A King and No King Beaumont, Francis; Fletcher, John This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A06207 of text S101159 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 1670). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. Martin Mueller Incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by Hannah Bredar Lydia Zoells This text has not been fully proofread EarlyPrint Project Evanston IL, Notre Dame IN, St.Louis, Washington MO 2017 Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License A06207.xml A king and no king. Acted at the Globe, by his Maiesties Seruants. Written by Francis Beamount, and Iohn Flecher. Beaumont, Francis, 1584-1616. 44 600dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Michigan, Digital Library Production Service Ann Arbor, Michigan 2007 January (TCP phase 1) 99836981 STC (2nd ed.) 1670. Greg II:360a. 1284 A06207

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 A king and no king. Acted at the Globe, by his Maiesties Seruants. Written by Francis Beamount, and Iohn Flecher. Beaumont, Francis, 1584-1616. Fletcher, John, 1579-1625. [4], 88 p. Printed [by John Beale] for Thomas Walkley, and are to bee sold at his shoppe at the Eagle and Childe in Brittans-Bursse, At London : 1619. 1619

Printer's name from STC.

The first leaf is blank.

Reproduction of the original in the Dyce Library, Victoria and Albert Museum.

 A06207 shc A King and No King Beaumont, Francis Fletcher, John Hannah Bredar Lydia Zoells 1611 play tragicomedy shc no A06207 S101159 (STC 1670). 30965 0 0 0 602195.7F The rate of 195.7 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. Incorporated ~ 10,000 textual changes made to the SHC corpus by Hannah Bredar, Kate Needham, and Lydia Zoells between April and July 2015 during visits, separately or together, to the Bodleian, Folger and Houghton Libraries as well as the Rare Book Libraries at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago

A King and no King . Acted at the Globe , by his Maiesties Seruants .

Written by Francis Beamount , and Iohn Flecher .

AT LONDON Printed for Thomas Walkley , and are to bee sold at his shoppe at the Eagle and Childe in Brittans-Bursse . 1619 .

TO THE RIGHT VVORSHIPFVLL , AND VVORTHIE Knight , Sir HENRIE NEVILL . WORTHY SIR ,

I Present , or rather returne vnto your view , that which formerly hath beene receiued from you , hereby effecting what you did desire : To commend the worke in my vnlearned method , were rather to detract from it , then to giue it any luster . It sufficeth it hath your Worships approbation and patronage , to the commendation of the Authors , and incouragement of their further labours : and thus wholy committing my selfe and it to your Worships dispose I rest , euer readie to doe you seruice , not onely in the like , but in what J may .

Thomas VValkley .
A King and NO KING .
Enter Mardonius and Bessus . Mar.

BEssus , the KING has made a fayre hand on 't , has ended the warres at a blow , would my sword had a close basket hilt to hold wine , and the blade would make kniues , for we shall haue nothing but eating and drinking .

Bes.

We that are commanders shall doe well enough .

Mar.

Faith Bes . such co�manders as thou may , I had as liue set thee Perdue for a pudding yth darke , as Alexander the great .

Bes.

I loue these iests exceedingly .

Mar.

I thinke thou lou'st them better then quarrelling Bessus , He say so much ythy behalfe , and yet thou art valiant enough vpon a retreate , I thinke thou wouldst kill any man that stopt thee , and thou couldst .

Bes.

But was not this a braue combate Mardonius ?

Mar.

Why , didst thou see 't ?

Bes.

You stood with me .

Mar.

I did so , but me thought thou winkst euery blowe they strake .

Bes.

Well , I beleeue there are better Souldiers then I , that neuer saw two Princes fight in lists .

Mar.

By my troth I thinke so too Bessus , many a thousand , but certenly all that are worse then thou have seene as much .

Bes.

T was brauely done of our King .

Mar.

Yes , if he had not ended the warres , I am glad thou darst talke of such dangerous businesses .

Bess.

To take a Prince prisoner in the heart of his owne Countrey in single combate .

Mar.

See how thy bloud cruddles at this , I thinke thou wouldst be contented to be beaten in this passion .

Bes.

Shall I tell you trulie .

Mar.

I .

Bes.

I could willingly venter for it .

Mar.

Vm , no venter neither good Bessus .

Bes.

Let me not liue , if I doe not thinke it is a brauer peece of seruice , then that I me so fam'd for .

Mar.

VVhy art thou famd for any valour ?

Bes.

I fam'd , I , I warrant you .

Mar.

I am verie heartily glad on 't . I haue beene with thee euer since thou cam'st ath ' warres , and this is the first word that euer I heard on 't , prethee who fames thee ?

Bes

The Christian world .

Mar.

T is heathenishly done of them , in my conscience thou deseru'st it not .

Bes

Yes , I ha done good seruice .

Mar.

I doe not know how thou maist waite of a man in 's Chamber , or thy agilitie in shifting a trencher , but otherwise no seruice good Bessus .

Bes.

You saw me doe the seruice your selfe .

Mar.

Not so hastie sweet Bessus , where was it , is the place vanisht .

Bes.

At Bessus desperate redemption .

Mar.

Bessus desperate redemption , wher 's that .

Bes.

There where I redeemd the day , the place beares my name .

Mar.

Prethee who christned it .

Bes.

The Souldier :

Mar.

If I were not a very meerely dispos'd man , what would become of thee : one that had but a graine of coller in the whole composition of his body would send thee of an arrand to the wormes , for putting thy name vpon that field : did not I beat thee there yth head , a' th troupes with a trunchion , because thou wouldst needs run away with thy company , when we should charge the enemie .

Bes.

True , but I did not runne .

Mar.

Right Bessus , I beat thee out on 't .

Bes.

But came not I vp when the day was gone , and redeem'd all ?

Mar.

Thou knowst , and so doe I , thou mean'st to flie , and thy feare making thee mistake , thou ranst vpon the enemie , and a hot charge thou gau'st , as I le doe thee right , thou art furious in running away , and I thinke we owe thy feare for our victorie . If I were the King , and were sure thou wouldst mistake alwayes , and runne away vppon the enemie , thou shouldst be Generall by this light .

Bess.

You le neuer leaue this till I fall foule .

Mar.

No more such words deare Bessus : for though I haue euer knowne thee a coward , and therefore durst neuer strike thee ; yet if thou proceedst , I will allow thee valiant , and beate thee .

Bes.

Come , come , our King 's a braue fellow .

Mar.

He is so Bessus , I wonder how thou com'st to know it : But if thou wert a man of vnderstanding , I would tell thee he is vain-glorious , and humble , and angrie , and patient , and merrie , and dull , and ioyfull , and sorrowfull , in extreamities in an houre : Doe not thinke mee thy friend for this , for if I car'd who knew it , thou shouldst not heare it Bessus : here hee is with the prey in his foote .

Enter Arbaces and Tigranes , with attendants . Arb. Thy sadnesse ( braue Tigranes ) takes away From my fall victorie ; am I become Of so small fame , that any man should grieue When I orecome him : They that plac't me here , Intended it an honour large enough For the most valiant liuing ; but to dare Oppose me single , though he lost the day , VVhat should afflict you , you are free as I , To be my prisoner , is to be more free , Then you were formerlie ; and neuer thinke The man I held worthy to combat me , Shall be vs'd seruilly : Thy ransome is To take my onely sister to thy wife ; A heauy one Tigranes : for shee is A Ladie that the neighbour Princes send Blanks to fetch home : I haue beene too vnkind To her Tigranes , shee but nine yeere old , I left her , and nere saw her since : your warres Haue held me long , and taught me , though a youth , The way to victorie : shee was a pretty childe Then , I was little better ; but now fame Cries loudly on her , and my Messengers Make me beleeue shee is a miracle ; Shee le make you shrinke as I did , with a stroke But of her eye Tigranes . Is it the course of Iberia , to vse their prisoners thus ? Had Fortune throwne my name aboue Arbaces , I should not thus haue talkt : for in Armenia vve hold it base ; you should haue kept your temper , Till you saw home agen ; where t is the fashion Perhaps to brag . Arb. Bee you my witnesse Earth : Neede I to brag , doth not this captiue Prince Speake me sufficiently , and all the Acts That I haue wrought vpon his suffering Land ? Should I then boast ? Where lies that foot of ground Within his whole Realme , that I haue not past Fighting , and Conquering ? Farre then from mee Be ostentation : I could tell the World How I haue laid his Kingdome desolate With this sole arme , propt by Diuinity , Stript him out of his glories , and haue sent The pride of all his youth to people graues , And made his Virgins languish for their loues ; If I would brag , Should I that haue the power To teach the Neighbour world humility , Mix with vaine glory . Mar.

In deede this is none ?

Arb. Tigranes , no ; did I but take delight To stretch my deedes as others doe on words , I could amaze my hearers � Mar.

So you doe :

Arb. But he shall wrong his , and my modesty That thinkes me apt to boast : After an Act Fit for a God to doe vpon his foe , A little glory in a Souldiers mouth , Is well becomming , bee it farre from vaine . Mar.

Its pitty that valour should be thus drunke .

Arba. I offer you my Sister , and you answere , I doe insult : A Lady that no suit Nor treasure , nor thy Crowne could purchase thee , But that thou faughst with mee . Tigr. Though this bee worse Then that you spoke before , it strikes not mee But that you thinke to ouer-grace mee with The marriage of your Sister , troubles mee , I would giue worlds for ransomes were they mine , Rather then haue her . Arb. See if I insult That am the Conqueror , and for a ransome Offer rich treasure to the conquered , Which he refuses , and I beare his scorne . It cannot be selfe flattery to say , The daughters of your Country set by her Would see their shame ; runne home , and blush to death At their owne foulenesse , yet shee is not faire , Nor beautifull , those words expresse her not , They say her lookes are something excellent , That wants a name yet : were shee odious Her birth deserues the Empire of the world . Sister to such a Brother , that hath tane Victorie prisoner , and throughout the Earth Carries her bound ; and should hee let her loose , Shee durst not leaue him . Nature did her wrong To print continuall conquest on her cheekes , And make no man worthy for her to take , But mee that am too neare her ; and as strangely Shee did for mee : But you will thinke I brag . Mar. I doe I le be sworne . Thy Valour and thy passions seuerd , would haue made two excellent fellowes in their kindes : I know not whether I should be sorry thou art so valiant , or so passionate , would one of vm were away . Tigr. Doe I refuse her that I doubt her worth , Were shee as vertuous as shee would be thought , So perfect , that no owne of her owne sex Would finde a want , had shee so tempting faire , That shee could wish it off her damning soules , I would pay any Ransome , twentytimes , Rather then meet her married in my bed : Perhaps I haue a Loue , where I haue fixt Mine eies , not to bee moou'd , and shee on mee : I am not fickle : Arb. Is that all the cause ? Thinke you , you can so knit your selfe in loue To any other , that her searching sight Cannot dissolue it ? So before you tride You thought your selfe a match for mee in fight : Trust mee Tigranes shee can doe as much In peace , as I in Warre ; shee le conquer too You shall see , if you haue the power to stand The force of her swift lookes , if you dislike , I le send you home with loue , & name your ransome some other way : but if shee bee your choise Shee frees you : to Ileria you must . Tigr. Sir , I haue learnt a Prisoners sufferance , And will obey , but giue mee leaue to talke In priuate with some friends before I goe . Arb. Some two await him forth , and see him safe , But let him freely send for whom he please , And none dare to disturbe his conference : I will not haue him know what bondage is Exe. Till he be free from mee . This Prince Mardonius Is full of vvisdome , Valour , all the graces Man can receiue . Mar.

And yet you Conquered him ?

Arb. And yet I conquered him , & could haue don Hadst thou ioynd with him , thogh thy name in Armes Bee great ; Must all men that are vertuous Thinke suddenly to match themselves with mee : I conquered him , and brauely ; did I not ? Bes.

And please your Maiesty I was afraid at first .

Mar.

When wert thou other ?

Arb.

Of what ?

Bes.

That you would not haue spide your best aduantages , for your Maiesty in my opinion lay too high me thinkes , vnder fauour , you should haue laine thus .

Mar.

Like a Taylor at a vvake .

Bes.

And then , i ft please your Maiesty to remember , at one time , by my Troth , I wisht my selfe with you .

Mar.

By my Troth thou wouldst haue sunke vm both out oth lifts .

Arb.

vvhat to doe ?

Bes.

To put your Maiesty in mind of an occasion ; you lay thus , and Tigranes falsified a blow at your leg , which you by doing thus auoided ; but if you had whipt vp your leg thus , and reacht him on th' eare , you had made the bloud runne abou ts head .

Mar.

vvhat contry-fence-schoole didst thou learn that at ?

Arb.

Puft , did I not take him nobly ?

Mar.

VVhy you did , and you haue talkt enough on 't .

Arb. Talke enough , vvhile you confine my words , by Heauen and Earth , I were much better bee a King of Beasts Then such a people : If I had not patience Aboue a god , I should be cald a Tyrant Throughout the VVorld . They will offend to death Each minute : Let me heare thee speake againe And thou art earth againe : vvhy this is like Tigranes speech , that needs would say , I brag'd . Bessus hee said I brag'd . Bes.

Ha ha ha .

Arb. VVhy dost thou laugh ? By all the world I me growne ridiculous To my owne subiects : Tye me to a chaire And iest at mee , but I shall make a start And punish some , that other will take heede How they are haughty ; who will answere mee ? He said I boasted , speak Mardonius , Did I ? He will not answer : O my Temper ! I giue you thankes aboue , that taught my heart Patience , I can indure his silence ; what will none Vouchsafe to giue mee audience , am I growne To such a poore respect or doe you meane To breake my wind , speake , speak soone one of you , Or else by Heauen , 1 Gent.

So please your ,

Arb Monstrous , I cannot bee heard out , they cut me off As if I were too sawcy ; I will liue In vvoods , and talke to Trees they will allow mee To end what I begin . The meanest Subiect Can finde a freedome to discharge his soule , And not I , now it is a time to speake , I harken . 1 Gent.

May it please ,

Arb. I meane not you , Did not I stop you once ? but I am growne To balke , but I desire , let another speake . 2 Gent.

I hope your Maiesty ,

Arb. Thou drawest thy words That I must waite an hower , where other men Can heare in instants ; throw your words away Quicke , and to purpose , I haue told you this . Bes.

An 't please your Maiesty :

Arb. Wilt thou deuoure me ? this is such a rudenes As yet you neuer shewed mee , and I want Power to command mee , else Mardonius Would speake at my request ; were you my King , I would haue answered at your word Mardonius , I pray you speake , and true y , did I boast ? Mar.

Truth will offend you .

Arb. You take all great care what will offend me , When you dare to vtter such things as these . Mar. You told Tigranes , you had won his Land With that sole arme propt by Diuinity : Was not that bragging , and a wrong to vs That daily venturde liues ? Arb. O that thy name Were great as mine , would I had paid my wealth , It were as great , that I might combate thee ; I would through all the Regions habitable Search thee , and hauing found thee , with my Sword Driue thee about the vvorld , till I had met Some place that yet mans curiosity Hath mist of ; there , there would I strike thee dead : Forgotten of Mankind , such Funerall Rites As Beasts would giue thee thou shouldst haue Bes. The King Rages extreemely , shall wee slinke away ; Hee le strike vs : 2 Gent.

Content .

Arb. There I would make you know t' was this sole arme , I grant you were my Instruments , and did As I commanded you , but t' was this Arme Mou'd you like wheeles , it mou'd you as it pleas'd : vvhither slip you now ? what are you too good To waite on mee ? I had neede haue temper That rule such people ; I haue nothing left At my owne choise , I would I might be priuate : Meane men enioy themselues , but t is our curse , To haue a tumult that out of their loues vvill waite on vs whether we will or no ; vvill you be gone ? why heere they stand like death , My word mooues nothing . 2 Gent.

Must we goe ?

Bes.

I know not .

Arb I pray you leaue me Sirs , I 'me proud of this , That they will be intreated from my sight : vvhy now they leaue mee all : Mardonius , Mar.

Sir .

Arb. vvill you leaue me quite alone ? me thinks Ciuility should teach you more then this , If I were but your friend : stay heere , and waite . Mar.

Sir , shall I speake ?

Arb. vvhy you would now thinke much To bee denide , but I can scarce intreat vvhat I would haue : doe , speake . Mar.

But will you heare mee out ?

Arb. vvith me you article to talke thus : well I will heare you out . Mar.

Sir , that I haue euer loued you , my sword hath spoken for me , that I doe , if it bee doubted , I dare call an oath a great one to my witnesse : and were you not my King , from amongst men , I should haue chose you out to loue aboue the rest : nor can this challenge thanks : for my own sake I should haue doted , because I would haue lou'd the most deseruing man , for so you are .

Arb. Alas Mardonius , rise , you shall not kneele ; vve all are Souldiers , and all venter liues : And where there is no difference in mens worths , Titles are iests : who can out vallew thee ? Mardonius thou hast lou'd me , and hast wrong , Thy loue is not rewarded , but beleeue It shall be better , more then friend in armes , My Father , and my Tutor , good Mardonius . Mar �

Sir , you did promise you would heare me out .

Arb. And so I will , speake freely , for from thee Nothing can come but worthy things and true . Mar.

Though you haue al this worth , you hold som qualities that doe eclipse your vertues .

Arb.

Eclipse my vertue ?

Mar.

Yes your passions , which are so manifold , that they appeare euen in this : when I commend you , you hug mee for that truth : when I speak of your faults , you make a start , and flie the hearing : but ,

Arb. vvhen you commend me ? O that I should liue To neede such commandations : If my deedes Blew not my praise themselues aboue the earth , I were most wretched : spare your idle praise : If thou didst meane to flatter , and should'st vtter vvords in my praise , that thou thoughtst impudence , My deedes should make vm modest : when you praise , I hug you ; 't is so false , that wert thou worthy Thou should'st receiue a death , a glorious death From me : but thou shalt vnderstand thy lies , For shouldst thou praise mee into Heauen , and there Leaue me inthron'd , I would despise thee though As much as now , which is as much as dust , Because I see thy enuy . Mar.

How euer you will vse me after , yet for your owne promise sake heare me the rest .

Arb. I will , and after call vnto the windes , For they shall lend as large an eare as I To what you vtter : speake . Mar.

vvould you but leaue these hasty tempers , which I doe not say take from you all your worth , but darken vm , then you would shine indeede .

Arb.

Well .

Mar.

Yet I would haue you keepe some passions , least men should take you for a god , your vertues are such .

Arb.

Why now you flatter .

Mar.

