The True Chronicle of King Leir

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Plays distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. img: 1a ismigg: :[ N1/bA] sig: A1r ln 0001 THE ln 0002 True Chronicle History ln 0003 of King LEIR, and his three ln 0004 daughters, Gonoril, Ragan, ln 0005 and Cordella. ln 0006 As it hath been divers and sundry ln 0007 times lately acted. ln 0008 LONDON, ln 0009 Printed by Simon Stafford for John ln 0010 Wright, and are to be sold at his shop at ln 0011 Christ’s Church door, next Newgate Market. ln 0012 1605. img: 2a ismigg: :A 21vb sig: A2r wln 0001 The true Chronicle History of King wln 0002 Leir and his three daughters. wln 0003 ACTUS I. wln 0004 Enter King Leir and Nobles. wln 0005 THus to our grief the obsequies performed wln 0006 Of our (too late) deceased and dearest Queen, wln 0007 Whose soul I hope, possessed of heavenly joys, wln 0008 Doth ride in triumph ’mongst the Cherubins; wln 0009 Let us request your grave advice, my Lords, wln 0010 For the disposing of our princely daughters, wln 0011 For whom our care is specially employed, wln 0012 As nature bindeth to advance their states, wln 0013 In royal marriage with some princely mates: wln 0014 For wanting now their mother’s good advice, wln 0015 Under whose government they have received wln 0016 A perfect pattern of a virtuous life: wln 0017 Left as it were a ship without a stern, wln 0018 Or silly sheep without a Pastor’s care; wln 0019 Although ourselves do dearly tender them, wln 0020 Yet are we ignorant of their affairs: wln 0021 For fathers best do know to govern sons; wln 0022 But daughters’ steps the mother’s counsel turns. wln 0023 A son we want for to succeed our Crown, wln 0024 And course of time hath canceled the date wln 0025 Of further issue from our withered loins: wln 0026 One foot already hangeth in the grave, wln 0027 And age hath made deep furrows in my face: wln 0028 The world of me, I of the world am weary, wln 0029 And I would fain resign these earthly cares, wln 0030 And think upon the welfare of my soul: wln 0031 Which by no better means may be effected, wln 0032 Than by resigning up the Crown from me, wln 0033 In equal dowry to my daughters three. wln 0034 Skalliger. A worthy care, my Liege, which well declares, wln 0035 The zeal you bare unto our quondam Queen: wln 0036 And since your Grace hath licensed me to speak, img: 3a sig: A2v wln 0037 I censure thus; Your Majesty knowing well, wln 0038 What several Suitors your princely daughters have, wln 0039 To make them each a Jointure more or less, wln 0040 As is their worth, to them that love profess. wln 0041 Leir. No more, nor less, but even all alike, wln 0042 My zeal is fixed, all fashioned in one mold: wln 0043 Wherefore unpartial shall my censure be, wln 0044 Both old and young shall have alike for me. wln 0045 Noble My gracious Lord, I heartily do wish, wln 0046 That God had lent you an heir indubitate, wln 0047 Which might have sat upon your royal throne, wln 0048 When fates should lose the prison of your life, wln 0049 By whose succession all this doubt might cease; wln 0050 And as by you, by him we might have peace. wln 0051 But afterwishes ever come too late, wln 0052 And nothing can revoke the course of fate: wln 0053 Wherefore, my Liege, my censure deems it best, wln 0054 To match them with some of your neighbor Kings, wln 0055 Bord’ring within the bounds of Albion, wln 0056 By whose united friendship, this our state wln 0057 May be protected ’gainst all foreign hate. wln 0058 Leir. Herein, my Lords, your wishes sort with mine, wln 0059 And mine (I hope) do sort with heavenly powers: wln 0060 For at this instant two near neighboring Kings wln 0061 Of Cornwall and of Cambria, motion love wln 0062 To my two daughters, Gonoril and Ragan. wln 0063 My youngest daughter, fair Cordella, vows wln 0064 No liking to a Monarch, unless love allows. wln 0065 She is solicited by divers Peers; wln 0066 But none of them her partial fancy hears. wln 0067 Yet, if my policy may her beguile, wln 0068 I’ll match her to some King within this Isle, wln 0069 And so establish such a perfect peace, wln 0070 As fortune’s force shall ne’er prevail to cease. wln 0071 Perillus. Of us and ours, your gracious care, my Lord, wln 0072 Deserves an everlasting memory, wln 0073 To be enrolled in Chronicles of fame, wln 0074 By neverdying perpetuity: img: 3b sig: A3r wln 0075 Yet to become so provident a Prince, wln 0076 Lose not the title of a loving father: wln 0077 Do not force love, where fancy cannot dwell, wln 0078 Lest streams being stopped, above the banks do swell. wln 0079 Leir. I am resolved, and even now my mind wln 0080 Doth meditate a sudden stratagem, wln 0081 To try which of my daughters loves me best: wln 0082 Which till I know, I cannot be in rest. wln 0083 This granted, when they jointly shall contend, wln 0084 Each to exceed the other in their love: wln 0085 Then at the vantage will I take Cordella, wln 0086 Even as she doth protest she loves me best, wln 0087 I’ll say, Then, daughter, grant me one request, wln 0088 To show thou lovest me as thy sisters do, wln 0089 Accept a husband, whom myself will woo. wln 0090 This said, she cannot well deny my suit, wln 0091 Although (poor soul) her senses will be mute: wln 0092 Then will I triumph in my policy, wln 0093 And match her with a King of Brittany. wln 0094 Skalliger I’ll to them before, and bewray your secrecy. wln 0095 Perillus Thus fathers think their children to beguile, wln 0096 And oftentimes themselves do first repent, wln 0097 When heavenly powers do frustrate their intent. Exeunt. wln 0098 Enter Gonoril and Ragan. wln 0099 Gonoril I marvel, Ragan, how you can endure wln 0100 To see that proud pert Peat, our youngest sister, wln 0101 So slightly to account of us, her elders, wln 0102 As if we were no better than herself! wln 0103 We cannot have a quaint device so soon, wln 0104 Or newmade fashion, of our choice invention; wln 0105 But if she like it, she will have the same, wln 0106 Or study newer to exceed us both. wln 0107 Besides, she is so nice and so demure; wln 0108 So sober, courteous, modest, and precise, wln 0109 That all the Court hath work enough to do, wln 0110 To talk how she exceedeth me and you. wln 0111 Ragan What should I do? would it were in my power, wln 0112 To find a cure for this contagious ill: img: 4a sig: A3v wln 0113 Some desperate medicine must be soon applied, wln 0114 To dim the glory of her mounting fame; wln 0115 Else ere ’t be long, she’ll have both prick and praise, wln 0116 And we must be set by for working days. wln 0117 Do you not see what several choice of Suitors wln 0118 She daily hath, and of the best degree? wln 0119 Say, amongst all, she hap to fancy one, wln 0120 And have a husband whenas we have none: wln 0121 Why then, by right, to her we must give place, wln 0122 Though it be ne’er so much to our disgrace. wln 0123 Gonoril By my virginity, rather than she shall have wln 0124 A husband before me, wln 0125 I’ll marry one or other in his shirt: wln 0126 And yet I have made half a grant already wln 0127 Of my good will unto the King of Cornwall. wln 0128 Ragan Swear not so deeply (sister) here cometh my Lord Skalliger, wln 0129 Something his hasty coming doth import. Enter Skalliger wln 0130 Skalliger Sweet Princesses, I am glad I met you here so luckily, wln 0131 Having good news which doth concern you both, wln 0132 And craveth speedy expedition. wln 0133 Ragan For God’s sake tell us what it is, my Lord, wln 0134 I am with child until you utter it. wln 0135 Skalliger Madam, to save your longing, this it is: wln 0136 Your father in great secrecy today, wln 0137 Told me, he means to marry you out of hand, wln 0138 Unto the noble Prince of Cambria; wln 0139 You, Madam, to the King of Cornwall’s Grace: wln 0140 Your younger sister he would fain bestow wln 0141 Upon the rich King of Hibernia: wln 0142 But that he doubts, she hardly will consent; wln 0143 For hitherto she ne’er could fancy him. wln 0144 If she do yield, why then, between you three, wln 0145 He will divide his kingdom for your dowries. wln 0146 But yet there is a further mystery, wln 0147 Which, so you will conceal, I will disclose. wln 0148 Gonoril Whate’er thou speak’st to us, kind Skalliger, wln 0149 Think that thou speak’st it only to thyself. wln 0150 Skalliger He earnestly desireth for to know, img: 4b sig: A4r wln 0151 Which of you three do bear most love to him, wln 0152 And on your loves he so extremely dotes, wln 0153 As never any did, I think, before. wln 0154 He presently doth mean to send for you, wln 0155 To be resolved of this tormenting doubt: wln 0156 And look, whose answer pleaseth him the best, wln 0157 They shall have most unto their marriages. wln 0158 Ragan O that I had some pleasing Mermaid’s voice, wln 0159 For to enchant his senseless senses with! wln 0160 Skalliger For he supposeth that Cordella will wln 0161 (Striving to go beyond you in her love) wln 0162 Promise to do whatever he desires: wln 0163 Then will he straight enjoin her for his sake, wln 0164 The Hibernian King in marriage for to take. wln 0165 This is the sum of all I have to say; wln 0166 Which being done, I humbly take my leave, wln 0167 Not doubting but your wisdoms will foresee, wln 0168 What course will best unto your good agree. wln 0169 Gonoril Thanks, gentle Skalliger, thy kindness undeserved, wln 0170 Shall not be unrequited, if we live. Exit Skalliger. wln 0171 Ragan Now have we fit occasion offered us, wln 0172 To be revenged upon her unperceived. wln 0173 Gonoril Nay, our revenge we will inflict on her, wln 0174 Shall be accounted piety in us: wln 0175 I will so flatter with my doting father, wln 0176 As he was ne’er so flattered in his life. wln 0177 Nay, I will say, that if it be his pleasure, wln 0178 To match me to a beggar, I will yield: wln 0179 For why, I know whatever I do say, wln 0180 He means to match me with the Cornwall King. wln 0181 Ragan I’ll say the like: for I am well assured; wln 0182 Whate’er I say to please the old man’s mind. wln 0183 Who dotes, as if he were a child again; wln 0184 I shall enjoy the noble Cambrian Prince: wln 0185 Only, to feed his humor, will suffice, wln 0186 To say, I am content with any one wln 0187 Whom he’ll appoint me; this will please him more. wln 0188 Than e’er Apollo’s music pleased Jove. img: 5a sig: A4v wln 0189 Gonoril I smile to think, in what a woeful plight wln 0190 Cordella will be, when we answer thus: wln 0191 For she will rather die, than give consent wln 0192 To join in marriage with the Irish King: wln 0193 So will our father think, she loveth him not, wln 0194 Because she will not grant to his desire, wln 0195 Which we will aggravate in such bitter terms, wln 0196 That he will soon convert his love to hate: wln 0197 For he, you know, is always in extremes. wln 0198 Ragan Not all the world could lay a better plot, wln 0199 I long till it be put in practice. Exeunt. wln 0200 Enter Leir and Perillus. wln 0201 Leir. Perillus, go seek my daughters, wln 0202 Will them immediately come and speak with me. wln 0203 Perillus I will, my gracious Lord. Exit. wln 0204 Leir. Oh, what a combat feels my panting heart, wln 0205 ’Twixt children’s love, and care of Common weal! wln 0206 How dear my daughters are unto my soul, wln 0207 None knows, but he, that knows my thoughts and secret deeds. wln 0208 Ah, little do they know the dear regard, wln 0209 Wherein I hold their future state to come: wln 0210 When they securely sleep on beds of down, wln 0211 These aged eyes do watch for their behalf: wln 0212 While they like wantons sport in youthful toys, wln 0213 This throbbing heart is pierced with dire annoys. wln 0214 As doth the Sun exceed the smallest Star, wln 0215 So much the father’s love exceeds the child’s. wln 0216 Yet my complaints are causeless: for the world wln 0217 Affords not children more conformable: wln 0218 And yet, methinks, my mind presageth still wln 0219 I know not what; and yet I fear some ill. wln 0220 Enter Perillus, with the three daughters. wln 0221 Well, here my daughters come: me: I have found out wln 0222 A present means to rid me of this doubt. wln 0223 Gonoril Our royal Lord and father, in all duty, wln 0224 We come to know the tenor of your will, wln 0225 Why you so hastily have sent for us? wln 0226 Leir Dear Gonoril, kind Ragan, sweet Cordella, img: 5b sig: B1r wln 0227 Ye flourishing branches of a Kingly stock, wln 0228 Sprung from a tree that once did flourish green, wln 0229 Whose blossoms now are nipped with Winter’s frost, wln 0230 And pale grim death doth wait upon my steps, wln 0231 And summons me unto his next Assizes. wln 0232 Therefore, dear daughters, as ye tender the safety wln 0233 Of him that was the cause of your first being, wln 0234 Resolve a doubt which much molests my mind, wln 0235 Which of you three to me would prove most kind; wln 0236 Which loves me most, and which at my request wln 0237 Will soonest yield unto their father’s hest. wln 0238 Gonoril I hope, my gracious father makes no doubt wln 0239 Of any of his daughter’s love to him: wln 0240 Yet for my part, to show my zeal to you, wln 0241 Which cannot be in windy words rehearsed, wln 0242 I prize my love to you at such a rate, wln 0243 I think my life inferior to my love. wln 0244 Should you enjoin me for to tie a millstone wln 0245 About my neck, and leap into the Sea, wln 0246 At your command I willingly would do it: wln 0247 Yea, for to do you good, I would ascend wln 0248 The highest Turret in all Brittany, wln 0249 And from the top leap headlong to the ground: wln 0250 Nay, more, should you appoint me for to marry wln 0251 The meanest vassal in the spacious world, wln 0252 Without reply I would accomplish it: wln 0253 In brief, command whatever you desire, wln 0254 And if I fail, no favor I require. wln 0255 Leir. O, how thy words revive my dying soul! wln 0256 Cordella O, how I do abhor this flattery! wln 0257 Leir. But what saith Ragan to her father’s will? wln 0258 Ragan O, that my simple utterance could suffice, wln 0259 To tell the true intention of my heart, wln 0260 Which burns in zeal of duty to your grace, wln 0261 And never can be quenched, but by desire wln 0262 To show the same in outward forwardness. wln 0263 Oh, that there were some other maid that durst wln 0264 But make a challenge of her love with me; img: 6a sig: B1v wln 0265 I’d make her soon confess she never loved wln 0266 Her father half so well as I do you. wln 0267 Ay then, my deeds should prove in plainer case, wln 0268 How much my zeal aboundeth to your grace: wln 0269 But for them all, let this one mean suffice, wln 0270 To ratify my love before your eyes: wln 0271 I have right noble Suitors to my love, wln 0272 No worse than Kings, and happily I love one: wln 0273 Yet, would you have me make my choice anew, wln 0274 I’d bridle fancy, and be ruled by you. wln 0275 Leir. Did never Philomel sing so sweet a note. wln 0276 Cordella Did never flatterer tell so false a tale. wln 0277 Leir. Speak now, Cordella, make my joys at full, wln 0278 And drop down Nectar from thy honey lips. wln 0279 Cordella I cannot paint my duty forth in words, wln 0280 I hope my deeds shall make report for me: wln 0281 But look what love the child doth owe the father, wln 0282 The same to you I bear, my gracious Lord. wln 0283 Gonoril Here is an answer answerless indeed: wln 0284 Were you my daughter, I should scarcely brook it. wln 0285 Ragan Dost thou not blush, proud Peacock as thou art, wln 0286 To make our father such a slight reply? wln 0287 Leir. Why how now, Minion, are you grown so proud? wln 0288 Doth our dear love make you thus peremptory? wln 0289 What, is your love become so small to us, wln 0290 As that you scorn to tell us what it is? wln 0291 Do you love us, as every child doth love wln 0292 Their father? True indeed, as some, wln 0293 Who by disobedience short their father’s days, wln 0294 And so would you; some are so fathersick, wln 0295 That they make means to rid them from the world; wln 0296 And so would you: some are indifferent, wln 0297 Whether their aged parents live or die; wln 0298 And so are you. But, didst thou know, proud girl, wln 0299 What care I had to foster thee to this, wln 0300 Ah, then thou wouldst say as thy sisters do: wln 0301 Our life is less, than love we owe to you. wln 0302 Cordella Dear father, do not so mistake my words, img: 6b sig: B2r wln 0303 Nor my plain meaning be misconstrued; wln 0304 My tongue was never used to flattery. wln 0305 Gonoril You were not best say I flatter: if you do, wln 0306 My deeds shall show, I flatter not with you. wln 0307 I love my father better than thou canst. wln 0308 Cordella The praise were great, spoke from another’s mouth: wln 0309 But it should seem your neighbors dwell far off. wln 0310 Ragan Nay, here is one, that will confirm as much wln 0311 As she hath said, both for myself and her. wln 0312 I say, thou dost not wish my father’s good. wln 0313 Cordella Dear father. — wln 0314 Leir. Peace, bastard Imp, no issue of King Leir, wln 0315 I will not hear thee speak one tittle more. wln 0316 Call not me father, if thou love thy life, wln 0317 Nor these thy sisters once presume to name: wln 0318 Look for no help henceforth from me nor mine; wln 0319 Shift as thou wilt, and trust unto thyself: wln 0320 My Kingdom will I equally divide wln 0321 ’Twixt thy two sisters to their royal dower, wln 0322 And will bestow them worthy their deserts: wln 0323 This done, because thou shalt not have the hope, wln 0324 To have a child’s part in the time to come, wln 0325 I presently will dispossess myself, wln 0326 And set up these upon my princely throne. wln 0327 Gonoril I ever thought that pride would have a fall. wln 0328 Ragan Plain dealing, sister: your beauty is so sheen, wln 0329 You need no dowry, to make you be a Queen. wln 0330 Exeunt Leir, Gonoril, Ragan. wln 0331 Cordella Now whither, poor forsaken, shall I go, wln 0332 When mine own sisters triumph in my woe? wln 0333 But unto him which doth protect the just, wln 0334 In him will poor Cordella put her trust. wln 0335 These hands shall labor, for to get my spending; wln 0336 And so i’ll live until my days have ending. wln 0337 Perillus Oh, how I grieve, to see my Lord thus fond, wln 0338 To dote so much upon vain flattering