Mary Wroth

Love’s Victory

Wroth, Mary. ”Love’s Victory” . In: Ceresano, S. P.; Wynne-Davies, Marion (ed.). Renaissance Drama by Women: Texts and Documents. London and New York: Routledge, 1997. pp. 91-126

Joan Oleza Simó (Investigador principal) Ceresano, S. P.; Wynne-Davies, Marion (Editor de la edición crítica) Tronch Pérez, Jesús (Editor digital)

English · Verso · 447 versos

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License

https://playcode.fly.dev/plays/EMOTHE0700_LovesVictory

Note on this digital edition

The EMOTHE Digital Library is grateful to the editors S. P. Ceresano, S. P. and Marion Wynne-Davies for their kind permission to reproduce their text of Love’s Victory . © 1996 S. P. Ceresano, S. P. and Marion Wynne-Davies

List of Characters

SHEPHERDS

Philisses in love with Musella, and beloved by her

Lissius in love with Simeana, and beloved by her

Forester in love with Silvesta

Lacon in love with Musella

Rustic in love with Musella, but marries Dalina

Arcas a villain

SHEPHERDESSES

Musella in love with Philisses

Simeana in love with Lissius

Silvesta has vowed chastity

Climeana in love with Lissius

Dalina a fickle lady

Phillis loves Philisses

Mother to Musella

Temple of Love

Venus

Cupid

Priests

Shepherds and Sheperdesses

Lissius and Simeana

Philisses and Musela

Act I

Scene i

([Enter] VENUS, and CUPID with her, in her temple, her PRIESTS attending her.)

VENUS

Cupid, methinks we have too long been still, 1

And that these people grow to scorn our will. 2

Mercy to those ungrateful breeds neglect; 3

Then let us grow our greatness to respect, 4

Make them acknowledge that our heavenly power 5

Cannot their strength, but even themselves, devour; 6

Let them not smile and laugh because thine eyes 7

Are covered, as if blind, or love despise. 8

No, thou that scarce shalt from thine eyes take off, 9

Which gave them cause on thee to make this scoff. 10

Thou shalt discern their hearts, and make them know 11

That humble homage unto thee they owe; 12

Take thou the shaft which headed is with steel 13

And make them bow whose thoughts did lately reel; 14

Make them thine own, thou who didst me once harm, 15

Cannot forget the fury of that charm; 16

Wound them, but kill them not, so may they live 17

To honour thee, and thankfulness to give; 18

Shun no great cross which may their crosses breed, 19

But yet, let blessed enjoying them succeed. 20

Grief is sufficient to declare thy might, 21

And in thy mercy glory will shine bright. 22

VENUS

Mother, I will no cross, no harm, forbear, 23

Of jealousy for loss, of grief or fear, 24

Which may my honour touched again repair; 25

But with their sorrows will my glory rear. 26

Friends shall mistrust their friends, lovers mistake, 27

And all shall for their folly woes partake; 28

Some shall love much, yet shall no love enjoy, 29

Others obtain, when lost is all their joy. 30

This will I do, your will and mind to serve, 31

And to your triumph will these rites preserve. 32

VENUS

Then shall we have again our ancient glory; 33

And let this called be 'Love's Victory'. 34

Triumphs upon their travels shall ascend, 35

And yet most happy ere they come to end. 36

VENUS

Joy and enjoying on some shall be set, 37

Sorrow on others caught by Cupid's net. 38

([Exeunt.])

Scene ii

([Enter PHILISSES.])

PHILISSES

You pleasant flowery mead 1

Which I did once well love, 2

Your paths no more I'll tread, 3

Your pleasures no more prove, 4

Your beauty more admire, 5

Your colours more adore, 6

Nor grass with daintiest store 7

Of sweets to breed desire. 8

Walks, once so sought for, now 9

I shun you for the dark; 10

Birds, to whose song did bow 11

Mine ears, your notes ne'er mark; 12

Brook, which so pleasing was, 13

Upon whose banks I lay, 14

And on my pipe did play, 15

Now unregarded pass. 16

Meadows, paths, grass, flowers, 17

Walks, birds, brook: truly find 18

All prove but as vain showers, 19

Wished welcome, else unkind. 20

You once I loved best, 21

But love makes me you leave; 22

By love I love deceive; 23

Joys lost for life's unrest. 24

Joys lost for life's unrest; indeed, I see. 25

Alas, poor shepherd, miserable me. 26

Yet, fair Musella, love and worthy be; 27

I blame thee not, but mine own misery. 28

Live you still happy and enjoy your love, 29

And let love's pain in me distressed move; 30

For since it is my friend thou dost affect, 31

Then wrong him once, myself I will neglect; 32

And thus in secret will my passion hide, 33

Till time or fortune doth my fear decide, 34

Making my love appear as the bright morn, 35

Without or mist, or cloud, but truly born. 36

([Enter LISSIUS.])

LISSIUS

Joyful pleasant spring, 37

Which comforts to us bring, 38

Flourish in your pride. 39

Never let decay 40

Your delights allay, 41

Since joy is to you tied. 42

PHILISSES

No, joy is tied to you. You 'tis do prove 43

The pleasure of your friend's unhappy love. 44

'Tis you enjoy the comfort of my pain, 45

'Tis I that love, and you that love obtain. 46

LISSIUS

Let no frost nor wind 47

Your dainty colours blind, 48

But rather cherish. 49

Your most pleasant sight, 50

Let never winter bite 51

Nor season perish. 52

PHILISSES

I cannot perish more than now I do, 53

Unless my death my miseries undo. 54

Lissius is happy, but Philisses cursed, 55

Love seeks to him, on me he doth his worst. 56

And do thy worst on me still froward boy, 57

More ill thou canst not, but poor life destroy, 58

Which do, and glory in thy conquest got; 59

All men must die, and Love drew my ill lot. 60

LISSIUS

[He sees PHILISSES.] My dear Philisses. What, alone and sad? 61

PHILISSES

Neither, but musing why the best is bad. 62

But you were merry, I'll not mar your song, 63

My thoughts are tedious, and for you too long. 64

(Exit.)

LISSIUS

Alas, what means this? Surely it is love 65

That doth in him this alteration move; 66

This is the humour makes our shepherds rave. 67

I'll none of this, I'll sooner seek my grave! 68

Love, by your favour, I will none of you, 69

I rather you should miss, than I should sue. 70

Yet Cupid, poor Philisses back restore 71

To his first wits, and I'll affect thee more. 72

([LISSIUS retires backstage. Enter SILVESTA.])

SILVESTA

Fair shining day, and thou, Apollo bright, 73

Which to these pleasant valleys gives thy light, 74

And with sweet showers mixed with golden beams 75

Enrich these meadows and these gliding streams, 76

Wherein thou seest thy face like mirror fair, 77

Dressing in them thy curling, shining hair; 78

This place with sweetest flowers still doth deck, 79

Whose colours show their pride, free from the check 80

Of Fortune's frown, so long as Spring doth last; 81

But then, feel change, whereof all others taste. 82

As I, for one, who thus my habits change: 83

Once shepherdess, but now in woods must range 84

And after the chaste Goddess bear her bow; 85

Though service once to Venus I did owe, 86

Whose servant then I was and of her band. 87

But farewell folly, I with Dian stand, 88

Against Love's changing and blind foolery, 89

To hold with happy and blessed chastity. 90

For love is idle, happiness there's none 91

When freedom's lost and chastity is gone; 92

And where on earth most blessedness there is; 93

Love's fond desires never fail to miss. 94

And this, believe me, you will truly find, 95

Let not repentance therefore change your mind; 96

But change before your glory will be most, 97

When as the waggish boy can least him boast. 98

For he doth seek to kindle flames of fire, 99

But never thinks to quench a chaste desire; 100

He calls his foe, he hates none more than those 101

Who strive his law to shun, and this life chose. 102

All virtue hates his kingdom's wantonness: 103

His crown, desires; his sceptre, idleness; 104

His wounds, hot fires are; his help's like frost 105

Glad to hurt but never heals; thinks time lost 106

If any gain their long-sought joy with bliss; 107

And this the government of folly is. 108

But here Philisses comes, poor shepherd lad, 109

With Love's hot fires, and his own, made mad. 110

I must away, my vow allows no sight 111

Of men, yet must I pity him, poor wight, 112

Though he, rejecting me, this change hath wrought, 113

He shall be no less worthy in my thought. 114

Yet, wish I do he were as free as I, 115

Then were he happy, now feels misery. 116

For thanks to heaven and to the gods above, 117

I have won Chastity in place of Love. 118

Now Love's as far from me as never known; 119

Then basely tied, now freely am mine own; 120

Slavery and bondage with mourning care 121

Were then my living, sighs and tears my fare; 122

But all these gone now live I joyfully, 123

Free, and untouched of thought but Chastity. 124

([Exit.])

([Enter PHILISSES.])

PHILISSES

Love being missed in heav'n at last was found 125

Lodg'd in Musella's fair, though cruel, breast; 126

Cruel, alas, yet whereon I must ground 127

All hopes of joy, though tired with unrest. 128

O hearest dear, let plaints which true felt are 129

Gain pity once, do not delight to prove 130

So merciless, still killing with despair; 131

Nor pleasure take so much to try my love; 132

Yet, if your trial will you milder make, 133

Try, but not long, lest pity come too late. 134

But O, she may not, cannot, will not, take 135

Pity on me, she loves, and lends me hate. 136

LISSIUS

Fie, my Philisses, will you ever fly 137

My sight that loves you, and your good desires? 138

PHILISSES

Fly you, dear Lissius? No. But still a cry 139

I hear that says I burn in scorner's fires. 140

Farewell, good Lissius, I will soon return, 141

But not to you a rival, like to burn. 142

([Exit.])

LISSIUS

Ah, poor Philisses, would I knew thy pain, 143

That as I now lament, might help obtain; 144

But yet in love they say none should be used 145

But self-deserts, lest trust might be abused. 146

([Enter] FORESTER.)

FORESTER

[To himself] Did ever cruelty itself thus show? 147

Did ever heaven our mildness thus far move? 148

All sweetness and all beauty to o'erthrow, 149

All joy deface and crop in spring-time love? 150

Could any mortal breast invent such harm? 151

Could living creature think on such a loss? 152

No, no, alas, it was the Furies' charm 153

Who sought by this our best delights to cross, 154

And now in triumph glory in their gain. 155

Where was true beauty found, if not in thee, 156

O dear Silvesta? But accursed swain 157

That caused this change. O, miserable me, 158

Who live to see this day, and day's bright light 159

To shine when pleasure's turned into despite. 160

LISSIUS

Another of Love's band! O mighty Love 161

That can thy folly make in most to move. 162

FORESTER

Accursed shepherd, why wert thou e'er born, 163

Unless it were to be true virtue's scorn? 164

Cursed be thy days, unlucky ever be, 165

Nor ever live, lest happiness to see; 166

But where thou lov'st, let her as cruel prove 167

As thou wert to Silvesta, and my love. 168

LISSIUS

If one may ask, what is th'offence is done? 169

FORESTER

That cursed Philisses hath me quite undone. 170

LISSIUS

Undone, as how? 171

FORESTER

Sit down, and you shall know,

For glad I am that I my grief may tell, 172

Since 'tis some ease my sorrows cause to show, 173

Disburdning my poor heart which grief doth swell. 174

Then know I loved, alas, and ever must, 175

Silvesta fair, sole mistress of my joy, 176

Who dear affections were in surest trust 177

Laid up in flames, my hopes clean to destroy. 178

For as I truly loved and only she, 179

She for Philisses sighed, who did reject 180

Her love and pains, nor would, she cruel, see 181

My plaints, nor tears, but followed his neglect 182

With greater passion. I her followed still. 183

I after both did hie, though for my ill, 184

Who thus do live all wretchedness to taste. 185

Long time this lasted, still she constant loved, 186

And more she loved, more cruel still he grew; 187

Till at the length thus tyrant-like he proved, 188

Forcing that change which makes my poor heart rue. 189

For she, perceiving hate so far to guide 190

His settled heart to nothing but disdain, 191

Having all manners and all fashions tried 192

That might give comfort to her endless pain, 193

But seeing nothing would his favour turn 194

From fondly flying of her truest love, 195

Led by those passions which did firmly burn 196

So hot as nothing could those flames remove 197

But still increase, she, for the last resolved 198

To kill this heat, this hopeless course to take: 199

Making a vow which cannot be dissolved, 200

As not obtaining love, will love forsake. 201

For she hath vowed unto Diana's life 202

Her pure virginity; as she who could 203

No more than once love, nor another's wife 204

Consent to be, nor his now, if he would. 205

This hath he done by his ungratefulness; 206

Would it might tum to his own wretchedness! 207

LISSIUS

O, curse him not, alas, it is his ill 208

To feel so much as doth his senses kill; 209

And yet, indeed, this cruelty and course 210

Is somewhat strange for shepherds here to use. 211

Yet, see I not how this can prove the worse 212

For you whose love she ever did refuse; 213

But much the better, since your suffered pain 214

Can be no glory to another's gain. 215

FORESTER

Would it could be to any's gain the most 216

Of glory, honour, fortune, and what more 217

Can added be, though I had ever lost 218

And he obtained the chief of Beauty's store. 219

For then I might have her sometimes beheld, 220

But now am barred; for my love placed was 221

In truest kind, wherein I all excelled; 222

Not seeking gain, but losing, did surpass 223

Those that obtain; for my thoughts did ascend 224

No higher than to look. That was my end. 225

LISSIUS

What strange effects doth fancy 'mong us prove, 226

Who still brings forth new images of love? 227

But this of all is strangest: to affect 228

Only the sight and not the joys respect, 229

Nor ends of whining love, since sight we gain 230

With small ado, the other with much pain; 231

Doubling the pleasure, having left despair 232

And favour won, which kills all former care; 233

And sure, if ever I should chance to Jove, 234

The fruitful ends of love I first would move. 235

FORESTER

I wish you may obtain your heart's desire, 236

And I but sight, who waste in chastest fire. 237

(Exit.)

