King Leir, Quarto 1
THE
True Chronicle Hi-
storie of King Leir and his three
daughters, Gonorill, Ragan,
and Cordella
As it hath bene diuers and sundry
times lately acted.
LONDON,
Printed by Simon Stafford for Iohn
Wright, and are to bee sold at his shop at
Christes Church dore, next Newgate-
Market. 1605.
The true Chronicle Historie of King
Leir and his three daughters.
ACTVS I.
Enter King Leir and Nobles.
Sp1
THus to our griefe the obsequies performd
Of our (too late) deceast and dearest Queen,
Whose soule I hope, possest of heauēlyheavenly ioyes,
Doth ride in triumph ’mōgst the Cherubins;
Let vs request your graue aduice, my Lords,
For the disposing of our princely daughters,
For whom our care is specially imployd,
As nature bindeth to aduaunce their states,
In royall marriage with some princely mates:
For wanting now their mothers good aduice,
Vnder whose gouernment they haue receyued
A perfit patterne of a vertuous life:
Left as it were a ship without a sterne,
Or silly sheepe without a Pastors care;
Although our selues doe dearely tender them,
Yet are we ignorant of their affayres:
For fathers best do know to gouerne sonnes;
But daughters steps the mothers counsell turnes.
A sonne we want for to succeed our Crowne,
And course of time hath cancelled the date
Of further issue from our withered loynes:
One foote already hangeth in the graue,
And age hath made deepe furrowes in my face:
The world of me, I of the world am weary,
And I would fayne resigne these earthly cares,
And thinke vpon the welfare of my soule:
Which by no better meanes may be effected,
Then by resigning vp the Crowne from me,
In equall dowry to my daughters three.
Of our (too late) deceast and dearest Queen,
Whose soule I hope, possest of heauēlyheavenly ioyes,
Doth ride in triumph ’mōgst the Cherubins;
Let vs request your graue aduice, my Lords,
For the disposing of our princely daughters,
For whom our care is specially imployd,
As nature bindeth to aduaunce their states,
In royall marriage with some princely mates:
For wanting now their mothers good aduice,
Vnder whose gouernment they haue receyued
A perfit patterne of a vertuous life:
Left as it were a ship without a sterne,
Or silly sheepe without a Pastors care;
Although our selues doe dearely tender them,
Yet are we ignorant of their affayres:
For fathers best do know to gouerne sonnes;
But daughters steps the mothers counsell turnes.
A sonne we want for to succeed our Crowne,
And course of time hath cancelled the date
Of further issue from our withered loynes:
One foote already hangeth in the graue,
And age hath made deepe furrowes in my face:
The world of me, I of the world am weary,
And I would fayne resigne these earthly cares,
And thinke vpon the welfare of my soule:
Which by no better meanes may be effected,
Then by resigning vp the Crowne from me,
In equall dowry to my daughters three.
Sp2Skalliger.
A2
I cen-
A worthy care, my Liege, which well declares,
The zeale you bare vnto our quondam Queene:
And since your Grace hath licens’d me to speake,
The zeale you bare vnto our quondam Queene:
And since your Grace hath licens’d me to speake,
I censure thus; Your Maiesty knowing well,
What seuerall Suters your princely daughters haue,
To make them eche a Ioynter more or lesse,
As is their worth, to them that loue professe.
Sp3Leir.
No more, nor lesse, but euen all alike,
My zeale is fixt, all fashiond in one mould:
Wherefore vnpartiall shall my censure be,
Both old and young shall haue alike for me.
My zeale is fixt, all fashiond in one mould:
Wherefore vnpartiall shall my censure be,
Both old and young shall haue alike for me.
Sp4Nobl.
My gracious Lord, I hartily do wish,
That God had lent you an heyre indubitate,
Which might haue set vpon your royall throne,
When fates should loose the prison of your life,
By whose succession all this doubt might cease;
And as by you, by him we might haue peace.
But after-wishes euer come too late,
And nothing can reuoke the course of fate:
Wherefore, my Liege, my censure deemes it best,
To match them with some of your neighbour Kings,
Bordring within the bounds of Albion,
By whose vnited friendship, this our state
May be protected ’gainst all forrayne hate.
That God had lent you an heyre indubitate,
Which might haue set vpon your royall throne,
When fates should loose the prison of your life,
By whose succession all this doubt might cease;
And as by you, by him we might haue peace.
But after-wishes euer come too late,
And nothing can reuoke the course of fate:
Wherefore, my Liege, my censure deemes it best,
To match them with some of your neighbour Kings,
Bordring within the bounds of Albion,
By whose vnited friendship, this our state
May be protected ’gainst all forrayne hate.
Sp5Leir.
Herein, my Lords, your wishes sort with mine,
And mine (I hope) do sort with heauenly powers:
For at this instant two neere neyghbouring Kings
Of Cornwall and of Cambria, motion loue
To my two daughters, Gonorill and Ragan.
My youngest daughter, fayre Cordella, vowes
No liking to a Monarch, vnlesse loue allowes.
She is sollicited by diuers Peeres;
But none of them her partiall fancy heares.
Yet, if my policy may her beguyle,
Ile match her to some King within this Ile,
And so establish such a perfit peace,
As fortunes force shall ne’re preuayle to cease.
And mine (I hope) do sort with heauenly powers:
For at this instant two neere neyghbouring Kings
Of Cornwall and of Cambria, motion loue
To my two daughters, Gonorill and Ragan.
My youngest daughter, fayre Cordella, vowes
No liking to a Monarch, vnlesse loue allowes.
She is sollicited by diuers Peeres;
But none of them her partiall fancy heares.
Yet, if my policy may her beguyle,
Ile match her to some King within this Ile,
And so establish such a perfit peace,
As fortunes force shall ne’re preuayle to cease.
Sp6Perillus.
Yet
Of vs & ours, your gracious care, my Lord,
Deserues an euerlasting memory,
To be inrol’d in Chronicles of fame,
By neuer-dying perpetuity:
Deserues an euerlasting memory,
To be inrol’d in Chronicles of fame,
By neuer-dying perpetuity:
Yet to become so prouident a Prince,
Lose not the title of a louing father:
Do not force loue, where fancy cannot dwell,
Leststreames being stopt, aboue the banks do swell.
Sp7Leir.
I am resolu’d, and euen now my mind
Doth meditate a sudden stratagem,
To try which of my daughters loues me best:
Which till I know, I cannot be in rest.
This graunted, when they ioyntly shall contend,
Eche to exceed the other in their loue:
Then at the vantage will I take Cordella,
Euen as she doth protest she loues me best,
Ile say, Then, daughter, graunt me one request,
To shew thou louest me as thy sisters doe,
Accept a husband, whom my selfe will woo.
This sayd, she cannot well deny my sute,
Although (poore soule) her sences will be mute:
Then will I tryumph in my policy,
And match her with a King of Brittany.
Doth meditate a sudden stratagem,
To try which of my daughters loues me best:
Which till I know, I cannot be in rest.
This graunted, when they ioyntly shall contend,
Eche to exceed the other in their loue:
Then at the vantage will I take Cordella,
Euen as she doth protest she loues me best,
Ile say, Then, daughter, graunt me one request,
To shew thou louest me as thy sisters doe,
Accept a husband, whom my selfe will woo.
This sayd, she cannot well deny my sute,
Although (poore soule) her sences will be mute:
Then will I tryumph in my policy,
And match her with a King of Brittany.
Sp9Per.
Exeunt.
Thus fathers think their children to beguile,
And oftentimes themselues do first repent,
When heauenly powers do frustrate their intent.
And oftentimes themselues do first repent,
When heauenly powers do frustrate their intent.
Enter Gonorill and Ragan.
Sp10Gon.
I maruell, Ragan, how you can indure
To see that proud pert Peat, our youngest sister,
So slightly to account of vs, her elders,
As if we were no better then her selfe!
We cannot haue a quaynt deuice so soone,
Or new made fashion, of our choyce inuention;
But if she like it, she will haue the same,
Or study newer to exceed vs both.
Besides, she is so nice and so demure;
So sober, courteous, modest, and precise,
That all the Court hath worke ynough to do,
To talke how she exceedeth me and you.
To see that proud pert Peat, our youngest sister,
So slightly to account of vs, her elders,
As if we were no better then her selfe!
We cannot haue a quaynt deuice so soone,
Or new made fashion, of our choyce inuention;
But if she like it, she will haue the same,
Or study newer to exceed vs both.
Besides, she is so nice and so demure;
So sober, courteous, modest, and precise,
That all the Court hath worke ynough to do,
To talke how she exceedeth me and you.
A3 Some
Some desperate medicine must be soone applyed,
To dimme the glory of her mounting fame;
Els ere’t be long, sheele haue both prick and praise,
And we must be set by for working dayes.
Doe you not see what seuerall choyce of Suters
She daily hath, and of the best degree?
Say, amongst all, she hap to fancy one,
And haue a husband when as we haue none:
Why then, by right, to her we must giue place,
Though it be ne’re so much to our disgrace.
Sp12Gon.
By my virginity, rather then she shall haue
A husband before me,
Ile marry one or other in his shirt:
And yet I haue made halfe a graunt already
Of my good will vnto the King of Cornwall.
A husband before me,
Ile marry one or other in his shirt:
And yet I haue made halfe a graunt already
Of my good will vnto the King of Cornwall.
Sp13Ra.
Enter Skal.
Sweare not so deeply (sister) here
cōmethcommeth my L. Skalliger:
Something his hasty comming doth import.
Something his hasty comming doth import.
Sp14Skal.
Sweet Princesses, I am glad I met you heere so luckily,
Hauing good newes which doth concerne you both,
And craueth speedy expedition.
Hauing good newes which doth concerne you both,
And craueth speedy expedition.
Sp16Skal.
Madam, to saue your longing, this it is:
Your father in great secrecy to day,
Told me, he meanes to marry you out of hand,
Vnto the noble Prince of Cambria;
You, Madam, to the King of Cornwalls Grace:
Your yonger sister he would fayne bestow
Vpon the rich King of Hibernia:
But that he doubts, she hardly will consent;
For hitherto she ne’re could fancy him.
If she do yeeld, why then, betweene you three,
He will deuide his kingdome for your dowries.
But yet there is a further mystery,
Which, so you will conceale, I will disclose.
Your father in great secrecy to day,
Told me, he meanes to marry you out of hand,
Vnto the noble Prince of Cambria;
You, Madam, to the King of Cornwalls Grace:
Your yonger sister he would fayne bestow
Vpon the rich King of Hibernia:
But that he doubts, she hardly will consent;
For hitherto she ne’re could fancy him.
If she do yeeld, why then, betweene you three,
He will deuide his kingdome for your dowries.
But yet there is a further mystery,
Which, so you will conceale, I will disclose.
Sp17Gon.
What e’re thou speakst to vs, kind Skalliger,
Thinke that thou speakst it only to thy selfe.
Thinke that thou speakst it only to thy selfe.
Which
Which of you three do beare most loue to him,
And on your loues he so extremely dotes,
As neuer any did, I thinke, before.
He presently doth meane to send for you,
To be resolu’d of this tormenting doubt:
And looke, whose answere pleaseth him the best,
They shall haue most vnto their marriages.
Sp20Skal.
For he supposeth that Cordella will
(Striuing to go beyond you in her loue)
Promise to do what euer he desires:
Then will he straight enioyne her for his sake,
The Hibernian King in marriage for to take.
This is the summe of all I haue to say;
Which being done, I humbly take my leaue,
Not doubting but your wisdomes will foresee,
What course will best vnto your good agree.
(Striuing to go beyond you in her loue)
Promise to do what euer he desires:
Then will he straight enioyne her for his sake,
The Hibernian King in marriage for to take.
This is the summe of all I haue to say;
Which being done, I humbly take my leaue,
Not doubting but your wisdomes will foresee,
What course will best vnto your good agree.
Exit Skalliger.
Sp23Gon.
Nay, our reuenge we will inflict on her,
Shall be accounted piety in vs:
I will so flatter with my doting father,
As he was ne’re so flattred in his life.
Nay, I will say, that if it be his pleasure,
To match me to a begger, I will yeeld:
For why, I know what euer I do say,
He meanes to match me with the Cornwall King.
Shall be accounted piety in vs:
I will so flatter with my doting father,
As he was ne’re so flattred in his life.
Nay, I will say, that if it be his pleasure,
To match me to a begger, I will yeeld:
For why, I know what euer I do say,
He meanes to match me with the Cornwall King.
Sp24Ra.
A4
Gon.I
Ile say the like: for I am well assured;
What e’re I say to please the old mans mind,
Who dotes, as if he were a child agayne,
I shall inioy the noble Cambrian Prince:
Only, to feed his humour, will suffice,
To say, I am content with any one
Whom heele appoynt me; this will please him more,
Then e’re Apolloes musike pleased Ioue.
What e’re I say to please the old mans mind,
Who dotes, as if he were a child agayne,
I shall inioy the noble Cambrian Prince:
Only, to feed his humour, will suffice,
To say, I am content with any one
Whom heele appoynt me; this will please him more,
Then e’re Apolloes musike pleased Ioue.
Sp25Gon.
I smile to think, in what a wofull plight
Cordella will be, when we answere thus:
For she will rather dye, then giue consent
To ioyne in marriage with the Irish King:
So will our father think, she loueth him not,
Because she will not graunt to his desire,
Which we will aggrauate in such bitter termes,
That he will soone conuert his loue to hate:
For he, you know, is alwayes in extremes.
Cordella will be, when we answere thus:
For she will rather dye, then giue consent
To ioyne in marriage with the Irish King:
So will our father think, she loueth him not,
Because she will not graunt to his desire,
Which we will aggrauate in such bitter termes,
That he will soone conuert his loue to hate:
For he, you know, is alwayes in extremes.
Exeunt.
Enter Leir and Perillus.
Exit.
Sp29Leir.
Oh, what a combat feeles my panting heart,
’Twixt childrens loue, and care of Common weale!
How deare my daughters are vnto my soule,
None knowes, but he, that knowes my thoghts & secret deeds.
Ah, little do they know the deare regard,
Wherein I hold their future state to come:
When they securely sleepe on beds of downe,
These aged eyes do watch for their behalfe :
While they like wantons sport in youthfull toyes,
This throbbing heart is pearst with dire annoyes.
As doth the Sun excceed the smallest Starre;
So much the fathers loue exceeds the childs.
Yet my complaynts are causlesse: for the world
Affords not children more conformable:
And yet, me thinks, my mind presageth still
I know not what; and yet I feare some ill.
Enter Perillus, with the three daughters.
Well, here my daughters come: I haue found out
A present meanes to rid me of this doubt.
’Twixt childrens loue, and care of Common weale!
How deare my daughters are vnto my soule,
None knowes, but he, that knowes my thoghts & secret deeds.
Ah, little do they know the deare regard,
Wherein I hold their future state to come:
When they securely sleepe on beds of downe,
These aged eyes do watch for their behalfe :
While they like wantons sport in youthfull toyes,
This throbbing heart is pearst with dire annoyes.
As doth the Sun excceed the smallest Starre;
So much the fathers loue exceeds the childs.
Yet my complaynts are causlesse: for the world
Affords not children more conformable:
And yet, me thinks, my mind presageth still
I know not what; and yet I feare some ill.
Enter Perillus, with the three daughters.
Well, here my daughters come: I haue found out
A present meanes to rid me of this doubt.
Sp30Gon.
Our royall Lord and father, in all duty,
We come to know the tenour of your will,
Why you so hastily haue sent for vs ?
We come to know the tenour of your will,
Why you so hastily haue sent for vs ?
Ye
Ye florishing branches of a Kingly stocke,
Sprung from a tree that once did flourish greene,
Whose blossomes now are nipt with Winters frost,
And pale grym death doth wayt vpon my steps,
And summons me vnto his next Assizes.
Therefore, deare daughters, as ye tender the safety
Of him that was the cause of your first being,
Resolue a doubt which much molests my mind,
Which of you three to me would proue most kind;
Which loues me most, and which at my request
Will soonest yeeld vnto their fathers hest.
Sp32Gon.
I hope, my gracious father makes no doubt
Of any of his daughters loue to him:
Yet for my part, to shew my zeale to you,
Which cannot be in windy words rehearst,
I prize my loue to you at such a rate,
I thinke my life inferiour to my loue.
Should you inioyne me for to tye a milstone
About my neck, and leape into the Sea,
At your commaund I willingly would doe it:
Yea, for to doe you good, I would ascend
The highest Turret in all Brittany,
And from the top leape headlong to the ground:
Nay, more, should you appoynt me for to marry
The meanest vassayle in the spacious world,
Without reply I would accomplish it:
In briefe, commaund what euer you desire,
And if I fayle, no fauour I require.
Of any of his daughters loue to him:
Yet for my part, to shew my zeale to you,
Which cannot be in windy words rehearst,
I prize my loue to you at such a rate,
I thinke my life inferiour to my loue.
Should you inioyne me for to tye a milstone
About my neck, and leape into the Sea,
At your commaund I willingly would doe it:
Yea, for to doe you good, I would ascend
The highest Turret in all Brittany,
And from the top leape headlong to the ground:
Nay, more, should you appoynt me for to marry
The meanest vassayle in the spacious world,
Without reply I would accomplish it:
In briefe, commaund what euer you desire,
And if I fayle, no fauour I require.
Sp36Rag.
B
Ide
O, that my simple vtterance could suffice,
To tell the true intention of my heart,
Which burnes in zeale of duty to your grace,
And neuer can be quench’d, but by desire
To shew the same in outward forwardnesse.
Oh, that there were some other mayd that durst
But make a challenge of her loue with me;
To tell the true intention of my heart,
Which burnes in zeale of duty to your grace,
And neuer can be quench’d, but by desire
To shew the same in outward forwardnesse.
Oh, that there were some other mayd that durst
But make a challenge of her loue with me;
Ide make her soone confesse she neuer loued
Her father halfe so well as I doe you.
I then, my deeds should proue in playner case,
How much my zeale aboundeth to your grace:
But for them all, let this one meane suffice,
To ratify my loue before your eyes:
I haue right noble Suters to my loue,
No worse then Kings, and happely I loue one:
Yet, would you haue me make my choyce anew,
Ide bridle fancy, and be rulde by you.
Sp40Cor.
I cannot paynt my duty forth in words,
I hope my deeds shall make report for me:
But looke what loue the child doth owe the father,
The same to you I beare, my gracious Lord.
I hope my deeds shall make report for me:
But looke what loue the child doth owe the father,
The same to you I beare, my gracious Lord.
Sp43Leir.
Why how now, Minion, are you growne so proud?
Doth our deare loue make you thus peremptory?
What, is your loue become so small to vs,
As that you scorne to tell vs what it is?
Do you loue vs, as euery child doth loue
Their father? True indeed, as some,
Who by disobedience short their fathers dayes,
And so would you; some are so father-sick,
That they make meanes to rid them from the world;
And so would you: some are indifferent,
Whether their aged parents liue or dye;
And so are you. But, didst thou know, proud gyrle,
What care I had to foster thee to this,
Ah, then thou wouldst say as thy sisters do:
Our life is lesse, then loue we owe to you.
Doth our deare loue make you thus peremptory?
What, is your loue become so small to vs,
As that you scorne to tell vs what it is?