words. wln 0339 Ah, if he but with good advice had weighed, wln 0340 The hidden tenor of her humble speech, img: 7a sig: B2v wln 0341 Reason to rage should not have given place, wln 0342 Nor poor Cordella suffer such disgrace. Exit. wln 0343 Enter the Gallian King with Mumford, and three wln 0344 Nobles more. wln 0345 King. Dissuade me not, my Lords, I am resolved, wln 0346 This next fair wind to sail for Brittany, wln 0347 In some disguise, to see if flying fame wln 0348 Be not too prodigal in the wondrous praise wln 0349 Of these three Nymphs, the daughters of King Leir. wln 0350 If present view do answer absent praise, wln 0351 And eyes allow of what our ears have heard, wln 0352 And Venus stand auspicious to my vows, wln 0353 And Fortune favor what I take in hand; wln 0354 I will return seized of as rich a prize wln 0355 As Jason, when he won the golden fleece. wln 0356 Mumford Heavens grant you may; the match were full of honor, wln 0357 And well beseeming the young Gallian King. wln 0358 I would your Grace would favor me so much, wln 0359 As make me partner of your Pilgrimage. wln 0360 I long to see the gallant British Dames, wln 0361 And feed mine eyes upon their rare perfections: wln 0362 For till I know the contrary, I’ll say, wln 0363 Our Dames in France are far more fair than they. wln 0364 King Lord Mumford, you have saved me a labor, wln 0365 In off’ring that which I did mean to ask: wln 0366 And I most willingly accept your company. wln 0367 Yet first I will enjoin you to observe wln 0368 Some few conditions which I shall propose. wln 0369 Mumford So that you do not tie mine eyes for looking wln 0370 After the amorous glances of fair Dames: wln 0371 So that you do not tie my tongue from speaking, wln 0372 My lips from kissing when occasion serves, wln 0373 My hands from congés, and my knees to bow wln 0374 To gallant Girls; which were a task more hard, wln 0375 Than flesh and blood is able to endure: wln 0376 Command what else you please, I rest content. wln 0377 King To bind thee from a thing thou canst not leave, wln 0378 Were but a mean to make thee seek it more: img: 7b sig: B3r wln 0379 And therefore speak, look, kiss, salute for me; wln 0380 In these myself am like to second thee. wln 0381 Now hear thy task. I charge thee from the time wln 0382 That first we set sail for the British shore, wln 0383 To use no words of dignity to me, wln 0384 But in the friendliest manner that thou canst, wln 0385 Make use of me as thy companion: wln 0386 For we will go disguised in Palmers’ weeds, wln 0387 That no man shall mistrust us what we are. wln 0388 Mumford If that be all, i’ll fit your turn, I warrant you. I am wln 0389 some kin to the Blunts, and I think, the bluntest of all my kindred; wln 0390 therefore if I be too blunt with you, thank yourself for wln 0391 praying me to be so. wln 0392 King. Thy pleasant company will make the way seem short. wln 0393 It resteth now, that in my absence hence, wln 0394 I do commit the government to you wln 0395 My trusty Lords and faithful Counselors. wln 0396 Time cutteth off the rest I have to say: wln 0397 The wind blows fair, and I must needs away. wln 0398 Nobles. Heavens send your voyage to as good effect, wln 0399 As we your land do purpose to protect. Exeunt. wln 0400 Enter the King of Cornwall and his man booted and wln 0401 spurred, a riding wand, and a letter in his hand. wln 0402 Cornwall But how far distant are we from the Court? wln 0403 Servant Some twenty miles, my Lord, or thereabouts. wln 0404 Cornwall It seemeth to me twenty thousand miles: wln 0405 Yet hope I to be there within this hour. wln 0406 Servant Then are you like to ride alone for me. to wln 0407 I think, my Lord is weary of his life. himself. wln 0408 Cornwall Sweet Gonoril, I long to see thy face, wln 0409 Which hast so kindly gratified my love. wln 0410 Enter the King of Cambria booted and spurred, and his wln 0411 man with a wand and a letter. wln 0412 Cambria Get a fresh horse: for by my soul I swear, He looks wln 0413 I am past patience, longer to forbear on the wln 0414 The wished sight of my beloved mistress, letter. wln 0415 Dear Ragan, stay and comfort of my life. wimlng :0 481a6 Servant Now what in God’s name doth my Lord intend? to himself. sig: B3v wln 0417 He thinks he ne’er shall come at ’s journey’s end. wln 0418 I would he had old Daedalus’ waxen wings, wln 0419 That he might fly, so I might stay behind: wln 0420 For ere we get to Troynovant, I see, wln 0421 He quite will tire himself, his horse and me. wln 0422 Cornwall and Cambria look one upon another, and wln 0423 start to see each other there. wln 0424 Cornwall Brother of Cambria, we greet you well, wln 0425 As one whom here we little did expect. wln 0426 Cambria Brother of Cornwall, met in happy time: wln 0427 I thought as much to have met with the Souldan of Persia, wln 0428 As to have met you in this place, my Lord. wln 0429 No doubt, it is about some great affairs, wln 0430 That makes you here so slenderly accompanied. wln 0431 Cornwall To say the truth, my Lord, it is no less, wln 0432 And for your part some hasty wind of chance wln 0433 Hath blown you hither thus upon the sudden. wln 0434 Cambria My Lord, to break off further circumstances, wln 0435 For at this time I cannot brook delays: wln 0436 Tell you your reason, I will tell you mine. wln 0437 Cornwall In faith content, and therefore to be brief; wln 0438 For I am sure my haste’s as great as yours: wln 0439 I am sent for, to come unto King Leir, wln 0440 Who by these present letters promiseth wln 0441 His eldest daughter, lovely Gonoril, wln 0442 To me in marriage, and for present dowry, wln 0443 The moiety of half his Regiment. wln 0444 The Lady’s love I long ago possessed: wln 0445 But until now I never had the father’s. wln 0446 Cambria You tell me wonders, yet I will relate wln 0447 Strange news, and henceforth we must brothers call; wln 0448 Witness these lines: his honorable age, wln 0449 Being weary of the troubles of his Crown, wln 0450 His princely daughter Ragan will bestow wln 0451 On me in marriage, with half his Signories, wln 0452 Whom I would gladly have accepted of, wln 0453 With the third part, her compliments are such. wln 0454 Cornwall If I have one half, and you have the other, img: 8b sig: B4r wln 0455 Then between us we must needs have the whole. wln 0456 Cambria The hole! how mean you that? ’Sblood, I hope, wln 0457 We shall have two holes between us. wln 0458 Cornwall Why, the whole Kingdom. wln 0459 Cambria Ay, that’s very true. wln 0460 Cornwall What then is left for his third daughter’s dowry, wln 0461 Lovely Cordella, whom the world admires? wln 0462 Cambria ’Tis very strange, I know not what to think, wln 0463 Unless they mean to make a Nun of her. wln 0464 Cornwall ’Twere pity such rare beauty should be hid wln 0465 Within the compass of a Cloister’s wall: wln 0466 But howsoe’er, if Leir’s words prove true, wln 0467 It will be good, my Lord, for me and you. wln 0468 Cambria Then let us haste, all danger to prevent, wln 0469 For fear delays do alter his intent. Exeunt. wln 0470 Enter Gonoril and Ragan. wln 0471 Gonoril Sister, when did you see Cordella last, wln 0472 That pretty piece, that thinks none good enough wln 0473 To speak to her, because (sirreverence) wln 0474 She hath a little beauty extraordinary? wln 0475 Ragan Since time my father warned her from his presence, wln 0476 I never saw her, that I can remember. wln 0477 God give her joy of her surpassing beauty; wln 0478 I think, her dowry will be small enough. wln 0479 Gonoril I have incensed my father so against her, wln 0480 As he will never be reclaimed again. wln 0481 Ragan I was not much behind to do the like. wln 0482 Gonoril Faith, sister, what moves you to bear her such good will? wln 0483 Ragan In truth, I think, the same that moveth you; wln 0484 Because she doth surpass us both in beauty. wln 0485 Gonoril Beshrew your fingers, how right you can guess: wln 0486 I tell you true, it cuts me to the heart. wln 0487 Ragan But we will keep her low enough, I warrant, wln 0488 And clip her wings for mounting up too high. wln 0489 Gonoril Whoever hath her, shall have a rich marriage of her. wln 0490 Ragan She were right fit to make a Parson’s wife: wln 0491 For they, men say, do love fair women well, img: 9a sig: B4v wln 0492 And many times do marry them with nothing. wln 0493 Gonoril With nothing! marry God forbid: why, are there any such? wln 0494 Ragan I mean, no money. wln 0495 Gonoril I cry you mercy, I mistook you much: wln 0496 And she is far too stately for the Church; wln 0497 She’ll lay her husband’s Benefice on her back, wln 0498 Even in one gown, if she may have her will. wln 0499 Ragan In faith, poor soul, I pity her a little. wln 0500 Would she were less fair, or more fortunate. wln 0501 Well, I think long until I see my Morgan, wln 0502 The gallant Prince of Cambria, here arrive. wln 0503 Gonoril And so do I, until the Cornwall King wln 0504 Present himself, to consummate my joys. wln 0505 Peace, here cometh my father. wln 0506 Enter Leir, Perillus and others. wln 0507 Leir. Cease, good my Lords, and sue not to reverse wln 0508 Our censure, which is now irrevocable. wln 0509 We have dispatched letters of contract wln 0510 Unto the Kings of Cambria and of Cornwall; wln 0511 Our hand and seal will justify no less: wln 0512 Then do not so dishonor me, my Lords, wln 0513 As to make shipwreck of our kingly word. wln 0514 I am as kind as is the Pelican, wln 0515 That kills itself, to save her young ones’ lives: wln 0516 And yet as jealous as the princely Eagle, wln 0517 That kills her young ones, if they do but dazzle wln 0518 Upon the radiant splendor of the Sun. Enter wln 0519 Within this two days I expect their coming. Kings of wln 0520 But in good time, they are arrived already. Cornwall and wln 0521 This haste of yours, my Lords, doth testify Cambria. wln 0522 The fervent love you bear unto my daughters: wln 0523 And think yourselves as welcome to King Leir, wln 0524 As ever Priam’s children were to him. wln 0525 Cornwall My gracious Lord, and father too, I hope, wln 0526 Pardon, for that I made no greater haste: wln 0527 But were my horse as swift as was my will, wln 0528 I long ere this had seen your Majesty. wln 0529 Cambria No other ’scuse of absence can I frame, img: 9b sig: C1r wln 0530 Than what my brother hath informed your Grace: wln 0531 For our undeserved welcome, we do vow, wln 0532 Perpetually to rest at your command. wln 0533 Cornwall But you, sweet Love, illustrious Gonoril, wln 0534 The Regent, and the Sovereign of my soul, wln 0535 Is Cornwall welcome to your Excellency? wln 0536 Gonoril As welcome, as Leander was to Hero, wln 0537 Or brave Aeneas to the Carthage Queen: wln 0538 So and more welcome is your Grace to me. wln 0539 Cambria O, may my fortune prove no worse than his, wln 0540 Since heavens do know, my fancy is as much. wln 0541 Dear Ragan, say, if welcome unto thee, wln 0542 All welcomes else will little comfort me. wln 0543 Ragan As gold is welcome to the covetous eye, wln 0544 As sleep is welcome to the Traveler, wln 0545 As is fresh water to seabeaten men, wln 0546 Or moistened showers unto the parched ground, wln 0547 Or any thing more welcomer than this, wln 0548 So and more welcome lovely Morgan is. wln 0549 Leir. What resteth then, but that we consummate, wln 0550 The celebration of these nuptial Rites? wln 0551 My Kingdom I do equally divide. wln 0552 Princes, draw lots, and take your chance as falls. wln 0553 Then they draw lots. wln 0554 These I resign as freely unto you, wln 0555 As erst by true succession they were mine. wln 0556 And here I do freely dispossess myself, wln 0557 And make you two my true adopted heirs: wln 0558 Myself will sojourn with my son of Cornwall, wln 0559 And take me to my prayers and my beads. wln 0560 I know, my daughter Ragan will be sorry, wln 0561 Because I do not spend my days with her: wln 0562 Would I were able to be with both at once; wln 0563 They are the kindest Girls in Christendom. wln 0564 Perillus I have been silent all this while, my Lord, wln 0565 To see if any worthier than myself, wln 0566 Would once have spoke in poor Cordella’s cause: wln 0567 But love or fear ties silence to their tongues. img: 10a sig: C1v wln 0568 Oh, hear me speak for her, my gracious Lord, wln 0569 Whose deeds have not deserved this ruthless doom, wln 0570 As thus to disinherit her of all. wln 0571 Leir. Urge this no more, and if thou love thy life: wln 0572 I say, she is no daughter, that doth scorn wln 0573 To tell her father how she loveth him. wln 0574 Whoever speaketh hereof to me again, wln 0575 I will esteem him for my mortal foe. wln 0576 Come, let us in, to celebrate with joy, wln 0577 The happy Nuptials of these lovely pairs. wln 0578 Exeunt omnes, manet Perillus. wln 0579 Perillus Ah, who so blind, as they that will not see wln 0580 The near approach of their own misery? wln 0581 Poor Lady, I extremely pity her: wln 0582 And whilst I live, each drop of my heart blood, wln 0583 Will I strain forth, to do her any good. Exit. wln 0584 Enter the Gallian King, and Mumford, disguised wln 0585 like Pilgrims. wln 0586 Mumford My Lord, how do you brook this British air? wln 0587 King of Gallia. My Lord? I told you of this foolish humor, wln 0588 And bound you to the contrary, you know. wln 0589 Mumford Pardon me for once, my Lord; I did forget. wln 0590 King of Gallia. My Lord again? then let’s have nothing else, wln 0591 And so be ta’en for spies, and then ’tis well. wln 0592 Mumford ’Swounds, I could bite my tongue in two for anger: wln 0593 For God’s sake name yourself some proper name. wln 0594 King of Gallia. Call me Tresillus: I’ll call thee Denapoll. wln 0595 Mumford Might I be made the Monarch of the world, wln 0596 I could not hit upon these names, I swear. wln 0597 King of Gallia. Then call me Will, i’ll call thee Jack. wln 0598 Mumford Well, be it so, for I have well deserved to be called Jack. wln 0599 King of Gallia. Stand close; for here a British Lady cometh: Enter wln 0600 A fairer creature ne’er mine eyes beheld. Cordella. wln 0601 Cordella This is a day of joy unto my sisters, wln 0602 Wherein they both are married unto Kings; wln 0603 And I, by birth, as worthy as themselves, wln 0604 Am turned into the world, to seek my fortune. wln 0605 How may I blame the fickle Queen of Chance, img: 10b sig: C2r wln 0606 That maketh me a pattern of her power? wln 0607 Ah, poor weak maid, whose imbecility wln 0608 Is far unable to endure these brunts. wln 0609 Oh, father Leir, how dost thou wrong thy child, wln 0610 Who always was obedient to thy will! wln 0611 But why accuse I fortune and my father? wln 0612 No, no, it is the pleasure of my God: wln 0613 And I do willingly embrace the rod. wln 0614 King of Gallia. It is no Goddess; for she doth complain wln 0615 On fortune, and th’ unkindness of her father. wln 0616 Cordella These costly robes ill fitting my estate, wln 0617 I will exchange for other meaner habit. wln 0618 Mumford Now if I had a Kingdom in my hands, wln 0619 I would exchange it for a milkmaid’s smock and petticoat, wln 0620 That she and I might shift our clothes together. wln 0621 Cordella I will betake me to my thread and Needle, wln 0622 And earn my living with my fingers’ ends. wln 0623 Mumford O brave! God willing, thou shalt have my custom, wln 0624 By sweet Saint Denis, here I sadly swear, wln 0625 For all the shirts and nightgear that I wear. wln 0626 Cordella I will profess and vow a maiden’s life. wln 0627 Mumford Then I protest thou shalt not have my custom. wln 0628 King of Gallia. I can forbear no longer for to speak: wln 0629 For if I do, I think my heart will break. wln 0630 Mumford ’Sblood, Will, I hope you are not in love with my Sempster. wln 0631 King of Gallia. I am in such a labyrinth of love, wln 0632 As that I know not which way to get out. wln 0633 Mumford You’ll ne’er get out, unless you first get in. wln 0634 King of Gallia. I prithee Jack, cross not my passions. wln 0635 Mumford Prithee Will, to her, and try her patience. wln 0636 King of Gallia. Thou fairest creature, whatsoe’er thou art, wln 0637 That ever any mortal eyes beheld, wln 0638 Vouchsafe to me, who have o’erheard thy woes, wln 0639 To show the cause of these thy sad laments. wln 0640 Cordella Ah Pilgrims, what avails to show the cause, wln 0641 When there’s no means to find a remedy? wln 0642 King of Gallia. To utter grief, doth ease a heart o’ercharged. wln 0643 Cordella To touch a sore, doth aggravate the pain. img: 11a sig: C2v wln 0644 King of Gallia. The silly mouse, by virtue of her teeth, wln 0645 Released the princely Lion from the net. wln 0646 Cordella Kind Palmer, which so much desir’st to hear wln 0647 The tragic tale of my unhappy youth: wln 0648 Know this in brief, I am the hapless daughter wln 0649 Of Leir, sometimes King of Brittany. wln 0650 King of Gallia. Why, who debars his honorable age, wln 0651 From being still the King of Brittany? wln 0652 Cordella None, but himself hath dispossessed himself, wln 0653 And given all his Kingdom to the Kings wln 0654 Of Cornwall and of Cambria, with my sisters. wln 0655 King of Gallia. Hath he given nothing to your lovely self? wln 0656 Cordella He loved me not, and therefore gave me nothing, wln 0657 Only because I could not flatter him: wln 0658 And in this day of triumph to my sisters, wln 0659 Doth Fortune triumph in my overthrow. wln 0660 King of Gallia. Sweet Lady, say there should come a King, wln 0661 As good as either of your sisters’ husbands, wln 0662 To crave your love, would you accept of him? wln 0663 Cordella Oh, do not mock with those in misery, wln 0664 Nor do not think, though fortune have the power, wln 0665 To spoil mine honor, and debase my state, wln 0666 That she hath any interest in my mind: wln 0667 For if the greatest Monarch on the earth, wln 0668 Should sue to me in this extremity, wln 0669 Except my heart could love, and heart could like, wln 0670 Better than any that I ever saw, wln 0671 His great estate no more should move my mind, wln 0672 Than mountains move by blast of every wind. wln 0673 King of Gallia. Think not, sweet Nymph, ’tis holy Palmer’s guise, wln 0674 To grieved souls fresh torments to devise: wln 0675 Therefore in witness of my true intent, wln 0676 Let heaven and earth