Beaumont Francis Beaumont and Fletcher's Works. Volume 9
Scæna Tertia
Enter Arcite
Arcite. Banish'd the Kingdom? 'tis a benefit, A mercy I must thank 'em for, but banish'd The free enjoying of that face I die for, Oh 'twas a studdied punishment, a death Beyond Imagination: Such a vengeance That were I old and wicked, all my sins Could never pluck upon me, Palamon; Thou hast the Start now, thou shalt stay and see Her bright eyes break each morning 'gainst thy window, And let in life into thee; Thou shalt feed Upon the sweetness of a noble beauty, That nature never exceeded, nor never shall: Good gods! what happiness has Palamon! Twenty to one, he'll come to speak to her, And if she be as gentle, as she's fair, I know she's his, he has a Tongue will tame Tempests, and make the wild Rocks wanton. Come what can come, The worst is death; I will not leave the Kingdom, I know mine own is but a heap of ruins, And no redress there, if I go, he has her, I 'm resolv'd an other shape shall make me, Or end my fortunes. Either way, I' m happy: I'll see her, and be near her, or no more.
Enter 4. Country people, & one with a garland before them
1. My Masters, I'll be there that's certain.
2. And I'll be there.
3. And I.
4. Why then have with ye Boys; 'Tis but [a] chiding, Let the plough play to day, I'll tick['lt] out Of the jades tails to morrow.
1. I 'm sure To have my wife as jealous as a Turkey: But that's all one, I'll goe through, let her mumble.
2. Clap her aboard to morrow night, and stoa her, And all's made up again.
3. I, do but put a fesku in her fist, and you shall see her Take a new lesson out, and be a good wench. Doe we all hold, against the Maying?
4. Hold? what should ail us?
3. Arcas, will be there.
2. And Sennois. And Rycas, and 3. Better lads never danc'd under green Tree, And yet know what wenches: ha? But will the dainty Domine, the Schoolemaster keep touch Doe you think: For he do's all ye know.
3. He'll eat a hornbook ere he fail: goe too, the matter's too far driven between him, and the Tanners daughter, to let slip now, and she must see the Duke, and she must dance too.
4. Shall we be lusty.
2. All the Boys in Athens blow wind i'th' breech on's, and here I'll be and there I'll be, for our Town, and here again, and there again: Ha, Boys, heigh for the weavers.
1. This must be done i'th woods.
4. O pardon me.
2. By any means our thing of learning sees so: Where he himself will edifie the Duke most parlously in our behalfs: He's excellent i'th' woods, bring him to'th' plains, his learning makes no cry.
3. We'll see the sports, then every man to's Tackle: and Sweet Companions lets rehearse by any means, before The Ladies see us, and doe sweetly, and God knows what May come on't.
4. Content; the sports once ended, we'll perform. Away Boys and hold.
Arc. By your leaves honest friends: Pray you w[h]ither goe you.
4. Whither? Why, what a question's that!
Arc. Yes, 'tis a question, to me that know not.
3. To the Games, my Friend.
2. Where were you bred you know it not?
Arc. Not far Sir, Are there such Games, to day?
1. Yes marry are there: And such as you never saw; The Duke, himself Will be in person there.
Arc. What pastimes are they?
2. Wrastling, and Running; 'Tis a pretty Fellow.
3. Thou wilt not goe along.
Arc. Not yet Sir.
4. Well Sir Take your own time, come Boys.
1. My mind misgives me This fellow has a veng'ance trick o'th hip, Marke how his Bodi's made for't.
2. I'll be hang'd though If he dare venture, hang him plumb-porredge, He wrestle? He rost eggs. Come lets be gon Lads.
[Exeunt 4.
Arc. This is an offer'd oportunity I durst not wish for. Well, I could have wrestled, The best men call'd it excellent, and run Swifter, than wind upon a feild of Corn (Curling the wealthy ears) never flew: I'll venture, And in some poor disguize be there, who knows Whether my brows may not be girt with garlands? And happiness prefer me to a place, Where I may ever dwell in sight of her.
[Exit Arcite.
