Melitus

Sir, you're the very friend I wish'd to meet with,
I have a large discourse invites your ear
To be an Auditor.

Gaspero

And what concerns it?

Melitus

The sadly thriving progress of the loves
Between my Lord, the Prince, and that great Lady,
Whose insolence, and never-yet-match'd Pride,
Can by no Character be well exprest,
But in her only name, the proud Erota.

Gaspero

Alas, Melitus, I should guess the best
Success your Prince could find from her, to be
As harsh as the event doth prove: but now
'Tis not a time to pity passionate griefs,
When a whole Kingdom in a manner lyes
Upon its Death-Bed bleeding.

Melitus

Who can tell
Whether or no these plagues at once
Hang over this unhappy Land for her sake
That is a Monster in it?

Gaspero

Here's the misery
Of having a Child our Prince; else I presume
The bold Venetians had not dar'd to attempt
So bloody an invasion.

Melitus

Yet I wonder
Why (Master Secretary) still the Senate
So almost superstitiously adores
Gonzalo, the Venetian Lord, considering
The outrage of his Countrymen--

Gaspero

The Senate
Is wise, and therein just, for this Gonzalo,
Upon a Massacre performed at Sea
By the Admiral of Venice, on a Merchant
Of Candy, when the cause was to be heard
Before the Senate there, in open Court
Professed, that the cruelty the Admiral
Had shewed, deserved not only fine, but death;
For Candy then, and Venice were at peace:
Since when upon a motion in the Senate,
For Conquest of our Land, 'tis known for certain,
That only this Gonzalo dar'd to oppose it,
His reason was, because it too much savour'd
Of lawless and unjust ambition.
The Wars were scarce begun, but he (in fear
Of quarrels 'gainst his life) fled from his Country,
And hither came, where (to confirm his truth)
I know, (Melitus,) he out of his own store,
Hath monied Cassilanes the General.

Melitus

What, without other pledges than Cassilanes
Bare promise of payment?

Gaspero

No, it may be
He has some [pe]tty Lordship to retire to;
But thus he hath done; now 'tis fit, Melitus,
The Senate should be thankful, otherwise
They should annihilate one of those Laws
For which this Kingdome is throughout the World
Unfollowed and admired.

Melitus

What Laws are those, Sir?
Let me so much importune you.

Gaspero

You shall,
And they be worth your knowledge: briefly thus:
Who e'r he be that can detect apparently
Another of ingratitude, for any
Received Benefit, the Plaintiff may
Require the Offenders life; unless he please
Freely and willingly to grant remission.

Melitus

By which strict Law, the Senate is in danger,
Should they neglect Gonzalo?

Gaspero

Right, the Law
Permits a like equality to Aliens,
As to a home-bred Patriot.

Melitus

Pray Sir, the other?

Gaspero

Know, Melitus,
The elder Cretans flourished many years,
In War, in Peace unparallel'd, and they
(To spur heroic Spirits on to Vertue)
Enacted that what man so ere he were,
Did noblest in the field against his enemy,
So by the general voice approv'd, and known,
Might at his home-return, make his demand
For satisfaction, and reward.

Melitus

They are
Both famous Laws indeed.

Messenger

Master Secretary,
The Senate is about to sit, and crave
Your presence.

Gaspero

What, so suddenly?

Messenger

These Letters
Will shew the causes why.

Gaspero

Heaven, thou art great,
And worthy to be thanked!

Melitus

Your countenance, Sir,
Doth promise some good tidings.

Gaspero

O the best
And happiest for this land that e'r was told!
All the Venetian Forces are defeated.

Melitus

How, Sir?

Gaspero

And what doth add some delight more,
There is amongst the Souldiers a contention
Who shall be the triumpher, and it stands
Doubtful between a Father and his Son,
Old Cassilanes, and young Antinous.

Melitus

Why may not both demand it?

Gaspero

The Law denies it,
But where the Souldiers do not all consent,
The Parties in contention, are refer'd
To plead before the Senate; and from them
Upon an open audience to be judg'd
The Chief, and then to make demands.

Melitus

You ravish me
With wonder and delight.

Gaspero

Come; as we walk,
I shall more fully inform you.

[Exeunt.

Cassilanes

Admit no Souldier near us till the Senate
Have took their places.

Arcanes

You are obey'd, my Lord.

Antinous

Decius, fall off.

Decius

I shall.

Cassilanes

Give leave Arcanes:
Young man, come nearer to me: who am I?

Antinous

It were a sin against the piety
Of filial duty, if I should forget
The debt I owe my Father on my knee:
Your pleasure?

Cassilanes

What, so low? canst thou find joints,
Yet be an Elephant? Antinous, rise;
Thou wilt belye opinion, and rebate
The ambition of thy gallantry, that they
Whose confidence thou hast bewitch'd, should see
Their little God of War, kneel to his Father,
Though in my hand I did grasp Thunder.

Antinous

Sir,
For proof that I acknowledge you the Author
Of giving me my Birth, I have discharg'd
A part of my Obedience. But if now
You should (as cruel fathers do) proclaim
Your right, and Tyrant-like usurp the glory
Of my peculiar honours, not deriv'd
From successary, but purchas'd with my bloud,
Then I must stand first Champion for my self
Against all interposers.

Cassilanes

Boldly urg'd,
And proudly, I could love thee, did not anger
Consult with just disdain, in open language
To call thee most ungrateful. Say freely,
Wilt thou resign the flatteries whereon
The reeling pillars of a popular breath
Have rais'd thy Giant-like conceit, to add
A suffrage to thy Fathers merit? speak.

Antinous

Sir, hear me: were there not a Chronicle
Well pen'd by all their tongues, who can report
What they have seen you do; or had you not
Best in your own performance writ your self,
And been your own text, I would undertake
Alone, without the help of Art, or Character,
But only to recount your deeds in Arms,
And you should ever then be fam'd a President
Of living victory: But as you are
Great, and well worthy to be stiled Great,
It would betray a poverty of Spirit
In me to obstruct my fortunes, or descent,
If I should coward-like surrender up
The interest which the inheritance of your vertue
And mine own thrifty fate can claim in honour:
My Lord, of all the mass of Fame, which any
That wears a Sword, and hath but seen me fight,
Gives me, I will not share, nor yield one jot,
One tittle.

Cassilanes

Not to me?

Antinous

You are my Father,
Yet not to you.

Cassilanes

Ambitious Boy, how dar'st thou
To tell me, that thou wilt contend?

Antinous

Had I
Been slothful, and not follow'd you in all
The streights of death, you might have justly then
Reputed me a Bastard: 'tis a cruelty
More than to murther Innocents, to take
The life of my yet infant-honour from me.

Cassilanes

Antinous, look upon this badge of age,
Thy Father's grey-hair'd beard: full fifty years,
(And more than half of this, ere thou wert born)
I have been known a Souldier, in which time
I found no difference 'twixt War and Peace,
For War was Peace to me, and Peace was War.
Antinous, mark me well; there hath not liv'd
These fifty years a man whom Crete prefer'd
Before thy Father; let me boldly boast,
Thy Father, both for Discipline a[n]d Action
Hath so long been the first of all his Nation;
Now, canst thou think it honest, charitable,
Nay humane, being so young, my Son, my Child,
Begot, bred, taught by me, by me thy Father,
For one days service, and that on thy first,
To rob me of a glory which I fought for
A half of hundred years?