bear record of my words: wln 0677 There is a young and lusty Gallian King, wln 0678 So like to me, as I am to myself, wln 0679 That earnestly doth crave to have thy love, wln 0680 And join with thee in Hymen’s sacred bonds. wln 0681 Cordella The like to thee did ne’er these eyes behold; img: 11b sig: C3r wln 0682 Oh live to add new torments to my grief: wln 0683 Why didst thou thus entrap me unawares? wln 0684 Ah Palmer, my estate doth not befit wln 0685 A kingly marriage, as the case now stands. wln 0686 Whilom whenas I lived in honor’s height, wln 0687 A Prince perhaps might postulate my love: wln 0688 Now misery, dishonor and disgrace, wln 0689 Hath light on me, and quite reversed the case. wln 0690 Thy King will hold thee wise, if thou surcease wln 0691 The suit, whereas no dowry will ensue. wln 0692 Then be advised, Palmer, what to do: wln 0693 Cease for thy King, seek for thyself to woo. wln 0694 King of Gallia. Your birth’s too high for any, but a King. wln 0695 Cordella My mind is low enough to love a Palmer, wln 0696 Rather than any King upon the earth. wln 0697 King of Gallia. O, but you never can endure their life, wln 0698 Which is so straight and full of penury. wln 0699 Cordella O yes, I can, and happy if I might: wln 0700 I’ll hold thy Palmer’s staff within my hand, wln 0701 And think it is the Sceptre of a Queen. wln 0702 Sometime i’ll set thy Bonnet on my head, wln 0703 And think I wear a rich imperial Crown. wln 0704 Sometime i’ll help thee in thy holy prayers, wln 0705 And think I am with thee in Paradise. wln 0706 Thus i’ll mock fortune, as she mocketh me, wln 0707 And never will my lovely choice repent: wln 0708 For having thee, I shall have all content. wln 0709 King of Gallia. ’Twere sin to hold her longer in suspense, wln 0710 Since that my soul hath vowed she shall be mine. wln 0711 Ah, dear Cordella, cordial to my heart, wln 0712 I am no Palmer, as I seem to be, wln 0713 But hither come in this unknown disguise, wln 0714 To view th’admired beauty of those eyes. wln 0715 I am the King of Gallia, gentle maid, wln 0716 (Although thus slenderly accompanied) wln 0717 And yet thy vassal by imperious Love, wln 0718 And sworn to serve thee everlastingly. wln 0719 Cordella Whate’er you be, of high or low descent, img: 12a sig: C3v wln 0720 All’s one to me, I do request but this: wln 0721 That as I am, you will accept of me, wln 0722 And I will have you whatsoe’er you be: wln 0723 Yet well I know, you come of royal race, wln 0724 I see such sparks of honor in your face: wln 0725 Mumford Have Palmer’s weeds such power to win fair Ladies? wln 0726 Faith, then I hope the next that falls is mine: wln 0727 Upon condition I no worse might speed, wln 0728 I would for ever wear a Palmer’s weed. wln 0729 I like an honest and plaindealing wench, wln 0730 That swears (without exceptions) I will have you. wln 0731 These foppets, that know not whether to love a man or no, except wln 0732 they first go ask their mother’s leave, by this hand, I hate wln 0733 them ten times worse than poison. wln 0734 King of Gallia. What resteth then our happiness to procure? wln 0735 Mumford Faith, go to Church, to make the matter sure. wln 0736 King of Gallia. It shall be so, because the world shall say, wln 0737 King Leir’s three daughters were wedded in one day: wln 0738 The celebration of this happy chance, wln 0739 We will defer, until we come to France. wln 0740 Mumford I like the wooing, that’s not long adoing. wln 0741 Well, for her sake, I know what I know: wln 0742 I’ll never marry whilst I live, wln 0743 Except I have one of these British Ladies, wln 0744 My humor is alienated from the maids of France. Exeunt. wln 0745 Enter Perillus solus. wln 0746 Perillus The King hath dispossessed himself of all, wln 0747 Those to advance, which scarce will give him thanks: wln 0748 His youngest daughter he hath turned away, wln 0749 And no man knows what is become of her. wln 0750 He sojourns now in Cornwall with the eldest, wln 0751 Who flattered him, until she did obtain wln 0752 That at his hands, which now she doth possess, wln 0753 And now she sees he hath no more to give, wln 0754 It grieves her heart to see her father live. wln 0755 Oh, whom should man trust in this wicked age, wln 0756 When children thus against their parents rage? wln 0757 But he, the mirror of mild patience, img: 12b sig: C4r wln 0758 Puts up all wrongs, and never gives reply: wln 0759 Yet shames she not in most opprobrious sort, wln 0760 To call him fool and dotard to his face, wln 0761 And sets her Parasites of purpose oft, wln 0762 In scoffing wise to offer him disgrace. wln 0763 Oh iron age! O times! O monstrous, vild, wln 0764 When parents are contemned of the child! wln 0765 His pension she hath half restrained from him, wln 0766 And will, ere long, the other half, I fear: wln 0767 For she thinks nothing is bestowed in vain, wln 0768 But that which doth her father’s life maintain. wln 0769 Trust not alliance; but trust strangers rather, wln 0770 Since daughters prove disloyal to the father. wln 0771 Well, I will counsel him the best I can: wln 0772 Would I were able to redress his wrong. wln 0773 Yet what I can, unto my utmost power, wln 0774 He shall be sure of to the latest hour. Exit. wln 0775 Enter Gonoril, and Skalliger. wln 0776 Gonoril I prithee, Skalliger, tell me what thou thinkst: wln 0777 Could any woman of our dignity wln 0778 Endure such quips and peremptory taunts, wln 0779 As I do daily from my doting father? wln 0780 Doth ’t not suffice that I him keep of alms, wln 0781 Who is not able for to keep himself? wln 0782 But as if he were our better, he should think wln 0783 To check and snap me up at every word. wln 0784 I cannot make me a newfashioned gown, wln 0785 And set it forth with more than common cost; wln 0786 But his old doting doltish withered wit, wln 0787 Is sure to give a senseless check for it. wln 0788 I cannot make a banquet extraordinary, wln 0789 To grace myself, and spread my name abroad, wln 0790 But he, old fool, is captious by and by, wln 0791 And saith, the cost would well suffice for twice. wln 0792 Judge then, I pray, what reason is ’t, that I wln 0793 Should stand alone charged with his vain expense, wln 0794 And that my sister Ragan should go free, wln 0795 To whom he gave as much, as unto me? img: 13a sig: C4v wln 0796 I prithee, Skalliger, tell me, if thou know, wln 0797 By any means to rid me of this woe. wln 0798 Skalliger Your many favors still bestowed on me, wln 0799 Bind me in duty to advise your Grace, wln 0800 How you may soonest remedy this ill. wln 0801 The large allowance which he hath from you, wln 0802 Is that which makes him so forget himself: wln 0803 Therefore abridge it half, and you shall see, wln 0804 That having less, he will more thankful be: wln 0805 For why, abundance maketh us forget wln 0806 The fountains whence the benefits do spring. wln 0807 Gonoril Well, Skalliger, for thy kind advice herein, wln 0808 I will not be ungrateful, if I live: wln 0809 I have restrained half his portion already, wln 0810 And I will presently restrain the other, wln 0811 That having no means to relieve himself, wln 0812 He may go seek elsewhere for better help. Exit. wln 0813 Skalliger Go, viperous woman, shame to all thy sex: wln 0814 The heavens, no doubt, will punish thee for this: wln 0815 And me a villain, that to curry favor, wln 0816 Have given the daughter counsel ’gainst the father. wln 0817 But us the world doth this experience give, wln 0818 That he that cannot flatter, cannot live. Exit. wln 0819 Enter King of Cornwall, Leir, Perillus and Nobles. wln 0820 Cornwall Father, what aileth you to be so sad? wln 0821 Methinks, you frolic not as you were wont. wln 0822 Leir. The nearer we do grow unto our graves, wln 0823 The less we do delight in worldly joys. wln 0824 Cornwall But if a man can frame himself to mirth, wln 0825 It is a mean for to prolong his life. wln 0826 Leir. Then welcome sorrow, Leir’s only friend, wln 0827 Who doth desire his troubled days had end. wln 0828 Cornwall Comfort yourself, father, here comes your daughter, wln 0829 Who much will grieve, I know, to see you sad. Enter wln 0830 Leir. But more doth grieve, I fear, to see me live. Gonoril. wln 0831 Cornwall My Gonoril, you come in wished time, wln 0832 To put your father from these pensive dumps. wln 0833 In faith, I fear that all things go not well. img: 13b sig: D1r wln 0834 Gonoril What, do you fear, that I have angered him? wln 0835 Hath he complained of me unto my Lord? wln 0836 I’ll provide him a piece of bread and cheese; wln 0837 For in a time he’ll practice nothing else, wln 0838 Than carry tales from one unto another. wln 0839 ’Tis all his practice for to kindle strife, wln 0840 ’Twixt you, my Lord, and me your loving wife: wln 0841 But I will take an order, if I can, wln 0842 To cease th’ effect, where first the cause began. wln 0843 Cornwall Sweet, be not angry in a partial cause, wln 0844 He ne’er complained of thee in all his life. wln 0845 Father, you must not weigh a woman’s words. wln 0846 Leir. Alas, not I: poor soul, she breeds young bones, wln 0847 And that is it makes her so touchy sure. wln 0848 Gonoril What, breeds young bones already! you will make wln 0849 An honest woman of me then, belike. wln 0850 O vild old wretch! whoever heard the like, wln 0851 That seeketh thus his own child to defame? wln 0852 Cornwall I cannot stay to hear this discord sound. Exit. wln 0853 Gonoril For any one that loves your company, wln 0854 You may go pack, and seek some other place, wln 0855 To sow the seed of discord and disgrace. Exit. wln 0856 Leir. Thus, say or do the best that e’er I can, wln 0857 ’Tis wrested straight into another sense. wln 0858 This punishment my heavy sins deserve, wln 0859 And more than this ten thousand thousand times: wln 0860 Else aged Leir them could never find wln 0861 Cruel to him, to whom he hath been kind. wln 0862 Why do I overlive myself, to see wln 0863 The course of nature quite reversed in me? wln 0864 Ah, gentle Death, if ever any wight wln 0865 Did wish thy presence with a perfect zeal: wln 0866 Then come, I pray thee, even with all my heart, wln 0867 And end my sorrows with thy fatal dart. He weeps. wln 0868 Perillus Ah, do not so disconsolate yourself, wln 0869 Nor dew your aged cheeks with wasting tears. wln 0870 Leir. What man art thou that takest any pity wln 0871 Upon the worthless state of old Leir? img: 14a sig: D1v wln 0872 Perillus One, who doth bear as great a share of grief, wln 0873 As if it were my dearest father’s case. wln 0874 Leir. Ah, good my friend, how ill art thou advised, wln 0875 For to consort with miserable men: wln 0876 Go learn to flatter, where thou mayst in time wln 0877 Get favor ’mongst the mighty, and so climb: wln 0878 For now I am so poor and full of want. wln 0879 As that I ne’er can recompense thy love. wln 0880 Perillus What’s got by flattery, doth not long endure; wln 0881 And men in favor live not most secure. wln 0882 My conscience tells me, if I should forsake you, wln 0883 I were the hateful’st excrement on the earth: wln 0884 Which well do know, in course of former time, wln 0885 How good my Lord hath been to me and mine. wln 0886 Leir. Did I e’er raise thee higher than the rest wln 0887 Of all thy ancestors which were before? wln 0888 Perillus I ne’er did seek it; but by your good Grace, wln 0889 I still enjoyed my own with quietness. wln 0890 Leir. Did I ere give thee living, to increase wln 0891 The due revenues which thy father left? wln 0892 Perillus I had enough, my Lord, and having that, wln 0893 What should you need to give me any more? wln 0894 Leir. Oh, did I ever dispossess myself, wln 0895 And give thee half my Kingdom in good will? wln 0896 Perillus Alas, my Lord, there were no reason, why wln 0897 You should have such a thought, to give it me. wln 0898 Leir. Nay, if thou talk of reason, then be mute; wln 0899 For with good reason I can thee confute. wln 0900 If they, which first by nature’s sacred law, wln 0901 Do owe to me the tribute of their lives; wln 0902 If they to whom I always have been kind, wln 0903 And bountiful beyond comparison; wln 0904 If they, for whom I have undone myself, wln 0905 And brought my age unto this extreme want, wln 0906 Do now reject, contemn, despise, abhor me, wln 0907 What reason moveth thee to sorrow for me? wln 0908 Perillus Where reason fails, let tears confirm my love, wln 0909 And speak how much your passions do me move. img: 14b sig: D2r wln 0910 Ah, good my Lord, condemn not all for one: wln 0911 You have two daughters left, to whom I know wln 0912 You shall be welcome, if you please to go. wln 0913 Leir. Oh, how thy words add sorrow to my soul, wln 0914 To think of my unkindness to Cordella! wln 0915 Whom causeless I did dispossess of all, wln 0916 Upon th’ unkind suggestions of her sisters: wln 0917 And for her sake, I think this heavy doom wln 0918 Is fall’n on me, and not without desert: wln 0919 Yet unto Ragan was I always kind, wln 0920 And gave to her the half of all I had: wln 0921 It may be, if I should to her repair, wln 0922 She would be kinder, and entreat me fair. wln 0923 Perillus No doubt she would, and practice ere ’t be long, wln 0924 By force of Arms for to redress your wrong. wln 0925 Leir. Well, since thou dost advise me for to go, wln 0926 I am resolved to try the worst of woe. Exeunt. wln 0927 Enter Ragan solus. wln 0928 Ragan How may I bless the hour of my nativity, wln 0929 Which bodeth unto me such happy Stars! wln 0930 How may I thank kind fortune, that vouchsafes wln 0931 To all my actions, such desired event! wln 0932 I rule the King of Cambria as I please: wln 0933 The States are all obedient to my will; wln 0934 And look whate’er I say, it shall be so; wln 0935 Not any one, that dareth answer no. wln 0936 My eldest sister lives in royal state, wln 0937 And wanteth nothing fitting her degree: wln 0938 Yet hath she such a cooling card withal, wln 0939 As that her honey savoreth much of gall. wln 0940 My father with her is quartermaster still, wln 0941 And many times restrains her of her will: wln 0942 But if he were with me, and served me so, wln 0943 I’d send him packing somewhere else to go. wln 0944 I’d entertain him with such slender cost, wln 0945 That he should quickly wish to change his host. Exit. wln 0946 Enter Cornwall, Gonoril, and attendants. wln 0947 Cornwall Ah, Gonoril, what dire unhappy chance img: 15a sig: D2v wln 0948 Hath sequestered thy father from our presence, wln 0949 That no report can yet be heard of him? wln 0950 Some great unkindness hath been offered him, wln 0951 Exceeding far the bounds of patience: wln 0952 Else all the world shall never me persuade, wln 0953 He would forsake us without notice made. wln 0954 Gonoril Alas, my Lord, whom doth it touch so near, wln 0955 Or who hath interest in this grief, but I, wln 0956 Whom sorrow had brought to her longest home, wln 0957 But that I know his qualities so well? wln 0958 I know, he is but stol’n upon my sister wln 0959 At unawares, to see her how she fares, wln 0960 And spend a little time with her, to note wln 0961 How all things go, and how she likes her choice: wln 0962 And when occasion serves, he’ll steal from her, wln 0963 And unawares return to us again. wln 0964 Therefore, my Lord, be frolic, and resolve wln 0965 To see my father here again ere long. wln 0966 Cornwall I hope so too; but yet to be more sure, wln 0967 I’ll send a Post immediately to know wln 0968 Whether he be arrived there or no. Exit. wln 0969 Gonoril But I will intercept the Messenger, wln 0970 And temper him before he doth depart, wln 0971 With sweet persuasions, and with sound rewards, wln 0972 That his report shall ratify my speech, wln 0973 And make my Lord cease further to inquire. wln 0974 If he be not gone to my sister’s Court, wln 0975 As sure my mind presageth that he is, wln 0976 He happily may, by traveling unknown ways, wln 0977 Fall sick, and as a common passenger, wln 0978 Be dead and buried: would God it were so well; wln 0979 For then there were no more to do, but this, wln 0980 He went away, and none knows where he is, wln 0981 But say he be in Cambria with the King, wln 0982 And there exclaim against me, as he will: wln 0983 I know he is as welcome to my sister, wln 0984 As water is into a broken ship. wln 0985 Well, after him I’ll send such thunderclaps img: 15b sig: D3r wln 0986 Of slander, scandal, and invented tales, wln 0987 That all the blame shall be removed from me, wln 0988 And unperceived rebound upon himself. wln 0989 Thus with one nail another I’ll expel, wln 0990 And make the world judge, that I used him well. wln 0991 Enter the Messenger that should go to Cambria, wln 0992 with a letter in his hand. wln 0993 Gonoril My honest friend, whither away so fast? wln 0994 Messenger To Cambria, Madam, with letters from the king. wln 0995 Gonoril To whom? wln 0996 Messenger Unto your father, if he be there. wln 0997 Gonoril Let me see them. She opens them. wln 0998 Messenger Madam, I hope your Grace will stand wln 0999 Between me and my neckverse, if I be wln 1000 Called in question, for opening the King’s letters. wln 1001 Gonoril ’Twas was I that opened them, it was not thou. wln 1002 Messenger Ay, but you need not care: and so must I, wln 1003 A handsome man, be quickly trussed up, wln 1004 And when a man’s hanged, all the world cannot save him, wln 1005 Gonoril He that hangs thee, were better hang his father, wln 1006 Or that but hurts thee in the least degree. wln 1007 I tell thee, we make great account of thee. wln 1008 Messenger I am o’erjoyed, I surfeit of sweet words: wln 1009 Kind Queen, had I a hundred lives, I would wln 1010 Spend ninetynine of them for you, for that word. wln 1011 Gonoril Ay, but thou wouldst keep one life still, wln 1012 And that’s as many as thou art like to have. wln 1013 Messenger That one life is not too dear for my good Queen; this wln 1014 sword, this buckler, this head, this heart, these hands, arms, wln 1015 legs, tripes, bowels, and all the members else whatsoever, are at wln 1016 your dispose; use me, trust me, command me: if I fail in any wln 1017 thing, tie me to a dung cart, and make a Scavenger’s horse of wln 1018 me, and whip me, so long as I have any skin on my back. wln 1019 Gonoril In token of further employment, take