

My cousin's thraldom, but to free mine own. 224

Report of great Calantha's beauty, virtue, 225

Sweetness, and singular perfections, courted 226

All ears to credit what I find was publish'd 227

By constant truth; from which, if any service 228

Of my desert can purchase fair construction, 229

This lady must command it. 230

Calantha

Princely sir,

So well you know how to profess observance, 231

That you instruct your hearers to become 232

Practitioners in duty; of which number 233

I'll study to be chief. 234

Nearchus

Chief, glorious virgin,

In my devotions, as in all men's wonder. 235

Amyclas

Excellent cousin, we deny no liberty; 236

Use thine own opportunities. — Armostes, 237

We must consult with the philosophers; 238

The business is of weight. 239

Armostes

Sir, at your pleasure.

Amyclas

You told me, Crotolon, your son 's return'd 240

From Athens: wherefore comes 'a not to court 241

As we commanded? 242

Crotolon

He shall soon attend

Your royal will, great sir. 243

Amyclas

The marriage

Between young Prophilus and Euphranea 244

Tastes of too much delay. 245

Crotolon

My lord, —

Amyclas

Some pleasures

At celebration of it would give life 246

To th' entertainment of the prince our kinsman. 247

Our court wears gravity more than we relish. 248

Armostes

Yet the heavens smile on all your high attempts, 249

Without a cloud. 250

Crotolon

So may the gods protect us.

Calantha

A prince a subject? 251

Nearchus

Yes, to beauty's sceptre:

As all hearts kneel, so mine. 252

Calantha

You are too courtly.

(To them Ithocles, Orgilus, Prophilus)

Ithocles

Your safe return to Sparta is most welcome: 253

I joy to meet you here, and, as occasion 254

Shall grant us privacy, will yield you reasons 255

Why I should covet to deserve the title 256

Of your respected friend; for, without compliment, 257

Believe it, Orgilus, 't is my ambition. 258

Orgilus

Your lordship may command me, your poor servant. 259

Ithocles

So amorously close! — so soon! — my heart! 260

Prophilus

What sudden change is next? 261

Ithocles

Life to the king!

To whom I here present this noble gentleman, 262

New come from Athens. Royal sir, vouchsafe 263

Your gracious hand in favour of his merit. 264

([The King gives Orgilus his hand to kiss.])

Crotolon

My son preferr'd by Ithocles! 265

Amyclas

Our bounties

Shall open to thee, Orgilus; for instance, — 266

Hark in thine ear, — if, out of those inventions 267

Which flow in Athens, thou hast there engross'd 268

Some rarity of wit, to grace the nuptials 269

Of thy fair sister, and renown our court 270

In th' eyes of this young prince, we shall be debtor 271

To thy conceit: think on 't. 272

Orgilus

Your highness honours me.

Nearchus

My tongue and heart are twins. 273

Calantha

A noble birth,

Becoming such a father. — Worthy Orgilus, 274

You are a guest most wish'd for. 275

Orgilus

May my duty

Still rise in your opinion, sacred princess! 276

Ithocles

Euphranea's brother, sir; a gentleman 277

Well worthy of your knowledge. 278

Nearchus

We embrace him,

Proud of so dear acquaintance. 279

Amyclas

All prepare

For revels and disport; the joys of Hymen, 280

Like Phœbus in his lustre, put to flight 281

All mists of dulness, crown the hours with gladness: 282

No sounds but music, no discourse but mirth! 283

Calantha

Thine arm, I prithee, Ithocles. — Nay, good 284

My lord, keep on your way; I am provided. 285

Nearchus

I dare not disobey. 286

Ithocles

Most heavenly lady!

(Exeunt.)

[Scene IV]

([House of Crotolon])

(Enter Crotolon, Orgilus)

Crotolon

The king hath spoke his mind. 1

Orgilus

His will he hath;

But were it lawful to hold plea against 2

The power of greatness, not the reason, haply 3

Such undershrubs as subjects sometimes might 4

Borrow of nature justice, to inform 5

That license sovereignty holds without check 6

Over a meek obedience. 7

Crotolon

How resolve you

Touching your sister's marriage? Prophilus 8

Is a deserving and a hopeful youth. 9

Orgilus

I envy not his merit, but applaud it; 10

Could wish him thrift in all his best desires, 11

And with a willingness inleague our blood 12

With his, for purchase of full growth in friendship. 13

He never touch'd on any wrong that malic'd 14

The honour of our house, nor stirr'd our peace: 15

Yet, with your favour, let me not forget 16

Under whose wing he gathers warmth and comfort, 17

Whose creature he is bound, made, and must live so. 18

Crotolon

Son, son, I find in thee a harsh condition; 19

No courtesy can win it; 't is too rancorous. 20

Orgilus

Good sir, be not severe in your construction. 21

I am no stranger to such easy calms 22

As sit in tender bosoms: lordly Ithocles 23

Hath grac'd my entertainment in abundance, 24

Too humbly hath descended from that height 25

Of arrogance and spleen which wrought the rape 26

On griev'd Penthea's purity; his scorn 27

Of my untoward fortunes is reclaim'd 28

Unto a courtship, almost to a fawning: — 29

I'll kiss his foot, since you will have it so. 30

Crotolon

Since I will have it so! Friend, I will have it so, 31

Without our ruin by your politic plots, 32

Or wolf-of-hatred snarling in your breast. 33

You have a spirit, sir, have ye? A familiar 34

That posts i' th' air for your intelligence? 35

Some such hobgoblin hurried you from Athens, 36

For yet you come unsent for. 37

Orgilus

If unwelcome,

I might have found a grave there. 38

Crotolon

Sure, your business

Was soon dispatch'd, or your mind alter'd quickly. 39

Orgilus

'T was care, sir, of my health cut short my journey; 40

For there a general infection 41

Threatens a desolation. 42

Crotolon

And I fear

Thou hast brought back a worse infection with thee, — 43

Infection of thy mind; which, as thou say'st, 44

Threatens the desolation of our family. 45

Orgilus

Forbid it, our dear genius! I will rather 46

Be made a sacrifice on Thrasus' monument, 47

Or kneel to Ithocles, his son, in dust, 48

Than woo a father's curse. My sister's marriage 49

With Prophilus is from my heart confirm'd. 50

May I live hated, may I die despis'd, 51

If I omit to further it in all 52

That can concern me! 53

Crotolon

I have been too rough.

My duty to my king made me so earnest; 54

Excuse it, Orgilus. 55

Orgilus

Dear sir! —

Crotolon

Here comes

Euphranea with Prophilus and Ithocles. 56

(Enter Prophilus, Euphranea, Ithocles, Groneas, Lemophil)

Orgilus

Most honoured! — ever famous! 57

Ithocles

Your true friend,

On earth not any truer. — With smooth eyes 58

Look on this worthy couple; your consent 59

Can only make them one. 60

Orgilus

They have it. — Sister,

Thou pawn'dst to me an oath, of which engagement 61

I never will release thee, if thou aim'st 62

At any other choice than this. 63

Euphranea

Dear brother,

At him, or none. 64

Crotolon

To which my blessing 's added.

Orgilus

Which, till a greater ceremony perfect, — 65

Euphranea, lend thy hand. — Here, take her, Prophilus. 66

Live long a happy man and wife; and further, 67

That these in presence may conclude an omen, 68

Thus for a bridal song I close my wishes: 69

([Sings.])

Comforts lasting, loves increasing, 70

Like soft hours never ceasing: 71

Plenty's pleasure, peace complying, 72

Without jars, or tongues envying; 73

Hearts by holy union wedded, 74

More than theirs by custom bedded; 75

Fruitful issues; life so graced, 76

Not by age to be defaced; 77

Budding, as the year ensu'th, 78

Every spring another youth: 79

All what thought can add beside 80

Crown this bridegroom and this bride! 81

Prophilus

You have seal'd joy close to my soul. — Euphranea, 82

Now I may call thee mine. 83

Ithocles

I but exchange

One good friend for another. 84

Orgilus

If these gallants

Will please to grace a poor invention 85

By joining with me in some slight device, 86

I'll venture on a strain my younger days 87

Have studied for delight. 88

Lemophil

With thankful willingness

I offer my attendance. 89

Groneas

No endeavour

Of mine shall fail to show itself. 90

Ithocles

We will

All join to wait on thy directions, Orgilus. 91

Orgilus

O, my good lord, your favours flow towards 92

A too unworthy worm; — but as you please. 93

I am what you will shape me. 94

Ithocles

A fast friend.

Crotolon

I thank thee, son, for this acknowledgment; 95

It is a sight of gladness. 96

Orgilus

But my duty.