Antinous

My case observes
Both equity and presidents; for Sir,
That very day whereon you got your Fame,
You took it from some other, who was then
Chief in repute, as you are now, and has been
Perhaps as many years deserving that
Which you gain'd in a day, as I have mine.

Cassilanes

But he was not my Father then, Antinous;
Thou leav'st out that.

Antinous

Sir, had he been your Father,
He had been then immortal; for a Father
Heightens his reputation where his Son
Inherits it, as when you give us life,
Your life is not diminish'd but renew'd
In us when you are dead, and we are still
Your living Images.

Cassilanes

So be thou curs'd
In thy posterity, as I in thee,
Dishonourable Boy; O shall that Sun,
Which not a year yet since beheld me mounted
Upon a fiery Steed, waving my Sword,
And teaching this young Man to manage Arms,
That was a raw, fresh Novice in the feats
Of Chivalrie, shall that same Sun be witness
Against this Brat of his Ingratitude?
Who, to eclipse the light of my renown,
Can no way hope to get a noble Name,
But by the treading on his Father's Greatness;
Thou wilt not yield?

Antinous

My life, but not the prize
My Sword hath purchas'd.

Arcanes

The Senate,
My Lord, are here at hand, and all the Souldiers
Begin to throng about them.

Cassilanes

Now, Arcanes, the--

Arcanes

What, Sir?

Cassilanes

Trifles will affront us; that
Fine fighting Stripling.

Arcanes

Let him have the shame on't;
'Please you withdraw on this side.

Cassilanes

My great heart
Was never quail'd before.

Decius

My Lord, be confident,
Let not your Father daunt you.

Arcanes

Decius, whither
Must I withdraw?

Decius

On this side.--See, the Souldiers
Attend your pleasure--courage, Sir; the Senate.

Cassilanes

Way for the Senate.

Enter Porphycio, Possenne, (three Senators) Gonzalo, Gaspero, Souldiers

My good Lords I know not
What tax of arrogance I may incurr,
Should I presume, though courted by your Favours,
To take a place amongst you; I had rather
Give proof of my unfeign'd humility
By force, though mean, yet more becoming place,
Than run the hazard of a doubtful censure.

Possenne

My Lord, your wisdom is both known and try'd;
We cannot rank you in a nobler Friendship
Than your great service to the State deserves.

Porphycio

Will't please you, Sir?

Gonzalo

What's here, my Lord Porphycio?
It must not be.

Porphycio

My Lord, you are too modest.

Gonzalo

It is no season to be troublesome,
Else--but I have done: your Lordships are observ'd.

Gaspero

Is the demandant ready?

Arcanes

He is ready.

Gaspero

Produce him then.

Arcanes

Before this sacred presence,
I, by a general consent, am made
The Souldiers voice, and to your gracious Wisedoms,
Present as chief in Arms, his Countries Champion,
Cassilanes.

Decius

Most reverend Lords, you hear the lesser number
Of those who have been Guardians to this Country,
Approve this Champion; I, in all their names,
Who fought for Candy, here present before you
The mightiest man in Arms, Antinous.
Speak fellow Souldiers.

Souldiers

Antinous, Antinous.

Gaspero

Stand by all, save the two Competitors.

Possenne

My Lords, how much your Countrey owes you both,
The due reward of your desertful glories
Must to Posterity remain: but yet
Since, by our Law, one only can make claim
To the proposed honours which you both
(It seems) have truly merited, take leave
Freely to plead your rights; we shall attend ye.

Porphycio

Wherein priority of voice is granted,
Lord Cassilanes to you; for that your rare
And long experience in the Course of War,
As well doth challenge it as the best priviledge
Of Order and Civility, for that
You are your brave Opponents worthy Father.
Say, Country-men, are you content?

Souldiers

I, I.

Cassilanes

Right grave, right gracious Fathers; how unfit
It is for me, that all my life time have
Been practis'd in the School of Bloud, and Slaughter
To bandy words now in my lifes last farewel,
Your Wisedomes will consider; were there pitcht
Another, and another field, like that
Which, not yet three days since, this Arm hath scatter'd,
Defeated, and made nothing, then the man
That had a heart to think he could but follow
(For equal me he should not) through the lanes
Of danger and amazement, might in that
That only of but following me, be happy,
Reputed worthy to be made my Rival;
For 'tis not, Lords, unknown to those about me,
(My fellow Souldiers) first, with what a confidence
I led them on to fight, went on still, and
As if I could have been a second Nature,
As well in heartening them by my example,
As by my exhortation, I gave life
To quicken courage, to inflame revenge,
To heighten resolution; in a word,
To out-doe action: It boots not to discover,
How that young man, who was not fledg'd nor skill'd
In Martial play, was even as ignorant
As childish: But I list not to disparage
His non-ability: The signal given
Of Battel, when our enemies came on,
(Directed more by fury, than by warrant
Of Policy and Stratagem) I met them,
I in the fore-front of the Armies met them;
And as if this old weather-beaten body
Had been compos'd of cannon-proof, I stood
The volleys of their shot. I, I my self
Was he that first dis-rankt their woods of Pikes:
But when we came to handy-stroaks, as often
As I lent blows, so often I gave wounds,
And every wound a death. I may be bold
To justifie a truth, this very sword
Of mine slew more than any twain besides:
And, which is not the least of all my glorie,
When he, this young man, hand to hand in fight,
Was by the General of the Venetians,
And such as were his retinue, unhors'd,
I stept between, and rescu'd him my self,
Or horses hoofs had trampled him to dirt;
And whilst he was re-mounting, I maintain'd
The combate with the gallant General,
Till having taken breath, he throng'd before me,
Renew'd the fight, and with a fatal blow,'
Stole both that honour from me, and his life
From him, whom I before my self alone,
Had more than full three quarters kill'd: a man
Well worthy only by this hand to have dy'd,
Not by a Boys weak push: I talk too much,
But 'tis a fault of age: If to bring home
Long peace, long victorie, even to your Capitol;
If to secure your Kingdom, wives, and children,
Your lives and liberties; if to renown
Your honours through the world, to fix your names,
Like Blazing stars admir'd, and fear'd by all
That have but heard of Candy, or a Cretan,
Be to deserve the approvement of my man-hood,
Then thus much have I done: what more, examine
The annals of my life; and then consider
What I have been, and am. Lords I have said.

Gonzalo

With reverence to the Senate, is it lawfull,
Without your Customes breach, to say a word?

Possenne

Say on my Lord Gonzalo.

Gonzalo

I have heard,
And with no little wonder, such high deeds
Of Chivalrie discours'd, that I confess,
I do not think the Worthies while they liv'd
All nine, deserv'd as much applause, or memorie,
As this one: But who can do ought to gain
The crown of honour from him, must be somewhat
More than a man; you tread a dangerous path,
Yet I shall hear you gladly: for believe me,
Thus much let me profess, in honours cause,
I would not to my Father, nor my King,
(My Countries Father) yield: if you transcend
What we have heard, I can but only say,
That Miracles are yet in use. I fear
I have offended.