I neuer vnderstood the word , were you no King , & free from these wilde moodes , should I chuse a companion for wit and pleasure , it should bee you , or for honest , to enterchange my bosome with , it would be you ; or wisdome to to giue me counsel , I would pick out you : or vallor to defend my reputation , still I would find out you , for you are fit to fight for all the vvorld , if it could come in question : Now I haue spoke , consider to your selfe , finde out a vse ? if so , then what shall fall to mee is not materiall .

Arb. Is not materiall : more then ten such liues As mine Mardonius : it was Nobly said , Thou hast spoake truth , and boldly , such a truth As might offend another . I haue bin Too passionate , and idle , thou shalt see A swift amendment : But I want those parts You praise me for : I fight for all the vvorld : Giue thee a Sword , and thou wilt goe as farre Beyond mee , as thou art beyond in yeares , I know thou dar'st , and wilt ; It troubles mee That I should vse so rough a phrase to thee , Impute it to my folly , what thou wilt , So thou wilt pardon mee ; that thou and I Should differ thus . Mar.

vvhy 't is no matter Sir :

Arb. Faith but t is , but thou dost euer take All things I doe thus patiently , for which I neuer can requite thee but with loue , And that thou shalt bee sure of . Thou and I Haue not bin merry lately : pray thee tell mee vvhere hadst thou that same iewell in thine care ? Mar.

vvhy at the taking of a Towne .

Arb. A vvench vpon my life , a wench Mardonius Gaue thee that Iewell . Mar.

vvench , they respect not mee , I me old and rough , and euery limbe about mee , but that which should growes stiffer : lth those businesses I may sweare I am truely honest : for I pay iustly for what I take , and would bee glad to be at a certainty .

Arb.

vvhy doe the wenches incroch vpon thee ?

Mar.

I by this light doe they .

Arb.

Didst thou sit at an old rent with vm ?

Mar.

Yes faith .

Arb.

And doe they improoue themselues ?

Mar.

I , ten shillings to mee , euery new yong fellow they come acquainted with .

Arb.

How canst liue on 't ?

Mar.

Why I thinke I must petition to you .

Arb.

Thou shalt take vm vp at my price .

Mar.

Your price ?

Arb.

I at the Kings price .

Mar.

That may be more then I am worth .

1 Gent

Is he not merry now ?

2 Gent.

I thinke not .

Bes.

He is , he is , wee le shew our selues .

Arb.

Bessus I thought you had beene in Iberia by this , bad you ; halfe Gobrias will want entertainment for me .

Bes.

An 't please your Maiestie I haue a sute .

Arb.

I st not lowsie Bessus , what i st ?

Bes.

I am to carrie a Lady with me .

Arb.

Then thou hast two sutes .

Bess.

And if I can preferre her to the Ladie Panthan your Maiesties sister , to learne fashions as her friends terme it , it will be worth something to me .

Arb.

So many nights lodgings as t is thither , will not ?

Bes.

I know not that , but gold I shall be sure of .

Arb.

Why thou shalt bid her entertaine her from mee , so thou wilt resolue me one thing .

Bess.

Jf I can .

Arb.

Faith t is a very disputable question , yet I thinke thou canst decide it :

Bess.

Your Maiestie has a good opinion of my vnderstanding .

Arb.

I haue so good an opinion of it : 't is whether thou be valiant .

Bess.

Some bodie has tradust me to you : doe you see this sword Sir ?

Arb.

Yes .

Bes.

If I doe not make my back-biters eate it to a knife within this weeke , say I am not valiant .

Enter Messenger . Mess.

Health to your Maiestie .

Arb.

From Gobrias ?

Mess.

Yes Sir .

Arb.

How does he , is he well ?

Mess.

In perfect health .

Arb. Thanke thee for thy good newes , A trustier seruant to his Prince there liues not Then is good Gobrias . 1 Gent.

The King starts backe .

Mar.

His blood goes backe as fast :

2 Gent.

And now it comes againe .

Mar.

He alters strangely .

Arb. The hand of Heauen is on me , be it farre From me to struggle ; if my secret sinnes Haue pul'd this curse vpon me , lend me teares . Enough to wash me white , that I may feele A childlike innocence within my brest ; Which once perform'd , O giue me leaue to stand As fixt as constancie her selfe , my eyes Set here vnmou'd , regardlesse of the World , Though thousand miseries incompasse me . Mar.

This is strange , Sir , how doe you ?

Arb.

Mardonius my mother :

Mar.

Is shee dead ?

Arb. Alas , shee s not so happie ; thou dost know How shee hath labour'd since my Father died To take by treason hence this loathed life , That would but be to serue her , I haue pardon'd And pardon'd , and by that haue made her fit To practise new sinnes , not repent the olde ; Shee now has hir'd a slaue to come from thence And strike me here , whom Gobrias sifting out , Tooke , and condemn'd , and executed there The carefulst seruant : Heauen let me but liue To pay that man ; Nature is poore to me , That will not let me haue as many deathes As are the times that he hath sau'd my life , That I might die vm ouer all for him . Mar. Sir let her beare her sins on her owne head , Vex not your selfe . Arb. VVhat will the world Conceiue of me ? with what vnnaturall sinnes VVill they suppose me laden , when my life Is sought by her that gaue it to the world ? But yet he writes me comfort here , my sister He sayes is growne in beautie , and in grace , In all the innocent vertues that become A tender spotlesse maide : shee staines her cheekes VVith mourning teares to purge her Mothers ill , And mongst her sacred dew shee mingles prayers , Her pure oblations for my safe returne : If I haue lost the dutie of a sonne , If any pompe or vanitie of state Made me forget my naturall offices ; Nay farther , if I haue not euerie night Expostulated with my wandring thoughts , If ought vnto my Parent they haue err'd , And cald vm backe : doe you direct her arme Vnto this foule dissembling heart of mine : But if I haue beene iust to her , send out Your power to compasse me , and hold me safe From searching treason ; I will vse no meanes But prayers : for rather suffer me to see From mine own veines issue a deadly floud , Then wash my dangers off with Mothers bloud : Mar.

I nere saw such sudden extremities .

Enter Tigranes , and Spaconia . Tigr. Why , wilt thou haue me die Spaconia , What should I doe ? Spa. Nay , let me stay alone , And when you see Armenia againe , You shall behold a Toombe more worth then I , Some friend that either loues me , or my cause , VVill build me something to distinguish me From other women : Many a weeping verse He will lay on , and much lament those maides That place their loues vnfortunately too light , As I haue done , where they can neuer reach : But why should you goe to Iberia ? Tigr. Alas , that thou wilt aske me ; Aske the man That rages in a feauer , why hee lies Distemper'd there , when all the other youths Are coursing ore the Meadowes with their loues ? Can I resist it ? am I not a slaue To him that conquer'd me ? Spa. That conquer'd thee , Tigranes he has won but halfe of Thy bodie ; but thy minde may be as free As his , his will did neuer combate thine , And take it prisoner : Tigr. But if hee by force Conuey my bodie hence , what helpes it me Or thee to be vnwilling ? Spa. O Tigranes , I know you are to see a Ladie there , To see , and like I feare : perhaps the hope Of her makes you forget me ere we part , Be happier then you know to wish : farewell . Tigr. Spaconia stay , and heare me what I say : In short destruction meete me , that I may See it , and not auoid it when I leaue To be thy faithfull Louer : part with me Thou shalt not , there are none that know our loue ; And I haue giuen gold to a Captaine That goes vnto Iberia from the King , That he would place a Ladie of our Land With the Kings sister that is offer'd me ; Thither shall you , and being once got in , Perswade her by what subtile meanes you can To be as backward in her loue as I . Spa. Can you imagine that a longing maide VVhen shee beholds you , can be puld away VVith words from louing you ? Tigr. Dispraise my health , My honestie , and tell her I am iealous : Spa. VVhy , I had rather loose you : Can my heart Consent to let my tongue throw out such words , And I that euer yet spoke what I thought , Shall find it such a thing at first to lie : Tigr.

Yet doe thy best .

Ent. Bessus . Bes.

VVhat is your Maiestie readie ?

Tigr.

There is the Ladie Captaine .

Bes.

Sweet Ladie by your leaue , I could wish my selfe more full of Courtship for your faire sake .

Spa.

Sir I shall find no want of that .

Bess.

Lady , you must haste , I haue receiued new letters from the King , that requires more speed then I expected he will follow me suddenly himselfe , and beginnes to call for your Maiestie alreadie .

Tigr.

He shall not doe so long .

Bes.

Sweet Ladie shall I call you my charge hereafter ?

Spa.

I will not take vpon me to gouerne your tongue Sir , you shall call me what you please :

Finis Actus Primi .
Actus Secundus Scena Prima . Enter Gobrias , Bacurius , Arane , Panthaea , and Mandane , waiting women , with attendance . Gob. MY Lord Bacurius , you must haue regard Vnto the Queene , shee is your prisoner , T is at your perill if shee make escape . Bac. My Lord I know 't , shee is my prisoner From you committed ; yet shee is a woman , And so I keepe her safe : you will not vrge me To keepe her close , I shall not shame to say I sorrow for her . Gob. So doe I my Lord . I sorrow for her that so little grace Doth gouerne her , that shee should stretch her arme Against her King , so little womanhood And naturall goodnesse , as to thinke the death Of her owne Sonne . Ara. Thou know'st the reason why , Dissembling as thou art , and wilt not speake . Gob. There is a Ladie takes not after you , Her Father is within her , that good man Whose teares paid downe his sinnes , marke how shee weeps , How well it does become her ; and if you Can find no disposition in your selfe To sorrow , yet by gracefulnesse in her Find out the way , and by your reason weepe : All this shee does for you , and more shee needes , When for your selfe you will not lose a teare , Thinke how this want of griefe discredits you , And you will weepe , because you cannot weepe : Ara. You talke to me as hauing got a time Fit for your purpose ; but you know I know You speake not what you thinke . Pan. I would my heart Were stone , before my softnesse should be vrg'd Against my Mother , a more troubled thought No Virgin beares about her ; should I excuse My Mothers fault , I should let light a life , In loosing which , a brother and a King Were taken from me ; If I seeke to saue That life so lou'd , I loose another life That gaue me being , I shall loose a Mother , A word of such a sound in a childes eare , That it strikes reuerence through it : May the will Of Heauen be done , and if one needes must fall , Take a poore Virgins life to answere all . Ara. But Gobrias let vs talke ; you know this fault Is not in me as in another woman : Gob.

I know it is not :

Ara.

Yet you make it so .

Gob.

Why , is not all that 's past beyond your helpe ?

Ara.

I know it is .

Gob. Nay , should you publish it Before the world , thinke you t will be belieu'd ? Ara.

I know it would not .

Gob. Nay , should I ioine with you , Should we not both be torne ? and yet both die Vncredited ? Ara.

I thinke we should .

Gob. Why then Take you such violent courses ? as for me , I doe but right in sauing of the King From all your plots . Ara.

The King ?

Gob. I bad you rest with patience , and a time VVould come for me To reconcile all to your owne content : But by this way you take away my power , And what was done vnknowne , was not by me , But you , your vrging , being done , I must preserue mine owne ; but time may bring All this to light , and happily for all . Ara. Accursed be this ouercurious braine , That gaue that plot a birth ; accurst this wombe , That after did conceiue to my disgrace . Bac.

My Lord Protector , they say there are diuers Letters come from Armenia that Bessus has done good seruice , and brought againe a day by his particular valour : receiu'd you any to that effect ?

Gob.

Yes , t is most certaine .

Bac.

I me sorrie for t , not that the day was wonne , but that t was wonne by him ; wee held him here a coward , hee did me wrong once , at which I laught , and so did all the world : for , nor I , nor any other held time worth my Sword .

Enter Bessus , and Spaconia . Bes.

Health to my Lord Protector , from the King these Letters , and to your grace Madam these :

Go.

How does his Maiestie ?

Bes.

As well as conquest by his owne meanes , and his valiant commanders can make him : your letters will tel you all .

Pan. I will not open mine till I doe know My brothers health ; good Captaine is he well ? Bes.

As the rest of vs that fought are :

Pan.

But howe 's that , is he hurt ?

Bes.

Hee s a strange Souldier that gets not a knock ,

Pan.

I doe not aske how strange that Souldier is That gets no hurt ; but whether he haue one ?

Bes.

He had diuers .

Pan.

And is he well againe ?

Bes.

VVell againe , an t please your grace ; why I was run twice through the bodie , and shot i th head with a crosse arrow , and yet am well againe .

Pan.

I doe not care how thou dost , is he well ?

Bes.

Not care how I doe , let a man out of the mightinesse of his spirit fructifie forraigne Countries with his bloud for the good of his owne , and thus he shall be answered : why , I may liue to relieue with speare and shield such a Ladie distressed .

Pan.

Why , I will care , I am glad that thou art well ; I prethee is he so ?

Gob.

The King is well , and will be here to morrow .

Pan.

My prayers are heard ; now I will open mine .

Gob. Bacurius , I must ease you of your charge : Madam , the wonted mercie of the King That ouertakes your faults , has met with this , And strucke it out ; he has forgiuen you freelie , Your owne will is your Law , be where you please . Ara.

I thanke him

Gob. You will be readie To waite vpon his Maiestie to morrow ? Ara.

I will .

Bac. Madam , be wise hereafter : I am glad I haue lost this Office . Exit . Gob. Good Captaine Bessus , tell vs the discourse Betweene Tigranes and our King , and how We got the victorie . Pan. I prethee doe , And if my brother were in any danger , Let not thy tale make him abide there long , Before thou bring him off ; for all that while My heart will beate . Bes.

Madam , let what will beate , I must tell truth , and thus it was : They fought single in lists but one to one , as for my own part I was dangerouslie hurt but three dayes before , else perhaps wee had beene two to two ; I cannot tell , some thought wee had ; and the occasion of my hurt was this , the enemie had made trenches .

Gob.

Captaine , without the manner of your hurt be much materiall to this businesse , wee le heare it some other time .

Pan. I , I prethee leaue it , and goe on with my brother . Bes.

I will , but 't would be worth your hearing : To the lists they came , and single sword and gauntlet was their fight .

Pan.

Alas .

Bes.

Without the lists there stood some dozen Captaines of either side mingled , all which were sworne , and one of those was I : and t was my chance to stand neere a Captaine of the Enemies side , called Tiribasus ; valiant they said he was : whilst these two Kings were stretching themselues , this Tiribasus cast something a scornefull looke on mee , and askt mee whom I thought would ouercome : I smilde , and told him , if hee would fight with me , he should perceiue by the euent of that whose King would winne ; something hee answered , and a scuffle was like to grow , when one Zipetus offerd to helpe him : I �

Pan. All this is of thy selfe , I prethee Bessus Tell something of my brother , did he nothing ? Bes.

Why yes , I le tell your Grace ; they were not to fight till the word giuen , which for my owne part by my troth I was not to giue .

Pan.

See , for his owne part .

Bac.

I feare yet this fellowe 's abusd with a good report .

Bes.

I , but I :

Pan.

Still of himselfe .

Bes.

Cride , giue the word , when as some of them saide Tigranes was stooping , but the word was not giuen then : when one Cosroes of the enemies part held vp his finger to me , which is as much with vs Marshallists , as I will fight with you : I said not a word , nor made signe during the combate ; but that once done .

Pan.

He slips ore all the fight .

Bes.

I cald him to me , Cosros said I :

Pan.

I will heare no more .

Bes.

No , no , I lie .

Bac.

I dare be sworne thou dost .

Bes.

Captaine said I , t was so .

Pan.

I tell thee , I will heare no further .

Bes.

No , your Grace will wish you had .

Pan. I will not wish it : what is this the Ladie My Brother writes to me to take ? Bes.

An 't please your Grace this is shee : Charge will you come neerer the Princes ?

Pan. Y' are welcome from your Countrey , and this Land Shall shew vnto you all the kindnesses That I can make it ; what 's your name ? Spa.

Thalestris .

Pan. Y are verie welcome , you haue got a letter To put you to me , that has power enough To place mine Enemy here ; then much more you , That are so farre from being so to me , That you nere saw me . Bes

Madam , I dare passe my word for her truth .

Spa.

My truth .

Pan

Why Captaine , doe you thinke I am afraid shee le steale ?

Bes.

I cannot tell , seruants are slipperie ; but I dare giue my word for her , and for her honestie : shee came along with me , and many fauours shee did me by the way ; but by this light none but what shee might doe with modestie , to a man of my ranke .

Pan

Why Captaine , here 's no body thinkes otherwise .

Bes.

Nay , if you should , your Grace may thinke your pleasure ; but I am sure I brought her from Armenia , and in all that way if euer I toucht any bare on her aboue her knee , I pray God I may sinke where I stand .

Spa.

Aboue my knee ?

Bes.

No , you know I did not , and if any man will say I did , this Sword shall answere : Nay , I le defend the reputation of my charge whilst I liue ; your Grace shall vnderstand I am secret in these businesses , and know how to defend a Ladies honour .

Spa. I hope your Grace knowes him so well already , I shall not neede to tell you hee 's vaine and foolish : Bes.

I , you may call mee what you please , but I le defend your good name against the World ; and so I take my leaue of your Grace , and of you my Lord Protector , I am likewise glad to see your Lordship well .

Bac.

O Captaine Bessus , I thanke you , I would speake with you anon .

Bes.

When you please , I will attend your Lordship :

Exit . Bac.

Madam , I le take my leaue too :

Exit . Pan.

Good Bacurius :

Gob.

Madam , what writes his Maiesty to you ?

Pan. O my Lord , The kindest words , I le keepe vm whilst I liue Here in my bosome ; there 's no art in vm , They lie disordred in this paper , Iust As hearty Nature speakes vm . Gob. And to mee He writes , what teares of ioy he shed to heare How you were growne in euery vertuous way , And yeilds all thankes to me , for that deare care Which I was bound to haue in training you : There is no Princes liuing that enioyes A Brother of that worth . Pan.

My Lord , no Maide longs more for any thing , or feeles more heate and cold within her brest , then I doe now , In hope to see him .

Gob.

Yet I wonder much at this , hee writes he brings along with him a husband for you , that same Captiue Prince ;

And if he loue you as he makes a shew , He will allow you freedome in your choise . Pan. And so he will my Lord , I warrant you He will but offer , and giue me the power To take , or leaue . Gob. Trust me , were I a Ladie I could not like That man were bargain'd with before I chuse him . Pan But I am not built on such wild humors , If I find time worthy , he is not lesse , Because hee 's offerd . Spa.

