A King, and No King

Mar.Sir let her bear her sins on her own head,Vex not your self.Arb.What will the worldConceive of me? with what unnatural sinsWill they suppose me loaden, when my lifeIs sought by her that gave it to the world?But yet he writes me comfort here, my Sister,He saies, is grown in beauty and in grace.In all the innocent vertues that becomeA tender spotless maid: she stains her cheeksWith morning tears to purge her mothers ill,And 'mongst that sacred dew she mingles PrayersHer pure Oblations for my safe return:If I have lost the duty of a Son,If any pomp or vanity of stateMade me forget my natural offices,Nay farther, if I have not every nightExpostulated with my wandring thoughts,If ought unto my parent they have err'd,And call'd 'em back: do you direct her armUnto this foul dissembling heart of mine:But if I have been just to her, send outYour power to compass me, and hold me safeFrom searching treason; I will use no meansBut prayer: for rather suffer me to seeFrom mine own veins issue a deadly flood,Than wash my danger off with mothers blood.

Mar.

I n'ere saw such suddain extremities.

[Exeunt.

Enter Tigranes and Spaconia.

Tigr.Why? wilt thou have me die Spaconia.What should I do?Spa.Nay let me stay alone,And when you see Armenia again,You shall behold a Tomb more worth than I;Some friend that ever lov'd me or my cause,Will build me something to distinguish meFrom other women, many a weeping verseHe will lay on, and much lament those maids,That plac'd their loves unfortunately high,As I have done, where they can never reach;But why should you go to Iberia?Tigr.Alas, that thou wilt ask me, ask the manThat rages in a Fever why he liesDistempered there, when all the other youthsAre coursing o're the Meadows with their Loves?Can I resist it? am I not a slaveTo him that conquer'd me?Spa.That conquer'd thee Tigranes! he has wonBut half of thee, thy body, but thy mindMay be as free as his, his will did neverCombate thine, and take it prisoner.Tigr.But if he by force convey my body hence,What helps it me or thee to be unwilling?Spa.O Tigranes, I know you are to see a Lady there,To see, and like I fear: perhaps the hopeOf her make[s] you forget me, ere we part,Be happier than you know to wish; farewel.Tigr.Spaconia, stay and hear me what I say:In short, destruction meet me that I maySee it, and not avoid it, when I leaveTo be thy faithful lover: part with meThou shalt not, there are none that know our love,And I have given gold unto a CaptainThat goes unto Iberia from the King,That he will place a Lady of our LandWith the Kings Sister that is offered me;Thither shall you, and being once got inPerswade her by what subtil means you canTo be as backward in her love as I.Spa.Can you imagine that a longing maidWhen she beholds you, can be pull'd awayWith words from loving you?

Tigr.

Dispraise my health, my honesty, and tell her I am jealous.

Spa.Why, I had rather lose you: can my heartConsent to let my tongue throw out such words,And I that ever yet spoke what I thought,Shall find it such a thing at first to lie?

Tigr.

Yet do thy best.

Enter Bessus.

Bes.

What, is your Majesty ready?

Tigr.

There is the Lady, Captain.

Bes.

Sweet Lady, by your leave, I co[u]ld wish my self more full of Courtship for your fair sake.

Spa.

Sir I shall feel no want of that.

Bes.

Lady, you must hast, I have received new letters from the King that require more hast than I expected, he will follow me suddenly himself, and begins to call for your Majesty already.

Tigr.

He shall not do so long.

Bes.

Sweet Lady, shall I call you my Charge hereafter?

Spa.

I will not take upon me to govern your tongue Sir, you shall call me what you please.

Actus Secundus

Enter Gobrias, Bacurius, Arane, Panthe, and Mandane, Waiting-women with Attendants.

Gob.

My Lord Bacurius, you must have regard unto the Queen, she is your prisoner, 'tis at your peril if she make escape.

Bac.

My Lord, I know't, she is my prisoner from you committed; yet she is a woman, and so I keep her safe, you will not urge me to keep her close, I shall not shame to say I sorrow for her.

Gob.