Porphycio

You have spoken nobly.
Antinous use your priviledge.

Antinous

Princely Fathers,
E're I begin, one suit I have to make,
'Tis just, and honourable.

Porphycio Possenne

Speak, and have it.

Antinous

That you would please the souldiers might all stand
Together by their General.

Possenne

'Tis granted.
All fall to yonder side: Go on, Antinous.

Antinous

I shall be brief and plain: all what my Father
(This Countries Patron) hath discours'd, is true.
Fellows in Arms: speak you, is't true?

Souldiers

True, true.

Antinous

It follows, that the blaze of my performance
Took light from what I saw him do: and thus
A City (though the flame be much more dreadfull)
May from a little spark be set on fire;
Of all what I have done, I shall give instance
Only in three main proofs of my desert.
First I sought out (but through how many dangers
My Lords judge ye) the chief, the great Commander,
The head of that huge body, whose proud weight
Our Land shrunk under, him I found and fought with,
Fought with, and slew. Fellows in Arms, speak you,
Is't true or not?

Souldiers

True, true.

Antinous

When he was faln,
The hearts of all our adversaries
Began to quail, till young Fernando, son
To the last Duke of Venice gather'd head,
And soon renew'd the field, by whose example
The bold Venetians doubling strength and courage
Had got the better of the day; our men
Supposing that their adversaries grew
Like Hydra's head, recoyle, and 'gan to flye:
I follow'd them; and what I said, they know;
The summe on't is; I call'd them back, new rankt them;
Led on, they follow'd, shrunk not t[i]ll the end:
Fellows in Arms is't true, or no?

Souldiers

True, true.

Antinous

Lastly, to finish all, there was but one,
The only great exploit; which was to take
Fernando prisoner, and that hand to hand
In single fight I did: my self without
The help of any arm, save the arm of Heaven.
Speak Souldiers, is it true, or no?

Souldiers

Antinous, Antinous.

Antinous

Behold my prisoner, Fathers.

Fernando

This one man
Ruin'd our Army, and hath glorifi'd
Crete in her robes of mightiness and conquest.

Possenne

We need not use long circumstance of words,
Antinous thou art conquerer: the Senate,
The souldiers, and thy valour have pronounc'd it.

All

Antinous, Antinous.

Porphycio

Make thy demand.

Cassilanes

Please ye (my Lords) give leave
That I may part.

Possenne

No Cassilane, the Court
Should therein be dishonour'd, do not imagin
We prize your presence at so slight a rate.
Demand, Antinous.

Antinous

Thus (my Lords) to witness
How far I am from arrogance, or thinking
I am more valiant, though more favour'd
Than my most matchless father, my demand is,
That for a lasting memorie of his name,
His deeds, his real, nay his royal worth,
You set up in your Capitol in Brass
My Fathers Statue, there to stand for ever
A Monument and Trophy of his victories,
With this Inscription to succeeding ages,
Great Cassilanes, Patron of Candy's Peace,
Perpetual Triumpher.

Porphycio Possenne

It is granted. What more?

Antinous

No more.

Cassilanes

How Boy?

Gonzalo

Thou art immortal,
Both for thy Son-like pietie, and beauties
Of an unconquer'd minde.

Antinous

My Prisoner, Lords,
To your more sacred wisedoms I surrender:
Fit you his ransom; half whereof I give
For largess to the Souldiers: the other half
To the erection of this monument.

Cassilanes

Ambitious villain.

Gonzalo

Thou art all un-imitable.
My Lords, to work a certain peace for Candy
With Venice, use Fernando like a Prince;
His ransom I'le disburse what e're it be:
Yet you may stay him with you, till conditions
Of amitie shall be concluded on:
Are ye content?

Porphycio

We are, and ever rest
Both friends and debters to your nobleness.

Gonzalo

Souldiers attend me in the Market-place,
Fie thither send your largess.

Souldiers

Antinous, Antinous.

[Exeunt.

Cassilanes

I have a sute too, Lords.

Porphycio Possenne

Propose it, 'tis yours, if fit and just.

Cassilanes

Let not my services,
My being forty years a drudge, a pack-horse
To you, and to the State, be branded now
With Ignominy ne're to be forgotten:
Rear me no Monument, unless you mean
To have me fam'd a Coward, and be stamp'd so.

Possenne

We understand you not.

Cassilanes

Proud boy, thou dost,
And Tyrant-like insult'st upon my shame.

Antinous

Sir, Heaven can tell, and my integrity,
What I did, was but only to inforce
The Senates gratitude. I now acknowledge it.

Cassilanes

Observe it Fathers, how this haughty boy
Grows cunning in his envy of mine honours:
He knows no mention can of me be made,
But that it ever likewise must be told,
How I by him was master'd; and for surety
That all succeeding times may so report it,
He would have my dishonour, and his Triumphs
Ingrav'd in Brass: hence, hence proceeds the falshood
Of his insinuating piety.
Thou art no child of mine: thee and thy bloud,
Here in the Capitol, before the Senate,
I utterly renounce: So thrift and fate
Confirm me; henceforth never see my face,
Be, as thou art, a villain to thy Father.
Lords I must crave your leaves: come, come Arcanes.

[Ex.

Gonzalo

Here's a strange high-born spirit.

Possenne

'Tis but heat
Of suddain present rage; I dare assure Antinous of his favour.

Antinous

I not doubt it,
He is both a good man, and a good Father.
I shall attend your Lordships.

Possenne

Do Antinous.

Gonzalo

Yes: feast thy Triumphs
With applause and pleasures.

Porphycio Possenne

Lead on.

[Exeunt. Flor. Cornets.

Antinous

I utterly renounce--'Twas so?
Was't not, my Decius?

Decius

Pish, you know, my Lord,
Old men are cholerick.

Antinous

And lastly parted
With, never henceforth see my face: O me,
How have I lost a Father? Such a Father!
Such a one Decius! I am miserable,
Beyond expression.

Decius

Fie, how unbecoming
This shews upon your day of fame!

Antinous

O mischief!
I must no more come near him; that I know,
And am assur'd on't.

Decius

Say you do not?

Antinous

True:
Put case I do not: what is Candy then
To lost Antinous? Malta, I resolve
To end my dayes in thee.

Decius

How's that?

Antinous

I'le trie
All humble means of being reconcil'd,
Which if deny'd, then I may justly say,
This day has prov'd my worst: Decius, my worst.

[Exeunt.

Gonzalo

Candy, I say, is lost already.

Fernando

Yes,
If to be conqueror be to be lost.

Gonzalo

You have it; one days conquest hath undone them.
And sold them to their vassalage; for what
Have I else toyl'd my brains, profusely emptied
My moneys, but to make them slaves to Venice,
That so in case the sword did lose his edge,
Then art might sharpen hers?

Fernando

Gonzalo how?