LISSIUS

These two to meet in one I ne'er did find, 238

Love and Chastity linked in one man's mind. 239

But now I see Love hath as many ways 240

To win as to destroy when he delays. 241

([Exit.])

Scene iii

([Enter] PHILISSES, DALINA, RUSTIC, LACON, LISSIUS [and CLIMEANA].)

DALINA

The sun grows hot, 'twere best we did retire. 1

LISSIUS

There's a good shade. 2

PHILISSES

But here's a burning fire. 3

LACON

Never did I see man so changed as he. 4

DALINA

Truly nor I, what can the reason be? 5

PHILISSES

Love, love it is, which you in time may know; 6

But happy they can keep their love from show. 7

([Enter MUSELLA.])

DALINA

Musella welcome to our meeting is, 8

Of all our fellows you did only miss. 9

MUSELLA

Small miss of me. For, oft'nest when I'm here, 10

I am as if I were another where. 11

But where is Phillis? Seldom do I find 12

Her or Simeana missing; yet, the blind 13

God Cupid late hath struck her yielding breast, 14

And makes her lonely walk to seek for rest. 15

PHILISSES

Yet when the pain is greatest, 'tis some ease 16

To let a friend partake his friend's disease. 17

MUSELLA

That were no friendly part, in this you miss; 18

Impart unto your friend no harm, but bliss. 19

PHILISSES

Some friend will ready be to ease one's smart. 20

MUSELLA

So to befriend yourself they should bear part. 21

DALINA

Now we are met, what sport shall we invent 22

While the sun's fury somewhat more be spent? 23

LACON

Let each one here their fortunes past relate, 24

Their loves, their froward chance or their good fate. 25

MUSELLA

And so discourse the secrets of the mind! 26

I like not this; thus sport may crosses find. 27

PHILISSES

Let one begin a tale. 28

DALINA

Nor that I like.

LACON

What then will please? We see what doth dislike. 29

PHILISSES

Dislike is quickly known, pleasure is scant. 30

MUSELLA

And where joys seem to flow, alas, there's want. 31

CLIMEANA

[Sings.] O mine eyes, why do you lead 32

My poor heart thus forth to range 33

From the wonted course, to strange 34

Unknown ways and paths to tread? 35

Let it home return again, 36

Free, untouched of gadding thought, 37

And your forces back be brought 38

To the ridding of my pain. 39

But mine eyes, if you deny 40

This small favour to my heart 41

And will force my thoughts to fly, 42

Know yet you govern but your part. 43

LISSIUS

Climeana hath begun a pretty sport; 44

Let each one sing, and so the game is short. 45

RUSTIC

Indeed, well said, and I will first begin. 46

DALINA

And whosoever's out, you'll not be in! 47

PHILISSES

Sing they who have glad hearts or voice to sing, 48

I can but patience to this pleasure bring. 49

MUSELLA

Then you and I will sit, and judges be. 50

PHILISSES

Would fair Musella first would judge of me. 51

MUSELLA

Will you then sing? 52

PHILISSES

No, I would only say [... ]

MUSELLA

Choose some time else. Who will begin this play? 53

RUSTIC

Why, that will I, and I will sing of thee. 54

MUSELLA

Sorry I am I should be your subject be. 55

RUSTIC

[Sings.] When I do see 56

Thee, whitest thee, 57

Yea, whiter than lamb's wool; 58

How do I joy 59

That thee enjoy 60

I shall with my heart full. 61

Thy eyes do play 62

Like goats with hay, 63

And skip like kids flying 64

From the sly fox, 65

So eyelid's box 66

Shuts up thy sights prying. 67

Thy cheeks are red 68

Like ochre spread 69

On a fatted sheep's back; 70

Thy paps are found 71

Like apples round, 72

No praises shall lack. 73

MUSELLA

Well you have praises given enough; now let 74

Another come some other to commend. 75

RUSTIC

I had much more to say, but thus I'm met 76

And stayed; now will I harken and attend. 77

LACON

[Sings.] By a pleasant river's side, 78

Heart and hopes on pleasure's tide, 79

Might I see within a bower 80

Proudly dressed with every flower 81

Which the spring doth to us lend, 82

Venus and her loving friend. 83

I upon her beauty gazed, 84

They, me seeing, were amazed; 85

Till at last upstepped a child, 86

In his face not actions mild. 87

'Fly away,' said he, 'for sight 88

Shall both breed and kill delight. 89

Fly away and follow me, 90

And I will let thee beauties see.' 91

I obeyed him, then he stayed 92

Hard beside a heavenly maid; 93

When he threw a flaming dart, 94

And unkindly struck my heart. 95

MUSELLA

But what became then of the cruel boy? 96

LACON

When he had done his worst he fled away. 97

MUSELLA

And so let us. 'Tis time we do return 98

To tend our flocks who all this while do burn. 99

PHILISSES

Burn, and must burn, this suddenly is said; 100

But heat not quenched, alas, but hopes decayed. 101

DALINA

What have you done, and must I lose my song? 102

MUSELLA

Not lose it, though awhile we it prolong. 103

DALINA

I am content, and now let's all retire. 104

PHILISSES

And soon return sent by Love's quickest fire. 105

([Exeunt.])

Scene iv

([Enter] VENUS and CUPID, appearing in the clouds.)

VENUS

Fie, this is nothing! What? Is this your care? 1

That among ten the half of them you spare! 2

I would have all to wail and all to weep; 3

Will you at such a time as this go sleep? 4

Awake your forces and make Lissius find 5

Cupid can cruel be as well as kind. 6

Shall he go scorning thee and all thy train, 7

And pleasure take he can thy force disdain? 8

Strike him, and tell him thou his lord wilt prove, 9

And he a vassal unto mighty Love; 10

And all the rest, that scorners be of thee, 11

Make with their grief, of thy might feelers be. 12

VENUS

'Tis true that Lissius, and some others yet, 13

Are free and lively; but they shall be met 14

With care sufficient, for 'tis not their time 15

As yet into my pleasing pain to climb. 16

Let them alone, and let themselves beguile, 17

They shall have torment when they think to smile. 18

They are not yet in pride of all their scorn, 19

But ere they have their pleasures half-way worn, 20

They shall both cry, and sigh, and wail, and weep, 21

And for our mercy shall most humbly creep. 22

Love hath most glory when as greatest sprites 23

He downward throws unto his own delights. 24

Then take no care, Love's Victory shall shine, 25

Whenas your honour shall be raised by mine. 26

VENUS

Thanks, Cupid, if thou do perform thine oath, 27

As needs you must, for gods must want no troth. 28

Let mortals never think it odd or vain 29

To hear that Love can in all spirits reign. 30

Princes are not exempted from our mights, 31

Much less should shepherds scorn us and our rights; 32

Though they as well can love and like affect, 33

They must not therefore our commands neglect. 34

CUPID

Nor shall. And mark but what my vengeance is. 35

I'll miss my force, or they shall want their bliss; 36

And arrows here I have of purpose framed 37

Which as their qualities so are they named: 38

Love, jealousy, malice, fear, and mistrust, 39

Yet all these shall at last encounter just; 40

Harm shall be none, yet all shall harm endure 41

For some small season, then of joy be sure. 42

Like you this, Mother? 43

VENUS

Son, I like this well,

And fail not now in least part of thy spell. 44

([Exeunt.])

Act II

Scene i

([Enter] MUSELLA, DALINA, SIMEANA, PHILISSES, LISSIUS [and] LACON.)

DALINA

Methinks we now too silent are. Let's play 1

At something while we yet have pleasing day. 2

([Enter SILVESTA and FORESTER; they do not see the others.])

LISSIUS

Here's sport enough; view but her new attire, 3

And see her slave who burns in chaste desire. 4

DALINA

Mark but their meeting. 5

LISSIUS

She, I'm sure, will fly,

And he poor fool will follow still, and cry. 6

MUSELLA

What pleasure you do take to mock at love; 7

Are you sure you cannot his power prove? 8

But look, he kneels, and weeps. 9

LISSIUS

And cries, 'Ah me!'

Sweet Nymph have pity, or he dies for thee. 10

FORESTER

[To SILVESTA] Alas, dear Nymph, why fly you still my sight? 11

Can my true love and firm affection 12

So little gain me, as your fairest light 13

Must darkened be for my affliction? 14

O look on me and see if in my face 15

True grief and sorrow show not my disgrace; 16

If that despair do not by sighs appear; 17

If felt disdain do not with tears make show 18

My ever-wailing, ever-saddest cheer, 19

And mourning, which no breath can overblow? 20

Pity me not, else judge with your fair eyes 21

My loving soul which to you captive lies. 22

SILVESTA

Alas, fond Forester, urge me no more 23

To that which now lies not within my might; 24

Nor can I grant, or you to joy restore 25

By any means to yield you least delight 26

For I have vowed, which vows I will obey, 27

Unto Diana. What more can I say? 28

FORESTER

O, this I know. Yet give me but this leave 29

To do as birds, and trees, and beasts may do; 30

Do not, O, do not me of sight bereave, 31

For without you I see not. Ah, undo 32

Not what is yours, o'erthrow not what's your own, 33

Let me, though conquered, not be quite o'erthrown. 34

I know you vowed have, and vows must stand; 35

Yet, though you chaste must be, I may desire 36

To have your sight, and this the strictest band 37

Cannot refuse, and but this I require. 38

Then grant it me, which I on knees do seek, 39

Be not to nature, and yourself, unleek. 40

SILVESTA

No, no, I ne'er believe your fond-made oath. 41

I chastity have sworn, then no more move. 42

I know what 'tis to swear, and break it, both; What to desire, and what it is to love. 43

Protest you may that there shall nothing be 44

By you imagined 'gainst my chastity, 45

But this I doubt; your love will make you curse, 46

If you so much do love, that cursed day 47

When I this vowed; attempt it may be worse. 48

Then follow not thus hopeless your decay, 49

But leave off loving; or some other choose 50

Whose state or fortune need not you refuse. 51

FORESTER

Indeed, sweet Nymph, 'tis true that chastity 52

To one that loves may justly raging move. 53

Yet, loving you, those thoughts shall banished be; 54

Since 'tis in you, I chastity will love; 55

And now depart, since such is your pleasure. 56

Depart, o me, from joy, from life, from ease, 57

Go I must, and leave behind that treasure 58

Which all contentment gives. Now, to displease 59

Myself with liberty I may free go, 60

And with most liberty, most grief, most woe. 61

(Exit.)

MUSELLA

Lissius, I hope this sight doth something move 62

In you to pity so much constant love. 63

LISSIUS

Yes. Thus it moves: that man should be so fond 64

As to be tied t'a woman's faithless bond! 65

For we should women love but as our sheep, 66

Who being kind and gentle give us ease, 67

But cross, or straying, stubborn, or unmeek, 68

Shunned as the wolf, which most our flocks disease. 69

MUSELLA

We little are beholding unto you, 70

In kindness, less. Yet, you these words may rue; 71

I hope to live to see you wail and weep, 72

And deem your grief far sweeter than your sleep. 73

Then, but remember this, and think on me; 74

Who truly told, you could not still live free. 75

LISSIUS

I do not know, it may be very well, 76

But I believe I shall uncharm Love's spell. 77

And Cupid, if I needs must love, 78

Take your aim and shoot your worst. 79

Once more you rob your mother's dove, 80

All your last shafts sure were burst, 81

Those you stole, and those you gave, 82

Shoot not me till new you have. 83

PHILISSES

Rustic, faith, tell me, hast thou ever loved? 84

RUSTIC

What call you love? I've been to trouble moved, 85

As when my best cloak hath by chance been torn, 86

I have lived wishing till it mended were, 87

And but so lovers do; nor could forbear 88

To cry if I my bag or bottle lost, 89

As lovers do who by their loves are crossed, 90

And grieve as much for these, as they for scorn. 91

PHILISSES

Call you this love? Why, love is no such thing! 92

Love is a pain which yet doth pleasure bring, 93

A passion which alone in hearts do move, 94

And they that feel not this they cannot love. 95

'Twill make one joyful, merry, pleasant, sad, 96

Cry, weep, sigh, fast, mourn, nay sometimes stark mad; 97

If they perceive scorn, hate, or else disdain 98

To wrap their woes in store, for others' gain, 99

For that, but jealousy, is sure the worst, 100

And then be jealous. Better be accursed! 101

But o, some are, and would it not disclose; 102

They silent love, and loving, fear. Ah, those 103

Deserve most pity, favour and regard; 104

Yet, are they answered but with scorn's reward, 105

This their misfortune. And the like may fall 106

To you, or me, who wait misfortune's call. 107

But if it do, take heed, be ruled by me: 108

Though you mistrust, mistrust not that she see. 109

For then she'll smiling say, 'Alas, poor fool, 110

This man hath learned all parts of Folly's school.' 111

Be wise, make love, and love though not obtain, 112

For to love truly is sufficient gain. 113

RUSTIC

Sure you do love, you can so well declare 114

The joys and pleasures, hope and his despair. 115

PHILISSES

I love indeed. 116

RUSTIC

But who is she you love?

