ACT II.

The fam'd night-labour of strong Hercules, SCENE I.

Yet is the master of a continence

That so can temper it, that I forbear Enter THIERRY, BRUNHALT, BAWDBER,

Their daughters, and their wives; whose hands, and Lecure.

tho' strong, Thi. You are here in a sanctuary; and that As yet have never drawn by unjust mean viper

Their proper wealth into my treasury!(Who, since he hath forgot to be a son, But I grow glorious—and let them beware I much disdain to think of as a brother)

That, in their least repining at my pleasures, Had better, in despite of all the gods,

They change not a mild prince (for, if provok’d, To have raz’d their temples, and spurn'd down I dare and will be so) into a tyrant ! their altars,

Brun. You see there's hope that we shall rule Than, in his impious abuse of you,

again, To have callid on my just anger.

And
your

fall’n fortunes rise. Brun. Princely son,

Baw. I hope your highness And in this worthy of a nearer name,

Is pleas'd that I should still hold my place with I have, in the relation of my wrongs,

you; Been modest, and no word my tongue deliver'd For I have been so long us’d to provide you To express my insupportable injuries,

Fresh bits of Aesh since mine grew stale, that But gave my heart a wound: Nor has my grief

surely, Being from what I suffer; but that he,

If cashier'd now, I shall prove a bad caterer Degenerate as he is, should be the actor In the fish-market of cold chastity. Of my extremes, and force me to divide

Ler. For me, I am your own; nor, since I first The fires of brotherly affection,

Knew what it was to serve you, have remember'd Which should make but one flame.

I had a soul, but such an one whose essence Thi. That part of his,

Depended wholly on your highness' pleasure; As it deserves, shall burn no more, if or

And therefore, madam-
The tears of orphans, widows, or all such

Brun. Rest assur'd you are
As dare acknowledge him to be their lord, Such instruments we must not lose.
Join'd to your wrongs, with his heart-blood have Lec. Baw. Our service!
power

Thi. You've viewed them then? what's your To put it out: And you, and these your servants,

opinion of them? Who in our favours shall find cause to know, In this dull time of peace, we have prepared 'em In that they left not you, how dear we hold them, Apt for the war; ha? Shall give Theodoret to understand

Prot. Sir, they have limbs His ignorance of the prizeless jewel which That promise strength sufficient, and rich armours, He did possess in you, mother, in you;

The soldier's best-lov'd wealth: More, it appears Of which I am more proud to be the owner, They have been drilld, nay, very prettily drillid; Than if th' absolute rule of all the world For many of them can discharge their musquets Were offer'd to this hand. Once more, you're without the danger of throwing off their heads, welcome!

Or being offensive to the standers-by, Which with all ceremony due to greatness By sweating too much backwards : Nay, I find I would make known, but that our just revenge

They know the right and left-hand file, and may, Adinits not of delay. Your hand, Iord-general ! With some impulsion, no doubt be brought

To pass the A, B, C, of war, and come
Enter PROTALDYE, with Soldiers. Unto the horn-book.
Brun. Your favour and his merit, I may say,

Thi. Well, that care is yours ;
Have made him such ; but I am jealous how And see that you effect it.
Your subjects will receive it.

Prot. I am slow
T'hi. How ! my subjects ?

To promise much ; but if within ten days, What do you make of me? Oh, Heaven! my By precepts and examples, not drawn from subjects

Worm-eaten precedents, of the Roman wars, How base should I esteem the name of prince, But from mine own, I make them not transcend I that poor dust were any thing before

All that e'er yet bore arms, let it be said The whirlwind of my absolute command ! Protaldye brays, which would be unto me Let'em be happy, and rest so contented, As hateful as to be esteem'd a coward! They pay the tribute of their hearts and knees For, sir, few captains know the way to win Irim, To such a prince, that not alone has power And make the soldier valiant. You shall see me To keep his own, but to encrease it; that, Lie with them in their trenches, talk, and drink, Altho' he hath a body may add to

And be together drunk; and, what seems stranger, FOL. I.