T is true , he is not , would he would seem lesse :

Gob. I thinke there is no Ladie can affect Another Prince , your Brother standing by ; He does eclipse mens vertues so with this . Spa. I know a Lady may , and more I feare Another Lady will . Pan. Would I might see him : Gob. Why so you shall : my businesses are great , I will attend you when it is his pleasure To see you Madam . Pan.

I thanke you good my Lord .

Gob.

You will be ready Madam :

Exit . Pan.

Yes .

Spa. I doe beseech you Madam send away Your other women , and receiue from me A few sad words , which set against your ioyes , May make vm shine the more . Pan. Sirs leaue me all . Spa. I kneele a stranger here to beg a thing Vnfit for me to aske , and you to grant , T is such another strange ill laid request , As if a beggar should intreat a King To leaue his Scepter and his Throne to him , And take his rags to wander ore the World Hungry and cold . Pan.

That were a strange request .

Spa.

As ill is mine .

Pan.

Then doe not vtter it .

Spa. Alas , t is of that nature , that it must Be vtterd , I , and granted , or I die : I am asham'd to speake it ; but where life Lies at the stake , I cannot thinke her woman , That will not take something vnreasonably To hazard sauing of it : I shall seeme A strange petitioner , that wish all ill To them I beg of , ere they giue mee ought , Yet so I must : I would you were not faire , Nor wise , for in your ill consists my good : If you were foolish , you would heare my prayer ; If foule , you had not power to hinder me : He would not loue you . Pan.

VVhat 's the meaning of it ?

Spa. Nay , my request is more without the bounds Of reason yet ; for t is not in the power Of you to doe what I would haue you grant . Pan.

VVhy then t is idle , prethee speake it out .

Spa. Your brother brings a Prince into this Land Of such a noble shape , so sweete a grace , So full of worth withall , that euery maide That lookes vpon him , giues away her selfe To him for euer ; and for you to haue He brings him : and so mad is my demand , That I desire you not to haue this man , This excellent man , for whom you needs must die , If you should misse him . I doe now expect You should laugh at me . Pan. Trust me , I could weepe Rather , for I haue found in all thy words A strange disiointed sorrow . Spa. T is by me , His owne desire too , that you would not loue him . Pan. His owne desire , why credit me Thalestris I am no common wooer : If he shall wooe me , His worth may be such , that I dare not sweare I will not loue him ; but if he will stay To haue me wooe him , I will promise thee He may keepe all his graces to himselfe , And feare no rauishing from me . Spa. T is yet His owne desire , but when he sees your face , I feare it will not be ; therefore I charge you As you haue pitty , stop those tender eares From his inchanting voice , close vp those eyes , That you may neither catch a dart from him , Nor he from you : I charge you as you hope To liue in quiet , for when I am dead For certaine I shall walke to visit him , If he breake promise with me : for as fast As oathes without a formall ceremony Can make me , I am to him : Pan. Then be fearelesse , For if he were a thing twixt God and man , I could gaze on him ; ( if I knew it sinne , To loue him ) without passion : Dry your eyes , I sweare you shall enioy him still for me , I will not hinder you ; but I perceiue You are not what you seeme : Rise , rise , Thalestris . If your right name be so . Spa. Indeed it is not Spaconia is name ; but I desire Not to be knowne to others : Pan. Why , by me You shall not , I will neuer doe you wrong , What good I can , I will ; thinke not my birth , Or education such , that I should iniure A stranger Virgin : you are welcome hither . In company you wish to be commanded , But when we are alone , I shall be ready To be your seruant . Exit . Enter three men , and a woman . 1.

Come , come , run , run , runne :

2.

We shall out-goe her .

3.

One were better be hang'd , then carry women out fidling to these shewes .

Weo.

Is the King hard by ?

1.

You heard hee with the bottles say , hee thought wee should come too late , what abundance of people here is .

Weo.

But what had he in those bottles ?

3.

I know not .

3.

Why , Inke good man foole :

3.

Inke , what to doe ?

1.

Why , the King looke you , will many times call for those bottles , and breake his minde to his friends .

Weo.

Le ts take our places quickly , we shall haue no roome else .

2.

The man told vs hee would walke a foote through the people .

3.

I marry did he .

1.

Our shops are well looke to now :

2.

S'life yonder 's my Master I thinke .

1.

No , t is not he .

Enter two Citizens wiues , and Philip . 1 Cit.

Lord , how fine the fields be , what sweete liuing t is in the Countrey .

2 Cit.

I , poore soules , God helpe vm ; they liue as contentedly as one of vs .

1 Cit.

My Husbands cousen would haue had me gone into the Countrey last yeere , wert thou euer there ?

2 Cit.

I , poore soules , I was amongst vm once .

1 Cit.

And what kinde of creatures are they for loue of God ?

2 Cit.

Very good people , God helpe vm :

1 Cit.

Wilt thou goe with me downe this summer , when I am brought abed ?

2 Cit.

Alas , t is no place for vs .

1 Cit.

VVhy prethee ?

2 Cit.

VVhy , you can haue nothing there ; there 's no body cries broomes .

1 Cit.

No ?

2 Cit.

No truly , nor milke .

1 Cit.

Nor milke , how doe they ?

2 Cit.

They are faine to milke themselues i th Countrey .

1 Cit.

Good Lord : but the people there I thinke will bee very dutifull to one of vs ?

2 Cit.

I , God knowes will they , and yet they doe not greatly care for our Husbands .

1 Cit.

Doe they not , alas ? In good faith I cannot blame them : for we doe not greatly care for them our selues . Philip I pray choose vs a place .

Phil.

There 's the best forsooth .

1 Cit.

By your leaue good people a little :

1.

VVhat 's the matter ?

Phi.

I pray my friend doe not thrust my Mistris so , shee s with childe .

2.

Let her looke to her selfe then , has shee not had thrusting enough yet ; if shee stay shouldring here , shee may hap to goe home with a Cake in her bellie .

3.

How now goodman squitterbreech , why doe you leane so on me ?

Phil.

Because I will .

3.

VVill you sir sawce-box ?

1 Cit.

Looke if one haue not strucke Philip , come hither Philip , why did he strike thee ?

Phil.

For leaning on him .

1 Cit.

VVhy didst thou leane on him ?

Phil.

I did not thinke he would haue strucke me .

1 Cit.

As God saue me law , thou art as wilde as a Bucke , there is no quarrell , but thou art at one end or other of it .

3.

It s at the first end then ; for he will neuer stay the last .

1 Cit.

VVell stripling , I shall meete with you .

3.

vvhen you will .

1 Cit.

I le giue a crowne to meete with you :

3.

At a bawdy house .

1 Cit.

I , you are full of your rogery ; but if I doe meete you it shall cost me a fall .

3. The King , the King , the King , the King : Now , now , now , now . Enter Arbaces , Tigranes , Mardonius , and others . All

God preserue your Maiestie .

Arb. I thanke you all : Now are my ioyes at full , vvhen I behold you safe my louing Subiects ; By you I grow , t is your vnited loue That lifts me to this height : All the account that I can render you For all the loue you haue bestowed on me , All your expences to maintaine my warre , Is but a little word : you will imagine T is slender payment ; yet t is such a word As is not to be bought without our blouds ; T is peace . All .

God preserue your Maiestie .

Arb. Now you may liue securely in your Townes , Your Children round about you ; you may sit Vnder your vines , and make the miseries Of other Kingdomes a discourse for you , And lend them sorrowes : For your selues you may Safely forget there are such things as teares ; And may you all whose good thoughts I haue gain'd , Hold me vnworthy , when I thinke my life A sacrifice too great to keepe you thus In such a calme estate : All .

God blesse your Maiestie .

Arb. See all good people , I haue brought the man , Whose very name you fear'd , a captiue home : Behold him , t is Tigranes ; in your hearts Sing songs of gladnesse , and deliuerance . 1 Cit.

Out vpon him .

2 Cit.

How he looks .

3 Weo.

Hang him , hang him , hang him .

Mar

These are sweete people .

Tigr. Sir , you doe me wrong , To render me a scorned spectacle To common people . Arb. It was farre from me To meane it so : if I haue ought deseru'd , My louing Subiects let me beg of you Not to reuile this Prince , in whom their dwels All worth of which the nature of a man Is capable ; valour beyond compare , The terror of his name has stretcht it selfe Where euer there is sunne : and yet for you , I fought with him single , and won him too ; I made his valour stoope , and made that name Soar'd to so vnbelieu'd a height , to fall Beneath mine : This inspir'd with all your loues , I did performe , and will for your content Be euer ready for a greater worke . All .

The Lord blesse your Maiestie .

Tigr.

So , hee has made me amends now , with a speech in commendations of himselfe : I would not be so vaine-glorious .

Arb. If there be any thing in which I may Doe good to any creature , here speake out ; For I must leaue you : and it troubles me , Thus my occasions for the good of you , Are suchas calles me from you ; else my ioy Would be to spend my dayes amongst you all . You shew your loues in these large multitudes That come to meete me : I will pray for you , Heauen prosper you , that you may know old yeeres , And liue to see your Childrens Children Fate at your boards with plenty : when there is A want of any thing , let it be knowne To me , and I will be a Father to you : God keepe you all . Exeunt . All .

God blesse your Maiestie .

1.

Come , shall we goe , all 's done .

Weo.

I for Gods sake , I haue not made a fire yet :

2.

Away , away , all 's done .

3.

Content : Farewell Philip .

1 Cit.

Away , you haltersack you :

1.

Philip will not fight hee 's afraid on 's face .

Phil.

I marry am I afraid of my face .

3.

Thou wouldst be Philip , if thou saw'st it in a glasse ; it lookes like a visor .

Exeunt 1 , 2 , 3 , and Women . 1 Cit.

You le be hang'd sirra : Come Philip , walke afore vs homeward ; did not his Maiestie say , he had brought vs home Peaes for our money ?

2 Cit.

Yes marry did he .

1 Cit.

They are the first I heard on this yeere by my troth , I long'd for some of vm ; did he not say we should haue some ?

2 Cit.

Yes , and so we shall anon I warrant you , haue euery one a pecke brought home to our houses .

Finis Actus Secundi .
Actus Tertij Scaena Prima . Enter Arbaces , and Gobrius . Arb.

MY Sister take it ill ?

Gob. Not very ill , Something vnkindly shee doth take it Sir , To haue her Husband chosen to her hands . Arb. VVhy Gobrius let her ; I must haue her know My will , and not her owne must gouerne her : VVhat , will shee marrie with some slaue at home ? Gob. O shee is farre from any stubbornnesse , You much mistake her , and no doubt will like VVhere you wil haue her ; but when you behold her , You will be loath to part with such a Iewell . Arb.

To part with her , why Gobrius art thou mad ? shee is my sister .

Gob. Sir , I know shee is : But it were pitty to make poore our Land With such a beauty , to inrich another . Arb.

Pish , will shee haue him ?

Gob.

I thinke shee will Sir .

Arb. VVere shee my Father , and my Mother too ; And all the names for which we think folkes friends , Shee should be forcst to haue him , when I know T is fit : I will not heare her say shee 's loth . Gob. Heauen bring my purpose luckily to passe , You know t is iust : Sir , shee le not neede constraint , Shee loues you so . Arb.

How does shee loue me , speake ?

Gob. Shee loues you more then people loue their health That liue by labour ; more then I could loue A man that died for me , if he could liue againe . Arb.

Shee is not like her Mother then ?

Gob. O no , when you were in Armenia , I durst not let her know when you were hurt : For at the first on euery little scratch , Shee kept her chamber , wept , and would not eate , Till you were well ; and many times the newes vvas so long comming , that before we heard , Shee was as neare her death , as you your health . Arb. Alas poore soule , but yet shee must be rul'd ; J know not how I shall requite her well , I long to see her ; haue you sent for her , To tell her I am ready ? Gob.

Sir , I haue .

Enter Tigranes . Gent.

Sir , here 's the Armenian King .

Arb.

Hee s welcome .

Gent.

And the Queene Mother , and the Princes waite without :

Arb. Good Gobrius bring them in , Tigranes you will thinke you are arriu'd In a strange Land , where Mothers cast to poyson Their onely sonnes ; thinke you you shall be safe ? Tigr.

Too safe I am Sir .

Enter Gobrius , Arane , Panthaea , Spaconia , Bacurius , Mardonius , and Bessus . Ara. As low as this I bow to you , and would As low as to my graue , to shew a mind Thankefull for all your mercies . Arb. O stand vp , And let me kneele , the light will be asham'd To see obseruance done to me by you . Ara.

You are my King .

Arb. You are my Mother rise ; As farre be all your faults from your owne soule , As from my memory ; then you shall be As white as innocence her selfe . Ara. I came Onely to shew my dutie , and acknowledge My sorrow for my sinnes ; longer to stay Wee le but to draw eyes more attentiuely vpon my shame : That power that kept you safe From me preserue you still . Exit . Arb.

Your owne desires shall be your guard .

Pan Now let me die , Since I haue seene my Lord the King returne In safety , I haue seene all good that life Can shew me ; I haue nere another wish For Heauen to grant , nor were it fit I should : For I am bound to spend my age to come In giuing thankes that this was granted me . Gob.

vvhy does not your Maiestie speake ?

Arb.

To whom ?

Gob.

To the Princesse .

Pan. Alas Sir , I am fearefull , you doe looke On me , as if I were some loathed thing That you were finding out a way to shunne . Gob.

Sir , you should speake to her .

Arb.

Ha ?

Pan. I know I am vnworthy , yet not ill , Arm'd , with which innocence here I will kneele , Till I am one with earth : but I will gaine Some words , and kindnesse from you . Tigr.

vvill you , speake Sir ?

Arb. Speake , am I what I was ? vvhat art thou that dost creepe into my breast , And darst not see my face shew forth thy selfe : I feele a paire of fierie wings displaide Hither , from thence ; you shall not tarrie there , vp , and be gone , if thou beest loue , be gone , Or I will teare thee from my wounded flesh , Pull thy lou'd downe away , and with a quill By this right arme drawne from thy wanton wing , vvrite to thy laughing Mother in thy bloud , That you are Powers belied , and all your darts Are to be blowne away by men resolu'd Like dust ; I know thou fear'st my words , away . Tigr. O miserie , why should he be so slow , There can no falshood come of louing her , Though I haue giuen my faith ; shee is a thing Both to be lou'd and seru'd beyond my faith : I would he would present me to her quicklie . Pan. vvill you not speake at all , are you so farre From kind words ? yet to saue my modesty That must talke till you answer : doe not stand As you were dumbe , say something , though it be Poyson'd with anger that may strike me dead : Mar. Haue you no life at all ? for manhood sake Let her not kneele , and talke neglected thus ; A tree would find a tongue to answer her , Did shee but giue it such a lou'd respect . Arb. You meane this Lady , lift her from the earth ; Why doe you let her kneele so long ? alas , Madam your beauty vses to command , And not to beg ; what is your sute to me ? It shall be granted , yet the time is short , And my affaires are great : but where 's my sister ? I bad shee should be brought . Mar.

What is he mad ?

Arb.

Gobrius , where is shee ?

Gob.

Sir .

Arb.

Where is shee man ?

Gob.

Who Sir ?

Arb.

Who , hast thou forgot ? my Sister .

Gob.

Your Sister Sir ?

Arb.

Your Sister Sir ?

Gob.

Some one that has a wit , answere ; where is shee ?

Arb.

Doe you not see her there ?

Gob.

Where ?

Arb.

There .

Gob.

There , where ?

Mar.

S'light there , are you blind ?

Arb.

Which doe you meane , that little one ?

Gob.

No Sir .

Arb. No Sir , why doe you mocke me ? I can see . No other here , but that petitioning Ladie : Gob.

That 's shee .

Arb.

Away .

Gob.

Sir it is shee :

Arb.

T is false .

Gob.

Is it ?

Arb. As hell , by Heauen as false as hell , My sister : Is shee dead ? if it be so , Speake boldly to me : for I am a man , And dare not quarrell with diuinity ; But doe not thinke to cosen me with this : I see you all are mute , and stand amas'd , Fearefull to answere me ; it is too true A decreed instant cuts off euery life , For which to mourne , is to repine ; shee died A Virgin though , more innocent then sleeps , As cleere as her owne eyes , and blessednesse Eternall waites vpon her where shee is : I know shee could not make a wish to change Her state for new , and you shall see me beare My crosses like a man ; we all must die , And shee hath taught vs how . Gob. Doe not mistake , And vex your selfe for nothing ; for her death Is a long life of yet I hope : T is shee , And if my speech deserue not faith , lay death Vpon me , and my latest words shall force A credit from you . Arb. Which good Gobrius , That Ladie dost thou meane ? Gob.

That Lady Sir .

Arb.

It cannot be .

Tigr. Pish , this is tedious , I cannot hold , I must present my selfe ; And yet the sight of my Spaconia , Touches me , as a sudden thunderclap Does one that is about to sinne . Arb. Away , No more of this ; here I pronounce him Traytor , The direct plotter of my death that names , Or thinkes her for my Sister : T is a lie , The most malicious of the World , inuented To mad your King ; he that will say so next , Let him draw out his Sword , and sheath it here , It is a sinne fully as pardonable : Shee is no kinne to me , nor shall shee be ; If shee were any , I create her none , And which of you can question this , my power Is like the Sea , that is to be obey'd , And not disputed with : I haue decreed her As farre from hauing part of bloud with me , As the nak'd Indians : Come , and answer me , He that is boldest now ; Is that my Sister ? Mar.

O this is fine .

Bes. No marry is shee not an 't please your Maiestie : I neuer thought shee was , shee s nothing like you . Arb.

No , t is true , shee is not :

Mar.

Thou shouldst be hang'd .

Pan. Sir , I will speake but once : By the same power You make my bloud a stranger vnto yours ; You may command me dead , and so much loue A stranger may importune , pray you doe ; If this request appeare too much to grant , Adopt me of some other Family By your vnquestion'd word ; else I shall liue Like sinfull issues that are left in streetes By their regardlesse Mothers , and no name Will be found for me . Arb. I will heare no more ; Why should there be such musicke in a voice , And sinne for me to heare it : All the world May take delight in this , and t is damnation For me to doe so ; you are faire , and wise , And vertuous I thinke , and he is blest That is so neere you as your brother is : But you are naught to me but a disease , Continuall torment without hope of ease ; Such an vngodly sicknesse I haue got , That he that vndertakes my cure , must first Orethrow Diuinity , all morall Lawes , And leaue mankinde as vnconfinde as beasts , Allowing them to doe all actions As freely as they drinke , when they desire . Let me not heare you speake againe ; yet so I shall but languish for the want of that , The hauing which would kill me : No man here Offer to speake for her ; for I consider As much as you can say : I will not toyle My body , and my mind too , rest thou there , Here 's one within will labour for you both . Pan.