Scæena [4]
Enter Jailors Daughter alone
Daugh. Why should I love this Gentleman? 'Tis odds He never will affect me; [I am] base, My Father the mean Keeper of his Prison, And he a Prince; To marry him is hopeless; To be his whore, is witles; Out upon't; What pushes are we wenches driven to When fifteen once has found us? First I saw him, I (seeing) thought he was a goodly man; He has as much to please a woman in him, (If he please to bestow it so) as ever These eyes yet lookt on; Next, I pittied him, And so would any young wench o'my Conscience That ever dream'd, or vow'd her Maydenhead To a young hansom Man; Then I lov'd him, (Extremely lov'd him) infinitely lov'd him; And yet he had [a] Cosen, fair as he too. But in my heart was Palamon, and there Lord, what a coyl he keepes! To hear him Sing in an evening, what a Heaven it is! And yet his Songs are sad-ones; Fairer spoken, Was never Gentleman. When I come in To bring him water in a morning, first He bows his noble body, then salutes me, thus: Fair, gentle Mayd, good morrow, may thy goodness, Get thee a happy husband; Once he kist me, I lov'd my lips the better ten daies after, Would he would doe so ev'ry day; He greives much, And me as much to see his misery: What should I doe, to make him know I love him, For I would fain enjoy him? Say I ventur'd To set him free? What saies the Law then? Thus much For Law, or kindred: I will doe it, And this night, or to morrow he shall love me.
[Exit.
[This short florish of Cornets and Showtes within.
Scæna [5]
Enter Theseus, Hippolita, Pirithous, Emilia: Arcite with a Garland, &c
Thes. You have done worthily; I have not seen Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews; What ere you are, you run the best, and wrestle, That these times can allow.
Arcite. I'm proud to please you.
Thes. What Countrie bred you?
Arcite. This; But far off, Prince.
Thes. Are you a Gentleman?
Arcite. My father said so; And to those gentle uses gave me life.
Thes. Are you his heir?
Arcite. His youngest Sir.
Thes. Your Father Sure is a happy S[ir]e, then: What proves you?
Arcite. A little of all noble Qualities: I could have kept a Hawk, and well have hollow'd To a deep crie of Dogs; I dare not praise My feat in horsemanship: yet they that knew me Would say it was my best peece: last, and greatest, I would be thought a Soldier.
Thes. You are perfect.
Pirith. Upon my soul, a proper man.
Emilia. He is so.
Per. How doe you like him Ladie?
Hip. I admire him, I have not seen so young a man, so noble (If he say true,) of his sort.
Emil. Believe, His mother was a wondrous handsome woman, His face me thinks, goes that way.
Hip. But his Body And firie mind, illustrate a brave Father.
Per. Mark how his virtue, like a hidden Sun, Breaks through his baser garments.
Hip. He's well got sure.
Thes. What made you seek this place Sir?
Arc. Noble Theseus. To purchase name, and doe my ablest service To such a well-found wonder, as thy worth, For only in thy Court, of all the world Dwells fair-ey'd honor.
Per. All his words are worthy.
Thes. Sir, we are much endebted to your travell, Nor shall you loose your wish: Perithous Dispose of this faire Gentleman.
Perith. Thanks Theseus. What ere you are y'are mine, and I shall give you To a most noble service, to this Lady, This bright young Virgin; Pray observe her goodness; You have honour'd her fair birth-day, with your virtues, And as your due y'are hers: kiss her fair hand Sir.
Arc. Sir, y'are a noble Giver: dearest Beautie, Thus let me seal my vow'd faith: when your Servant (Your most unworthie Creature) but offends you, Command him die, he shall.
Emil. That were too cruell. If you deserve well Sir; I shall soon see't: Y'are mine, and somewhat better than your ranck I'll use you.
Per. I'll see you furnish'd, and because you say You are a horseman, I must needs intreat you This after noon to ride, but 'tis a rough one.
Arc. I like him better (Prince) I shall not then Freeze in my Saddle.
Thes. Sweet, you must be readie, And you Emilia, and you (Friend) and all To morrow by the Sun, to doe observance To flowry May, in Dian's wood: wait well Sir, Upon your Mistris: Emely, I hope He shall not goe a foot.