that. wln 1020 Flings him a purse. wln 1021 Messenger A strong Bond, a firm Obligation, good in law, good wln 1022 in law: if I keep not the condition, let my neck be the forfeiture wln 1023 of my negligence. img: 16a sig: D3v wln 1024 Gonoril I like thee well, thou hast a good tongue. wln 1025 Messenger And as bad a tongue if it be set on it, as any Oysterwife wln 1026 at Billingsgate hath: why, I have made many of my neighbors wln 1027 forsake their houses with railing upon them, and go dwell elsewhere; wln 1028 and so by my means houses have been good cheap in wln 1029 our parish: My tongue being well whetted with choler, is more wln 1030 sharp than a Razor of Palermo. wln 1031 Gonoril O, thou art a fit man for my purpose. wln 1032 Messenger Commend me not, sweet Queen, before you try me. wln 1033 As my deserts are, so do think of me. wln 1034 Gonoril Well said, then this is thy trial: Instead of carrying wln 1035 the King’s letters to my father, carry thou these letters to my wln 1036 sister, which contain matter quite contrary to the other: there wln 1037 shall she be given to understand, that my father hath detracted wln 1038 her, given out sland’rous speeches against her; and that he wln 1039 hath most intolerably abused me, set my Lord and me at variance, wln 1040 and made mutinies amongst the commons. wln 1041 These things (although it be not so) wln 1042 Yet thou must affirm them to be true, wln 1043 With oaths and protestations as will serve, wln 1044 To drive my sister out of love with him, wln 1045 And cause my will accomplished to be. wln 1046 This do, thou winn’st my favor for ever, wln 1047 And makest a highway of preferment to thee wln 1048 And all thy friends. wln 1049 Messenger It sufficeth, conceit it is already done: wln 1050 I will so tonguewhip him, that I will wln 1051 Leave him as bare of credit, as a Poulter wln 1052 Leaves a Coney, when she pulls off his skin. wln 1053 Gonoril Yet there is a further matter. wln 1054 Messenger I thirst to hear it. wln 1055 Gonoril If my sister thinketh convenient, as my letters wln 1056 importeth, to make him away, hast thou the heart to wln 1057 effect it? wln 1058 Messenger Few words are best in so small a matter: wln 1059 These are but trifles. By this book I will. wln 1060 kiss the paper. img: 16b sig: D4r wln 1061 Gonoril About it presently, I long till it be done, wln 1062 Messenger I fly, I fly. Exeunt. wln 1063 Enter Cordella solus. wln 1064 I have been overnegligent today, wln 1065 In going to the Temple of my God, wln 1066 To render thanks for all his benefits, wln 1067 Which he miraculously hath bestowed on me, wln 1068 In raising me out of my mean estate, wln 1069 Whenas I was devoid of worldly friends, wln 1070 And placing me in such a sweet content, wln 1071 As far exceeds the reach of my deserts. wln 1072 My kingly husband, mirror of his time, wln 1073 For zeal, for justice, kindness, and for care wln 1074 To God, his subjects, me, and Common weal, wln 1075 By his appointment was ordained for me. wln 1076 I cannot wish the thing that I do want; wln 1077 I cannot want the thing but I may have, wln 1078 Save only this which I shall ne’er obtain, wln 1079 My father’s love, oh this I ne’er shall gain. wln 1080 I would abstain from any nutriment, wln 1081 And pine my body to the very bones: wln 1082 Barefoot I would on pilgrimage set forth wln 1083 Unto the furthest quarters of the earth, wln 1084 And all my lifetime would I sackcloth wear, wln 1085 And mourningwise pour dust upon my head: wln 1086 So he but to forgive me once would please, wln 1087 That his gray hairs might go to heaven in peace. wln 1088 And yet I know not how I him offended, wln 1089 Or wherein justly I have deserved blame. wln 1090 Oh sisters! you are much to blame in this, wln 1091 It was not he, but you that did me wrong. wln 1092 Yet God forgive both him, and you and me, wln 1093 Even as I do in perfect charity. wln 1094 I will to Church, and pray unto my Savior, wln 1095 That ere I die, I may obtain his favor. Exit. wln 1096 Enter Leir and Perillus faintly. wln 1097 Perillus Rest on me, my Lord, and stay yourself, wln 1098 The way seems tedious to your aged limbs. img: 17a sig: D4v wln 1099 Leir. Nay, rest on me, kind friend, and stay thyself, wln 1100 Thou art as old as I, but more kind. wln 1101 Perillus Ah, good my Lord, it ill befits, that I wln 1102 Should lean upon the person of a King. wln 1103 Leir. But it fits worse, that I should bring thee forth, wln 1104 That had no cause to come along with me, wln 1105 Through these uncouth paths, and tireful ways, wln 1106 And never ease thy fainting limbs a whit. wln 1107 Thou hast left all, Ay, all to come with me, wln 1108 And I, for all, have naught to guerdon thee. wln 1109 Perillus Cease, good my Lord, to aggravate my woes, wln 1110 With these kind words, which cuts my heart in two, wln 1111 To think your will should want the power to do. wln 1112 Leir. Cease, good Perillus, for to call me Lord, wln 1113 And think me but the shadow of myself. wln 1114 Perillus That honorable title will I give, wln 1115 Unto my Lord, so long as I do live. wln 1116 Oh, be of comfort; for I see the place wln 1117 Whereas your daughter keeps her residence. wln 1118 And lo, in happy time the Cambrian Prince wln 1119 Is here arrived, to gratify our coming. wln 1120 Enter the Prince of Cambria, Ragan and Nobles: look wln 1121 upon them, and whisper together. wln 1122 Leir. Were I best speak, or sit me down and die? wln 1123 I am ashamed to tell this heavy tale. wln 1124 Perillus Then let me tell it, if you please, my Lord: wln 1125 ’Tis shame for them that were the cause thereof. wln 1126 Cambria What two old men are those that seem so sad? wln 1127 Methinks, I should remember well their looks. wln 1128 Ragan No, I mistake not, sure it is my father: wln 1129 I must dissemble kindness now of force. wln 1130 She runneth to him, and kneels down, saying: wln 1131 Father, I bid you welcome, full of grief, wln 1132 To see your Grace used thus unworthily, wln 1133 And ill befitting for your reverend age, wln 1134 To come on foot a journey so indurable. wln 1135 Oh, what disaster chance hath been the cause, wln 1136 To make your cheeks so hollow, spare and lean? img: 17b sig: E1r wln 1137 He cannot speak for weeping: for God’s love, come, wln 1138 Let us refresh him with some needful things, wln 1139 And at more leisure we may better know, wln 1140 Whence springs the ground of this unlookedfor woe. wln 1141 Cambria Come, father, ere we any further talk, wln 1142 You shall refresh you after this weary walk. Exeunt, manet wln 1143 Ragan Comes he to me with finger in the eye, Ragan. wln 1144 To tell a tale against my sister here? wln 1145 Whom I do know, he greatly hath abused: wln 1146 And now like a contentious crafty wretch, wln 1147 He first begins for to complain himself, wln 1148 Whenas himself is in the greatest fault. wln 1149 I’ll not be partial in my sister’s cause, wln 1150 Nor yet believe his doting vain reports: wln 1151 Who for a trifle (safely) I dare say, wln 1152 Upon a spleen is stolen thence away: wln 1153 And here (forsooth) he hopeth to have harbor, wln 1154 And to be moaned and made on like a child: wln 1155 But ere ’t be long, his coming he shall curse, wln 1156 And truly say, he came from bad to worse: wln 1157 Yet will I make fair weather, to procure wln 1158 Convenient means, and then i’ll strike it sure. Exit. wln 1159 Enter Messenger solus. wln 1160 Messenger Now happily I am arrived here, wln 1161 Before the stately Palace of the Cambrian King: wln 1162 If Leir be here safeseated, and in rest, wln 1163 To rouse him from it I will do my best. Enter Ragan. wln 1164 Now bags of gold, your virtue is (no doubt) wln 1165 To make me in my message bold and stout. wln 1166 The King of heaven preserve your Majesty. wln 1167 And send your Highness everlasting reign. wln 1168 Ragan Thanks, good my friend; but what imports thy message? wln 1169 Messenger Kind greetings from the Cornwall Queen: wln 1170 The residue these letters will declare. wln 1171 She opens the letters. wln 1172 Ragan How fares our royal sister? wln 1173 Messenger I did leave her at my parting, in good health. wln 1174 She reads the letter, frowns and stamps. img: 18a sig: E1v wln 1175 See how her color comes and goes again, wln 1176 Now red as scarlet, now as pale as ash: wln 1177 She how she knits her brow, and bites her lips, wln 1178 And stamps, and makes a dumb show of disdain, wln 1179 Mixed with revenge, and violent extremes. wln 1180 Here will be more work and more crowns for me. wln 1181 Ragan Alas, poor soul, and hath he used her thus? wln 1182 And is he now come hither, with intent wln 1183 To set divorce betwixt my Lord and me? wln 1184 Doth he give out, that he doth hear report, wln 1185 That I do rule my husband as I list, wln 1186 And therefore means to alter so the case, wln 1187 That I shall know my Lord to be my head? wln 1188 Well, it were best for him to take good heed, wln 1189 Or I will make him hop without a head, wln 1190 For his presumption, dotard that he is. wln 1191 In Cornwall he hath made such mutinies, wln 1192 First, setting of the King against the Queen; wln 1193 Then stirring up the Commons ’gainst the King; wln 1194 That had he there continued any longer, wln 1195 He had been called in question for his fact. wln 1196 So upon that occasion thence he fled, wln 1197 And comes thus slyly stealing unto us: wln 1198 And now already since his coming hither, wln 1199 My Lord and he are grown in such a league, wln 1200 That I can have no conference with his Grace: wln 1201 I fear, he doth already intimate wln 1202 Some forged cavillations ’gainst my state: wln 1203 ’Tis therefore best to cut him off in time, wln 1204 Lest slanderous rumors once abroad dispersed, wln 1205 It is too late for them to be reversed. wln 1206 Friend, as the tenor of these letters shows, wln 1207 My sister puts great confidence in thee. wln 1208 Messenger She never yet committed trust to me, wln 1209 But that (I hope) she found me always faithful: wln 1210 So will I be to any friend of hers, wln 1211 That hath occasion to employ my help. wln 1212 Ragan Hast thou the heart to act a stratagem, img: 18b sig: E2r wln 1213 And give a stab or two, if need require? wln 1214 Messenger I have a heart compact of Adamant, wln 1215 Which never knew what melting pity meant. wln 1216 I weigh no more the murd’ring of a man, wln 1217 Than I respect the cracking of a Flea, wln 1218 When I do catch her biting on my skin. wln 1219 If you will have your husband or your father, wln 1220 Or both of them sent to another world, wln 1221 Do but command me do ’t, it shall be done. wln 1222 Ragan It is enough, we make no doubt of thee: wln 1223 Meet us tomorrow here, at nine o’clock: wln 1224 Meanwhile, farewell, and drink that for my sake. Exit. wln 1225 Messenger Ay, this is it will make me do the deed: wln 1226 Oh, had I every day such customers, wln 1227 This were the gainful’st trade in Christendom! wln 1228 A purse of gold given for a paltry stab! wln 1229 Why, here’s a wench that longs to have a stab. wln 1230 Well, I could give it her, and ne’er hurt her neither. wln 1231 Enter the Gallian King, and Cordella. wln 1232 King of Gallia. When will these clouds of sorrow once disperse, wln 1233 And smiling joy triumph upon thy brow? wln 1234 When will this Scene of sadness have an end, wln 1235 And pleasant acts ensue, to move delight? wln 1236 When will my lovely Queen cease to lament, wln 1237 And take some comfort to her grieved thoughts? wln 1238 If of thyself thou deign’st to have no care, wln 1239 Yet pity me, whom thy grief makes despair. wln 1240 Cordella O, grieve not you, my Lord, you have no cause. wln 1241 Let not my passions move your mind a whit: wln 1242 For I am bound by nature, to lament wln 1243 For his ill will, that life to me first lent. wln 1244 If so the stock be dried with disdain, wln 1245 Withered and sere the branch must needs remain. wln 1246 King of Gallia. But thou art now graft in another stock; wln 1247 I am the stock, and thou the lovely branch: wln 1248 And from my root continual sap shall flow, wln 1249 To make thee flourish with perpetual spring. wln 1250 Forget thy father and thy kindred now, img: 19a sig: E2v wln 1251 Since they forsake thee like inhuman beasts, wln 1252 Think they are dead, since all their kindness dies, wln 1253 And bury them, where black oblivion lies. wln 1254 Think not thou art the daughter of old Leir, wln 1255 Who did unkindly disinherit thee: wln 1256 But think thou art the noble Gallian Queen, wln 1257 And wife to him that dearly loveth thee: wln 1258 Embrace the joys that present with thee dwell, wln 1259 Let sorrow pack and hide herself in hell. wln 1260 Cordella Not that I miss my country or my kin, wln 1261 My old acquaintance or my ancient friends, wln 1262 Doth any whit distemperate my mind, wln 1263 Knowing you, which are more dear to me, wln 1264 Than Country, kin, and all things else can be. wln 1265 Yet pardon me, my gracious Lord, in this: wln 1266 For what can stop the course of nature’s power? wln 1267 As easy is it for fourfooted beasts, wln 1268 To stay themselves upon the liquid air, wln 1269 And mount aloft into the element, wln 1270 And overstrip the feathered Fowls in flight: wln 1271 As easy is it for the slimy Fish, wln 1272 To live and thrive without the help of water: wln 1273 As easy is it for the Blackamoor, wln 1274 To wash the tawny color from his skin, wln 1275 Which all oppose against the course of nature, wln 1276 As I am able to forget my father. wln 1277 King of Gallia. Mirror of virtue, Phoenix of our age! wln 1278 Too kind a daughter for an unkind father, wln 1279 Be of good comfort; for I will dispatch wln 1280 Ambassadors immediately for Britain, wln 1281 Unto the King of Cornwall’s Court, whereas wln 1282 Your father keepeth now his residence, wln 1283 And in the kindest manner him entreat, wln 1284 That setting former grievances apart, wln 1285 He will be pleased to come and visit us. wln 1286 If no entreaty will suffice the turn, wln 1287 I’ll offer him the half of all my Crown: wln 1288 If that moves not, we’ll furnish out a Fleet, img: 19b sig: E3r wln 1289 And sail to Cornwall for to visit him; wln 1290 And there you shall be firmly reconciled wln 1291 In perfect love, as erst you were before. wln 1292 Cordella Where tongue cannot sufficient thanks afford, wln 1293 The King of heaven remunerate my Lord. wln 1294 King of Gallia. Only be blithe, and frolic (sweet) with me: wln 1295 This and much more i’ll do to comfort thee. wln 1296 Enter Messenger solus. wln 1297 Messenger It is a world to see now I am flush, wln 1298 How many friends I purchase everywhere! wln 1299 How many seeks to creep into my favor, wln 1300 And kiss their hands, and bend their knees to me! wln 1301 No more, here comes the Queen, now shall I know her mind, wln 1302 And hope for to derive more crowns from her. Enter Ragan. wln 1303 Ragan My friend, I see thou mind’st thy promise well, wln 1304 And art before me here, methinks, today. wln 1305 Messenger I am a poor man, and it like your Grace; wln 1306 But yet I always love to keep my word. wln 1307 Ragan Well, keep thy word with me, and thou shalt see, wln 1308 That of a poor man I will make thee rich. wln 1309 Messenger I long to hear it, it might have been dispatched, wln 1310 If you had told me of it yesternight. wln 1311 Ragan It is a thing of right strange consequence, wln 1312 And well I cannot utter it in words. wln 1313 Messenger It is more strange, that I am not by this wln 1314 Beside myself, with longing for to hear it. wln 1315 Were it to meet the Devil in his den, wln 1316 And try a bout with him for a scratched face, wln 1317 I’d undertake it, if you would but bid me. wln 1318 Ragan Ah, good my friend, that I should have thee do, wln 1319 Is such a thing, as I do shame to speak; wln 1320 Yet it must needs be done. wln 1321 Messenger I’ll speak it for thee, Queen: shall I kill thy father? wln 1322 I know ’tis that, and if it be so, say. Ragan Ay. wln 1323 Messenger Why, that’s enough. wln 1324 Ragan And yet that is not all. wln 1325 Messenger What else? wln 1326 Ragan Thou must kill that old man that came with him. img: 20a sig: E3v wln 1327 Messenger Here are two hands, for each of them is one. wln 1328 Ragan And for each hand here is a recompense wln 1329 Give him two purses. wln 1330 Messenger Oh, that I had ten hands by miracle, wln 1331 I could tear ten in pieces with my teeth, wln 1332 So in my mouth you’d put a purse of gold. wln 1333 But in what manner must it be effected? wln 1334 Ragan Tomorrow morning ere the break of day, wln 1335 I by a wile will send them to the thicket, wln 1336 That is about some two miles from the Court, wln 1337 And promise them to meet them there myself, wln 1338 Because I must have private conference, wln 1339 About some news I have received from Cornwall. wln 1340 This is enough, I know, they will not fail, wln 1341 And then be ready for to play thy part: wln 1342 Which done, thou mayst right easily escape, wln 1343 And no man once mistrust thee for the fact: wln 1344 But yet, before thou prosecute the act, wln 1345 Show him the letter, which my sister sent, wln 1346 There let him read his own indictment first, wln 1347 And then proceed to execution: wln 1348 But see thou faint not; for they will speak fair. wln 1349 Messenger Could he speak words as pleasing as the pipe wln 1350 Of Mercury, which charmed the hundred eyes wln 1351 Of watchful Argos, and enforced him sleep: wln 1352 Yet here are words so pleasing to my thoughts, To the purse. wln 1353 As quite shall take away the sound of his. Exit. wln 1354 Ragan About it then, and when thou hast dispatched, wln 1355 I’ll find a means to send thee after him. Exit. wln 1356 Enter Cornwall and Gonoril. wln 1357 Cornwall I wonder that the Messenger doth stay, wln 1358 Whom we dispatched for Cambria so long since: wln 1359 If that his answer do not please us well, wln 1360 And he do show good reason for delay, wln 1361 I’ll teach him how to dally with his King, wln 1362 And to detain us in such long suspense. wln 1363 Gonoril My Lord, I think the reason may be this: wln 1364 My father means to come along with him, img: 20b sig: E4r wln 1365 And