I would I were past speaking .

Gob. Feare not Madam , The King will alter , t is some sudden change , And you shall see it end some other way . Pan.

Pray God it doe .

Tigr. Though shee to whom I swore be here , I cannot Stifle my passion longer : If my Father Should rise againe disquieted with this , And charge me to forbeare , yet it would out : Madam , a stranger , and a prisoner begs To be bid welcome . Pan. You are welcome Sir I thinke , but if you be not , t is past me To make you so : for I am here a stranger , Greater then you : we know from whence you come , But I appeare a lost thing , and by whom Is yet vncertaine ; found here in the Court , And onely sufferd to walke vp and downe , As one not worth the owning . Spa. O , I feare Tigranes will be caught , he lookes me thinkes As he would change his eyes with her ; some helpe There is aboue for me I hope . Tigr. VVhy doe you turne away , and weepe so fast , And vtter things that misbecome your lookes , Can you want owning ? Spa

O , t is certaine so .

Tigr.

Acknowledge your selfe mine .

Arb.

How now ?

Tigr.

And then see if you want an owner ,

Arb.

They are talking .

Tigr.

Nations shall owne you for their Queene .

Arb.

Tigranes , art not thou my prisoner ?

Tigr.

I am .

Arb.

And who is this ?

Tigr.

Shee is your Sister .

Arb.

Shee is so .

Mar.

Is shee so againe , that 's well :

Arb.

And how dare you then offer to change words with her ?

Tigr. Dare doe it , why you brought me hither Sir To that intent . Arb. Perhaps I told you so , If I had sworne it , had you so much follie To credit it : The least word that shee speakes Is worth a life : rule your disorderd tongue , Or I will temper it . Spa.

Blest be that breath .

Tigr. Temper my tongue ; such inciuilities As these , no barbarous people euer knew : You breake the law of Nature , and of Nations ; You talke to me , as if I were a prisoner For theft : my tongue be temperd ? I must speake If thunder checke me , and I will . Arb.

You will .

Spa.

Alas my Fortune .

Tigr.

Doe not feare his frowne , deare Madam heare me .

Arb. Feare not my frowne : but that 't were base in me To fight with one I know I can orecome , Againe thou shouldst be conquerd by me . Mar.

He has one ransome with him already , me thinkes t were good to fight double , or quit .

Arb. Away with him to prison ; Now Sir see If my frowne be regardlesse : why delay you ? Seize him Bacurius , you shall know my word Sweepes like a wind , and all it grapples with � Are as the chaffe before it . Tigr.

Touch me not .

Arb.

Helpe there .

Tigr.

Away .

1 Gent.

It is in vaine to struggle .

2 Gent.

You must be forc't .

Bac.

Sir , you must pardon vs , we must obey .

Arb. Why doe you dally there ? Drag him away By any thing . Bac.

Come Sir .

Tigr. Iustice , thou oughtst to giue me strength enough To shake all these off : This is tyrannie Arbaces , subtiller then the burning Buls , Or that fam'd Tyrants bed . Thou mightst as well Search in the depth of winter through the Snow For halfe staru'd people , to bring home with thee To shew vm fire , and send vm backe againe , As vse me thus . Arb.

Let him be close Bacurius .

Spa. I nere reioyc'd at any ill to him , But this imprisonment : what shall become Of me forsaken ? Gob. You will not let your sister Depart thus discontented from you Sir ? Arb. By no meanes Gobrius , I haue done her wrong , And made my selfe beleeue much of my selfe , That is not in me : you did kneele to me , Whilst I stood stubborne and regardlesse by ; And like a god incensed , gaue no eare To all your prayers : behold , I kneele to you , Shew a contempt as large as was my owne , And I will suffer it ; yet at the last forgiue me . Pan. O you wrong me more in this , Then in your rage you did : you mocke me now . Arb. Neuer forgiue me then , which is the worst Can happen to me . Pan. If you be in earnest , Stand vp , and giue me but a gentle looke , And two kind words , and I shall be in Heauen . Arb. Rise you then to ; here I acknowledge thee My hope , the onely Iewell of my life , The best of sisters , dearer then my breath , A happinesse as high as I could thinke ; And when my actions call thee otherwise , Perdition light vpon me . Pan. This is better Then if you had not frown'd , it comes to me Like mercy at the blocke ; and when I leaue To serue you with my life , your curse be with me . Arb. Then thus I doe salute thee , and againe To make this knot the stronger ; Paradice Is there : It may be you are still in doubt , This , this third kisse , blots it out . I wade in sinne , And foolishly intice my selfe along : Take her away , see her a prisoner In her owne chamber , closely Gobrius . Pan.

Alas Sir , why ?

Arb.

I must not stay the answere , doe it .

Pan.

Good Sir .

Arb.

No more , doe it I say .

Mar.

This is better and better .

Pan.

Yet heare me speake .

Arb. I will not heare you speake ; Away with her , let no man thinke to speake For such a creature : for shee is a witch , A poysoner , and a traytor . Bac.

Madam , this Office grieues me .

Gob.

Nay , t is well the King is pleas'd with it .

Arb. Bessus , goe you along too with her ; I will proue All this that I haue said , if I may liue So long : but I am desperately sicke , For shee has giuen me poyson in a kisse ; Shee had it twixt her lips , and with her eyes Shee witches people : go without a word . Exeunt omnes , pre . Why should you that haue made me stand in war Ar. Mar. Like fate it selfe , cutting what threds I pleas'd , Decree such an vnworthy end of me , And all my glories ? what am I alas , That you oppose me ? If my secret thoughts Haue euer harbour'd swellings against you , They could not hurt you , and it is in you To giue me sorrow , that will render me Apt to receiue your mercy ; rather so , Let it be rather so , then punish me VVith such vnmanly sinnes : Incest is in me Dwelling alreadie , and it must be holie That pulles it thence ; where art Mardonius ? Mar.

Here Sir .

Arb. I prethee beare me , if thou canst ; Am I not growne a strange weight ? Mar.

As you were .

Arb.

No heauier ?

Mar

No Sir .

Arb. VVhy , my legs Refuse to beare my bodie ; O Mardonius , Thou hast in field beheld me , when thou know'st I could haue gone , though I could neuer runne . Mar.

And so I shall againe .

Arb

O no , t is past .

Mar.

Pray ye goe , rest your selfe .

Arb. VVilt thou hereafter when they talke of me , As thou shalt heare nothing but infamie ; Remember some of those things . Mar.

Yes , I will .

Arb.

I prethee doe : for thou shalt neuer see me so again .

Mar.

I warrant ye .

Exeunt . Enter Bessus . Bes.

They talke of fame , I haue gotten it in the warres , and will affoord any man a reasonable penny-worth : some will say they could be content to haue it , but that it is to be atchieued with danger ; but my opinion is otherwise : for if I might stand still in Canon proofe , and haue fame fall vpon me , I would refuse it : My reputation came principally by thinking to runne away , which no bodie knowes but Mardonius , and I think he conceales it to anger me . Before I went to the warres , I came to the Towne a young fellow without meanes , or parts , to deserue friends ; and my emptie guts perswaded me to lie , and abuse people for my meate , which I did , and they beate me : then would I fast two dayes , till my hunger cride out on me , raile still ; then me thought I had a monstrous stomacke to abuse them againe , and did it . In this state I continued till they hung me vp by th' heeles and beate me with hasle sticks , as if they would haue baked mee , and haue cosen'd some bodie with mee for Venison : After this I rail'd , and sate quietlie : for the whole Kingdome tooke notice of me for a baffel'd whipt fellow , and what I said , was remembred in mirth , but neuer in anger ; of which I was glad , I would it were at that passe againe : After this , God cald an Ant of mine , that left two hundred pounds in a Cosens hand for me , who taking me to be a gallant young spirit , rais'd a company for mee with the money , and sent me into Armenia with vm : Away I would haue runne from them , but that I could get no company , and alone I durst not run . I was neuer at battle but once , and there I was running , but Mardonius cudgel'd me ; yet I got loose at last , but was so afraid , that I saw no more then my shoulders doe , but fled with my whole company amongst my enemies , and ouerthrew vm : Now the report of my valor is come ouer before mee , and they say I was a raw young fellow , but now I am improu'd . A plague of their eloquence , t will cost me many a beating : And Mardonius might helpe this to if he would ; for now they thinke to get honour of me , and all the men I haue abus'd , call me freshly to account , worthily as they call it , by the way of challenge .

Enter Gent. Gent.

Good morrow Captaine Bessus .

Bes.

Good morrow Sir .

Gent.

I come to speake with you .

Bes.

You are very welcome .

Gent.

From one that holds himselfe wronged by you some three yeers since : your worth he sayes is fam'd , & he nothing doubts but you will doe him right , as beseemes a Souldier .

Bes.

A pox on vm , so they crie all .

Gent.

And a slight note I haue about me for you , for the deliuerie of which , you must excuse me ; it is an office that friendship calles vpon mee to doe , and no way offensiue to you , since I desire but right on both sides .

Bes.

T is a challenge Sir , is it not ?

Gent.

T is an inuiting to the field .

Bess.

An inuiting ? O crie you mercie , what a complement he deliuers it with ? he might as agreeablie to my nature present mee poyson with such a speech : vm reputation , vm call you to an account , vm forst to this , vm with my sword , vm like a gentleman , vm deare to me , vm satisfaction : T is verie well Sir , I doe accept it , but he must awaite an answere this thirteene weekes .

Gent.

Why Sir , he would be glad to wipe off his staine as soone as hee can , Sir vpon my credit I am already ingag'd to two hundred and twelue , all which must haue their staines wipt off , if that be the word before him .

Gent.

Sir , if you be truly ingaged but to one , he shall stay a competent time .

Bess.

Vpon my faith Sir to two hundred and twelue , and I haue a spent bodie too much bruis'd in battle , so that I cannot fight , I must be plaine with you , aboue three combates a day : All the kindnesse I can doe him , is to set him resolutely in my rowle the two hundred and thirteenth man , which is something : for I tell you , I thinke there will be more after him , then before him , I thinke so pray ye commend me to him , and tell him this .

Gent.

I will Sir , good morow to you .

Exit : Bess.

Good morow good Sir . Certenly my safest way were to print my selfe a coward , with a discouerie how I came by my credit , and clap it vpon euery post : I haue receiued aboue thirty challenges within this two houres , marry all but the first I put off with ingagement , and by good fortune the first is no madder of fighting then I , so that that 's reseru'd . The place where it must be ended , is foure dayes iourney of , and our arbytrators are there : He has chosen a gentleman in trauell , and I haue a speciall friend , with a quarterne ague likely to hold him this time here , for mine ; and when his man comes home , wee are to expect my friends health : If they would send me challenges thus thicke , as long as I liu'd I would haue no other liuing ; I can make seauen shillings a day o th paper to the Grocers : yet I learne nothing by all these but a little skill in comparing of stiles . I doe find euidently that there is some one Scriuener in this Towne , that has a great hand in writing of challenges , for they are all of a cut , and six of vm in a hand ; and they all end , my reputation is deare to me , and I must require satisfaction : whos 's there ? more paper I hope ; no , t is my Lord Bacurius , I feare all is not well betwixt vs .

Enter Bacurius . Bac.

Now Captaine Bessus , I come about a friuilous matter , caus'd by as idle a report : you know you were a coward .

Bess.

Very right .

Bac.

And wrong'd me .

Bess.

True my Lord .

Bac.

But now people will call you valiant , desertlesly I thinke yet for their satisfaction , I wil haue you fight with me .

Bess.

O my good Lord , my deepe ingagements .

Bac.

Tell not me of your ingagements , Captaine Bessus ; it is not to be put off with an excuse : for my owne part , I am none of the multitude that beleeue your conuersion from coward .

Bess.

My Lord , I seeke not quarrels , and this belongs not to me , I am not to maintaine it .

Bac.

Who then pray ?

Bess.

Bessus the coward wrong'd you .

Bac.

Right .

Bess.

And shall Bessus the valiant , maintaine what Bessus the coward did ?

Bac.

I prethee leaue these cheating trickes , I sweare thou shalt fight with mee , or thou shalt be beate extreamely , and kickt .

Bess.

Since you prouoke me thus farre my Lord , I will fight with you ; and by my Sword it shall cost me twenty pounds , but I will haue my legge a weeke sooner purposely .

Bac.

Your legge , why what ailes your legge ? I le doe a cure on you , stand vp .

Bess.

My Lord , this is not noble in you :

Bac. What dost thou with such a phrase in thy mouth ? I will kicke thee out of all good words before I leaue thee . Bess. My Lord , I take this as a punishment for the offence I did when I was a coward . Bac.

When thou wert ? confesse thy selfe a coward still , or by this light , I le beate thee into spunge .

Bess.

Why I am one :

Bac.

Are you so Sir , and why doe you weare a sword then ? Come , vnbuckle , quicke .

Bes.

My Lord .

Bac.

Vnbuckle I say , and giue it mee , or as I liue , thy head will ake extreamely .

Bess.

It is a pretty hilt , and if your Lordship take an affection to it , with all my heart , I present it to you for a new-yeers gift .

Bac.

I thanke you very heartily , sweete Captaine farewell .

Bess.

One word more , I beseech your Lordship to render me my knife againe .

Bac.

Marry by all meanes Captaine , cherish your selfe with it , and eate hard good Captaine ; we cannot tell whether we shall haue any more such : A due deare Captaine .

Exit . Bess.

I will make better vse of this , then of my sword : A base spirit has this vantage of a braue one ; it keepes alwayes at a stay , nothing brings it downe , not beating . I remember I promist the King in a great audience , that I would make my back-byters eate my sword to a knife , how to get another sword I know not , nor know any meanes left for me to maintaine my credit but impudence : Therefore will I outsweare him and all his followers , that this is all is left vneaten of my sword .

Exit . Enter Mardonius . Mar.

I le mone the King , hee is most strangely alter'd ; I guesse the cause I feare too right , Heauen has some secret end in 't , and t is a scurge no question iustly laid vpon him : Hee has followed mee through twenty roomes , and euer when I stay to await his command , he blushes like a girle , and lookes vpon me , as if modestie kept in his businesse : so turnes away from me , but if I goe on , hee followes me againe . See , here he is , I doe not vse this , yet I know not how , I cannot chuse but weepe to see him : his very enemies I thinke , whose wounds haue bred his fame , if they should see him now , would find teares in their eyes .

Arb. I cannot vtter it , why should I keepe A breast to harbour thoughts ? I dare not speake : Darkenesse is in my bosome , and there lies A thousand thoughts that cannot brooke the light ; How wilt thou vex me when this deede is done Conscience ? that art afraid to let me name it . Mar.

How doe you Sir ?

Arb.

Why very well Mardonius ; how dost thou ?

Mar.

Better then you I feare .

Arb. I hope thou art ; for to be plaine with thee , Thou art in hell else : secret scorching flames That farre transcend earthly materiall fiers , Art crept into me , and there is no cure ; Is not that strange Mardonius , there 's no cure ? Mar. Sir , either I mistake , or there is something hid That you would vtter to me . Arb.

So there is , but yet I cannot doe it .

Mar.

Out with it Sir , if it be dangerous I shall not shrinke to doe you seruice , I shal not esteeme my life a waightier matter then indeed it is , I know t is subiect to more chances then it hath houres , and I were better loose it in my Kings cause , then with an ague . or fall , or sleeping to a thiefe ; as all these are probable enough : let me but know what I shal do for you .

Arb. It will not out : were you with Gobrius , And bad him giue my sister all content The place affoords , and giue her leaue to send And speake to whom shee please ? Mar.

Yes Sir , I was .

Arb And did you to Bacurius say as much About Tigranes ? Mar.

Yes .

Arb.

That 's all my businesse .

Mar O say not so , You had an answere of all this before , Besides , I thinke this businesse might be vtterd More careleslie . Arb. Come , thou shalt haue it out ; I doe beseech thee By all the loue thou hast profest to me , To see my Sister from me . Mar.

VVell , and what ?

Arb.

That 's all .

Mar

That 's strange , shall I say nothing to her ?

Arb Not a word ; But if thou louest me , find some subtill way To make her vnsterstand by signes . Mar.

But what � what should I make her vnderstand ?

Arb.

O Mardonius , for that I must be pardon'd .

Mar.

You may , but I can onelie see her then .

Arb. T is true ; Beare her this ring then , and on more aduice Thou shalt speake to her : Tell her I doe loue My kindred all ; wilt thou ? Mar.

Is there no more ?

Arb. O yes , and her the best ; Better then any brother loues his sister : That 's all . Mar. Me thinkes this Neede not haue beene deliuered with such caution ; I le doe it . Arb : There is more yet , VVilt thou be faithfull to me ? Mar. Sir , if I take vpon me to deliuer it , After I heare it , He passe through fire to doe it : Arb. I loue her better then a brother ought ; Dost thou conceiue me ? Mar.

I hope I doe not Sir .

Arb. No , thou art dull , kneele downe before her , And nere rise againe , till shee will loue me . Mar.

VVhy , I thinke shee does .

Arb. But better then shee does , another way ; As wiues loue Husbands . Mar. Why , I thinke there are few wiues that loue their Husbands better then shee does you . Arb. Thou wilt not vnderstand me : is it fit This should bee vtterd plainlie ; take it then Naked as it is : I would desire her loue Lasciuiouslie , leudlie , incestuouslie , To doe a sinne that needs must damne vs both ; And thee to : Dost thou vnderstand me now ? Mar. Yes , there 's your Ring againe ; what haue I done Dishonestlie in my whole life , name it . That you should put so base a businesse to me ? Arb

Didst thou not tell mee thou wouldst doe it ?

Mar. Yes , if I vndertooke it ; but if all My heires were liues , I would not be ingag'd In such a cause to saue my last life . Arb. O guilt , how poore , and weake a thing art thou ? This man that is my seruant , whom my breath Might blow about the world , might beate me here Hauing his cause , whilst I prest downe with sinne Could not resist him , deare Mardonius It was a motion misbeseeming man . And I am sorrie for it . Mar.

Pray God you may be so : you must vnderstand , nothing that you can vtter , can remooue my loue and seruice from my Prince . But otherwise , I thinke I shall not loue you more . For you are sinnefull , and if you doe this crime , you ought to haue no lawes . For after this it will bee great iniustice in you to punish any offendor for any crime : For my selfe I find my heart too bigge , I feele I haue not patience to looke on whilst you runne these forbidden courses : Meanes I haue none but your Fauour , and I am rather glad , that I shall loose vm both together , then keepe vm with such conditions , I shall find a dwelling amongst some people , where though our garments perhaps be courser , we shall be richer farre within , and harbor no such vices in vm . God preserue you , and mend you .