(Exeunt omnes.)

[Scene V]

([Calantha's Apartment])

(Enter Calantha, Penthea, Christalla, Philema)

Calantha

Whoe'er would speak with us, deny his entrance. 1

Be careful of our charge. 2

Christalla

We shall, madam.

Calantha

Except the king himself, give none admittance; 3

Not any. 4

Philema

Madam, it shall be our care.

(Exeunt [Christalla and Philema].)

Calantha

Being alone, Penthea, you have granted 5

The opportunity you sought, and might 6

At all times have commanded. 7

Penthea

'T is a benefit

Which I shall owe your goodness even in death for. 8

My glass of life, sweet princess, hath few minutes 9

Remaining to run down; the sands are spent; 10

For by an inward messenger I feel 11

The summons of departure short and certain. 12

Calantha

You feel too much your melancholy. 13

Penthea

Glories

Of human greatness are but pleasing dreams 14

And shadows soon decaying: on the stage 15

Of my mortality my youth hath acted 16

Some scenes of vanity, drawn out at length 17

By varied pleasures, sweet'ned in the mixture, 18

But tragical in issue. Beauty, pomp, 19

With every sensuality our giddiness 20

Doth frame an idol, are unconstant friends, 21

When any troubled passion makes assault 22

On the unguarded castle of the mind. 23

Calantha

Contemn not your condition for the proof 24

Of bare opinion only: to what end 25

Reach all these moral texts? 26

Penthea

To place before ye

A perfect mirror, wherein you may see 27

How weary I am of a ling'ring life, 28

Who count the best a misery. 29

Calantha

Indeed

You have no little cause; yet none so great 30

As to distrust a remedy. 31

Penthea

That remedy

Must be a winding-sheet, a fold of lead, 32

And some untrod-on corner in the earth. — 33

Not to detain your expectation, princess, 34

I have an humble suit. 35

Calantha

Speak, I enjoy it.

Penthea

Vouchsafe, then, to be my executrix, 36

And take that trouble on ye to dispose 37

Such legacies as I bequeath, impartially. 38

I have not much to give, the pains are easy; 39

Heaven will reward your piety, and thank it 40

When I am dead; for sure I must not live; 41

I hope I cannot. 42

Calantha

Now, beshrew thy sadness;

Thou turn'st me too much woman. 43

([Weeps.])

Penthea

Her fair eyes

Melt into passion. Then I have assurance 44

Encouraging my boldness. 45

My will was character'd; which you, with pardon, 46

Shall now know from mine own mouth. 47

Calantha

Talk on, prithee;

It is a pretty earnest. 48

Penthea

I have left me

But three poor jewels to bequeath. The first is 49

My youth; for though I am much old in griefs, 50

In years I am a child. 51

Calantha

To whom that?

Penthea

To virgin-wives, such as abuse not wedlock 52

By freedom of desires, but covet chiefly 53

The pledges of chaste beds for ties of love, 54

Rather than ranging of their blood; and next 55

To married maids, such as prefer the number 56

Of honourable issue in their virtues 57

Before the flattery of delights by marriage: 58

May those be ever young! 59

Calantha

A second jewel

You mean to part with? 60

Penthea

'T is my fame, I trust

By scandal yet untouch'd: this I bequeath 61

To Memory, and Time's old daughter, Truth. 62

If ever my unhappy name find mention 63

When I am fall'n to dust, may it deserve 64

Beseeming charity without dishonour! 65

Calantha

How handsomely thou play'st with harmless sport 66

Of mere imagination! Speak the last. 67

I strangely like thy will. 68

Penthea

This jewel, madam,

Is dearly precious to me; you must use 69

The best of your discretion to employ 70

This gift as I intend it. 71

Calantha

Do not doubt me.

Penthea

'T is long agone since first I lost my heart. 72

Long I have liv'd without it, else for certain 73

I should have given that too; but instead 74

Of it, to great Calantha, Sparta's heir, 75

By service bound and by affection vow'd, 76

I do bequeath, in holiest rites of love, 77

Mine only brother, Ithocles. 78

Calantha

What saidst thou?

Penthea

Impute not, heaven-bless'd lady, to ambition 79

A faith as humbly perfect as the prayers 80

Of a devoted suppliant can endow it. 81

Look on him, princess, with an eye of pity; 82

How like the ghost of what he late appear'd 83

'A moves before you. 84

Calantha

Shall I answer here,

Or lend my ear too grossly? 85

Penthea

First his heart

Shall fall in cinders, scorch'd by your disdain, 86

Ere he will dare, poor man, to ope an eye 87

On these divine looks, but with low-bent thoughts 88

Accusing such presumption. As for words, 89

'A dares not utter any but of service: 90

Yet this lost creature loves ye. — Be a princess 91

In sweetness as in blood; give him his doom, 92

Or raise him up to comfort. 93

Calantha

What new change

Appears in my behaviour, that thou dar'st 94

Tempt my displeasure? 95

Penthea

I must leave the world

To revel in Elysium, and 't is just 96

To wish my brother some advantage here: 97

Yet, by my best hopes, Ithocles is ignorant 98

Of this pursuit. But if you please to kill him, 99

Lend him one angry look or one harsh word, 100

And you shall soon conclude how strong a power 101

Your absolute authority holds over 102

His life and end. 103

Calantha

You have forgot, Penthea,

How still I have a father. 104

Penthea

But remember

I am a sister, though to me this brother 105

Hath been, you know, unkind, O, most unkind! 106

Calantha

Christalla, Philema, where are ye? — Lady, 107

Your check lies in my silence. 108

(Enter Christalla and Philema)

Both

Madam, here.

Calantha

I think ye sleep, ye drones: wait on Penthea 109

Unto her lodging. — 110

Ithocles? Wrong'd lady!

Penthea

My reckonings are made even; death or fate 111

Can now nor strike too soon, nor force too late. 112

(Exeunt.)

Actus Quartus:

Scæna prima

(Enter Ithocles and Armostes)

Ithocles

Forbear your inquisition: curiosity 1

Is of too subtle and too searching nature, 2

In fears of love too quick, too slow of credit. — 3

I am not what you doubt me. 4

Armostes

Nephew, be, then,

As I would wish; — all is not right. — Good heaven 5

Confirm your resolutions for dependence 6

On worthy ends, which may advance your quiet. 7

Ithocles

I did the noble Orgilus much injury, 8

But griev'd Penthea more: I now repent it, — 9

Now, uncle, now; this "now" is now too late. 10

So provident is folly in sad issue, 11

That after-wit, like bankrupts' debts, stands tallied, 12

Without all possibilities of payment. 13

Sure, he's an honest, very honest gentleman; 14

A man of single meaning. 15

Armostes

I believe it:

Yet, nephew, 't is the tongue informs our ears; 16

Our eyes can never pierce into the thoughts, 17

For they are lodg'd too inward: — but I question 18

No truth in Orgilus. — The princess, sir. 19

Ithocles

The princess! ha! 20

Armostes

With her the Prince of Argos.

(Enter Nearchus, leading Calantha; Amelus, Christalla, Philema)

Nearchus

Great fair one, grace my hopes with any instance 21

Of livery, from the allowance of your favour. 22

This little spark — 23

([Attempts to take a ring from her finger.])

Calantha

A toy!

Nearchus

Love feasts on toys,

For Cupid is a child; — vouchsafe this bounty: 24

It cannot be deni'd. 25

Calantha

You shall not value,

Sweet cousin, at a price, what I count cheap; 26

So cheap, that let him take it who dares stoop for 't, 27

And give it at next meeting to a mistress. 28

She'll thank him for 't, perhaps. 29

(Casts it to Ithocles.)

Amelus

The ring, sir, is

The princess's; I could have took it up. 30

Ithocles

Learn manners, prithee. — To the blessed owner, 31

Upon my knees — 32

([Kneels and offers it to Calantha.])

Nearchus

Y' are saucy.

Calantha

This is pretty!

I am, belike, "a mistress" — wondrous pretty! 33

Let the man keep his fortune, since he found it. 34

He's worthy on 't. — On, cousin! 35

Ithocles

[To Amelus.] Follow, spaniel;

I'll force ye to a fawning else. 36

Amelus

You dare not.

(Exeunt. Manent Ithocles and Armostes)

Armostes

My lord, you were too forward. 37

Ithocles

Look 'ee, uncle.