Do you loue vs, as euery child doth loue
Their father? True indeed, as some,
Who by disobedience short their fathers dayes,
And so would you; some are so father-sick,
That they make meanes to rid them from the world;
And so would you: some are indifferent,
Whether their aged parents liue or dye;
And so are you. But, didst thou know, proud gyrle,
What care I had to foster thee to this,
Ah, then thou wouldst say as thy sisters do:
Our life is lesse, then loue we owe to you.
Nor
Nor my playne meaning be misconstrued;
My toung was neuer vsde to flattery.
Sp45Gon.
You were not best
say I flatter: if you do,
My deeds shall shew, I flatter not with you.
I loue my father better then thou canst.
My deeds shall shew, I flatter not with you.
I loue my father better then thou canst.
Sp46Cor.
The prayse were great, spoke from anothers mouth:
But it should seeme your neighbours dwell far off.
But it should seeme your neighbours dwell far off.
Sp47Rag.
Nay, here is one, that will confirme as much
As she hath sayd, both for my selfe and her.
I say, thou dost not wish my fathers good.
As she hath sayd, both for my selfe and her.
I say, thou dost not wish my fathers good.
Sp49Leir.
Peace, bastard Impe, no Issue of King Leir,
I will not heare thee speake one tittle more.
Call not me father, if thou loue thy life,
Nor these thy si sters once presume to name:
Looke for no helpe henceforth from me nor mine;
Shift as thou wilt, and trust vnto thy selfe:
My Kingdome will I equally deuide
’Twixt thy two sisters to their royall dowre,
And will bestow them worthy their deserts:
This done, because thou shalt not haue the hope,
To haue a childs part in the time to come,
I presently will dispossesse my selfe,
And set vp these vpon my princely throne.
I will not heare thee speake one tittle more.
Call not me father, if thou loue thy life,
Nor these thy si sters once presume to name:
Looke for no helpe henceforth from me nor mine;
Shift as thou wilt, and trust vnto thy selfe:
My Kingdome will I equally deuide
’Twixt thy two sisters to their royall dowre,
And will bestow them worthy their deserts:
This done, because thou shalt not haue the hope,
To haue a childs part in the time to come,
I presently will dispossesse my selfe,
And set vp these vpon my princely throne.
Sp51Ra.
Plaine dealing, si
ster: your beauty is so sheene,
You need no dowry, to make you be a Queene.
You need no dowry, to make you be a Queene.
Exeunt Leir, Gonorill, Ragan.
Sp52Cord.
Now whither, poore forsaken, shall I goe,
When mine own si sters tryumph in my woe?
But vnto him which doth protect the iust,
In him will poore Cordella put her trust.
These hands shall labour, for to get my spending;
And so ile liue vntill my dayes haue ending.
When mine own si sters tryumph in my woe?
But vnto him which doth protect the iust,
In him will poore Cordella put her trust.
These hands shall labour, for to get my spending;
And so ile liue vntill my dayes haue ending.
Sp53Per.
B2
Reason
Oh, how I grieue, to see my Lord thus fond,
To dote so much vpon vayne flattering words.
Ah, if he but with good aduice had weyghed,
The hidden tenure of her humble speech,
To dote so much vpon vayne flattering words.
Ah, if he but with good aduice had weyghed,
The hidden tenure of her humble speech,
Reason to rage should not haue giuen place,
Nor poore Cordella suffer such disgrace.
Enter the Gallian king with Mumford, and three
Nobles more.
Sp54King.
Disswade me not, my Lords, I am resolu’d,
This next fayre wynd to sayle for Brittany,
In some disguise, to see if flying fame
Be not too prodigall in the wondrous prayse
Of these three Nymphes, the daughters of King Leir.
If present view do answere absent prayse,
And eyes allow of what our eares haue heard,
And Venus stand auspicious to my vowes,
And Fortune fauour what I take in hand;
I will returne seyz’d of as rich a prize
As Iason, when he wanne the golden fleece.
This next fayre wynd to sayle for Brittany,
In some disguise, to see if flying fame
Be not too prodigall in the wondrous prayse
Of these three Nymphes, the daughters of King Leir.
If present view do answere absent prayse,
And eyes allow of what our eares haue heard,
And Venus stand auspicious to my vowes,
And Fortune fauour what I take in hand;
I will returne seyz’d of as rich a prize
As Iason, when he wanne the golden fleece.
Sp55Mum.
Heauens graūtgrant you may; the match were ful of honor,
And well beseeming the young Gallian King.
I would your Grace would fauour me so much,
As make me partner of your Pilgrimage.
I long to see the gallant Brittish Dames,
And feed mine eyes vpon their rare perfections:
For till I know the contrary, Ile say,
Our Dames in Fraunce are more fayre then they.
And well beseeming the young Gallian King.
I would your Grace would fauour me so much,
As make me partner of your Pilgrimage.
I long to see the gallant Brittish Dames,
And feed mine eyes vpon their rare perfections:
For till I know the contrary, Ile say,
Our Dames in Fraunce are more fayre then they.
Sp56Kin.
Lord Mumford, you haue saued me a labour,
In offring that which I did meane to aske:
And I most willingly accept your company.
Yet first I will inioyne you to obserue
Some few conditions which I shall propose.
In offring that which I did meane to aske:
And I most willingly accept your company.
Yet first I will inioyne you to obserue
Some few conditions which I shall propose.
Sp57Mum.
So that you do not tye mine eyes for looking
After the amorous glaunces of fayre Dames:
So that you do not tye my toung from speaking,
My lips from kissing when occasion serues,
My hands from congees, and my knees to bow
To gallant Gyrles which were a taske more hard,
Then flesh and bloud is able to indure:
Commaund what else you please, I rest content.
After the amorous glaunces of fayre Dames:
So that you do not tye my toung from speaking,
My lips from kissing when occasion serues,
My hands from congees, and my knees to bow
To gallant Gyrles which were a taske more hard,
Then flesh and bloud is able to indure:
Commaund what else you please, I rest content.
Sp58Kin.
And
To bind thee from a thing thou canst not leaue,
Were but a meane to make thee seeke it more:
Were but a meane to make thee seeke it more:
And therefore speake, looke, kisse, salute for me;
In these my selfe am like to second thee.
Now heare thy taske. I charge thee from the time
That first we set sayle for the Brittish shore,
To vse no words of dignity to me,
But in the friendliest maner that thou canst,
Make vse of me as thy companion:
For we will go disguisde in Palmers weeds,
That no man shall mistrust vs what we are.
Sp59Mum.
If that be all, ile fit your turne, I warrant you. I am
some kin to the Blunts, and I think, the bluntesst of all my kin-
dred; therfore if I bee too blunt with you, thank your selfe for
praying me to be so.
some kin to the Blunts, and I think, the bluntesst of all my kin-
dred; therfore if I bee too blunt with you, thank your selfe for
praying me to be so.
Sp60King.
Thy pleasant company will make the way seeme short.
It resteth now, that in my absence hence,
I do commit the gouernment to you
My trusty Lords and faythfull Counsellers.
Time cutteth off the rest I haue to say:
The wynd blowes fayre, and I musst needs away.
It resteth now, that in my absence hence,
I do commit the gouernment to you
My trusty Lords and faythfull Counsellers.
Time cutteth off the rest I haue to say:
The wynd blowes fayre, and I musst needs away.
Exeunt.
Enter the King of Cornwall and his man booted and
spurd, a riding wand, and a letter in his hand.
Sp65Ser.
Then are you like to ride alone for me.
to him-
selfe.
I thinke, my Lord is weary of his life.
selfe.
I thinke, my Lord is weary of his life.
Enter the King of Cambria booted and spurd, and his
man with a wand and a letter.
Sp67Cam.
Get a fresh horse: for by my soule I sweare,
He lookes
on the
letter.
I am past patience, longer to forbeare
The wished sight of my beloued mistris,
Deare Ragan, stay and comfort of my life.
on the
letter.
I am past patience, longer to forbeare
The wished sight of my beloued mistris,
Deare Ragan, stay and comfort of my life.
B3 He
He thinks he ne’re shall come at’s iourneyes end.
I would he had old Dedalus waxen wings,
That he might flye, so I might stay behind:
For e’re we get to Troynouant, I see,
He quite will tyre himselfe, his horse and me.
Cornwall & Cambria looke one vpon another, and
start to see eche other there.
Sp70Cam.
Brother of Cornwall, met in happy time:
I thought as much to haue met with the Souldan of Persia,
As to haue met you in this place, my Lord.
No doubt, it is about some great affayres,
That makes you here so slenderly accompanied.
I thought as much to haue met with the Souldan of Persia,
As to haue met you in this place, my Lord.
No doubt, it is about some great affayres,
That makes you here so slenderly accompanied.
Sp71Corn.
To say the truth, my Lord, it is no lesse,
And for your part some hasty wind of chance
Hath blowne you hither thus vpon the sudden.
And for your part some hasty wind of chance
Hath blowne you hither thus vpon the sudden.
Sp72Cam.
My Lord, to break off further circumstances,
For at this time I cannot brooke delayes:
Tell you your reason, I will tell you mine.
For at this time I cannot brooke delayes:
Tell you your reason, I will tell you mine.
Sp73Corn.
In fayth content, and therefore to be briefe;
For I am sure my haste’s as great as yours:
I am sent for, to come vnto King Leir,
Who by these present letters promiseth
His eldest daughter, louely Gonorill,
To me in mariage, and for present dowry,
The moity of halfe his Regiment.
The Ladies loue I long ago possest:
But vntill now I neuer had the fathers.
For I am sure my haste’s as great as yours:
I am sent for, to come vnto King Leir,
Who by these present letters promiseth
His eldest daughter, louely Gonorill,
To me in mariage, and for present dowry,
The moity of halfe his Regiment.
The Ladies loue I long ago possest:
But vntill now I neuer had the fathers.
Sp74Cam.
You tell me wonders, yet I will relate
Strange newes, and henceforth we must brothers call;
Witnesse these lynes: his honourable age,
Being weary of the troubles of his Crowne,
His princely daughter Ragan will bestow
On me in mariage, with halfe his Seigniories,
Whom I would gladly haue accepted of,
With the third part, her complements are such.
Strange newes, and henceforth we must brothers call;
Witnesse these lynes: his honourable age,
Being weary of the troubles of his Crowne,
His princely daughter Ragan will bestow
On me in mariage, with halfe his Seigniories,
Whom I would gladly haue accepted of,
With the third part, her complements are such.
Then
Then betweene vs we must needs haue the whole.
Sp81Corn.
’Twere pity such rare beauty should be hid
Within the compasse of a Cloysters wall:
But howsoe’re, if Leirs words proue true,
It will be good, my Lord, for me and you.
Within the compasse of a Cloysters wall:
But howsoe’re, if Leirs words proue true,
It will be good, my Lord, for me and you.
Exeunt.
Enter Gonorill and Ragan.
Sp83Gon.
Sister, when did you see Cordella last,
That prety piece, that thinks none good ynough
To speake to her, because (sir-reuerence)
She hath a little beauty extraordinary?
That prety piece, that thinks none good ynough
To speake to her, because (sir-reuerence)
She hath a little beauty extraordinary?
Sp84Ra.
Since time my father warnd her from his presence,
I neuer saw her, that I can remember.
God giue her ioy of her surpassing beauty;
I thinke, her dowry will be small ynough.
I neuer saw her, that I can remember.
God giue her ioy of her surpassing beauty;
I thinke, her dowry will be small ynough.
B4 And
And many times doe marry them with nothing.
Sp95Gon.
I cry you mercy, I mistooke you much:
And she is far too stately for the Church;
Sheele lay her husbands Benefice on her back,
Euen in one gowne, if she may haue her will.
And she is far too stately for the Church;
Sheele lay her husbands Benefice on her back,
Euen in one gowne, if she may haue her will.
Sp96Ra.
In faith, poore soule, I pitty her a little.
Would she were lesse fayre, or more fortunate.
Well, I thinke long vntill I see my Morgan,
The gallant Prince of Cambria, here arriue.
Would she were lesse fayre, or more fortunate.
Well, I thinke long vntill I see my Morgan,
The gallant Prince of Cambria, here arriue.
Sp97Gon.
And so do I, vntill the Cornwall King
Present himselfe, to consummate my ioyes.
Peace, here commeth my father.
Present himselfe, to consummate my ioyes.
Peace, here commeth my father.
Enter Leir, Perillus and others.
Sp98Leir.
Cease, good my Lords, and sue not to reuerse
Our censure, which is now irreuocable.
We haue dispatched letters of contract
Vnto the Kings of Cambria and of Cornwall;
Our hand and seale will iustify no lesse:
Then do not so dishonour me, my Lords,
As to make shipwrack of our kingly word.
I am as kind as is the Pellican,
That kils it selfe, to saue her young ones liues:
And yet as ielous as the princely Eagle,
That kils her young ones, if they do but dazell
Vpon the radiant splendor of the Sunne. Enter
Kings of
Cornwall
and Cam-
bria.
Within this two dayes I expect their comming
But in good time, they are arriu’d already.
This haste of yours, my Lords, doth testify
The feruent loue you beare vnto my daughters:
And think your selues as welcome to King Leir,
As euer Pryams children were to him.
Our censure, which is now irreuocable.
We haue dispatched letters of contract
Vnto the Kings of Cambria and of Cornwall;
Our hand and seale will iustify no lesse:
Then do not so dishonour me, my Lords,
As to make shipwrack of our kingly word.
I am as kind as is the Pellican,
That kils it selfe, to saue her young ones liues:
And yet as ielous as the princely Eagle,
That kils her young ones, if they do but dazell
Vpon the radiant splendor of the Sunne. Enter
Kings of
Cornwall
and Cam-
bria.
Within this two dayes I expect their comming
But in good time, they are arriu’d already.
This haste of yours, my Lords, doth testify
The feruent loue you beare vnto my daughters:
And think your selues as welcome to King Leir,
As euer Pryams children were to him.
Sp99Corn.
My gracious Lord, and father too, I hope,
Pardon, for that I made no greater haste :
But were my horse as swift as was my will,
I long ere this had seene your Maiesty.
Pardon, for that I made no greater haste :
But were my horse as swift as was my will,
I long ere this had seene your Maiesty.
Then
Then what my brother hath inform’d your Grace:
For our vndeserued welcome, we do vowe,
Perpetually to rest at your commaund.
Sp101Corn.
But you, sweet Loue, illustrious Gonorill,
The Regent, and the Soueraigne of my soule,
Is Cornwall welcome to your Excellency?
The Regent, and the Soueraigne of my soule,
Is Cornwall welcome to your Excellency?
Sp102Gon.
As welcome, as Leander was to Hero,
Or braue Aeneas to the Carthage Queene:
So and more welcome is your Grace to me.
Or braue Aeneas to the Carthage Queene:
So and more welcome is your Grace to me.
Sp103Cam.
O, may my fortune proue no worse then his,
Since heauens do know, my fancy is as much.
Deare Ragan, say, if welcome vnto thee,
All welcomes else will little comfort me.
Since heauens do know, my fancy is as much.
Deare Ragan, say, if welcome vnto thee,
All welcomes else will little comfort me.
Sp104Rag.
As gold is welcome to the couetous eye,
As sleepe is welcome to the Traueller,
As is fresh water to sea-beaten men,
Or moystned showres vnto the parched ground,
Or any thing more welcomer then this,
So and more welcome louely Morgan is.
As sleepe is welcome to the Traueller,
As is fresh water to sea-beaten men,
Or moystned showres vnto the parched ground,
Or any thing more welcomer then this,
So and more welcome louely Morgan is.
Sp105Leir.
What resteth then, but that we consummate,
The celebration of these nuptiall Rites?
My Kingdome I do equally deuide.
Princes, draw lots, and take your chaunce as falles.
Then they draw lots.
These I resigne as freely vnto you,
As earst by true succession they were mine.
And here I do freely dispossesse my selfe,
And make you two my true adopted heyres:
My selfe will soiorne with my sonne of Cornwall,
And take me to my prayers and my beades.
I know, my daughter Ragan will be sorry,
Because I do not spend my dayes with her:
Would I were able to be with both at once;
They are the kindest Gyrles in Christendome.
The celebration of these nuptiall Rites?
My Kingdome I do equally deuide.
Princes, draw lots, and take your chaunce as falles.
Then they draw lots.
These I resigne as freely vnto you,
As earst by true succession they were mine.
And here I do freely dispossesse my selfe,
And make you two my true adopted heyres:
My selfe will soiorne with my sonne of Cornwall,
And take me to my prayers and my beades.
I know, my daughter Ragan will be sorry,
Because I do not spend my dayes with her:
Would I were able to be with both at once;
They are the kindest Gyrles in Christendome.
Sp106Per.
C
Oh,
I haue bin silent all this while, my Lord,
To see if any worthyer then my selfe,
Would once haue spoke in poore Cordellaes cause:
But loue or feare tyes silence to their toungs.
To see if any worthyer then my selfe,
Would once haue spoke in poore Cordellaes cause:
But loue or feare tyes silence to their toungs.
Oh, heare me speake for her, my gracious Lord,
Whose deeds haue not deseru’d this ruthlesse doome,
As thus to disinherit her of all.
Sp107Leir.
Vrge this no more, and if thou loue thy life:
I say, she is no daughter, that doth scorne
To tell her father how she loueth him.
Who euer speaketh hereof to mee agayne,
I will esteeme him for my mortall foe.
Come, let vs in, to celebrate with ioy,
The happy Nuptialls of these louely payres.
I say, she is no daughter, that doth scorne
To tell her father how she loueth him.
Who euer speaketh hereof to mee agayne,
I will esteeme him for my mortall foe.
Come, let vs in, to celebrate with ioy,
The happy Nuptialls of these louely payres.
Exeunt omnes, manet Perillus.
Sp108Per.
Exit.
Ah, who so blind, as they that will not see
The neere approch of their owne misery?
Poore Lady, I extremely pitty her:
And whilest I liue, eche drop of my heart blood,
Will I strayne forth, to do her any good.
The neere approch of their owne misery?
Poore Lady, I extremely pitty her:
And whilest I liue, eche drop of my heart blood,
Will I strayne forth, to do her any good.
Enter the Gallian King, and Mumford, dsguised
like Pilgrims.
Sp112King.
My Lord agayne? then let’s haue nothing else,
And so be tane for spyes, and then tis well.
And so be tane for spyes, and then tis well.
Sp113Mum.
Swounds, I could bite my toung in two for anger:
For Gods sake name your selfe some proper name.
For Gods sake name your selfe some proper name.
Sp118King.
Stand close; for here a Brittish Lady
cōmethcommeth:
Enter
Cordella.
A fayrer creature ne’re mine eyes beheld.
Cordella.
A fayrer creature ne’re mine eyes beheld.
Sp119Cord.
That
This is a day of ioy vnto my si
sters,
Wherein they both are maried vnto Kings;
And I by byrth, as worthy as themselues,
Am turnd into the world, to seeke my fortune.
How may I blame the fickle Queene of Chaunce,
Wherein they both are maried vnto Kings;
And I by byrth, as worthy as themselues,
Am turnd into the world, to seeke my fortune.
How may I blame the fickle Queene of Chaunce,
That maketh me a patterne of her power?