therefore ’tis his pleasure he shall stay, wln 1366 For to attend upon him on the way. wln 1367 Cornwall It may be so, and therefore till I know wln 1368 The truth thereof, I will suspend my judgement. wln 1369 Enter Servant. wln 1370 Servant An ’t like your Grace, there is an Ambassador wln 1371 Arrived from Gallia, and craves admittance to your Majesty. wln 1372 Cornwall From Gallia? what should his message wln 1373 Hither import? is not your father haply wln 1374 Gone thither? well, whatsoe’er it be, wln 1375 Bid him come in, he shall have audience. wln 1376 Enter Ambassador. wln 1377 What news from Gallia? speak Ambassador. wln 1378 Ambassador The noble King and Queen of Gallia first salutes, wln 1379 By me, their honorable father, my Lord Leir: wln 1380 Next, they commend them kindly to your Graces, wln 1381 As those whose welfare they entirely wish, wln 1382 Letters I have to deliver to my Lord Leir, wln 1383 And presents too, if I might speak with him. wln 1384 Gonoril If you might speak with him? why, do you think, wln 1385 We are afraid that you should speak with him? wln 1386 Ambassador Pardon me, Madam; for I think not so, wln 1387 But say so only, ’cause he is not here. wln 1388 Cornwall Indeed, my friend, upon some urgent cause, wln 1389 He is at this time absent from the Court: wln 1390 But if a day or two you here repose. wln 1391 ’Tis very likely you shall have him here, wln 1392 Or else have certain notice where he is. wln 1393 Gonoril Are not we worthy to receive your message? wln 1394 Ambassador I had in charge to do it to himself. wln 1395 Gonoril It may be then ’twill not be done in haste. to herself. wln 1396 How doth my sister brook the air of France? wln 1397 Ambassador Exceeding well, and never sick one hour, wln 1398 Since first she set her foot upon the shore. wln 1399 Gonoril I am the more sorry. wln 1400 Ambassador I hope, not so, Madam. wln 1401 Gonoril Didst thou not say, that she was ever sick, wln 1402 Since the first hour that she arrived there? img: 21a sig: E4v wln 1403 Ambassador No, Madam, I said quite contrary. wln 1404 Gonoril Then I mistook thee. wln 1405 Cornwall Then she is merry, if she have her health. wln 1406 Ambassador Oh no, her grief exceeds, until the time, wln 1407 That she be reconciled unto her father. wln 1408 Gonoril God continue it. wln 1409 Ambassador What, Madam? wln 1410 Gonoril Why, her health. wln 1411 Ambassador Amen to that: but God release her grief, wln 1412 And send her father in a better mind, wln 1413 Than to continue always so unkind. wln 1414 Cornwall I’ll be a mediator in her cause, wln 1415 And seek all means to expiate his wrath. wln 1416 Ambassador Madam, I hope your Grace will do the like. wln 1417 Gonoril Should I be a mean to exasperate his wrath wln 1418 Against my sister, whom I love so dear? no, no. wln 1419 Ambassador To expiate or mitigate his wrath: wln 1420 For he hath misconceived without a cause. wln 1421 Gonoril O, Ay, what else? wln 1422 Ambassador ’Tis pity it should be so, would it were otherwise. wln 1423 Gonoril It were great pity it should be otherwise. wln 1424 Ambassador Then how, Madam? wln 1425 Gonoril Then that they should be reconciled again. wln 1426 Ambassador It shows you bear an honorable mind. wln 1427 Gonoril It shows thy understanding to be blind, Speaks to wln 1428 And that thou hadst need of an Interpreter: herself. wln 1429 Well, I will know thy message ere ’t be long, wln 1430 And find a mean to cross it, if I can. wln 1431 Cornwall Come in, my friend, and frolic in our Court, wln 1432 Till certain notice of my father come. Exeunt. wln 1433 Enter Leir and Perillus. wln 1434 Perillus My Lord, you are up today before your hour, wln 1435 ’Tis news to you to be abroad so rathe. wln 1436 Leir. ’Tis news indeed, I am so extreme heavy, wln 1437 That I can scarcely keep my eyelids open. wln 1438 Perillus And so am I, but I impute the cause wln 1439 To rising sooner than we use to do. wln 1440 Leir. Hither my daughter means to come disguised: img: 21b sig: F1r wln 1441 I’ll sit me down, and read until she come. wln 1442 Pull out a book and sit down. wln 1443 Perillus She’ll not be long, I warrant you, my Lord: wln 1444 But say, a couple of these they call good fellows, wln 1445 Should step out of a hedge, and set upon us, wln 1446 We were in good case for to answer them. wln 1447 Leir. ’Twere not for us to stand upon our hands. wln 1448 Perillus I fear, we scant should stand upon our legs. wln 1449 But how should we do to defend ourselves? wln 1450 Leir. Even pray to God, to bless us from their hands: wln 1451 For fervent prayer much ill hap withstands. wln 1452 Perillus I’ll sit and pray with you for company; wln 1453 Yet was I ne’er so heavy in my life. wln 1454 They fall both asleep. wln 1455 Enter the Messenger or murderer with two wln 1456 daggers in his hands. wln 1457 Messenger Were it not a mad jest, if two or three of my profession wln 1458 should meet me, and lay me down in a ditch, and play rob wln 1459 thief with me, and perforce take my gold away from me, whilst wln 1460 I act this stratagem, and by this means the gray beards should wln 1461 escape? Faith, when I were at liberty again, I would make no wln 1462 more to do, but go to the next tree, and there hang myself. wln 1463 See them and start. wln 1464 But stay, methinks, my youths are here already, wln 1465 And with pure zeal have prayed themselves asleep. wln 1466 I think, they know to what intent they came, wln 1467 And are provided for another world. wln 1468 He takes their books away. wln 1469 Now could I stab them bravely, while they sleep, wln 1470 And in a manner put them to no pain; wln 1471 And doing so, I showed them mighty friendship: wln 1472 For fear of death is worse than death itself. wln 1473 But that my sweet Queen willed me for to show wln 1474 This letter to them, ere I did the deed. wln 1475 Mass, they begin to stir: i’ll stand aside; wln 1476 So shall I come upon them unawares. wln 1477 They wake and rise. wln 1478 Leir. I marvel, that my daughter stays so long. img: 22a sig: F1v wln 1479 Perillus I fear, we did mistake the place, my Lord. wln 1480 Leir. God grant we do not miscarry in the place: wln 1481 I had a short nap, but so full of dread, wln 1482 As much amazeth me to think thereof. wln 1483 Perillus Fear not, my Lord, dreams are but fantasies, wln 1484 And slight imaginations of the brain. wln 1485 Messenger Persuade him so; but i’ll make him and you wln 1486 Confess, that dreams do often prove too true. wln 1487 Perillus I pray, my Lord, what was the effect of it? wln 1488 I may go near to guess what it pretends. wln 1489 Messenger Leave that to me, I will expound the dream. wln 1490 Leir. Methought, my daughters, Gonoril and Ragan, wln 1491 Stood both before me with such grim aspects, wln 1492 Each brandishing a Falchion in their hand, wln 1493 Ready to lop a limb off where it fell, wln 1494 And in their other hands a naked poniard, wln 1495 Wherewith they stabbed me in a hundred places, wln 1496 And to their thinking left me there for dead: wln 1497 But then my youngest daughter, fair Cordella, wln 1498 Came with a box of Balsam in her hand, wln 1499 And poured it into my bleeding wounds, wln 1500 By whose good means I was recovered well, wln 1501 In perfect health, as erst I was before: wln 1502 And with the fear of this I did awake, wln 1503 And yet for fear my feeble joints do quake. wln 1504 Messenger I’ll make you quake for something presently. wln 1505 Stand, Stand. They reel. wln 1506 Leir. We do, my friend, although with much ado. wln 1507 Messenger Deliver, deliver. wln 1508 Perillus Deliver us, good Lord, from such as he. wln 1509 Messenger You should have prayed before, while it was time, wln 1510 And then perhaps, you might have scaped my hands: wln 1511 But you, like faithful watchmen, fell asleep, wln 1512 The whilst I came and took your Halberds from you. wln 1513 Show their Books. wln 1514 And now you want your weapons of defense, wln 1515 How have you any hope to be delivered? wln 1516 This comes, because you have no better stay, img: 22b sig: F2r wln 1517 But fall asleep, when you should watch and pray. wln 1518 Leir. My friend, thou seem’st to be a proper man. wln 1519 Messenger ’Sblood, how the old slave claws me by the elbow? wln 1520 He thinks, belike, to scape by scraping thus. wln 1521 Perillus And it may be, are in some need of money. wln 1522 Messenger That to be false, behold my evidence. wln 1523 Shows his purses. wln 1524 Leir. If that I have will do thee any good, wln 1525 I give it thee, even with a right good will. Take it. wln 1526 Perillus Here, take mine too, and wish with all my heart, wln 1527 To do thee pleasure, it were twice as much. wln 1528 Take his, and weigh them both in his hands. wln 1529 Messenger I’ll none of them, they are too light for me. wln 1530 Puts them in his pocket. wln 1531 Leir. Why then farewell: and if thou have occasion wln 1532 In any thing, to use me to the Queen, wln 1533 ’Tis like enough that I can pleasure thee. wln 1534 They proffer to go. wln 1535 Messenger Do you hear, do you hear, sir? wln 1536 If I had occasion to use you to the Queen, wln 1537 Would you do one thing for me I should ask? wln 1538 Leir. Ay, any thing that lies within my power. wln 1539 Here is my hand upon it, so farewell. Proffer to go. wln 1540 Messenger Hear you sir, hear you? pray, a word with you. wln 1541 Methinks, a comely honest ancient man wln 1542 Should not dissemble with one for a vantage. wln 1543 I know, when I shall come to try this gear, wln 1544 You will recant from all that you have said. wln 1545 Perillus Mistrust not him, but try him when thou wilt: wln 1546 He is her father, therefore may do much. wln 1547 Messenger I know he is, and therefore mean to try him: wln 1548 You are his friend too, I must try you both. wln 1549 Ambo. Prithee do, prithee do. Proffer to go out. wln 1550 Messenger Stay graybeards then, and prove men of your words: wln 1551 The Queen hath tied me by a solemn oath, wln 1552 Here in this place to see you both dispatched: wln 1553 Now for the safeguard of my conscience, wln 1554 Do me the pleasure for to kill yourselves: img: 23a sig: F2v wln 1555 So shall you save me labor for to do it, wln 1556 And prove yourselves true old men of your words. wln 1557 And here I vow in sight of all the world, wln 1558 I ne’er will trouble you whilst I live again. wln 1559 Leir. Affright us not with terror, good my friend, wln 1560 Nor strike such fear into our aged hearts. wln 1561 Play not the Cat, which dallieth with the mouse; wln 1562 And on a sudden maketh her a prey: wln 1563 But if thou art marked for the man of death wln 1564 To me and to my Damon, tell me plain, wln 1565 That we may be prepared for the stroke, wln 1566 And make ourselves fit for the world to come. wln 1567 Messenger I am the last of any mortal race, wln 1568 That e’er your eyes are likely to behold, wln 1569 And hither sent of purpose to this place, wln 1570 To give a final period to your days, wln 1571 Which are so wicked, and have lived so long, wln 1572 That your own children seek to short your life. wln 1573 Leir. Cam’st thou from France, of purpose to do this? wln 1574 Messenger From France? ’zoons, do I look like a Frenchman? wln 1575 Sure I have not mine own face on; somebody hath changed wln 1576 faces with me, and I know not of it: But I am sure, my apparel wln 1577 is all English. Sirrah, what meanest thou to ask that question? wln 1578 I could spoil the fashion of this face for anger. A French face! wln 1579 Leir. Because my daughter, whom I have offended, wln 1580 And at whose hands I have deserved as ill, wln 1581 As ever any father did of child, wln 1582 Is Queen of France, no thanks at all to me, wln 1583 But unto God, who my injustice see. wln 1584 If it be so, that she doth seek revenge, wln 1585 As with good reason she may justly do, wln 1586 I will most willingly resign my life, wln 1587 A sacrifice to mitigate her ire: wln 1588 I never will entreat thee to forgive, wln 1589 Because I am unworthy for to live. wln 1590 Therefore speak soon, and I will soon make speed: wln 1591 Whether Cordella willed thee do this deed? wln 1592 Messenger As I am a perfect gentleman, thou speak’st French to me: img: 23b sig: F3r wln 1593 I never heard Cordella’s name before, wln 1594 Nor never was in France in all my life: wln 1595 I never knew thou hadst a daughter there, wln 1596 To whom thou didst prove so unkind a churl: wln 1597 But thy own tongue declares that thou hast been wln 1598 A vile old wretch, and full of heinous sin. wln 1599 Leir. Ah no, my friend, thou art deceived much: wln 1600 For her except, whom I confess I wronged, wln 1601 Through doting frenzy, and o’erjealous love. wln 1602 There lives not any under heaven’s bright eye, wln 1603 That can convict me of impiety. wln 1604 And therefore sure thou dost mistake the mark: wln 1605 For I am in true peace with all the world. wln 1606 Messenger You are the fitter for the King of heaven: wln 1607 And therefore, for to rid thee of suspense, wln 1608 Know thou, the Queens of Cambria and Cornwall, wln 1609 Thy own two daughters, Gonoril and Ragan, wln 1610 Appointed me to massacre thee here. wln 1611 Why wouldst thou then persuade me, that thou art wln 1612 In charity with all the world? but now wln 1613 When thy own issue hold thee in such hate, wln 1614 That they have hired me t’ abridge thy fate, wln 1615 Oh, fie upon such vile dissembling breath, wln 1616 That would deceive, even at the point of death. wln 1617 Perillus Am I awake, or is it but a dream? wln 1618 Messenger Fear nothing, man, thou art but in a dream, wln 1619 And thou shalt never wake until doomsday, wln 1620 By then, I hope, thou wilt have slept enough. wln 1621 Leir. Yet, gentle friend, grant one thing ere I die. wln 1622 Messenger I’ll grant you any thing, except your lives. wln 1623 Leir. Oh, but assure me by some certain token, wln 1624 That my two daughters hired thee to this deed: wln 1625 If I were once resolved of that, then I wln 1626 Would wish no longer life, but crave to die. wln 1627 Messenger That to be true, in sight of heaven I swear. wln 1628 Leir. Swear not by heaven, for fear of punishment: wln 1629 The heavens are guiltless of such heinous acts. wln 1630 Messenger I swear by earth, the mother of us all. img: 24a sig: F3v wln 1631 Leir. Swear not by earth; for she abhors to bear wln 1632 Such bastards, as are murderers of her sons. wln 1633 Messenger Why then, by hell, and all the devils I swear. wln 1634 Leir. Swear not by hell; for that stands gaping wide, wln 1635 To swallow thee, and if thou do this deed. wln 1636 Thunder and lightning. wln 1637 Messenger I would that word were in his belly again, wln 1638 It hath frighted me even to the very heart: wln 1639 This old man is some strong Magician: wln 1640 His words have turned my mind from this exploit. wln 1641 Then neither heaven, earth, nor hell be witness; wln 1642 But let this paper witness for them all. wln 1643 Shows Gonoril’s letter. wln 1644 Shall I relent, or shall I prosecute? wln 1645 Shall I resolve, or were I best recant? wln 1646 I will not crack my credit with two Queens, wln 1647 To whom I have already passed my word. wln 1648 Oh, but my conscience for this act doth tell, wln 1649 I get heaven’s hate, earth’s scorn, and pains of hell. wln 1650 They bless themselves. wln 1651 Perillus Oh just Jehovah, whose almighty power wln 1652 Doth govern all things in this spacious world, wln 1653 How canst thou suffer such outrageous acts wln 1654 To be committed without just revenge? wln 1655 O viperous generation and accursed, wln 1656 To seek his blood, whose blood did make them first! wln 1657 Leir. Ah, my true friend in all extremity, wln 1658 Let us submit us to the will of God: wln 1659 Things past all sense, let us not seek to know; wln 1660 It is God’s will, and therefore must be so. wln 1661 My friend, I am prepared for the stroke: wln 1662 Strike when thou wilt, and I forgive thee here, wln 1663 Even from the very bottom of my heart. wln 1664 Messenger But I am not prepared for to strike. wln 1665 Leir. Farewell, Perillus, even the truest friend, wln 1666 That ever lived in adversity: wln 1667 The latest kindness i’ll request of thee, wln 1668 Is that thou go unto my daughter Cordella, img: 24b sig: F4r wln 1669 And carry her her father’s latest blessing: wln 1670 Withal desire her, that she will forgive me; wln 1671 For I have wronged her without any cause. wln 1672 Now, Lord, receive me, for I come to thee, wln 1673 And die, I hope, in perfect charity. wln 1674 Dispatch, I pray thee, I have lived too long. wln 1675 Messenger Ay, but you are unwise, to send an errand wln 1676 By him that never meaneth to deliver it: wln 1677 Why, he must go along with you to heaven: wln 1678 It were not good you should go all alone. wln 1679 Leir. No doubt, he shall, when by the course of nature, wln 1680 He must surrender up his due to death: wln 1681 But that time shall not come, till God permit. wln 1682 Messenger Nay, presently, to bear you company. wln 1683 I have a Passport for him in my pocket, wln 1684 Already sealed, and he must needs ride Post. wln 1685 Show a bag of money. wln 1686 Leir. The letter which I read, imports not so, wln 1687 It only toucheth me, no word of him. wln 1688 Messenger Ay, but the Queen commands it must be so, wln 1689 And I am paid for him, as well as you. wln 1690 Perillus I, who have borne you company in life, wln 1691 Most willingly will bear a share in death. wln 1692 It skilleth not for me, my friend, a whit, wln 1693 Nor for a hundred such as thou and I. wln 1694 Messenger Marry, but it doth, sir, by your leave; your good days wln 1695 are past: though it be no matter for you, ’tis a matter for me, wln 1696 proper men are not so rife. wln 1697 Perillus Oh, but beware, how thou dost lay thy hand wln 1698 Upon the high anointed of the Lord: wln 1699 O, be advised ere thou dost begin: wln 1700 Dispatch me straight, but meddle not with him. wln 1701 Leir. Friend, thy commission is to deal with me, wln 1702 And I am he that hath deserved all: wln 1703 The plot was laid to take away my life: wln 1704 And here it is, I do entreat thee take it: wln 1705 Yet for my sake, and as thou art a man, wln 1706 Spare this my friend, that