Emil. That were a shame Sir, While I have horses: take your choice, and what You want at any time, let me but know it; If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you You'll find a loving Mistris.
Arc. If I doe not, Let me find that my Father ever hated, Disgrace, and blows.
Thes. Go lead the way; You have won it: It shall be so; You shall receive all dues Fit for the honor you have won; 'Twere wrong else. Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a Servant, That if I were a woman, would be Master, But you are wise.
[Florish.
Emil. I hope too wise for that Sir.
[Exeunt omnes.
Scæna 6
Enter Jaylors Daughter alone
Daughter. Let all the Dukes, and all the divells rore, He is at liberty: I have ventur'd for him: And out I have brought him to a little wood A mile hence, I have sent him, where a Cedar, Higher than all the rest, spreads like a plane Fast by a Brook, and there he shall keep close, Till I provide him Fyles, and food; for yet His yron bracelets are not off. O Love What a stout hearted child thou art! My Father Durst better have indur'd cold iron, than done it: I love him beyond love, and beyond reason, Or wit, or safetie: I have made him know it I care not, I am desperate: If the Law Find me, and then condemne me for't; Some wenches, Some honest hearted Maids, will sing my Dirge. And tell to memory, my death was noble, Dying almost a Martyr: That way he takes, I purpose is my way too: Sure he cannot Be so unmanly, as to leave me here, If he doe, Maids will not so easily Trust men again: And yet he has not thank'd me For what I have done: no not so much as kist me, And that (me thinks) is not so well; Nor scarcely Could I persuade him to become a Freeman, He made such scruples of the wrong he did To me, and to my Father. Yet I hope When he considers more, this love of mine Will take more root within him: Let him doe What he will with me, so he use me kindly, For use me so he shall, or I'll proclaim him, And to his face, no man: I'll presently Provide him necessaries, and pack my cloaths up, And where there is a path of ground I'll venture So he be with me; By him, like a shadow I'll ever dwell; Within this hour the whoobub Will be all o'er the prison: [I am] then Kissing the man they look for: Farewell Father, Get many more such prisoners, and such daughters, And shortly you may keep your self. Now to him:
[Cornets in sundry places. Noise and hollowing as people a Maying.
Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima
Enter Arcite alone
Arcite. The Duke has lost Hypolita; Each took A severall land. This is a solemn Right They owe bloom'd May, and the Athenians pay it To 'th' heart of Ceremony: O Queen Emilia Fresher than May, sweeter Then her gold Buttons on the bows, or all Th'enamell'd knacks o'th' Mead, or garden, ye[a] (We challenge too) the banck of any Nymph That makes the stream seem flowers; Thou o Jewell O'th wood, o'th world, hast likewise blest a pace With thy sole presence, in thy rumination That I poor man might eftsoones come betwen And chop on some cold thought, thrice blessed chance To drop on such a Mistris, expectation Most guiltless on't: tell me O Lady Fortune (Next after Emely my Sovereign) how far I may be proud. She takes strong note of me, Hath made me near her; and this beauteous Morn (The prim'st of all the year) presents me with A brace of horses, two such Steeds might well Be by a pair of Kings backt, in a Field That their crowns titles tried: Alas, alas Poor Cosen Palamon, poor prisoner, thou So little dream'st upon my fortune, that Thou thinkst thy self, the happier thing, to be So near Emilia, me thou deem'st at Thebs, And therein wretched, although free; But if Thou knew'st my Mistris breath'd on me, and that I ear'd her language, liv'd in her eye; O Coz What passion would enclose thee.
Enter Palamon as out of a Bush, with his Shackles: bends his fist at Arcite
Palamon. Traytor kinsman, Thou shouldst perceive my passion, if these signs Of prisonment were off me, and this hand But owner of a Sword: By all oaths in one I, and the justice of my love would make thee A confest Traytor: O thou most perfidious That ever gently look'd the voydes of honor. That ev'r bore gentle Token; falsest Cosen That ever blood made kin, call'st thou her thine? I'll prove it in my Shackles, with these hands, Void of appointment, that thou ly'st, and art A very theef in love, a Chaffy Lord Nor worth the name of villain: had I a Sword And these house cloggs away.