Ah, poore weake mayd, whose imbecility
Is far vnable to indure these brunts.
Oh, father Leir, how dost thou wrong thy child,
Who alwayes was obedient to thy will!
But why accuse I fortune and my father?
No, no, it is the pleasure of my God:
And I do willingly imbrace the rod.
Sp122Mum.
Now if I had a Kingdome in my hands,
I would exchange it for a milkmaids smock and petycoate,
That she and I might shift our clothes together.
I would exchange it for a milkmaids smock and petycoate,
That she and I might shift our clothes together.
Sp124Mum.
O braue! God willing, though shalt haue my custome,
By sweet S. Denis, here I sadly sweare,
For all the shirts and night-geare that I weare.
By sweet S. Denis, here I sadly sweare,
For all the shirts and night-geare that I weare.
Sp133King.
Thou fairest creature, whatsoere thou art,
That euer any mortall eyes beheld,
Vouchsafe to me, who haue o’reheard thy woes,
To shew the cause of these thy sad laments.
That euer any mortall eyes beheld,
Vouchsafe to me, who haue o’reheard thy woes,
To shew the cause of these thy sad laments.
C2 King.The
Sp138Cor.
Kind Palmer, which so much desir’st to heare
The tragick tale of my vnhappy youth:
Know this in briefe, I am the haplesse daughter
Of Leir, sometimes King of Brittany.
The tragick tale of my vnhappy youth:
Know this in briefe, I am the haplesse daughter
Of Leir, sometimes King of Brittany.
Sp140Cor.
None, but himselfe hath dispossest himselfe,
And giuen all his Kingdome to the Kings
Of Cornwall and of Cambria, with my si sters.
And giuen all his Kingdome to the Kings
Of Cornwall and of Cambria, with my si sters.
Sp142Cor.
He lou’d me not, & therfore gaue me nothing,
Only because I could not flatter him:
And in this day of tryumph to my si sters,
Doth Fortune tryumph in my ouerthrow.
Only because I could not flatter him:
And in this day of tryumph to my si sters,
Doth Fortune tryumph in my ouerthrow.
Sp143King.
Sweet Lady, say there should come a King,
As good as eyther of your si sters husbands,
To craue your loue, would you accept of him?
As good as eyther of your si sters husbands,
To craue your loue, would you accept of him?
Sp144Cor.
Oh, doe not mocke with those in misery,
Nor do not think, though fortune haue the power,
To spoyle mine honour, and debase my state,
That she hath any interest in my mind:
For if the greatest Monarch on the earth,
Should sue to me in this extremity,
Except my heart could loue, and heart could like,
Better then any that I euer saw,
His great estate no more should moue my mind,
Then mountaynes moue by blast of euery wind.
Nor do not think, though fortune haue the power,
To spoyle mine honour, and debase my state,
That she hath any interest in my mind:
For if the greatest Monarch on the earth,
Should sue to me in this extremity,
Except my heart could loue, and heart could like,
Better then any that I euer saw,
His great estate no more should moue my mind,
Then mountaynes moue by blast of euery wind.
Sp145King.
Think not, sweet Nymph, tis holy Palmers guise,
To grieued soules fresh torments to deuise:
Therefore in witnesse of my true intent,
Let heauen and earth beare record of my words:
There is a young and lusty Gallian King,
So like to me, as I am to my selfe,
That earnestly doth craue to haue thy loue,
And ioyne with thee in Hymens sacred bonds.
To grieued soules fresh torments to deuise:
Therefore in witnesse of my true intent,
Let heauen and earth beare record of my words:
There is a young and lusty Gallian King,
So like to me, as I am to my selfe,
That earnestly doth craue to haue thy loue,
And ioyne with thee in Hymens sacred bonds.
Oh
Oh liue to adde new torments to my griefe:
Why didst thou thus intrap me vnawares?
Ah Palmer, my estate doth not befit
A kingly mariage, as the case now stands.
Whilome when as I liu’d in honours height,
A Prince perhaps might postulate my loue:
Now misery, dishonour and disgrace,
Hath light on me, and quite reuerst the case.
Thy King will hold thee wise, if thou surcease
The sute, whereas no dowry will insue.
Then be aduised, Palmer, what to do:
Cease for thy King, seeke for thy selfe to woo.
Sp150Cor.
O yes, I can, and happy if I might:
Ile hold thy Palmers staffe within my hand,
And thinke it is the Scepter of a Queene.
Sometime ile set thy Bonnet on my head,
And thinke I weare a rich imperiall Crowne.
Sometime ile helpe thee in thy holy prayers,
And thinke I am with thee in Paradise.
Thus ile mock fortune, as she mocketh me,
And neuer will my louely choyce repent:
For hauing thee, I shall haue all content.
Ile hold thy Palmers staffe within my hand,
And thinke it is the Scepter of a Queene.
Sometime ile set thy Bonnet on my head,
And thinke I weare a rich imperiall Crowne.
Sometime ile helpe thee in thy holy prayers,
And thinke I am with thee in Paradise.
Thus ile mock fortune, as she mocketh me,
And neuer will my louely choyce repent:
For hauing thee, I shall haue all content.
Sp151King.
’Twere sin to hold her longer in suspence,
Since that my soule hath vow’d she shall be mine.
Ah, deare Cordella, cordiall to my heart,
I am no Palmer, as I seeme to be,
But hither come in this vnknowne disguise,
To view th’admired beauty of those eyes.
I am the King of Gallia, gentle mayd,
(Although thus slenderly accompanied)
and yet thy vassayle by imperious Loue,
and sworne to serue thee euerlastingly.
Since that my soule hath vow’d she shall be mine.
Ah, deare Cordella, cordiall to my heart,
I am no Palmer, as I seeme to be,
But hither come in this vnknowne disguise,
To view th’admired beauty of those eyes.
I am the King of Gallia, gentle mayd,
(Although thus slenderly accompanied)
and yet thy vassayle by imperious Loue,
and sworne to serue thee euerlastingly.
C3 All’s
All’s one to me, I do request but this:
That as I am, you will accept of me,
And I will haue you whatsoe’re you be:
Yet well I know, you come of royall race,
I see such sparks of honour in your face:
Sp153Mum.
Haue Palmers weeds such power to win fayre Ladies?
Fayth, then I hope the next that falles is myne:
Vpon condition I no worse might speed,
I would for euer weare a Palmers weed.
I like an honest and playne dealing wench,
That sweares (without exceptions) I will haue you.
These foppets, that know not whether to loue a man or no, ex-
cept they first go aske their mothers leaue, by this hand, I hate
them ten tymes worse then poyson.
Fayth, then I hope the next that falles is myne:
Vpon condition I no worse might speed,
I would for euer weare a Palmers weed.
I like an honest and playne dealing wench,
That sweares (without exceptions) I will haue you.
These foppets, that know not whether to loue a man or no, ex-
cept they first go aske their mothers leaue, by this hand, I hate
them ten tymes worse then poyson.
Sp156King.
It shall be so, because the world shall say,
King Leirs three daughters were wedded in one day:
The celebration of this happy chaunce,
We will deferre, vntill we come to Fraunce.
King Leirs three daughters were wedded in one day:
The celebration of this happy chaunce,
We will deferre, vntill we come to Fraunce.
Sp157Mum.
Exeunt.
I like the wooing, that’s not long a doing.
Well, for her sake, I know what I know:
Ile neuer marry whilest I liue,
Except I haue one of these Brittish Ladyes,
My humour is alienated from the mayds of Fraunce.
Well, for her sake, I know what I know:
Ile neuer marry whilest I liue,
Except I haue one of these Brittish Ladyes,
My humour is alienated from the mayds of Fraunce.
Enter Perillus solus.
Sp158Per.
Puts
The King hath dispossest himselfe of all,
Those to aduance, which scarce will giue him thanks:
His youngest daughter he hath turnd away,
And no man knowes what is become of her.
He soiournes now in Cornwall with the eldest,
Who flattred him, vntill she did obtayne
That at his hands, which now she doth possesse:
And now she sees hee hath no more to giue,
It grieues her heart to see her father liue.
Oh, whom should man trust in this wicked age,
When children thus against their parents rage?
But he, the myrrour of mild patience,
Those to aduance, which scarce will giue him thanks:
His youngest daughter he hath turnd away,
And no man knowes what is become of her.
He soiournes now in Cornwall with the eldest,
Who flattred him, vntill she did obtayne
That at his hands, which now she doth possesse:
And now she sees hee hath no more to giue,
It grieues her heart to see her father liue.
Oh, whom should man trust in this wicked age,
When children thus against their parents rage?
But he, the myrrour of mild patience,
Puts vp all wrongs, and neuer giues reply:
Yet shames she not in most opprobrious sort,
To call him foole and doterd to his face,
And sets her parasites of purpose oft,
In scoffing wise to offer him disgrace.
Oh yron age! O times! O monstrous, vilde,
When parents are contemned of the child!
His pension she hath halfe restrain’d from him,
And will, e’re long, the other halfe, I feare:
For she thinks nothing is bestowde in vayne,
But that which doth her fathers life maintayne.
Trust not alliance; but trust strangers rather,
Since daughters proue disloyall to the father.
Well, I will counsell him the best I can:
Would I were able to redresse his wrong.
Yet what I can, vnto my vtmost power,
He shall be sure of to the latest houre.
Enter Gonorill, and Skalliger.
Sp159Gon.
C4
I prithy,
I prithy, Skalliger, tell me what thou thinkst:
Could any woman of our dignity
Endure such quips and peremptory taunts,
As I do daily from my doting father?
Doth’t not suffice that I him keepe of almes,
Who is not able for to keepe himselfe?
But as if he were our better, he should thinke
To check and snap me vp at euery word.
I cannot make me a new fashioned gowne,
And set it forth with more then common cost;
But his old doting doltish withered wit,
Is sure to giue a sencelesse check for it.
I cannot make a banquet extraordinary,
To grace my selfe, and spread my name abroad,
But he, old foole, is captious by and by,
And sayth, the cost would well suffice for twice.
Iudge then, I pray, what reason ist, that I
Should stand alone charg’d with his vaine expence,
And that my sister Ragan should go free,
To whom he gaue as much, as vnto me?
Could any woman of our dignity
Endure such quips and peremptory taunts,
As I do daily from my doting father?
Doth’t not suffice that I him keepe of almes,
Who is not able for to keepe himselfe?
But as if he were our better, he should thinke
To check and snap me vp at euery word.
I cannot make me a new fashioned gowne,
And set it forth with more then common cost;
But his old doting doltish withered wit,
Is sure to giue a sencelesse check for it.
I cannot make a banquet extraordinary,
To grace my selfe, and spread my name abroad,
But he, old foole, is captious by and by,
And sayth, the cost would well suffice for twice.
Iudge then, I pray, what reason ist, that I
Should stand alone charg’d with his vaine expence,
And that my sister Ragan should go free,
To whom he gaue as much, as vnto me?
I prithy, Skalliger, tell me, if thou know,
By any meanes to rid me of this woe.
Sp160Skal.
Your many fauours still bestowde on me,
Binde me in duty to aduise your Grace,
How you may soonest remedy this ill.
The large allowance which he hath from you,
Is that which makes him so forget himselfe:
Therefore abbridge it halfe, and you shall see,
That hauing lesse, he will more thankfull be:
For why, abundance maketh vs forget
The fountaynes whence the benefits do spring.
Binde me in duty to aduise your Grace,
How you may soonest remedy this ill.
The large allowance which he hath from you,
Is that which makes him so forget himselfe:
Therefore abbridge it halfe, and you shall see,
That hauing lesse, he will more thankfull be:
For why, abundance maketh vs forget
The fountaynes whence the benefits do spring.
Sp161Gon.
Exit.
Well, Skalliger, for thy kynd aduice herein,
I will not be vngratefull, if I liue:
I haue restrayned halfe his portion already,
And I will presently restrayne the other,
That hauing no meanes to releeue himselfe,
He may go seeke elsewhere for better helpe.
I will not be vngratefull, if I liue:
I haue restrayned halfe his portion already,
And I will presently restrayne the other,
That hauing no meanes to releeue himselfe,
He may go seeke elsewhere for better helpe.
Sp162Skal.
Exit.
Go, viperous woman, shame to all thy sexe:
The heauens, no doubt, will punish thee for this:
And me a villayne, that to curry fauour,
Haue giuen the daughter counsell ’gainst the father.
But vs the world doth this experience giue,
That he that cannot flatter, cannot liue.
The heauens, no doubt, will punish thee for this:
And me a villayne, that to curry fauour,
Haue giuen the daughter counsell ’gainst the father.
But vs the world doth this experience giue,
That he that cannot flatter, cannot liue.
Enter King of Cornwall, Leir, Perillus & Nobles.
Sp167Corn.
Enter
Comfort your selfe, father, here comes your daughter,
Who much will grieue, I kuow, to see you sad.
Who much will grieue, I kuow, to see you sad.
Gonorill.
Sp169Corn.
Gon. What,
My Gonorill, you come in wished time,
To put your father from these pensiue dumps.
In fayth, I feare that all things go not well.
To put your father from these pensiue dumps.
In fayth, I feare that all things go not well.
Sp170Gon.
What, do you feare, that I haue angred him?
Hath he complaynd of me vnto my Lord?
Ile prouide him a piece of bread and cheese;
For in a time heele practise nothing else,
Then carry tales from one vnto another.
Tis all his practise for to kindle strife,
’Twixt you, my Lord, and me your louing wife:
But I will take an order, if I can,
To cease th’effect, where first the cause began.
Hath he complaynd of me vnto my Lord?
Ile prouide him a piece of bread and cheese;
For in a time heele practise nothing else,
Then carry tales from one vnto another.
Tis all his practise for to kindle strife,
’Twixt you, my Lord, and me your louing wife:
But I will take an order, if I can,
To cease th’effect, where first the cause began.
Sp171Corn.
Sweet, be not angry in a partiall cause,
He ne’re complaynd of thee in all his life.
Father, you must not weygh a womans words.
He ne’re complaynd of thee in all his life.
Father, you must not weygh a womans words.
Sp172Leir.
Alas, not I: poore soule, she breeds yong bones,
And that is it makes her so tutchy sure.
And that is it makes her so tutchy sure.
Sp173Gon.
What, breeds young bones already! you will make
An honest woman of me then, belike.
O vild olde wretch! who euer heard the like,
That seeketh thus his owne child to defame?
An honest woman of me then, belike.
O vild olde wretch! who euer heard the like,
That seeketh thus his owne child to defame?
Exit.
Sp175Gon.
Exit.
For any one that loues your company,
You may go pack, and seeke some other place,
Tosowe the seed of discord and disgrace.
You may go pack, and seeke some other place,
Tosowe the seed of discord and disgrace.
Sp176Leir.
He weepes.
Thus, say or do the best that e’re I can,
Tis wrested straight into another sence.
This punishment my heauy sinnes deserue,
And more then this ten thousand thousand times:
Else aged Leir them could neuer find
Cruell to him, to whom he hath bin kind.
Why do I ouer-liue my selfe, to see
The course of nature quite reuerst in me?
Ah, gentle Death, if euer any wight
Did wish thy presence with a perfit zeale:
Then come, I pray thee, euen with all my heart,
And end my sorrowes with thy fatall dart.
Tis wrested straight into another sence.
This punishment my heauy sinnes deserue,
And more then this ten thousand thousand times:
Else aged Leir them could neuer find
Cruell to him, to whom he hath bin kind.
Why do I ouer-liue my selfe, to see
The course of nature quite reuerst in me?
Ah, gentle Death, if euer any wight
Did wish thy presence with a perfit zeale:
Then come, I pray thee, euen with all my heart,
And end my sorrowes with thy fatall dart.
D Per. One,
Sp180Leir.
Ah, good my friend, how ill art thou aduisde,
For to consort with miserable men:
Go learne to flatter, where thou mayst in time
Get fauour ’mongst the mighty, and so clyme:
For now I am so poore and full of want,
As that I ne’re can recompence thy loue.
For to consort with miserable men:
Go learne to flatter, where thou mayst in time
Get fauour ’mongst the mighty, and so clyme:
For now I am so poore and full of want,
As that I ne’re can recompence thy loue.
Sp181Per.
What’s got by flattery, doth not long indure;
And men in fauour liue not most secure.
My conscience tels me, if I should forsake you,
I were the hatefulst excrement on the earth:
Which well do know, in course of former time,
How good my Lord hath bin to me and mine.
And men in fauour liue not most secure.
My conscience tels me, if I should forsake you,
I were the hatefulst excrement on the earth:
Which well do know, in course of former time,
How good my Lord hath bin to me and mine.
Sp188Leir.
Nay, if thou talke of reason, then be mute;
For with good reason I can thee confute.
If they, which first by natures sacred law,
Do owe to me the tribute of their liues;
If they to whom I alwayes haue bin kinde,
And bountifull beyond comparison;
If they, for whom I haue vndone my selfe,
And brought my age vnto this extreme want,
Do now reiect, contemne, despise, abhor me,
What reason moueth thee to sorrow for me?
For with good reason I can thee confute.
If they, which first by natures sacred law,
Do owe to me the tribute of their liues;
If they to whom I alwayes haue bin kinde,
And bountifull beyond comparison;
If they, for whom I haue vndone my selfe,
And brought my age vnto this extreme want,
Do now reiect, contemne, despise, abhor me,
What reason moueth thee to sorrow for me?
Sp189Per .
Ah,
Where reason fayles, let teares confirme my loue,
And speake how much your passions do me moue.
And speake how much your passions do me moue.
Ah, good my Lord, condemne not all for one:
You haue two daughters left, to whom I know
You shall be welcome, if you please to go.
Sp190Leir.
Oh, how thy words adde sorrow to my soule,
To thinke of my vnkindnesse to Cordella!
Whom causelesse I did dispossesse of all,
Vpon th’vnkind suggesstions of her sisters:
And for her sake, I thinke this heauy doome
Is falne on me, and not without desert:
Yet vnto Ragan was I alwayes kinde,
And gaue to her the halfe of all I had:
It may be, if I should to her repayre,
She would be kinder, and intreat me fayre.
To thinke of my vnkindnesse to Cordella!
Whom causelesse I did dispossesse of all,
Vpon th’vnkind suggesstions of her sisters:
And for her sake, I thinke this heauy doome
Is falne on me, and not without desert:
Yet vnto Ragan was I alwayes kinde,
And gaue to her the halfe of all I had:
It may be, if I should to her repayre,
She would be kinder, and intreat me fayre.
Sp191Per.
No doubt she would, & practise ere’t be long,
By force of Armes for to redresse your wrong.
By force of Armes for to redresse your wrong.
Exeunt.
Enter Ragan solus.
Sp193Rag.
Exit.
How may I blesse the howre of my natiuity,
Which bodeth vnto me such happy Starres!
How may I thank kind fortune, that vouchsafes
To all my actions, such desir’d euent!
I rule the King of Cambria as I please:
The States are all obedient to my will;
And looke what ere I say, it shall be so;
Not any one, that dareth answere no.
My eldest sister liues in royall state,
And wanteth nothing fitting her degree:
Yet hath she such a cooling card withall,
As that her hony sauoureth much of gall.
My father with her is quarter-master still,
And many times restraynes her of her will:
But if he were with me, and seru’d me so,
Ide send him packing some where else to go.