So do I my Lord; I sorrow for her, that so little grace doth govern her: that she should stretch her arm against her King, so little womanhood and natural goodness, as to think the death of her own Son.

Ara.

Thou knowst the reason why, dissembling as thou art, and wilt not speak.

Gob.There is a Lady takes not after you,Her Father is within her, that good manWhose tears weigh'd down his sins, mark how she weeps,How well it does become her, and if youCan find no disposition in your selfTo sorrow, yet by gracefulness in herFind out the way, and by your reason weep:All this she does for you, and more she needsWhen for your self you will not lose a tear,Think how this want of grief discredits you,And you will weep, because you cannot weep.

Ara.

You talk to me as having got a time fit for your purpose; but you should be urg'd know I know you speak not what you think.

Pan.I would my heart were Stone, before my softnessAgainst my mother, a more troubled thoughtNo Virgin bears about; should I excuseMy Mothers fault, I should set light a lifeIn losing which, a brother and a KingWere taken from me, if I seek to saveThat life so lov'd, I lose another lifeThat gave me being, I shall lose a Mother,A word of such a sound in a childs earsThat it strikes reverence through it; may the willOf heaven be done, and if one needs must fall,Take a poor Virgins life to answer all.Ara.But Gobrias let us talk, you know this faultIs not in me as in another Mother.

Gob.

I know it is not.

Ara.

Yet you make it so.

Gob.

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

Ara.

I know it is.

Gob.Nay should you publish it before the world,Think you 'twould be believ'd?

Ara.

I know it would not.

Gob.

Nay should I joyn with you, should we not both be torn and yet both die uncredited?

Ara.

I think we should.

Gob.

Why then take you such violent courses? As for me I do but right in saving of the King from all your plots.

Ara.

The King?

Gob.I bad you rest with patience, and a timeWould come for me to reconcile all toYour own content, but by this way you takeAway my power, and what was done unknown,Was not by me but you: your urging being doneI must preserve my own, but time may bringAll this to light, and happily for all.Ara.Accursed be this over curious brainThat gave that plot a birth, accurst this wombThat after did conceive to my disgrace.

Bac.

My Lord Protector, they say there are divers Letters come from Armenia, that Bessus has done good service, and brought again a day, by his particular valour, receiv'd you any to that effect?

Gob.

Yes, 'tis most certain.

Bac.I'm sorry for't, not that the day was won,But that 'twas won by him: we held him hereA Coward, he did me wrong once, at which I laugh'd,And so did all the world, for nor I,Nor any other held him worth my sword.

Enter Bessus and Spaconia.

Bes.Health to my Protector; from the KingThese Letters; and to your grace Madam, these.

Gob.

How does his Majesty?

Bes.As well as conquest by his own means and his valiantC[o]mmanders can make him; your letters will tell you all.Pan.I will not open mine till I do knowMy Brothers health: good Captain is he well?

Bes.

As the rest of us that fought are.

Pan.

But how's that? is he hurt?

Bes.

He's a strange souldier that gets not a knock.

Pan.I do not ask how strange that souldier isThat gets no hurt, but whether he have one.

Bes.

He had divers.

Pan.

And is he well again?

Bes.

Well again, an't please your Grace: why I was run twice through the body, and shot i'th' head with a cross-arrow, and yet am well again.

Pan.

I do not care how thou do'st, is he well?

Bes.

Not care how I do? Let a man out of the mightiness of his spirit, fructifie Foreign Countries with his blood for the good of his own, and thus he shall be answered: Why I may live to relieve with spear and shield, such a Lady as you distressed.

Pan.

Why, I will care, I'me glad that thou art well, I prethee is he so?

Gob.

The King is well and will be here to morrow.

Pan.

My prayer is heard, now will I open mine.

Gob.Bacurius, I must ease you of your charge:Madam, the wonted mercy of the King,That overtakes your faults, has met with this,And struck it out, he has forgiven you freely,Your own will is your law, be where you please.

Ara.

I thank him.

Gob.

You will be ready to wait upon his Majesty to morrow?

Ara.

I will.