Arc. Dear Cosin Palamon.
Pal. Cosoner Arcite, give me language, such As thou hast shew'd me feat.
Arc. Not finding in The circuit of my breast, any gross stuff To form me like your blazon, holds me to This gentleness of answer; 'tis your passion That thus mistakes, the which to you being enemy, Cannot to me be kind: honor, and honestie I cherish, and depend on, how so ev'r You skip them in me, and with them fair Coz I'll maintain my proceedings; pray be pleas'd To shew in generous terms, your griefs, since that Your question's with your equall, who professes To clear his own way, with the mind and Sword Of a true Gentleman.
Pal. That tho[u] durst Arcite.
Arc. My Coz, my Coz, you have been well advertis'd How much I dare, y'ave seen me use my Sword Against th' advice of fear: sure of another You would not hear me doubted, but your silence Should break out, though i'th' Sanctuary.
Pal. Sir, I have seen you move in such a place, which well Might justifie your manhood, you were call'd A good knight and a bold; But the whole week's not fair If any day it rayn: Their valiant temper Men loose when they encline to trecherie, And then they fight like coupel'd Beeres, would fly Were they not ty'd.
Arc. Kinsman, you might as well Speak this, and act it in your Glass, as to His ear, which now disdains you.
Pal. Come up to me, Quit me of these cold Gyves, give me a Sword Though it be rustie, and the charity Of one meal lend me; Come before me then, A good Sword in thy hand, and doe but say That Emily is thine, I will forgive The trespass thou hast done [me, yea] my life If then thou carry't, and brave souls in shades That have di'd manly, which will seek of me Some news from earth, they shall get none but this, That thou art brave, and noble.
Arc. Be content, Again betake you to your hawthorn house, With counsel of the night, I will be here With wholesome viands; these impediments Will I file off, you shall have garments, and Perfumes to kill the smell o'th' prison, after When you shall stretch your self, and say but Arcite [I am] in plight, there shall be at your choice Both Sword, and Armor.
Pal. Oh you heavens, dare any So noble bear a guilty business! none But only Arcite, therefore none but Arcite In this kind is so bold.
Arc. Sweet Palamon.
Pal. I doe embrace you, and your offer, for Your offer do't I only, Sir your person Without hypocrisy I may not wish
[Wind horns of Cornets.
More than my Swords edge ont.
Arc. You hear the Horns; Enter your Musick least this match between's Be crost e'r met, give me your hand, farewell. I'll bring you every needfull thing: I pray you Take comfort and be strong.
Pal. Pray hold your promise; And doe the deed with a bent brow, most certain You love me not, be rough with me, and pour This oil o[u]t of your language; by this ayr I could for each word, give a Cuff: my stomach Not reconcil'd by reason.
Arc. Plainly spoken, Yet pardon me hard language, when I spur [Wind horns. My horse, I chide him not; content, and anger In me have but one face. Hark Sir, they call The scatter'd to the Banket; you must guess I have an office there.
Pal. Sir your attendance Cannot please heaven, and I know your office Unjustly is atcheiv'd.
Arc. If a good title, I'm persuaded this question sick between's, By bleeding must be cur'd. I'm a Suitor, That to your Sword you will bequeath this plea, And talk of it no more.
Pal. But this one word: You are going now to gaze upon my Mistris, For note you, mine she is.
Arc. Nay then.
Pal. Nay pray you, You talk of feeding me to breed me strength You are going now to look upon a Sun That strengthens what it looks on, there You have a vantage o'er me, but enjoy't till I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.
[Exeunt.