Some such there are whose liberal contents 38

Swarm without care in every sort of plenty; 39

Who after full repasts can lay them down 40

To sleep; and they sleep, uncle: in which silence 41

Their very dreams present 'em choice of pleasures, 42

Pleasures — observe me, uncle — of rare object; 43

Here heaps of gold, there increments of honours, 44

Now change of garments, then the votes of people; 45

Anon varieties of beauties, courting, 46

In flatteries of the night, exchange of dalliance: 47

Yet these are still but dreams. Give me felicity 48

Of which my senses waking are partakers, 49

A real, visible, material happiness; 50

And then, too, when I stagger in expectance 51

Of the least comfort that can cherish life. — 52

I saw it, sir, I saw it; for it came 53

From her own hand. 54

Armostes

The princess threw it t' ye.

Ithocles

True; and she said — well I remember what. 55

Her cousin prince would beg it. 56

Armostes

Yes, and parted

In anger at your taking on 't. 57

Ithocles

Penthea!

O, thou hast pleaded with a powerful language! 58

I want a fee to gratify thy merit; 59

But I will do — 60

Armostes

What is 't you say?

Ithocles

In anger!

In anger let him part; for could his breath, 61

Like whirlwinds, toss such servile slaves as lick 62

The dust his footsteps print into a vapour, 63

It durst not stir a hair of mine. It should not; 64

I'd rend it up by th' roots first. To be anything 65

Calantha smiles on, is to be a blessing 66

More sacred than a petty prince of Argos 67

Can wish to equal, or in worth or title. 68

Armostes

Contain yourself, my lord. Ixion, aiming 69

To embrace Juno, bosom'd but a cloud, 70

And begat Centaurs: 't is an useful moral. 71

Ambition hatch'd in clouds of mere opinion 72

Proves but in birth a prodigy. 73

Ithocles

I thank 'ee;

Yet, with your licence, I should seem uncharitable 74

To gentler fate, if, relishing the dainties 75

Of a soul's settled peace, I were so feeble 76

Not to digest it. 77

Armostes

He deserves small trust

Who is not privy-counsellor to himself. 78

(Re-enter Nearchus, Orgilus, and Amelus)

Nearchus

Brave me! 79

Orgilus

Your excellence mistakes his temper; 80

For Ithocles in fashion of his mind 81

Is beautiful, soft, gentle, the clear mirror 82

Of absolute perfection. 83

Amelus

Was 't your modesty

Term'd any of the prince his servants "spaniel"? 84

Your nurse, sure, taught you other language. 85

Ithocles

Language!

Nearchus

A gallant man-at-arms is here, a doctor 86

In feats of chivalry, blunt and rough-spoken, 87

Vouchsafing not the fustian of civility, 88

Which rash spirits style good manners! 89

Ithocles

Manners!

Orgilus

No more, illustrious sir; 't is matchless Ithocles. 90

Nearchus

You might have understood who I am. 91

Ithocles

Yes.

I did; else — but the presence calm'd th' affront — 92

Y' are cousin to the princess. 93

Nearchus

To the king, too;

A certain instrument that lent supportance 94

To you colossic greatness — to that king too, 95

You might have added. 96

Ithocles

There is more divinity

In beauty than in majesty. 97

Armostes

O fie, fie!

Nearchus

This odd youth's pride turns heretic in loyalty. 98

Sirrah! low mushrooms never rival cedars. 99

(Exeunt Nearchus and Amelus.)

Ithocles

Come back! — What pitiful dull thing am I 100

So to be tamely scolded at! come back! — 101

Let him come back, and echo once again 102

That scornful sound of "mushroom"! painted colts — 103

Like heralds' coats gilt o'er with crowns and sceptres — 104

May bait a muzzled lion. 105

Armostes

Cousin, cousin,

Thy tongue is not thy friend. 106

Orgilus

In point of honour

Discretion knows no bounds. Amelus told me 107

'T was all about a little ring. 108

Ithocles

A ring

The princess threw away, and I took up. 109

Admit she threw 't to me, what arm of brass 110

Can snatch it hence? No; could 'a grind the hoop 111

To powder, 'a might sooner reach my heart 112

Than steal and wear one dust on 't. — Orgilus, 113

I am extremely wrong'd. 114

Orgilus

A lady's favour

Is not to be so slighted. 115

Ithocles

Slighted!

Armostes

Quiet

These vain unruly passions, which will render ye 116

Into a madness. 117

Orgilus

Griefs will have their vent.

(Enter Tecnicus [with a scroll])

Armostes

Welcome; thou com'st in season, reverend man, 118

To pour the balsam of a suppling patience 119

Into the festering wound of ill-spent fury. 120

Orgilus

What makes he here? 121

Tecnicus

The hurts are yet not mortal,

Which shortly will prove deadly. To the king, 122

Armostes, see in safety thou deliver 123

This seal'd-up counsel; bid him with a constancy 124

Peruse the secrets of the gods. — O Sparta, 125

O Lacedæmon! double-nam'd, but one 126

In fate: when kingdoms reel, — mark well my saw, — 127

Their heads must needs be giddy. Tell the king 128

That henceforth he no more must inquire after 129

My aged head; Apollo wills it so. 130

I am for Delphos. 131

Armostes

Not without some conference

With our great master? 132

Tecnicus

Never more to see him:

A greater prince commands me. — Ithocles, 133

When youth is ripe, and age from time doth part, 134

The lifeless trunk shall wed the broken heart. 135

Ithocles

What's this, if understood? 136

Tecnicus

List, Orgilus!

Remember what I told thee long before. 137

These tears shall be my witness. 138

Armostes

'Las, good man!

Tecnicus

Let craft with courtesy a while confer, 139

Revenge proves its own executioner. 140

Orgilus

Dark sentences are for Apollo's priests; 141

I am not Œdipus. 142

Tecnicus

My hour is come.

Cheer up the king; farewell to all. — O Sparta, 143

O Lacedæmon! 144

(Exit Tecnicus.)

Armostes

If prophetic fire

Have warm'd this old man's bosom, we might cónstrue 145

His words to fatal sense. 146

Ithocles

Leave to the powers

Above us the effects of their decrees; 147

My burthen lies within me. Servile fears 148

Prevent no great effects. — Divine Calantha! 149

Armostes

The gods be still propitious! 150

(Exeunt [Ithocles and Armostes.] Manet Orgilus.)

Orgilus

Something oddly

The book-man prated, yet 'a talk'd it weeping; 151

Let craft with courtesy a while confer, 152

Revenge proves its own executioner. 153

Con it again; — for what? It shall not puzzle me; 154

'T is dotage of a wither'd brain. — Penthea 155

Forbade me not her presence; I may see her, 156

And gaze my fill. Why see her, then, I may, 157

When, if I faint to speak — I must be silent. 158

(Exit Orgilus.)

[Scene II]

([House of Bassanes])

(Enter Bassanes, Grausis, and Phulas)

Bassanes

Pray, use your recreations. All the service 1

I will expect is quietness amongst ye: 2

Take liberty at home, abroad, at all times, 3

And in your charities appease the gods, 4

Whom I, with my distractions, have offended. 5

Grausis

Fair blessings on thy heart! 6

Phulas

Here's a rare change!

My lord, to cure the itch, is surely gelded; 7

The cuckold in conceit hath cast his horns. 8

Bassanes

Betake ye to your several occasions; 9

And wherein I have heretofore been faulty, 10

Let your constructions mildly pass it over. 11

Henceforth I'll study reformation, — more 12

I have not for employment. 13

Grausis

O, sweet man!