Gonzalo

Fernando thus: you see how through this Land,
Both of the best and basest I am honour'd;
I only gave the State of Venice notice,
When, where, and how to land, or you had found
A better entertainment: I was he
Encourag'd young Antinous to affront
The Devil his Father: for the Devil I think
Dares not do more in battel.

Fernando

But why did ye?
I find no such great policie in that.

Gonzalo

Indeed Fernando, thou canst fight, not plot:
Had they continu'd one, they two alone
Were of sufficient courage and performance
To beat an Armie.

Fernando

Now by all my hopes,
I rather shall admire, than envy vertue.

Gonzalo

Why then by all your hopes you'l rather have
Your Brains knockt out, than learn how to be wise;
You States-man? Well Sir, I did more than this,
When Cassilane crav'd from the common treasure
Pay for his Souldiers, I strook home, and lent him
An hundred thousand Duckets.

Fernando

Marry Sir,
The policy was little, the love l[e]ss,
And honesty least of all.

Gonzalo

How say ye by that?
Go fight, I say goe fight, I'le talk no more with you,
You are insensible.

Fernando

Well, I shall observe ye.

Gonzalo

Why look you Sir, by this means have I got
The greatest part of Cassilanes estate
Into my hands, which he can ne're redeem,
But must of force sink: do you conceive me now?

Fernando

So:
But why have you importuned the Senate,
For me to sojourn with them?

Gonzalo

There's the quintessence,
The soul, and grand elixir of my wit:
For he (according to his noble nature)
Will not be known to want, though he do want,
And will be bankrupted so much the sooner,
And made the subject of our scorn and laughter.

Fernando

Here's a perfect plotted stratagem.

Gonzalo

Why? could you
Imagine, that I did not hate in heart
My Countryes enemies? yes, yes, Fernando,
And I will be the man that shall undoe them.

Fernando

Ye are in a ready way.

Gonzalo

I was never out on't.

Gonzalo

Peace,
Here comes a wise Coxcombe, a tame Coward.
Now worthy Gaspero, what,
You come (I know) to be my Lord Fernando's
Conducter to old Cassilane?

Gaspero

To wait upon him.

Gonzalo

And my Lords the Senators sent you?

Gaspero

My noble Lord they did.

Gonzalo

My Lord Fernando,
This Gentleman, (as humble as you see him)
Is even this Kingdoms treasure; In a word,
'Tis his chief glory that he is not wiser
Than honest, nor more honest than approv'd
In truth and faith.

Gaspero

My Lord.

Gonzalo

You may be bold
To trust him with your bosom, he'l not deceive
If you relie upon him once.

[Fernando]

Your name is Gaspero?

Gaspero

Your servant.

Gonzalo

Go commend me
(Right honest Gaspero) commend me heartily
To noble Cassilane, tell him my love
Is vow'd to him.

Gaspero

I shall.

Gonzalo

I know you will.
My Lord I cannot long be absent from you.

Fernando

Sir, you are now my guide.

[Exit.

Gonzalo

Thus my designs
Run uncontroul'd; yet Venice though I be
Intelligencer to thee, in my brain
Are other large Projects: for if proud Erota
Bend to my lure, I will be Candy's King,
And Duke of Venice too. Ha? Venice too?
O 'twas prettily shov'd in: why not? Erota
May in her love seal all sure: if she swallow
The bait, I am Lord of both; if not, yet Candy
Despight of all her power shall be ruin'd.

Cassilanes

Urge me no farther Annopbel.

Annophel

My Lord.

Cassilanes

Thy fathers poverty has made thee happy;
For though 'tis true, this solitary life
Sutes not with youth and beautie, O my child,
Yet 'tis the sweetest Guardian to protect
Chast names from Court aspersions; there a Lady
Tender and delicate in years and graces,
That doats upon the charms of ease and pleasure,
Is ship-wrackt on the shore; for 'tis much safer
To trust the Ocean in a leaking ship,
Than follow greatness in the wanton rites
Of luxurie and sloth.

Annophel

My wishes Sir,
Have never soar'd a higher flight, than truly
To find occasion wherein I might witness
My duty and obedience.

Cassilanes

'Tis well said,
Canst thou forbear to laugh Arcanes?

Arcanes

Why Sir?

Cassilanes

To look upon my beggerie, to look upon
My patience in my beggerie: Tell me,
Does it shew handsom? bravely?
Handsom? thou wilt flatter me,
And swear that I am miserable.

Arcanes

Nothing
More glorifies the noble, and the valiant,
Than to despise contempt: if you continue
But to enjoy your self, you in your self
Enjoy all store besides.

Cassilanes

An excellent change:
I that some seven Apprentice-ships commanded
A hundred Ministers, that waited on
My nod, and sometimes twenty thousand souldiers,
Am now retir'd, attended in my age
By one poor maid, follow'd by one old man.

Arcanes

Sir, you are lower in your own repute
Than you have reason for.

Cassilanes

The Roman Captains,
I mean the best, such as with their blouds
Purchas'd their Countreys peace, the Empires glorie,
Were glad at last to get them to some Farmes,
Off-from the clamours of the ingratefull great ones,
And the unsteady multitude, to live
As I do now, and 'twas their blessing too,
Let it be ours Arcanes.

Arcanes

I cannot but
Applaud your scorn of injuries.

Cassilanes

Of injuries?
Arcanes, Annophel, lend both your hands.
So, what say ye now?

Arcanes

Why now my Lord--

Cassilanes

I swear
By all my past prosperities; thus standing
Between you two, I think my self as great,
As mighty, as if in the Capitol
I stood amidst the Senators, with all
The Cretan subjects prostrate at my feet.

Annophel

Sir, you are here more safe.

Cassilanes

And more beloved:
Why look ye Sirs, I can forget the weakness
Of the traduced Souldiers, the negleft
Of the fair-spoken Senate, the impietie
Of him, the villain, whom (to my dishonour)
The World miscalls my son.
But by the--

Arcanes

Sir, remember that you promis'd no occasion
Should move your patience.

Cassilanes

Thou do'st chide me friendly,
He shall not have the honour to be thought upon
Amongst us.

Enter a Servant.

Now? the news?

Servant

The Secretarie,
With the Venetian prisoner, desire
Admittance to your Lordship.

Cassilanes

How? to me?
What mysterie is this? Arcanes can they,
Thinkst thou, mean any good?

Arcanes

My Lord, they dare not
Intend ought else but good.

Cassilanes

'Tis true, they dare not;
Arcanes welcom them: Come hither Annophel,
Stand close to me, we'l change our affability
Into a form of State: and they shall know
Our heart is still our own.

Arcanes

My Lord--

Cassilanes

Arcanes,
I know them both: Fernando, as you are
A man of greatness, I should under-value
The right my sword hath fought for, to observe
Low-fawning complements, but as you are
A Captive and a stranger, I can love you,
And must be kind. You are welcom.

Fernando

'Tis the all
Of my ambition.

Gaspero

And for proof how much
He truly honours your heroick vertues,
The Senate on his importunity,
Commend him to your Lordships guard.

Cassilanes

For what?

Gaspero

During the time of his abode in Candy,
To be your houshold guest.