Ide entertayne him with such slender cost,
That he should quickly wish to change his host.
Which bodeth vnto me such happy Starres!
How may I thank kind fortune, that vouchsafes
To all my actions, such desir’d euent!
I rule the King of Cambria as I please:
The States are all obedient to my will;
And looke what ere I say, it shall be so;
Not any one, that dareth answere no.
My eldest sister liues in royall state,
And wanteth nothing fitting her degree:
Yet hath she such a cooling card withall,
As that her hony sauoureth much of gall.
My father with her is quarter-master still,
And many times restraynes her of her will:
But if he were with me, and seru’d me so,
Ide send him packing some where else to go.
Ide entertayne him with such slender cost,
That he should quickly wish to change his host.
Enter Cornwall, Gonorill, and attendants.
D2 Hath
Hath sequestred thy father from our presence,
That no report can yet be heard of him?
Some great vnkindnesse hath bin offred him,
Exceeding far the bounds of patience:
Else all the world shall neuer me perswade,
He would forsake vs without notice made.
Sp195Gon.
Alas, my Lord, whom doth it touch so neere,
Or who hath interest in this griefe, but I,
Whom sorrow had brought to her longest home,
But that I know his qualities so well?
I know, he is but stolne vpon my sister
At vnawares, to see her how she fares,
And spend a little time with her, to note
How all things goe, and how she likes her choyce:
And when occasion serues, heele steale from her,
And vnawares returne to vs agayne.
Therefore, my Lord, be frolick, and resolue
To see my father here agayne e’re long.
Or who hath interest in this griefe, but I,
Whom sorrow had brought to her longest home,
But that I know his qualities so well?
I know, he is but stolne vpon my sister
At vnawares, to see her how she fares,
And spend a little time with her, to note
How all things goe, and how she likes her choyce:
And when occasion serues, heele steale from her,
And vnawares returne to vs agayne.
Therefore, my Lord, be frolick, and resolue
To see my father here agayne e’re long.
Sp196Corn.
Exit.
I hope so too; but yet to be more sure,
Ile send a Poste immediately to know
Whether he be arriued there or no.
Ile send a Poste immediately to know
Whether he be arriued there or no.
Sp197Gon.
Of
But I will intercept the Messenger,
And temper him before he doth depart,
With sweet perswassions, and with sound rewards,
That his report shhall ratify my speech,
And make my Lord cease further to inquire.
If he be not gone to my sisters Court,
As sure my mind presageth that he is,
He happely may, by trauelling vnknowne wayes,
Fall sicke, and as a common passenger,
Be dead and buried: would God it were so well;
For then there were no more to do, but this,
He went away, and none knowes where he is.
But say he be in Cambria with the King,
And there exclayme against me, as he will:
I know he is as welcome to my sister,
As water is into a broken ship.
Well, after him Ile send such thunderclaps
And temper him before he doth depart,
With sweet perswassions, and with sound rewards,
That his report shhall ratify my speech,
And make my Lord cease further to inquire.
If he be not gone to my sisters Court,
As sure my mind presageth that he is,
He happely may, by trauelling vnknowne wayes,
Fall sicke, and as a common passenger,
Be dead and buried: would God it were so well;
For then there were no more to do, but this,
He went away, and none knowes where he is.
But say he be in Cambria with the King,
And there exclayme against me, as he will:
I know he is as welcome to my sister,
As water is into a broken ship.
Well, after him Ile send such thunderclaps
Of slaunder, scandall, and inuented tales,
That all the blame shall be remou’d from me,
And vnperceiu’d rebound vpon himselfe.
Thus with one nayle another Ile expell,
And make the world iudge, that I vsde him well.
Enter the Messenger that should go to Cambria,
With a letter in his hand.
She opens them.
Sp203Mess.
Madam, I hope your Grace will stand
Betweene me and my neck-verse, if I be
Calld in question, for opening the Kings letters.
Betweene me and my neck-verse, if I be
Calld in question, for opening the Kings letters.
Sp205Mes.
I, but you need not care: and so must I,
A hansome man, be quickly trust vp,
And when a man’s hang’d, all the world cannot saue him.
A hansome man, be quickly trust vp,
And when a man’s hang’d, all the world cannot saue him.
Sp206Gon.
He that hangs thee, were better hang his father,
Or that but hurts thee in the least degree.
I tell thee, we make great account of thee.
Or that but hurts thee in the least degree.
I tell thee, we make great account of thee.
Sp207Mes.
I am o’re-ioy’d, I surfet of sweet words:
Kind Queene, had I a hundred liues, I would
Spend ninety nyne of them for you, for that word.
Kind Queene, had I a hundred liues, I would
Spend ninety nyne of them for you, for that word.
Sp209Mes.
That one life is not too deare for my good Queene; this
sword, this buckler, this head, this heart, these hands, armes,
legs, tripes, bowels, and all the members else whatsoeuer, are at
your dispose; vse me, trust me, commaund me: if I fayle in any
thing, tye me to a dung cart, and make a Scauengers horse of
me, and whip me, so long as I haue any skin on my back.
sword, this buckler, this head, this heart, these hands, armes,
legs, tripes, bowels, and all the members else whatsoeuer, are at
your dispose; vse me, trust me, commaund me: if I fayle in any
thing, tye me to a dung cart, and make a Scauengers horse of
me, and whip me, so long as I haue any skin on my back.
Flings him a purse.
Sp211Mes.
D3
Gon. I
A strong Bond, a firme Obligation, good in law, good
in law: if I keepe not the condition, let my necke be the forfey-
ture of my negligence.
in law: if I keepe not the condition, let my necke be the forfey-
ture of my negligence.
Sp213Mes.
And as bad a toung if it be set on it, as any Oysterwife
at Billinsgate hath: why, I haue made many of my neighbours
forsake their houses with rayling vpon them, and go dwell else
where; and so by my meanes houses haue bin good cheape in
our parish: My toung being well whetted with choller, is more
sharpe then a Razer of Palerno.
at Billinsgate hath: why, I haue made many of my neighbours
forsake their houses with rayling vpon them, and go dwell else
where; and so by my meanes houses haue bin good cheape in
our parish: My toung being well whetted with choller, is more
sharpe then a Razer of Palerno.
Sp216Gon.
Well sayd, then this is thy tryall: Instead of carrying
the Kings letters to my father, carry thou these letters to my
sister, which contayne matter quite contrary to the other: there
shal she be giuen to vnderstand, that my father hath detracted
her, giuen out slaundrous speaches against her; and that hee
hath most intollerably abused me, set my Lord and me at va-
riance, and made mutinyes amongst the commons.
These things (although it be not so)
Yet thou must affirme them to be true,
With othes and protestations as will serue,
To driue my sister out of loue with him,
And cause my will accomplished to be.
This do, thou winst my fauour for euer,
And makest a hye way of preferment to thee
And all thy friends.
the Kings letters to my father, carry thou these letters to my
sister, which contayne matter quite contrary to the other: there
shal she be giuen to vnderstand, that my father hath detracted
her, giuen out slaundrous speaches against her; and that hee
hath most intollerably abused me, set my Lord and me at va-
riance, and made mutinyes amongst the commons.
These things (although it be not so)
Yet thou must affirme them to be true,
With othes and protestations as will serue,
To driue my sister out of loue with him,
And cause my will accomplished to be.
This do, thou winst my fauour for euer,
And makest a hye way of preferment to thee
And all thy friends.
Sp217Mess.
It sufficeth, conceyt it is already done:
I will so toung-whip him, that I will
Leaue him as bare of credit, as a Poulter
Leaues a Cony, when she pulls off his skin.
I will so toung-whip him, that I will
Leaue him as bare of credit, as a Poulter
Leaues a Cony, when she pulls off his skin.
Sp220Gon.
If my sister thinketh conuenient, as my letters
importeth, to make him away, hast thou the heart to
effect it?
importeth, to make him away, hast thou the heart to
effect it?
kisse the paper. Gon.About
Exeunt.
Enter Cordella solus.
Sp224
Exit.
I haue bin ouer-negligent to day,
In going to the Temple of my God,
To render thanks for all his benefits,
Which he miraculously hath bestowed on me,
In raysing me out of my meane estate,
When as I was deuoyd of worldly friends,
And placing me in such a sweet content,
As far exceeds the reach of my deserts.
My kingly husband, myrrour of his time,
For zeale, for iustice, kindnesse, and for care
To God, his subiects, me, and Common weale,
By his appoyntment was ordayned for me.
I cannot wish the thing that I do want;
I cannot want the thing but I may haue,
Saue only this which I shall ne’re obtayne,
My fathers loue, oh this I ne’re shall gayne.
I would abstayne from any nutryment,
And pyne my body to the very bones:
Bare foote I would on pilgrimage set forth
Vnto the furthest quarters of the earth,
And all my life time would I sackcloth weare,
And mourning-wise powre dust vpon my head:
So he but to forgiue me once would please,
That his grey haires might go to heauen in peace.
And yet I know now how I him offended,
Or wherein iustly I haue deserued blame.
Oh sisters! you are much to blame in this,
It was not he, but you that did me wrong.
Yet God forgiue both him, and you and me,
Euen as I doe in perfit charity.
I will to Church, and pray vnto my Sauiour,
That ere I dye, I may obtayne his fauour.
In going to the Temple of my God,
To render thanks for all his benefits,
Which he miraculously hath bestowed on me,
In raysing me out of my meane estate,
When as I was deuoyd of worldly friends,
And placing me in such a sweet content,
As far exceeds the reach of my deserts.
My kingly husband, myrrour of his time,
For zeale, for iustice, kindnesse, and for care
To God, his subiects, me, and Common weale,
By his appoyntment was ordayned for me.
I cannot wish the thing that I do want;
I cannot want the thing but I may haue,
Saue only this which I shall ne’re obtayne,
My fathers loue, oh this I ne’re shall gayne.
I would abstayne from any nutryment,
And pyne my body to the very bones:
Bare foote I would on pilgrimage set forth
Vnto the furthest quarters of the earth,
And all my life time would I sackcloth weare,
And mourning-wise powre dust vpon my head:
So he but to forgiue me once would please,
That his grey haires might go to heauen in peace.
And yet I know now how I him offended,
Or wherein iustly I haue deserued blame.
Oh sisters! you are much to blame in this,
It was not he, but you that did me wrong.
Yet God forgiue both him, and you and me,
Euen as I doe in perfit charity.
I will to Church, and pray vnto my Sauiour,
That ere I dye, I may obtayne his fauour.
Enter Leir and Perillus fayntly.
D4 Leir. Nay,
Sp228Leir.
But it fits worse, that I should bring thee forth,
That had no cause to come along with me.
Through these vncouth paths, and tirefull wayes,
And neuer ease thy faynting limmes a whit.
Thou hast left all, I, all to come with me,
And I, for all, haue nought to guerdon thee.
That had no cause to come along with me.
Through these vncouth paths, and tirefull wayes,
And neuer ease thy faynting limmes a whit.
Thou hast left all, I, all to come with me,
And I, for all, haue nought to guerdon thee.
Sp229Per.
Cease, good my Lord, to aggrauate my woes,
With these kind words, which cuts my heart in two,
To think your will should want the power to do.
With these kind words, which cuts my heart in two,
To think your will should want the power to do.
Sp231Per.
That honourable title will I giue,
Vnto my Lord, so long as I do liue.
Oh, be of comfort: for I see the place
Whereas your daughter keeps her residence.
And loe, in happy time the Cambrian Prince
Is here arriu’d, to gratify our comming.
Vnto my Lord, so long as I do liue.
Oh, be of comfort: for I see the place
Whereas your daughter keeps her residence.
And loe, in happy time the Cambrian Prince
Is here arriu’d, to gratify our comming.
Enter the Prince of Cambria, Ragan and Nobles: looke
vpon them, and whisper together.
Sp233Per.
Then let me tell it, if you please, my Lord:
Tis shame for them that were the cause thereof.
Tis shame for them that were the cause thereof.
Sp234Cam.
What two old men are those that seeme so sad?
Me thinks, I should remember well their lookes.
Me thinks, I should remember well their lookes.
Sp235Rag.
He
No, I mistake not, sure it is my father:
I must dissemble kindnesse now of force.
She runneth to him, and kneeles downe, saying:
Father, I bid you welcome, full of griefe,
To see your Grace vsde thus vnworthily,
And ill befitting for your reuerend age,
To come on foot a iourney so indurable.
Oh, what disaster chaunce hath bin the cause,
To make your cheeks so hollow, spare and leane?
I must dissemble kindnesse now of force.
She runneth to him, and kneeles downe, saying:
Father, I bid you welcome, full of griefe,
To see your Grace vsde thus vnworthily,
And ill befitting for your reuerend age,
To come on foot a iourney so indurable.
Oh, what disaster chaunce hath bin the cause,
To make your cheeks so hollow, spare and leane?
He cannot speake for weeping: for Gods loue, come.
Let vs refresh him with some needfull things,
And at more leysure we may better know,
Whence springs the ground of this vnlookt for wo.
Exeunt, manet
Ragan.
Sp237Rag.
Exit.
Comes he to me with finger in the eye,
To tell a tale against my sister here?
Whom I do know, he greatly hath abusde:
And now like a contentious crafty wretch,
He first begins for to complayne himselfe,
When as himselfe is in the greatest fault.
Ile not be partiall in my sisters cause,
Nor yet beleeue his doting vayne reports:
Who for a trifle (safely) I dare say,
Vpon a spleene is stolen thence away:
And here (forsooth) he hopeth to haue harbour,
And to be moan’d and made on like a child:
But ere’t be long, his comming he shall curse,
And truely say, he came from bad to worse:
Yet will I make fayre weather, to procure
Conuenient meanes, and then ile strike it sure.
To tell a tale against my sister here?
Whom I do know, he greatly hath abusde:
And now like a contentious crafty wretch,
He first begins for to complayne himselfe,
When as himselfe is in the greatest fault.
Ile not be partiall in my sisters cause,
Nor yet beleeue his doting vayne reports:
Who for a trifle (safely) I dare say,
Vpon a spleene is stolen thence away:
And here (forsooth) he hopeth to haue harbour,
And to be moan’d and made on like a child:
But ere’t be long, his comming he shall curse,
And truely say, he came from bad to worse:
Yet will I make fayre weather, to procure
Conuenient meanes, and then ile strike it sure.
Enter Messenger solus.
Sp238Mes.
Now happily I am arriued here,
Before the stately Palace of the Cambrian King:
If Leir be here safe-seated, and in rest,
To rowse him from it I will do my best. Enter Ragan.
Now bags of gold, your vertue is (no doubt)
To make me in my message bold and stout.
The King of heauen preserue your Maiesty.
And send your Highnesse euerlasting raigne.
Before the stately Palace of the Cambrian King:
If Leir be here safe-seated, and in rest,
To rowse him from it I will do my best. Enter Ragan.
Now bags of gold, your vertue is (no doubt)
To make me in my message bold and stout.
The King of heauen preserue your Maiesty.
And send your Highnesse euerlasting raigne.
She opens the letters.
E See
See how her colour comes and goes agayne,
Now red as scarlet, now as pale as ash:
See how she knits her brow, and bytes her lips,
And stamps, and makes a dumbe shew of disdayne,
Mixt with reuenge, and violent extreames.
Here will be more worke and more crownes for me.
Sp243Rag.
Alas, poore soule, and hath he vsde her thus?
And is he now come hither, with intent
To set diuorce betwixt my Lord and me?
Doth he giue out, that he doth heare report,
That I do rule my husband as I list,
And therefore meanes to alter so the case,
That I shall know my Lord to be my head?
Well, it were best for him to take good heed,
Or I will make him hop without a head,
For his presumption, dottard that he is.
In Cornwall he hath made such mutinies,
First, setting of the King against the Queene;
Then stirring vp the Commons ’gainst the King;
That had he there continued any longer,
He had bin call’d in question for his fact.
So vpon that occasion thence he fled,
And comes thus slily stealing vnto vs:
And now already since his coming hither,
My Lord and he are growne in such a league,
That I can haue no conference with his Grace:
I feare, he doth already intimate
Some forged cauillations ’gainst my state:
Tis therefore best to cut him off in time,
Lestslaunderous rumours once abroad disperst,
It is too late for them to be reuerst.
Friend, as the tennour of these letters shewes,
My sister puts great confidence in thee.
And is he now come hither, with intent
To set diuorce betwixt my Lord and me?
Doth he giue out, that he doth heare report,
That I do rule my husband as I list,
And therefore meanes to alter so the case,
That I shall know my Lord to be my head?
Well, it were best for him to take good heed,
Or I will make him hop without a head,
For his presumption, dottard that he is.
In Cornwall he hath made such mutinies,
First, setting of the King against the Queene;
Then stirring vp the Commons ’gainst the King;
That had he there continued any longer,
He had bin call’d in question for his fact.
So vpon that occasion thence he fled,
And comes thus slily stealing vnto vs:
And now already since his coming hither,
My Lord and he are growne in such a league,
That I can haue no conference with his Grace:
I feare, he doth already intimate
Some forged cauillations ’gainst my state:
Tis therefore best to cut him off in time,
Lestslaunderous rumours once abroad disperst,
It is too late for them to be reuerst.
Friend, as the tennour of these letters shewes,
My sister puts great confidence in thee.
Sp244Mes.
She neuer yet committed trust to me,
But that (I hope) she found me alwayes faythfull:
So will I be to any friend of hers,
That hath occasion to imploy my helpe
But that (I hope) she found me alwayes faythfull:
So will I be to any friend of hers,
That hath occasion to imploy my helpe
And
And giue a stabbe or two, if need require?
Sp246Mes.
I haue a heart compact of Adamant,
Which neuer knew what melting pitty meant.
I weigh no more the murdring of a man,
Then I respect the cracking of a Flea,
When I doe catch her byting on my skin.
If you will haue your husband or your father,
Or both of them sent to another world.
Do but commaund me doo’t, it shall be done.
Which neuer knew what melting pitty meant.
I weigh no more the murdring of a man,
Then I respect the cracking of a Flea,
When I doe catch her byting on my skin.
If you will haue your husband or your father,
Or both of them sent to another world.
Do but commaund me doo’t, it shall be done.
Sp247Rag.
Exit.
It is ynough, we make no doubt of thee:
Meet vs to morrow here, at nyne a clock:
Meane while, farewell, and drink that for my sake.
Meet vs to morrow here, at nyne a clock:
Meane while, farewell, and drink that for my sake.
Sp248Mes.
I, this is it will make me do the deed:
Oh, had I euery day such customers,
This were the gainefulst trade in Christendome!
A purse of gold giu’n for a paltry stabbe!
Why, heres a wench that longs to haue a stabbe.
Wel, I could giue it her, and ne’re hurt her neither.
Oh, had I euery day such customers,
This were the gainefulst trade in Christendome!
A purse of gold giu’n for a paltry stabbe!
Why, heres a wench that longs to haue a stabbe.
Wel, I could giue it her, and ne’re hurt her neither.
Enter the Gallian King, and Cordella.
Sp249King.
When will these clouds of sorrow once disperse,
And smiling ioy tryumph vpon thy brow?
When will this Scene of sadnesse haue an end,
And pleasant acts insue, to moue delight?
When will my louely Queene cease to lament,
And take some comfort to her grieued thoughts?