Thou art the very "Honeycomb of Honesty." 14

Phulas

The "Garland of Good-will." — Old lady, hold up 15

Thy reverend snout, and trot behind me softly, 16

As it becomes a moil of ancient carriage. 17

(Exeunt. Manet Bassanes)

Bassanes

Beasts, only capable of sense, enjoy 18

The benefit of food and ease with thankfulness; 19

Such silly creatures, with a grudging, kick not 20

Against the portion nature hath bestow'd: 21

But men, endow'd with reason and the use 22

Of reason, to distinguish from the chaff 23

Of abject scarcity the quintessence, 24

Soul, and elixir of the earth's abundance, 25

The treasures of the sea, the air, nay, heaven, 26

Repining at these glories of creation 27

Are verier beasts than beasts; and of those beasts 28

The worst am I. I, who was made a monarch 29

Of what a heart could wish for, — a chaste wife, — 30

Endeavour'd what in me lay to pull down 31

That temple built for adoration only, 32

And level 't in the dust of causeless scandal. 33

But, to redeem a sacrilege so impíous, 34

Humility shall pour, before the deities 35

I have incens'd, a largess of more patience 36

Than their displeased altars can require. 37

No tempests of commotion shall disquiet 38

The calms of my composure. 39

(Enter Orgilus)

Orgilus

I have found thee,

Thou patron of more horrors than the bulk 40

Of manhood, hoop'd about with ribs of iron, 41

Can cram within thy breast. Penthea, Bassanes, 42

Curs'd by thy jealousies, — more, by thy dotage, — 43

Is left a prey to words. 44

Bassanes

Exercise

Your trials for addition to my penance; 45

I am resolv'd. 46

Orgilus

Play not with misery

Past cure. Some angry minister of fate hath 47

Depos'd the empress of her soul, her reason, 48

From its most proper throne; but, — what's the miracle 49

More new, — I, I have seen it, and yet live! 50

Bassanes

You may delude my senses, not my judgment; 51

'T is anchor'd into a firm resolution; 52

Dalliance of mirth or wit can ne'er unfix it. 53

Practise yet further. 54

Orgilus

May thy death of love to her

Damn all thy comforts to a lasting fast 55

From every joy of life! Thou barren rock, 56

By thee we have been split in ken of harbour. 57

(Enter Ithocles, Penthea, her hair about her ears; [Armostes,] Philema, Christalla)

Ithocles

Sister, look up; your Ithocles, your brother, 58

Speaks t' ye; why do you weep? Dear, turn not from me. — 59

Here is a killing sight; lo, Bassanes, 60

A lamentable object! 61

Orgilus

Man, dost see 't?

Sports are more gamesome; am I yet in merriment? 62

Why dost not laugh? 63

Bassanes

Divine and best of ladies,

Please to forget my outrage; mercy ever 64

Cannot but lodge under a roof so excellent. 65

I have cast off that cruelty of frenzy 66

Which once appear'd, impostor, and then juggled 67

To cheat my sleeps of rest. 68

Orgilus

Was I in earnest?

Penthea

Sure, if we were all Sirens, we should sing pitifully. 69

And 't were a comely music, when in parts 70

One sung another's knell. The turtle sighs 71

When he hath lost his mate; and yet some say 72

'A must be dead first. 'T is a fine deceit 73

To pass away in a dream; indeed, I've slept 74

With mine eyes open a great while. No falsehood 75

Equals a broken faith; there's not a hair 76

Sticks on my head but, like a leaden plummet, 77

It sinks me to the grave. I must creep thither; 78

The journey is not long. 79

Ithocles

But, thou, Penthea,

Hast many years, I hope, to number yet, 80

Ere thou canst travel that way. 81

Bassanes

Let the sun first

Be wrapp'd up in an everlasting darkness, 82

Before the light of nature, chiefly form'd 83

For the whole world's delight, feel an eclipse 84

So universal! 85

Orgilus

Wisdom, look 'ee, begins

To rave! — Art thou mad too, antiquity? 86

Penthea

Since I was first a wife, I might have been 87

Mother to many pretty prattling babes. 88

They would have smil'd when I smil'd, and for certain 89

I should have cri'd when they cri'd: — truly, brother, 90

My father would have pick'd me out a husband, 91

And then my little ones had been no bastards. 92

But 't is too late for me to marry now, 93

I am past child-bearing; 't is not my fault. 94

Bassanes

Fall on me, if there be a burning Ætna, 95

And bury me in flames! Sweats hot as sulphur 96

Boil through my pores! Affliction hath in store 97

No torture like to this. 98

Orgilus

Behold a patience!

Lay by thy whining gray dissimulation, 99

Do something worth a chronicle; show justice 100

Upon the author of this mischief; dig out 101

The jealousies that hatch'd this thraldom first 102

With thine own poniard. Every antic rapture 103

Can roar as thine does. 104

Ithocles

Orgilus, forbear.

Bassanes

Disturb him not; it is a talking motion 105

Provided for my torment. What a fool am I 106

To bandy passion! Ere I'll speak a word, 107

I will look on and burst. 108

Penthea

I lov'd you once.

([To Orgilus.])

Orgilus

Thou didst, wrong'd creature: in despite of malice, 109

For it I love thee ever. 110

Penthea

Spare your hand;

Believe me, I'll not hurt it. 111

Orgilus

Pain my heart too!

Penthea

Complain not though I wring it hard. I'll kiss it; 112

O, 't is a fine soft palm! — hark, in thine ear: 113

Like whom do I look, prithee? — Nay, no whispering. 114

Goodness! we had been happy; too much happiness 115

Will make folk proud, they say — but that is he — 116

(Points at Ithocles.)

And yet he paid for 't home; alas, his heart 117

Is crept into the cabinet of the princess; 118

We shall have points and bride-laces. Remember, 119

When we last gather'd roses in the garden, 120

I found my wits; but truly you lost yours. 121

That's he, and still 't is he. 122

([Again pointing at Ithocles.])

Ithocles

Poor soul, how idly

Her fancies guide her tongue! 123

Bassanes

Keep in, vexation,

And break not into clamour. 124

Orgilus

She has tutor'd me:

Some powerful inspiration checks my laziness. 125

Now let me kiss your hand, griev'd beauty. 126

Penthea

Kiss it. —

Alack, alack, his lips be wondrous cold. 127

Dear soul, h'as lost his colour: have ye seen 128

A straying heart? All crannies! every drop 129

Of blood is turned to an amethyst, 130

Which married bachelors hang in their ears. 131

Orgilus

Peace usher her into Elysium! — 132

If this be madness, madness is an oracle. 133

(Exit Orgilus.)

Ithocles

Christalla, Philema, when slept my sister? 134

Her ravings are so wild? 135

Christalla

Sir, not these ten days.

Philema

We watch by her continually; besides, 136

We can not any way pray her to eat. 137

Bassanes

O, misery of miseries! 138

Penthea

Take comfort;

You may live well, and die a good old man. 139

By yea and nay, an oath not to be broken, 140

If you had join'd our hands once in the temple, — 141

'T was since my father died, for had he liv'd, 142

He would have done 't, — I must have call'd you father. — 143

O, my wrack'd honour! ruin'd by those tyrants, 144

A cruel brother and a desperate dotage! 145

There is no peace left for a ravish'd wife, 146

Widow'd by lawless marriage; to all memory 147

Penthea's, poor Penthea's name is strumpeted: 148

But since her blood was season'd by the forfeit 149

Of noble shame with mixtures of pollution, 150

Her blood — 't is just — be henceforth never heighten'd 151

With taste of sustenance! Starve; let that fulness 152

Whose pleurisy hath fever'd faith and modesty — 153

Forgive me; O, I faint! 154

([Falls into the arms of her Attendants.])

Armostes

Be not so wilful,

Sweet niece, to work thine own destruction. 155

Ithocles

Nature

Will call her daughter monster! — What! not eat? 156

Refuse the only ordinary means 157

Which are ordain'd for life? Be not, my sister, 158

A murth'ress to thyself. — Hear'st thou this, Bassanes? 159

Bassanes

Foh! I am busy; for I have not thoughts 160

Enow to think: all shall be well anon. 161

'T is tumbling in my head; there is a mastery 162

In art to fatten and keep smooth the outside; 163

Yes, and to comfort up the vital spirits 164

Without the help of food, fumes or perfumes, 165

Perfumes or fumes. Let her alone; I'll search out 166

The trick on 't. 167

Penthea

Lead me gently; heavens reward ye.

Griefs are sure friends; they leave without control 168

Nor cure nor comforts for a leprous soul. 169

(Exeunt the maids supporting Penthea.)

Bassanes

I grant ye; and will put in practice instantly 170

What you shall still admire: 't is wonderful, 171

'T is super-singular, not to be match'd; 172

Yet, when, I've done 't, I've done 't: — ye shall all thank me. 173

(Exit Bassanes.)

Armostes

The sight is full of terror. 174

Ithocles

On my soul

Lies such an infinite clog of massy dulness, 175

As that I have not sense enough to feel it. — 176

See, uncle, th' angry thing returns again; 177

Shall 's welcome him with thunder? We are haunted, 178

And must use exorcism to conjure down 179

This spirit of malevolence. 180

Armostes

Mildly, nephew.

(Enter Nearchus and Amelus)

Nearchus

I come not, sir, to chide your late disorder, 181

Admitting that th' inurement to a roughness 182

In soldiers of your years and fortunes, chiefly, 183

So lately prosperous, hath not yet shook off 184

The custom of the war in hours of leisure; 185

Nor shall you need excuse, since y' are to render 186

Account to that fair excellence, the princess, 187

Who in her private gallery expects it 188

From your own mouth alone: I am a messenger 189

But to her pleasure. 190

Ithocles

Excellent Nearchus,

Be prince still of my services, and conquer 191

Without the combat of dispute; I honour ye. 192

Nearchus

The king is on a sudden indispos'd, 193

Physicians are call'd for; 't were fit, Armostes, 194

You should be near him. 195

Armostes

Sir, I kiss your hands.