G

ness to

We'll sometimes wench together, which, once To make thee sensible of that horror, which practis'd,

They ever bear about them, that like Nero And with some other care and hidden arts, Like, said I ? thou art worse; since thou dar’st They being all made mine, l'll breathe into them

strive Such fearless resolution and such fervor, In her defame to murder thine alive. That, tho' I brought them to besiege a fort Theod. That she that long since had the boldWhose walls were steeple-high, and cannon-proof, Not to be undermin'd, they should fly up Be a bad woman, (tho' I wish some other Like swallows; and, the parapet once won, Should so report her) could not want the cunning, For proof of their obedience, if I willd them, Since they go hand in hand, to lay fair colours They should leap down again; and what is more, On her black crimes, I was resolv'd before; By some directions they should have from me, Nor make I doubt but that she hath impoison'd Not break their necks.

Your good opinion of me, and so far Thi. This is above belief.

Incens'd your rage against me, that too late Brun. Sir, on my knowledge, tho' he hath I come to plead my innocence. spoke much,

Brun. To excuse He's able to do more.

Thy impious scandals rather !
Lec. She means on her.

Prot. Rather forc'd with fear
Brun. And howsoever in his thankfulness, To be compellid to come.
For some few favours done him by myself, Thi. Forbear!
He left Austracia; not Theodoret,

Theod. This moves not me; and yet, had I not Tho' he was chiefly aim'd at, could have laid,

been With all his dukedom's power, that shame upon Transported on my own integrity, him,

I neither am so odious to my subjects, Which in his barbarous malice to my honour, Nor yet so barren of defence, but that He swore with threats t'effect.

By force I could have justified my guilt, Thi. I cannot but

Had I been faulty: But since Innocence Believe you, madam.---Thou art one degree Is to itself an hundred thousand guards, Grown nearer to my heart, and I am proud And that there is no son, but tho he owe To have in thee so glorious a plant

That name to an ill mother, but stands bound Transported hither : In thy conduct, we Rather to take away with his own danger Go on assured of conquest; our remove

From th' number of her faults, than for his own Shall be with the next sun.

Security, to add unto them : This,

This hath made me to prevent th' expence Enter THEODORET, MEMBERGE, MARTELL, and of blood on both sides; the injuries, the rapes, DE VITRY.

(Pages, that ever wait upon the war) Jec. Amazement leave me!

The account of all which, since you are the cause, 'Tis he.

Believe it, would have been requir'd from you; Bawd. We are again undone !

Rather I say to offer up my daughter, Prot. Our guilt

Who living only could revenge my death, Hath no assurance nor defence.

With my heart-blood a sacrifice to your anger, Baud. If now

Than that you should draw on your head more Your ever-ready wit fail to protect us,

curses We shall be all discover'd.

Than yet you have deserv'd.
Brun. Be not so

Thi: I do begin
In your amazement and your foolish fears ! To feel an alteration in my nature,
I am prepar'd for't.

And, in his full-sail'd confidence, a shower
Theod. How! not one poor welcome, Of gentle rain, that falling on the fire
In answer of so long a journey made

Of my hot rage hath quench'd it. Ha! I would Only to see you, brother?

Once more speak roughly to him, and I will; Thi. I bave stood

Yet there is something whispers to me, that Silent thus long, and am yet unresolvd

I have said too much : How is my heart divided Whether to entertain thee on my sword, Between the duty of a son, and love As fits a parricide of a mother's honour; Due to a brother! Yet I am sway'd here, Or whether, being a prince, I yet stand bound And must ask of you, how 'tis possible (Tho’thou art here condemn’d) to give thee hear. You can affect me, that have learn'd to hate ing,

Where should

pay all love? Before I execute. What foolish hope,

Theod. Which, join'd with duty, (Nay, pray you forbear)or desperate madness ra- Upon my knees I should be proud to tender, ther,

Had she not us'd herself so many swords
(Unless thou com’st assur'd, I stand in debt To cut those bonds that tied me to it.
As far to all impiety as thyself)

Thi. Fy,
Has made thee bring thy neck unto the axe ? No more of that!
Since looking only here, it cannot but

Theod. Alas, it is a theme
Draw fresh blood from thy sear’d-up conscience, I take no pleasure to discourse of: ’Would

you

you

all

grown barren ?