hither with me came: img: 25a sig: F4v wln 1707 I brought him forth, whereas he had not been, wln 1708 But for good will to bear me company. wln 1709 He left his friends, his country and his goods, wln 1710 And came with me in most extremity. wln 1711 Oh, if he should miscarry here and die, wln 1712 Who is the cause of it, but only I? wln 1713 Messenger Why that am I, let that ne’er trouble thee. wln 1714 Leir. O no, ’tis I. O, had I now to give thee wln 1715 The monarchy of all the spacious world wln 1716 To save his life, I would bestow it on thee: wln 1717 But I have nothing but these tears and prayer, wln 1718 And the submission of a bended knee. kneels. wln 1719 O, if all this to mercy move they mind, wln 1720 Spare him, in heaven thou shalt like mercy find. wln 1721 Messenger I am as hard to be moved as another, and yet wln 1722 methinks the strength of their persuasions stirs me wln 1723 a little. wln 1724 Perillus My friend, if fear of the almighty power wln 1725 Have power to move thee, we have said enough: wln 1726 But if thy mind be movable with gold, wln 1727 We have not presently to give it thee: wln 1728 Yet to thyself thou mayst do greater good, wln 1729 To keep thy hands still undefiled from blood: wln 1730 For do but well consider with thyself, wln 1731 When thou hast finished this outrageous act, wln 1732 What horror still will haunt thee for the deed: wln 1733 Think this again, that they which would incense wln 1734 Thee for to be the Butcher of their father, wln 1735 When it is done, for fear it should be known, wln 1736 Would make a means to rid thee from the world: wln 1737 Oh, then art thou for ever tied in chains wln 1738 Of everlasting torments to endure, wln 1739 Even in the hottest hole of grisly hell, wln 1740 Such pains, as never mortal tongue can tell. wln 1741 It thunders. He quakes, and lets fall the Dagger wln 1742 next to Perillus. wln 1743 Leir. O, heavens be thanked, he will spare my friend, wln 1744 Now when thou wilt come make an end of me. img: 25b sig: G1r wln 1745 He lets fall the other dagger. wln 1746 Perillus Oh, happy sight! He means to save my Lord. wln 1747 The King of heaven continue this good mind. wln 1748 Leir. Why stay’st thou to do execution? wln 1749 Messenger I am as wilful as you for your life: wln 1750 I will not do it, now you do entreat me. wln 1751 Perillus Ah, now I see thou hast some spark of grace. wln 1752 Messenger Beshrew you for it, you have put it in me: wln 1753 The parlousest old men, that e’er I heard. wln 1754 Well, to be flat, i’ll not meddle with you: wln 1755 Here I found you, and here i’ll leave you: wln 1756 If any ask you why the case so stands? wln 1757 Say that your tongues were better than your hands. Exit. wln 1758 Perillus Farewell. If ever we together meet, Messenger wln 1759 It shall go hard, but I will thee regreet. wln 1760 Courage, my Lord, the worst is overpast; wln 1761 Let us give thanks to God, and hie us hence. wln 1762 Leir. Thou art deceived; for I am past the best, wln 1763 And know not whither for to go from hence: wln 1764 Death had been better welcome unto me, wln 1765 Than longer life to add more misery. wln 1766 Perillus It were not good to return from whence we came, wln 1767 Unto your daughter Ragan back again. wln 1768 Now let us go to France, unto Cordella, wln 1769 Your youngest daughter, doubtless she will succor you. wln 1770 Leir. Oh, how can I persuade myself of that, wln 1771 Since the other two are quite devoid of love; wln 1772 To whom I was so kind, as that my gifts, wln 1773 Might make them love me, if ’twere nothing else? wln 1774 Perillus No worldly gifts, but grace from God on high, wln 1775 Doth nourish virtue and true charity. wln 1776 Remember well what words Cordella spoke, wln 1777 What time you asked her, how she loved your Grace. wln 1778 She said, her love unto you was as much, wln 1779 As ought a child to bear unto her father. wln 1780 Leir. But she did find, my love was not to her, wln 1781 As should a father bear unto a child. wln 1782 Perillus That makes not her love to be any less, img: 26a sig: G1v wln 1783 If she do love you as a child should do: wln 1784 You have tried two, try one more for my sake, wln 1785 I’ll ne’er entreat you further trial make. wln 1786 Remember well the dream you had of late, wln 1787 And think what comfort it foretells to us. wln 1788 Leir. Come, truest friend, that ever man possessed, wln 1789 I know thou counsel’st all things for the best: wln 1790 If this third daughter play a kinder part, wln 1791 It comes of God, and not of my desert. Exeunt. wln 1792 Enter the Gallian Ambassador solus. wln 1793 Ambassador There is of late news come unto the Court, wln 1794 That old Lord Leir remains in Cambria: wln 1795 I’ll hie me thither presently, to impart wln 1796 My letters and my message unto him. wln 1797 I never was less welcome to a place wln 1798 In all my life time, than I have been hither, wln 1799 Especially unto the stately Queen, wln 1800 Who would not cast one gracious look on me, wln 1801 But still with louring and suspicious eyes, wln 1802 Would take exceptions at each word I spake, wln 1803 And fain she would have undermined me, wln 1804 To know what my Ambassage did import: wln 1805 But she is like to hop without her hope, wln 1806 And in this matter for to want her will, wln 1807 Though (by report) she’ll have ’t in all things else. wln 1808 Well, I will post away for Cambria: wln 1809 Within these few days I hope to be there, Exit. wln 1810 Enter the King and Queen of Gallia, and Mumford. wln 1811 King of Gallia. By this, our father understands our mind, wln 1812 And our kind greetings sent to him of late; wln 1813 Therefore my mind presageth ere ’t be long, wln 1814 We shall receive from Britain happy news. wln 1815 Cordella I fear, my sister will dissuade his mind; wln 1816 For she to me hath always been unkind. wln 1817 King of Gallia. Fear not, my love, since that we know the worst, wln 1818 The last means helps, if that we miss the first: wln 1819 If he’ll not come to Gallia unto us, wln 1820 Then we will sail to Britain unto him. img: 26b sig: G2r wln 1821 Mumford Well, if I once see Britain again, wln 1822 I have sworn, i’ll ne’er come home without my wench, wln 1823 And i’ll not be forsworn, wln 1824 I’ll rather never come home while I live. wln 1825 Cordella Are you sure, Mumford, she is a maid still? wln 1826 Mumford Nay, i’ll not swear she is a maid, but she goes for one: wln 1827 I’ll take her at all adventures, if I can get her. wln 1828 Cordella Ay, that’s well put in. wln 1829 Mumford Well put in? nay, it was ill put in; for had it wln 1830 Been as well put in, as e’re I put in, in my days, wln 1831 I would have made her follow me to France. wln 1832 Cordella Nay, you’d have been so kind, as take her with you, wln 1833 Or else, were I as she, wln 1834 I would have been so loving, as i’d stay behind you: wln 1835 Yet I must confess, you are a very proper man, wln 1836 And able to make a wench do more than she would do. wln 1837 Mumford Well, I have a pair of slops for the nonce, wln 1838 Will hold all your mocks. wln 1839 King of Gallia. Nay, we see you have a handsome hose. wln 1840 Cordella Ay, and of the newest fashion. wln 1841 Mumford More bobs, more: put them in still, wln 1842 They’ll serve instead of bombast, yet put not in too many, wln 1843 lest the seams crack, and they fly out amongst you again: wln 1844 you must not think to outface me so easily in my mistress’ quarrel, wln 1845 who if I see once again, ten team of horses shall wln 1846 not draw me away, till I have full and whole possession. wln 1847 King of Gallia. Ay, but one team and a cart will serve the turn. wln 1848 Cordella Not only for him, but also for his wench. wln 1849 Mumford Well, you are two to one, i’ll give you over: wln 1850 And since I see you so pleasantly disposed, wln 1851 Which indeed is but seldom seen, i’ll claim wln 1852 A promise of you, which you shall not deny me: wln 1853 For promise is debt, and by this hand you promised it me. wln 1854 Therefore you owe it me, and you shall pay it me, wln 1855 Or i’ll sue you upon an action of unkindness. wln 1856 King of Gallia. Prithee, Lord Mumford, what promise did I make thee? wln 1857 Mumford Faith, nothing but this, wln 1858 That the next fair weather, which is very now, img: 27a sig: G2v wln 1859 You would go in progress down to the seaside, wln 1860 Which is very near. wln 1861 King of Gallia. Faith, in this motion I will join with thee, wln 1862 And be a mediator to my Queen. wln 1863 Prithee, my Love, let this match go forward, wln 1864 My mind foretells, ’twill be a lucky voyage. wln 1865 Cordella Entreaty needs not, where you may command, wln 1866 So you be pleased, I am right well content: wln 1867 Yet, as the Sea I much desire to see; wln 1868 So am I most unwilling to be seen. wln 1869 King of Gallia. We’ll go disguised, all unknown to any. wln 1870 Cordella Howsoever you make one, i’ll make another. wln 1871 Mumford and I the third: oh, I am overjoyed! wln 1872 See what love is, which getteth with a word, wln 1873 What all the world besides could ne’er obtain! wln 1874 But what disguises shall we have, my Lord? wln 1875 King of Gallia. Faith thus: my Queen and I will be disguised, wln 1876 Like a plain country couple, and you shall be Roger wln 1877 Our man, and wait upon us: or if you will, wln 1878 You shall go first, and we will wait on you. wln 1879 Mumford ’Twere more than time; this device is excellent. wln 1880 Come le us about it. Exeunt. wln 1881 Enter Cambria and Ragan, with Nobles. wln 1882 Cambria What strange mischance or unexpected hap wln 1883 Hath thus deprived us of our father’s presence? wln 1884 Can no man tell us what’s become of him, wln 1885 With whom we did converse not two days since? wln 1886 My Lords, let everywhere light horse be sent, wln 1887 To scour about through all our Regiment. wln 1888 Dispatch a Post immediately to Cornwall, wln 1889 To see if any news be of him there; wln 1890 Myself will make a strict inquiry here, wln 1891 And all about our Cities near at hand, wln 1892 Till certain news of his abode be brought. wln 1893 Ragan All sorrow is but counterfeit to mine, wln 1894 Whose lips are almost sealed up with grief: wln 1895 Mine is the substance, whilst they do but seem wln 1896 To weep the less, which tears cannot redeem. img: 27b sig: G3r wln 1897 O, ne’er was heard so strange a misadventure, wln 1898 A thing so far beyond the reach of sense, wln 1899 Since no man’s reason in the cause can enter. wln 1900 What hath removed my father thus from hence? wln 1901 O, I do fear some charm or invocation wln 1902 Of wicked spirits, or infernal fiends, wln 1903 Stirred by Cordella, moves this innovation, wln 1904 And brings my father timeless to his end. wln 1905 But might I know, that the detested Witch wln 1906 Were certain cause of this uncertain ill, wln 1907 Myself to France would go in some disguise, wln 1908 And with these nails scratch out her hateful eyes: wln 1909 For since I am deprived of my father, wln 1910 I loathe my life, and wish my death the rather. wln 1911 Cambria The heavens are just, and hate impiety, wln 1912 And will (no doubt) reveal such heinous crimes: wln 1913 Censure not any, till you know the right: wln 1914 Let him be Judge, that bringeth truth to light. wln 1915 Ragan O, but my grief, like to a swelling tide, wln 1916 Exceeds the bounds of common patience: wln 1917 Nor can I moderate my tongue so much, wln 1918 To conceal them, whom I hold in suspect. wln 1919 Cambria This matter shall be sifted: if it be she, wln 1920 A thousand Frances shall not harbor her. wln 1921 Enter the Gallian Ambassador. wln 1922 Ambassador All happiness unto the Cambrian King. wln 1923 Cambria Welcome, my friend, from whence is thy Ambassage? wln 1924 Ambassador I came from Gallia, unto Cornwall sent, wln 1925 With letters to your honorable father, wln 1926 Whom there not finding, as I did expect, wln 1927 I was directed hither to repair. wln 1928 Ragan Frenchman, what is thy message to my father? wln 1929 Ambassador My letters, Madam, will import the same, wln 1930 Which my Commission is for to deliver. wln 1931 Ragan In his absence you may trust us with your letters. wln 1932 Ambassador I must perform my charge in such a manner, wln 1933 As I have strict commandment from the King. wln 1934 Ragan There is good packing twixt your King and you: img: 28a sig: G3v wln 1935 You need not hither come to ask for him, wln 1936 You know where he is better than ourselves. wln 1937 Ambassador Madam, I hope, not far off. wln 1938 Ragan Hath the young murd’ress, your outrageous Queen, wln 1939 No means to color her detested deeds, wln 1940 In finishing my guiltless father’s days, wln 1941 (Because he gave her nothing to her dower) wln 1942 But by the color of a feigned Ambassage, wln 1943 To send him letters hither to our Court? wln 1944 Go carry them to them that sent them hither, wln 1945 And bid them keep their scrolls unto themselves. wln 1946 They cannot blind us with such slight excuse, wln 1947 To smother up so monstrous vild abuse. wln 1948 And were it not, it is ’gainst law of Arms, wln 1949 To offer violence to a Messenger, wln 1950 We would inflict such torments on thyself, wln 1951 As should enforce thee to reveal the truth. wln 1952 Ambassador Madam, your threats no whit appall my mind, wln 1953 I know my conscience guiltless of this act; wln 1954 My King and Queen, I dare be sworn, are free wln 1955 From any thought of such impiety: wln 1956 And therefore, Madam, you have done them wrong, wln 1957 And ill beseeming with a sister’s love, wln 1958 Who in mere duty tender him as much, wln 1959 As ever you respected him for dower. wln 1960 The King your husband will not say as much. wln 1961 Cambria I will suspend my judgement for a time, wln 1962 Till more appearance give us further light: wln 1963 Yet to be plain, your coming doth enforce wln 1964 A great suspicion to our doubtful mind, wln 1965 And that you do resemble, to be brief, wln 1966 Him that first robs, and then cries, Stop the thief. wln 1967 Ambassador Pray God some near you have not done the like. wln 1968 Ragan Hence, saucy mate, reply no more to us; She strikes wln 1969 For law of Arms shall not protect thy tongue. him. wln 1970 Ambassador Ne’er was I offered such discourtesy; wln 1971 God and my King, I trust, ere it be long, wln 1972 Will find a mean to remedy this wrong, Exit Ambassador img: 28b sig: G4r wln 1973 Ragan How shall I live, to suffer this disgrace, wln 1974 At every base and vulgar peasant’s hands? wln 1975 It ill befitteth my imperial state, wln 1976 To be thus used, and no man take my part. She weeps. wln 1977 Cambria What should I do? infringe the law of Arms, wln 1978 Were to my everlasting obloquy: wln 1979 But I will take revenge upon his master, wln 1980 Which sent him hither, to delude us thus. wln 1981 Ragan Nay, if you put up this, be sure, ere long, wln 1982 Now that my father thus is made away. wln 1983 She’ll come and claim a third part of your Crown, wln 1984 As due unto her by inheritance. wln 1985 Cambria But I will prove her title to be naught wln 1986 But shame, and the reward of Parricide, wln 1987 And make her an example to the world, wln 1988 For afterages to admire her penance. wln 1989 This will I do, as I am Cambria’s King, wln 1990 Or lose my life, to prosecute revenge. wln 1991 Come, first let’s learn what news is of our father, wln 1992 And then proceed, as best occasion fits. Exeunt. wln 1993 Enter Leir, Perillus, and two Mariners, in seagowns wln 1994 and seacaps. wln 1995 Perillus My honest friends, we are ashamed to show wln 1996 The great extremity of our present state, wln 1997 In that at this time we are brought so low, wln 1998 That we want money for to pay our passage. wln 1999 The truth is so, we met with some good fellows, wln 2000 A little before we came aboard your ship, wln 2001 Which stripped us quite of all the coin we had, wln 2002 And left us not a penny in our purses: wln 2003 Yet wanting money, we will use the mean, wln 2004 To see you satisfied to the uttermost. Look on Leir. wln 2005 1. Mariner Here’s a good gown, ’twould become me passing well, wln 2006 I should be fine in it. Look on Perillus. wln 2007 2. Mariner Here’s a good cloak, I marvel how I should look in it. wln 2008 Leir. Faith, had we others to supply their room, wln 2009 Though ne’er so mean, you willingly should have them. wln 2010 1. Mariner Do you hear, sir? you look like an honest man; img: 29a sig: G4v wln 2011 I’ll not stand to do you a pleasure: here’s a good strong motley gaberdine, wln 2012 cost me fourteen good shillings at Billingsgate, give me your wln 2013 gown for it, and your cap for mine, and i’ll forgive your passage. wln 2014 Leir. With all my heart, and twenty thanks. Leir and he changeth. wln 2015 2. Mariner Do you hear, sir? you shall have a better match than he, wln 2016 because you are my friend: here is a good sheep’s russet seagown, wln 2017 will bide more stress, I warrant you, than two of his, yet wln 2018 for you seem to be an honest gentleman, I am content to change wln 2019 it for your cloak, and ask you nothing for your passage more. wln 2020 Pull off Perillus’ cloak. wln 2021 Perillus My own I willingly would change with thee, wln 2022 And think myself indebted to thy kindness: wln 2023 But would my friend might keep his garment still. wln 2024 My friend, i’ll give thee this new doublet, if thou wilt wln 2025 Restore his gown unto him back again. wln 2026 1. Mariner Nay, if I do, would I might ne’er eat powdered beef wln 2027 and mustard more, nor drink Can of good liquor whilst I live. wln 2028 My friend, you have small reason to seek to hinder me of my wln 2029 bargain: but the best is, a bargain’s a bargain. wln 2030 Leir. Kind friend, it is much better as it is; Leir to Perillus. wln 2031 For by this means we may escape unknown; wln 2032 Till time and opportunity do fit. wln 2033 2. Mariner Hark, hark, they are laying their heads together, wln 2034 They’ll repent them of their bargain anon, wln 2035 ’Twere best for us to go while we are well. wln 2036 1. Mariner God be with you, sir, for your passage back again, wln 2037 I’ll use you as unreasonable as another. wln 2038 Leir. I know thou wilt; but we hope to