Fernando

Wherein my Lord,
You shall more make me debtor to your nobleness,
Than if you had return'd me without ransom.

Cassilanes

Are you in earnest Sir?

Fernando

My sute to the Senate
Shall best resolve you that.

Cassilanes

Come hither Secretarie,
Look that this be no trick now put upon me:
For if it be--Sirrah--

Gaspero

As I have troth
(My Lord) it only is a favour granted
Upon Fernando's motion, from himself:
Your Lordship must conceive, I'de not partake
Ought, but what should concern your honour; Who
Has been the prop, our Countries shield, and safety,
But the renowned Cassilane?

Cassilanes

Applause?
Is Gaspero--puff--nothing--why, young Lord,
Would you so much be sequester'd from those
That are the blazing Comets of the time,
To live a solitary life with me?
A man forsaken? all my hospitality
Is now contracted to a few; these two,
The tempest-wearied Souldier, and this Virgin;
We cannot feast your eyes with Masques and Revels,
Or Courtly Anticks; the sad Sports we riot in,
Are tales of foughten fields, of Martial scars,
And things done long ago, when men of courage
Were held the best, not those well-spoken Youths,
Who only carry Conquest in their tongues:
Now stories of this nature are unseasonable
To entertain a great Duke's Son with.

Fernando

Herein
Shall my Captivity be made my happiness,
Since what I lose in freedom, I regain
(With int'rest) by conversing with a Souldier,
So matchless for experience, as great Cassilane:
'Pray Sir, admit me.

Cassilanes

If you, come to mock me,
I shall be angry.

Fernando

By the love I bear
To goodness, my intents are honourable.

Cassilanes

Then in a word, my Lord, your visitations
Shall find all due respect: but I am now
Grown old, and have forgot to be an Host;
Come when you please, you are welcome.

Fernando

Sir, I thank you.

Annophel

Good Sir, be not too urgent; for my Father
Will soon be mov'd: yet, in a noble way
Of courtesie, he is as easily conquer'd.

Fernando

Lady, your words are like your beauty, powerful;
I shall not strive more how to do him service
Than how to be your servant.

Cassilanes

She's my Daughter,
And does command this House.

Fernando

So I conceive her.

Cassilanes

Do you hear?

Gaspero

My honour'd Lord.

Cassilanes

Commend me to them:
Tell 'em I thank them.

Gaspero

Whom, my Lord?

Cassilanes

The Senate;
Why, how come you so dull? O they are gracious,
And infinitely grateful--Thou art eloquent,
Speak modestly in mentioning my services;
And if ought fall out in the By, that must
Of meer necessity touch any act
Of my deserving praises, blush when you talk on't,
Twill make them blush to hear on't.

Gaspero

Why, my Lord--

Cassilanes

Nay, nay, you are too wise now; good, observe me.
I do not rail against the hopeful Springall,
That builds up Monuments in Brass; rears Trophies
With Mottoes and Inscriptions, quaint devices
Of Poetry and Fiction; let's be quiet.

Arcanes

You must not cross him.

Gaspero

Not for Candy's Wealth.

Fernando

You shall for ever make me yours.

Annophel

'Twere pity to double your Captivity.

Arcanes

Who's here, Decius?

Cassilanes

Ha! Decius? who nam'd Decius?

Decius

My duty to your Lordship, I am bold,
Presuming on your noble, and known goodness
To--

Cassilanes

What?

Decius

Present you with this--

Cassilanes

Letter?

Decius

Yes, my honour'd Lord.

Cassilanes

From whom?

Decius

'Please you peruse
The inside, and you shall find a name subscrib'd,
In such humility, in such obedience,
That you your self will judge it tyranny
Not to receive it favourably.

Cassilanes

Hey-day!
Good words my Masters: this is Court-infection,
And none but Cowards ply them: tell me, Decius,
Without more circumstance, who is the Sender?

Decius

Your most griev'd Son, Antinous.

Cassilanes

On my life
A Challenge; speak, as thou art worthy, speak;
I'll answer't.

Decius

Honour'd Sir.

Cassilanes

No honour'd Sirs--
Fool your young Idol with such pompous Attributes.
Say briefly, what contains it?

Decius

'Tis a lowly
Petition for your favour.

Cassilanes

Rash young man,
But that thou art under my own roof, and know'st
I dare not any way infringe the Laws
Of Hospitality, thou should'st repent
Thy bold and rude intrusion. But presume not
Again to shew thy Letter, for thy life;
Decius, not for thy life.

Arcanes

Nay then, (my Lord)
I can with-hold no longer; you are too rough,
And wrestle against nature with a violence
More than becomes a Father; wherein would ye
Come nearer to the likeness of God,
Than in your being entreated? Let not thirst
Of Honour, make you quite forget you are
A Man, and what makes perfect manhoods, comforts
A Father.

Annophel

If a memory remain
Of my departed Mother; if the purity
Of her unblemish'd faith deserve to live
In your remembrance, let me yet by these
Awake your love to my uncomforted Brother.

Fernando

I am a Stranger, but so much I tender
Your Sons desertful Vertues, that I vow
His Sword ne'r conquer'd me so absolutely,
As shall your courtesie, if you vouchsafe
At all our instances, to new receive him
Into your wonted favour.

Gaspero

Sir, you cannot
Require more low submission.

Annophel

Am I not
Grown vile yet in your eyes? then by the name
Of Father, let me once more sue for him,
Who is the only now remaining Branch
With me, of that most ancient root, whose Body
You are, dear Sir.

Cassilanes

'Tis well, an host of furies
Could not have baited me more torturingly,
More rudely, or more most unnaturally.
Decius, I say, let me no more hear from him;
For this time go thou hence, and know from me
Thou art beholding to me that I have not
Kill'd thee already, look to't next, look to't.
Arcanes fie, fie Annophel.

[Exit.

Arcanes

He's gone;
Chaf'd beyond sufferance; we must follow him.

Decius

Lady, this Letter is to you.

Annophel

Come with me,
For we must speak in private; 'please you, Sir,
To see what entertainment our sad house
Can yield?

[Exit.

Fernando

I shall attend you, Lady.

Gaspero

How do you like
To sojourn here, my Lord?

Fernando

More than to feast
With all the Princes of the Earth besides:
Gonzalo told me that thou wert honest.

Gaspero

Yes Sir,
And you shall find it.

Fernando

Shall I?

Gaspero

All my follies
Be else recorded to my shame.

Fernando

Enough,
My heart is here for ever lodg'd.

Gaspero

The Lady.

Fernando

The place admits no time to utter all,
But Gaspero if thou wilt prove my friend,
I'll say thou art--

Gaspero

Your Servant; I conceive ye,
We'll chuse some fitter leisure.

Fernando

Never man
Was (in a moment) or more bless'd or wretched.

[Exeunt.

Erota

Leave us.

Hyparcha

I shall.

[Exit.

Erota

Antinous, sit down.

Antinous

Madam.