It could as soon be buried to the world, See all things be prepar'd to entertain her:
As it should die to me! nay more, I wish Nay, let me have your companies! there's a forest
(Next to my part of Heav'n) that she would spend In the midway shall yield us hunting sport,
The last part of her life so here, that all To ease our travel : I'll not have a brow
Indifferent judges might condemn me for But shall wear mirth upon it; therefore clear them!
A most malicious slanderer, nay, text it

We'll wash away all sorrow in glad feasts ;
Upon my forehead. If you hate me, mother, And th' war we meant to men, we'll make on
Put me to such a shame; pray you do! Believe it,

beasts. There is no glory that may fall upon me, (Ereunt omnes præter Brun. Baw. Prot. Loc. Can equal the delight I shou'd receive

Brun. Oh, that I had the magick to transform In that disgrace; provided the repeal of your long-banish'd virtues, and good name Into the shape of such, that your own hounds Usher'd me to it.

Might tear you piece-meal ! Are you so stupid ? Thi. See, she shews herself

No word of comfort ? Have I fed your mouths An easy mother, which her tears confirm! From my excess of moisture, with such cost,

Theod. 'Tis a good sign; the comfortablest rain And can you yield no other retribution, I ever saw.

But to devour your maker? pandar, sponge, Thi. Embrace! Why, this is well :

Impoisoner, May never more but love in you, and duty

Prot. You yourself, On your part, rise between you !

That are our mover, and for whom alone
Bax. Do you hear, lord-general ?

We live, have fail'd yourself, in giving way
Does not your new-stamp'd ħonour on the sudden To th' reconcilement of your sons.
Begin to grow sick?

Lec. Which if
Frot. Yes; I find it fit,

You had prevented, or would teach us how That, putting off my armour, I should think of They might again be sever'd, we could easily Some honest hospital to retire to.

Remove all other hind’rances that stop Baw. Sure,

The passage of your pleasures. Altho' I am a bawd, yet being a lord,

Baw. And for me, They cannot whip me for't: What's your opi- If I fail in my office to provide you nion ?

Fresh delicates, hang me! Lec. The beadle will resolve you, for I cannot; Brun. Oh, you are dull, and find not There's something that more near concerns my- The cause of my vexation; their reconcilement self

is a mock castle built upon the sand That calls upon me.

By children, which, when I am pleas’d to o'erMart. Note but yonder scarabes,

throw,
That liv'd upon the dung of her base pleasures ; I can with ease spurn down.
How from the fear that she may yet prove honest Lec. If so, from whence
Hang down their wicked heads !

Grows your affliction ? litry. What's that to me?

Brun. My grief comes along Tho' they and all the polecats of the court With the new queen, in whose grace all my power Were truss'd together, I perceive not how Must suffer shipwreck : For me now, It can advantage me a cardecue,

That hitherto have kept the first, to know To help to keep me honest.

(A horn. A second place, or yield the least precedence

To any other, 's death! to have my sleeps
Enter a Post.

Less enquir'd after, or my rising up
Thi. How! from whence ?

Saluted with less reverence, or my gates Post. These letters will resolve your grace. Empty of suitors, or the king's great favours Thi. What speak they?

[Reads. To pass thro’ any hand but mine, or he How all things meet to make me this day happy! Himself to be directed by another, See, mother, brother, to your reconcilement Would be to me-Do you understand me yet? Another blessing, almost equal to it,

No means to prevent this? Is coming tow'rds me! my contracted wife Prot. Fame gives her out Ordelia, daughter of wise Datarick,

To be a woman of a chastity The king of Arragon, is on our confines : Not to be wrought upon; and therefore, madam, Then, to arrive at such a time, when you For me, tho' I have pleas’d you, to attempt her Are happily here to honour with your presence

Were to no purpose. Our long-deferr’d, but much wish'd nuptial, Brun. Tush, some other way! Falls out above expression ! Heav'n be pleas'd Baw. Faith, I know none else ; all my bring. That I may use these blessings pour'd on me

ing-up With moderation !

Aim'd at no other learning.
Brun. Hell and furies aid me,

Lec. Give me leave!
That I may have power to avert the plagues, If my art fail me not, I have thought on
That press upon me!

A speeding project.
This Two days' journey, say'st thou?

Brun. What is't? but effect it, We will set forth to meet her. In the mean time, ' And thou shalt be my Æsculapius ;

swear

Thy image shall be set up in pure gold, (For this hour he shall pass the test) what valour,
To which I will fall down, and worship it. Staid judgment, soul, or safe discretion,
Lec. The lady is fair?