Scæna Secunda
Enter Jaylors daughter alone
Daugh. He has mistook; the Beak I meant, is gone After his fancy, 'Tis now welnigh morning, No matter, would it were perpetuall night, And darkness Lord o'th' world, Hark 'tis a wolf: In me hath grief slain fear, and but for one thing I care for nothing, and that's Palamon. I wreak not if the wolves would jaw me, so He had this Fi[l]e; what if I hollow'd for him? I cannot hollow: if I whoop'd; what then? If he not answer'd, I should call a wolf, And doe him but that service. I have heard Strange howls this live-long night, why may't not be They have made prey of him? he has no weapons, He cannot run, the Jengling of his Gives Might call fell things to listen, who have in them A sence to know a man unarm'd, and can Smell where resistance is. I'll set it down He's torn to peeces, they howl'd many together And then they fed on him: So much for that, Be bold to ring the Bell; How stand I then? All's char'd when he is gone, No, no I lye, My Father's to be hang'd for his escape, My self to beg, if I priz'd life so much As to deny my act, but that I would not, Should I try death by dussons: I am mop't, Food took I non[e] these two daies. Sipt some water, I have not clos'd mine eyes Save when my lids scowrd off their bine; alas Dissolve my life, Let not my sence unsettle Least I should drown, or stab or hang my self. O state of Nature, fail together in me, Since thy best props are warpt: So which way now? The best way is, the next way to a grave: Each errant step beside is torment. Loe The Moon is down, the Cr'ckets chirpe, the Schreich-owl Calls in the dawn; all offices are done Save what I fail in: But the point is this An end, and that is all.
[Exit.
Scæna Tertia
Enter Arcite, with Meat, Wine, and Files
Arc. I should be near the place, hoa. Cosen Palamon.
Enter Palamon
Pal.Arcite?
Arc. The same: I have brought you food and files, Come forth and fear not, here's no Theseus.
Pal. Nor none so honest Arcite.
Arc. That's no matter, We'll argue that hereafter: Come take courage, You shall not dye thus beastly, here Sir drink: I know you're faint, then I'll talk further with you.
Pal.Arcite, thou mightst now poyson me.
Arc. I might. But I must fear you first: Sit down, and good now No more of these vain parlies; let us not Having our ancient reputation with us Make talk for Fools, and Cowards, To your health. &c.
Pal. Doe.
Arc. Pray sit dow[n] then, and let me entreat you By all the honesty and honor in you, No mention of this woman, 't will disturb us, We shall have time enough.
Pal. Well Sir, I'll pledge you.
Arc. Drinke a good hearty draught, it breeds good blood man. Doe not you feel it thaw you?
Pal. Stay, I'll tell you after a draught or two more.
Arc. Spare it not, the Duke has more Cuz: Eat now.
Pal. Yes.
Arc. [I am] glad you have so good a stomach.
Pal. [I am] gladder I have so good meat to't.
Arc. Is't not mad lodging here in the wild woods Cosen?
Pal. Yes, for them that have wild Consciences.
Arc. How tasts your victuals? your hunger needs no sawce I see.
Pal. Not much. But if it did, yours is too tart: sweet Cosen: what is this?
Arc. Venison.
Pal. 'Tis a lusty meat: Give me more wine; here Arcite to the wenches We have known in our daies. The Lord Stewards daughter. Doe you remember her?
Arc. After you Cuz.
Pal. She lov'd a black-hair'd man.
Arc. She did so; well Sir.
Pal. And I have heard some call him Arcite; an.
Arc. Out with't faith.
Pal. She met him in an Arbor: What did she there Cuz? play o'the virginals?
Arc. Something she did Sir.
Pal. Made her groan a Month for't; or 2. or 3. or 10.
Arc. The Marshals Sister, Had her share too, as I remember Cosen, Else there be tales abroad, you'll pledge her?
Pal. Yes.
Arc. A pretty brown wench 'tis: There was a time When young men went a hunting, and a wood, And a broad beech: and thereby hangs a tale: heigh ho.
Pal. For Emily, upon my life, fool A way with this strain'd mirth; I say again That sigh was breath'd for Emily; base Cosen, Dar'st thou break first?
Arc. You are wide.
Pal. By heaven and earth, there's nothing in thee honest.
Arc. Then I'll leave you: you are a Beast now:
Pal. As thou mak'st me, Traytor.
Arc. There's all things needfull, files and shirts, and perfumes. I'll come again some two hours hence, and bring That that shall quiet all.
Pal. A Sword and Armor.
Arc. Fear me not; you are now too fowl; farewell. Get off your Trinkets, you shall want nought.