[Exit Arane.

Bac.

Madam be wise hereafter; I am glad I have lost this Office.

Gob.

Good Captain Bessus, tell us the discourse betwixt Tigranes and our King, and how we got the victory.

Pan.I prethee do, and if my Brother wereIn any danger, let not thy tale makeHim abide there long before thou bring him off,For all that while my heart will beat.

Bes.

Madam let what will beat, I must tell the truth, and thus it was; they fought single in lists, but one to one; as for my own part, I was dangerously hurt but three days before, else, perhaps, we had been two to two, I cannot tell, some thought we had, and the occasion of my hurt was this, the enemy had made Trenches.

Gob.

Captain, without the manner of your hurt be much material to this business, we'l hear't some other time.

Pan.

I prethee leave it, and go on with my Brother.

Bes.I will, but 'twould be worth your hearing: To theLists they came, and single-sword and gantlet was their fight.

Pan.

Alas!

Bes.

Without the Lists there stood some dozen Captains of either side mingled, all which were sworn, and one of those was I: and 'twas my chance to stand next a Captain o'th' enemies side, called Tiribasus; Valiant they said he was; whilst these two Kings were streaching themselves, this Tiribasus cast something a scornful look on me, and ask't me who I thought would overcome: I smil'd and told him if he would fight with me, he should perceive by the event of that whose King would win: something he answered, and a scuffle was like to grow, when one Zipetus offered to help him, I—

Pan.

All this is of thy self, I pray thee Bessus tell something of my Brother, did he nothing?

Bes.

Why yes, I'le tell your Grace, they were not to fight till the word given, which for my own part, by my troth I confess I was not to give.

Pan.

See for his own part.

Bac.

I fear yet this fellow's abus'd with a good report.

Bes.

But I—

Pan.

Still of himself.

Bes.

Cri'd give the word, when as some of them say, Tigranes was stooping, but the word was not given then, yet one Cosroes of the enemies part, held up his finger to me, which is as much with us Martialists, as I will fight with you: I said not a word, nor made sign during the combate, but that once done.

Pan.

He slips o're all the fight.

Bes.

I call'd him to me, Cosroes said I.

Pan.

I will hear no more.

Bes.

No, no, I lie.

Bac.

I dare be sworn thou dost.

Bes.

Captain said I, so it was.

Pan.

I tell thee, I will hear no further.

Bes.

No? Your Grace will wish you had.

Pan.I will not wish it, what is this the LadyMy brother writes to me to take?

Bes.

And please your Grace this is she: Charge, will you come near the

Princess?

Pan.

You'r welcome from your Country, and this land shall shew unto you all the kindness that I can make it; what's your name?

Spa.

Thalectris.

Pan.

Y'are very welcome, you have got a letter to put you to me, that has power enough to place mine enemy here; then much more you that are so far from being so to me that you ne're saw me.

Bes.

Madam, I dare pass my word for her truth.

Spa.

My truth?

Pan.

Why Captain, do you think I am afraid she'l steal?

Bes.

I cannot tell, servants are slippery, but I dare give my word for her, and for honesty, she came along with me, and many favours she did me by the way, but by this light none but what she might do with modesty, to a man of my rank.

Pan.

Why Captain, here's no body thinks otherwise.

Bes.

Nay, if you should, your Grace may think your pleasure; but I am sure I brought her from Armenia, and in all that way, if ever I touch'd any bare of her above her knee, I pray God I may sink where I stand.

Spa.

Above my knee?

Bes.

No, you know I did not, and if any man will say, I did, this sword shall answer; Nay, I'le defend the reputation of my charge whilst I live, your Grace shall understand I am secret in these businesses, and know how to defend a Ladies honour.

Spa.

I hope your Grace knows him so well already, I shall not need to tell you he's vain and foolish.

Bes.

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

Bac.

O Captain Bessus, I thank you, I would speak with you anon.

Bes.

When you please, I will attend your Lordship.

Bac.

Madam, I'le take my leave too.

Pan.

Good Bacurius.

[Exeunt Bes. and Bac.

Gob.