Your mother'swand'ring eyes, and your obedience,
Brun. Exceeding fair.

Have flung upon us; to assure your knowledge, Lec. And young g?

He can be, dare be, shall be, must be nothing Brun. Some fifteen at the most.

(Load him with piles of honours, set him off Lec. And loves the king with equal ardour ? With all the cunning foils that may deceive us!) Brun. More; she dotes on him.

But a poor, cold, unspirited, unmannerd, Lec. Well then; what think you if I make a Unhonest, unaffected, undone fool, drink,

And most unheard-of coward; a mere lump, Which, given unto him on the bridal-night, Made to load beds withal, and, like a night-mare, Shall for five days so rob his faculties

Ride ladies that forget to say their prayers; Of all ability to pay that duty

One that dares only be diseased, and in debt; Which new-made wives expect, that she shall Whose body mews more plaisters every month,

Than women do old faces! She is not match'd to a man?

Thi. No more! I know him; Prot. 'Twere rare !

I now repent my error: Take your time, Lec. And then,

And try him home, ever thus far reserv’d, If she have any part of woman in her,

You tie your anger up.
She'll or fly out, or at least give occasion

Mart. I lost it else, sir.
Of such a breach which ne'er can be made up; Thi. Bring me his sword fair-taken without yio-
Since he that to all else did never fail

lence,
Of as much as could be perform’d by man, (For that will best declare him)
Proves only ice to her.

Theod. That's the thing. Brun. "ris excellent !

Thi. And my best horse is thine. Buw. The physician

Mart. Your grace's servant !

[Erit. Helps ever at a dead lift: A fine calling,

Theod. You'll hunt no more, sir? That can both raise and take down : Out upon Thi. Not to-day; the weather thee!

Is grown too warm; besides the dogs are spent : Brun. For this one service, I am ever thine ! We'll take a cooler morning. Let's to horse, Prepare't; I'll give it him myself. For you, Pro- And halloo in the troop! (Éreunt. Wind horns.

taldye, By this kiss, and our promis'd sport at night,

Enter Two Huntsmen. I do conjure you to bear up, not minding

i Hunts. Ay, marry, Twainer, The opposition of Theodoret,

This woman gives indeed; these are the angels
Or any of his followers: Whatsoe'er

That are the keepers' saints !
You are, yet appear valiant, and make good 2 Hunts. I like a woman
Th’opinion that is had of you! For myself, That handles the deer's dowsets with discretion,
In the new queen’s remove being made secure, And pays us by proportion.
Fear not, I'll make the future building sure.

i Hunts. "I'is no treason
[Exeunt. To think this good old lady has a stump yet

That may require a coral.
Ilind horns. Enter THEODORĘT and THIERRY.

2 Hunts. And the bells too; Theod. This stag stood well, and cunningly.

Enter PROTALDYE. Thi. My horse, I'm sure, has found it, for his sides are blooded Sh’has lost a friend of me else. But here's the From flank to shoulder. Where's the troop?

clerk :

No more, for fear o'th' bell ropes !
Enter MARTELL.

Prot. How now, keepers ?
Thcod. Pass'd homeward,

Saw you the king ?
Weary and tir'd as we are.--Now, Martell; i Hunts. Yes, sir; he's newly mounted,
Have you remember'd what we thought of? And, as we take't, ridden home,
Mart.Yes, sir; I've singled him; and if there be Prot. Farewell then !

(Ereunt keepers. Any desert in's blood, beside the itch,

Enter MARTELL. Or manly heat, but what decoctions, Leeches, and cullises have cram'd into him, Mart. My honour'd lord, fortune has made me Your lordship shall know perfect,

happy, Thi. What is that?

To meet with such a man of men to side me. May not I know too?

Prot. How, sir? I know you not, Theod. Yes, sir; to that end

Nor what your fortune means. We cast the project.

Mart. Few words shall serve : Thi. What ist?

I am betray'd, sir; innocent and honest, Mfart. A design, sir,

Malice and violence are both against me, Upon the gilded Aag your grace's favour Basely and foully laid for; for my life, sir ! Has stuck up for a general; and to inform you Danger is now about me, now in my throat, sir.

Prot. Where, sir?

And see fair play o' both sides.
Mart. Nay, I fear not ;

Mart. There is no
And let it now pour down in storms upon me, More, sir, and, as I doubt, a base one too.
I've met a noble guard.