(Exeunt. Manent Nearchus & Amelus.)

Nearchus

Amelus, I perceive Calantha's bosom 196

Is warm'd with other fires than such as can 197

Take strength from any fuel of the love 198

I might address to her. Young Ithocles, 199

Or ever I mistake, is lord ascendant 200

Of her devotions; one, to speak him truly, 201

In every disposition nobly fashioned. 202

Amelus

But can your highness brook to be so rivall'd, 203

Considering th' inequality of the persons? 204

Nearchus

I can, Amelus; for affections injur'd 205

By tyranny or rigour of compulsion, 206

Like tempest-threaten'd trees unfirmly rooted, 207

Ne'er spring to timely growth: observe, for instance, 208

Life-spent Penthea and unhappy Orgilus. 209

Amelus

How does your grace determine? 210

Nearchus

To be jealous

In public of what privately I'll further; 211

And though they shall not know, yet they shall find it. 212

(Exeunt omnes.)

[Scene III]

([The Palace])

(Enter Lemophil and Groneas leading Amyclas, and placing him in a chair; followed by Armostes [with a box], Crotolon, and Prophilus)

Amyclas

Our daughter is not near? 1

Armostes

She is retir'd, sir,

Into her gallery. 2

Amyclas

Where's the prince our cousin?

Prophilus

New walk'd into the grove, my lord. 3

Amyclas

All leave us

Except Armostes, and you, Crotolon; 4

We would be private. 5

Prophilus

Health unto your majesty!

(Exeunt Prophilus, Lemophil, and Groneas.)

Amyclas

What! Tecnicus is gone? 6

Armostes

He is to Delphos;

And to your royal hands presents this box. 7

Amyclas

Unseal it, good Armostes; therein lies 8

The secrets of the oracle; out with it: 9

([Armostes takes out the scroll.])

Apollo live our patron! Read, Armostes. 10

Armostes

[Reads.] The plot in which the vine takes root 11

Begins to dry from head to foot; 12

The stock soon withering, want of sap 13

Doth cause to quail the budding grape; 14

But from the neighbouring elm a dew 15

Shall drop, and feed the plot anew. 16

Amyclas

That is the oracle: what exposition 17

Makes the philosopher? 18

Armostes

This brief one only.

[Reads.] The plot is Sparta, the dri'd vine the king; 19

The quailing grape his daughter; but the thing 20

Of most importance, not to be reveal'd 21

Is a near prince, the elm: the rest conceal'd. 22

Tecnicus. 23

Amyclas

Enough; although the opening of this riddle 24

Be but itself a riddle, yet we construe 25

How near our labouring age draws to a rest. 26

But must Calantha quail too? that young grape 27

Untimely budded! I could mourn for her; 28

Her tenderness hath yet deserv'd no rigour 29

So to be cross'd by fate. 30

Armostes

You misapply, sir, —

With favour let me speak it, — what Apollo 31

Hath clouded in hid sense. I here conjecture 32

Her marriage with some neighb'ring prince, the dew 33

Of which befriending elm shall ever strengthen 34

Your subjects with a sovereignty of power. 35

Crotolon

Besides, most gracious lord, the pith of oracles 36

Is to be then digested when th' events 37

Expound their truth, not brought as soon to light 38

As utter'd. Truth is child of Time; and herein 39

I find no scruple, rather cause of comfort, 40

With unity of kingdoms. 41

Amyclas

May it prove so,

For weal of this dear nation! — Where is Ithocles? — 42

Armostes, Crotolon, when this wither'd vine 43

Of my frail carcass, on the funeral pile 44

Is fir'd into its ashes, let that young man 45

Be hedg'd about still with your cares and loves. 46

Much owe I to his worth, much to his service. — 47

Let such as wait come in now. 48

Armostes

All attend here!

(Enter Ithocles, Calantha, Prophilus, Orgilus, Euphranea, Lemophil, and Groneas)

Calantha

Dear sir! king! father! 49

Ithocles

O my royal master!

Amyclas

Cleave not my heart, sweet twins of my life's solace, 50

With your forejudging fears; there is no physic 51

So cunningly restorative to cherish 52

The fall of age, or call back youth and vigour, 53

As your consents in duty. I will shake off 54

This languishing disease of time, to quicken 55

Fresh pleasures in these drooping hours of sadness. 56

Is fair Euphranea married yet to Prophilus? 57

Crotolon

This morning, gracious lord. 58

Orgilus

This very morning;

Which, with your highness' leave, you may observe too. 59

Our sister looks, methinks, mirthful and sprightly, 60

As if her chaster fancy could already 61

Expound the riddle of her gain in losing 62

A trifle maids know only that they know not. 63

Pish! prithee, blush not; 't is but honest change 64

Of fashion in the garment, loose for strait, 65

And so the modest maid is made a wife. 66

Shrewd business — is 't not, sister? 67

Euphranea

You are pleasant.

Amyclas

We thank thee, Orgilus; this mirth becomes thee. 68

But wherefore sits the court in such a silence? 69

A wedding without revels is not seemly. 70

Calantha

Your late indisposition, sir, forbade it. 71

Amyclas

Be it thy charge, Calantha, to set forward 72

The bridal sports, to which I will be present; 73

If not, at least consenting. — Mine own Ithocles, 74

I have done little for thee yet. 75

Ithocles

Y' have built me

To the full height I stand in. 76

Calantha

Now or never!

May I propose a suit? 77

Amyclas

Demand, and have it.

Calantha

Pray, sir, give me this young man, and no further 78

Account him yours than he deserves in all things 79

To be thought worthy mine: I will esteem him 80

According to his merit. 81

Amyclas

Still th' art my daughter,

Still grow'st upon my heart. — 82

[To Ithocles.] Give me thine hand. —

Calantha, take thine own: in noble actions 83

Thou 'lt find him firm and absolute. — I would not 84

Have parted with thee, Ithocles, to any 85

But to a mistress who is all what I am. 86

Ithocles

A change, great king, most wish'd for, 'cause the same. 87

Calantha

[To Ithocles.] Th' art mine. Have I now kept my word? 88

Ithocles

Divinely.

Orgilus

Rich fortunes guard, the favour of a princess 89

Rock thee, brave man, in ever-crowned plenty! 90

Y' are minion of the time; be thankful for it. — 91

Ho! here's a swing in destiny! Apparent, 92

The youth is up on tiptoe, yet may stumble. 93

Amyclas

On to your recreations. — Now convey me 94

Unto my bed-chamber: none on his forehead 95

Wear a distemper'd look. 96

Omnes

The gods preserve ye!

Calantha

Sweet, be not from my sight. 97

Ithocles

My whole felicity! 98

(Exeunt, carrying out the king. Orgilus stays Ithocles.)

Orgilus

Shall I be bold, my lord? 99

Ithocles

Thou canst not, Orgilus.

Call me thine own; for Prophilus must henceforth 100

Be all thy sister's: friendship, though it cease not 101

In marriage, yet is oft at less command 102

Than when a single freedom can dispose it. 103

Orgilus

Most right, my most good lord, my most great lord, 104

My gracious princely lord, — I might add, royal. 105

Ithocles

Royal! A subject royal? 106

Orgilus

Why not, pray, sir?

The sovereignty of kingdoms in their nonage 107

Stoop'd to desert, not birth; there's as much merit 108

In clearness of affection as in puddle 109

Of generation. You have conquer'd love 110

Even in the loveliest; if I greatly err not, 111

The son of Venus hath bequeath'd his quiver 112

To Ithocles his manage, by whose arrows 113

Calantha's breast is open'd. 114

Ithocles

Can 't be possible?

Orgilus

I was myself a piece of suitor once, 115

And forward in preferment too; so forward 116

That, speaking truth, I may without offence, sir, 117

Presume to whisper that my hopes, and — hark 'ee — 118

My certainty of marriage stood assured 119

With as firm footing — by your leave — as any's 120

Now at this very instant — but — 121

Ithocles

'T is granted:

And for a league of privacy between us, 122

Read o'er my bosom and partake a secret: 123

The princess is contracted mine. 124

Orgilus

Still, why not?