If of thy selfe thou daignst to haue no care,
Yet pitty me, whom thy griefe makes despayre.
And smiling ioy tryumph vpon thy brow?
When will this Scene of sadnesse haue an end,
And pleasant acts insue, to moue delight?
When will my louely Queene cease to lament,
And take some comfort to her grieued thoughts?
If of thy selfe thou daignst to haue no care,
Yet pitty me, whom thy griefe makes despayre.
Sp250Cor.
O, grieue not you, my Lord, you haue no cause;
Let not my passions moue your mind a whit:
For I am bound by nature, to lament
For his ill will, that life to me first lent.
If so the stocke be dryed with disdayne,
Withered and sere the branch must needes remaine.
Let not my passions moue your mind a whit:
For I am bound by nature, to lament
For his ill will, that life to me first lent.
If so the stocke be dryed with disdayne,
Withered and sere the branch must needes remaine.
Sp251King.
E2
Since
But thou are now graft in another stock;
I am the stock, and thou the louely branch:
And from my root continuall sap shall flow,
To make thee flourish with perpetuall spring.
Forget thy father and thy kindred now,
I am the stock, and thou the louely branch:
And from my root continuall sap shall flow,
To make thee flourish with perpetuall spring.
Forget thy father and thy kindred now,
Since they forsake thee like inhumane beastes,
Thinke they are dead, since all their kindnesse dyes,
And bury them, where black obliuion lyes.
Think not thou art the daughter of old Leir,
Who did vnkindly disinherit thee:
But think thou art the noble Gallian Queene,
And wife to him that dearely loueth thee:
Embrace the ioyes that present with thee dwell,
Let sorrow packe and hide her selfe in hell.
Sp252Cord.
Not that I misse my country or my kinne,
My old acquaintance or my ancient friends,
Doth any whit distemperate my mynd,
Knowing you, which are more deare to me,
Then Country, kin and all things els can be.
Yet pardon me, my gracious Lord, in this:
For what can stop the course of natures power?
As easy is it for foure-footed beasts,
To stay themselues vpon the liquid ayre,
And mount aloft into the element,
And ouerstrip the feathered Fowles in flight:
As easy is it for the slimy Fish,
To liue and thriue without the helpe of water
As easy is it for the Blackamoore,
To wash the tawny colour from his skin,
Which all oppose against the course of nature,
As I am able to forget my father.
My old acquaintance or my ancient friends,
Doth any whit distemperate my mynd,
Knowing you, which are more deare to me,
Then Country, kin and all things els can be.
Yet pardon me, my gracious Lord, in this:
For what can stop the course of natures power?
As easy is it for foure-footed beasts,
To stay themselues vpon the liquid ayre,
And mount aloft into the element,
And ouerstrip the feathered Fowles in flight:
As easy is it for the slimy Fish,
To liue and thriue without the helpe of water
As easy is it for the Blackamoore,
To wash the tawny colour from his skin,
Which all oppose against the course of nature,
As I am able to forget my father.
Sp253King.
And
Myrrour of vertue, Phoenix of our age!
Too kind a daughter for an vnkind father,
Be of good comfort; for I will dispatch
Ambassadors immediately for Brittayne,
Vnto the King of Cornwalls Court, whereas
Your father keepeth now his residence,
And in the kindest maner him intreat,
That setting former grieuances apart,
He will be pleasde to come and visit vs.
If no intreaty will suffice the turne,
Ile offer him the halfe of all my Crowne:
If that moues not, weele furnish out a Fleet,
Too kind a daughter for an vnkind father,
Be of good comfort; for I will dispatch
Ambassadors immediately for Brittayne,
Vnto the King of Cornwalls Court, whereas
Your father keepeth now his residence,
And in the kindest maner him intreat,
That setting former grieuances apart,
He will be pleasde to come and visit vs.
If no intreaty will suffice the turne,
Ile offer him the halfe of all my Crowne:
If that moues not, weele furnish out a Fleet,
And sayle to Cornwall for to visit him:
And there you shall be firmely reconcilde
In perfit loue, as earst you were before.
Enter Messenger solus.
Sp256Mes.
Enter RagāRagan.
It is a world to see now I am flush,
How many friends I purchase euery where!
How many seekes to creepe into my fauour,
And kisse their hands, and bend their knees to me!
No more, here comes the Queene, now shall I know her mind,
And hope for to deriue more crownes from her.
How many friends I purchase euery where!
How many seekes to creepe into my fauour,
And kisse their hands, and bend their knees to me!
No more, here comes the Queene, now shall I know her mind,
And hope for to deriue more crownes from her.
Sp257Rag.
My friend, I see thou mind’st thy promise well,
And art before me here, me thinks, to day.
And art before me here, me thinks, to day.
Sp262Mes.
It is more strange, that I am not by this
Beside my selfe, with longing for to heare it.
Were it to meet the Deuill in his denne,
And try a bout with him for a scratcht face,
Ide vndertake it, if you would but bid me.
Beside my selfe, with longing for to heare it.
Were it to meet the Deuill in his denne,
And try a bout with him for a scratcht face,
Ide vndertake it, if you would but bid me.
Sp263Ra.
Ah, good my friend, that I should haue thee do,
Is such a thing, as I do shame to speake;
Yet it must needs be done.
Is such a thing, as I do shame to speake;
Yet it must needs be done.
Sp264Mes.
Ile speak it for thee, Queene: shall I kill thy father?
I know tis that, and if it be so, say.
I know tis that, and if it be so, say.
E3 Mes. Here
Giue him two purses.
Sp272Mes.
Oh, that I had ten hands by myracle,
I could teare ten in pieces with my teeth,
So in my mouth yould put a purse of gold.
But in what maner must it be effected?
I could teare ten in pieces with my teeth,
So in my mouth yould put a purse of gold.
But in what maner must it be effected?
Sp273Rag.
To morrow morning ere the breake of day,
I by a wyle will send them to the thicket,
That is about some two myles from the Court,
And promise them to meet them there my selfe,
Because I must haue priuate conference,
About some newes I haue receyu’d from Cornwall.
This is ynough, I know, they will not fayle,
And then be ready for to play thy part:
Which done, thou mayst right easily escape,
And no man once mistrust thee for the fact:
But yet, before thou prosecute the act,
Shew him the letter, which my sister sent,
There let him read his owne inditement first,
And then proceed to execution:
But see thou faynt not; for they will speake fayre.
I by a wyle will send them to the thicket,
That is about some two myles from the Court,
And promise them to meet them there my selfe,
Because I must haue priuate conference,
About some newes I haue receyu’d from Cornwall.
This is ynough, I know, they will not fayle,
And then be ready for to play thy part:
Which done, thou mayst right easily escape,
And no man once mistrust thee for the fact:
But yet, before thou prosecute the act,
Shew him the letter, which my sister sent,
There let him read his owne inditement first,
And then proceed to execution:
But see thou faynt not; for they will speake fayre.
Sp274Mes.
Exit.
Could he speak words as pleasing as the pipe
Of Mercury, which charm’d the hundred eyes
Of watchfull Argos, and inforc’d him sleepe:
Yet here are words so pleasing to my thoughts, To the purse.
As quite shall take away the sound of his.
Of Mercury, which charm’d the hundred eyes
Of watchfull Argos, and inforc’d him sleepe:
Yet here are words so pleasing to my thoughts, To the purse.
As quite shall take away the sound of his.
Exit.
Enter Cornwall and Gonorill.
Sp276Corn.
I wonder that the Messenger doth stay,
Whom we dispatcht for Cambria so long since:
If that his answere do not please vs well,
And he do shew good reason for delay,
Ile teach him how to dally with his King,
And to detayne vs in such long suspence.
Whom we dispatcht for Cambria so long since:
If that his answere do not please vs well,
And he do shew good reason for delay,
Ile teach him how to dally with his King,
And to detayne vs in such long suspence.
And
And therefore tis his pleasure he shall stay,
For to attend vpon him on the way.
Enter Seruant.
Sp279Ser.
And’t like your Grace, there is an Ambassador
Arriued from Gallia and craues admittance to your Maiesty.
Arriued from Gallia and craues admittance to your Maiesty.
Sp280Corn.
From Gallia? what should his message
Hither import? is not your father happely
Gone thither? well, whatsoere it be,
Bid him come in, he shall haue audience.
Enter Ambassador.
What newes from Gallia? speake Ambassador.
Hither import? is not your father happely
Gone thither? well, whatsoere it be,
Bid him come in, he shall haue audience.
Enter Ambassador.
What newes from Gallia? speake Ambassador.
Sp281Am.
The noble King and Queene of Gallia first salutes,
By me, their honourable father, my Lord Leir:
Next, they commend them kindly to your Graces,
As those whose wellfare they intirely wish.
Letters I haue to deliuer to my Lord Leir,
And presents too, if I might speake with him.
By me, their honourable father, my Lord Leir:
Next, they commend them kindly to your Graces,
As those whose wellfare they intirely wish.
Letters I haue to deliuer to my Lord Leir,
And presents too, if I might speake with him.
Sp282Gon.
If you might speak with him? why, do you thinke,
We are afrayd that you should speake with him?
We are afrayd that you should speake with him?
Sp284Corn.
Indeed, my friend, vpon some vrgent cause,
He is at this time absent from the Court:
But if a day or two you here repose,
Tis very likely you shall haue him here,
Or else haue certayne notice where he is.
He is at this time absent from the Court:
But if a day or two you here repose,
Tis very likely you shall haue him here,
Or else haue certayne notice where he is.
Sp287Gon.
It may be then ’twill not be done in haste.
to herselfe.
How doth my sister brooke the ayre of Fraunce?
How doth my sister brooke the ayre of Fraunce?
Sp291Gon.
E4
Am. No,
Didst thou not say, that she was euer sicke,
Since the first houre that she arriued there?
Since the first houre that she arriued there?
Sp299Am.
Amen to that: but God release her griefe,
And send her father in a better mind,
Then to continue alwayes so vnkind.
And send her father in a better mind,
Then to continue alwayes so vnkind.
Sp302Gon.
Should I be a meane to exasperate his wrath
Against my sister, whom I loue so deare? no, no.
Against my sister, whom I loue so deare? no, no.
Sp310Gon.
It shewes thy vnderstanding to be blind,
Speakes to
her selfe.
And that thou hadst need of an Interpreter:
Well, I will know thy message ere’t be long,
And find a meane to crosse it, if I can.
her selfe.
And that thou hadst need of an Interpreter:
Well, I will know thy message ere’t be long,
And find a meane to crosse it, if I can.
Exeunt.
Enter Leir and Perillus.
Ile
Ile sit me downe, and read vntill she come.
Pull out a booke and sit downe.
Sp316Per.
Sheele not be long, I warrant you, my Lord:
But say, a couple of these they call good fellowes,
Should step out of a hedge, and set vpon vs,
We were in good case for to answere them.
But say, a couple of these they call good fellowes,
Should step out of a hedge, and set vpon vs,
We were in good case for to answere them.
Sp319Leir.
Euen pray to God, to blesse vs frōfrom their hands:
For feruent prayer much ill hap withstands.
For feruent prayer much ill hap withstands.
They fall both asleepe.
Enter the Messenger or murtherer with two
daggers in his hands.
Sp321Mess.
Were it not a mad iest, if two or three of my professiō
should meet me, and lay me downe in a ditch, and play robbe
thiefe with me, & perforce take my gold away from me, whilest
I act this stratagem, and by this meanes the gray beards should
escape? Fayth, when I were at liberty againe, I would make no
more to do, but go to the next tree, and there hang my selfe.
See them and start.
But stay, me thinks, my youthes are here already,
And with pure zeale haue prayed themselues asleepe.
I thinke, they know to what intent they came,
And are prouided for another world.
He takes their bookes away.
Now could I stab them brauely, while they sleepe,
And in a maner put them to no payne;
And doing so, I shewed them mighty friendship:
For feare of death is worse then death it selfe.
But that my sweet Queene will’d me for to shew
This letter to them, ere I did the deed.
Masse, they begin to stirre: ile stand aside;
So shall I come vpon them vnawares.
should meet me, and lay me downe in a ditch, and play robbe
thiefe with me, & perforce take my gold away from me, whilest
I act this stratagem, and by this meanes the gray beards should
escape? Fayth, when I were at liberty againe, I would make no
more to do, but go to the next tree, and there hang my selfe.
See them and start.
But stay, me thinks, my youthes are here already,
And with pure zeale haue prayed themselues asleepe.
I thinke, they know to what intent they came,
And are prouided for another world.
He takes their bookes away.
Now could I stab them brauely, while they sleepe,
And in a maner put them to no payne;
And doing so, I shewed them mighty friendship:
For feare of death is worse then death it selfe.
But that my sweet Queene will’d me for to shew
This letter to them, ere I did the deed.
Masse, they begin to stirre: ile stand aside;
So shall I come vpon them vnawares.
They wake and rise.
F Per. I
Sp324Leir.
God graunt we do not miscarry in the place:
I had a short nap, but so full of dread,
As much amazeth me to think thereof.
I had a short nap, but so full of dread,
As much amazeth me to think thereof.
Sp329Leir.
Me thought, my daughters, Gonorill & Ragan,
Stood both before me with such grim aspects.
Eche brandishing a Faulchion in their hand,
Ready to lop a lymme off where it fell,
And in their other hands a naked poynyard,
Wherwith they stabd me in a hundred places,
And to their thinking left me there for dead:
But then my youngest daughter, fayre Cordella,
Came with a boxe of Balsome in her hand,
And powred it into my bleeding wounds,
By whose good meanes I was recouered well,
In perfit health, as earst I was before:
And with the feare of this I did awake,
And yet for feare my feeble ioynts do quake.
Stood both before me with such grim aspects.
Eche brandishing a Faulchion in their hand,
Ready to lop a lymme off where it fell,
And in their other hands a naked poynyard,
Wherwith they stabd me in a hundred places,
And to their thinking left me there for dead:
But then my youngest daughter, fayre Cordella,
Came with a boxe of Balsome in her hand,
And powred it into my bleeding wounds,
By whose good meanes I was recouered well,
In perfit health, as earst I was before:
And with the feare of this I did awake,
And yet for feare my feeble ioynts do quake.
They reele.
Sp334Mes.
But
You should haue prayed before, while it was time,
And then perhaps, you might haue scapt my hands:
But you, like faithfull watch-men, fell asleepe,
The whilst I came and tooke your Halberds from you.
Shew their Bookes.
And now you want your weapons of defence,
How haue you any hope to be deliuered?
This comes, because you haue no better stay,
And then perhaps, you might haue scapt my hands:
But you, like faithfull watch-men, fell asleepe,
The whilst I came and tooke your Halberds from you.
Shew their Bookes.
And now you want your weapons of defence,
How haue you any hope to be deliuered?
This comes, because you haue no better stay,
But fall asleepe, when you should watch and pray.
Sp336Mes.
Sblood, how the old slaue clawes me by the elbow?
He thinks, belike, to scape by scraping thus.
He thinks, belike, to scape by scraping thus.
Shewes his purses.
Take it.
Sp340Per.
Here, take mine too, & wish with all my heart,
To do thee pleasure, it were twice as much.
To do thee pleasure, it were twice as much.
Take his, and weygh them both in his hands.
Puts them in his pocket.
Sp342Leir.
Why then farewell: and if thou haue occasion
In any thing, to vse me to the Queene,
’Tis like ynough that I can pleasure thee.
In any thing, to vse me to the Queene,
’Tis like ynough that I can pleasure thee.
They proffer to goe.
Sp343Mes.
Do you heare, do you heare, sir?
If I had occasion to use you to the Queene,
Would you do one thing for me I should aske?
If I had occasion to use you to the Queene,
Would you do one thing for me I should aske?
Proffer to goe.
Sp345Mes.
Heare you sir, heare you? pray, a word with you.
Me thinks, a comely honest ancient man
Should not dissemble with one for a vantage.
I know, when I shall come to try this geare,
You will recant from all that you haue sayd.
Me thinks, a comely honest ancient man
Should not dissemble with one for a vantage.
I know, when I shall come to try this geare,
You will recant from all that you haue sayd.
Sp347Mes.
I know he is, and therefore meane to try him:
You are his friend too, I must try you both.
You are his friend too, I must try you both.
Proffer to go out.
Sp349Mes.
F2
So
Stay gray-beards then, and proue men of your words:
The Queene hath tyed me by a solemne othe,
Here in this place to see you both dispatcht:
Now for the safegard of my conscience,
Do me the pleasure for to kill your selues:
The Queene hath tyed me by a solemne othe,
Here in this place to see you both dispatcht:
Now for the safegard of my conscience,
Do me the pleasure for to kill your selues:
So shall you saue me labour for to do it,
And proue your selues true old men of your words.
And here I vow in sight of all the world,
I ne’re will trouble you whilst I liue agayne.
Sp350Leir.
Affright vs not with terrour, good my friend,
Nor strike such feare into our aged hearts.
Play not the Cat, which dallieth with the mouse;
And on a sudden maketh her a pray:
But if thou art markt for the man of death
To me and to my Damion, tell me playne,
That we may be prepared for the stroke,
And make our selues fit for the world to come.
Nor strike such feare into our aged hearts.
Play not the Cat, which dallieth with the mouse;
And on a sudden maketh her a pray:
But if thou art markt for the man of death
To me and to my Damion, tell me playne,
That we may be prepared for the stroke,
And make our selues fit for the world to come.
Sp351Mes.
I am the last of any mortall race,
That ere your eyes are likely to behold,
And hither sent of purpose to this place,
To giue a finall period to your dayes,
Which are so wicked, and haue liued so long,
That your owne children seeke to short your life.
That ere your eyes are likely to behold,
And hither sent of purpose to this place,
To giue a finall period to your dayes,
Which are so wicked, and haue liued so long,
That your owne children seeke to short your life.
Sp353Mes.
From France? zoones, do I looke like a Frenchman?
Sure I haue not mine owne face on; some body hath chang’d
faces with me, and I know not of it: But I am sure, my apparell
is all English. Sirra, what meanest thou to aske that question?
I could spoyle the fashion of this face for anger. A French face!
Sure I haue not mine owne face on; some body hath chang’d
faces with me, and I know not of it: But I am sure, my apparell
is all English. Sirra, what meanest thou to aske that question?
I could spoyle the fashion of this face for anger. A French face!
Sp354Leir.
Because my daughter, whom I haue offended,
And at whose hands I haue deseru’d as ill,
As euer any father did of child,
Is Queene of Fraunce, no thanks at all to me,
But vnto God, who my iniustice see.
If it be so, that shee doth seeke reuenge,
As with good reason she may iustly do,
I will most willingly resigne my life,
A sacrifice to mittigate her ire:
I neuer will intreat thee to forgiue,
Because I am vnworthy for to liue.
Therefore speake soone, & I will soone make speed:
Whether Cordella will’d thee do this deed?
And at whose hands I haue deseru’d as ill,
As euer any father did of child,
Is Queene of Fraunce, no thanks at all to me,
But vnto God, who my iniustice see.
If it be so, that shee doth seeke reuenge,
As with good reason she may iustly do,
I will most willingly resigne my life,
A sacrifice to mittigate her ire:
I neuer will intreat thee to forgiue,
Because I am vnworthy for to liue.