Arb. Mardonius , stay Mardonius , For though My present state require nothing but knaues To be about me , such as are prepar'd For euery wicked act � yet who does know But that my loathed Fate may turne about , And I haue vse of honest men againe : I hope I may , I prethy leaue me not . Enter Bessus to them . Bess.

Where is the King ?

Mar.

There .

Bes.

An 't please your Maiestie , ther 's the knife .

Arb.

What knife :

Bes.

The Sword is eaten .

Mar. Away you Foole � the King is serious , And cannot now admit your vanities . Bes.

Vanities , I am no honest man if my enemies haue not brought it to this , what , doe you thinke I lie ?

Arb.

No , no , t is well Bessus , t is very well ,

Mar. I am glad ont' . If your enemies brought it to that , your enemies are cutlers , Come , leaue the King . Arb No , let him stay Mardonius , let him stay , I haue occasions with him very weightie , And I can spare you now . Mar.

Sir .

Arb.

Why I can spare you now .

Bes.

Mardonius giue way to the state affayres

Mar.

Indeed you are fitter for his present purpose .

exit . Arb.

Bessus I should imploy thee ; wilt thou do 't

Bes.

Doe for you , by this ayre I will doe any thing without exception , be it a good , bad , or indifferent thing .

Arb.

Do not sweare .

Bes. By this light but I will , Any thing whatsoeuer . Arb. But I shall name a thing Thy conscience will not suffer thee to doe . Bes.

I would faine heare that thing .

Arb. Why I would haue thee get my Sister for me : Thou vnderstands me in a wicked manner . Bes. O you would haue about with her ? I le do 't , I le do 't Ifaith . Arb.

Wilt thou , dost make no more an t ?

Bes.

More , no , why is there any thing else , if there be tell me , it shall be done .

Arb. Hast thou no greater sence of such a sinne ? Thou art too wicked for my company Though I haue hell within me , and mayst yet Corrupt me further : pray thee answere me How doe I shew to thee after this motion ? Bes.

VVhy your Maiestie lookes as well in my opinion as euer you did since you were borne :

Arb. But thou appearest to me after thy grant The vgliest , loathed , detestable thing That I haue euer met with . Thou hast eyes Like flames of Sulphur , which me thinkes doe dart Infection on me , and thou hast a mouth Enough to take me in , where there doe stand Fower rowes of Iron teeth . Bes.

I feele no such thing , but t is no matter how I looke , I le doe your businesse as well as they that looke better , and when this is dispatcht , if you haue a minde to your Mother tell me , and you shall see I le set it hard :

Arb. My Mother , Heauen forgiue me to heare this , I am inspir'd with horror : I hate thee Worse then my sinne , which if I could come by , Should suffer death eternall , nere to rise In any breast againe . Know I will die Languishing mad , as I resolue I shall , Ere I will deale by such an Instrument : Thou art too sinfull to imploy in this ; Out of the world , away . Bess.

What doe you meane Sir ?

Arb. Hung round with curses , take thy fearefull flight into the desarts , where mongst all the monsters , If thou findst one fo beastly as thy selfe , Thou shalt be held as innocent . Bess.

Good Sir .

Arb. If there were no such Instruments as thou , We Kings could neuer act such wicked deeds : Seeke out a man that mockes Diuinitie , That breakes each precept both of Gods and Mans , And Natures too , and does it without lust ; Meerely because it is a law , and good , And liue with him : for him thou canst not spoile . Away I say ; I will not doe this sinne . Exit Bessus . I le presse it here till it doe breake my breast ; It heaues to get out : but thou art a sinne And spight of torture , I wil keep thee in . Finis Actus Tertij .
Actus Quarti Scaena Prima . Enter Gobrius , Panthaea , Spaconia . Gob.

HAue you written Madam ?

Pan.

Yes , good Gobrias .

Gob. And with a kindnesse , and such winning words As may prouoke him at one instant fee e His double fault , your wrong , and his owne rashnesse . Pan. I haue sent words enough , if words may winne him From his displeasure , and such words I hope As shall gaine much vpon his goodnesse , Gobrius : Yet fearing since th' are many , and a womans , A poore beliefe may follow ; I haue wouen As many truthes within vm to speake for me , That if he be but gracious , and receiue vm . Gob. Good Ladie , be not fearefull ; if he should not Giue you your present end in this beleeue it You shall feele ( if your vertue can induce you To labour out this tempest , which I know Is but a poore proofe against your patience , All those contents your spirit will arriue at Newer and sweeter to you ; your royall brother ( VVhen he shall once collect himselfe , and see How farre he has beene asunder from himselfe , What a meere stranger to his golden temper ) Must from those rootes of vertue , ( neuer dying Though somewhat stopt with humour ) shoote againe Into a thousand glories bearing his fare branches Hie as our hopes can looke at straight as Iustice , Loden with riche contents : he loues you dearely , I know it , and I hope I neede not further Winne you to vnderstand it . Pan. I beleeue it , Howsoeuer I am sure I loue him dearely , So dearely , that if any thing I write For my inlarging , should beget hi anger ; Heauen be a witnesse with mee , and my faith I had rather liue intomb'd here . Gob.

You shall not feele a worse stroke then your griefe , I am sorry t is so sharpe : I kisse your hand , and this night will deliuer this true storie with this hand to your brother .

Exit . Pan. Peace goe with you , You are a good man ; my Spaconia VVhy are you euer sad thus ? Spa. O deere Ladie . Many , and strange ones , I feele my olde fire flame againe , and burne So strong and violent , that should I see her Againe , the griefe , and that would kill me Ladie . Enter Bac. and Spac. Bac. Your token I acknowledge , you may passe ; There is the King . Spac.

I thanke your Lordship for it .

Ex. Bac. Tigr. Shee comes , shee comes , shame hide me euer from her ; would I were buried , or so farre remou'd Light might not find me out : I dare not see her . Spac. Nay , neuer hide your selfe ; for were you hid vvhere earth hides all her riches , nere her center ; My wrongs without more day would light me to you : I must speake ere I die ; were all your greatnesse Doubled vpon you , y' are a periur'd man , And onely mighty in the wickednesse Of wronging women . Thou art false , false Prince , I liue to see it : poore Spaconia liues To tell thee thou art false ; and then no more : Shee liues to tell thee thou art more vnconstant Then all ill women euer were together ; Thy faith as firme as raging ouerflowes , That no banke can command ; and as lasting As boyes gay bubbles blowne in the aire , and broken : The wind is fixt to thee , and sooner shall The beaten Marriner with his shrill whistle , Calme the loude murmurs of the troubled maine , And strike it smooth againe ; then thy soule fall To haue peace in loue with any : Thou art all That all good men must hate , and if thy storie Shall tell succeeding ages what thou wert , O let it spare me in it , lest true Louers In pitty of my wrongs burne thy blacke legend , And with their curses shake thy sleeping ashes . Tigr. Oh , oh : The destinies I hope haue pointed out Our ends alike , that thou maist die for loue , Though not for me : for this assure thy selfe , The Princesse hates thee deadly , and will sooner Be wonne to marrie with a Bull , and safer , Then such a beast as thou art : I haue strucke I feare too deepe ; beshrow me for t : Sir , This sorrow workes me like a cunning friendship , Into the same piece with it ; hee 's asham'd , Alas , I haue beene too rugged : Deare my Lord , I am sorrie I haue spoken any thing , Indeed I am , that may adde more restraint To that too much you haue : Good Sir be pleas'd To thinke it was a fault of loue , not malice ; And doe as I will doe : forgiue it Prince , I doe , and can forgiue the greatest sinnes To me you can repent of ; pray belieue me . Tigr. O my Spaconia ! O thou vertuous woman ! Spa. No more , the King Sir . Enter Arbaces , Bacurius , and Mardonius . Arb. Haue you beene carefull of our noble Prisoner That he want nothing fitting for his greatnesse ? Bac.

I hope his grace will quit me , for my care Sir .

Arb.

T is well , royall Tigranes health .

Tig.

More then the stricktnesse of this place can giue Sir I offer backe againe to great Arbaces .

Arb. VVe thanke you worthy Prince , and pray excuse vs , We haue not seene you since your being here , I hope your noble vsage has beene equall With your owne Person : your imprisonment If it be any , I dare say is easie , And shall not outlast two dayes . Tigr. I thanke you : My vsage here has beene the same it was Worthy a royall Conquerour . For my restraint It came vnkindly , because much vnlookt for ; But I must beare it : Arb.

VVhat Lady is that Bacurius ?

Bac.

One of the Princesse women Sir .

Arb.

I feard it : why comes shee hether !

Bac.

To speake with the Prince Tigranes .

Arb.

From whom Bacurius ?

Bac.

From the Princesse Sir .

Arb.

I know I had seene her .

Mardo. His fit beginnes to take him now againe T is a strange Feauer , and t will shake vs all

Anone I feare ; would he were well cur'd of this raging folly : Giue me the warres , where men are mad , and may talke what they list , and held the brauest Fellowes ; This pelting pratling peace is good for nothing : drinking 's a vertue to it :

Arb. I see there 's truth in no man , nor obedience , But for his owne ends , why did you let her in ? Bac. It was your owne command to barre none from him , Beside the Princesse sent her Ring Sir For my warrant . Arb. A token to Tigranes , did she not : Sirra tell truth . Bac. I doe not vse to lye Sir , T is no way I eate or liue by , and I thinke This is no token Sir . Mar.

This combat has vndone him : If he had beene well beaten , he had beene temperate : I shal neuer see him hansome againe , till he haue a Horse-mans staffe poak't through his shoulders , or an arme broke with a Bullet .

Arb.

I am trifled with .

Bac.

Sir .

Arb.

I know it , as I know thee to be false .

Mar.

Now the clap comes .

Bac. You neuer knew me so Sir , I dare speake it , And durst a worse man tell me though my better . Mar.

T is well said by my Soule .

Arb

Sirra you answere as you had no life .

Bac.

That I feare Sir to loose nobly .

Arb

I say Sir once againe

Bac.

You may say Sir what you please .

Mar.

would I might doe so .

Arb.

I will Sir , and say openly this woman carries letters , by my life I know she carries letters , this woman does it :

Mar.

VVould Bessus were here to take her aside and search her , he would quickly tell you what she carried Sir .

Arb.

I haue found it out , this woman carries letters .

Mar

If this hold t will be an ill world for Bauds , Chamber-maids , and post-boyes , I thanke God I haue none but his letters pattents , things of his owne inditing .

Arb

Prince this cunning cannot doe it .

Tig.

VVhat Sir , I reach you not .

Arb.

It shall not serue your turne Prince .

Tig.

Serue my turne Sir .

Arb

I Sir it shall not serue your turne .

Tig.

Be plainer good Sir .

Arb.

This woman shall carry no more letters backe to your loue Panthaea , by heauen she shall not , I sa she shall not .

Mardo.

This would make a Saint sweare like a Souldier , and a Souldier like termogant .

Tig.

This beates me more King then the blowes you gaue me .

Arb.

Take vm away both , and together let vm be prisoners , stricktly and closely kept , or Sirra your life shall answere it ; and let no bodie speake with vm hereafter .

Bac.

Well I am subiect to you , and must endure these passions .

Spa.

This is the imprisonment I haue lookt for alwayes , and the deare place I would chuse .

Ex. Bacu. with Tig. and Spa. Mar.

Sir , haue you done well now ?

Arb.

Dare you reproue it ?

Mar.

No .

Arb.

You must be crossing me .

Mar. I haue no letters Sir to anger you , But a dry sonnet of my Corporals To an old Sadlers wife , and that I le burne Sir : T is like to proue a fine age for the Ignorant . Arb. How darest thou so often forfeit thy life , Thou knowest t is in my power to take it . Mar.

Yes , and I know you wonnot , or if you doe , you le misse it quicklie .

Arb.

Why ?

Mar. Who shall then tell you of these childish follies When I am dead ? Who shall put to his power To draw those vertues out of a floud of humours Where they are drownd , and make vm shine againe ? No cut my head off : doe , kill me : Then you may talke , and be beleeud , and grow , And haue your too selfe-glorious temper rott Into a dead sleepe , and the kingdome with you , Like forraigne swords be in your throats , and slaughter Be euery where about you like your flatterers . Doe , kill me . Arb. Prethee be tamer good Mardonius , Thou knowst I loue thee , nay I honour thee : Beleeue it good old Souldier I am all thine : But I am rackt cleane from my selfe , beare with me , Woot thou beare with me good Mardonius . Enter Gobrius . Mar. There comes a good man , loue him too , hee s temperate , You may liue to haue need of such a vertue , Rage is not still in fashion . Arb.

VVelcome good Gobrius .

Gob.

My seruice , and this letter to your grace .

Arb.

From whom ?

Go. From the rich mine of vertue , and all beautie , Your mournefull Sister . Arb.

She is in prison Gobrius , is shee not ?

Gob. She is Sir till your pleasure doe enlarge her , Which on my knees I beg ; O t is not fit That all the sweetnesse of the world in one ; The youth , and vertue , that would haue wilde Tygers And wilder people , that haue knowne no manners Should liue thus Cloysterd vp , For your loues sake ( If there be any in that Noble heart ) To her a wretched Ladie , and forlorne , Or for her loue to you , ( which is as much As Nature , and obedience euer gaue ) Haue pittie on her beauties . Arb. Prethee stand vp , t is true she is too Faire , And all these commendations but her owne : VVould thou hadst neuer so commended her , Or I nere liu'd to haue heard it , Gobrius ; If thou but knew of the wrong her beautie does her , Thou wouldst in pittie of her be a lyar : Thy ignorance has drawne me wretched man VVhether my selfe nor thou canst well tell , O my Fate , I thinke shee loues me ; but I feare another Is deeper in her heart : how thinkst thou Gobrius ? Gob. I doe beseech your Grace beleeue it not , For let me perish if it be not false : Good Sir reade her letter . Mar.

This loue , or what a diuell is it , I know not , begets more mischiefe then a wake . I had rather be we I beaten staru'd , or lowsie , then liue within the aire on t . He that had seene this braue fellow charge through a groue of pykes but tother day , and looke vpon him now , will nere beleeue his eyes againe ; If he continue thus but two daies more , a Taylor may beat him with one hand tyed behind him .

Arb. Alas she would be at libertie , And there be thousand reasons Gobrius That will denie it : Which if she knew , she would contentedly Be where she is and blesse her vertue for it , And me though she were closer , She would Gobrius , Good man indeed she would . Gob. Then good Sir for her satisfaction Send for her , and with reason make her know VVhy she must liue thus from you . Arb.

I will goe bring her to me .

Exeunt . Enter Bessus , and two Sword-men , and a Boy . Bess. Y' are verie welcome both , some stooles there boy , And reach a Table ; Gentlemen o th' Sword , Pray sit without more complement : be gone childe , I haue beene curious in the searching of you , Because I vnderstood you wise , and valiant persons . 1.

vve vnderstand our selues Sir .

Bess. Nay Gentlemen , and my deare friends o th' Sword , No complement I pray ; but to the cause I hang vpon , which in few , is my honour . 2. You cannot hang too much Sir for your honour , But to your cause , be wise , and speake truth . Bess.

My first doubt is my beating by my Prince .

1 Stay there a little Sir , doe you doubt a beating , Or haue you had a beating by your Prince . Bes.

Gentlemen ath ' sword , my Prince has beaten me .

2

Brother what thinke you of this case

1

If he haue beaten him , the case is cleare .

2 If he haue beaten him I grant the case ; But how ? VVe cannot be too subtill in this businesse I say , but how ? Bes.

Euen with his royall hand .

1

Was it a blow of loue or indignation .

Bes. T was twentie blowes of indignation gentlemen , Besides two blowes ath ' face . 2 Those blowes ath ' face haue made a new case ont' , The rest were but an honourable rudenesse . 1.

Two blowes o th' face , and giuen by a worse man , I must confesse as we Sword-men say , had turnd the businesse : Marke me brother , by a worse man ; but being by his Prince , had they beene ten , and those ten drawne ten teeth , beside the hazard of his nose for euer ; all these had beene but fauours : This is my flat opinion , which I le die in .

2.

The King may doe much Captaine beleeue it , for had hee crackt your skull through like a bottle , or broke a rib or two with crossing of you , yet you had lost no honour : This is strange you may imagin ; but this is truth now Captaine .

Bes. I will be glad to imbrace it gentleman ; But how farre may he strike me ? 1. There 's another , A new cause rising from the time , and distance , In which I will deliuer my opinion :

He may strike , beate , or cause to be beaten ; for these are naturall to man : your Prince I say may beate you so farre forth as his dominion reacheth ; that 's for the distance , the time , ten mile a day , I take it .

2. Brother you erre , t is fifteene mile a day , His stage is ten , his beatings are fifteene . Bes. T is a the longest , but we subiects must Be subiect to it : you are wise , and vertuous . 1. Obedience euer makes that noble vse on t , To which I dedicate my beaten bodie ; I must trouble you a little further Gentlemen o th' Sword . 2. No trouble at all to vs Sir , if we may Profit your vnderstanding ; we are bound By vertue of our calling , to vtter our opinions Shortly , and discreetly . Bes.

My sorest businesse is , I haue beene kickt .

2.

How farre Sir ?

Bess.

Not to flatter my selfe in it all ouer , my sword forst , but not lost ; for discreetely I renderd it to saue that imputation .

1.

It shewed discretion the best part of valour .

2. Brother , this is a pretty case , pray ponder on 't , Our friend here has beene kickt . 1.

He has so brother .

2. Sorely he sayes : Now had he sit downe here Vpon the meere kicke , it had beene cowardly . 1.

I thinke it had beene cowardly indeed .

2. But our friend has redeem'd it , in deliuering His sword without compulsion ; and that man That tooke it of him , I pronounce a weake one , And his kicks nullities . He should haue kickt him after the deliuerie , Which is the confirmation of a coward . 1. Brother , I take it you mistake the question : For say that I were kickt . 2. I must not say so ; Nor I must not heare it spoke by th' tongue of man You kickt deare brother ; you are merrie . 1.

But put the case I were kickt ?

2.

Lot them put it that are things wearie of their liues , & know not honour : put case you were kickt ?

1.

I doe not say I was kickt .

2.

Nor no silly creature , that weares his head without a case , his soule in a skin-coate : you kickt deare brother .