Erota

I say sit down, I do command you sit;
For look what honour thou dost gain by me,
I cannot lose it: happy Antinous,
The graces and the higher Deities
Smil'd at thy Birth, and still continue it:
Then think that I (who scorn lesser examples)
Must do the like: such as do taste my power,
And talk of it with fear and reverence,
Shall do the same unto the man I favour.
I tell thee Youth, thou hast a conquest won,
Since thou cam'st home, greater than that last,
Which dignified thy Fame, greater than if
Thou should'st go out again, and conquer farther;
For I am not ashamed to acknowledge
My self subdued by thee.

Antinous

Great Lady--

Erota

Sit still, I will not hear thee else; now speak,
And speak like my Antinous, like my Souldier,
Whom Cupid, and not Mars hath sent to Battel.

Antinous

I must (I see) be silent.

Erota

So thou maist;
There's greater action in it than in clamour,
A look (if it be gracious) will begin the War,
A word conclude it; then prove no Coward,
Since thou hast such a friendly enemy,
That teaches thee to conquer.

Antinous

You do amaze me, Madam,
I have no skill, no practice in this War,
And whether you be serious, or please
To make your sport on a dejected man,
I cannot rightly guess; but be it as it will,
It is a like unhappiness to me:
My discontents bear those conditions in them,
And lay me out so wretched, no designs
(However truly promising a good)
Can make me relish ought but a sweet-bitter
Voluntary Exile.

Erota

Why an Exile?
What comfort can there be in those Companions
Which sad thoughts bring along with?

Hyparcha

Madam.

[Musick.

Erota

Whence comes this well tun'd sound?

Hyparcha

I know not, Madam.

Erota

Listen Wench;
What ever friendly hands they are that send it,

[Song.

Let 'em play on; they are Masters of their faculty:
Doth it please you, Sir?

Antinous

According to the time.

Erota

Go to 'em, Wench,
And tell 'em, we shall thank 'em; for they have kept
As good time to our disposition, as to their instruments;
Unless Antinous shall say he loves,
There never can be sweeter accents utter'd.

Philander

Let then the heart that did employ those hands,
Receive some small share of your thanks with them,
'Tis happiness enough that you did like it;
A fortune unto me, that I should send it
In such a lucky minute; but to obtain
So gracious welcome did exceed my hopes.

Erota

Good Prince, I thank you for't.

Philander

O Madam, pour not (too fast) joys on me,
But sprinkle 'em so gently I may stand 'em;
It is enough at first, you have laid aside
Those cruel angry looks out of your eyes,
With which (as with your lovely) you did strike
All your Beholders in an Ecstasie.

Erota

Philander, you have long profest to love me.

Philander

Have I but profest it, Madam?

Erota

Nay, but hear me?

Philander

More attentively than to an Oracle.

Erota

And I will speak more truly, if more can be;
Nor shall my language be wrapt up in Riddles,
But plain as truth it self; I love this Gentleman,
Whose grief has made him so uncapable
Of Love, he will not hear, at least not understand it.
I, that have lookt with scornful eyes on thee,
And other Princes, mighty in their states,
And in their friends as fortunate, have now pray'd,
In a petitionary kind almost,
This man, this well-deserving man, (that I must say)
To look upon this beauty, yet you see
He casts his eyes rather upon the ground,
Than he will turn 'em this way; Philander,
You look pale; I'll talk no more.

Philander

Pray go forward; I would be your Martyr,
To dye thus, were immortally to live.

Erota

Will you go to him then, and speak for me?
You have loved longer, but not ferventer,
Know how to speak, for you have done it like
An Orator, even for your self; then how will you for me
Whom you profess to love above your self.

Philander

The Curses of Dissemblers follow me
Unto my Grave, and if I do not so.

Erota

You may (as all men do) speak boldlier, better
In their friends cause still, than in your own;
But speak your utmost, yet you cannot feign,
I will stand by, and blush to witness it.
Tell him, since I beheld him, I have lost
The happiness of this life, food, and rest;
A quiet bosome, and the state I went with.
Tell him how he has humbled the proud,
And made the living but a dead Erota.
Tell him withal, that she is better pleas'd
With thinking on him, than enjoying these.
Tell him--Philander, Prince; I talk in vain
To you, you do not mark me.

Philander

Indeed I do.

Erota

But thou dost look so pale,
As thou wilt spoil the story in relating.

Philander

Not, if I can but live to tell it.

Erota

It may be you have not the heart.

Philander

I have a will I am sure how e'r my heart
May play the Coward, but if you please, I'll try.

Erota

If a kiss will strengthen thee, I give you leave
To challenge it, nay, I will give it you.

Philander

O that a man should taste such heavenly bliss,
And be enjoyn'd to beg it for another!

Erota

Alas, it is a misery I grieve
To put you to, and I will suffer rather
In his tyranny, than thou in mine.

Philander

Nay Madam, since I cannot have your love,
I will endeavour to deserve your pity;
For I had rather have within the grave
Your love, than you should want it upon earth.
But how can I hope, with a feeble tongue
To instruct him in the rudiments of love,
When your most powerful Beauty cannot work it?

Erota

Do what thou wilt (Philander) the request
Is so unreasonable, that I quit thee of it.
I desire now no more but the true patience,
And fortitude of Lovers, with those helps
Of sighs and tears, which I think is all the Physick--

Philander

O if he did but hear you 'twere enough;
And I will 'wake him from his Apoplexie.
Antinous.

Antinous

My Lord?

Philander

Nay, 'pray,
No courtesie to me, you are my Lord,
(Indeed you are) for you command her heart
That commands mine; nor can you want to know it.
For look you, she that told it you in words,
Explains it now more passionately in tears;
Either thou hast no heart, or a marble one,
If those drops cannot melt it; prithee look up
And see how sorrow sits within her eyes,
And love the grief she goes with (if not her)
Of which thou art the Parent; and never yet
Was there (by Nature) that thing made so stony
But it would love what ever it begot.

Antinous

He that begot me did beget these cares
Which are good issues, though happily by him
Esteemed Monsters: Nay, the ill-judging World
Is likely enough to give them those Characters.

Philander

What's this to love, and to the Lady? he's old,
Wrathful, perverse, self-will'd, and full of anger,
Which are his faults; but let them not be thine;
He thrusts you from his love, she pulls thee on;
He doubts your Vertues, she doth double them;
O either use thine own eyes, or take mine,
And with them my heart, then thou wilt love her,
Nay, dote upon her more than on thy duty,
And men will praise thee equally for it,
Neglecting her, condemn thee as a man
Unworthy such a fortune: O Antinous,
'Tis not the friendship that I bear to thee,
But her command, that makes me utter this;
And when I have prevail'd, let her but say,
Philander, you must dye or this is nothing,
It shall be done together with a breath,
With the same willingness I live to serve her.

Erota

No more, Philander.

Philander

All I have done, is little yet to purpose,
But ere I leave him I will perceive him blush;
And make him feel the passions that I do,
And every true Lover will assist me in't,
And lend me their sad sighs to blow it home,
For Cupid wants a Dart to wound this bosome.

Erota

No more, no more, Philander, I can endure no more,
Pray let him go; go good Antinous, make peace
With your own mind, no matter though I perish.