Therefore speake soone, & I will soone make speed:
Whether Cordella will’d thee do this deed?
I neuer
I neuer heard Cordellaes name before,
Nor neuer was in Fraunce in all my life:
I neuer knew thou hadst a daughter there,
To whom thou didst proue so vnkind a churle:
But thy owne toung declares that thou hast bin
A vyle old wretch, and full of heynous sin.
Sp356Leir.
Ah no, my friend, thou are deceyued much:
For her except, whom I confesse I wrongd,
Through doting frenzy, and o’re-ielous loue.
There liues not any vnder heauens bright eye,
That can conuict me of impiety.
And therefore sure thou dost mistake the marke:
For I am in true peace with all the world.
For her except, whom I confesse I wrongd,
Through doting frenzy, and o’re-ielous loue.
There liues not any vnder heauens bright eye,
That can conuict me of impiety.
And therefore sure thou dost mistake the marke:
For I am in true peace with all the world.
Sp357Mes.
You are the fitter for the King of heauen:
And therefore, for to rid thee of suspence,
Know thou, the Queenes of Cambria and Cornwall,
Thy owne two daughters, Gonorill and Ragan,
Appoynted me to massacre thee here.
Why wouldst thou then perswade me, that thou art
In charity with all the world? but now
When thy owne Issue hold thee in such hate,
That they haue hyred me t’abbridge thy fate,
Oh, fy vpon such vyle dissembling breath,
That would deceyue, euen at the poynt of death.
And therefore, for to rid thee of suspence,
Know thou, the Queenes of Cambria and Cornwall,
Thy owne two daughters, Gonorill and Ragan,
Appoynted me to massacre thee here.
Why wouldst thou then perswade me, that thou art
In charity with all the world? but now
When thy owne Issue hold thee in such hate,
That they haue hyred me t’abbridge thy fate,
Oh, fy vpon such vyle dissembling breath,
That would deceyue, euen at the poynt of death.
Sp359Mes.
Feare nothing, man, thou art but in a dreame,
And thou shalt neuer wake vntill doomes day,
By then, I hope, thou wilt haue slept ynough.
And thou shalt neuer wake vntill doomes day,
By then, I hope, thou wilt haue slept ynough.
Sp362Leir.
Oh, but assure me by some certayne token,
That my two daughters hyred thee to this deed:
If I were once resolu’d of that, then I
Would wish no longer life, but craue to dye.
That my two daughters hyred thee to this deed:
If I were once resolu’d of that, then I
Would wish no longer life, but craue to dye.
Sp364Leir.
Sweare not by heauen, for feare of punishmētpunishment:
The heauens are guiltlesse of such haynous acts.
The heauens are guiltlesse of such haynous acts.
F3 Leir. Sweare
Sp366Leir.
Sweare not by earth; for she abhors to beare
Such bastards, as are murtherers of her sonnes.
Such bastards, as are murtherers of her sonnes.
Sp368Leir.
Sweare not by hell; for that stands gaping wide,
To swallow thee, and if thou do this deed.
To swallow thee, and if thou do this deed.
Thunder and lightning.
Sp369Mes.
I would that word were in his belly agayne,
It hath frighted me euen to the very heart:
This old man is some strong Magician:
His words haue turned my mind from this exployt.
Then neyther heauen, earth, nor hell be witnesse;
But let this paper witnesse for them all.
Shewes Gonorils letter.
Shall I relent, or shall I prosecute?
Shall I resolue, or were I best recant?
I will not crack my credit with two Queenes,
To whom I haue already past my word.
Oh, but my conscience for this act doth tell,
I get heauens hate, earths scorne, and paynes of hell.
It hath frighted me euen to the very heart:
This old man is some strong Magician:
His words haue turned my mind from this exployt.
Then neyther heauen, earth, nor hell be witnesse;
But let this paper witnesse for them all.
Shewes Gonorils letter.
Shall I relent, or shall I prosecute?
Shall I resolue, or were I best recant?
I will not crack my credit with two Queenes,
To whom I haue already past my word.
Oh, but my conscience for this act doth tell,
I get heauens hate, earths scorne, and paynes of hell.
They blesse themselues.
Sp370Per.
Oh iust Iehoua, whose almighty power
Doth gouerne all things in this spacious world,
How canst thou suffer such outragious acts
To be committed without iust reuenge?
O viperous generation and accurst,
To seeke his blood, whose blood did make them first!
Doth gouerne all things in this spacious world,
How canst thou suffer such outragious acts
To be committed without iust reuenge?
O viperous generation and accurst,
To seeke his blood, whose blood did make them first!
Sp371Leir.
Ah, my true friend in all extremity,
Let vs submit vs to the will of God:
Things past all sence, let vs not seeke to know;
It is Gods will, and therefore must be so.
My friend, I am prepared for the stroke:
Strike when thou wilt, and I forgiue thee here,
Euen from the very bottome of my heart.
Let vs submit vs to the will of God:
Things past all sence, let vs not seeke to know;
It is Gods will, and therefore must be so.
My friend, I am prepared for the stroke:
Strike when thou wilt, and I forgiue thee here,
Euen from the very bottome of my heart.
Sp373Leir.
And
Farewell, Perillus, euen the truest friend,
That euer liued in aduersity:
The latest kindnesse ile request of thee,
Is that thou go vnto my daughter Cordella,
That euer liued in aduersity:
The latest kindnesse ile request of thee,
Is that thou go vnto my daughter Cordella,
And carry her her fathers latest blessing:
Withall desire her, that she will forgiue me;
For I haue wrongd her without any cause.
Now, Lord, receyue me, for I come to thee,
And dye, I hope, in perfit charity.
Dispatch, I pray thee, I haue liued too long.
Sp374Mes.
I, but you are vnwise, to send an errand
By him that neuer meaneth to deliuer it:
Why, he must go along with you to heauen:
It were not good you should go all alone.
By him that neuer meaneth to deliuer it:
Why, he must go along with you to heauen:
It were not good you should go all alone.
Sp375Leir.
No doubt, he shal, when by the course of nature,
He must surrender vp his due to death:
But that time shall not come, till God permit.
He must surrender vp his due to death:
But that time shall not come, till God permit.
Sp376Mes.
Nay, presently, to beare you company.
I haue a Pasport for him in my pocket,
Already seald, and he must needs ride Poste.
I haue a Pasport for him in my pocket,
Already seald, and he must needs ride Poste.
Shew a bagge of money.
Sp379Per.
I, who haue borne you company in life,
Most willingly will beare a share in death.
It skilleth not for me, my friend, a whit,
Nor for a hundred such as thou and I.
Most willingly will beare a share in death.
It skilleth not for me, my friend, a whit,
Nor for a hundred such as thou and I.
Sp380Mes.
Mary, but it doth, sir, by your leaue; your good dayes
are past: though it bee no matter for you, tis a matter for me,
proper men are not so rife.
are past: though it bee no matter for you, tis a matter for me,
proper men are not so rife.
Sp381Per.
Oh, but beware, how thou dost lay thy hand
Vpon the high anoynted of the Lord:
O, be aduised ere thou dost begin:
Dispatch me straight, but meddle not with him.
Vpon the high anoynted of the Lord:
O, be aduised ere thou dost begin:
Dispatch me straight, but meddle not with him.
Sp382Leir.
F4
I brought
Friend, thy commission is to deale with me,
And I am he that hath deserued all:
The plot was layd to take away my life:
And here it is, I do intreat thee take it:
Yet for my sake, and as thou art a man,
Spare this my friend, that hither with me came:
And I am he that hath deserued all:
The plot was layd to take away my life:
And here it is, I do intreat thee take it:
Yet for my sake, and as thou art a man,
Spare this my friend, that hither with me came:
I brought him forth, whereas he had not bin,
But for good will to beare me company.
He left his friends, his country and his goods,
And came with me in most extremity.
Oh, if he should miscarry here and dye,
Who is the cause of it, but only I?
Sp384Leir.
O no, tis I. O, had I now to giue thee
The monarchy of all the spacious world
To saue his life, I would bestow it on thee:
But I haue nothing but these teares and prayers,
And the submission of a bended knee. kneele.
O, if all this to mercy moue thy mind,
Spare him, in heauen thou shalt like mercy find.
The monarchy of all the spacious world
To saue his life, I would bestow it on thee:
But I haue nothing but these teares and prayers,
And the submission of a bended knee. kneele.
O, if all this to mercy moue thy mind,
Spare him, in heauen thou shalt like mercy find.
Sp385Mes.
I am as hard to be moued as another, and yet
me thinks the strength of their perswasions stirres me
a little.
me thinks the strength of their perswasions stirres me
a little.
Sp386Per.
My friend, if feare of the almighty power
Haue power to moue thee, we haue sayd ynough:
But if thy mind be moueable with gold,
We haue not presently to giue it thee:
Yet to thy selfe thou mayst do greater good,
To keepe thy hands still vndefilde from blood:
For do but well consider with thy selfe,
When thou hast finisht this outragious act,
What horrour still will haunt thee for the deed:
Think this agayne, that they which would incense
Thee for to be the Butcher of their father,
When it is done, for feare it should be knowne,
Would make a meanes to rid thee from the world:
Oh, then art thou for euer tyed in chaynes
Of euerlasting torments to indure,
Euen in the hotest hole of grisly hell,
Such paynes, as neuer mortall toung can tell.
Haue power to moue thee, we haue sayd ynough:
But if thy mind be moueable with gold,
We haue not presently to giue it thee:
Yet to thy selfe thou mayst do greater good,
To keepe thy hands still vndefilde from blood:
For do but well consider with thy selfe,
When thou hast finisht this outragious act,
What horrour still will haunt thee for the deed:
Think this agayne, that they which would incense
Thee for to be the Butcher of their father,
When it is done, for feare it should be knowne,
Would make a meanes to rid thee from the world:
Oh, then art thou for euer tyed in chaynes
Of euerlasting torments to indure,
Euen in the hotest hole of grisly hell,
Such paynes, as neuer mortall toung can tell.
It thunders. He quakes, and lets fall the Dagger
next to Perillus.
Sp387Leir.
He
O, heauens be thanked, he wil spare my friend.
Now when thou wilt come make an end of me.
Now when thou wilt come make an end of me.
He lets fall the other dagger.
Sp392Mes.
Exit.
Beshrew you for it, you haue put it in me:
The parlosest old men, that ere I heard.
Well, to be flat, ile not meddle with you:
Here I found you, and here ile leaue you:
If any aske you why the case so stands?
Say that your toungs were better then your hands.
The parlosest old men, that ere I heard.
Well, to be flat, ile not meddle with you:
Here I found you, and here ile leaue you:
If any aske you why the case so stands?
Say that your toungs were better then your hands.
Mess.
Sp393Per.
Farewell. If euer we together meet,
It shall go hard, but I will thee regreet.
Courage, my Lord, the worst is ouerpast;
Let vs giue thanks to God, and hye vs hence.
It shall go hard, but I will thee regreet.
Courage, my Lord, the worst is ouerpast;
Let vs giue thanks to God, and hye vs hence.
Sp394Leir.
Thou art deceyued; for I am past the best,
And know not whither for to go from hence:
Death had bin better welcome vnto me,
Then longer life to adde more misery.
And know not whither for to go from hence:
Death had bin better welcome vnto me,
Then longer life to adde more misery.
Sp395Per.
It were not good to returne from whence we
(came,
Vnto your daughter Ragan back againe.
Now let vs go to France, vnto Cordella,
Your youngest daughter, doubtlesse she will succour you.
Vnto your daughter Ragan back againe.
Now let vs go to France, vnto Cordella,
Your youngest daughter, doubtlesse she will succour you.
Sp396Leir.
Oh, how can I perswade my selfe of that,
Since the other two are quite deuoyd of loue;
To whom I was so kind, as that my gifts,
Might make them loue me, if ’twere nothing else?
Since the other two are quite deuoyd of loue;
To whom I was so kind, as that my gifts,
Might make them loue me, if ’twere nothing else?
Sp397Per.
No worldly gifts, but grace from God on hye,
Doth nourish vertue and true charity.
Remember well what words Cordella spake,
What time you askt her, how she lou’d your Grace.
Se sayd, her loue vnto you was as much,
As ought a child to beare vnto her father.
Doth nourish vertue and true charity.
Remember well what words Cordella spake,
What time you askt her, how she lou’d your Grace.
Se sayd, her loue vnto you was as much,
As ought a child to beare vnto her father.
G If
If she do loue you as a child should do:
You haue tryed two, try one more for my sake,
Ile ne’re intreat you further tryall make.
Remember well the dream you had of late,
And thinke what comfort it foretels to vs.
Sp400Leir.
Exeunt.
Come, truest friend, that euer man possest,
I know thou counsailst all things for the best:
If this third daughter play a kinder part,
It comes of God, and not of my desert.
I know thou counsailst all things for the best:
If this third daughter play a kinder part,
It comes of God, and not of my desert.
Enter the Gallian Ambassador solus.
Sp401Am.
Exit.
There is of late newes come vnto the Court,
That old Lord Leir remaynes in Cambria:
Ile hye me thither presently, to impart
My letters and my message vnto him.
I neuer was lesse welcome to a place
In all my life time, then I haue bin hither,
Especially vnto the stately Queene,
Who would not cast one gracious looke on me,
But still with lowring and suspicious eyes,
Would take exceptions at each word I spake,
And fayne she would haue vndermined me,
To know what my Ambassage did import:
But she is like to hop without her hope,
And in this matter for to want her will,
Though (by report) sheele hau’t in all things else.
Well, I will poste away for Cambria:
Within these few dayes I hope to be there,
That old Lord Leir remaynes in Cambria:
Ile hye me thither presently, to impart
My letters and my message vnto him.
I neuer was lesse welcome to a place
In all my life time, then I haue bin hither,
Especially vnto the stately Queene,
Who would not cast one gracious looke on me,
But still with lowring and suspicious eyes,
Would take exceptions at each word I spake,
And fayne she would haue vndermined me,
To know what my Ambassage did import:
But she is like to hop without her hope,
And in this matter for to want her will,
Though (by report) sheele hau’t in all things else.
Well, I will poste away for Cambria:
Within these few dayes I hope to be there,
Enter the King and Queene of Gallia, & Mumford.
Sp402King.
By this, our father vnderstands our mind,
And our kind greetings sent to him of late:
Therefore my mind presageth ere’t be long,
We shall receyue from Brittayne happy newes.
And our kind greetings sent to him of late:
Therefore my mind presageth ere’t be long,
We shall receyue from Brittayne happy newes.
Sp404King.
Mum. Well,
Feare not, my loue, since that we know the worst,
The last meanes helpes, if that we misse the first:
If hee’le not come to Gallia vnto vs,
Then we will sayle to Brittayne vnto him.
The last meanes helpes, if that we misse the first:
If hee’le not come to Gallia vnto vs,
Then we will sayle to Brittayne vnto him.
Sp405Mum.
Well, if I once see Brittayne agayne,
I haue sworne, ile ne’re come home without my wench,
And ile not be forsworne,
Ile rather neuer come home while I liue.
I haue sworne, ile ne’re come home without my wench,
And ile not be forsworne,
Ile rather neuer come home while I liue.
Sp407Mum.
Nay, ile not sweare she is a mayd, but she goes for one:
Ile take her at all aduentures, if I can get her.
Ile take her at all aduentures, if I can get her.
Sp409Mum.
Well put in? nay, it was ill put in; for had it
Bin as well put in, as ere I put in, in my dayes,
I would haue made her follow me to Fraunce.
Bin as well put in, as ere I put in, in my dayes,
I would haue made her follow me to Fraunce.
Sp410Cor.
Nay, you’d haue bin so kind, as take her with you,
Or else, were I as she,
I would haue bin so louing, as ide stay behind you:
Yet I must confesse, you are a very proper man,
And able to make a wench do more then she would do.
Or else, were I as she,
I would haue bin so louing, as ide stay behind you:
Yet I must confesse, you are a very proper man,
And able to make a wench do more then she would do.
Sp414Mum.
More bobs, more: put them in still,
They’l serue instead of bumbast, yet put not in too many,
lest the seames crack and they fly out amongst you againe:
you must not think to outface me so easly in my mistris quarrel,
who if I see once agayne, ten teame of horses shall
not draw me away, till I haue full and whole possession.
They’l serue instead of bumbast, yet put not in too many,
lest the seames crack and they fly out amongst you againe:
you must not think to outface me so easly in my mistris quarrel,
who if I see once agayne, ten teame of horses shall
not draw me away, till I haue full and whole possession.
Sp417Mum.
Well, you are two to one, ile giue you ouer:
And since I see you so pleasantly disposed,
Which indeed is but seldome seene, ile clayme
A promise of you, which you shall not deny me:
For promise is debt, & by this hand you promisd it me.
Therefore you owe it me, and you shall pay it me,
Or ile sue you vpon an action of vnkindnesse.
And since I see you so pleasantly disposed,
Which indeed is but seldome seene, ile clayme
A promise of you, which you shall not deny me:
For promise is debt, & by this hand you promisd it me.
Therefore you owe it me, and you shall pay it me,
Or ile sue you vpon an action of vnkindnesse.
G2 You
You would go in progresse downe to the sea side,
Which is very neere.
Sp420King.
Fayth, in this motion I will ioyne with thee,
And be a mediator to my Queene.
Prithy, my Loue, let this match go forward,
My mind foretels, ’twill be a lucky voyage.
And be a mediator to my Queene.
Prithy, my Loue, let this match go forward,
My mind foretels, ’twill be a lucky voyage.
Sp421Cor.
Entreaty needs not, where you may cōmaundcommaund,
So you be pleasde, I am right well content:
Yet, as the Sea I much desire to see;
So am I most vnwilling to be seene.
So you be pleasde, I am right well content:
Yet, as the Sea I much desire to see;
So am I most vnwilling to be seene.
Sp424Mum.
And I the third: oh, I am ouer-ioyed!
See what loue is, which getteth with a word,
What all the world besides could ne’re obtayne!
But what disguises shall we haue, my Lord?
See what loue is, which getteth with a word,
What all the world besides could ne’re obtayne!
But what disguises shall we haue, my Lord?
Sp425King.
Fayth thus: my Queene & I wil be disguisde,
Like a playne country couple, and you shall be Roger
Our man, and wayt vpon vs: or if you will,
You shall go first, and we will wayt on you.
Like a playne country couple, and you shall be Roger
Our man, and wayt vpon vs: or if you will,
You shall go first, and we will wayt on you.
Exeunt.
Enter Cambria and Ragan, with Nobles.
Sp427Cam.
What strange mischance or vnexpected hap
Hath thus depriu’d vs of our fathers presence?
Can no man tell vs what’s become of him,
With whom we did conuerse not two dayes since?
My Lords, let euery where light-horse be sent,
To scoure about through all our Regiment.
Dispatch a Poste immediately to Cornwall,
To see if any newes be of him there;
My selfe will make a strickt inquiry here,
And all about our Cities neere at hand,
Till certayne newes of his abode be brought.
Hath thus depriu’d vs of our fathers presence?
Can no man tell vs what’s become of him,
With whom we did conuerse not two dayes since?
My Lords, let euery where light-horse be sent,
To scoure about through all our Regiment.