PHILISSES

She who best thoughts must to affection move; 117

If any love, none need ask who it is. 118

Within these plains, none loves that loves not this 119

Delight of shepherd's pride, of this fair place; 120

No beauty is that shines not in her face, 121

Whose whiteness whitest lilies doth excel, 122

Matched with a rosy morning to compel 123

All hearts to serve her. Yet, doth she affect 124

But only virtue, nor will quite neglect 125

Those who doth serve her in an honest fashion, 126

Which, sure, doth more increase, than decrease, passion. 127

([Enter ARCAS.])

ARCAS

Here are they met, where Beauty only reigns, 128

Whose presence gives the excellentest light 129

And brightest, dimming Phoebus, who but feigns 130

To outshine these, it is not in his might. 131

Fair troop, here is a sport will well befit 132

This time and place, if you will license it. 133

PHILISSES

What is't, good Arcas? 134

ARCAS

Why stay, and you shall see.

Here is a book wherein each one shall draw 135

A fortune, and, thereby, their luck shall be 136

Conjectured. Like you this? You ne'er it saw. 137

RUSTIC

It is no matter, 'tis a pretty one. 138

Musella, you shall draw. 139

MUSELLA

Though choose alone.

PHILISSES

I never saw it, but I like it well. 140

LISSIUS

Then he, 'chieves best of all, must bear the bell. 141

RUSTIC

Pray thee, good Arcas, let me hold the book. 142

ARCAS

With all my heart. Yet, you'll not some lots brook. 143

RUSTIC

[Takes the book and reads.] Fairest, sweetest, bonny lass, 144

You that love in mirth to pass, 145

Time delightful come to me 146

And you shall your fortune see. 147

MUSELLA

You tell by book, then sure you cannot miss, 148

But shall I know what shall be, or what is? 149

RUSTIC

What shall be you need not fear, 150

Rustic doth thy fortune bear. 151

Draw, and when you chosen have, 152

Praise me who such fortune gave. 153

MUSELLA

And so I will, if good; or if untrue, 154

I'll blame min 'own ill-choice, and not blame you. 155

([She draws.])

PHILISSES

Pray, may I see the fortune you do choose. 156

MUSELLA

Yes, and if right, I will it not refuse. 157

PHILISSES

None can be cross to you, except you will. 158

MUSELLA

Read it. 159

PHILISSES

I will, although it were my ill.

([Reads.])

Fortune cannot cross your will, 160

Though your patience much must be. 161

Fear not that your luck is ill, 162

You shall your best wishes see. 163

Refuse, believe me, no, you have no cause; 164

Thus hope brings longing, patience, passion draws. 165

DALINA

I'll try what mine shall be, good Rustic, hold. 166

ARCAS

A man must follow. 167

DALINA

I'm still too bold.

PHILISSES

Then I will try, though sure of cruelty. 168

([He draws.])

And yet, this lot doth promise good at last; 169

That, though I now feel greatest misery, 170

My blessed days to come are not all past. 171

DALINA

Come, this fond lover knows not yet the play, 172

He studies while our fortunes run away! 173

What have you got? Let's see, do you this love? 174

PHILISSES

Read it, but heaven grant me the end to prove. 175

DALINA

[Reads.] You do live to be much crossed, 176

Yet esteem no labour lost, 177

Since you shall with bliss obtain 178

Pleasure for your suffered pain. 179

Truly, I cannot blame you. Like you this? 180

So I at last might gain, I well could miss. 181

MUSELLA

After a rain the sweetest flowers do grow, 182

So shall your hap be, as this book doth show. 183

DALINA

Now must I draw. Sweet Fortune be my guide. 184

MUSELLA

She cannot see. Yet, must your chance abide. 185

DALINA

Blind or no, I care not, this I take, and 186

If good, my luck, if not, a luckless hand. 187

([She draws.])

PHILISSES

If Fortune guide, she will direct to Love, 188

They cannot parted be. How now dost move? 189

DALINA

Move? Did you ever see the like? 190

PHILISSES

Not I!

DALINA

Nay, read it out, it shows my constancy. 191

PHILISSES

[Reads.] They that cannot steady be 192

To themselves, the like must see. 193

Fickle people, fickly choose, 194

Slightly like, and so refuse. 195

This your fortune, who can say, 196

Herein justice bears not sway! 197

In troth, Dalina, Fortune is proud-cursed 198

To you without desert. 199

DALINA

This is the worst

That she can do. 'Tis true I have fickle been, 200

And so is she; 'tis then the lesser sin. 201

Let her prove constant, I will her observe, 202

And then, as she doth mend, I'll good deserve. 203

ARCAS

Who chooseth next? 204

LISSIUS

Not I, lest such I prove:

SILVESTA

Nor I, it is sufficient I could love. 205

ARCAS

I'll wish for one, but Fortune shall not try 206

On me her tricks, whose favours are so dry. 207

DALINA

None can wish, if they their wishes love not, 208

Nor can they love, if that wishings move not. 209

PHILISSES

You fain would solve this business. 210

DALINA

Who? Would I?

Nay, my care's past. I, Love and his, deny. 211

PHILISSES

Love and Reason once at war, 212

Jove came down to end the jar. 213

'Cupid,' said Love, 'must have place'; 214

Reason, that it was his grace. 215

Jove then brought it to this end: 216

Reason should on Love attend; 217

Love takes Reason for his guide, 218

Reason cannot from Love slide. 219

This agreed, they pleased did part, 220

Reason ruling Cupid's dart. 221

So as sure Love cannot miss, 222

Since that Reason ruler is. 223

LISSIUS

It seems he missed before he had this guide! 224

PHILISSES

I'm sure not me, I ne'er my heart could hide 225

But he it found; so, as I well may say, 226

Had he been blind I might have stolen away! 227

But so he saw, and ruled with Reason's might, 228

As he hath killed in me all my delight; 229

He wounded me, alas, with double harm, 230

And none but he can my distress uncharm; 231

Another wound must cure me, or I die. 232

But stay, this is enough, I hence will fly 233

And seek the boy that struck me. Fare you well, 234

Yet, make not still your pleasures prove my hell. 235

([Exit.])

LISSIUS

Philisses now hath left us, let's go back 236

And tend our flocks, who now our care do lack. 237

Yet would he had more pleasant parted hence, 238

Or that I could but judge the cause from whence 239

These passions grew; it would give me much ease 240

Since I perceive my sight doth him displease. 241

I'll seek him yet, and of him truly know 242

What in him hath bred this unusual woe. 243

If he deny me, then I'll swear he hates 244

Me, or affects that humour which debates 245

In his kind thought, which should the master be; 246

But, who the friend is, I will quickly see. 247

(Exit.)

MUSELLA

– And hither soon return 248

That sun to me, whose absence make me burn. 249

(Exeunt.)

Scene ii

([Enter] PHILISSES [and] LISSIUS.)

LISSIUS

O, plainly deal with me! My love hath been 1

Still firm to you; then, let us not begin 2

To seem as strangers. If I have wronged you, speak, 3

And I'll forgiveness ask; else, do not break 4

That band of friendship of our long-held love, 5

Which did these plains to admiration move. 6

PHILISSES

I cannot change, but love thee ever will, 7

For no cross shall my first affection kill. 8

But give me leave that sight, once loved, to shun 9

Since by the sight, I see myself undone. 10

LISSIUS

When this opinion first possessed thy heart 11

Would Death had struck me with his cruel dart. 12

Live I to be mistrusted by my friend? 13

'Tis time for me my wretched days to end. 14

But what began this change in thee? 15

PHILISSES

Mistrust.

LISSIUS

Mistrust of me? 16

PHILISSES

I am not so unjust.

LISSIUS

What then? Pray tell, my heart doth long to know. 17

PHILISSES

Why then, the change and cause of all my woe 18

Proceeds from this: I fear Musella's love 19

Is placed in you, this doth my torments move. 20

Since if she do, my friendship bound to you 21

Must make me leave for love or joy to sue, 22

For though I love her more than mine own heart, 23

If you affect her, I will ne'er impart 24

My love to her; so, constant friendship binds 25

My love where truth such faithful biding finds. 26

Then truly speak, good Lissius, plainly say, 27

Nor shall a love make me your trust betray. 28

LISSIUS

my Philisses! What? Was this the cause? 29

Alas, see how misfortune on me draws. 30

I love; but vow 'tis not Musella's face 31

Could from my heart my freer thoughts displace. 32

Although, I must confess, she worthy is, 33

But she, alas, can bring to me no bliss. 34

It is your sister who must end my care 35

Now do you see you need no more despair. 36

PHILISSES

Yet, she may love you, can you that deny? 37

LISSIUS

And swear I never yet, lest thou could spy: 38

But well assured I am that she doth love, 39

And you, I venture, dare doth her heart move. 40

'Tis true she speaks to me, but for your sake, 41

Else for good looks from her I might leave take. 42

Her eyes cannot dissemble, though her tongue 43

To speak it hazards not a greater wrong; 44

Her cheeks cannot command the blood, but still 45

It must appear, although against her will. 46

Thus have I answered, and advice do give: 47

Tell her your love, if you will happy live; 48

She cannot, neither will she, you deny. 49

And do as much for me, or else I die. 50

PHILISSES

What may I do that you shall not command? 51

Then here I 'gage my word and give my hand; 52

If with my sister I but power have, 53

She shall requite you, and your sorrow save 54

With gift of her love. But, once more say this: 55

From fair Musella hope you for no bliss? 56

LISSIUS

None but her friendship, which I will require 57

From both, as equal to my best desire. 58

PHILISSES

Then, thus assured, that friendship shall remain, 59

Or let my soul endure eternal pain. 60

(Exeunt.)

Scene iii

([Enter] VENUS' PRIESTS TO LOVE, or his praise, [and] the GODDESS and her SON, appearing in glory.)

[PRIESTS]

Cupid, blessed be thy might, 1

Let thy triumph see no night; 2

Be thou justly God of Love, 3

Who thus can thy glory move. 4

Hearts, obey to Cupid's sway, 5

Princes, none of you say nay; 6

Eyes, let him direct your way, 7

For without him you may stray. 8

He your secret thoughts can spy, 9

Being hid else from each eye. 10

Let your songs be still of love; 11

Write no satires which may prove, 12

Lest offensive to his name. 13

If you do, you will but frame 14

Words against yourselves, and lines 15

Where his good, and your ill, shines. 16

Like him who doth set a snare 17

For a poor betrayed hare, 18

And that thing he best doth love 19

Lucklessly the snare doth prove. 20

Love, the king is of the mind, 21

Please him, and he will be kind; 22

Cross him, you see what doth come, 23

Harms which make your pleasure's tomb. 24

Then, take heed, and make your bliss 25

In his favour, and so miss 26

No content, nor joy, nor peace, 27

But in happiness, increase. 28

Love command your hearts and eyes, 29

And enjoy what pleasure tries; 30

Cupid govern, and his care, 31

Guide your hearts from all despair. 32

([Exeunt.])

Act III

Scene i

([Enter SILVESTA and MUSELLA.])

SILVESTA

Silent woods with desert's shade, 1

Giving peace. 2

Where all pleasures first are made 3

To increase. 4

Give your favour to my moan 5

Now my loving time is gone. 6

Chastity my pleasure is, 7

Folly fled. 8

From hence, now I seek my bliss, 9

Cross love dead. 10

In your shadows I repose, 11

You, than Love, I now have chose. 12

MUSELLA

Choice ill-made were better left, 13

Being cross. 14

Of such choice to be bereft, 15

Were no loss. 16

Chastity, you thus commend, 17

Doth proceed but from Love's end. 18

And if Love the fountain was 19

Of your fire, 20

Love must Chastity surpass 21

In desire. 22

Love lost, bred your chastest thought, 23

Chastity by Love is wrought. 24

SILVESTA

O, poor Musella, now I pity thee; 25

I see thou'rt bound, who most have made unfree. 26

'Tis true, disdain of my love made me turn, 27

And happily I think. But you to burn 28

In love's false fires yourself, poor soul, take heed, 29

Be sure before you too much pine, to speed. 30

You know I loved have, but behold my gain; 31

This, you dislike, I purchased with love's pain 32

And true-felt sorrow. Yet, my answer was 33

From my, then dear, Philisses: 'You must pass 34

Unloved by me, and for your own good leave 35

To urge that which, most urged, can but deceive 36

Your hopes. For know, Musella is my love.' 37

As then of duty I should no more move; 38

And this his will he got, but not his mind, 39

For yet it seems you are no less unkind. 40

MUSELLA

Wrong me not, chaste Silvesta, 'tis my grief 41

That from poor me he will not take relief. 42

SILVESTA

What, will he lose what he did most desire? 43

MUSELLA

So is he led away with jealous fire. 44

And this, Silvesta, but to you I speak, 45

For sooner should my heart with silence break 46

Than any else should hear me thus much say 47

But you, who I know will not me betray. 48

SILVESTA

Betray Musella? Sooner will I die. 49

No, I do love you, nor will help deny 50

That lies in me to bring your care to end, 51

Or service which to your content may tend. 52

For when I loved Philisses as my life, 53

Perceiving he loved you, I killed the strife 54

Which in me was. Yet, do I wish his good, 55

And for his sake, love you. Though I withstood 56

Good fortunes, this chaste life well pleaseth me, 57

And would joy more if you two happy be. 58

Few would say this, but fewer would it do, 59

But th'one I loved, and love the other too. 60

MUSELLA

I know you loved him, nor could I the less 61

At that time love you. So did he possess 62

My heart, as my thought all hearts sure must yield 63

To love him most and best; who in this field 64

Doth live and hath not had some kind of touch 65

To like him? But o, you and I too much. 66

SILVESTA

Mine is now passed. Tell me now what yours is, 67

And I'll wish but the means to work your bliss. 68

MUSELLA

Then know, Silvesta, I Philisses love. 69

But he, although, or that because, he loves, 70

Doth me mistrust. Ah, can such mischief move 71

As to mistrust her who such passion proves? 72

But so he doth, and thinks I have Lissius made 73

Master of my affections, which hath stayed 74

Him ever yet from letting me it know 75

By words, although he hides it not from show. 76

Sometimes I fain would speak, then straight forbear, 77

Knowing it most unfit; thus woe I bear. 78

SILVESTA

Indeed a woman to make love is ill. 79

But hear, and you may all these sorrows kill; 80

He, poor distressed shepherd, every morn 81

Before the sun to our eyes new is born, 82

Walks in this place, and here alone doth cry 83

Against his life and your great cruelty. 84

Now, since you love so much, come here and find 85

Him in these woes, and show yourself but kind. 86

You soon shall see a heart so truly won 87

As you would not it miss to be undone. 88

MUSELLA

Silvesta, for this love I can but say, 89

That piece of heart which is not given away 90

Shall be your own, the rest will you observe 91

As saver of two hearts, which, too, will serve 92

You ever with so true and constant love 93

Your chastity itself shall it approve. 94

SILVESTA

I do believe it, for in so much worth 95

As lives in you, virtue must needs spring forth. 96

And for Philisses, I love him and will 97

In chastest service hinder still his ill. 98

Then keep your time, alas, let him not die 99

For whom so many suffered misery. 100

MUSELLA

Let me no joy receive if I neglect 101

This kind advice, or him I so respect. 102

SILVESTA

Farewell, Musella, love, and happy be. 103

(Exeunt.)