bring ready money wln 2039 With us, when we come back again. Exeunt Mariners. wln 2040 Were ever men in this extremity, wln 2041 In a strange country, and devoid of friends, wln 2042 And not a penny for to help ourselves? wln 2043 Kind friend, what think’st thou will become of us? wln 2044 Perillus Be of good cheer, my Lord, I have a doublet, wln 2045 Will yield us money enough to serve our turns, wln 2046 Until we come unto your daughter’s Court: wln 2047 And then, I hope, we shall find friends enough. wln 2048 Leir. Ah, kind Perillus, that is it I fear, img: 29b sig: H1r wln 2049 And makes me faint, or ever I come there. wln 2050 Can kindness spring out of ingratitude? wln 2051 Or love be reaped, where hatred hath been sown? wln 2052 Can Henbane join in league with Mithridate? wln 2053 Or Sugar grow in Wormwood’s bitter stalk? wln 2054 It cannot be, they are too opposite: wln 2055 And so am I to any kindness here. wln 2056 I have thrown Wormwood on the sugared youth, wln 2057 And like to Henbane poisoned the Fount, wln 2058 Whence flowed the Mithridate of a child’s goodwill: wln 2059 I, like an envious thorn, have pricked the heart, wln 2060 And turned sweet Grapes, to sour unrelished Sloes: wln 2061 The causeless ire of my respectless breast, wln 2062 Hath soured the sweet milk of dame Nature’s paps: wln 2063 My bitter words have galled her honey thoughts, wln 2064 And weeds of rancor choked the flower of grace. wln 2065 Then what remainder is of any hope, wln 2066 But all our fortunes will go quite aslope? wln 2067 Perillus Fear not, my Lord, the perfect good indeed, wln 2068 Can never be corrupted by the bad: wln 2069 A new fresh vessel still retains the taste wln 2070 Of that which first is poured into the same: wln 2071 And therefore, though you name yourself the thorn, wln 2072 The weed, the gall, the henbane and the wormwood; wln 2073 Yet she’ll continue in her former state, wln 2074 The honey, milk, Grape, Sugar, Mithridate. wln 2075 Leir. Thou pleasing Orator unto me in woe, wln 2076 Cease to beguile me with thy hopeful speeches: wln 2077 O join with me, and think of naught but crosses, wln 2078 And then we’ll one lament another’s losses. wln 2079 Perillus Why, say the worst, the worst can be but death, wln 2080 And death is better than for to despair: wln 2081 Then hazard death, which may convert to life; wln 2082 Banish despair, which brings a thousand deaths. wln 2083 Leir. O’ercome with thy strong arguments, I yield, wln 2084 To be directed by thee, as thou wilt: wln 2085 As thou yield’st comfort to my crazed thoughts, wln 2086 Would I could yield the like unto thy body, wln 2087 Which is full weak, I know, and ill apaid, img: 30a sig: H1v wln 2088 For want of fresh meat and due sustenance. wln 2089 Perillus Alack, my Lord, my heart doth bleed, to think wln 2090 That you should be in such extremity. wln 2091 Leir. Come, let us go, and see what God will send; wln 2092 When all means fail, he is the surest friend. Exeunt. wln 2093 Enter the Gallian King and Queen, and Mumford, with a wln 2094 basket, disguised like Country folk. wln 2095 King of Gallia. This tedious journey all on foot, sweet Love, wln 2096 Cannot be pleasing to your tender joints, wln 2097 Which ne’er were used to these toilsome walks. wln 2098 Cordella I never in my life took more delight wln 2099 In any journey, than I do in this: wln 2100 It did me good, whenas we happed to light wln 2101 Amongst the merry crew of country folk, wln 2102 To see what industry and pains they took, wln 2103 To win them commendations ’mongst their friends. wln 2104 Lord, how they labor to bestir themselves, wln 2105 And in their quirks to go beyond the Moon, wln 2106 And so take on them with such antic fits, wln 2107 That one would think they were beside their wits! wln 2108 Come away, Roger, with your basket. wln 2109 Mumford Soft, Dame, here comes a couple of old youths, wln 2110 I must needs make myself fat with jesting at them. wln 2111 Cordella Nay, prithee do not, they do seem to be Enter Leir wln 2112 Men much o’ergone with grief and misery. and Perillus wln 2113 Let’s stand aside, and harken what they say. very faintly. wln 2114 Leir. Ah, my Perillus, now I see we both wln 2115 Shall end our days in this untrustful soil. wln 2116 Oh, I do faint for want of sustenance: wln 2117 And thou, I know, in little better case. wln 2118 No gentle tree affords one taste of fruit, wln 2119 To comfort us, until we meet with men: wln 2120 No lucky path conducts our luckless steps wln 2121 Unto a place where any comfort dwells. wln 2122 Sweet rest betide unto our happy souls; wln 2123 For here I see our bodies must have end. wln 2124 Perillus Ah, my dear Lord, how doth my heart lament, wln 2125 To see you brought to this extremity! wln 2126 O, if you love me, as you do profess, img: 30b sig: H2r wln 2127 Or ever thought well of me in my life, He strips up his arm. wln 2128 Feed on this flesh, whose veins are not so dry, wln 2129 But there is virtue left to comfort you. wln 2130 O, feed on this, if this will do you good, wln 2131 I’ll smile for joy, to see you suck my blood. wln 2132 Leir. I am no Cannibal, that I should delight wln 2133 To slake my hungry jaws with human flesh: wln 2134 I am no devil, or ten times worse than so, wln 2135 To suck the blood of such a peerless friend. wln 2136 O, do not think that I respect my life wln 2137 So dearly, as I do thy loyal love. wln 2138 Ah, Britain, I shall never see thee more, wln 2139 That hast unkindly banished thy King: wln 2140 And yet not thou dost make me to complain, wln 2141 But they which were more near to me than thou. wln 2142 Cordella What do I hear: this lamentable voice, wln 2143 Methinks, ere now I oftentimes have heard. wln 2144 Leir. Ah, Gonoril, was half my Kingdom’s gift wln 2145 The cause that thou didst seek to have my life? wln 2146 Ah, cruel Ragan, did I give thee all, wln 2147 And all could not suffice without my blood? wln 2148 Ah, poor Cordella, did I give thee naught, wln 2149 Nor never shall be able for to give? wln 2150 O, let me warn all ages that ensueth, wln 2151 How they trust flattery, and reject the truth. wln 2152 Well, unkind Girls, I here forgive you both, wln 2153 Yet the just heavens will hardly do the like; wln 2154 And only crave forgiveness at the end wln 2155 Of good Cordella, and of thee, my friend; wln 2156 Of God, whose Majesty I have offended, wln 2157 By my transgression many thousand ways: wln 2158 Of her, dear heart, whom I for no occasion wln 2159 Turned out of all, through flatterers’ persuasion: wln 2160 Of thee, kind friend, who but for me, I know, wln 2161 Hadst never come unto this place of woe. wln 2162 Cordella Alack, that ever I should live to see wln 2163 My noble father in this misery. wln 2164 King of Gallia. Sweet Love, reveal not what thou art as yet, wln 2165 Until we know the ground of all this ill. img: 31a sig: H2v wln 2166 Cordella O, but some meat, some meat: do you not see, wln 2167 How near they are to death for want of food? wln 2168 Perillus Lord, which didst help they servants at their need, wln 2169 Or now or never send us help with speed. wln 2170 Oh comfort, comfort! yonder is a banquet, wln 2171 And men and women, my Lord: be of good cheer; wln 2172 For I see comfort coming very near. wln 2173 O my Lord, a banquet, and men and women! wln 2174 Leir. O, let kind pity mollify their hearts, wln 2175 That they may help us in our great extremes. wln 2176 Perillus God save you, friends; and if this blessed banquet wln 2177 Affordeth any food or sustenance, wln 2178 Even for his sake that saved us all from death, wln 2179 Vouchsafe to save us from the gripe of famine. She bringeth him wln 2180 Cordella Here father, sit and eat, here, sit and drink: to the table wln 2181 And would it were far better for your sakes. wln 2182 Perillus takes Leir by the hand to the table. wln 2183 Perillus I’ll give you thanks anon: my friend doth faint, wln 2184 And needeth present comfort. Leir drinks. wln 2185 Mumford I warrant, he ne’er stays to say grace: wln 2186 O, there’s no sauce to a good stomach. wln 2187 Perillus The blessed God of heaven hath thought upon us. wln 2188 Leir. The thanks be his, and these kind courteous folk, wln 2189 By whose humanity we are preserved. They eat hungerly, Leir wln 2190 Cordella And may that draught be unto him, as was drinks. wln 2191 That which old Aeson drank, which did renew wln 2192 His withered age, and made him young again. wln 2193 And may that meat be unto him, as was wln 2194 That which Elias ate, in strength whereof wln 2195 He walked forty days, and never fainted. wln 2196 Shall I conceal me longer from my father? wln 2197 Or shall I manifest myself to him? wln 2198 King of Gallia. Forbear a while, until his strength return, wln 2199 Lest being overjoyed with seeing thee, wln 2200 His poor weak senses should forsake their office, wln 2201 And so our cause of joy be turned to sorrow. wln 2202 Perillus What cheer, my Lord? how do you feel yourself? wln 2203 Leir. Methinks, I never ate such savory meat: wln 2204 It is as pleasant as the blessed Manna, img: 31b sig: H3r wln 2205 That rained from heaven amongst the Israelites: wln 2206 It hath recalled my spirits home again, wln 2207 And made me fresh, as erst I was before. wln 2208 But how shall we congratulate their kindness? wln 2209 Perillus In faith, I know not how sufficiently; wln 2210 But the best mean that I can think on, is this: wln 2211 I’ll offer them my doublet in requital; wln 2212 For we have nothing else to spare. wln 2213 Leir. Nay, stay, Perillus, for they shall have mine. wln 2214 Perillus Pardon, my Lord, I swear they shall have mine. wln 2215 Perillus proffers his doublet: they will not take it. wln 2216 Leir. Ah, who would think such kindness should remain wln 2217 Among such strange and unacquainted men: wln 2218 And that such hate should harbor in the breast wln 2219 Of those, which have occasion to be best? wln 2220 Cordella Ah, good old father, tell to me thy grief, wln 2221 I’ll sorrow with thee, if not add relief. wln 2222 Leir. Ah, good young daughter, I may call thee so; wln 2223 For thou art like a daughter I did owe. wln 2224 Cordella Do you not owe her still? what, is she dead? wln 2225 Leir. No, God forbid: but all my interest’s gone, wln 2226 By showing myself too much unnatural: wln 2227 So have I lost the title of a father, wln 2228 and may be called a stranger to her rather. wln 2229 Cordella Your title’s good still; for ’tis always known, wln 2230 A man may do as him list with his own. wln 2231 But have you but one daughter then in all? wln 2232 Leir. Yes, I have more by two, than would I had. wln 2233 Cordella O, say not so, but rather see the end: wln 2234 They that are bad, may have the grace to mend: wln 2235 But how have they offended you so much? wln 2236 Leir. If from the first I should relate the cause, wln 2237 ’Twould make a heart of Adamant to weep; wln 2238 And thou, poor soul, kindhearted as thou art, wln 2239 Dost weep already, ere I do begin. wln 2240 Cordella For God’s love tell it, and when you have done, wln 2241 I’ll tell the reason why I weep so soon. wln 2242 Leir. Then know this first, I am a Briton born, wln 2243 and had three daughters by one loving wife: img: 32a sig: H3v wln 2244 And though I say it, of beauty they were sped; wln 2245 Especially the youngest of the three, wln 2246 For her perfections hardly matched could be: wln 2247 On these I doted with a jealous love, wln 2248 And thought to try which of them loved me best, wln 2249 By asking them, which would do most for me? wln 2250 The first and second flattered me with words, wln 2251 And vowed they loved me better than their lives: wln 2252 The youngest said, she loved me as a child wln 2253 Might do: her answer I esteemed most vild, wln 2254 And presently in an outrageous mood, wln 2255 I turned her from me to go sink or swim: wln 2256 And all I had, even to the very clothes, wln 2257 I gave in dowry with the other two: wln 2258 And she that best deserved the greatest share, wln 2259 I gave her nothing, but disgrace and care. wln 2260 Now mark the sequel: When I had done thus, wln 2261 I sojourned in my eldest daughter’s house, wln 2262 Where for a time I was entreated well, wln 2263 And lived in state sufficing my content: wln 2264 But every day her kindness did grow cold, wln 2265 Which I with patience put up well enough, wln 2266 And seemed not to see the things I saw: wln 2267 But at the last she grew so far incensed wln 2268 With moody fury, and with causeless hate, wln 2269 That in most vild and contumelious terms, wln 2270 She bade me pack, and harbor somewhere else. wln 2271 Then was I fain for refuge to repair wln 2272 Unto my other daughter for relief, wln 2273 Who gave me pleasing and most courteous words; wln 2274 But in her actions showed herself so sore, wln 2275 As never any daughter did before: wln 2276 She prayed me in a morning out betime, wln 2277 To go to a thicket two miles from the Court, wln 2278 Pointing that there she would come talk with me: wln 2279 There she had set a shaghaired murd’ring wretch, wln 2280 To massacre my honest friend and me. wln 2281 Then judge yourself, although my tale be brief, wln 2282 If ever man had greater cause of grief. img: 32b sig: H4r wln 2283 King of Gallia. Nor never like impiety was done, wln 2284 Since the creation of the world begun. wln 2285 Leir. And now I am constrained to seek relief wln 2286 Of her, to whom I have been so unkind; wln 2287 Whose censure, if it do award me death, wln 2288 I must confess she pays me but my due: wln 2289 But if she show a loving daughter’s part, wln 2290 It comes of God and her, not my desert. wln 2291 Cordella No doubt she will, I dare be sworn she will. wln 2292 Leir. How know you that, not knowing what she is? wln 2293 Cordella Myself a father have a great way hence, wln 2294 Used me as ill as ever you did her; wln 2295 Yet, that his reverend age I once might see, wln 2296 I’d creep along, to meet him on my knee. wln 2297 Leir. O, no men’s children are unkind but mine. wln 2298 Cordella Condemn not all, because of others’ crime: wln 2299 But look, dear father, look, behold and see wln 2300 Thy loving daughter speaketh unto thee. She kneels. wln 2301 Leir. O, stand thou up, it is my part to kneel, wln 2302 And ask forgiveness for my former faults. he kneels. wln 2303 Cordella O, if you wish I should enjoy my breath, wln 2304 Dear father rise, or I receive my death. he riseth. wln 2305 Leir. Then I will rise, to satisfy your mind, wln 2306 But kneel again, till pardon be resigned. he kneels. wln 2307 Cordella I pardon you: the word beseems not me: wln 2308 But I do say so, for to ease your knee. wln 2309 You gave me life, you were the cause that I wln 2310 Am what I am, who else had never been. wln 2311 Leir. But you gave life to me and to my friend, wln 2312 Whose days had else, had an untimely end. wln 2313 Cordella You brought me up, whenas I was but young, wln 2314 And far unable for to help myself. wln 2315 Leir. I cast thee forth, whenas thou wast but young, wln 2316 And far unable for to help thyself. wln 2317 Cordella God, world and nature say I do you wrong, wln 2318 That can endure to see you kneel so long. wln 2319 King of Gallia Let me break off this loving controversy, wln 2320 Which doth rejoice my very soul to see. wln 2321 Good father, rise, she is your loving daughter, He riseth img: 33a sig: H4v wln 2322 And honors you with as respective duty, wln 2323 As if you were the Monarch of the world. wln 2324 Cordella But I will never rise from off my knee, She kneels. wln 2325 Until I have your blessing, and your pardon wln 2326 Of all my faults committed any way, wln 2327 From my first birth unto this present day. wln 2328 Leir. The blessing, which the God of Abraham gave wln 2329 Unto the tribe of Judah, light on thee, wln 2330 And multiply thy days, that thou mayst see wln 2331 Thy children’s children prosper after thee. wln 2332 Thy faults, which are just none that I do know, wln 2333 God pardon on high, and I forgive below. she riseth. wln 2334 Cordella Now is my heart at quiet, and doth leap wln 2335 Within my breast, for joy of this good hap: wln 2336 And now (dear father) welcome to our Court, wln 2337 And welcome (kind Perillus) unto me, wln 2338 Mirror of virtue and true honesty. wln 2339 Leir. O, he hath been the kindest friend to me, wln 2340 That ever man had in adversity. wln 2341 Perillus My tongue doth fail, to say what heart doth think, wln 2342 I am so ravished with exceeding joy. wln 2343 King of Gallia. All you have spoke: now let me speak my mind, wln 2344 And in few words much matter here conclude: he kneels. wln 2345 If ere my heart do harbor any joy, wln 2346 Or true content repose within my breast, wln 2347 Till I have rooted out this viperous sect, wln 2348 And repossessed my father of his Crown, wln 2349 Let me be counted for the perjured’st man, wln 2350 That ever spake word since the world began. rise. wln 2351 Mumford Let me pray too, that never prayed before; Mumford wln 2352 If ere I resalute the British earth, kneels. wln 2353 (As (ere ’t be long) I do presume I shall) wln 2354 And do return from thence without my wench, wln 2355 Let me be gelded for my recompense. rise. wln 2356 King of Gallia. Come, let’s to arms for to redress this wrong: wln 2357 Till I am there, methinks, the time seems long. Exeunt. wln 2358 Enter Ragan sola. wln 2359 Ragan I feel a hell of conscience in my breast, wln 2360 Tormenting me with horror for my fact, img: 33b sig: I1r wln 2361 And makes me in an agony of doubt, wln 2362 For fear the world should find my dealing out. wln 2363 The slave whom I appointed for the act, wln 2364 I ne’er set eye upon the peasant since: wln 2365 O, could I get him for to make him sure, wln 2366 My doubts would cease, and I should rest secure. wln 2367 But if the old men, with persuasive words, wln 2368 Have saved their lives, and made him to relent; wln 2369 Then are they fled unto the Court of France, wln 2370 And like a Trumpet manifest my shame. wln 2371 A shame on these whitelivered slaves, say I, wln 2372 That with fair words so soon are overcome. wln 2373 O God, that I had been but made a man; wln 2374 Or that my strength were equal with my will! wln 2375 These foolish men