Bess. Nay Gentlemen , let vs doe what we shall doe Truly and honestly ; good Sir toth ' question . 1.

Why then I say , suppose your boy kickt Captaine ?

2.

The boy may be suppos'd , hee 's lyable ; but kicke my brother ?

1. A foolish forward zeale Sir in my friend ; But to the boy , suppose the boy were kickt ? Bess.

I doe suppose it .

1 :

Has your boy a sword ?

Bess.

Surely no : I pray suppose a sword too .

1.

I doe suppose it : you grant your boy was kickt then .

2.

By no meanes Captaine , let it be suppos'd still ; this word grant , makes not for vs .

1.

I say this must be granted .

2.

This must be granted brother ?

1.

I , this must be granted .

2.

Still the must :

1.

I say this must be granted .

2.

Giue me the must againe , againe ; brother you palter .

1.

I will not heare you waspe .

2.

Brother , I say you palter , the must three times together ; I weare as sharpe steele as another man ,

And my Foxe bites as deepe , musted my deare brother : But to the cause againe : Bess.

Nay , looke you Gentlemen .

2.

In a word I ha done .

1. A tall man , but vntemperate ; t is great pittie : Once more suppose the boy kickt . 2.

Forward .

1.

And being throughly kickt , laughes at the kicke .

2.

So much for vs ; proceede .

1. And in this beaten scorne , as I may call it , Deliuers vp his weapon : where lies the error ? Bess. It lies i th beating Sir , I found it foure dayes since . 2. The error , and a sore one , as I take it ; Lies in the thing kicking . Bess.

I vnderstand that well , t is sore indeed Sir .

1.

That is according to the man that did it .

2.

There springs a new branch : whose was the foole ?

Bess.

Ah Lords .

1. The cause is mightie , but had it beene two Lords , And both had kickt you , if you laught , t is cleere . Bess. I did laugh , But how will that helpe me Gentlemen ? 1.

Yes , it shall helpe you , if you laught alowd .

Bess.

As lowd as a kickt man could laugh , I laught Sir :

1. My reason now ; the valiant man is knowne By suffering and contemning , you haue Enough of both , and you are valiant . 2. If he be sure he has beene kickt enough : For that braue sufferance you speake of brother , Consists not in a beating , and away , But in a cudgeld bodie , from eighteene To eight and thirtie : in a head rebuk't With pots of all Size , daggers , stooles , and bedstaues , This shewes a valiant man . Bes. Then I am valiant , as valiant , as the proudest , For these are all familiar things to me : Familiar as my sleepe , or want of money . All my whole bodi 's but one bruize with beating , I thinke I haue beene cudgeld with all nations , And almost all Religions . 2. Imbrace him brother , this man is valiant , I know it by my selfe hee s valiant . 1. Captaine thou art a valiant Gentleman To abide vpon 't , a very valiant man . Bes.

My equall friends ath ' sword , I must request your hands to this .

2.

T is fit it should be .

Bess. Boy get some wine , and pen and inke within : Am I cleare Gentlemen ? 1. Sir when the world has taken notice what we haue done , Make much of your bodie , for I le pawne my steele , Men will be coyer of their legs hereafter . Bes.

I must request you goe along , and testifie to the Lord Bacurius , whose foot has strucke me , how you find my cause .

2 We will , and tell that Lord he must be rul'd , Or there be those abroad will rule his Lordship . Exeunt : Enter Arbaces at one doore , Gob . and Panthaea at another . Gob.

Sir her 's the Princesse .

Arb. Leaue vs then alone . For the maine cause of her imprisonment Must not be heard by any but her selfe : You are welcome Sister , and I would to God I could so bid you by another name , If you aboue loue not such sinnes as these , Circle my heart with thoughts as cold as snow To quench these rising flames that harbour here . Pan.

Sir , does it please you , I should speake .

Arb. Please me , I more then all the art of Musicke can ; Thy speech does please me , for it euer sounds As thou broughts ioyfull vnexpected newes : And yet it is not fit thou shouldst be heard , I prethee thinke so . Pan. Be it so , I will . I am the first that euer had a wrong So farre from being fit to haue redresse , That t was vnfit to heare it ; I will backe To prison rather , then disquiet you , And waite till it be fit . Arb. No , doe not goe , For I will heare thee with a serious thought : I haue collected all that 's man about me Together strongly , and I am resolud To heare thee largely , but I doe beseech thee Doe not come neerer to me , for there is Something in that that will vndoe vs both . Pan.

Alas Sir , am I venom ?

Arb. Yes to me . Though of thy selfe I thinke thee to be in As equall a degree of heate , or cold As Nature can make , yet as vnsound men Conuert the sweetest , and the nourishingst meates Into diseases , so shall I distemperd , Doe thee , I prethee draw no neerer to me . Pan. Sir this is that I would , I am of late , Shut from the world , and why it should be thus Is all I wish to know . Arb. VVhy credit me Panthaea , credit me that am thy brother , Thy louing brother , that there is a cause Sufficient , vet vnfit for thee to knowe , That might vndoe thee euerlastingly Onely to heare , wilt thou but credit this ; By heauen t is true , beleeue it if thou canst . Pan. Children and fooles are ever credulous ; And I am both I thinke , for I beleeue : If you dissemble be it on your head , I le backe vnto my prison , yet me thinkes I might be kept in some place where you are : For in my selfe I finde , I know not what To call it , but it is a great desire To see you often . Arb. Fie , you come in a step , what doc you meane Deare Sister , doe not so : Alas Panthaea , Where I am , would you be , why that 's the cause You are imprisond , that you may not be VVhere I am . Pan.

Then I must endure it Sir , God keepe you .

Abr. Nay , you shall heare the cause in short Panthaea ; And when thou hearst it , thou wilt blush for me , And hang thy head downe like a Violet Full of the mornings dew : There is a way To gaine thy freedome , but t is such a one As puts thee in worse bondage , and I know , Thou wouldst encounter fire , and make a proofe Whether the Gods haue care of innocents , Rather then follow it ; know I haue lost The onely difference betwixt man , and beast , My reason . Pan.

Heauen forbid .

Arb. Nay it is gone , And I am left as farre without a bound , As the wild Ocean that obeyes the winds ; Each suddaine passion throwes me as it lifts , And ouerwhelmes all that oppose my will : I haue beheld thee with a lustfull eye : My heart is set on wickednesse , to act Such sinnes with thee , as I haue beene afraid To thinke off : If thou dar'st consent to this , ( Which I beseech thee doe not ) thou maist gaine Thy libertie , and yeeld me a content : If not thy dwelling must be darke , and close VVhere I may neuer see thee ; For God knowes That layd this punishment vpon my pride , Thy sight at some time will enforce my madnesse To make a start eye to thy rauishing : Now spit vpon me , and call all reproaches Thou canst deuise together ; and at once Hurle vm against me : for I am a sicknesse As killing as the plague , ready to seize thee . Pan. Farre be it from me to reuile the King : But it is true , that I should rather chuse To search out death , that else would search out me , And in a graue sleepe with my innocence , Then welcome such a sinne : It is my fate , To these crosse accidents I was ordaind , And must haue patience ; and but that my eyes Haue more of woman in vm then my heart , I would not weepe : peace enter you againe . Arb. Farewell , and good Panthaea pray for me ; Thy prayers are pure , that I may find a death , How euer soone before my passions grow , That they forget , what I desire , is sinne ; For thether they are tending : If that happen , Then I shall force thee , though thou wert a Virgin By vow to Heauen , and shall pull a heape Of strange , yet vninuented sinnes vpon me . Pan. Sir , I will pray for you ; yet you shall know It is a sullen fate that gouernes vs . For I could wish as heartilie as you I were no sister to you , I should then Imbrace your lawfull loue sooner then health . Arb.

Couldst thou affect me then ?

Pan. So perfectly That as it is , I nere shall sway my heart To like another . Arb. Then I curse my birth , Must this be added to my miseries That thou art willing too , Is there no steppe To our full happinesse , but these meere sounds Brother and Sister . Pan. There is nothing else But these alas will seperate vs more Then twentie worlds betwixt vs . Arb. I haue liu'd To conquer men , and now am ouerthrowne Onely by words , Brother and Sister : where Haue those words dwelling ? I will find vm out And vtterly destroy them , but they are Not to be grasp't : let vm be men or beasts , And I will cut vm from the earth , or townes , And I will rase vm , and then blow vm vp : Let vm be Seas , and I will drinke them off , And yet haue vnquencht fire left in my breast : Let vm be any thing but meerely voice . Pan. But t is not in the power of any Force Or pollicie to conquer them . Arb. Panthaea , VVhat shall wee doe ? shall we stand firmely here , and gaze our eyes out ? Pan. Would I could doe so ; But I shall weepe out mine . Arb. Accursed man , Thou boughtst thy reason at too deare a rate ; For thou hast all thy actions bounded in With curious rules , when euerie Beast is free : What is there that acknowledges a kindred But wretched Man ? Who euer saw the Bull Fearefully leaue the Heifer that he likt , Because they had one Dam ? Pan. Sir , I disturbe you , And my selfe too ; t were better I were gone : I will not be so foolish as I was . Arb. Stay , we will loue iust as becomes our birthes , No otherwise : Brothers and Sisters may VValke hand in hand together ; so will we Come neerer : Is there any hurt in this ? Pan.

I hope not .

Arb. Faith there 's none at all : And tell me truly now , is there not one You loue aboue me ? Pan.

No by Heauen .

Arb.

Yet you sent vnto Tigranes Sister .

Pan.

True , but for another : for the truth �

Arb No more , I le credit thee ; I know thou canst not lie , Thou art all truth . Pan. But is there nothing else That we may doe , but onely walke ; me thinkes Brothers and sisters lawfully may kisse . Arb. And so they may Panthaea , so will we , And kisse againe too ; we were scrupulous And foolish , but we will be so no more . Pan. If you haue any mercy , let me goe To prison , to my death , to any thing : I feele a sinne growing vpon my bloud , Worse then all these , hotter I feare then yours . Arb.

That is impossible , what should we doe ?

Pan.

Flie Sir for Gods sake .

Arb. So we must , away ; Sin growes vpon vs more by this delay . Finis Actus Quarti .
Actus Quinti Scaena Prima . Enter Mardonius , and Ligones . Mar.

SIR , the King has seene your Commission , and beleeues it , and freely by this warrant giues you leaue to visit Prince Tigranes your noble Master .

Lig.

I thanke his Grace , and kisse his hands .

Mar.

But is the maine of all your businesse Ended in this ?

Lig.

I haue another , but a worse ; I am asham'd , it is a businesse . �

Mar.

You serue a worthy person , and a stranger I am sure you are ; you may imploy mee if you please , without your purse , such Office should euer be their owne rewards .

Lig.

I am bound to your noblenesse .

Mar. I may haue neede of you , and then this curtesie , If it be any , is not ill bestowed : But may I ciuilly desire the rest ? I shall not be a hurter , if no helper . Lig. Sir , you shall know I haue lost a foolish daughter , And with her all my patience ; pilferd away , By a meane Captaine of your Kings . Mar. Stay there Sir : If he haue reacht the noble worth of Captaine , He may well claime a worthy gentlewoman , Though shee were yours , and noble . Lig. I grant all that too : but this wretched fellow Reaches no further then the emptie name , That serues to feede him ; were he valiant , Or had but in him any noble nature , That might hereafter promise him a good man ; My cares were something lighter , and my graue A span yet from me . Mar. I confesse such fellowes Be in all royall Campes , and haue , and must be To make the sinne of coward more detested In the meane Souldier , that with such a foyle Sets of much valour : By description I should now guesse him to you . It was Bessus , I dare almost with confidence pronounce it . Lig.

T is such a scuruy name as Bessus , and now I thinke t is hee .

Mar. Captaine , doe you call him ? Beleeue me Sir , you haue a miserie Too mighty for your age : A pox vpon him , You a valiant fellow for all this . Lig. My daughter is a Whore , I feele it now too sencible ; yet I will see her , Discharge my selfe of being Father to her , And then backe to my Countrie , and there die ; Farewell Captaine . Exit . Bes.

Farewell Sir , farewell , commend me to the Gentlewoman I praia .

1.

How now Captaine , beare vp man .

Bes. Gentlemen ath ' sword your hands once more , I haue Beene kickt againe , but the foolish fellow is penitent , Has ask't me mercy , and my honor 's safe . 2 VVe knew that , or the foolish fellow had better a kick't His Grandsire . Confirme , confirme I pray . 1.

There be our hands againe .

2. Now let him come , and say he was not sorry , And he sleepes for it . Bes. Alas good ignorant old man , let him goe , Let him goe , these courses will vndoe him . Exeunt . Enter Ligones , and Bacurius . Bac.

My Lord your authoritie is good , and I am glad it is so , for my consent would neuer hinder you from seeing your owne King . I am a Minister , but not a gouernour of this state ; yonder is your King , I le leaue you .

Exit . Lig. There he is indeed , Enter Tig. and Spaco . And with him my disloyall childe . Tig. I doe perceiue my fault so much , that yet Me thinkes thou shouldst not haue forgiuen me . Lig.

Health to your Maiestie .

Tig.

VVhat ? good Ligones , welcome ; what businesse brought thee hether ?

Lig. Seuerall Businesses . My publique businesse will appeare by this : I haue a message to deliuer , which If it please you so to authorise , is An embassage from the Armenian state ; Vnto Arbaces for your libertie : The offer 's there set downe , please you to read it . Tig. There is no alteration happened Since I came thence ? Lig.

None Sir , all is as it was .

Tig.

And all our friends are well .

Lig.

All verie well .

Spa. Though I haue done nothing but what was good , I dare not see my Father : It was fault Enough not to acquaint him with that good . Lig.

Madam I should haue seene you .

Spa.

O good Sir forgiue me .

Lig.

Forgiue you , why I am no kin to you , am I ?

Spa. Should it be measur'd by my meane deserts , Indeed you are not . Lig. Thou couldst prate vnhappily Ere thou couldst goe , would thou couldst doe as well . And how does your custome hold out here . Spa.

Sir .

Lig.

Are you in priuate still , or how ?

Spa.

What doe you meane ?

Lig

Doe you take money ? are you come to sell sinne yet ? perhaps I can helpe you to liberall Clients : or has not the King cast you off yet ? O thou vild creature , whose best commendation is , that thou art a young VVhore . I would thy Mother had liu'd to see this : or rather would I had dyed ere I had seene it : why did'st not make me acquainted when thou were first resolu'd to be a Whore ? I would haue seene thy hot lust satisfied more priuately . I would haue kept a dancer , and a whole consort of Musitions in mine owne house , onely to fiddle thee .

Spa.

Sir I was neuer whore .

Lig.

If thou couldst not say so much for thy selfe thou shouldst be Carted .

Tig. Ligones I haue read it , and like it , You shall deliuer it . Lig.

Well Sir I will : but I haue priuate busines with you .

Tig.

Speake , what i st ?

Lig. How has my age deseru'd so ill of you , That you can picke no strumpets in the Land , But out of my breed . Tig.

Strumpets good Ligones ?

Lig. Yes , and I wish to haue you know , I scorne To get a Whore for any Prince aliue , And yet scorne will not helpe me thinkes : My daughter Might haue beene spar'd , there were enough beside . Tig. May I not prosper , but Shee 's innocent As morning light for me , and I dare sweare For all the world . Lig. Why is she with you then ? Can she waite on you better then your men , Has she a gift in plucking off your stockings , Can she make Cawdles well , or cut your Cornes , VVhy doe you keepe her with you ? For your Queene I know you doe contemne her , so should I And euery Subiect else thinke much at it . Tig. Let vm thinke much , but t is more firme then earth Thou seest thy Queene there . Lig. Then haue I made a faire hand , I cald her Whore , If I shall speake now as her Father , I cannot of use But greatly rejoyce that she shall be a Queene : but if I should speake to you as a Statesman shee were more fit To be your VVhore . Tig. Get you about your businesse to Arbaces , Now you talke idlie . Lig. Yes Sir , I will goe . And shall she be a Queene , she had more wit Then her old Father when she ranne away : Shall shee be a Queene , now by my troth t is fine , He dance out of all measure at her wedding : Shall I not Sir ? Tigr.

Yes marrie shalt thou .

Lig. I 'e make these witherd Kexes beare my bodie Two houres together aboue ground . Tigr.

Nay , goe , my businesse requires haste .

Lig.

Good God preserue you , you are an excellent King .

Spa.

Farewell good Father .

Lig. Farewell sweete vertuous Daughter ; I neuer was so Joyfull in my life , That I remember : shall shee be a Queene ? Now I perceiue a man may weepe for ioy , I had thought they had lied that said so . Exit . Tig. Come my deare loue . Spa. But you may see another May alter that againe . Tigr. Vrge it no more ; I haue made vp a new strong constancie , Not to be shooke with eyes ; I know I haue The passions of a man , but if I meete With any subiect that shall hold my eyes More firmely then is fit ; I le thinke of thee , And runne away from it : let that suffice . Exeunt . Enter Bacurius , and a seruant . Bac.

Three gentlemen without to speake with me ?

Ser.

Yes Sir . Bac. Let them come in .

Ser.

They are enterd Sir already .

Enter Bessus , and Swordmen . Bac.

Now fellowes , your busines , are these the Gentlemen .

Bess.

My Lord I haue made bold to bring these Gentlemen my Friends ath ' sword along with me .

Bac.

I am afraid you le fight then .

Bes. My good Lord I will not , your Lordship is mistaken , Feare not Lord . Bac. Sir I am sorrie for t . Bes.

I can aske no more in honor , Gentlemen you heare my Lord is sorrie :

Bac.

Not that I haue beaten you , but beaten one that will be beaten : one whose dull bodie will require launcing : As surfeits doe the diet , spring and full . Stock-fish ? Now to your swordmen , what come they for good Captaine

Bes.

It seemes your Lordship has forgot my name .

Bac.

No nor your nature neither , though they are things fitter I confesse for any thing , then my remembrance , or anie honest mans , what shall these billets doe , be pilde vp in my VVood-yard ?

Bes

Your Lordship holds your mirth still , God continue it : but for these Gentlemen they come .

Bac.

To sweare you are a Coward , spare your Booke , I doe beleeue it .

Bes.

Your Lordship still drawes wide , they come to vouch vnder their valiant hands , I am no Coward .

Bac.

That would be a shew indeed worth seeing : sirra be wise and take money for this motion , trauell with it , and where the name of Bessus has been knowne , or a good Coward stirring , t will yeeld more then a tilting . This will proue more beneficiall to you , if you be thriftie , then your Captaineship , and more naturall ; Men of most valiant hands is this true ?