I now applaud her wisdom: when your kingdom 125

Stands seated in your will, secure and settled, 126

I dare pronounce you will be a just monarch: 127

Greece must admire and tremble. 128

Ithocles

Then the sweetness

Of so imparadis'd a comfort, Orgilus! 129

It is to banquet with the gods. 130

Orgilus

The glory

Of numerous children, potency of nobles, 131

Bent knees, hearts pav'd to tread on! 132

Ithocles

With a friendship

So dear, so fast, as thine. 133

Orgilus

I am unfitting

For office; but for service — 134

Ithocles

We 'll distinguish

Our fortunes merely in the title; partners 135

In all respects else but the bed. 136

Orgilus

The bed!

Forfend it Jove's own jealousy! — till lastly 137

We slip down in the common earth together. 138

And there our beds are equal; save some monument 139

To show this was the king, and this the subject. — 140

(Soft sad music.)

List, what sad sounds are these? — extremely sad ones. 141

Ithocles

Sure, from Penthea's lodgings. 142

Orgilus

Hark! a voice too.

(A Song [within])

O, no more, no more! too late 143

Sighs are spent; the burning tapers 144

Pure as are unwritten papers, 145

Are burnt out: no heat, no light 146

Now remains; 't is ever night. 147

Love is dead; let lovers' eyes, 148

Lock'd in endless dreams, 149

Th' extremes of all extremes, 150

Ope no more, for now Love dies, 151

Now Love dies, — implying 152

Love's martyrs must be ever, ever dying. 153

Ithocles

O, my misgiving heart! 154

Orgilus

A horrid stillness

Succeeds this deathful air; let 's know the reason. 155

Tread softly; there is mystery in mourning. 156

(Exeunt.)

[Scene IV]

([Penthea's Apartment])

(Enter Christalla and Philema, bringing in Penthea in a chair, veiled: two other Servants placing two chairs, one on the one side, and the other with an engine on the other. The Maids sit down at her feet, mourning. The Servants go out: meet them Ithocles and Orgilus.)

1 Servant

'T is done; that on her right hand. 1

Orgilus

Good: begone.

([Exeunt Servants.])

Ithocles

Soft peace enrich this room! 2

Orgilus

How fares the lady?

Philema

Dead! 3

Christalla

Dead!

Philema

Starv'd!

Christalla

Starv'd!

Ithocles

Me miserable!

Orgilus

Tell us,

How parted she from life? 4

Philema

She call'd for music,

And begg'd some gentle voice to tune a farewell 5

To life and griefs. Christalla touch'd the lute; 6

I wept the funeral song. 7

Christalla

Which scarce was ended

But her last breath seal'd up these hollow sounds, 8

"O, cruel Ithocles and injur'd Orgilus!" 9

So down she drew her veil, so died. 10

Ithocles

So died!

Orgilus

Up! you are messengers of death; go from us. 11

Here's woe enough to court without a prompter. 12

Away! and — hark ye — till you see us next, 13

No syllable that she is dead. — Away! 14

Keep a smooth brow. 15

(Exeunt Philema and Christalla.)

My lord, —

Ithocles

Mine only sister!

Another is not left me. 16

Orgilus

Take that chair;

I'll seat me here in this. Between us sits 17

The object of our sorrows; some few tears 18

We'll part among us. I perhaps can mix 19

One lamentable story to prepare 'em. — 20

There, there; sit there, my lord. 21

Ithocles

Yes, as you please.

(Ithocles sits down, and is catch'd in the engine.)

What means this treachery? 22

Orgilus

Caught! you are caught,

Young master. 'T is thy throne of coronation, 23

Thou fool of greatness! See, I take this veil off. 24

Survey a beauty wither'd by the flames 25

Of an insulting Phaeton, her brother. 26

Ithocles

Thou mean'st to kill me basely? 27

Orgilus

I foreknew

The last act of her life, and train'd thee hither 28

To sacrifice a tyrant to a turtle. 29

You dreamt of kingdoms, did ye? How to bosom 30

The delicacies of a youngling princess; 31

How with this nod to grace that subtle courtier, 32

How with that frown to make this noble tremble, 33

And so forth; whiles Penthea's groans and tortures, 34

Her agonies, her miseries, afflictions, 35

Ne'er touch'd upon your thought. As for my injuries, 36

Alas, they were beneath your royal pity; 37

But yet they liv'd, thou proud man, to confound thee. 38

Behold thy fate, this steel! 39

([Draws a dagger.])

Ithocles

Strike home! A courage

As keen as thy revenge shall give it welcome. 40

But prithee faint not; if the wound close up, 41

Tent it with double force, and search it deeply. 42

Thou look'st that I should whine and beg compassion, 43

As loath to leave the vainness of my glories. 44

A statelier resolution arms my confidence, 45

To cozen thee of honour. Neither could I 46

With equal trial of unequal fortune 47

By hazard of a duel; 't were a bravery 48

Too mighty for a slave intending murther. 49

On to the execution, and inherit 50

A conflict with thy horrors. 51

Orgilus

By Apollo,

Thou talk'st a goodly language! For requital 52

I will report thee to thy mistress richly. 53

And take this peace along: some few short minutes 54

Determin'd, my resolves shall quickly follow 55

Thy wrathful ghost; then, if we tug for mastery, 56

Penthea's sacred eyes shall lend new courage. 57

Give me thy hand: be healthful in thy parting 58

From lost mortality! thus, thus I free it. 59

(Kills him.)

Ithocles

Yet, yet, I scorn to shrink. 60

Orgilus

Keep up thy spirit:

I will be gentle even in blood; to linger 61

Pain, which I strive to cure, were to be cruel. 62

([Stabs him again.])

Ithocles

Nimble in vengeance, I forgive thee. Follow 63

Safety, with best success: O, may it prosper! — 64

Penthea, by thy side thy brother bleeds, 65

The earnest of his wrongs to thy forc'd faith. 66

Thoughts of ambition, or delicious banquet 67

With beauty, youth, and love, together perish 68

In my last breath, which on the sacred altar 69

Of a long-look'd-for peace — now — moves — to heaven. 70

(Moritur.)

Orgilus

Farewell, fair spring of manhood! Henceforth welcome 71

Best expectation of a noble suff'rance. 72

I'll lock the bodies safe, till what must follow 73

Shall be approv'd. — Sweet twins, shine stars for ever! — 74

In vain they build their hopes whose life is shame: 75

No monument lasts but a happy name. 76

(Exit Orgilus.)

Actus Quintus:

Scæna prima

([The House of Bassanes])

(Enter Bassanes, alone)

Bassanes

Athens — to Athens I have sent, the nursery 1

Of Greece for learning and the fount of knowledge; 2

For here in Sparta there's not left amongst us 3

One wise man to direct; we're all turn'd madcaps. 4

'T is said Apollo is the god of herbs, 5

Then certainly he knows the virtue of 'em: 6

To Delphos I have sent too. If there can be 7

A help for nature, we are sure yet. 8

(Enter Orgilus)

Orgilus

Honour

Attend thy counsels ever! 9

Bassanes

I beseech thee

With all my heart, let me go from thee quietly; 10

I will not aught to do with thee, of all men. 11

The doubles of a hare, — or, in a morning, 12

Salutes from a splay-footed witch, — to drop 13

Three drops of blood at th' nose just and no more, — 14

Croaking of ravens, or the screech of owls, 15

Are not so boding mischief as thy crossing 16

My private meditations. Shun me, prithee; 17

And if I cannot love thee heartily, 18

I'll love thee as well as I can. 19

Orgilus

Noble Bassanes,

Mistake me not. 20

Bassanes

Phew! then we shall be troubled.

Thou wert ordain'd my plague — heaven make me thankful, 21

And give me patience too, heaven, I beseech thee. 22

Orgilus

Accept a league of amity; for henceforth, 23

I vow, by my best genius, in a syllable, 24

Never to speak vexation. I will study 25

Service and friendship, with a zealous sorrow 26

For my past incivility towards ye. 27

Bassanes

Hey-day, good words, good words! I must believe 'em, 28

And be a coxcomb for my labour. 29

Orgilus

Use not

So hard a language; your misdoubt is causeless. 30

For instance, if you promise to put on 31

A constancy of patience, — such a patience, 32

As chronicle or history ne'er mentioned, 33

As follows not example, but shall stand 34

A wonder and a theme for imitation, 35

The first, the index pointing to a second, — 36

I will acquaint ye with an unmatch'd secret, 37

Whose knowledge to your griefs shall set a period. 38

Bassanes

Thou canst not, Orgilus; 't is in the power 39

Of the gods only: yet, for satisfaction, 40

Because I note an earnest in thine utterance, 41

Unforc'd and naturally free, be resolute. 42

The virgin-bays shall not withstand the lightning 43

With a more careless danger than my constancy 44

The full of thy relation. Could it move 45

Distraction in a senseless marble statue, 46

It should find me a rock: I do expect now 47

Some truth of unheard moment. 48

Orgilus

To your patience

You must add privacy, as strong in silence 49

As mysteries lock'd up in Jove's own bosom. 50

Bassanes

A skull hid in the earth a treble age 51

Shall sooner prate. 52

Orgilus

Lastly, to such direction

As the severity of a glorious action 53

Deserves to lead your wisdom and your judgment, 54

You ought to yield obedience. 55

Bassanes

With assurance

Of will and thankfulness. 56

Orgilus

With manly courage

Please, then, to follow me. 57

Bassanes

Where'er, I fear not.