Scene ii

([Enter PHILISSES.])

PHILISSES

O wretched man! And thou, all-conquering Love, 1

Which show'st thy power still on hapless me, 2

Yet give me leave in these sweet shades to move; 3

Rest but to s ow my killing misery; 4

And be once pleased to know thy wretched fate, 5

And something pity my ill and my state. 6

Could ever Nature of the heavens e'er frame 7

So rare a part so like themselves divine? 8

And yet that work be blotted with the blame 9

Of cruelty; and dark be, who should shine 10

To be the brightest star of dearest prize; 11

And yet to murder hearts which to her cries, 12

Cry; and even at the point of death for care, 13

Yet have I nothing left me but despair. 14

Despair! O, but despair! Alas, hath hope 15

No better portion? Nor a greater scope? 16

Well then, despair with my life coupled be, 17

And for my sudden end do soon agree. 18

Ah me, unfortunate; would I could die. 19

But so soon as this company I fly. 20

(Exit.)

([Enter] DALINA, CLIMEANA, SIMEANA [and] PHILLIS.)

DALINA

Now we're alone let everyone confess 21

Truly to other what our lucks have been, 22

How often liked and loved, and so express 23

Our passions past; shall we this sport begin? 24

None can accuse us, none can us betray, 25

Unless ourselves, our own selves will bewray. 26

PHILLIS

I like this, but will each one truly tell? 27

CLIMEANA

Trust me, I will, who doth not, doth not well. 28

SIMEANA

I'll plainly speak, but who shall be the first? 29

DALINA

I can say least of all, yet I will speak. 30

A shepherd once there was, and not the worst 31

Of those were most esteemed, whose sleep did break 32

With love, forsooth, of me. I, found it thought 33

I might have him at leisure, liked him not. 34

Then was there to our house a farmer brought, 35

Rich and lively, but those bought not his lot 36

For love. Two jolly youths at last there came, 37

Which both, methought, I very well could love. 38

When one was absent, t'other had the name; 39

In my stayed heart he present did most move, 40

Both at one time in sight, I scarce could say 41

Which of the two I then would wish away. 42

But they found how to choose, and as I was, 43

Like changing, like uncertain, let me pass. 44

SIMEANA

I would not this believe if other tongue 45

Should this report, but think it had been wrong; 46

But since you speak this, could not you agree 47

To choose someone, but thus unchosen be? 48

DALINA

Truly not I. I plainly tell the truth, 49

Yet do confess 'twas folly in my youth, 50

Which now I'll mend; the next that comes I'll have, 51

I will no more be foolish, nor delay, 52

Since I do see the lads will labour save. 53

One answer rids them, I'll no more say 'Nay'. 54

But if he say, 'Dalina, will you love?' 55

And, 'Thank you', I will say, 'If you will prove'. 56

The next go on, and tell what you have done. 57

SIMEANA

I am the next, and have but losses won. 58

Yet, still I constant was, though still rejected; 59

Loved and not loved I was, liked and neglected; 60

Yet, now some hope revives, when love thought dead 61

Proves like the Spring's young bud when leaves are fled. 62

PHILLIS

Your hap's the better, would mine were as good, 63

Though I as long as you despised stood. 64

For I have loved, and loved but only one; 65

Yet I, disdained, could but receive that moan 66

Which others do for thousands; so unjust 67

Is Love to those who in him most do trust. 68

Nor did I ever let my thoughts be shown 69

But to Musella, who all else hath known, 70

Which was, long time, I had Philisses loved, 71

And ever would though he did me despise; 72

For then, though he had ever cruel proved, 73

From him, not me, the fault must needs arise. 74

And if, Simeana, thus your brother dear 75

Should be unkind, my love shall still be clear. 76

SIMEANA

'Tis well resolved; but how liked she your choice? 77

Did she, or blame, or else, your mind commend? 78

PHILLIS

Neither she seemed to dislike or rejoice, 79

Nor did commend I did this love intend; 80

But smiling, said, 'twere best to be advised: 81

Comfort it were to win, but death despised. 82

SIMEANA

I do believe her. But Climeana yet 83

Hath nothing said, we must not her forget. 84

CLIMEANA

Why, you have said enough for you and me! 85

Yet for your sakes, I will the order keep, 86

Who though a stranger here by birth I be 87

And in Arcadia ever kept my sheep. 88

Yet, here it is my fortune with the rest 89

Of you to like, and loving be oppressed, 90

For since I came, I did a lover turn; 91

And turn I did indeed when I loved here, 92

Since for another I in love did burn, 93

To whom I thought I had been held as dear; 94

But was deceived. When I for him had left 95

My friends and country, was of him bereft, 96

And all, but that you kindly did embrace 97

And welcome me into this happy place. 98

Where, for your sakes, I meant to keep some sheep, 99

Not doubting ever to be more deceived; 100

But now, alas, I am anew bereaved 101

Of heart, now time it is myself to keep 102

And let flocks go, unless Simeana please 103

To give consent, and so give me some ease. 104

SIMEANA

Why, what have I to do with whom you love? 105

CLIMEANA

Because 'tis he who doth your passion move. 106

SIMEANA

The lesser need I fear the winning of his love, 107

Since all my faith could never so much move. 108

Yet, can he not so cruel ever be 109

But he may live my misery to see. 110

CLIMEANA

And when his eyes to love shall open be, 111

I trust he will turn pity unto me, 112

And let me have reward, which is my due. 113

SIMEANA

Which is your due? What pity's due to you? 114

Dream you of hope? O, you too high aspire! 115

Think you to gain by kindling an old fire? 116

CLIMEANA

My love will be the surer, when I know 117

Not love alone, but how love to bestow. 118

SIMEANA

You make him, yet for all this, but to be 119

The second in your choice. So was not he 120

In mine, but first, and last, of all the chief 121

That can to me bring sorrow or relief. 122

CLIMEANA

This will not win him. You may talk and hope, 123

But in Love's passages there is large scope. 124

SIMEANA

'Tis true, and you have scope to change and choose, 125

To take, and dislike, like, and soon refuse. 126

CLIMEANA

My love as firm is to him as is thine. 127

SIMEANA

Yet mine did ever rise, never decline; 128

No other moved in me the flames of love, 129

Yet you dare hope as much as I to move. 130

Folly, indeed, is proud, and only vain, 131

And you his servant feeds with hope of gain. 132

CLIMEANA

I love him most. 133

SIMEANA

I love him best. Can you

Challenge reward, and cannot say you're true? 134

CLIMEANA

In this you wrong me! False I have not been, 135

But changed on cause. 136

SIMEANA

Well, now you hope to win

This second! Yet I, like those, lose no time; 137

But can you think that you can this way climb 138

To your desires? This shows you love have tried, 139

And that you can both choose, and choice divide. 140

But take your course, and win him if you can, 141

And I'll proceed in truth as I began. 142

DALINA

Fie, what a life is here about fond love, 143

Never could it in my heart thus much move! 144

This is the reason men are grown so coy, 145

When they perceive we make their smiles our joy; 146

Let them alone, and they will seek and sue, 147

But yield to them and they'll with scorn pursue. 148

Hold awhile off, they'll kneel, nay, follow you, 149

And vow and swear. Yet, all their oaths untrue; 150

Let them once see you coming, then they fly, 151

But strangely look, and they'll for pity cry; 152

And let them cry, there is no evil done, 153

They gain but that which you might else have won. 154

SIMEANA

Is this your counsel? Why, but now you said 155

Your folly had your loves and good betrayed, 156

And that hereafter you would wiser be 157

Than to disdain such as have left you free. 158

DALINA

'Tis true, that was the course I meant to take, 159

But this must you do, your own ends to make; 160

I have my fortunes lost, yours do begin, 161

And to cross those could be no greater sin. 162

I know the world, and hear me, this I advise: 163

Rather than too soon won, be too precise; 164

Nothing is lost by being careful still, 165

Nor nothing so soon won as lover's ill. 166

Here Lissius comes. Alas, he is love-struck, 167

He's even now learning love without the book. 168

([Enter LISSIUS.])

LISSIUS

[To himself] Love, pardon me, I know I did amiss 169

When I thee scorned, or thought thy blame my bliss. 170

O, pity me. Alas, I pity crave! 171

Do not set trophies on my luckless grave, 172

Though I, poor slave and ignorant, did scorn 173

Thy blessed name; let not my heart be torn 174

With thus much torture. O, but look on me, 175

Take me a faithful servant unto thee! 176

CLIMEANA

Dear Lissius, my dear Lissius, fly me not; 177

Let not both scorn and absence be my lot. 178

LISSIUS

Pray let me go, you know I cannot love; 179

Do not thus far my patience strive to move. 180

CLIMEANA

Why, cruel Lissius, wilt thou never mend, 181

But still increase thy frowns for my sad end? 182

LISSIUS

Climeana, 'tis enough that I have said, 183

Be gone and leave me. Is this for a maid 184

To follow and to haunt me thus? You blame 185

Me for disdain, but see not your own shame! 186

Fie, I do blush for you! A woman woo? 187

The most unfittest, shameful'st thing to do! 188

CLIMEANA

Unfit and shameful I? Indeed, 'tis true, 189

Since suit is made too hard; relentless you. 190

Well, I will leave you and restore the wrong 191

I suffer for my loving you too long. 192

No more shall my words trouble you, nor I 193

Ere follow more, if not to see me die. 194

(Exit.)

LISSIUS

Farewell, you now do right; this is the way 195

To win my wish. For when I all neglect 196

That seek me, she must needs something respect 197

My love the more; and what though she should say 198

I once denied her, yet my true-felt pain 199

Must needs from her soft breast some favour gain. 200

DALINA

Lisius is taken, well said! Cupid, now 201

You partly have performed your taken vow; 202

Of all our shepherds, I ne'er thought that he 203

Would of thy foolish troop a follower be! 204

But this it is a Goddess to despise 205

And thwart a wayward boy who wants his eyes. 206

Come, let's not trouble him, he is distressed 207

Enough, he need not be with us oppressed. 208

SIMEANA

I'll stay, and ask him who 'tis he doth love. 209

DALINA

Do not a pensive heart to passion move. 210

SIMEANA

To passion? Would I could his passion find, 211

To answer my distressed and grieved mind. 212

DALINA

Stay then and try him, and your fortune try; 213

It may be he loves you. Come let's go by. 214

(Exeunt [DALINA and PHILLIS.])

LISSIUS

O, sweet Simeana, look but on my pain! 215

I grieve and curse myself for my disdain; 216

Now, but have pity, Love doth make me serve, 217

And for your wrong, and you, I will reserve 218

My life to pay, your love but to deserve, 219

And for your sake I do myself preserve. 220

SIMEANA

Preserve it not for me, I seek not now! 221

Nor can I credit this nor any vow 222

Which you shall make; I was too long despised 223

To be deceived. No, I will be advised 224

By my own reason; my love shall no more blind 225

Me, nor make me believe more than I find. 226

LISSIUS

Believe but that, and I shall have the end 227

Of all my pain, and wishes. I pretend 228

A virtuous love; then grant me my desire, 229

Who now do waste in true and faithful fire. 230

SIMEANA

How can I this believe? 231

LISSIUS

My faith shall tell

That in true love I will all else excel; 232

But then, will you love me, as I do you? 233

SIMEANA

I promise may, for you cannot be true! 234

LISSIUS

Then, you will promise break. 235

SIMEANA

Not if I find

That as your words are, so you'll make your mind. 236

LISSIUS

Let me, nor speech, nor mind have, when that I 237

In this, or any else, do falsify 238

My faith and love to you. 239

SIMEANA

Then, be at rest;

And of my true affection be possessed. 240

LISSIUS

So, dear Simeana, be of me and mine. 241

Now do my hopes and joys together shine. 242

SIMEANA

Nor let the least cloud rise to dim this light, 243

Which Love makes to appear with true delight. 244

([Exeunt.])