are nothing but mere pity, wln 2376 And melt as butter doth against the Sun. wln 2377 Why should they have preeminence over us, wln 2378 Since we are creatures of more brave resolve? wln 2379 I swear, I am quite out of charity wln 2380 With all the heartless men in Christendom. wln 2381 A pox upon them, when they are afraid wln 2382 To give a stab, or slit a paltry Windpipe, wln 2383 Which are so easy matters to be done. wln 2384 Well, had I thought the slave would serve me so, wln 2385 Myself would have been executioner: wln 2386 ’Tis now undone, and if that it be known, wln 2387 I’ll make as good shift as I can for one. wln 2388 He that repines at me, howe’er it stands, wln 2389 ’Twere best for him to keep him from my hands. Exit. wln 2390 Sound Drums and Trumpets: Enter the Gallian King, wln 2391 Leir, Mumford and the army. wln 2392 King of Gallia. Thus have we brought our army to the sea, wln 2393 Whereas our ships are ready to receive us: wln 2394 The wind stands fair, and we in four hours’ sail, wln 2395 May easily arrive on British shore, wln 2396 Where unexpected we may them surprise, wln 2397 And gain a glorious victory with ease. wln 2398 Wherefore, my loving Countrymen, resolve, wln 2399 Since truth and justice fighteth on our sides, img: 34a sig: I1v wln 2400 That we shall march with conquest where we go. wln 2401 Myself will be as forward as the first, wln 2402 And stepbystep march with the hardiest wight: wln 2403 And not the meanest soldier in our Camp wln 2404 Shall be in danger, but i’ll second him. wln 2405 To you, my Lord, we give the whole command wln 2406 Of all the army, next unto ourself, wln 2407 Not doubting of you, but you will extend wln 2408 Your wonted valor in this needful case, wln 2409 Encouraging the rest to do the like, wln 2410 By your approved magnanimity. wln 2411 Mumford My Liege, ’tis needless to spur a willing horse, wln 2412 That’s apt enough to run himself to death: wln 2413 For here I swear by that sweet Saint’s bright eye, wln 2414 Which are the stars, which guide me to good hap, wln 2415 Either to see my old Lord crowned anew, wln 2416 Or in his cause to bid the world adieu. wln 2417 Leir. Thanks, good Lord Mumford, ’tis more of your good will, wln 2418 Than any merit or desert in me. wln 2419 Mumford And now to you, my worthy Countrymen, wln 2420 Ye valiant race of Genovestan Gauls, wln 2421 Surnamed Redshanks, for your chivalry, wln 2422 Because you fight up to the shanks in blood; wln 2423 Show yourselves now to be right Gauls indeed, wln 2424 And be so bitter on your enemies, wln 2425 That they may say, you are as bitter as Gall. wln 2426 Gall them, brave Shot, with your Artillery: wln 2427 Gall them, brave Halberds, with your sharppoint Bills, wln 2428 Each in their pointed place, not one, but all, wln 2429 Fight for the credit of yourselves and Gaul. wln 2430 King of Gallia. Then what should more persuasion need to those, wln 2431 That rather wish to deal, than hear of blows? wln 2432 Let’s to our ships, and if that God permit, wln 2433 In four hours’ sail, I hope we shall be there. wln 2434 Mumford And in five hours more, I make no doubt, wln 2435 But we shall bring our wished desires about. Exeunt wln 2436 Enter a Captain of the watch, and two watchmen. wln 2437 Captain My honest friends, it is your turn tonight, wln 2438 To watch in this place, near about the Beacon. img: 34b sig: I2r wln 2439 And vigilantly have regard, wln 2440 If any fleet of ships pass hitherward: wln 2441 Which it you do, your office is to fire wln 2442 The beacon presently, and raise the town. Exit. wln 2443 1. Watchman Ay, Ay, Ay, fear nothing; we know our charge, I warrant: wln 2444 I have been a watchman about this Beacon this thirty year, and wln 2445 yet I ne’er see it stir, but stood as quietly as might be. wln 2446 2. Watchman Faith neighbor, and you’ll follow my ’vice, instead of wln 2447 watching the Beacon, we’ll go to goodman Jennings, and watch wln 2448 a pot of Ale and a rasher of Bacon: and if we do not drink ourselves wln 2449 drunk, then so; I warrant, the Beacon will see us when wln 2450 we come out again. wln 2451 1. Watchman Ay, but how if somebody excuse us to the Captain? wln 2452 2. Watchman ’Tis no matter, i’ll prove by good reason that we watch wln 2453 the Beacon: as for example. wln 2454 1. Watchman I hope you do not call me ass by craft, neighbor. wln 2455 2. Watchman No, no, but for example: Say here stands the pot of ale, wln 2456 that’s the Beacon. 1. Watchman Ay, Ay, ’tis a very good Beacon. wln 2457 2. Watchman Well, say here stands your nose, that’s the fire. wln 2458 1. Watchman Indeed I must confess, ’tis somewhat red. wln 2459 2. Watchman I see come marching in a dish, half a score pieces of salt wln 2460 Bacon. 1. Watchman I understand your meaning, that’s as much to say, wln 2461 half a score ships. 2 Watchman True, you conster right; presently, like wln 2462 a faithful watchman, I fire the Beacon, and call up the town. wln 2463 1. Watchman Ay, that’s as much as to say, you set your nose to the pot, and wln 2464 drink up the drink. 2. Watchman You are in the right; come, let’s go wln 2465 fire the Beacon. Exeunt. wln 2466 Enter the King of Gallia with a still march, Mumford and soldiers. wln 2467 King of Gallia. Now march our ensigns on the British earth, wln 2468 And we are near approaching to the town: wln 2469 Then look about you, valiant Countrymen, wln 2470 And we shall finish this exploit with ease. wln 2471 Th’ inhabitants of this mistrustful place, wln 2472 Are dead asleep, as men that are secure: wln 2473 Here shall we skirmish but with naked men, wln 2474 Devoid of sense, new waked from a dream, wln 2475 That know not what our coming doth pretend, wln 2476 Till they do feel our meaning on their skins: wln 2477 Therefore assail: God and our right for us. Exeunt. img: 35a sig: I2v wln 2478 Alarum, with men and women halfnaked: Enter two wln 2479 Captains without doublets, with swords. wln 2480 1. Captain Where are these villains that were set to watch, wln 2481 And fire the Beacon, if occasion served, wln 2482 That thus have suffered us to be surprised, wln 2483 And never given notice to the town? wln 2484 We are betrayed, and quite devoid of hope, wln 2485 By any means to fortify ourselves. wln 2486 2. Captain ’Tis ten to one the peasants are o’ercome with drink wln 2487 and sleep, and so neglect their charge. wln 2488 1. Captain A whirlwind carry them quick to a whirlpool, wln 2489 That there the slaves may drink their bellies full. wln 2490 2. Captain This ’tis, to have the Beacon so near the Alehouse. wln 2491 Enter the watchmen drunk, with each a pot. wln 2492 1. Captain Out on ye, villains, whither run you now? wln 2493 1. Watchman To fire the town, and call up the Beacon. wln 2494 2 Watchman No, no, sir, to fire the Beacon. He drinks. wln 2495 2. Captain What, with a pot of ale, you drunken Rogues? wln 2496 1. Captain You’ll fire the Beacon, when the town is lost: wln 2497 I’ll teach you how to tend your office better. draw to stab them. wln 2498 Enter Mumford, Captains run away. wln 2499 Mumford Yield, yield, yield. He kicks down their pots. wln 2500 1. Watchman Reel? no, we do not reel: wln 2501 You may lack a pot of Ale ere you die. wln 2502 Mumford But in mean space, I answer, you want none. wln 2503 Well, there’s no dealing with you, y’ are tall men, and well weaponed, wln 2504 I would there were no worse than you in the town. Exit. wln 2505 2. Watchman ’A speaks like an honest man, my choler’s passed already. wln 2506 Come, neighbor, let’s go. wln 2507 1. Watchman Nay, first let’s see an we can stand. Exeunt. wln 2508 Alarum, excursions, Mumford after them, and some halfnaked, wln 2509 Enter the Gallian King, Leir, Mumford, Cordella, Perillus, and soldiers, wln 2510 with the chief of the town bound. wln 2511 King of Gallia. Fear not, my friends, you shall receive no hurt, wln 2512 If you’ll subscribe unto your lawful King, wln 2513 And quite revoke your fealty from Cambria, wln 2514 And from aspiring Cornwall too, whose wives wln 2515 Have practiced treason ’gainst their father’s life. wln 2516 We come in justice of your wronged King, img: 35b sig: I3r wln 2517 And do intend no harm at all to you, wln 2518 So you submit unto your lawful King. wln 2519 Leir. Kind Countrymen, it grieves me, that perforce, wln 2520 I am constrained to use extremities. wln 2521 Noble. Long have you here been looked for, good my Lord, wln 2522 And wished for by a general consent: wln 2523 And had we known your Highness had arrived, wln 2524 We had not made resistance to your Grace: wln 2525 And now, my gracious Lord, you need not doubt, wln 2526 But all the Country will yield presently, wln 2527 Which since your absence have been greatly taxed, wln 2528 For to maintain their overswelling pride. wln 2529 We’ll presently send word to all our friends; wln 2530 When they have notice, they will come apace. wln 2531 Leir. Thanks, loving subjects; and thanks, worthy son, wln 2532 Thanks, my kind daughter, thanks to you, my Lord, wln 2533 Who willingly adventured have your blood, wln 2534 (Without desert) to do me so much good. wln 2535 Mumford O, say not so: wln 2536 I have been much beholding to your Grace: wln 2537 I must confess, I have been in some skirmishes, wln 2538 But I was never in the like to this: wln 2539 For where I was wont to meet with armed men, wln 2540 I was now encountered with naked women, wln 2541 Cordella We that are feeble, and want use of Arms, wln 2542 Will pray to God, to shield you from all harms. wln 2543 Leir. The while your hands do manage ceaseless toil, wln 2544 Our hearts shall pray, the foes may have the foil. wln 2545 Perillus We’ll fast and pray, whilst you for us do fight, wln 2546 That victory may prosecute the right. wln 2547 King of Gallia. Methinks, your words do amplify (my friends) wln 2548 And add fresh vigor to my willing limbs: Drum. wln 2549 But hark, I hear the adverse Drum approach. wln 2550 God and our right, Saint Denis, and Saint George, wln 2551 Enter Cornwall, Cambria, Gonoril, Ragan, and the army. wln 2552 Cornwall Presumptuous King of Gauls, how darest thou wln 2553 Presume to enter on our British shore? wln 2554 And more than that, to take our towns perforce, wln 2555 And draw our subjects’ hearts from their true King? img: 36a sig: I3v wln 2556 Be sure to buy it at as dear a price, wln 2557 As e’re you bought presumption in your lives. wln 2558 King of Gallia. O’erdaring Cornwall, know, we came in right, wln 2559 And just revengement of the wronged King, wln 2560 Whose daughters there, fell vipers as they are, wln 2561 Have sought to murder and deprive of life: wln 2562 But God protected him from all their spite, wln 2563 And we are come in justice of his right. wln 2564 Cambria Nor he nor thou have any interest here, wln 2565 But what you win and purchase with the sword. wln 2566 Thy slanders to our noble virtuous Queens, wln 2567 We’ll in the battle thrust them down thy throat, wln 2568 Except for fear of our revenging hands, wln 2569 Thou fly to sea, as not secure on lands. wln 2570 Mumford Welshman, i’ll so ferret you ere night for that word, wln 2571 That you shall have no mind to crake so well this twelvemonth. wln 2572 Gonoril They lie, that say, we sought our father’s death. wln 2573 Ragan ’Tis merely forged for a color’s sake, wln 2574 To set a gloss on your invasion. wln 2575 Methinks, an old man ready for to die, wln 2576 Should be ashamed to broach so foul a lie. wln 2577 Cordella Fie, shameless sister, so devoid of grace, wln 2578 To call our father liar to his face. wln 2579 Gonoril Peace (Puritan) dissembling hypocrite, wln 2580 Which art so good, that thou wilt prove stark naught: wln 2581 Anon, whenas I have you in my fingers, wln 2582 I’ll make you wish yourself in Purgatory. wln 2583 Perillus Nay, peace thou monster, shame unto thy sex: wln 2584 Thou fiend in likeness of a human creature. wln 2585 Ragan I never heard a foulerspoken man. wln 2586 Leir. Out on thee, viper, scum, filthy parricide, wln 2587 More odious to my sight than is a Toad. wln 2588 Knowest thou these letters? She snatches them and tears them. wln 2589 Ragan Think you to outface me with your paltry scrolls? wln 2590 You come to drive my husband from his right, wln 2591 Under the color of a forged letter. wln 2592 Leir. Whoever heard the like impiety? wln 2593 Perillus You are our debtor of more patience: wln 2594 We were more patient when we stayed for you, img: 36b sig: I4r wln 2595 Within the thicket two long hours and more. wln 2596 Ragan What hours? what thicket? wln 2597 Perillus There, where you sent your servant with your letters, wln 2598 Sealed with your hand, to send us both to heaven, wln 2599 Where, as I think, you never mean to come. wln 2600 Ragan Alas, you are grown a child again with age, wln 2601 Or else your senses dote for want of sleep. wln 2602 Perillus Indeed you made us rise betimes, you know, wln 2603 Yet had a care we should sleep where you bade us stay, wln 2604 But never wake more till the latter day. wln 2605 Gonoril Peace, peace, old fellow, thou art sleepy still. wln 2606 Mumford Faith, and if you reason till tomorrow, wln 2607 You get no other answer at their hands. wln 2608 ’Tis pity two such good faces wln 2609 Should have so little grace between them. wln 2610 Well, let us see if their husbands with their hands, wln 2611 Can do as much, as they do with their tongues. wln 2612 Cambria Ay, with their swords they’ll make your tongue unsay wln 2613 What they have said, or else they’ll cut them out. wln 2614 King of Gallia. To ’t, gallants, to ’t, let’s not stand brawling thus. wln 2615 Exeunt both armies. wln 2616 Sound alarum: excursions. Mumford must chase Cambria wln 2617 away: then cease. Enter Cornwall. wln 2618 Cornwall The day is lost, our friends do all revolt, wln 2619 And join against us with the adverse part: wln 2620 There is no means of safety but by flight, wln 2621 And therefore i’ll to Cornwall with my Queen. Exit. wln 2622 Enter Cambria. wln 2623 Cambria I think, there is a devil in the Camp hath haunted wln 2624 me today: he hath so tired me, that in a manner I can fight no wln 2625 more. Enter Mumford. wln 2626 Zounds, here he comes, I’ll take me to my horse. Exit. wln 2627 Mumford follows him to the door, and returns. wln 2628 Mumford Farewell (Welshman) give thee but thy due, wln 2629 Thou hast a light and nimble pair of legs: wln 2630 Thou are more in debt to them than to thy hands: wln 2631 But if I meet thee once again today, wln 2632 I’ll cut them off, and set them to a better heart. Exit. img: 37a sig: I4v wln 2633 Alarums and excursions, then sound victory. Enter Leir, Perillus, wln 2634 King, Cordella, and Mumford. wln 2635 King of Gallia. Thanks be to God, your foes are overcome, wln 2636 And you again possessed of your right. wln 2637 Leir. First to the heavens, next, thanks to you, my son, wln 2638 By whose good means I repossess the same: wln 2639 Which if it please you to accept yourself, wln 2640 With all my heart I will resign to you: wln 2641 For it is yours by right, and none of mine. wln 2642 First, have you raised, at your own charge, a power wln 2643 Of valiant Soldiers; (this comes all from you) wln 2644 Next have you ventured your own person’s scathe. wln 2645 And lastly, (worthy Gallia never stained) wln 2646 My kingly title I by thee have gained. wln 2647 King of Gallia. Thank heavens, not me, my zeal to you is such, wln 2648 Command my utmost, I will never grutch. wln 2649 Cordella He that with all kind love entreats his Queen, wln 2650 Will not be to her father unkind seen. wln 2651 Leir. Ah, my Cordella, now I call to mind, wln 2652 The modest answer, which I took unkind: wln 2653 But now I see, I am no whit beguiled, wln 2654 Thou loved’st me dearly, and as ought a child. wln 2655 And thou (Perillus) partner once in woe, wln 2656 Thee to requite, the best I can, I’ll do: wln 2657 Yet all I can, Ay, were it ne’er so much, wln 2658 Were not sufficient, thy true love is such. wln 2659 Thanks (worthy Mumford) to thee last of all, wln 2660 Not greeted last, ’cause thy desert was small; wln 2661 No, thou hast Lionlike laid on today, wln 2662 Chasing the Cornwall King and Cambria; wln 2663 Who with my daughters, daughters did I say? wln 2664 To save their lives, the fugitives did play. wln 2665 Come, son and daughter, who did me advance, wln 2666 Repose with me awhile, and then for France. wln 2667 Sound Drums and Trumpets. Exeunt. wimlng :2 63678b FINIS. sig: [N/A] Textual Notes

1. 25 (2b) : The regularized reading : is supplied for the original [∙]. 2. 47 (3a) : The regularized reading sat is amended from the original set. 3. 185 (4b) : The regularized reading suffice is supplied for the original [**]ffice. 4. 455 (8b) : The regularized reading Then is supplied for the original [∙∙]en. 5. 456 (8b) : The regularized reading Cambria is supplied for the original [∙∙]m.. 6. 614 (10b) : The regularized reading complain is supplied for the original complayn[∙]. 7. 944 (14b) : The regularized reading with is supplied for the original wi[∙∙]. 8. 1030 (16a) : The regularized reading Palermo is amended from the original Palerno. 9. 1253 (19a) : The regularized reading lies is supplied for the original lye[∙]. 10. 1287 (19a) : The regularized reading of is supplied for the original o[∙]. 11. 1291 (19b) : The regularized reading before is supplied for the original [∙∙]fore. 12. 1292 (19b) : The regularized reading sufficient is supplied for the original suffic[∙∙∙]. 13. 1427 (21a) : The regularized reading Goneril is amended from the original Con. 14. 1778 (25b) : The regularized reading She is amended from the original Se. 15. 1863 (27a) : The regularized reading match is supplied for the original m[∙∙]ch. 16. 1945 (28a) : The regularized reading . is supplied for the original [∙]. 17. 2201 (31a) : The regularized reading cause is supplied for the original c[∙∙]se. 18. 2420 (34a) : The regularized reading Genovestan comes from the original Genouestan, though possible variants include Cenovestan. 19. 2447 (34b) : The regularized reading Jennings is supplied for the original Gen[∙]ings. 20. 2507 (35a) : The regularized reading an is amended from the original and. 21. 2556 (36a) : The regularized reading sure is amended from the original sute.