Madam what writes his Majesty to you?

Pan.

O my Lord, the kindest words, I'le keep 'em whilst I live, here in my bosom, there's no art in 'em, they lie disordered in this paper, just as hearty nature speaks 'em.

Gob.

And to me he writes what tears of joy he shed to hear how you were grown in every vertues way, and yields all thanks to me, for that dear care which I was bound to have in training you, there is no Princess living that enjoys a brother of that worth.

Pan.My Lord, no maid longs more for any thing,And feels more heat and cold within her breast,Than I do now, in hopes to see him.Gob.Yet I wonder muchAt this he writes, he brings along with himA husband for you, that same Captive Prince,And if he loves you as he makes a shew,He will allow you freedom in your choice.

Pan.

And so he will my Lord, I warrant you, he will but offer and give me the power to take or leave.

Gob.

Trust me, were I a Lady, I could not like that man were bargain'd with before I choose him.

Pan.

But I am not built on such wild humours, if I find him worthy, he is not less because he's offer'd.

Spa.

'Tis true, he is not, would he would seem less.

Gob.I think there's no Lady can affectAnother Prince, your brother standing by;He doth Eclipse mens vertues so with his.Spa.I know a Lady may, and more I fearAnother Lady will.

Pan.

Would I might see him.

Gob.Why so you shall, my businesses are great,I will attend you when it is his pleasure to see you.

Pan.

I thank you good my Lord.

Gob.

You will be ready Madam.

[Exit Gob.

Pan.

Yes.

Spa.I do beseech you Madam, send awayYour other women, and receive from meA few sad words, which set against your joyesMay make 'em shine the more.

Pan.

Sirs, leave me all.

[Exeunt Women.

Spa.I kneel a stranger here to beg a thingUnfit for me to ask, and you to grant,'Tis such another strange ill-laid request,As if a begger should intreat a KingTo leave his Scepter, and his Throne to himAnd take his rags to wander o're the worldHungry and cold.

Pan.

That were a strange request.

Spa.

As ill is mine.

Pan. Then do not utter it.

Spa.Alas 'tis of that nature, that it mustBe utter'd, I, and granted, or I die:I am asham'd to speak it; but where lifeLies at the stake, I cannot think her woman

That will not take something unreasonably to hazard saving of it: I shall seem a strange Petitioner, that wish all ill to them I beg of, e're they give me ought; yet so I must: I would you were not fair, nor wise, for in your ill consists my good: if you were foolish, you would hear my prayer, if foul, you had not power to hinder me: he would not love you.

Pan.

What's the meaning of it.

Spa.Nay, my request is more without the boundsOf reason yet: for 'tis not in the powerOf you to do, what I would have you grant.

Pan.

Why then 'tis idle, pray thee speak it out.

Spa.Your brother brings a Prince into this land,Of such a noble shape, so sweet a grace,So full of worth withal, that every maidThat looks upon him, gives away her selfTo him for ever; and for you to haveHe brings him: and so mad is my demandThat I desire you not to have this man,This excellent man, for whom you needs must die,If you should miss him. I do now expectYou should laugh at me.Pan.Trust me I could weep rather, for I have found himIn all thy words a strange disjoynted sorrow.

Spa.

'Tis by me his own desire so, that you would not love him.

Pan.

His own desire! why credit me Thalestris, I am no common wooer: if he shall wooe me, his worth may be such, that I dare not swear I will not love him; but if he will stay to have me wooe him, I will promise thee, he may keep all his graces to himself, and fear no ravishing from me.

Spa.

'Tis yet his own desire, but when he sees your face, I fear it will not be; therefore I charge you as you have pity, stop these tender ears from his enchanting voice, close up those eyes, that you may neither catch a dart from him, nor he from you; I charge you as you hope to live in quiet; for when I am dead, for certain I will walk to visit him if he break promise with me: for as fast as Oaths without a formal Ceremony can make me, I am to him.

Pan.Then be fearless;For if he were a thing 'twixt God and man,I could gaze on him; if I knew it sinTo love him without passion: Dry your eyes,I swear you shall enjoy him still for me,I will not hinder you; but I perceiveYou are not what you seem, rise, rise Thalestris,If your right name be so.