Scene iii

([Enter] VENUS and CUPID.)

CUPID

Is not this pretty? Who doth free remain 1

Of all this flock, that waits not in our train? 2

Will you have yet more sorrow? Yet more woe? 3

Shall I another bitter arrow throw? 4

Speak, if you will, my hand now knows the way 5

To make all hearts your sacred power obey. 6

VENUS

'Tis pretty, but 'tis not enough. Some are 7

Too slightly wounded, they had greater share 8

In scorning us. Lissius too soon is blessed, 9

And with too little pain hath got his rest; 10

Scarce had he learned to sigh before he gained, 11

Nor shed a tear ere he his hopes obtained. 12

This easy winning breeds us more neglect, 13

Without much pain, few do Love's joys respect; 14

Then are the sweetest purchased with felt grief, 15

To floods of woe sweet looks give full relief; 16

A world of sorrow is eased with one smile, 17

And heart-wounds cured when kind words rule, the while. 18

That foregone wailings, in forgotten thought 19

Shall wasted lie disdained, once dearly bought; 20

One gentle speech more heals a bleeding wound 21

Than bawlings of pleasure, if from other ground. 22

Strike then to favour him, and let him gain 23

His love and bliss by Love's sweet pleasing pain. 24

CUPID

That shall be done. Nor had he this delight 25

Bestowed, but for his greater harm and spite; 26

You shall, before this act be ended, see 27

He doth sufficiently taste misery. 28

'Tis far more grief from joy to be down thrown, 29

Than joy to be advanced to Pleasure's throne. 30

VENUS

Let me see that, and I contented am; 31

Such gracious favour would but get thy shame. 32

CUPID

He and others yet shall taste 33

Such distress as shall lay waste 34

All their hopes, their joys, and lives; 35

By such loss our glory thrives; 36

Fear not, then all hearts must yield 37

When our forces come to field. 38

([Exeunt.])

Act IV

Scene i

([Enter MUSELLA.])

MUSELLA

This is the place Silvesta 'pointed me 1

To meet my joy, my sole felicity; 2

And here Philisses is. Ah me, this shows 3

The wounds by Love given are no childish blows. 4

([Enter PHILISSES; MUSELLA hides.])

PHILISSES

You blessed woods into whose secret guard 5

I venture dare my inward wounding smart, 6

And to you dare impart the crosses hard 7

Which harbour in my love-destroyed heart. 8

To you, and but to you, I durst disclose 9

These flames, these pains, these griefs, which I do find; 10

For your true hearts so constant are to those 11

Who trust in you, as you' not change your mind. 12

No echo shrill shall your dear secrets utter, 13

Or wrong your silence with a blabbing tongue; 14

Nor will your springs against your private mutter, 15

Or think that counsel keeping is a wrong; 16

Then, since woods, springs, echoes, and all are true, 17

My long-hid love, I'll tell, show, write in you. 18

Alas, Musella, cruel shepherdess, 19

Who takes no pity on me in distress. 20

For all my passions, plaints, and all my woes, 21

I am so far from gain as outward shows; 22

I never had could feed least hope to spring,' 23

Or any while least comfort to me bring. 24

Yet pardon me, dear mistress of my soul, 25

I do recall my words, my tongue control, 26

For wronging thee; accuse my poor starved heart, 27

Which withered is with Love's all-killing smart. 28

Since, truly, I must say I cannot blame 29

Thee, nor accuse thee with a scorner's name. 30

No, no, alas, my pains thou dost not know, 31

Nor dare I, wretch, my torments to thee show. 32

Why did I wrong thee then, who all must serve, 33

And happy he, by thee, thought to deserve? 34

Who heaven hath framed to make us here below 35

Deserve, they strive all worth in thee to show, 36

And doth these valleys and these meads disgrace 37

When thou art present with excelling grace, 38

As now, who at this time doth show more bright 39

Than fair Aurora, when she lends best light. 40

O, that I might but now have heart to speak 41

And say I love, though after, heart did break. 42

MUSELLA

I fain would comfort him, and yet I know 43

Not if from me 'twill comfort be or no, 44

Since causeless jealousy hath so possessed 45

His heart, as no belief of me can rest. 46

But why stay I? I came to give relief. 47

Should I then doubt? No, I may ease his grief, 48

And help will seek. None should one's good neglect, 49

Much more his bliss, who for me joys reject. 50

([She comes forward.])

How now, Philisses, why do you thus grieve? 51

Speak, is there none that can your pains relieve? 52

PHILISSES

Yes, fair Musella, but such is my state, 53

Relief must come from her who can but hate. 54

What hope may I, wretch, have least good to move 55

Where scorn doth grow for me, for others, love? 56

MUSELLA

But are you sure she doth your love disdain? 57

It may be for your love she feels like pain. 58

PHILISSES

Like pain for me! I would not crave so much. 59

I wish no more but that love might her touch, 60

And that she might discern by love to know 61

That kind respect is fit for her to show. 62

MUSELLA

Sure this she knows. 63

PHILISSES

Prove it, and I may live.

MUSELLA

Tell me who 'tis you love, and I will give 64

My word I'll win her if she may be won. 65

PHILISSES

Ah me, that doubt in me made me first run 66

Into this labyrinth of woe and care, 67

Which makes me thus to wed mine own despair. 68

MUSELLA

But have you made it known to her you love, 69

That for her scorn you do these torments prove? 70

PHILISSES

Yes, now I have; and yet to ease some pain 71

I'll plainlier speak, though my own end I gain; 72

And so to end, it were to me a bliss. 73

Then know, for your dear sake my sorrow is. 74

It may be you will hate me, yet I have 75

By this some ease, though with it come my grave. 76

Yet, dear Musella, since for you I pine 77

And suffer welcome death, let favour shine 78

Thus far, that though my love you do neglect, 79

Yet sorry be I died. With this respect 80

I shall be satisfied, and so content 81

As I shall deem my life so lost well spent. 82

MUSELLA

Sorry? Alas, Philisses, can it be 83

But I should grieve and mourn, nay, die for thee? 84

Yet, tell me why did you thus hide your love 85

And suffer wrong conceits thus much to move? 86

Now 'tis almost too late your wish to gain; 87

Yet you shall pity for your love obtain. 88

PHILISSES

Pity when helpless, 'tis endless given; 89

Am I to this unhappy bondage driven? 90

Yet truly pity, and 'twill be some ease 91

Unto my grief, though all things else displease; 92

But, do not yet, unless you can affect, 93

For forced pity's worse than is neglect; 94

And to be pitied but for pity's sake, 95

And not for love, do never pity take. 96

MUSELLA

Well then, I love you, and so ever must, 97

Though time and fortune should be still unjust; 98

For we may love, and both may constant prove, 99

But not enjoy unless ordained above. 100

PHILISSES

Dost thou love me? O, dear Musella, say, 101

And say it still, to kill my late dismay. 102

MUSELLA

More than myself, or Jove myself for thee 103

The better much. But wilt thou love like me? 104

PHILISSES

My only life, here do I vow to die 105

When I prove false or show unconstancy. 106

MUSELLA

All true content may this to both procure. 107

PHILISSES

And when I break, may I all shame endure. 108

MUSELLA

Nor doubt you me, nor my true heart mistrust, 109

For die I will before I prove unjust. 110

But here comes Rustic, whose encumbered brain 111

With love and jealousy must our loss gain, 112

For since he hopes, nay, says that I am his, 113

I cannot absent be but he'll me miss; 114

But when that is, let day no longer shine, 115

Or I have life if live not truly thine. 116

But now, lest that our love should be found out, 117

Let's seek all means to keep him from this doubt, 118

And let none know it but your sister dear, 119

Whose company I keep. So hold all clear, 120

Then let him watch and keep what he can get, 121

His plots must want their force our joys to let. 122

I'll step aside awhile, till you do meet 123

This welcome man, whose absence were more sweet; 124

For though that he, poor thing, can little find, 125

Yet I shall blush with knowing my own mind. 126

Fear and desire, still to keep it hid, 127

Will blushing show it when 'tis most forbid. 128

PHILISSES

None can have power against a powerful love; 129

Nor keep the blood, but in the cheeks 'twill move, 130

But not for fear or care it there doth show, 131

But kind desire makes you blushing know 132

That joy takes place, and in your face doth climb 133

With leaping heart like lambkins in the prime. 134

But, sweet Musella, since you will away, 135

Take now my heart and let yours in me stay. 136

(Exit MUSELLA.)

Could I express the joy I now conceive, 137

I were unworthy such bliss to receive; 138

But so much am I thine, as life and joy 139

Are in thy hands to nurse, or to destroy. 140

([Enter RUSTIC.])

How now Rustic? Whither away so fast? 141

RUSTIC

To seek Musella. 142

PHILISSES

Now that labour's past;

See where she comes. 143

MUSELLA

[Returning] Rustic where were you?

I sought, but could not find you. 144

RUSTIC

Is that true?

Faith I was but, the truth to you to tell, 145

Marking some cattle and asleep I fell. 146

MUSELLA

And I was seeking of a long-lost lamb, 147

Which now I found, ev'n as along you came. 148

RUSTIC

I'm glad you found it. 149

MUSELLA

Truly, so am I.

RUSTIC

Now let us go to find our company. 150

PHILISSES

See where some be. 151

MUSELLA

It seems too soon, alas,

That love despised should come to such a pass. 152

([Enter LISSIUS and SIMEANA.])

LISSIUS [and] SIMEANA

[singing] Love's beginning like the Spring, 153

Gives delight, in sweetness flowing; 154

Ever pleasant, flourishing, 155

Pride in her brave colours showing. 156

But Love ending is at last, 157

Like the storms of Winter's blast. 158

MUSELLA

Lissius, methinks you are grown sad of late, 159

And privately with your own thoughts debate. 160

I hope you are not fallen in love; that boy 161

Cannot, I trust, your settled heart enjoy! 162

LISSIUS

'Tis well, you may be merry at my fall! 163

Rejoice! Nay do, for I can lose but all. 164

SIMEANA

And so too much! 165

(Exit.)

MUSELLA

Sure, some strange error is.

PHILISSES

Learn you it out. 166

RUSTIC

We'll leave you.

([Exeunt PHILLISES and RUSTIC.])

MUSELLA

I'll know this.

Come Lissius, tell me, whence proceeds this grief? 167

Discover it and you may find relief. 168

LISSIUS

No, I'll go seek Philisses; he, I'm sure 169

Will comfort me, who doth the like endure. 170

Yet, fair Musella, do thus much for me: 171

Tell fierce Simeana she hath murdered me, 172

And gain but this, that she my end will bless 173

With some, though smallest grief, for my distress; 174

And that she will but grace my hapless tomb, 175

As to behold me dead by her hard doom. 176

This is a small request, and 'tis my last, 177

Whom to obey to my sad end will hast. 178

MUSELLA

Nay Lissius, hear me. Tell me ere you go 179

What sudden matter moves in you this woe. 180

LISSIUS

Alas! 'Tis love of one I did disdain, 181

And now I seek the like neglect I gain; 182

Yet at the first she answered me with love, 183

Which made my passions more increase and move. 184

But now she scorns me, and tells me I give 185

My love in equal sort to all; and drive 186

My sighs and plaints but from an outward part 187

Of feigned love, and never from my heart; 188

And when on knees I do her favour crave, 189

She bids me seek Climeana, where I gave 190

As many vows as then to her I did; 191

And thereupon her sight did me forbid, 192

Vowing that if I did more move or speak 193

Of love, she would not only speeches break, 194

But ever more her sight, and would be blind 195

Rather than in my sight herself to find. 196

This is the cause, and this must be my end, 197

Which my sad days to saddest night must lend. 198

MUSELLA

When grew this change? 199

LISSIUS

Alas too late, today,

And yet too early for my joy's decay. 200

MUSELLA

Have no ill tongues reported false of you? 201

LISSIUS

I know not. But my heart was ever true 202

Since first I vowed, and that my death shall tell, 203

Which is my last hope that will please her well. 204

MUSELLA

Soft, I will speak with her, and know her mind, 205

And why on such a sudden she's unkind; 206

Then truly bring you answer what she says. 207

Till then be quiet, for it can no praise 208

Bring to your death, when you shall wailing die, 209

Without so just a cause as to know why. 210

LISSIUS

But will Musella do thus much for me? 211

Shall I not of all friends forsaken be? 212

MUSELLA

Never of me; and here awhile but stay, 213

And I shall comfort bring your care t'allay. 214

(Exit.)

LISSIUS

O no, I know she will not pity me, 215

Unfortunate and hapless must I be. 216

And now, thou powerful, conquering God of Love, 217

I do but thus much crave: thy forces prove 218

And cast all storms of thy just-caused rage 219

Upon me, vassal; and no heat assuage 220

Of greatest fury, since I do deserve 221

No favour or least grace, but here to starve. 222

Fed with sharp tortures; let me live to see 223

My former sin for so much slighting thee; 224

Death yet more welcome, were it not so meet 225

I oft should die, who knew not sour from sweet. 226

Simeana comes! Ah, most ungrateful maid, 227

Who answers love as one would welcome death: 228

The nearer that it comes, the more flies, stayed 229

Ne'er but by limbs that tire wanting breath. 230

So hastes she still from me whose love is fixed 231

In purest flames without all baseness mixed. 232

([LISSIUS prostrates himself, grief-stricken.])

([Enter SIMEANA with MUSELLA.])