Dispatch a Poste immediately to Cornwall,
To see if any newes be of him there;
My selfe will make a strickt inquiry here,
And all about our Cities neere at hand,
Till certayne newes of his abode be brought.
Sp428Rag.
O,
All sorrow is but counterfet to mine,
Whose lips are almost sealed vp with griefe:
Mine is the substance, whilst they do but seeme
To weepe the lesse, which teares cannot redeeme.
Whose lips are almost sealed vp with griefe:
Mine is the substance, whilst they do but seeme
To weepe the lesse, which teares cannot redeeme.
O, ne’re was heard so strange a misaduenture,
A thing so far beyond the reach of sence,
Since no mans reason in the cause can enter.
What hath remou’d my father thus from hence?
O, I do feare some charme or inuocation
Of wicked spirits, or infernall fiends,
Stird by Cordella, moues this innouation,
And brings my father timelesse to his end.
But might I know, that the detested Witch
Were certayne cause of this vncertayne ill,
My selfe to Fraunce would go in some disguise,
And with these nayles scratch out her hatefull eyes:
For since I am depriued of my father,
I loath my life, and wish my death the rather.
Sp429Cam.
The heauens are iust, and hate impiety,
And will (no doubt) reueale such haynous crimes:
Censure not any, till you know the right:
Let him be Iudge, that bringeth truth to light.
And will (no doubt) reueale such haynous crimes:
Censure not any, till you know the right:
Let him be Iudge, that bringeth truth to light.
Sp430Ra.
O, but my griefe, like to a swelling tyde,
Exceeds the bounds of common patience:
Nor can I moderate my toung so much,
To conceale them, whom I hold in suspect.
Exceeds the bounds of common patience:
Nor can I moderate my toung so much,
To conceale them, whom I hold in suspect.
Enter the Gallian Ambassador.
Sp434Am.
I came from Gallia, vnto Cornwall sent,
With letters to your honourable father,
Whom there not finding, as I did expect,
I was directed hither to repayre.
With letters to your honourable father,
Whom there not finding, as I did expect,
I was directed hither to repayre.
G3 You
You need not hither come to aske for him,
You know where he is better then our selues.
Sp441Ra.
Hath the young murdresse, your outragious Queen,
No meanes to colour her detested deeds,
In finishing my guiltlesse fathers dayes,
(Because he gaue her nothing to her dowre)
But by the colour of a fayn’d Ambassage,
To send him letters hither to our Court?
Go carry them to them that sent them hither,
And bid them keepe their scroules vnto themselues:
They cannot blind vs with such slight excuse,
To smother vp so monstrous vild abuse.
And were it not, it is ’gainst law of Armes,
To offer violence to a Messenger,
We would inflict such torments on thy selfe,
As should inforce thee to reueale the truth.
No meanes to colour her detested deeds,
In finishing my guiltlesse fathers dayes,
(Because he gaue her nothing to her dowre)
But by the colour of a fayn’d Ambassage,
To send him letters hither to our Court?
Go carry them to them that sent them hither,
And bid them keepe their scroules vnto themselues:
They cannot blind vs with such slight excuse,
To smother vp so monstrous vild abuse.
And were it not, it is ’gainst law of Armes,
To offer violence to a Messenger,
We would inflict such torments on thy selfe,
As should inforce thee to reueale the truth.
Sp442Am.
Madam, your threats no whit apall my mind,
I know my conscience guiltlesse of this act;
My King and Queene, I dare be sworne, are free
From any thought of such impiety:
And therefore, Madam, you haue done them wrong,
And ill beseeming with a sisters loue,
Who in meere duty tender him as much,
As euer you respected him for dowre.
The King your husband will not say as much.
I know my conscience guiltlesse of this act;
My King and Queene, I dare be sworne, are free
From any thought of such impiety:
And therefore, Madam, you haue done them wrong,
And ill beseeming with a sisters loue,
Who in meere duty tender him as much,
As euer you respected him for dowre.
The King your husband will not say as much.
Sp443Cam.
I will suspend my iudgement for a time,
Till more apparance giue vs further light:
Yet to be playne, your comming doth inforce
A great suspicion to our doubtful mind,
And that you do resemble, to be briefe,
Him that first robs, and then cries, Stop the theefe.
Till more apparance giue vs further light:
Yet to be playne, your comming doth inforce
A great suspicion to our doubtful mind,
And that you do resemble, to be briefe,
Him that first robs, and then cries, Stop the theefe.
Sp445Rag.
Hence, saucy mate, reply no more to vs;
She strikes
him.
For law of Armes shall not protect thy toung.
him.
For law of Armes shall not protect thy toung.
Sp446Am.
Exit Amb.
Rag. How
Ne’re was I offred such discourtesy;
God and my King, I trust, ere it be long,
Will find a meane to remedy this wrong,
God and my King, I trust, ere it be long,
Will find a meane to remedy this wrong,
Sp447Rag.
Shee weeps.
How shall I liue, to suffer this disgrace,
At euery base and vulgar peasants hands?
It ill befitteth my imperiall state,
To be thus vsde, and no man take my part.
At euery base and vulgar peasants hands?
It ill befitteth my imperiall state,
To be thus vsde, and no man take my part.
Sp448Cam.
What should I do? infringe the law of Armes,
Were to my euerlasting obloquy:
But I will take reuenge vpon his master,
Which sent him hither, to delude vs thus.
Were to my euerlasting obloquy:
But I will take reuenge vpon his master,
Which sent him hither, to delude vs thus.
Sp449Rag.
Nay, if you put vp this, be sure, ere long,
Now that my father thus is made away,
Sheele come & clayme a third part of your Crowne,
As due vnto her by inheritance.
Now that my father thus is made away,
Sheele come & clayme a third part of your Crowne,
As due vnto her by inheritance.
Sp450Cam.
Exeunt.
But I will proue her title to be nought
But shame, and the reward of Parricide,
And make her an example to the world,
For after-ages to admire her penance.
This will I do, as I am Cambriaes King,
Or lose my life, to prosecute reuenge.
Come, first let’s learne what newes is of our father,
And then proceed, as best occasion fits.
But shame, and the reward of Parricide,
And make her an example to the world,
For after-ages to admire her penance.
This will I do, as I am Cambriaes King,
Or lose my life, to prosecute reuenge.
Come, first let’s learne what newes is of our father,
And then proceed, as best occasion fits.
Enter Leir, Perillus, and two Marriners, in sea-
gownes and sea-caps.
Sp451Per.
Looke on Leir.
My honest friends, we are asham’d to shew
The great extremity of our present state,
In that at this time we are brought so low,
That we want money for to pay our passage.
The truth is so, we met with some good fellowes,
A little before we came aboord your ship,
Which stript vs quite of all the coyne we had,
And left vs not a penny in our purses:
Yet wanting mony, we will vse the meane,
To see you satisfied to the vttermost.
The great extremity of our present state,
In that at this time we are brought so low,
That we want money for to pay our passage.
The truth is so, we met with some good fellowes,
A little before we came aboord your ship,
Which stript vs quite of all the coyne we had,
And left vs not a penny in our purses:
Yet wanting mony, we will vse the meane,
To see you satisfied to the vttermost.
Looke on Perillus.
Sp454Leir.
Fayth, had we others to supply their roome,
Though ne’erso meane, you willingly should haue them.
Though ne’erso meane, you willingly should haue them.
G4 Ile
Ile not stand to do you a pleasure: here’s a good strōgstrong motly ga-
berdine, cost me xiiij. good shillings at Billinsgate, giue me your
gowne for it, & your cap for mine, & ile forgiue your passage.
Leir & he changeth.
Sp4572. Mar.
Do you heare, sir? you shal haue a better match thēthen he,
because you are my friend: here is a good sheeps russet sea-
gowne, wil bide more stresse, I warrant you, then two of his, yet
for you seem to be an honest gentleman, I am content to chāgechange
it for your cloke, and aske you nothing for your passage more.
because you are my friend: here is a good sheeps russet sea-
gowne, wil bide more stresse, I warrant you, then two of his, yet
for you seem to be an honest gentleman, I am content to chāgechange
it for your cloke, and aske you nothing for your passage more.
Pull off Perillus cloke.
Sp458Per.
My owne I willingly would change with thee,
And think my selfe indebted to thy kindnesse:
But would my friend might keepe his garment still.
My friend, ile giue thee this new dublet, if thou wilt
Restore his gowne vnto him back agayne.
And think my selfe indebted to thy kindnesse:
But would my friend might keepe his garment still.
My friend, ile giue thee this new dublet, if thou wilt
Restore his gowne vnto him back agayne.
Sp4591. Mar.
Nay, if I do, would I might ne’re eate powderd beefe
and mustard more, nor drink Can of good liquor whilst I liue.
My friend, you haue small reason to seeke to hinder me of my
bargaine: but the best is, a bargayne’s a bargayne.
and mustard more, nor drink Can of good liquor whilst I liue.
My friend, you haue small reason to seeke to hinder me of my
bargaine: but the best is, a bargayne’s a bargayne.
Sp460Leir.
Kind friend, it is much better as it is;
Leir to Perillus.
For by this meanes we may escape vnknowne.
Till time and opportunity do fit.
For by this meanes we may escape vnknowne.
Till time and opportunity do fit.
Sp4612. Mar.
Hark, hark, they are laying their heads together,
Theile repent them of their bargayne anon,
’Twere best for vs to go while we are well.
Theile repent them of their bargayne anon,
’Twere best for vs to go while we are well.
Sp4621. Mar.
God be with you, sir, for your passage back agayne,
Ile vse you as vnreasonable as another.
Ile vse you as vnreasonable as another.
Sp463Leir.
I know thou wilt; but we hope to bring ready money
With vs, when we come back agayne. Exeunt Mariners.
Were euer men in this extremity,
In a strange country, and deuoyd of friends,
And not a penny for to helpe our selues?
Kind, friend, what thinkst thou will become of vs?
With vs, when we come back agayne. Exeunt Mariners.
Were euer men in this extremity,
In a strange country, and deuoyd of friends,
And not a penny for to helpe our selues?
Kind, friend, what thinkst thou will become of vs?
Sp464Per.
Be of good cheere, my Lord, I haue a dublet,
Will yeeld vs mony ynough to serue our turnes,
Vntill we come vnto your daughters Court:
And then, I hope, we shall find friends ynough.
Will yeeld vs mony ynough to serue our turnes,
Vntill we come vnto your daughters Court:
And then, I hope, we shall find friends ynough.
And
And makes me faynt, or euer I come there.
Can kindnesse spring out of ingratitude?
Or loue be reapt, where hatred hath bin sowne?
Can Henbane ioyne in league with Methridate?
Or Sugar grow in Wormwoods bitter stalke?
It cannot be, they are too opposite
And so am I to any kindnesse here.
I haue throwne Wormwood on the sugred youth,
And like to Henbane poysoned the Fount,
Whence flowed the Methridate of a childs goodwil:
I, like an enuious thorne, haue prickt the heart,
And turnd sweet Grapes, to sowre vnrelisht Sloes:
The causelesse ire of my respectlesse brest,
Hath sowrd the sweet milk of dame Natures paps:
My bitter words haue gauld her hony thoughts,
And weeds of rancour chokt the flower of grace.
Then what remainder is of any hope,
But all our fortunes will go quite aslope?
Sp466Per.
Feare not, my Lord, the perfit good indeed,
Can neuer be corrupted by the bad:
A new fresh vessell still retaynes the taste
Of that which first is powr’d into the same:
And therfore, though you name yourselfe the thorn,
The weed, the gall, the henbane & the wormewood;
Yet sheele continue in her former state,
The hony, milke, Grape, Sugar, Methridate.
Can neuer be corrupted by the bad:
A new fresh vessell still retaynes the taste
Of that which first is powr’d into the same:
And therfore, though you name yourselfe the thorn,
The weed, the gall, the henbane & the wormewood;
Yet sheele continue in her former state,
The hony, milke, Grape, Sugar, Methridate.
Sp467Leir.
Thou pleasing Orator vnto me in wo,
Cease to beguile me with thy hopefull speaches:
O ioyne with me, and thinke of nought but crosses,
And then weele one lament anothers losses.
Cease to beguile me with thy hopefull speaches:
O ioyne with me, and thinke of nought but crosses,
And then weele one lament anothers losses.
Sp468Per.
Why, say the worst, the worst can be but death,
And death is better then for to despaire:
Then hazzard death, which may conuert to life;
Banish despaire, which brings a thousand deathes.
And death is better then for to despaire:
Then hazzard death, which may conuert to life;
Banish despaire, which brings a thousand deathes.
Sp469Leir.
H
For
Orecome with thy strong arguments, I yeeld,
To be directed by thee, as thou wilt;
As thou yeeldst comfort to my crazed thoughts,
Would I could yeeld the like vnto thy body,
Which is full weake, I know, and ill apayd,
To be directed by thee, as thou wilt;
As thou yeeldst comfort to my crazed thoughts,
Would I could yeeld the like vnto thy body,
Which is full weake, I know, and ill apayd,
For want of fresh meat and due sustenance.
Sp471Leir.
Exeunt.
Come, let vs go, and see what God will send;
When all meanes faile, he is the surest friend.
When all meanes faile, he is the surest friend.
Enter the Gallian King and Queene, and Mumford, with a
basket, disguised like Countrey folke.
Sp472King.
This tedious iourney all on foot, sweet Loue,
Cannot be pleasing to your tender ioynts,
Which ne’re were vsed to these toylesome walks.
Cannot be pleasing to your tender ioynts,
Which ne’re were vsed to these toylesome walks.
Sp473Cord.
I neuer in my life tooke more delight
In any iourney, then I do in this:
It did me good, when as we hapt to light
Amongst the merry crue of country folke,
To see what industry and paynes they tooke,
To win them commendations ’mongst their friends.
Lord, how they labour to bestir themselues,
And in their quirks to go beyond the Moone,
And so take on them with such antike fits,
That one would think they were beside their wits!
Come away, Roger, with your basket.
In any iourney, then I do in this:
It did me good, when as we hapt to light
Amongst the merry crue of country folke,
To see what industry and paynes they tooke,
To win them commendations ’mongst their friends.
Lord, how they labour to bestir themselues,
And in their quirks to go beyond the Moone,
And so take on them with such antike fits,
That one would think they were beside their wits!
Come away, Roger, with your basket.
Sp474Mum.
Soft, Dame, here comes a couple of old youthes,
I must needs make my selfe fat with iesting at them.
I must needs make my selfe fat with iesting at them.
Sp475Cor.
Nay, prithy do not, they do seeme to be
Enter Leir
& Perillus
very faintly.
Men much o’regone with griefe and misery.
Let’s stand aside, and harken what they say.
& Perillus
very faintly.
Men much o’regone with griefe and misery.
Let’s stand aside, and harken what they say.
Sp476Leir.
Ah, my Perillus, now I see we both
Shall end our dayes in this vnfruitfull soyle.
Oh, I do faint for want of sustenance:
And thou, I know, in little better case.
No gentle tree affords one taste of fruit,
To comfort vs, vntill we meet with men:
No lucky path conducts our lucklesse steps
Vnto a place where any comfort dwels.
Sweet rest betyde vnto our happy soules;
For here I see our bodies must haue end.
Shall end our dayes in this vnfruitfull soyle.
Oh, I do faint for want of sustenance:
And thou, I know, in little better case.
No gentle tree affords one taste of fruit,
To comfort vs, vntill we meet with men:
No lucky path conducts our lucklesse steps
Vnto a place where any comfort dwels.
Sweet rest betyde vnto our happy soules;
For here I see our bodies must haue end.
Sp477Per.
Or
Ah, my deare Lord, how doth my heart lament,
To see you brought to this extremity!
O, if you loue me, as you do professe,
To see you brought to this extremity!
O, if you loue me, as you do professe,
Or euer thought well of me in my life, He strips up his arme.
Feed on this flesh, whose veynes are not so dry,
But there is vertue left to comfort you.
O, feed on this, if this will do you good
Ile smile for ioy, to see you suck my bloud.
Sp478Leir.
I am no Caniball, that I should delight
To slake my hungry iawes with humane flesh:
I am no deuill, or ten times worse then so,
To suck the bloud of such a peerelesse friend.
O, do not think that I respect my life
So dearely, as I do thy loyall loue.
Ah, Brittayne, I shall neuer see thee more,
That hast vnkindly banished thy King:
And yet not thou dost make me to complayne,
But they which were more neere to me then thou.
To slake my hungry iawes with humane flesh:
I am no deuill, or ten times worse then so,
To suck the bloud of such a peerelesse friend.
O, do not think that I respect my life
So dearely, as I do thy loyall loue.
Ah, Brittayne, I shall neuer see thee more,
That hast vnkindly banished thy King:
And yet not thou dost make me to complayne,
But they which were more neere to me then thou.
Sp480Leir.
Ah, Gonorill, was halfe my Kingdomes gift
The cause that thou didst seeke to haue my life?
Ah, cruell Ragan, did I giue thee all,
And all could not suffice without my bloud?
Ah, poore Cordella, did I giue thee nought,
Nor neuer shall be able for to giue?
O, let me warne all ages that insueth,
How they trust flattery, and reiect the trueth.
Well, vnkind Girles, I here forgiue you both,
Yet the iust heauens will hardly do the like;
And only craue forgiuenesse at the end
Of good Cordella, and of thee, my friend;
Of God, whose Maiesty I haue offended,
By my transgression many thousand wayes:
Of her, deare heart, whom I for no occasion
Turn’d out of all, through flatters persuasion:
Of thee, kind friend, who but for me, I know,
Hadst neuer come vnto this place of wo.
The cause that thou didst seeke to haue my life?
Ah, cruell Ragan, did I giue thee all,
And all could not suffice without my bloud?
Ah, poore Cordella, did I giue thee nought,
Nor neuer shall be able for to giue?
O, let me warne all ages that insueth,
How they trust flattery, and reiect the trueth.
Well, vnkind Girles, I here forgiue you both,
Yet the iust heauens will hardly do the like;
And only craue forgiuenesse at the end
Of good Cordella, and of thee, my friend;
Of God, whose Maiesty I haue offended,
By my transgression many thousand wayes:
Of her, deare heart, whom I for no occasion
Turn’d out of all, through flatters persuasion:
Of thee, kind friend, who but for me, I know,
Hadst neuer come vnto this place of wo.
H2 Cor. O,
Sp483Cor.
O, but some meat, some meat: do you not see,
How neere they are to death for want of food?
How neere they are to death for want of food?
Sp484Per.
Lord, which didst help thy seruants at their need,
Or now or neuer send vs helpe with speed.
Oh, comfort, comfort! yonder is a banquet,
And men and women, my Lord: be of good cheare;
For I see comfort comming very neere.
O my Lord, a banquet, and men and women!
Or now or neuer send vs helpe with speed.
Oh, comfort, comfort! yonder is a banquet,
And men and women, my Lord: be of good cheare;
For I see comfort comming very neere.
O my Lord, a banquet, and men and women!
Sp486Per.
She bringeth
God saue you, friends; & if this blessed banquet
Affordeth any food or sustenance,
Euen for his sake that saued vs all from death,
Vouchsafe to saue vs from the gripe of famine.
Affordeth any food or sustenance,
Euen for his sake that saued vs all from death,
Vouchsafe to saue vs from the gripe of famine.
him to the table
Perillus takes Leir by the hand to the table.