[Ex.

Hyparcha

I Cannot help it.

Mochingo

Nor do I require it,
The malady needs no Physician,
Help hospital people.

Hyparcha

I am glad to hear
You are so valiant.

Mochingo

Valiant?
Can any man be proud that is not valiant?
Foolish Woman, what would'st thou say? thou--
know not what to call thee.

Hyparcha

I can you,
For I can call you Coxcomb, Ass, and Puppy.

Mochingo

You do doe it, I thank you.

Hyparcha

That you'll lose a Fortune,
Which a Cobler better deserves than thou dost.

Mochingo

Do not provoke my magnanimity,
For when I am incens'd I am insensible,
Go tell thy Lady, that hath sent me word
She will discard me, that I discard her,
And throw a scorn upon her, which I would not,
But that she does me wrong.

Erota

Do you not glory in your Conquest more,
To take some great man Prisoner, than to kill him?
And shall a Lady find less mercy from you,
That yields her self your Captive, and for her Ransome,
Will give the Jewel of her life, her heart,
Which she hath lockt from all men but thy self?
For shame (Antinous) throw this dulness off;
Art thou a man no where but in the field?

Hyparcha

He must hear Drums, and Trumpets ere he sleeps,
And at this instant dreams he's in his Armour;
These iron-hearted Souldiers are so cold,
Till they be beaten to a Womans Arms,
And then they love 'em better than their own;
No Fort can hold them out.

Antinous

What pity it is (Madam) that your self,
Who are all Excellence, should become so wretched,
To think on such a Wretch as Grief hath made me!
Seldome despairing men look up to Heaven,
Although it still speak to 'em in its Glories;
For when sad thoughts perplex the mind of man,
There is a Plummet in the heart that weighs,
And pulls us (living) to the dust we came from;
Did you but see the miseries you pursue,
(As I the happiness that I avoid
That doubles my afflictions) you would flye
Unto some Wilderness, or to your Grave,
And there find better Comforts than in me,
For Love and Cares can never dwell together.

Erota

They should,
If thou hadst but my Love and I thy Cares.

Antinous

What wild Beast in the Desart but would be
Taught by this Tongue to leave his Cruelty,
Though all the beauties of the face were vail'd!
But I am savager than any Beast,
And shall be so till Decius does arrive,
Whom with so much submission I have sent
Under my hand, that if he do not bring
His Benediction back, he must to me
Be much more cruel than I to you.

Erota

Is't but your Fathers pardon you desire?

Antinous

With his love, and then nothing next that, like yours.

Erota

Decius is come.

Antinous

O welcome Friend; if I apprehend not
Too much of joy, there's comfort in thy looks.

Erota

There is indeed; I prithee Decius speak it.

Decius

How! prithee Decius! this Woman's strangely alter'd.

Antinous

Why dost not speak (good friend) and tell me how
The reverend Blessing of my life receiv'd
My humble lines; wept he for joy?

Decius

No, there's a Letter will inform you more;
Yet I can tell you what I think will grieve you,
The Old Man is in want and angry still,
And poverty is the Bellows to the Coal
More than distaste from you as I imagine.

Antinous

What's here? how's this? It cannot be! now sure
My griefs delude my senses.

Erota

In his looks
I read a world of Changes; Decius, mark
With what a sad amazement he surveys
The News; canst thou guess what 'tis?

Decius

None good, I fear.

Erota

I fear so too; and then--

Antinous

It is her hand.

Erota

Are you not well?

Antinous

Too well: if I were ought
But Rock, this Letter would conclude my miseries,
Peruse it (Lady) and resolve me then,
In what a case I stand.

Decius

Sir, the worst is,
Your Fathers lowness and distaste.

Antinous

No, Decius,
My Sister writes Fernando has made suit
For love to her; and to express sincerely
His constant truth, hath like a noble Gentleman,
Discovered plots of treachery; contriv'd
By false Gonzalo, not intending more
The utter ruine of our house, than generally
Candies Confusion.

Decius

'Tis a generous part
Of young Fernando.

Antinous

'Tis, and I could wish
All thrift to his affections, Decius.
You find the sum on't, Madam.

Erota

Yes, I do.

Antinous

And can you now yet think a heart opprest
With such a throng of cares, can entertain
An amorous thought? Love frees all toils but one,
Calamity and it can ill agree.

Erota

Wil't please you speak my doom?

Antinous

Alas, great Lady,
Why will you flatter thus a desperate Man
That is quite cast away? O had you not
Procur'd the Senates Warrant to enforce
My stay, I had not heard of these sad News.
What would ye have me do?

Erota

Love me, or kill me,
One word shall sentence either; for as Truth
Is just, if you refuse me, I am resolute
Not to out-live my thraldome.

Antinous

Gentle Lady.

Erota

Say, must I live, or dye?

Decius

My Lord, how can you
Be so inexorable? here's Occasion
Of succouring your Father in his wants
Securely profer'd, pray Sir, entertain it.

Erota

What is my sentence?

Antinous

What you please to have it.

Erota

As thou art gentle speak those words again.

Antinous

Madam, you have prevail'd; yet give me leave
Without offence, ere I resign the interest
Your heart hath in my heart, to prove your secresie.

Erota

Antinous, 'tis the greatest argument
Of thy affections to me.

Antinous

Madam, thus then,
My Father stands for certain sums engag'd
To treacherous Gonzalo; and has morgag'd
The greatest part of his estate to him;
If you receive this Morgage, and procure
Acquittance from Gonzalo to my Father,
I am what you would have me be.

Erota

You'll love me then?

Antinous

Provided (Madam) that my Father know not
I am an Agent for him.

Erota

If I fail
In this, I am unworthy to be lov'd.

Antinous

Then (with your favour) thus I seal my truth,
To day, and Decius witness how unchangingly
I shall still love Erota.

Erota

Thou hast quickned
A dying heart, Antinous.

Decius

This is well;
Much happiness to both.

Hyparcha

The Lord Gonzalo
Attends you, Madam.

Erota

Comes as we could wish,
Withdraw Antinous, here's a Closet, where
You may partake his errand; let him enter.

Antinous

Madam you must be wary.

[Exit

Erota

Fear it not,
I will be ready for him; to entertain him
With smiling Welcome. Noble Sir, you take
Advantage of the time; it had been fit
Some notice of your presence might have fashion'd
A more prepared state.

Gonzalo

Do you mock me, Madam?

Erota

Trust me, you wrong your judgment, to repute
My Gratitude a fault; I have examin'd
Your portly carriage, and will now confess
It hath not slightly won me.

Gonzalo

The Wind's turn'd;
I thought 'twould come to this; it pleas'd us, Madam,
At our last interview, to mention Love;
Have you consider'd on't?

Erota

With more than common
Content: but Sir, if what you spoke you meant,
(As I have cause to doubt) then--

Gonzalo

What, (sweet Lady?)

Erota

Methinks we should lay by this form of stateliness;
Loves Courtship is familiar, and for instance,
See what a change it hath begot in me,
I could talk humbly now, as Lovers use.

Gonzalo

And I, and I, we meet in one self-centre
Of blest Consent.