MUSELLA

Simeana, this can be no ground to take 233

So great dislike, upon one man's report 234

And what may well prove false, as thus to make 235

An honest loving heart die in this sort. 236

Say that he useth others well and smiles 237

On them, who't may be love of him beguiles; 238

Or that he used Climeana well, what then? 239

'Tis all poor soul she gets, who did contemn 240

And rail at her. 241

SIMEANA

'Tis true, before my face

He did revile her with words of disgrace. 242

My back but turned, she was his only joy, 243

His best, his dearest life, and soon destroy 244

Himself he would if she not loved him still; 245

And just what he had vowed his heart did kill, 246

For my disdain, he shameless did protest 247

Within one hour to her caused his unrest! 248

Can I bear this? Who lived so long disdained, 249

Now to be mocked? I thought I love had gained 250

And not more scorn; but since thus much I find, 251

I'm glad joy sank no deeper in my mind! 252

MUSELLA

Fie, fie, Simeana, leave these doubts, too far 253

Already grown to breed so great a jar. 254

'Twas but his duty kindly once to speak 255

To her, who for him would her poor heart break. 256

Would you not think it sin quite to undo 257

A silly maid with scorn! But let these go. 258

Think you if I did love, and that I saw 259

He used more well, would I my love withdraw 260

From him for that? O, no great cause may be 261

To move good looks; mistrust not, but be free 262

From this vile humour of base jealousy, 263

Which breedeth nothing but self-misery 264

For this believe, while you yourself are just, 265

You cannot any way your love mistrust. 266

Let him discourse and smile, and what of this? 267

Is he the likelier in his faith to miss? 268

No, never fear him for his outward smiles, 269

'Tis private friendship that our trust beguiles. 270

And therefore let not Arcas' flattering skill 271

Have power in your breast his deserts to spill; 272

Lissius is worthy, and a worthy love 273

He bears to you, then, these conceits remove. 274

SIMEANA

Arcas did see them sit too privately, 275

And kiss, and then embrace! 276

MUSELLA

Well, if he did?

SIMEANA

And in her ear discourse familiarly, 277

When they did think it should from me be hid. 278

MUSELLA

Lord, how one may conjecture if one fear; 279

All things they doubt to be the same they fear. 280

Though private, must it follow he's untrue, 281

Or that they whispered must be kept from you? 282

Fie, leave these follies, and begin to think 283

You have your love brought to Death's river brink. 284

Repent, you have him wronged; and now cherish 285

The dying lad, who else soon will perish. 286

Go, ask him pardon. 287

SIMEANA

Pardon, why? That he

The more may brag! He twice hath cozened me! 288

MUSELLA

Nay, he is past all bragging. Mend your fault 289

And sorry be you have his torment wrought. 290

See where he lies, the truest sign of woe; 291

Go, haste and save him; Love's wings are not slow. 292

SIMEANA

[She approaches LISSIUS.] O, dearest Lissius, look but up and speak 293

To me, most wretched, whose heart now must break 294

With self-accusing of a cursed wrong, 295

Which rashly bred, did win belief too strong. 296

Ah, cast but up thine eyes, see my true tears, 297

And view but her who now all torment bears. 298

Do but look up, and thou shalt see me die 299

For having wronged thee with my jealousy. 300

LISSIUS

To see thee die? Alas, I die for thee! 301

What pleasure can thy death then bring to me? 302

Yet if I, love, make you say this, then poor I 303

Shall much more happy and more blessed die. 304

SIMEANA

Nay, let me end before thy end I see! 305

Alas, I love you, and 'twas love in me 306

Bred this great ill, which jealousy confused; 307

I brought your harm, and my best love abused. 308

LISSIUS

O joy, which now doth swell as much as grief, 309

And pleasing yet doth make me seek relief. 310

Am I myself? No, I am only joy, 311

Not Lissius, grief did lately him destroy; 312

I am Simeana's love, her slave revived, 313

Late hopeless dead, now have despair survived. 314

MUSELLA

All care now past, let joy in triumph sit; 315

This for such lovers ever is most fit; 316

This doth become that happy loving pair, 317

Who seek to nurse the joys that kill all care; 318

Let those fall out, mistrust, wrangle and jar, 319

Who love for fashion not for love; but war 320

Not you, the couple Cupid best doth love, 321

Whose troubled hearts his godhead's self did move. 322

LISSIUS

Musella, you have turned this cloudy day 323

To sweet and pleasant light; nor can I say 324

So much as in my heart this kindness breeds, 325

For now delight all form and speech exceeds. 326

But let us happy now, unhappy be 327

When in us least unthankfulness you see. 328

SIMEANA

Let me myself, nay, my dear Lissius leave, 329

When I in service or in faith deceive 330

Musella, sole restorer of this joy; 331

And jealousy anew strive to destroy 332

Our loves and hopes, if I forgetful be 333

Of this increase of lost felicity. 334

But now, my Lissius, have you me forgiven 335

My last offence, by love and fearing driven? 336

LISSIUS

Thou lov'st me, 'tis enough, and now enjoy 337

All rest, nor bring new doubts to cross our joy; 338

I all forget, and only hold thee dear, 339

And from thee all faults past my love doth clear. 340

SIMEANA

So, let us ever doubtless live and love, 341

And no mistrust in least sort our hearts move. 342

LISSIUS

No doubt of thee shall ever stir in mine. 343

SIMEANA

Nor breed in me so wholly I am thine. 344

MUSELLA

Happy this time, and blessed be your loves, 345

And most accursed they that other moves. 346

Live both contented and live still as one, 347

Never divided till your lives be done. 348

([Enter] PHILLIS, DALINA, PHILISSES, ARCAS, CLIMEANA [and] RUSTIC.)

MUSELLA

Here comes the flock. 349

RUSTIC

We're all here now.

MUSELLA

'Tis true,

We are all here, and one too much by you. 350

DALINA

Here be our fellows, now let us begin 351

Some pretty pastime, pleasure's sport to win. 352

Sweetest Musella, what think you is best? 353

MUSELLA

That whereunto your fancy is addressed. 354

DALINA

Mine is to riddling. 355

SIMEANA

And, indeed that's good.

CLIMEANA

But, methinks, not lest they be understood. 356

SIMEANA

Understood? Why so shall all be that I make. 357

CLIMEANA

Tush, you'll say one thing, and another take. 358

SIMEANA

You'll still be wrangling. 359

DALINA

Aye, and for a man!

Would I might live till quarrel I began 360

On such a cause. But pray, now quiet be, 361

And, fair Musella, first begin with me. 362

PHILLIS

But must the riddles be expounded? 363

DALINA

No.

MUSELLA

Then I'll begin, though scarce the play I know: 364

That I wish, which with most pain 365

I must gain; 366

That I shun, which with such ease 367

Cannot please; 368

That most easy still I fly, 369

Barred, I fainest would come nigh. 370

DALINA

I am the next, mark then what I will say; 371

Best is, my lovers cannot me betray! 372

What I seek can never be Found in me, 373

Fain I would that try and find, 374

Which my mind, 375

Ever yet from my heart kept, 376

Till away my luck was stepped. 377

PHILISSES

Let them alone, the women still will speak; 378

Rustic, come you and I this course will break. 379

Late I saw a star to shine 380

Whose light methought was only mine, 381

Till a cloud came and did hide 382

That light from me, where light did bide. 383

Yet, tell me how can these agree: 384

That light though dimmed, that light I see. 385

Now Rustic, Fortune's falling on your head, 386

Bring forth your riddle. Fie, in love, and dead 387

To such a sport! Think not upon the day, 388

There is no danger in it, I dare well say. 389

RUSTIC

Truly, I cannot riddle, I was not taught 390

These tricks of wit; my thoughts ne'er higher wrought 391

Than how to mark a beast, or drive a cow 392

To feed, or else with art to hold a plough, 393

Which if I knew, you surely soon would find 394

A matter more of worth than these odd things, 395

Which never profit, but some laughter brings; 396

These others be of body and of mind. 397

PHILISSES

Spoke like a husband, though you yet are none! 398

But come, what, is this sport already done? 399

RUSTIC

I cannot riddle. 400

DALINA

Whistle, 'tis as good,

For you sufficiently are understood! 401

RUSTIC

What mean you? 402

DALINA

Naught, but that you are

An honest man, and thrifty, full of care. 403

RUSTIC

I thought you have meant worse. 404

DALINA

Meant worse, what I?

Fie, this doth show your doubt and jealousy; 405

Why should you take my meaning worse than 'tis? 406

RUSTIC

Nay, I but smile to see how all you miss, 407

But some shall find when I do seem to smile 408

And show best pleased, I oft'nest do beguile. 409

DALINA

Yourself you mean; for few else do respect 410

Your smiles or frowns; therefore, do not neglect 411

Your pleasant youth, ill will is too soon got, 412

And once that rooted, not so soon forgot. 413

PHILISSES

You grow too wise. Dispute no more. Here be 414

Others who will let us their hearers be, 415

And give this sport some life again, which you 416

Almost made dead. 417

DALINA

I have done, let joy ensue.

LISSIUS

Guess you all what this can be: 418

A snake to suffer fire I see; 419

A fog and yet a dear bright day; 420

A light which better were away; 421

Two suns at once, both shining clear, 422

And without envy hold each dear. 423

PHILLIS

A Spring I hoped for, but it died, 424

Then on the next my hopes relied; 425

But Summer past, the latter Spring, 426

Could me but former losses bring; 427

I died with them, yet still I live, 428

While Autumn can no comfort give. 429

MUSELLA

Unmannerly, I must your presence leave, 430

Sent for in haste unto my mother. But 431

I hope in this sweet place soon to receive 432

Your most loved companies. And so to put 433

Good Rustic into better humours; say, 434

Will you be merry? 435

(Exit.)

RUSTIC

I'll not after stay.

(Exit.)

PHILISSES

No, follow. Shadows never absent be 436

When sun shines; in which blessing you may see 437

Your shadowed self, who nothing in truth are 438

But the reflection of her too great care. 439

([To the others])

What will you further do? 440

DALINA

Let us depart.

ARCAS

– But some ere long will smart. 441

PHILISSES

When shall we meet again? 442

DALINA

When day appears.

LISSIUS

No, not till sun, who all foul mists still clears. 443

PHILISSES

Why, then at sun, and who shall then miss here 444

A punishment by us ordained shall bear. 445

DALINA

Let it be so. 446

PHILLIS

I'm very well agreed.

LISSIUS

So are we all, and sun appear with speed. 447

([Exeunt])

Scene ii

([Enter] VENUS and CUPID.)

VENUS

Now have thy torments long enough endured, 1

And of thy force they are enough assured. 2

O, hold thy hand. Alas, I pity now 3

Those whose great pride did lately scorn to bow. 4

Thou hast performed thy promise, and thy state 5

Now is confessed. O, slacken then thy hate; 6

They humble do their hearts and thoughts to thee; 7

Behold them, and accept them, and mild be. 8

Thy conquest is sufficient, save the spoils 9

And let them only taken be in toils. 10

But set at liberty again, to tell 11

Thy might and clemency, which doth excel. 12

CUPID

I mean to save them; but some yet must try 13

More pain, ere they their blessings may come nigh; 14

But in the end most shall be well again, 15

And sweetest is that love obtained with pain. 16

([Enter] PRIESTS [to music, singing].)

PRIESTS

Love, thy pow'rful hand withdraw; 17

And do yield unto thy law, 18

Rebels, now thy subjects be, 19

Bound they are who late were free. 20

Most confess thy power and might, 21

All hearts yield unto thy right. 22

Thoughts directed are by thee, 23

Souls do strive thy joys to see. 24

Pity then, and mercy, give 25

To those hearts where you do live; 26

They your images do prove, 27

In them may you see great Love; 28

They your mirrors, you their eyes, 29

By which they true Love do spy. 30

Ease awhile their cruel smarts 31

And behold their humble hearts; 32

Greater glory 'tis to save, 33

When that you the conquest have, 34

Than with tyranny to press, 35

Which still makes the honour less. 36

Gods do princes' hearts direct, 37

Then, to these, have some respect. 38

([Exeunt.])

Act V

Scene i

([Enter] MUSELLA and SIMEANA.)

MUSELLA

O eyes, that day can see and cannot mend 1

What my joys poison, must my wretched end 2

Proceed' from love? And yet my true love crossed, 3

Neglected for base gain, and all worth lost 4

For riches? Then 'tis time for good to die, 5

When wealth must wed us to all misery. 6

SIMEANA

If you will but stoutly tell your mother 7

You hate him and will match with any other, 8

She cannot, nor will, go about to cross 9

Your liking, so to bring your endless loss. 10

MUSELLA

Alas, I've urged her, till that she with tears 11

Did vow and grieve she could not mend my state 12

Agreed on by my father's will, which bears 13

Sway in her breast and duty in me. Fate 14

Must have her courses, while that wretched I 15

Wish but -so good a fate as now to die. 16

SIMEANA

Wish not such ill, which all we suffer must, 17

But take some hope the gods are not unjust; 18

My mind doth give me yet, you shall be blessed, 19

And seldom do I miss; then quiet rest. 20

MUSELLA

Rest quiet! O heavens! Have you ever known 21

The pains of Love and been by him o'erthrown 22

To give this counsel and advise your friend 23

T'impossibilities? Why to what end 24

Speak you thus madly? Can it ere be thought 25

That quiet, or least rest, can now be brought 26

To me, while dear Philisses thus is crossed, 27

Whom missing all my happiness is lost? 28

SIMEANA

You have not missed, nor lost him yet. 29

MUSELLA

I must,

And that's enough. Did I my blessings trust 30

In your kind breasts, you fatal sisters? Now 31

By your decree to be bestowed, and bow 32

To base unworthy riches? O, my heart 33

That breaks not, but can suffer all this smart! 34

SIMEANA

Have patience. 35

MUSELLA

I cannot, nor I will not

Patient be! Ah me, and bear this ill lot? 36

No! I will grieve in spite of grief, and mourn 37

To make those mad who now to pleasure turn. 38

([Enter PHILISSES.])