(Exeunt omnes.)

Scene 2

([The Court])

(Loud music. Enter Groneas and Lemophil, leading Euphranea; Christalla and Philema, leading Prophilus; Nearchus supporting Calantha; Crotolon and Amelus. Cease loud music; all make a stand.)

Calantha

We miss our servant Ithocles and Orgilus; 1

On whom attend they? 2

Crotolon

My son, gracious princess,

Whisper'd some new device, to which these revels 3

Should be but usher: wherein I conceive 4

Lord Ithocles and he himself are actors. 5

Calantha

A fair excuse for absence: as for Bassanes, 6

Delights to him are troublesome. Armostes 7

Is with the king? 8

Crotolon

He is.

Calantha

On to the dance! —

Dear cousin, hand you the bride; the bridegroom must be 9

Intrusted to my courtship. Be not jealous, 10

Euphranea; I shall scarcely prove a temptress. — 11

Fall to our dance. 12

(Music. Nearchus dance with Euphranea, Prophilus with Calantha, Christalla with Lemophil, Philema with Groneas.)

(They dance the first change; during which)

(Enter Armostes)

Armostes

(In Calantha's ear.) The king your father 's dead. 13

Calantha

To the other change. 14

Armostes

Is 't possible?

(Dance again.)

(Enter Bassanes)

Bassanes

[Whispers Calantha.] O, madam!

Penthea, poor Penthea 's starv'd. 15

Calantha

Beshrew thee! —

Lead to the next. 16

Bassanes

Amazement dulls my senses.

(Dance again.)

(Enter Orgilus)

Orgilus

[Whispers Calantha.] Brave Ithocles is murther'd, murther'd cruelly. 17

Calantha

How dull this music sounds! Strike up more sprightly; 18

Our footings are not active like our heart, 19

Which treads the nimbler measure. 20

Orgilus

I am thunderstruck.

(Last change. Cease music.)

Calantha

So! let us breathe awhile. — Hath not this motion 21

Rais'd fresher colour on your cheeks? 22

Nearchus

Sweet princess,

A perfect purity of blood enamels 23

The beauty of your white. 24

Calantha

We all look cheerfully;

And, cousin, 't is, methinks, a rare presumption 25

In any who prefer our lawful pleasures 26

Before their own sour censure, to interrupt 27

The custom of this ceremony bluntly. 28

Nearchus

None dares, lady. 29

Calantha

Yes, yes; some hollow voice deliver'd to me 30

How that the king was dead. 31

Armostes

The king is dead:

That fatal news was mine; for in mine arms 32

He breath'd his last, and with his crown bequeath'd ye 33

Your mother's wedding ring; which here I tender. 34

Crotolon

Most strange! 35

Calantha

Peace crown his ashes! We are queen, then. 36

Nearchus

Long live Calantha! Sparta's sovereign queen! 37

Omnes

Long live the queen! 38

Calantha

What whisper'd Bassanes?

Bassanes

That my Penthea, miserable soul, 39

Was starv'd to death. 40

Calantha

She's happy; she hath finish'd

A long and painful progress. — A third murmur 41

Pierc'd mine unwilling ears. 42

Orgilus

That Ithocles

Was murther'd; — rather butcher'd, had not bravery 43

Of an undaunted spirit, conquering terror, 44

Proclaim'd his last act triumph over ruin. 45

Armostes

How! murther'd! 46

Calantha

By whose hand?

Orgilus

By mine; this weapon

Was instrument to my revenge: the reasons 47

Are just, and known; quit him of these, and then 48

Never liv'd gentleman of greater merit, 49

Hope or abiliment to steer a kingdom. 50

Crotolon

Fie, Orgilus! 51

Euphranea

Fie, brother!

Calantha

You have done it?

Bassanes

How it was done let him report, the forfeit 52

Of whose allegiance to our laws doth covet 53

Rigour of justice; but that done it is, 54

Mine eyes have been an evidence of credit 55

Too sure to be convinc'd. Armostes, rent not 56

Thine arteries with hearing the bare circumstances 57

Of these calamities. Thou 'st lost a nephew, 58

A niece, and I a wife: continue man still. 59

Make me the pattern of digesting evils, 60

Who can outlive my mighty ones, not shrinking 61

At such a pressure as would sink a soul 62

Into what's most of death, the worst of horrors. 63

But I have seal'd a covenant with sadness, 64

And enter'd into bonds without condition, 65

To stand these tempests calmly. Mark me, nobles: 66

I do not shed a tear, not for Penthea! 67

Excellent misery! 68

Calantha

We begin our reign

With a first act of justice: thy confession, 69

Unhappy Orgilus, dooms thee a sentence; 70

But yet thy father's or thy sister's presence 71

Shall be excus'd. — Give, Crotolon, a blessing 72

To thy lost son; — Euphranea, take a farewell; — 73

And both be gone. 74

Crotolon

[To Orgilus.] Confirm thee, noble sorrow,

In worthy resolution! 75

Euphranea

Could my tears speak,

My griefs were slight. 76

Orgilus

All goodness dwell amongst ye!

Enjoy my sister, Prophilus: my vengeance 77

Aim'd never at thy prejudice. 78

Calantha

Now withdraw.

(Exeunt Crotolon, Prophilus, and Euphranea.)

Bloody relater of thy stains in blood, 79

For that thou hast reported him, whose fortunes 80

And life by thee are both at once snatch'd from him, 81

With honourable mention, make thy choice 82

Of what death likes thee best; there's all our bounty. — 83

But to excuse delays, let me, dear cousin, 84

Intreat you and these lords see execution 85

Instant before ye part. 86

Nearchus

Your will commands us.

Orgilus

One suit, just queen, my last: vouchsafe your clemency, 87

That by no common hand I be divided 88

From this my humble frailty. 89

Calantha

To their wisdoms

Who are to be spectators of thine end 90

I make the reference. Those that are dead 91

Are dead; had they not now died, of necessity 92

They must have paid the debt they ow'd to nature 93

One time or other. — Use dispatch, my lords; 94

We'll suddenly prepare our coronation. 95

(Exeunt Calantha, Philema, Christalla.)

Armostes

'T is strange these tragedies should never touch on 96

Her female pity. 97

Bassanes

She has a masculine spirit;

And wherefore should I pule, and, like a girl, 98

Put finger in the eye? Let's be all toughness, 99

Without distinction betwixt sex and sex. 100

Nearchus

Now, Orgilus, thy choice? 101

Orgilus

To bleed to death.

Armostes

The executioner? 102

Orgilus

Myself, no surgeon;

I am well skill'd in letting blood. Bind fast 103

This arm, that so the pipes may from their conduits 104

[Shows his dagger.] Convey a full stream; here's a skilful instrument. 105

Only I am a beggar to some charity 106

To speed me in this execution 107

By lending th' other prick to th' tother arm, 108

When this is bubbling life out. 109

Bassanes

I am for 'ee;

It most concerns my art, my care, my credit. — 110

Quick, fillet both his arms. 111

Orgilus

Gramercy, friendship!

Such courtesies are real which flow cheerfully 112

Without an expectation of requital. 113

Reach me a staff in this hand. 114

([They give him a staff.])

— If a proneness

Or custom in my nature from my cradle 115

Had been inclin'd to fierce and eager bloodshed, 116

A coward guilt, hid in a coward quaking, 117

Would have betray'd fame to ignoble flight 118

And vagabond pursuit of dreadful safety: 119

But look upon my steadiness, and scorn not 120

The sickness of my fortune, which, since Bassanes 121

Was husband to Penthea, had lain bed-rid. 122

We trifle time in words: — thus I show cunning 123

In opening of a vein too full, too lively. 124

([Pierces the vein with his dagger.])

Armostes

Desperate courage! 125

Orgilus

Honourable infamy!

Lemophil

I tremble at the sight. 126

Groneas

Would I were loose!