2. It is so most renowned , T is somewhat strange . 1.

Lord , it is strange , yet true ; wee haue examined from your Lordships foote there to this mans head , the nature of the beatings ; and we doe find his honour is come off cleane , and sufficient : This as our swords shall helpe vs .

Bac.

You are much bound to your bilbow-men , I am glad you are straight again Captaine : t were good you would thinke some way to gratifie them , they haue vndergone a labour for you Bessus , would haue puzzeld Hercules , with all his valour .

2.

Your Lordship must vnderstand we are no men ath ' Law , that take pay for our opinions : it is sufficient wee haue cleer'd our friend .

Bac.

Yet here is something due , which I as toucht in conscience will discharge Captaine ; I le pay this rent for you .

Bess.

Spare your selfe my good Lord ; my braue friends aime at nothing but the vertue .

Bac.

That 's but a cold discharge Sir for their paines .

2.

O Lord , my good Lord .

Bac.

Be not so modest , I will giue you something .

Bes.

They shall dine with your Lordship , that 's sufficient .

Bac.

Something in hand the while ; ye rogues , ye applesquiers : doe you come hether with your botled valour , your windle frothe , to limit out my beatings .

1.

I doe beseech your Lordship .

2.

O good Lord .

Bac:

Sfoote , what a many of beaten slaues are here ? get me a cudgell sirra , and a tough one .

2.

More of your foot , I doe beseech your Lordship .

Bac.

You shall , you shall dog , and your fellow beagle .

1.

A this side good my Lord .

Bac.

Off with your swords , for if you hurt my foote , I le haue you fleade you rascals .

1.

Mines off my Lord .

2.

I beseech your Lordship stay a little , my strap 's tied to my codpiece point : Now when you please .

Bac.

Captaine , these are your valiant friends , you long for a little too ?

Bess.

I am verie well , I humblie thanke your Lordship .

Bac.

What 's that in your pocket slaue , my key you mungrell ? thy buttocks cannot be so hard , out with 't quicklie .

2.

Here t is Sir , a small piece of Artillerie , that a gentleman a deare friend of your Lordships sent me with to get it mended Sir ; for if you marke , the nose is somewhat loose .

Bac.

A friend of mine you rascall , I was neuer wearier of doing nothing , then kicking these two soote-bals .

Ser.

Here 's a good cudgell Sir .

Bac.

It comes too late ; I am wearie , prethee doe thou beate vm .

2.

My Lord this is foule play ifaith , to put a fresh man vpon vs ; Men are but men .

Bac.

That iest shall saue your bones , vp with your rotten regiment , and be gone ; I had rather thresh , then be bound to kicke these raskals , till they cride hold : Bessus you may put your hand to them now , and then you are quit . Farewell , as you like this , pray visit mee againe , t will keepe me in good breath .

2.

Has a diuellish hard foote , I neuer felt the like .

1.

Nor I , and yet I me sure I ha felt a hundred .

2.

If he kicke thus i th dog-daies , he will be drie founderd : what cure now Captaine , besides oyle of bayes ?

Bess.

Why well enough I warrant you , you can goe .

2.

Yes , God be thanked ; but I feele a shrewd ach , sure he has sprang my huckle bone .

1.

I ha lost a haunch .

Bess.

A little butter friend , a little butter : butter and parselie is a soueraigne matter : probatum est .

2.

Captaine , we must request your hands now to our honours .

Bess.

Yes marrie shall ye , and then let all the world come , we are valiant to our selues , and there 's an end :

1.

Nay , then we must be valiant ; O my ribbes .

2.

O my small guts , a plague vpon these sharpe toe'd shooes , they are murderers .

Exeunt . Enter Arbaces with his Sword drawne . Arb. It is resolu'd , I bore it whilst I could , I can no more , Hell open all thy gates , And I will thorough them ; if they be shut , I le batter vm , but I will find the place VVhere the most damn'd haue dwelling ; ere I end , Amongst them all they shall not haue a sinne , But I may call it mine : I must beginne VVith murder of my friend , and so goe on To an incestuous rauishing , and end My life and sinnes with a forbidden blow Vpon my selfe . Enter Mardonius . Mardo. What Tragedie is nere ? That hand was neuer wont to draw a Sword , But it cride dead to something : Arb. Mar.

haue you bid Gobrius come ?

Mar.

How doe you Sir ?

Arb.

vvell , is he comming ?

Mar. vvhy Sir are you thus ? why does your hand proclaime a lawlesse warre Against your selfe ? Arb. Thou answerest me one question with another , Is Gobrius comming ? Mar.

Sir he is .

Arb.

T is well .

Mar .

I can forbeare your questions then , be gone Sir , I haue markt .

Arb.

Marke lesse , it troubles you and me .

Mar.

You are more variable then you were .

Arb.

It may be so .

Mar. To day no Hermit could be humblier Then you were to vs all . Arb.

And what of this ?

Mar. And now you take new rage into your eies , As you would looke vs all out of the Land . Arb. I doe confesse it , will that satisfie , I prethee get thee gone . Mar.

Sir I will speake .

Arb.

Will ye ?

Mar. It is my dutie , I feare you will kill your selfe : I am a subiect , And you shall doe me wrong in 't : t is my cause , And I may speake . Arb. Thou art not traind in sinne , It seemes Mardonius : kill my selfe , by heauen I will not doe it yet ; and when I will , I le tell thee then : I shall be such a creature , That thou wilt giue me leaue without a word . There is a method in mans wickednesse , It growes vp by degrees ; I am not come So high as killing of my selfe , there are A hundred thousand sinnes twixt me and it , Which I must doe , I shall come too t at last ; But take my oath not now , be satisfied , And get thee hence . Mar.

I am sorrie t is so ill .

Arb. Be sorrie then , True sorrow is alone , grieue by thy selfe . Mar. I pray you let mee see your sword put vp Before I goe ; I le leaue you then . Arb. Why so ? What follie is this in thee ? is it not As apt to mischiefe as it was before ? Can I not reach it thinkest thou ? these are toyes For children to be pleas'd with , and not men ; Now I am safe you thinke : I would the booke Of Fate were here , my sword is not so sure , But I should get it out , and mangle that That all the destinies should quite forget Their fix't decrees , and hast to make vs new Farre other Fortunes , mine could not be worse , Wilt thou now leaue me ? Mar. God put into your bosome temperate thoughts , I le leaue you though I feare . Exit . Arb. Goe , thou art honest , Why should the hastie errors of my youth Be so vnpardonable , to draw a sinne Helpelesse vpon me ? Enter Gobrius . Gob

There is the King , now it is ripe .

Arb. Draw neere thou guiltie man , That art the author of the loathedst crime Fiue ages haue brought forth , and heare me speake Curses incurable , and all the euils Mans bodie or his spirit can receiue Be with thee . Gob.

VVhy Sir doe you curse me thus ?

Arb. VVhy doe I curse thee , if there be a man Subtill in curses , that exceedes the rest , His worst wish on thee . Thou hast broke my hart . Gob. How Sir ? Haue I preseru'd you from a childe , From all the arrowes , malice or ambition Could shoot at you , and haue I this for pay ? Arb. T is true thou didst preserue me , and in that VVert crueiler then hardned murderers Of Infants and their mothers ; thou didst saue me Onely till thou hadst studdied out a way How to destroy me cunningly thy selfe : This was a curious way of torturing . Gob.

What doe you meane ?

Arb. Thou knowst the euils thou hast done to me , Dost thou remember all those witching letters Thou sentst vnto me to Armenia , Fild with the praise of my beloued Sister , Where thou extolst her beautie ; what had I To doe with that , what could her beautie be To me , and thou didst write how well shee lou'd me , Doest thou remember this : so that I doated Something before I saw her . Gob.

This is true .

Arb. Is it , and I when I was returnd thou knowst Thou didst pursue it , till thou woundst mee into Such a strange , and vnbeleeu'd affection , As good men cannot thinke on . Gob.

This I grant , I thinke I was the cause .

Arb.

VVert thou ? Nay more , I thinke thou meantst it .

Gob. Sir I haue a lie As I loue God and honestie , I did : It was my meaning . Arb. Be thine owne sad Iudge , A further condemnation will not need : Prepare thy selfe to die . Gob. VVhy Sir to die ? VVhy wouldst thou liue , was euer yet offendor So impudent , that had a thought of mercy After confession of a crime like this ? Get out I cannot , where thou hurlst me in , But I can take reuenge , that 's all the sweetnesse Left for me . Gob.

Now is the time , heare me but speake .

Arb. No , yet I will be farre more mercifull Then thou wert to me ; thou didst steale into me , And neuer gauest me warning : so much time As I giue thee now , had preuented thee For euer . Notwithstanding all thy sinnes , If thou hast hope , that there is yet a prayer To saue thee , turne , and speake it to your selfe . Gob.

Sir , you shall know your sinnes before you doe vm If you kill me .

Arb.

I will not stay then .

Gob.

Know you kill your Father .

Arb.

How ?

Gob.

You kill your Father .

Arb. My Father ? though I know it for a lie Made out of feare to saue thy stained life : The verie reuerence of the word comes crosse me , And ties mine arme downe . Gob. I will tell you that shall heighten you againe , I am thy Father , I charge thee heare me . Arb. If it should be so , As t is most false , and that I should be sound A bastard issue , the dispised fruite Of lawlesse lust , I should no more admire All my wilde passions : but another truth Shall be wrung from thee : If I could come by The spirit of paine , it should be powr'd on thee , Till thou allowest thy selfe more full of lies Then he that teaches thee . Enter Arane . Arane . Turne thee about , I come to speake to thee thou wicked man , Heare me thou Tyrant . Arb. I will turne to thee , Heare me thou Strumpet : I haue blotted out The name of mother , as thou hast thy shame . Ara. My shame , thou hast lesse shame then any thing : Why dost thou keepe my daughter in a prison ? Why dost thou call her Sister , and doe this ? Arb. Cease thou strange impudence , and answere quickly , If thou contemn'st me , this will aske an answere , And haue it . Ara.

Helpe me gentle Gobrius .

Arb. Guilt dare not helpe guilt , though they grow together In doing ill , yet at the punishment They seuer , and each flies the noyse of other , Thinke not of helpe , answere . Ara.

I will , to what ?

Arb. To such a thing as if it be a truth , Thinke what a creature thou hast made thy selfe , That didst not shame to doe , what I must blush Onely to aske thee : tell me who I am , Whose sonne I am , without all circumstance ; Be thou as hastie , as my Sword will be If thou refusest . Ara.

VVhy you are his sonne .

Arb. His sonne ? Sweare , sweare , thou worse then woman damn'd . Ara.

By all that 's good you are .

Arb. Then art thou all that euer was knowne bad . Now is The cause of all my strange misfortunes come to light : What reuerence expects thou from a childe To bring forth which thou hast offended Heauen , Thy husband and the Land : Adulterous witch I know now why thou wouldst haue poyson'd me , I was thy lust which thou wouldst haue forgot : Thou wicked mother of my sinnes , and me , Shew me the way to the inheritance I haue by thee : which is a spacious world Of impious acts , that I may soone possesse it : Plagues rott thee , as thou liu'st , and such diseases As vse to pay lust , recompence thy deed . Gob.

You doe not know why you curse thus .

Arb. Too well : You are a paire of Vipers , and behold The Serpent you haue got ; there is no beast But if he knew , it has a pedigree As braue as mine , for they haue more discents , And I am euery way as beastly got , As farre without the compasse of a law , As they . Ara. You spend your rage , and words in vaine , And raile vpon a guesse : heare vs a little . Arb. No I will neuer heare , but talke away My breath , and die . Gob.

VVhy but you are no Bastard .

Arb.

Howe 's that ?

Ara.

Nor childe of mine .

Arb.

Still you goe on in wonders to me .

Gob.

Pray be more patient , I may bring comfort to you .

Arb. I will kneele , And heare with the obedience of a childe ; Good Father speake , I doe acknowledge you , So you bring comfort . Gob. First know our last King your supposed Father VVas olde and feeble when he marryed her , And almost all the Land as shee past hope Of issue from him . Arb. Therefore shee tooke leaue To play the whoore , because the King was old : Is this the comfort ? Arb. vvhat will you find out To giue me satisfaction , when you find How you haue iniur'd me : let fire consume mee , If euer I were whore . Gob. Forbeare these starts , Or I will leaue you wedded to despaire , As you are now : if you can find a temper , My breath shall be a pleasant westerne wind , That cooles , and blastes not . Arb. Bring it out good Father , I le lie , and listen here as reuerentlie As to an Angell : If I breathe too loude , Tell me ; for I would be as still as night . Gob. Our King I say was old , and this our Queene Desired to bring an heire ; but yet her husband Shee thought was past it , and to be dishonest I thinke shee would not ; if shee would haue beene , The truth is , shee was watcht so narrowlie , And had so slender opportunitie , Shee hardly could haue beene : But yet her cunning Found out this way ; shee fain'd her selfe with child , And postes were sent in haste throughout the Land , And God was humbly thankt in euery Church , That so had blest the Queen , and prayers were made For her safe going , and deliuerie : Shee fain'd now to grow bigger , and perceiu'd This hope of issue made her feard , and brought A farre more large respect from euerie man , And saw her power increase , and was resolu'd , Since shee belieu'd shee could not haue 't indeede ; At least shee would be thought to haue a child . Arb. Doe I not heare it well ; nay , I will make No noise at all ; but pray you to the point , Quicke as you can . Gob Now when the time was full , Shee should be brought abed ; I had a sonne Borne , which was you : This the Queene hearing of , Mou'd me to let her haue you , and such reasons Shee shewed me as shee knew would tie My secresie : shee sware you should be King ; And o be short , I did deliuer you Vnto her , and pretended you were dead ; And in mine owne house kept a Funerall , And had an emptie coffin put in earth : That night the Queene fain'd hastilie to labour , And by a paire of women of her owne . VVhich shee had charm'd , shee made the world belieue Shee was deliuer'd of you : you grew vp As the Kings sonne , till you were sixe yeere olde ; Then did the King die , and did leaue to me Protection of the Realme ; and contrarie To his owne expectation , left this Queene Truly with childe indeed of the faire Princesse Panthaea : Then shee could haue torne her heire , And did alone to me yet durst not speake In publike ; for shee knew shee should be found A Traytor , and her talke would haue beene thought Madnesse or any thing rather then truth : This was the onely cause why shee did seeke To poyson you , and I to keepe you safe : And this the reason why I sought to kindle Some sparke of loue in you to faire Panthaea , That shee might get part of her right agen . Arb. And haue you made an end now , is this all ? If not , I will be still till I am aged , Till all my heires are siluer . Gob

This is all .

Arb.

And is it true say you Maddam ?

Ara.

Yes God knowes it is most true .

Arb.

Panthaea then is not my Sister . Gob No .

Arb. But can you proue this ? If you will giue consent : else who dare goe about it . Arb. Giue consent ? VVhy I will haue them all that know it rackt To get this from vm : All that waites without Come in , what ere you be come in , and be Partakers of my Ioy : O you are welcome . Ent. Mar : Bessus , and others . Mardonius the best newes , nay , draw no neerer They all shall heare it : I am found no King . Mar.

Is that so good newes ?

Arb.

Yes , the happiest newes that ere was heard .

Mar. Indeed t were well for you , If you might be a little lesse obey'd . Arb.

On , call the Queene .

Mar.

Why she is there .

Arb. The Queene Mardonius , Panthaea is the Queene , And I am plaine Arbaces , goe some one , She is in Gobrius house ; since I saw you There are a thousand things deliuerd to me You little dreame of . Mar. So it should seeme : My Lord , VVhat furi 's this . Gob. Beleeue me t is no fury , All that he sayes is truth . Mar

T is verie strange .

Arb Why doe you keepe your hats off Gentlemen , Is it to me ? in good faith it must not be : I cannot now command you , but I pray you For the respect you bare me , when you tooke Me for your King , each man clap on his hat at my desire . Mar. We will : but you are not found So meane a man , but that you may be couer'd As well as we , may you not ? Arb. O not here , You may but not I , for here is my Father in presence , Mar.

VVhere ?

Arb. Why there O the whole storie Would be a wildernesse to loose thy selfe For euer ; O pardon me deare Father , For all the idle , and vnreuerent words That I haue spoke in idle moodes to you : I am Arbaces , we all fellow subiects , Nor is the Queene Panthaa now my Sister . Bes.

Why if you remember fellow subiect Arbaces , I tolde you once she was not your sister , I say she look't nothing like you .

Arb.

I thinke you did good Captaine Bessus .

Bes.

Here will arise another question now amongst the Swordmen , whether I be to call him to account for beating me , now he 's prou'd no King .

Enter Ligones . Ma. Sir , here 's Ligones The Agent for the Armenian King . Arb.

Where is he , I know your businesse good Ligones ,

Lig.

VVe must haue our King againe , and will .

Arb. I knew that was your businesse , you shall haue Your King againe , and haue him so againe As neuer King was had . Goe one of you And bid Bacurius bring Tigranes hither , And bring the Ladie with him , that Panthaea The Queene Panthaa sent me word this morning VVas braue Tigranes mistresse . Lig.

T is Spaconia .

Arb.

I , I , Spaconia .

Lig.

She is my daughter .

Arb. Shee is so , I could now tell any thing I neuer heard ; your King shall goe so home As neuer man went . Ma. Shall he goe on 's head ? Arb. He shall haue Chariots easier then ayre That I will haue inuented ; and nere thinke He shall pay any ransome ; and thy selfe That art the Messenger shall ride before him On a Horse cut out of an entire Diamond , That shall be made to goe with golden wheeles , I know not how yet . Lig. VVhy I shall be made For euer , they belied this King with vs And savd he was vnkind . Arb And then thy daughter , She shall haue some strange thinke , we le haue the kingdome Sold vtterly , and put into a toy . Which she shall weare about her carelesly Some where or other . See the vertuous Queene . Enter Pan. Behold the humblest subiect that you haue Kneele here before you . Pan. VVhy kneele you To me that am your vassall ? Arb.

Grant me one request .

Pan. Alas , what can I grant you ? VVhat I can I will . Arb. That you will please to marry me , If I can proue it lawfull . Pan. Is that all ? More willingly , then I would draw this ayre . Arb.

I le kisse this hand in earnest .