Prot. Fy on him! Go, lug him out by th' ears! Prot. Your meaning, sir?

Mart. Yes, For I have present business.

This is he, sir; the basest in the kingdom. Mart. Oh, my lord,

Prot. Do you know me? Your honour cannot leave a gentleman,

Mart. Yes, for a general-fool, At least a fair design of this brave nature, A knave, a coward, an upstart stallion bawd, To which your worth is wedded, your profession Beast, barking puppy, that dares not bite. Hatch'd in, and made one piece, in such a peril. Prot. The best man best knows patience. There are but six, my lord.

Mart. Yes, Prot. What six ?

This way, sir; now draw your sword, and right Marl. Six villains,

you,

[Kicks him. Sworn, and in pay to kill me.

Or render it to me; for one you shall do! Prot. Six ?

Prot. If wearing it may do you any honour, Mart, Alas, sir,

I shall be glad to grace you; there it is, sir ! What can six do, or six score, now you're present? Mart. Now get you home, and tell your lady Your name will blow 'em off: Say they have shot

mistress, too,

Sh’has shot up a sweet mushroom ! quit your Who dare present a piece ? your valour's proof,

place too, sir.

And say you are counsell'd well; thou wilt be Prot. No, I'll assure you, sir, nor my discretion, beaten else Against a multitude. "Tis true I dare fight By thine own lanceprisadoes, (when they know Enough, and well enough, and long enough;

thee) But wisdom, sir, and weight of what is on me, That tuns of oil of roses will not cure thee: (In which I am no more mine own, nor your's, sir, Go, get you to your foining work at court, Nor, as I take it, any single danger,

And learn to sweat again, and eat dry mutton! But what concerns my place) tells me directly, An armour like a frost will search your bones Beside my person, my fair reputation,

And make you roar, you rogue! Not a reply, If I thrust into crowds, and seek occasions, For if you do, your ears go off! Suffers opinion. Six ? why, Hercules

Prot. Still patience.

(Ereunt. Avoided two, man : Yet, not to give example,

Loud Musick. A Banquet set out.
But only for your present danger's sake, sir,
Were there but four,sir, I car'd not if I killd them;

Enter THIERRY, ORDELLA, BRUNHALT, THEOThey'll serve to set my sword,

DORET, LECURE, BAWDBER, &c. Jart. There are but four, sir,

Thi. Itis your place; and tho' in all things else I did mistake them: But four such as Europe, You may and ever shall command me, yet Excepting your great valour

In this i'll be obey'd. Prot. Well consider'd!

Ord. Sir, the consent I will not meddle with 'em; four, in honour, That made me yours, shall never teach me to Are equal with fourscore: Besides, they're people Repent I am so: Yet be you but pleas'd Only directed by their fury.

To give me leave to say so much; the honour Jart. So much nobler

You offer me were better given to her, Shall be your way of justice.

To whom you owe the power of giving. Prot. That I find not.

Thi. Mother, Mart. You will not leave me thus ?

You hear this, and rejoice in such a blessing Prot. I would not leave you; but, look you, sir, That pays to you so large a share of duty. Men of my place and business must not But, fy! no more! for as you hold a place Be question'd thus.

Nearer my heart than she, you must sit nearest Jart. You cannot pass, sir,

To all those graces that are in the power
Now they have seen me with you, without danger: Of majesty to bestow.
They are here, sir, within hearing. Take but two! Brün. Which I'll provide

Prot. Let the law take 'em! take a tree, sir-Shall be short liv'd. Lecure !
I'll take my horse--that you may keep with safety, Lec. I have it ready.
If they have brought no hand-saws. Within this Brun. "Tis well; wait on our cup.
hour

Lec. You honour me.
ru send you rescue, and a toil to take 'em. Thi. We're dull;
Mart. You shall not go so poorly. Stay! but No object to provoke mirth?

Theod. Martell, Prot. I have been so hamper'd with these res- If you remember, sir, will grace your feast cues,

With something that will yield matter of mirtil, So hew'd and tortur'd, that the truth is, sir, Fit for no common view. I've mainly vow'd against 'em : Yet, for your sake, Thi. Touching Protaldye? If, as you say, there be but one, I'll stay

Theod. You have it.

one, sir !