Erota

I hope my weakness, Sir,
Shall not deserve neglect; but if it prove so
I am not the first Lady has been ruin'd
By being too credulous; you will smart for't one day.

Gonzalo

Angel-like Lady, let me be held a Villain,
If I love not sincerely.

Erota

Would I knew it.

Gonzalo

Make proof by any fit Command.

Erota

What, do you mean to marry me?

Gonzalo

How! mean? nay more, I mean
To make you Empress of my Earthly Fortunes,
Regent of my desires, for did you covet
To be a real Queen, I could advance you.

Erota

Now I perceive you slight me, and would make me
More simple than my Sexes frailty warrants.

Gonzalo

But say your mind, and you shall be a Queen.

Erota

On those Conditions, call me yours.

Gonzalo

Enough.
But are we safe?

Erota

Assuredly.

Gonzalo

In short,
Yet, Lady, first be plain; would you not chuse
Much rather to prefer your own Sun-rising,
Than any's else though ne'r so near entituled
By Blood, or right of Birth?

Erota

'Tis a question
Needs not a resolution.

Gonzalo

Good; what if
I set the Crown of Candy on your head?

Erota

I were a Queen indeed then.

Gonzalo

Madam, know
There's but a Boy 'twixt you and it; suppose him
Transhap'd into an Angel.

Erota

Wise Gonzalo,
I cannot but admire thee.

Gonzalo

'Tis worth thinking on;
Besides, your Husband shall be Duke of Venice.

Erota

Gonzalo, Duke of Venice?

Gonzalo

You are mine you say?

Erota

Pish: you but dally with me; and would lull me
In a rich golden dream.

Gonzalo

You are too much distrustfull of my truth.

Erota

Then you must give me leave to apprehend
The means, and manner how.

Gonzalo

Why thus--

Erota

You shall not,
We may be over-heard; Affairs and counsels
Of such high nature, are not to be trusted
Not to the Air it self, you shall in writing,
Draw out the full design; which if effected,
I am as I profess.

Gonzalo

O I applaud
Your ready care, and secresie.

Erota

Gonzalo,
There is a bar yet, 'twixt our hopes and us,
And that must be remov'd.

Gonzalo

What is't?

Erota

Old Cassilane.

Gonzalo

Ha? fear not him: I build upon his ruines
Already.

Erota

I would find a smoother course
To shift him off.

Gonzalo

As how?

Erota

We'l talk in private,
I have a ready plot.

Gonzalo

I shall adore you.

[Exeunt.

Fernando

Madam, although I hate unnoble practices,
And therefore have perform'd no more than what
I ought, for honours safety: yet Annophel,
Thy love hath been the spur, to urge me forward
For speedier diligence.

Annophel

Sir your own fame
And memory will best reward themselves.

Fernando

All gain is loss (sweet beauty) if I miss
My comforts here: The Brother and the Sister
Have double conquer'd me, but thou maist triumph.

Annophel

Good Sir, I have a Father.

Fernando

Yes, a brave one;
Could'st thou obscure thy beauty, yet the happiness
Of being but his Daughter, were a dower
Fit for a Prince: what say ye?

Annophel

You have deserv'd
As much as I should grant.

Fernando

By this fair hand
I take possession.

Annophel

What in words I dare not,
Imagine in my silence.

Fernando

Thou art all vertue.

Cassilanes

I'le tell thee how: Baldwin the Emperour,
Pretending title, more through tyranny,
Than right of conquest, or descent, usurp'd
The stile of Lord o're all the Grecian Islands,
And under colour of an amity
With Creet, prefer'd the Marquess Mountferato
To be our Governor; the Cretians vex'd
By the ambitious Turks, in hope of aid
From the Emperour, receiv'd for General,
This Mountferato; he (the wars appeased)
Plots with the state of Venice and takes money
Of them for Candy: they paid well, he steals
Away in secret; since which time, that right
The state of Venice claims o're Candy, is
By purchase, not inheritance or Conquest:
And hence grows all our quarrel.

Arcanes

So an Usurer
Or Lumbard-Jew, might with some bags of trash,
Buy half the Western world.

Cassilanes

Mony, Arcanes,
Is now a God on Earth: it cracks virginities,
And turns a Christian, Turk;
Bribes justice, cut-throats honour, does what not?

Arcanes

Not captives Candy.

Cassilanes

Nor makes thee dishonest,
Nor me a Coward---Now Sir, here is homely,
But friendly entertainment.

Fernando

Sir, I find it.

Arcanes

And like it, do ye not?

Fernando

My repair speaks for me.

Cassilanes

Fernando we are speaking off--how this?

Gonzalo

Your friend, and servant.

Cassilanes

Creditors, my Lord,
Are Masters and no Servants: as the world goes,
Debters are very slaves to those to whom
They have been beholding to; in which respect,
I should fear you Gonzalo.

Gonzalo

Me, my Lord?
You owe me nothing.

Cassilanes

What, nor love, nor mony?

Gonzalo

Yes, love, I hope, not mony.

Cassilanes

All this braverie
Will scarcely make that good.

Gonzalo

'Tis done already:
See Sir, your Mortgage which I only took,
In case you and your son had in the wars
Miscarried: I yield it up again: 'tis yours.

Cassilanes

Are ye so conscionable?

Gonzalo

'Tis your own.

Cassilanes

Pish, pish, I'le not receive what is not mine,
That were a dangerous business.

Gonzalo

Sir, I am paid for't,
The summes you borrowed, are return'd; The bonds
Cancel'd, and your acquittance formerly seal'd:
Look here Sir, Gaspero is witness to it.

Gaspero

My honoured Lord, I am.

Gonzalo

My Lord Fernando,
Arcanes and the rest, you all shall testifie,
That I acquit Lord Cassilane for ever,
Of any debts to me.

Gaspero

'Tis plain and ample:
Fortune will once again smile on us fairly.

Cassilanes

But hark ye, hark ye, if you be in earnest,
Whence comes this bounty? or whose is't?

Gonzalo

In short,
The great Erota by this Secretary,
Return'd me my full due.

Cassilanes

Erota? why
Should she do this?

Gonzalo

You must ask her the cause,
She knows it best.

Cassilanes

So ho, Arcanes, none
But women pity us? soft-hearted women?
I am become a brave fellow now, Arcanes,
Am I not?

Arcanes

Why Sir, if the gracious Princess
Have took more special notice of your services,
And means to be more thankfull than some others,
It were an injury to gratitude,
To disesteem her favours.

Annophel

Sir she ever
For your sake most respectively lov'd me.

Cassilanes

The Senate, and the body of this Kingdom
Are herein (let me speak it without arrogance)
Beholding to her: I will thank her for it;
And if she have reserv'd a means whereby
I may repay this bounty with some service,
She shall be then my Patroness: come Sirs,
We'I taste a cup of wine together now.

Gonzalo

Fernando, I must speak with you in secret.

Fernando

You shall--Now Gaspero, all's well.

Gaspero

There's news
You must be acquainted with.
Come, there is no master-piece in Art, like Policie.

[Exeunt.