PHILISSES

My dear Musella, what is it doth grieve 39

Your heart thus much? Tell me, and still believe 40

While you complain, I must tormented be; 41

Your sighs and tears, alas, do bleed in me. 42

MUSELLA

I know it, 'tis your loss I thus lament. 43

I must be married. Would my days were spent! 44

PHILISSES

Married! 45

MUSELLA

To Rustic. My mother so commands,

Who I must yield to, being in her hands. 46

PHILISSES

But will you marry? Or show love to me? 47

Or her obey, and make me wretched be? 48

MUSELLA

Alas Philisses, will you this doubt make? 49

I would my life, to pleasure you, forsake; 50

Hath not my firmness hitherto made known 51

My faith and love? Which yet should more be shown 52

If I might govern but my mother's will. 53

Yet this last question even my heart doth kill. 54

PHILISSES

Grieve not my dearest, I speak but for love, 55

Then let not love your trouble so far move. 56

You weep not that it wounds not hapless me, 57

Nor sigh but in me all those sorrows be; 58

You never cry, but groans most truly show 59

From deepest of my heart I feel your woe. 60

Then heap not now more sorrows on my heart, 61

By these dear tears which taste of endless smart; 62

No grief can be, which I have not sustained, 63

And must, for now despair hath conquest gained. 64

Yet, let your love in me still steady rest 65

And in that I sufficiently am blessed. 66

But must you marry? O, those words deny, 67

Or here behold your poor Philisses die! 68

MUSELLA

I would I could deny the words I spake, 69

When I did Rustic's marriage offer take; 70

Hopeless of you, I gave my ill consent, 71

And we contracted were, which I repent. 72

The time now curse, my tongue wish out, which gave 73

Me to that clown with whom I wed my grave. 74

PHILISSES

I hear and see my end. O, Love unjust 75

And careless of my heart put in your trust, 76

Ungrateful and forgetful of the good 77

From me received, by whom thy fame hath stood, 78

Thy honour been maintained, thy name adored, 79

Which by all others with disgrace was stored. 80

Is this the great reward I shall receive 81

For all my service? Will you thus deceive 82

My hopes and joys? 83

MUSELLA

Yet, let me one thing crave.

PHILISSES

Ask my poor life, all else long since I gave. 84

MUSELLA

That will I ask, and yours requite with mine, 85

For mine cannot be, if not joined to thine. 86

Go with me to the temple and there we 87

Will bind our lives, or else our lives make free. 88

PHILISSES

To die for thee a new life I should gain, 89

But to die with thee were eternal pain; 90

So, you will promise me that you will live, 91

I willingly will go, and my life give. 92

You may be happy. 93

MUSELLA

Happy, without thee?

O, let me rather wretched, and thine, be! 94

Without thee no life can be, nor least joy, 95

Nor thought but how a sad end to enjoy. 96

But promise me, yourself you will not harm, 97

As you love me. 98

PHILISSES

Let me impose that charm

Likewise on you. 99

MUSELLA

Content, I am agreed.

PHILISSES

Let's go alone, no company we need. 100

MUSELLA

Simeana, she shall go, and so may tell 101

The good or heavy chance that us befell. 102

PHILISSES

I am content. Your will shall be obeyed 103

Till this life change and I in earth am laid. 104

SIMEANA

I fear the worst; but what will you two do? 105

Both die, and me, poor maiden, quite undo? 106

PHILISSES

Die No, we go for evermore to live, 107

And to our loves a sacrifice to give. 108

MUSELLA

Our tears and sorrows we will offer there, 109

And of our offerings you shall witness bear; 110

The truest and most constant love there shall 111

In your sight end, and yet shall never fall. 112

PHILISSES

Such faith we'll sacrifice as none can touch, 113

Which once reporting there could be too much. 114

SIMEANA

I know not what you mean, but I'll along. 115

PHILISSES

Let's haste, for here come some may do us wrong. 116

(Exeunt.)

Scene ii

([Enter] LISSIUS, DALINA [and] ARCAS.)

LISSIUS

Arcas, is't possible it is today? 1

ARCAS

It is. Musella now can bear no sway; 2

Rustic shall have her, he's the blessed man, 3

Yet cannot get her love, do what he can. 4

DALINA

I'm sorry for Philisses. 5

LISSIUS

Truly, so am I.

What than a lost love is more misery? 6

([Enter RUSTIC.])

RUSTIC

Lissius, Dalina, Arcas, well met today! 7

I must be married; pray be not away, 8

But see us joined and after dine with us. 9

Where is Philisses? I hope he'll not miss. 10

This is a jolly day. This my day is! 11

LISSIUS

I will not fail. Must we not fetch the bride? 12

RUSTIC

Yes, marry, from her mother's where w'abide. 13

(Exit.)

DALINA

How well this business doth become this man! 14

How well he speaks word 'marriage', and began 15

In as good form his neighbours to invite, 16

As if he studied manners; yet, at night, 17

I'll undertake, much mirth will not appear 18

In fair Musella; she'll show heavy cheer! 19

ARCAS

This 'tis to look so high and to despise 20

All loves that rose not pleasing in her eyes; 21

Now she that soared aloft all day, at night 22

Must roost in a poor bush with small delight. 23

LISSIUS

I never knew this in her. But 'tis true 24

She liked not of the love proffered by you; 25

And for refusing that she could not like, 26

No man ought to blame her or her mind dislike. 27

But you have other qualities to move 28

A just dislike; you love cross-baits in love. 29

I was beholding to you when time was; 30

But I enjoy her now. 31

DALINA

Come, let that pass.

Arcas is known, and I dare lay my life 32

You have been meddling and have caused some strife 33

Lately about Musella. But take heed, 34

If it prove so, perchance you'll want your meed! 35

LISSIUS

If it be found, thou shalt no longer live, 36

Than while thou dost her satisfaction give! 37

ARCAS

Be not so choleric till you know the truth; 38

I have left that foul error in my youth. 39

DALINA

Hardly, I doubt, for I saw you last day 40

Sneaking and prying all along this way; 41

'Twas for no goodness that I'm very sure, 42

For from a child you could not that endure! 43

(Exeunt.)

Scene iii

([Enter] CLIMEANA, LACON [and] SILVESTA.)

CLIMEANA

Lacon, how fare you now? Musella must 1

This day be married. Is not Love unjust 2

To suffer this distasteful match to be 3

Against her choice, and most against poor thee? 4

LACON

Not against me. I never hoped, then how 5

Doth Cupid wrong me, though she marry now? 6

Yet, thus is Love unjust to let her wed 7

One who she never sees, but wisheth dead! 8

So I, although for her I oft have died, 9

Grieve for her loss, not that I was denied; 10

I was unworthy of her, and she far 11

Too worthy for this clown. O, she, the star 12

Of light and beauty, must she, lovely she, 13

Be matched to Rustic base, unworthy he? 14

([Enter SILVESTA.])

SILVESTA

Musella to be forced and made to try 15

Her faith to one she hates and still did fly? 16

It should not be, nor shall be. No, no! 17

I Will rescue her, or for her sake will die! 18

([To CLIMEANA and LACON])

Have you yet seen Musella here today? 19

CLIMEANA

No, but I hear she passed by this way 20

With fair Simeana, both by break of morn, 21

With humble minds far from their wonted scorn, 22

To offer their last rites of maiden thought 23

To your chaste Mistress. Venus now hath bought 24

Their future time. How think you of this change? 25

'Tis better sure than still alone to range! 26

SILVESTA

It's well you think so, yet methinks you can 27

Make a clean shift to live without a man! 28

(Exeunt.)

Scene iv

([Enter] PHILISSES [and] MUSELLA offering in the Temple of Love.)

[PHILISSES AND MUSELLA]

Venus and great Cupid, hear, 1

Take our sacrifices clear! 2

Where not rites we only give, 3

But our hearts wherein you live; 4

Those true relics of firm love 5

On your altar still to move; 6

Where none such, none so sincere, 7

To your triumph light did bear; 8

Yours they lived while joy had life, 9

Dying, here will end all strife. 10

Truer love, or truer hearts, 11

Never perished by your darts. 12

PHILISSES

Venus, only Queen of love, 13

Take these passions which I prove, 14

Take these tears, this vow take, 15

Which my death shall perfect make. 16

But Musella my heart loved, 17

Her loss hath my joy removed; 18

Hers I lived, hers now I die, 19

Crowned with fame's eternity. 20

Thus your force shall glory have 21

By Philisses' loving grave. 22

MUSELLA

Cupid, Lord of love and hearts, 23

King of thoughts and loving smarts, 24

Take these offerings which I give, 25

And my life, which new shall live. 26

Earth too mean for such a truth, 27

Shall in death have lasting youth; 28

No decay, no strife, no fate, 29

Shall disturb that 'during state. 30

Life I offer to true love; 31

Then accept this end, I prove 32

Time none such did know, nor shall, 33

See so willingly to fall: 34

In Philisses I did live, 35

He departing, life I give. 36

PHILISSES AND MUSELLA

Fame hereafter swell with pride, 37

Never love thus lived, thus died. 38

PHILISSES

Now my Musella, and in death but mine, 39

Take this last farewell in which glories shine: 40

Love, but to you, could never be so true, 41

And death, than life, I choose since 'tis for you; 42

My life in you I had, my joy, my bliss, 43

And now for you and by you, my end is. 44

Yet, keep your promise, ever happy be, 45

You may be fortunate and outlive me. 46

MUSELLA

That I believe, when I do thee outlive, 47

Shame shall, instead of Fame, my triumph give. 48

I loved as firmly as thou could'st me love, 49

And can as willingly a death's wound prove. 50

But you forget the promise you did make, 51

And since condition made, yourself first break, 52

I am released; your word forgot and broke, 53

My hand shall first conclude that blessed stroke 54

Unto thy love and mine. Since it is thus, 55

Farewell, poor world, life's living bides in us! 56

([She raises a dagger.])

([Enter SILVESTA.])

SILVESTA

O, hold your hands! I knew your minds and have 57

Brought fitter means to wed you to your grave. 58

Let not those hands be spotted with your blood, 59

But since your destiny is not withstood, 60

Drink this sweet potion, then take leave and die, 61

Embracing thus you dead shall buried lie. 62

PHILISSES

Friendship, what greater blessing, than thou art, 63

Can once descend into a mortal heart. 64

Silvesta, friend and priest doth now appear, 65

And as our loves, let this, thy deed, shine clear. 66

MUSELLA

Never more fit did friendship meet with need; 67

Blessed be thy days, most blessed be this deed. 68

([They drink the potion and fall.])

SIMEANA

What, have you killed them? For this you must die! 69

SILVESTA

And dying for them, I die happily. 70

Who would outlive them? Who would dying fly, 71

That here beheld love and love's tragedy? 72

But first, upon Love's altar let's them lay, 73

There to abide till their new marriage day; 74

Then, lead me to those who my life must take, 75

But ere I die, some joyful heart shall ache. 76

(Exeunt.)

Scene v

([Enter] RUSTIC with SHEPHERDS and SHEPHERDESSES, ready to fetch the bride.)

RUSTIC

Now is the time approached. What think you now, 1

Is't not a trim day? What cloud shows a brow? 2

All at my fortune cheer, all smile with joy, 3

Sheep, goats and cattle, glad that I enjoy. 4

DALINA

I never loved him; now I hate him! Fie, 5

To think Musella by this beast must lie! 6

RUSTIC

Come, let's along, and quickly fetch the bride, 7

Methinks I long to have her by my side. 8

([They see MUSELLA and PHILISSES.])

How now? What, stumble, 'tis not fatal, is't? 9

LISSIUS

Good luck that you, to him, the ground have missed. 10

DALINA

A far worse sign than this it doth foretell. 11

RUSTIC

How, is she married, and thus cozened me? 12

And dead, and buried? How can all this be? 13

SILVESTA

Fetch forth her mother, and you then shall know 14

The cause and actor of this cruel blow. 15

LISSIUS

O heaven, was she too rare a prize for earth, 16

Or were we only happy in her birth? 17

DALINA

Only made rich enjoying of her sight; 18

She gone, expect we nothing but sad night. 19

PHILLIS

What glory day did give us was to show 20

The virtue in her beauty seemed to grow. 21

CLIMEANA

Sweet love and friendship in her shined bright, 22

Now dimmed are both, since darkened is her light. 23

LACON

No worth did live, which in her had not spring, 24

And she thus gone, to her grave worth doth bring. 25

RUSTIC

I liked her well, but she ne'er cared for me, 26

Yet am I sorry we thus parted be. 27

([Enter MUSELLA'S MOTHER.])