Spa.

Indeed it is not, Spaconia is my name; but I desire not to be known to other.

Pan.

Why, by me you shall not, I will never do you wrong, what good I can, I will, think not my birth or education such, that I should injure a stranger Virgin; you are welcome hither, in company you wish to be commanded, but when we are alone, I shall be ready to be your servant.

[Exeunt.

Enter three Men and a Woman.

1.

Come, come, run, run, run.

2.

We shall out-go her.

3.

One were better be hang'd than carry out women fidling to these shews.

Wom.

Is the King hard by?

1.

You heard he with the Bottles said, he thought we should come too late: What abundance of people here is!

Wom.

But what had he in those Bottles?

3.

I know not.

2.

Why, Ink goodman fool.

3.

Ink, what to do?

1.Why the King look you, will many times call for theseBottles, and break his mind to his friends.

Wom.

Let's take our places, we shall have no room else.

2.

The man told us he would walk o' foot through the people.

3.

I marry did he.

1.

Our shops are well look't to now.

2.

'Slife, yonder's my Master, I think.

1.

No 'tis not he.

Enter a man with two Citizens-wives.

1 Cit.

Lord how fine the fields be, what sweet living 'tis in the

Country!

2 Cit.

I poor souls, God help 'em; they live as contentedly as one of us.

1 Cit.

My husbands Cousin would have had me gone into the Country last year, wert thou ever there?

2 Cit.

I, poor souls, I was amongst 'em once.

1 Cit.

And what kind of creatures are they, for love of God?

2 Cit.

Very good people, God help 'em.

1 Cit.

Wilt thou go down with me this Summer when I am brought to bed?

2 Cit.

Alas, it is no place for us.

1 Cit.

Why, pray thee?

2 Cit.

Why you can have nothing there, there's no body cryes brooms.

1 Cit.

No?

2 Cit.

No truly, nor milk.

1 Cit.

Nor milk, how do they?

2 Cit.

They are fain to milk themselves i'th' Country.

1 Cit.

Good Lord! but the people there, I think, will be very dutiful to one of us.

2 Cit.

I God knows will they, and yet they do not greatly care for our husbands.

1 Cit.

Do they not? Alas! I'good faith I cannot blame them: for we do not greatly care for them our selves. Philip, I pray choose us a place.

Phil.

There's the best forsooth.

1 Cit.

By your leave good people a little.

3.

What's the matter?

Phil.

I pray you my friend, do not thrust my Mistress so, she's with

Child.

2.

Let her look to her self then, has she not had showing enough yet? if she stay shouldring here, she may haps go home with a cake in her belly.

3.

How now, goodman squitter-breech, why do you lean on me?

Phi.

Because I will.

3.

Will you Sir sawce-box?

1 Cit.

Look if one ha'not struck Philip, come hither Philip, why did he strike thee?

Phil.

For leaning on him.

1 Cit.

Why didst thou lean on him?

Phil.

I did not think he would have struck me.

1 Cit.

As God save me la thou'rt as wild as a Buck, there's no quarel but thou'rt at one end or other on't.

3.

It's at the first end then, for he'l ne'r stay the last.

1 Cit.

Well slip-string, I shall meet with you.

3.

When you will.

1 Cit.

I'le give a crown to meet with you.

3.

At a Bawdy-house.

1 Cit.

I you're full of your Roguery; but if I do meet you it shall cost me a fall.

Flourish. Enter one running.

4

The King, the King, the King. Now, now, now, now.

Flourish. Enter Arb. Tigr. The two Kings and Mardonius.

All.

God preserve your Majesty.

Arb.

I thank you all, now are my joyes at full, when I behold you safe, my loving Subjects; by you I grow, 'tis your united love that lifts me to this height: all the account that I can render you for all the love you have bestowed on me, all your expences to maintain my war, is but a little word, you will imagine 'tis slender paiment, yet 'tis such a word, as is not to be bought but with your bloods, 'tis Peace.