Mar. Sir , Tigranes is comming though he made it strange To see the Princesse any more . Arb. The Queene , Enter Tig. and Spa. Thou meanest : O my Tigranes pardon me , Tread on my necke I freely offer it , And if thou beest so giuen ; take reuenge , For I haue iniur'd thee . Tig. No , I forgiue , And rejoice more that you haue found repentance , Then I my libertie . Arb. Maist thou be happie In thy faire choice ; for thou art temperate : You owe no ransome to the state , know that ; I haue a thousand ioyes to tell you of , vvhich yet I dare not vtter , till I pay My thankes to Heauen for vm : will you goe vvith me , and helpe ; pray you doe . Tig.

I will .

Arb. Take then your faire one with you , and your Queene Of goodnesse , and of vs ; O giue me leaue To take your arme in mine : Come euery one That takes delight in goodnesse , helpe to sing Loude thankes for me , that I am prou'd no King . FINIS .
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M�r. Mar. Bess�s thou lou'st them better then quarrelling Bessus , He say so much ythy behalfe , and yet wi�kst I did so , but me thought thou winkst euery blowe they strake . ne�er there are better Souldiers then I , that neuer saw two Princes fight in lists . c�rtenly thinke so too Bessus , many a thousand , but certenly all that are worse then thou have seene �aue but certenly all that are worse then thou have seene as much . �eene certenly all that are worse then thou have seene as much . T was Twas brauely done of our King . brauel� Twas brauely done of our King . li�e Let me not liue , if I doe not thinke it is a brauer peece �me is a brauer peece of seruice , then that Ime so fam'd for . deferu'st heathenishly done of them , in my conscience thou deseru'st it not . oreceme fame , that any man should grieue When I orecome him : They that plac't me here , Intended m� nere saw her since : your warres Haue held me long , and taught me , though a youth , oftentation , and Conquering ? Farre then from mee Be ostentation : I could tell the World How I haue laid bea�e the conquered , Which he refuses , and I beare his scorne . It cannot be selfe flattery � sorry thou art so valiant , or so passionate , would one of vm were away . � Doe I refuse her that I doubt her worth , Were shee as vertuous as shee would be thought � eies , not to bee moou'd , and shee on mee : I am not fickle : th ught Cannot dissolue it ? So before you tride You thought your selfe a match for mee in fight freefrom Till he be free from mee . This Prince Mardonius Is full weremuch confine my words , by Heauen and Earth , I were much better bee a King of Beasts Then such Andthou minute : Let me heare thee speake againe And thou art earth againe : vvhy this is like � againe : vvhy this is like Tigranes speech , that needs would say , I brag'd . Bessus � my wind , speake , speak soone one of you , Or else by Heauen , dis harge The meanest Subiect Can finde a freedome to discharge his soule , And not I , now it is a time vttter care what will offend me , When you dare to vtter such things as these . venturoe that bragging , and a wrong to vs That daily venturde liues ? th�e , It were as great , that I might combate thee ; I would through all the Regions habitable Man�ind there would I strike thee dead : Forgotten of Mankind , such Funerall Rites As Beasts would giue Rage� The King Rages extreemely , shall wee slinke away ; Heele extre�mely The King Rage � extreemely , shall wee slinke away ; Heele strike vs flinke The King Rage � extreemely , shall wee slinke away ; Heele strike vs : deni�e vvhy you would now thinke much To bee denide , but I can scarce intreat vvhat I would agreat , if it bee doubted , I dare call an oath a great one to my witnesse : and were you vertue� Eclipse my vertue ? � pleasure , it should bee you , or for honest , to enterchange my bosome with , it would bos�me bee you , or for honest � to enterchange my bosome with , it would be you ; or wisdome to to �hou loue , And that thou shalt bee sure of . Thou and I Haue not bin merry lately : pray thee Iewe�l my life , a wench Mardonius Gaue thee that Iewell . res�ect vvench , they respect not mee , Ime old and rough , and euery t�uely : lth those businesses I may sweare I am truely honest : for I pay iustly for what I take Ye� Yes faith . im�rooue And doe they improoue themselues ? aequainted to mee , euery new yong fellow they come acquainted with . you� thought you had beene in Iberia by this , bad you haste � Gobrias will want entertainment ha�te you had beene in Iberia by this , bad you haste � Gobrias will want entertainment for me Maiest�e An't please your Maiestie I haue a sute . i�t Ist not lowsie Bessus , what ist ? � question , yet I thinke thou canst decide it : Arb� Arb. �out And strike me here , whom Gobrias sifting out , Tooke , and condemn'd , and executed there ��� maides That place their loues vnfortunately too hight , As I haue done , where they can hight That place their loues vnfortunately ��� light , As I haue done , where they can neuer � this fault Is not in me as in another woman : Lo d My Lord Protector , they say there are diuers Letters � , and his valiant commanders can make him : your letters will tel you all . til� I will not open mine till I doe know My brothers health ; good Captaine � owne will is your Law , be where you please . nee�e those was I : and twas my chance to stand neere a Captaine of the Enemies side , called Cosro�s but the word was not giuen then : when one Cosroes of the enemies part held vp his finger to enemi�s not giuen then : when one Cosroes of the enemies part held vp his finger to me , which is Ilie No , no , I lie . � No , you know I did not , and if any man will � but offer , and giue me the power To take , or leaue . � Ile giue a crowne to meete with you : ca lles occasions for the good of you , Are suchas calles me from you ; else my ioy Would be to spend te� VVhy Gobrius let her ; I must haue her know My will , and � Gobrius art thou mad ? shee is my sister . Arb� Arb. ��� Too safe I am Sir � � Too safe I am ��� . Aran� Enter Gobrius , Arane , Panthaea , Spaconia , Bacurius , Mardonius Panth�a Enter Gobrius , Arane , Panthaea , Spaconia , Bacurius , Mardonius , and s�ew I came Onely to shew my dutie , and acknowledge My sorrow for We�e My sorrow for my sinnes ; longer to stay Weele but to draw eyes more attentiuely vpon my giui�g For I am bound to spend my age to come In giuing than kes that this was granted me . than am bound to spend my age to come In giuing thankes kes that this was granted me . � know I am vnworthy , yet not ill , Arm'd , with which innocence here I will kneele � darst not see my face shew forth thy selfe : I feele a paire of fierie wings displaide � O miserie , why should he be so slow , There can no falshood come of louing her ��� nothing ; for her death Is a long life of yet I hope : Tis shee , And if my speech deserue � temperd ? I must speake If thunder checke me , and I will . tyran�ie strength enough To shake all these off : This is tyrannie Arbaces , subtiller then the burning Buls � still in doubt , This , this third kisse , blots it out . I wade in sinne , And foolishly � , see her a prisoner In her owne chamber , closely Gobrius . �raytor for shee is a witch , A poysoner , and a traytor . pr� Exeunt omnes , pre . re�eiue giue me sorrow , that will render me Apt to receiue your mercy ; rather so , Let it be rather mybodie VVhy , my legs Refuse to beare my bodie ; O Mardonius , Thou hast in field � away , which no bodie knowes but Mardonius , and I think he conceales it to anger me dese�ue young fellow without meanes , or parts , to deserue friends ; and my emptie guts perswaded me �ate mee for Venison : After this I rail'd , and sate quietlie : for the whole Kingdome tooke ��� will be more after him , then before him , I thinke so pray ye commend me to him , and tell � this two houres , marry all but the first I put off with ingagement , and by good fortune referu'd madder of fighting then I , so that that's reseru'd . The place where it must be ended , is securge Heauen has some secret end in't , and tis a scurge no question iustly laid vpon him : Hee has plain� I hope thou art ; for to be plaine with thee , Thou art in hell else : secret flam�s Thou art in hell else : secret scorching flames That farre transcend earthly materiall fiers i� Out with it Sir , if it be dangerous I shall not shrinke to doe no� shall not shrinke to doe you seruice , I shal not esteeme my life a waightier matter then est�e�� not shrinke to doe you seruice , I shal not esteeme my life a waightier matter then indeed it �n�w a waightier matter then indeed it is , I know tis subiect to more chances then it hath subi�ct waightier matter then indeed it is , I know tis subiect to more chances then it hath houres , and hou�es tis subiect to more chances then it hath houres , and I were better loose it in my Kings King� houres , and I were better loose it in my Kings cause , then with an ague . or fall , or �gue loose it in my Kings cause , then with an ague . or fall , or sleeping to a thiefe ; as sleepin� cause , then with an ague . or fall , or sleeping to a thiefe ; as all these are probable thi��e with an ague . or fall , or sleeping to a thiefe ; as all these are probable enough : let �ro�able or sleeping to a thiefe ; as all these are probable enough : let me but know what I shal do eno�g� sleeping to a thiefe ; as all these are probable enough : let me but know what I shal do for you �ut as all these are probable enough : let me but know what I shal do for you . � ha� these are probable enough : let me but know what I shal do for you . foryou probable enough : let me but know what I shal do for you . � Yes Sir , I was . th n�e answere of all this before , Besides , I thinke this businesse might be vtterd More s� o�ld But what � what should I make her vnderstand ? Mar� Mar. � Sir , if I take vpon me to deliuer it , After � heare it , He passe through fire to doe it : conce�ue her better then a brother ought ; Dost thou conceiue me ? � , thou art dull , kneele downe before her , And nere rise againe , till shee will loue plainl�e vnderstand me : is it fit This should bee vtterd plainlie ; take it then Naked as it is : I would � that needs must damne vs both ; And thee to : Dost thou vnderstand me now ? � done Dishonestlie in my whole life , name it . That you should put so base a businesse � Yes , if I vndertooke it ; but if all My heires �o , I would not be ingag'd In such a cause to saue my last life . �ather Meanes I haue none but your Fauour , and I am rather glad , that I shall loose vm both together � glad , that I shall loose vm both together , then keepe vm with such conditions , I shall �arre garments perhaps be courser , we shall be richer farre within , and harbor no such vices in vm pres�nt Mardonius , stay Mardonius , For though My present state require nothing but knaues To be about knau�s though My present state require nothing but knaues To be about me , such as are prepar'd For � Enter Bessus to them . � be it a good , bad , or indifferent thing . Bes� Bes. Me�rely Natures too , and does it without lust ; Meerely because it is a law , and good , And liue � Finis Actus Tertij . Spaconi� Enter Gobrius , Panthaea , Spaconia . su�h And with a kindnesse , and such winning words As may prouoke him at one Gi�e Ladie , be not fearefull ; if he should not Giue vou your present end in this beleeue it sha l vou your present end in this beleeue it You shall feele ( if your vertue can induce you To tem�est vertue can induce you To labour out this tempest , which I know Is but a poore proofe against �gainst tempest , which I know Is but a poore proofe against your patience � ) All those contents your � but a poore proofe against your patience , ) All those contents your spirit will arriue �e once collect himselfe , and see How farre he has beene asunder from himselfe , What a ��� once collect himselfe , and see How farre �e has beene asunder from himselfe , What a meere M�st What a meere stranger to his golden temper ) Must from those rootes of vertue , ( neuer dying fa againe Into a thousand glories bearing his fare branches Hie as our hopes can looke at straight ri e looke at straight as Iustice , Loden with riche contents : he loues you dearely , I know bege� any thing I write For my inlarging , should beget hi anger ; Heauen be a witnesse with mee �e inlarging , should beget hi anger ; Heauen be a witnesse with mee , and my faith I had �itnesse inlarging , should beget hi anger ; Heauen be a witnesse with mee , and my faith I had rather liue in�omb'd with mee , and my faith I had rather liue intomb'd here . vorse You shall not feele a worse stroke then your griefe , I am sorry tis sorr� feele a worse stroke then your griefe , I am sorry tis so sharpe : I kisse your hand , and �paconia Peace goe with you , You are a good man ; my Spaconia VVhy are you euer sad thus ? ��� Againe , the griefe , and that would kill me Ladie . salfe wickednesse Of wronging women . Thou art false , false Prince , I liue to see it : poore � same piece with it ; hee's asham'd , Alas , I haue beene too rugged : Deare my Lord Bac� Bac. eafie imprisonment If it be any , I dare say is easie , And shall not outlast two dayes . � I Sir it shall not serue your turne . rot�� , And haue your too selfe-glorious temper rott Into a dead sleepe , and the kingdome with T was Twas twentie blowes of indignation gentlemen rud�nesse case ont' , The rest were but an honourable rudenesse � � The rest were but an honourable rudenesse . beieeue The King may doe much Captaine beleeue it , for had hee crackt your skull through � the distance , the time , ten mile a day , I take it . ou� vnderstanding ; we are bound By vertue of our calling , to vtter our opinions Shortly dis�reetly calling , to vtter our opinions Shortly , and discreetly . dis�reetely ouer , my sword forst , but not lost ; for discreetely I renderd it to saue that imputation . r�d��m'd But our friend has redeem'd it , in deliuering His sword without compulsion Bess� Bess. Sit what we shall doe Truly and honestly ; good Sir toth' question . ag�ine Giue me the must againe , againe ; brother you palter . must�� And my Foxe bites as deepe , musted my deare brother : But to the cause againe kicker� And being throughly kickt , laughes at the kicke � being throughly kickt , laughes at the kicker . foo�e There springs a new branch : whose was the foole ? o�ne Enter Arbaces at one doore , Gob � and Panthaea at another � � Enter Arbaces at one doore , Gob . and Panthaea at another � Panth�ea Enter Arbaces at one doore , Gob � and Panthaea at another � � one doore , Gob � and Panthaea at another . � If you aboue loue not such sinnes as these , Circle my heart with thoughts as cold as should�t vnexpected newes : And yet it is not fit thou shouldst be heard , I prethee thinke so . the� Together strongly , and I am resolud To heare thee largely , but I doe beseech thee Doe not vndo� for there is Something in that that will vndoe vs both . �r thee to be in As equall a degree of heate , or cold As Nature can make , yet as vnsound ��sound heate , or cold As Nature can make , yet as vnsound men Conuert the sweetest , and the nourishingst prethe� diseases , so shall I distemperd , Doe thee , I prethee draw no neerer to me . �eerer distemperd , Doe thee , I prethee draw no neerer to me . eu�rlastingly for thee to knowe , That might vndoe thee euerlastingly Onely to heare , wilt thou b�� credit this hear� That might vndoe thee euerlastingly Onely to heare , wilt thou b�� credit this ; By heauen b�� euerlastingly Onely to heare , wilt thou but credit this ; By heauen tis true , beleeue �is heare , wilt thou b�� credit this ; By heauen tis true , beleeue it if thou canst . b�leeu� thou b�� credit this ; By heauen tis true , beleeue it if thou canst . can�t ; By heauen tis true , beleeue it if thou canst . a���oo��s Children and fooles are ever credulous ; And I am both e�e� Children and fooles are ever credulous ; And I am both I thinke , for thi�ke fooles are ever credulous ; And I am both I thinke , for I beleeue : If you dissemble be it b�l�eue credulous ; And I am both I thinke , for I beleeue : If you dissemble be it on your head , my�rison dissemble be it on your head , Ile backe vnto my prison � yet me thinkes I might be kept � it on your head , Ile backe vnto my prison , yet me thinkes I might be kept in some place � some place where you are : For in my selfe I finde , I know not what To call it , but � a step , what doc you meane Deare Sister , doe not so : Alas Panthaea , Where I am Pa�thaea you meane Deare Sister � doe not so : Alas Panthaea , Where I am , would you be , why thats lo�t innocents , Rather then follow it ; know I haue lost The onely difference betwixt man , and beast suddai�e the wild Ocean that obeyes the winds ; Each suddaine passion throwes me as it lifts , And ouerwhelmes pass�on Ocean that obeyes the winds ; Each suddaine passion throwes me as it lifts , And ouerwhelmes r�uile Farre be it from me to reuile the King : But it is true , that I should � Heauen , and shall pull a heape Of strange , yet vninuented sinnes vpon me . � Sir , I will pray for you ; yet you shall know It is a sullen fate that �ate for you � yet you shall know It is a sullen fate that gouernes vs . For I could wish as heartilie � heartilie as you I were no sister to you , I should then Imbrace your lawfull loue �hou Couldst thou affect me then ? happine�se willing too , Is there no steppe To our full happinesse , but these meere sounds Brother and Sister � destroy them , but they are Not to be grasp't : let vm be men or beasts , And I will cut � breast : Let vm be any thing but meerely voice . �it Flie Sir for Gods sake . �eleeu�s the King has seene your Commission , and beleeues it , and freely by this warrant giues you hanes I thanke his Grace , and kisse his hands . carcs might hereafter promise him a good man ; My cares were something lighter , and my graue A ��� Campes , and haue , and must be To make the sinne of coward more detested In the meane Souldier pr�ia farewell , commend me to the Gentlewoman I praia . confent is good , and I am glad it is so , for my consent would neuer hinder you from seeing your � Armenian state ; Vnto Arbaces for your libertie : The offer's there set downe , please you Who�e acquainted when thou were first resolu'd to be a Whore ? I would haue seene thy hot lust satisfied � et Let vm thinke much , but tis more firme then h��rest make these witherd Kexes beare my bodie Two houres gether aboue ground . gether witherd Kexes beare my bodie Two h��rest together aboue ground . � Nay , goe , my businesse requires haste . Ineuer Farewell sweete vertuous Daughter ; I neuer was so Joyfull in my life , That I � I am glad you are straight again Captaine : twere good you would thinke some way to � O Lord , my good Lord . foote-bals of doing nothing , then kicking these two soote-bals . i��t That iest shall saue your bones , vp with your rotten loft I ha lost a haunch . � A little butter friend , a little butter : butter and parselie is a soueraigne matter ��� Mar . b�die Curses incurable , and all the euils Mans bodie or his spirit can receiue Be with thee . � Is it , and I when I was returnd thou knowst Thou didst � VVert thou ? Nay more , I thinke thou meantst it . Baftard VVhy but you are no Bastard . � sware you should be King ; And o be short , I did deliuer you Vnto her , and pretended deliue� you should be King ; And o be short , I did deliuer you Vnto her , and pretended you were dead we e deliuer you Vnto her , and pretended you were dead ; And in mine owne house kept a Funerall emprie mine owne house kept a Funerall , And had an emptie coffin put in earth : That night the Queene � deliuer'd of you : you grew vp As the Kings sonne , till you were sixe yeere olde ; Then did publi�e And did alone to me yet durst not speake In publike ; for shee knew shee should be found A Traytor t� Panthaea then is not my Sister . Gob No . ��� keepe your hats off Gentlemen , Is it to me ? in good faith it must not be : I cannot now v�ter ioyes to tell you of , vvhich yet I dare not vtter , till I pay My thankes to Heauen for vm ��l e Heauen for vm : will you goe vvith me , and helpe ; pray you doe .