Bassanes

It sparkles like a lusty wine new broach'd; 127

The vessel must be sound from which it issues. — 128

Grasp hard this other stick — I'll be as nimble — 129

But prithee, look not pale — have at ye! stretch out 130

Thine arm with vigour and unshook virtue. 131

([Opens the vein.])

Good! O, I envy not a rival, fitted 132

To conquer in extremities. This pastime 133

Appears majestical; some high-tun'd poem 134

Hereafter shall deliver to posterity 135

The writer's glory and his subject's triumph. 136

How is 't, man? Droop not yet. 137

Orgilus

I feel no palsies.

On a pair-royal do I wait in death; 138

My sovereign, as his liegeman; on my mistress, 139

As a devoted servant; and on Ithocles, 140

As, if no brave, yet no unworthy enemy. 141

Nor did I use an engine to entrap 142

His life, out of a slavish fear to combat 143

Youth, strength, or cunning; but for that I durst not 144

Engage the goodness of a cause on fortune, 145

By which his name might have outfac'd my vengeance. 146

O, Tecnicus, inspir'd with Phœbus' fire! 147

I call to mind thy augury: 't was perfect; 148

Revenge proves its own executioner . 149

When feeble man is bending to his mother, 150

The dust 'a was first fram'd on, thus he totters. 151

Bassanes

Life's fountain is dri'd up. 152

Orgilus

So falls the standard

Of my prerogative in being a creature! 153

A mist hangs o'er mine eyes, the sun's bright splendour 154

Is clouded in an everlasting shadow: 155

Welcome, thou ice, that sitt'st about my heart! 156

No heat can ever thaw thee. 157

(Dies.)

Nearchus

Speech hath left him.

Bassanes

'A has shook hands with time; his funeral urn 158

Shall be my charge: remove the bloodless body. 159

The coronation must require attendance; 160

That past, my few days can be but one mourning. 161

(Exeunt.)

[Scene III]

([A Temple])

(An altar covered with white; two lights of virgin wax, during which music of recorders; enter four bearing Ithocles on a hearse, or in a chair, in a rich robe, and a crown on his head; place him on one side of the altar. After him enter Calantha in a white robe and crown'd; Euphranea, Philema, Christalla, in white; Nearchus, Armostes, Crotolon, Prophilus, Amelus, Bassanes, Lemophil, and Groneas.)

(Calantha goes and kneels before the altar, the rest stand off, the women kneeling behind. Cease recorders, during her devotions. Soft music. Calantha and the rest rise, doing obeisance to the altar.)

Calantha

Our orisons are heard; the gods are merciful. — 1

Now tell me, you whose loyalties pay tribute 2

To us your lawful sovereign, how unskilful 3

Your duties or obedience is to render 4

Subjection to the sceptre of a virgin, 5

Who have been ever fortunate in princes 6

Of masculine and stirring composition. 7

A woman has enough to govern wisely 8

Her own demeanours, passions, and divisions. 9

A nation warlike and inur'd to practice 10

Of policy and labour cannot brook 11

A feminate authority: we therefore 12

Command your counsel, how you may advise us 13

In choosing of a husband whose abilities 14

Can better guide this kingdom. 15

Nearchus

Royal lady,

Your law is in your will. 16

Armostes

We have seen tokens

Of constancy too lately to mistrust it. 17

Crotolon

Yet, if your highness settle on a choice 18

By your own judgment both allow'd and lik'd of, 19

Sparta may grow in power, and proceed 20

To an increasing height. 21

Calantha

Hold you the same mind?

Bassanes

Alas, great mistress, reason is so clouded 22

With the thick darkness of my infinite woes, 23

That I forecast nor dangers, hopes, or safety. 24

Give me some corner of the world to wear out 25

The remnant of the minutes I must number, 26

Where I may hear no sounds but sad complaints 27

Of virgins who have lost contracted partners; 28

Of husbands howling that their wives were ravish'd 29

By some untimely fate; of friends divided 30

By churlish opposition; or of fathers 31

Weeping upon their children's slaughter'd carcases; 32

Or daughters groaning o'er their fathers' hearses: 33

And I can dwell there, and with these keep consort 34

As musical as theirs. What can you look for 35

From an old, foolish, peevish, doting man 36

But craziness of age? 37

Calantha

Cousin of Argos, —

Nearchus

Madam?

Calantha

Were I presently

To choose you for my lord, I'll open freely 38

What articles I would propose to treat on 39

Before our marriage. 40

Nearchus

Name them, virtuous lady.

Calantha

I would presume you would retain the royalty 41

Of Sparta in her own bounds; then in Argos 42

Armostes might be viceroy; in Messene 43

Might Crotolon bear sway; and Bassanes — 44

Bassanes

I, queen! alas, what I? 45

Calantha

Be Sparta's marshal.

The multitudes of high employments could not 46

But set a peace to private griefs. These gentlemen, 47

Groneas and Lemophil, with worthy pensions, 48

Should wait upon your person in your chamber. — 49

I would bestow Christalla on Amelus, — 50

She'll prove a constant wife; and Philema 51

Should into Vesta's Temple. 52

Bassanes

This is a testament!

It sounds not like conditions on a marriage. 53

Nearchus

All this should be perform'd. 54

Calantha

Lastly, for Prophilus,

He should be, cousin, solemnly invested 55

In all those honours, titles, and preferments 56

Which his dear friend and my neglected husband 57

Too short a time enjoy'd. 58

Prophilus

I am unworthy

To live in your remembrance. 59

Euphranea

Excellent lady!

Nearchus

Madam, what means that word, "neglected husband"? 60

Calantha

Forgive me: — now I turn to thee, thou shadow 61

Of my contracted lord! Bear witness all, 62

I put my mother's wedding-ring upon 63

His finger; 't was my father's last bequest. 64

([Places a ring on the finger of Ithocles.])

Thus I new-marry him whose wife I am; 65

Death shall not separate us. O, my lords, 66

I but deceiv'd your eyes with antic gesture, 67

When one news straight came huddling on another 68

Of death, and death, and death! still I danc'd forward; 69

But it struck home, and here, and in an instant. 70

Be such mere women, who with shrieks and outcries 71

Can vow a present end to all their sorrows, 72

Yet live to vow new pleasures, and outlive them? 73

They are the silent griefs which cut the heartstrings; 74

Let me die smiling. 75

Nearchus

'T is a truth too ominous.

Calantha

One kiss on these cold lips, my last! 76

[Kisses Ithocles.] — Crack, crack! —

Argos now 's Sparta's king. — Command the voices 77

Which wait at th' altar now to sing the song 78

I fitted for my end. 79

Nearchus

Sirs, the song!

A Song

All

Glories, pleasures, pomps, delights, and ease, 1

Can but please 2

Outward senses when the mind 3

Is not untroubled or by peace refin'd. 4

1 [Voice]

Crowns may flourish and decay, 5

Beauties shine, but fade away. 6

2 [Voice]

Youth may revel, yet it must 7

Lie down in a bed of dust. 8

3 [Voice.

Earthly honours flow and waste, 9

Time alone doth change and last. 10

All

Sorrows mingled with contents prepare 11

Rest for care; 12

Love only reigns in death; though art 13

Can find no comfort for a broken heart. 14

([Calantha dies.])

Armostes

Look to the queen! 15

Bassanes

Her heart is broke, indeed.

O, royal maid, would thou hadst miss'd this part! 16

Yet 't was a brave one. I must weep to see 17

Her smile in death. 18

Armostes

Wise Tecnicus! thus said he.

When youth is ripe, and age from time doth part, 19

The Lifeless Trunk shall wed the Broken Heart. 20

'T is here fulfill'd. 21

Nearchus

I am your king.

Omnes

Long live

Nearchus, King of Sparta! 22

Nearchus

Her last will

Shall never be digress'd from: wait in order 23

Upon these faithful lovers, as becomes us. — 24

The counsels of the gods are never known 25

Till men can call th' effects of them their own. 26

([Exeunt.])

FINIS

WHERE noble judgments and clear eyes are fix'd 27

To grace endeavour, there sits truth, not mix'd 28

With ignorance: those censures may command 29

Belief which talk not till they understand. 30

Let some say, "This was flat;" some, "Here the scene 31

Fell from its height;" another, that the mean 32

Was ill observ'd in such a growing passion 33

As it transcended either state or fashion. 34

Some few may cry, "'T was pretty well," or so, 35

"But —" and there shrug in silence; yet we know 36

Our writer's aim was in the whole address'd 37

Well to deserve of all, but please the best: 38

Which granted, by th' allowance of this strain 39

The Broken Heart may be piec'd up again. 40