SIMEANA

Now hear of me the mournful'st end of love, 28

That heart for heart could find, and heartless prove. 29

Philisses and Musella had loved long, 30

And long unknown, which bred their only wrong. 31

At last discovered to their greatest joy, 32

This match came cross their dear hopes to destroy. 33

But, yet have courage, all things may prove well. 34

RUSTIC

Nay, pray resolve me, I begin to fear. 35

LISSIUS

To fear? Fie, man, can trips make hope forbear? 36

On, on, have mettle, will you now wax faint, 37

You, who to us a happy life must paint? 38

RUSTIC

This is not all. This morn a cow did low, 39

And that ill-luck foretells, I truly know. 40

DALINA

Had she not lost her calf? 41

RUSTIC

Her calf? Fie, no,

She had a dainty one, as I will show 42

At my return, and they together came, 43

And while she lowed the youngling sucked her dam. 44

LISSIUS

And so might hurt her, whereat she did cry, 45

And for your help did low so bitterly. 46

RUSTIC

Well, come what will, we now may not go back. 47

DALINA

Yes, very well, for her consent you lack. 48

RUSTIC

Come then, away, the precious time doth waste. 49

SIMEANA

Hear first my news, for it may stay your haste; 50

Your bride, a bridegroom new, with joy hath gained, 51

And both for wedding-bed a tomb obtained. 52

Here is the priest that married them to death, 53

And I the witness of their passing breath. 54

For she, alas, despairing of her bliss, 55

Agreed to marry Rustic and to miss 56

No cross, nor froward hap, which sure with him 57

She must encounter if in this stream swim. 58

When this was done they knew each other's heart, 59

And by it knew the thread which led to smart. 60

They yet awhile rejoiced in their love, 61

But too, too soon, there followed this remove. 62

Her mother hasty to conclude her will, 63

Appointed this sad day, should that fulfil 64

Which bath indeed fulfilled a greater harm 65

Than Spite itself could purchase with her charm. 66

Musella, finding that her given consent 67

Proved thus her hell, her soul did then lament. 68

Yet could not gain release, but that she must 69

Look as her mother liked. O force unjust! 70

Yet, so it was, and this procured her end; 71

Her mother grown her foe, and death her friend; 72

Her friend she chose. Philisses, who did love 73

As much as she, and she as much did prove 74

Of love and pain, as he who felt all smart, 75

Vowed since they might not join but rather part, 76

They yet as most unfeigned lovers would 77

Lovingly die; and so firm lovers should. 78

Unto the Temple then they took their way, 79

Together wept, together did they pray, 80

Together offered. Now Silvesta, you 81

Must tell the hapless end which did ensue. 82

SILVESTA

And so I will. Their loves they gave and lives, 83

Which should have finished been by too-sharp knives, 84

Provided closely those two to have killed, 85

Who have the world with love and wonder filled. 86

But I came in and hindered that sharp blow, 87

Though not their wills, more honour I did owe 88

To that in love alone, unhappy pair, 89

And brought their ends more quiet and more fair. 90

A drink I gave them made their souls to meet, 91

Which in their clayey cages could not. Sweet 92

Was their farewell, while sorrow then used art 93

To flatter joy, till they no more should part. 94

Their bodies, likewise joined by us, are placed 95

Upon Love's altar, nor from thence displaced 96

By vow must be, till all you lovers lay 97

This love-killed couple in their biding clay. 98

This I have done, and here am I to die, 99

If so you please, and take it willingly. 100

RUSTIC

Nay, if she loved another, farewell, she! 101

I'm glad she by her death hath made me free. 102

LISSIUS

Is this your care? O clownish part, can you, 103

RUSTIC

I'm free, I care not. 104

SILVESTA

The like is she then now.

RUSTIC

She is for me, and here I disavow 105

All promises which have between us passed, 106

Or have been made by her, at first, or last, 107

To me, and thus I do release her. Now, 108

May I seek one and please myself in love; 109

I'll none but such whose heart my love shall move. 110

(Exit.)

SILVESTA

She's happy, yet in death, that she is free 111

From such a worthless creature. Can this be? 112

Such virtue should in her fair breast abound, 113

Yet to be tied where no worth could be found? 114

LISSIUS

[To MUSELLA'S MOTHER] Thus have your years your happiness outworn 115

And brought untimely death to your first-born; 116

Can you endure this change, and hear us say 117

Your forced marriage brought her funeral day? 118

MOTHER

If the true grief I feel could be expressed 119

By words, or sighs, I should myself detest; 120

Sorrow in heart and soul doth only bide, 121

And in them shall my woe be justly tried. 122

Yet, justice do I crave of this vile pair, 123

Which were the founders of my endless care. 124

Arcas first plotted it with skilful art, 125

To ruin me and, living, eat my heart; 126

He told me that Musella wantonly 127

Did seek Philisses' love. Alas, only 128

The speech of that did inly wound me so, 129

As stay I could not, nor the time let go. 130

But sent for her and forced her to consent 131

To finish that which makes us all lament, 132

And me to die, o me, with grief and shame, 133

That thus deservedly I bear this blame. 134

Silvesta, who their lives brought to an end, 135

Must also suffer. Death alone, my friend, 136

Shall me release, these things I hope you'll do, 137

Which done with age and grief, I'll suffer too. 138

LISSIUS

These must and shall be done, and rites 139

Performed to their dear bodies and their sprites. 140

Now to the temple and their bodies view, 141

Then give these judgement. Biding joy adieu! 142

(Exeunt.)

Scene vi

([Enter FORESTER.])

FORESTER

Under a hedge all dead to rest I laid 1

My body, by despair wholly decayed; 2

When sleep no sooner did my eyelids close 3

But half distracted with a dream, I rose. 4

Methought I saw Silvesta's fair hands tied 5

Fast to a stake, where fire burned in all pride, 6

To kiss with heat those most unmatched limbs, 7

Where Virtue with her shape like habits trims 8

Herself with her. While she, alas, fair she, 9

Should to those flames a sacred offering be. 10

This dream persuaded me to seek her out 11

And save her, or to free me from the doubt. 12

And there I see her to the temple go; 13

I'll after, and my life at her feet throw. 14

([Exit.])

Scene vii

(The temple, the dead bodies on the altar.)

(Enter the SHEPHERDS and SHEPHERDESSES, casting flowers on them; VENUS, [who] appears in glory, [CUPID and the PRIESTS].)

SHEPHERDS AND SHEPHERDESSES

[singing] Sorrow, now conclude thy hate, 1

More cannot be done by Fate. 2

Grief, abandon thy cursed skill, 3

Love hath now found means to kill. 4

Lovers here example take: 5

Faith in Love should never shake; 6

Only Death hath force to part 7

Lovers' bodies by his dart; 8

But their spirits higher fly, 9

Death can never make them die; 10

But their souls with pure love's fire 11

Will to heavenly bliss aspire. 12

PRIESTS

Now must we judge the offenders for this deed 13

And each one punish; thus it is decreed. 14

Silvesta, greatest in the fault, must bend 15

Her spirit first unto her own sought end; 16

With flames of fire, as she with flames of zeal 17

Did act this, she must now her last day seal. 18

Death she procured, and for death, life shall give. 19

SILVESTA

'Tis justice. Thus, by death a-new I live! 20

My name by this will win eternity, 21

For no true heart will let my merit die. 22

([Enter FORESTER.])

FORESTER

I must enjoy my death ere this be done! 23

Bright Venus, I beseech thee and thy son, 24

To look on me, your true, though luckless, slave, 25

And view the heart my faith to firm love gave. 26

Save sweet Silvesta, whose youth framed this deed, 27

Let not her virtue as offences speed. 28

Or though by law she have deserved this doom, 29

Let me for her obtain her 'pointed tomb; 30

I am more fit to die and suffer far, 31

Life with my sorrows are at endless war; 32

Besides, the law allows if one will die 33

For other's fault, his death may their life buy; 34

Let me first beg it, pay it then with life, 35

Death for her sake shall please, and end the strife. 36

VENUS

Poor Forester, thy love deserveth more, 37

For in thy heart true firmness lived in store. 38

But since you will her life with your life buy, 39

You must enjoy death; we can none deny 40

That this do claim it; she's by you made free; 41

And you for her must now my offering be. 42

FORESTER

Goddess of hearts, you thus have done me right; 43

Now shall my faith, to honour you, shine bright. 44

SILVESTA

Thanks is your due for saving me from death, 45

Did I not rather hate, than love, this breath. 46

Yet, shall this bounty gain in my chaste heart 47

To your deserts a kind and thankful part. 48

FORESTER

Death, happy death, since she for whom I die 49

Doth pity me and weighs my constancy; 50

Could I live ages, 'twould not be so good, 51

As now to die with thanks given for my blood. 52

Then, farewell, world. Death, welcome as new life. 53

Silvesta thanks me, and gives me this wife. 54

MOTHER

You sacred priests, perform the latest due 55

To their dead bodies; and my joys adieu. 56

PRIESTS

Rustic, before us here disclaim the right 57

In life was tied to you, now to her sprite. 58

RUSTIC

I love no sprites, nor those affect not me! 59

She loved Philisses; therefore she is free. 60

Were she alive, she were her own to choose, 61

Thus, here, to her all claim I do refuse. 62

PRIESTS

Philisses, of us take Musella fair, 63

We join your hands, rise and abandon care. 64

Venus hath caused this wonder for her glory, 65

And the triumph of Love's Victory. 66

([PHILISSES and MUSELLA arise from the altar.])

VENUS

Lovers be not amazed! This is my deed, 67

Who could not suffer your dear hearts to bleed. 68

Come forth and joy, your faith bath been thus tried, 69

Who truly would for true love's sake have died. 70

Silvesta was my instrument ordained 71

To kill, and save her friends, by which sh'hath gained 72

Immortal fame, and bands of firmest love 73

In their kind breasts where true affections move. 74

Then, all rejoice, and with a loving song 75

Conclude the joy hath been kept down too long. 76

MOTHER

Joy, now as great as was my former woe, 77

Shuts up my speech from speaking what I owe 78

To all but mine, for mine I joy you are, 79

And love, and bliss, maintain you from all care. 80

Pardon my fault, enjoy and blessed be, 81

And children and their children's children see. 82

MUSELLA

Pardon me first, who have your sorrow wrought, 83

Then take our thanks whose good your care hath brought. 84

Silvesta, next, to you our lives are bound, 85

For in you only was true friendship found. 86

PHILISSES

Mother, for so your gift makes me you call, 87

Receive my humble thanks which ever shall 88

With faithful love and duty you attend, 89

Till death our lives bring to a final end. 90

And chaste Silvesta, take my life when I 91

Ungrateful prove to your worth-binding tie. 92

SILVESTA

Venus the praise must have, whose love to you 93

Made her descend on earth, and your cares view; 94

She sent the drink hath wedded you to joy, 95

And in joy live, and happiness enjoy. 96

Chaste love relieved you, in chaste love still live, 97

And each to other, true affections give. 98

For you, kind Forester, my chaste love take, 99

And know I grieve now only for your sake. 100

(Exit.)

FORESTER

My joys increase, she grieves now for my pain, 101

Ah, happy proffered life, which this can gain. 102

Now shall I go contented to my grave, 103

Though no more happiness I ever have. 104

LISSIUS

Now let me ask my joy, which you must give, 105

Philisses, you may make me die or live. 106

Your sister for my wife I seek, alone 107

I crave but her, and love makes her mine own; 108

Two bodies we are, yet have but one heart, 109

Then rather join than let such dear love part. 110

PHILISSES

Myself from bliss I sooner will divide 111

Than cross your loves. Then, henceforth, thus abide 112

Joined in firm love, and happiness attend 113

Your days on earth until your lives do end. 114

DALINA

Rustic, what think you; is this called fair play? 115

RUSTIC

When Venus wills, men cannot but obey. 116

Yet this I'll swear, I'm plainly cozened here! 117

But 'tis all one, the bargain may prove dear. 118

DALINA

Yet you have not lost all: this wreath you see 119

Is proved your garland, this fair willow tree, 120

You now must reverence and bravely wear. 121

RUSTIC

I'll sooner die than such disgrace to bear! 122

Nay, sooner marry, and that now I deem 123

Far worse than death, though slighter in esteem. 124

DALINA

I would I might but name the happy maid 125

Should be your wife. 126

RUSTIC

Yourself name, and all's said.

DALINA

Will you have me then? 127

RUSTIC

Rather than my life!

DALINA

In troth, agreed! I'll prove a loving wife. 128

RUSTIC

'Tis all I seek. Now, God give you all joy, 129

And blessed am I who this sweet lass enjoy. 130

MUSELLA

A good exchange, and everyone agreed. 131

PHILISSES

And as we love and like, so let us speed. 132

VENUS

Now, sing a song, both Priests and all, for joy; 133

And cursed be, they your blessed states annoy. 134

CUPID

[Sings.] Now my wars in love hath end, 135

Each one here enjoys their friend; 136

And so all shall henceforth say 137

Who my laws will still obey. 138

Mother, now judge Arcas' fault, 139

All things else your will hath wrought. 140

VENUS

Arcas, think not your villainy's forgot! 141

But since each now enjoys, the better lot 142

Doth fall to you: you here must still abide 143

In these fair plains, where you shall never hide 144

The shame of falsehood printed in your face; 145

Nor hence remove, but in the self-same place 146

You did commit that error foul and ill, 147

There your days left, with grief and shame shall fill 148

Your gnawing conscience. This shall be your doom. 149

ARCAS

O sacred Goddess, let my heart's-suit come 150

Before your eyes. Rather, o, let me die, 151

Than here remain with shame and infamy. 152

This dying life, alas, than death is worse, 153

Nor can you lay on me a greater curse. 154

VENUS

Your doom is given, it may not be recalled, 155

But with your treachery you must be thralled. 156

And now all duties are performed to Love; 157

Look that no more our powers by scorn you move, 158

But be the treasures of Love's lasting glory, 159

And I, your princess, crowned with victory. 160

ARCAS

Thus still is sin rewarded with all shame, 161

And so let all be that deserve like blame. 162

I have offended in the basest kind, 163

And more ill do deserve than ill can find. 164

I traitor was to Love, and to my love, 165

Those who shall thus offend, like me, shame prove. 166

(Exeunt.)

FINIS