Leir drinks.
They eat hungerly, Leir
drinkes.
Sp492Cor.
And may that draugh tbe vnto him, as was
That which old Eson dranke, which did renue
His withered age, and made him young againe.
And may that meat be vnto him, as was
That which Elias ate, in strength whereof
He walked fourty dayes, and neuer faynted.
Shall I conceale me longer from my father?
Or shall I manifest my selfe to him?
That which old Eson dranke, which did renue
His withered age, and made him young againe.
And may that meat be vnto him, as was
That which Elias ate, in strength whereof
He walked fourty dayes, and neuer faynted.
Shall I conceale me longer from my father?
Or shall I manifest my selfe to him?
Sp493King.
Forbeare a while, vntill his strength returne,
Lest being ouer ioyed with seeing thee,
His poore weake sences should forsake their office,
And so our cause of ioy be turnd to sorrow.
Lest being ouer ioyed with seeing thee,
His poore weake sences should forsake their office,
And so our cause of ioy be turnd to sorrow.
That
That raynd from heauen amongst the Israelites:
It hath recall’d my spirits home agayne,
And made me fresh, as earst I was before.
But how shall we congratulate their kindnesse?
Sp496Per.
Infayth, I know not how sufficiently;
But the best meane that I can think on, is this:
Ile offer them my dublet in requitall;
For we haue nothing else to spare.
But the best meane that I can think on, is this:
Ile offer them my dublet in requitall;
For we haue nothing else to spare.
Perillus proffers his dublet: they will not take it.
Sp499Leir.
Ah, who would think such kindnes should remayne
Among such strange and vnacquainted men:
And that such hate should harbour in the brest
Of those, which haue occasion to be best?
Among such strange and vnacquainted men:
And that such hate should harbour in the brest
Of those, which haue occasion to be best?
Sp503Leir.
No, God forbid: but all my interest’s gone,
By shewing my selfe too much vnnaturall:
So haue I lost the title of a father,
And may be call’d a stranger to her rather.
By shewing my selfe too much vnnaturall:
So haue I lost the title of a father,
And may be call’d a stranger to her rather.
Sp504Cor.
Your title’s good still; for tis alwayes knowne,
A man may do as him list with his owne.
But haue you but one daughter then in all?
A man may do as him list with his owne.
But haue you but one daughter then in all?
Sp506Cor.
O, say not so, but rather see the end:
They that are bad, may haue the grace to mend:
But how haue they offended you so much?
They that are bad, may haue the grace to mend:
But how haue they offended you so much?
Sp507Leir.
If from the first I should relate the cause,
’Twould make a heart of Adamant to weepe;
and thou, poore soule, kind-hearted as thou art,
Dost weepe already, ere I do begin.
’Twould make a heart of Adamant to weepe;
and thou, poore soule, kind-hearted as thou art,
Dost weepe already, ere I do begin.
Sp509Leir.
H3
And
Then know this first, I am a Brittayne borne,
And had three daughters by one louing wife:
And had three daughters by one louing wife:
And though I say it, of beauty they were sped;
Especially the youngest of the three,
For her perfections hardly matcht could be:
On these I doted with a ielous loue,
And thought to try which of them lou’d me best,
By asking them, which would do most for me?
The first and second flattred me with words,
And vowd they lou’d me better then their liues:
The youngest sayd, she loued me as a child
Might dō: her answere I esteem’d most vild,
And presently in an outragious mood,
I turned her from me to go sinke or swym:
And all I had, euen to the very clothes,
I gaue in dowry with the other two:
And she that best deseru’d the greatest share,
I gaue her nothing, but disgrace and care.
Now mark the sequell: When I had done thus,
I soiournd in my eldest daughters house,
Where for a time I was intreated well,
And liu’d in state sufficing my content:
But euery day her kindnesse did grow cold,
Which I with patience put vp well ynough,
And seemed not to see the things I saw:
But at the last she grew so far incenst
With moody fury, and with causlesse hate,
That in most vild and contumelious termes,
She bade me pack, and harbour somewhere else.
Then was I fayne for refuge to repayre
Vnto my other daughter for reliefe,
Who gaue me pleasing and most courteous words;
But in her actions shewed her selfe so sore
As neuer any daughter did before:
She prayd me in a morning out betime,
To go to a thicket two miles from the Court,
Poynting that there she would come talke with me:
There she had set a shaghayrd murdring wretch,
To massacre my honest friend and me.
Then iudge your selfe, although my tale be briefe,
If euer man had greater cause of griefe.
Sp511Leir.
And now I am constraind to seeke reliefe
Of her, to whom I haue bin so vnkind;
Whose censure, if it do award me death,
I must confesse she payes me but my due:
But if she shew a louing daughters part,
It comes of God and her, not my desert.
Of her, to whom I haue bin so vnkind;
Whose censure, if it do award me death,
I must confesse she payes me but my due:
But if she shew a louing daughters part,
It comes of God and her, not my desert.
Sp514Cor.
My selfe a father haue a great way hence,
Vsde me as ill as euer you did her;
Yet, that his reuerend age I once might see,
Ide creepe along, to meet him on my knee.
Vsde me as ill as euer you did her;
Yet, that his reuerend age I once might see,
Ide creepe along, to meet him on my knee.
Sp516Cor.
She kneeles.
Condemne not all, because of others crime:
But looke, deare father, looke, behold and see
Thy louing daughter speaketh vnto thee.
But looke, deare father, looke, behold and see
Thy louing daughter speaketh vnto thee.
he kneeles.
he riseth.
he kneeles.
Sp520Cor.
I pardon you: the word beseemes not me:
But I do say so, for to ease your knee.
You gaue me life, you were the cause that I
Am what I am, who else had neuer bin.
But I do say so, for to ease your knee.
You gaue me life, you were the cause that I
Am what I am, who else had neuer bin.
Sp525King.
H4
And
Let me breake off this louing controuersy,
Which doth reioyce my very soule to see.
Good father, rise, she is your louing daughter, He riseth.
Which doth reioyce my very soule to see.
Good father, rise, she is your louing daughter, He riseth.
And honours you with as respectiue duty,
As if you were the Monarch of the world.
Sp526Cor.
But I will neuer rise from off my knee,
She kneeles.
Vntill I haue your blessing, and your pardon
Of all my faults committed any way,
From my first birth vnto this present day.
Vntill I haue your blessing, and your pardon
Of all my faults committed any way,
From my first birth vnto this present day.
Sp527Leir.
she riseth.
The blessing, which the God of Abraham gaue
Vnto the trybe of Iuda, light on thee,
And multiply thy dayes, that thou mayst see
Thy childrens children prosper after thee.
Thy faults, which are iust none that I do know,
God pardon on high, and I forgiue below.
Vnto the trybe of Iuda, light on thee,
And multiply thy dayes, that thou mayst see
Thy childrens children prosper after thee.
Thy faults, which are iust none that I do know,
God pardon on high, and I forgiue below.
Sp528Cor.
Now is my heart at quiet, and doth leape
Within my brest, for ioy of this good hap:
And now (deare father) welcome to our Court,
And welcome (kind Perillus) vnto me,
Myrrour of vertue and true honesty.
Within my brest, for ioy of this good hap:
And now (deare father) welcome to our Court,
And welcome (kind Perillus) vnto me,
Myrrour of vertue and true honesty.
Sp531King.
rise.
All you haue spoke: now let me speak my mind,
And in few words much matter here conclude: he kneeles.
If ere my heart do harbour any ioy,
Or true content repose within my brest,
Till I haue rooted out this viperous sect,
And repossest my father of his Crowne,
Let me be counted for the periurdst man,
That euer spake word since the world began.
And in few words much matter here conclude: he kneeles.
If ere my heart do harbour any ioy,
Or true content repose within my brest,
Till I haue rooted out this viperous sect,
And repossest my father of his Crowne,
Let me be counted for the periurdst man,
That euer spake word since the world began.
Sp532Mum.
rise.
Let me pray to, that neuer pray’d before;
Mumford
kneeles.
If ere I resalute the Brittish earth,
(As (ere’t be long) I do presume I shall)
And do returne from thence without my wench,
Let me be gelded for my recompence.
kneeles.
If ere I resalute the Brittish earth,
(As (ere’t be long) I do presume I shall)
And do returne from thence without my wench,
Let me be gelded for my recompence.
Sp533King.
Exeunt.
Come, let’s to armes for to redresse this wrong:
Till I am there, me thinks, the time seemes long.
Till I am there, me thinks, the time seemes long.
Enter Ragan sola.
And
And makes me in an agony of doubt,
For feare the world should find my dealing out.
The slaue whom I appoynted for the act,
I ne’re set eye vpon the peasant since:
O, could I get him for to make him sure,
My doubts would cease, and I should rest secure.
But if the old men, with perswasiue words,
Haue sau’d their liues, and made him to relent;
Then are they fled vnto the Court of Fraunce,
And like a Trumpet manifest my shame.
A shame on these white-liuerd slaues, say I,
That with fayre words so soone are ouercome.
O God, that I had bin but made a man;
Or that my strength were equall with my will!
These foolish men are nothing but meere pity,
And melt as butter doth against the Sun.
Why should they haue preeminence ouer vs,
Since we are creatures of more braue resolue?
I sweare, I am quite out of charity
With all the heartlesse men in Christendome.
A poxe vpon them, when they are affrayd
To giue a stab, or slit a paltry Wind-pipe,
Which are so easy matters to be done.
Well, had I thought the slaue would serue me so,
My selfe would haue bin executioner:
Tis now vndone, and if that it be knowne,
Ile make as good shift as I can for one.
He that repines at me, how ere it stands,
’Twere best for him to keepe him from my hands.
Sound Drums & Trumpets: Enter the Gallian King,
Leir, Mumford and the army.
Sp535King.
I
That
Thus haue we brought our army to the sea,
Whereas our ships are ready to receyue vs:
The wind stands fayre, and we in foure houres sayle,
May easily arriue on Brittish shore,
Where vnexpected we may them surprise,
And gayne a glorious victory with ease.
Wherefore, my louing Countreymen, resolue,
Since truth and iustice fighteth on our sides,
Whereas our ships are ready to receyue vs:
The wind stands fayre, and we in foure houres sayle,
May easily arriue on Brittish shore,
Where vnexpected we may them surprise,
And gayne a glorious victory with ease.
Wherefore, my louing Countreymen, resolue,
Since truth and iustice fighteth on our sides,
That we shall march with conquest where we go.
My selfe will be as forward as the first,
And step by step march with the hardiest wight:
And not the meanest souldier in our Campe
Shall be in danger, but ile second him.
To you, my Lord, we giue the whole commaund
Of all the army, next vnto our selfe,
Not doubting of you, but you will extend
Your wonted valour in this needfull case,
Encouraging the rest to do the like,
By your approued magnanimity.
Sp536Mum.
My Liege, tis needlesse to spur a willing horse,
Thats apt enough to run himselfe to death:
For here I sweare by that sweet Saints bright eye,
Which are the starres, which guide me to good hap,
Eyther to see my old Lord crown’d anew,
Or in his cause to bid the world adieu.
Thats apt enough to run himselfe to death:
For here I sweare by that sweet Saints bright eye,
Which are the starres, which guide me to good hap,
Eyther to see my old Lord crown’d anew,
Or in his cause to bid the world adieu.
Sp538Mum.
And now to you, my worthy Countrymen,
Ye valiant race of Genouestan Gawles,
Surnamed Red-shanks, for your chyualry,
Because you fight vp to the shanks in bloud;
Shew your selues now to be right Gawles indeed,
And be so bitter on your enemies,
That they may say, you are as bitter as Gall.
Gall them, braue Shot, with your Artillery:
Gall them, braue Halberts, with your sharp point Billes,
Each in their poynted place, not one, but all,
Fight for the credit of your selues and Gawle.
Ye valiant race of Genouestan Gawles,
Surnamed Red-shanks, for your chyualry,
Because you fight vp to the shanks in bloud;
Shew your selues now to be right Gawles indeed,
And be so bitter on your enemies,
That they may say, you are as bitter as Gall.
Gall them, braue Shot, with your Artillery:
Gall them, braue Halberts, with your sharp point Billes,
Each in their poynted place, not one, but all,
Fight for the credit of your selues and Gawle.
Sp539King.
Then what should more perswasion need to those,
That rather wish to deale, then heare of blowes?
Let’s to our ships, and if that God permit,
In foure houres sayle, I hope we shall be there.
That rather wish to deale, then heare of blowes?
Let’s to our ships, and if that God permit,
In foure houres sayle, I hope we shall be there.
Exeunt.
Enter a Captayne of the watch, and two watchmen.
Sp541Cap.
And
My honest friends, it is your turne to night,
To watch in this place, neere about the Beacon,
To watch in this place, neere about the Beacon,
And vigilantly haue regard,
If any fleet of ships passe hitherward:
Which if you do, your office is to fire
The Beacon presently, and raise the towne.
Sp5421. Wat.
I, I, I, feare nothing; we know our charge, I warrant:
I haue bin a watchman about this Beacon this xxx. yere, and
yet I ne’re see it stir, but stood as quietly as might be.
I haue bin a watchman about this Beacon this xxx. yere, and
yet I ne’re see it stir, but stood as quietly as might be.
Sp5432. Wat.
Fayth neighbour,and you’l follow my vice, instead of
watching the Beacon, wee’l go to goodman Gennings, & watch
a pot of Ale and a rasher of Bacon: and if we do not drink our
selues drunke, then so; I warrant, the Beacon will see vs when
we come out agayne.
watching the Beacon, wee’l go to goodman Gennings, & watch
a pot of Ale and a rasher of Bacon: and if we do not drink our
selues drunke, then so; I warrant, the Beacon will see vs when
we come out agayne.
Sp5532. W.
True, you conster right; presently, like
a faithfull watchman, I fire the Beacon, and call vp the towne.
a faithfull watchman, I fire the Beacon, and call vp the towne.
Exeunt.
Enter the King of Gallia with a stil march, Mumford & soldiers.
Sp556King.
Exeunt.
I2
Alarum,
Now march our ensignes on the Brittish earth,
And we are neere approching to the towne:
Then looke about you, valiant Countrymen,
And we shall finish this exployt with ease.
Th’inhabitants of this mistrustfull place,
Are dead asleep, as men that are secure:
Here shall we skirmish but with naked men,
Deuoyd of sence, new waked from a dreame,
That know not what our comming doth pretend,
Till they do feele our meaning on their skinnes:
Therefore assaile: God and our right for vs.
And we are neere approching to the towne:
Then looke about you, valiant Countrymen,
And we shall finish this exployt with ease.
Th’inhabitants of this mistrustfull place,
Are dead asleep, as men that are secure:
Here shall we skirmish but with naked men,
Deuoyd of sence, new waked from a dreame,
That know not what our comming doth pretend,
Till they do feele our meaning on their skinnes:
Therefore assaile: God and our right for vs.
Alarum, with men and women halfe naked: Enter two
Captaynes without dublets, with swords.
Sp5571. Cap.
Where are these villaines that were set to watch,
and fire the Beacon, if occasion seru’d,
That thus haue suffred vs to be surprisde,
And neuer giuen notice to the towne?
We are betrayd, and quite deuoyd of hope,
By any meanes to fortify our selues.
and fire the Beacon, if occasion seru’d,
That thus haue suffred vs to be surprisde,
And neuer giuen notice to the towne?
We are betrayd, and quite deuoyd of hope,
By any meanes to fortify our selues.
Sp5582. Cap.
Tis ten to one the peasants are o’recome with drinke
and sleep, and so neglect their charge.
and sleep, and so neglect their charge.
Sp5591. Cap.
A whirl-wind carry them quick to a whirl-poole,
that there the slaues may drinke their bellies full.
that there the slaues may drinke their bellies full.
Enter the watchmen drunke, with each a pot.
He drinkes.
Sp5651. Cap.
draw to stab them.
You’l fire the Beacon, when the towne is lost:
Ile teach you how to tend your office better.
Ile teach you how to tend your office better.
Enter Mumford, Captaynes run away.
He kicks downe their pots.
Sp568Mum.
Exit.
But in meane space, I answer, you want none.
Wel, theres no dealing with you, y’are tall men, & wel weapōdweaponed,
I would there were no worse then you in the towne.
Wel, theres no dealing with you, y’are tall men, & wel weapōdweaponed,
I would there were no worse then you in the towne.
Exeunt.
Alarum, excursions, Mumford after them, and some halfe naked.
Enter the Gallian King, Leir, Mumford, Cordella, Perillus, and soul-
diers, with the chiefe of the towne bound.
Sp571King.
And
Feare not, my friends, you shall receyue no hurt,
If you’l subscribe vnto your lawfull King,
And quite reuoke your fealty from Cambria,
And from aspiring Cornwall too, whose wiues
Haue practisde treason ’gainst their fathers life.
Wee come in iustice of your wronged King,
If you’l subscribe vnto your lawfull King,
And quite reuoke your fealty from Cambria,
And from aspiring Cornwall too, whose wiues
Haue practisde treason ’gainst their fathers life.
Wee come in iustice of your wronged King,
And do intend no harme at all to you,
So you submit vnto your lawfull King.
Sp573Noble.
Long haue you here bin lookt for, good my Lord,
And wish’d for by a generall consent:
And had we known your Highnesse had arriued,
We had not made resistance to your Grace:
And now, my gracious Lord, you need not doubt,
But all the Country will yeeld presently,
Which since your absence haue bin greatly tax’d,
For to maintayne their ouerswelling pride.
Weele presently send word to all our friends;
When they haue notice, they will come apace.
And wish’d for by a generall consent:
And had we known your Highnesse had arriued,
We had not made resistance to your Grace:
And now, my gracious Lord, you need not doubt,
But all the Country will yeeld presently,
Which since your absence haue bin greatly tax’d,
For to maintayne their ouerswelling pride.
Weele presently send word to all our friends;
When they haue notice, they will come apace.
Sp574Leir.
Thanks, louing subiects; and thanks, worthy son,
Thanks, my kind daughter, thanks to you, my Lord,
Who willingly aduentured haue your blood,
(Without desert) to do me so much good.
Thanks, my kind daughter, thanks to you, my Lord,
Who willingly aduentured haue your blood,
(Without desert) to do me so much good.
Sp575Mum.
O, say not so:
I haue bin much beholding to your Grace:
I must confesse, I haue bin in some skirmishes,
But I was neuer in the like to this:
For where I was wont to meet with armed men,
I was now incountred with naked women.
I haue bin much beholding to your Grace:
I must confesse, I haue bin in some skirmishes,
But I was neuer in the like to this:
For where I was wont to meet with armed men,
I was now incountred with naked women.
Sp576Cord.
We that are feeble, and want vse of Armes,
Will pray to God, to sheeld you from all harmes.
Will pray to God, to sheeld you from all harmes.
Sp577Leir.
The while your hands do manage ceaselesse toyle,
Our hearts shall pray, the foes may haue the foyle.
Our hearts shall pray, the foes may haue the foyle.
Sp579King.
Me thinks, your words do amplify (my friends)
And adde fresh vigor to my willing limmes: Drum.
But harke, I heare the aduerse Drum approch.
God and our right, Saint Denis, and Saint George.
And adde fresh vigor to my willing limmes: Drum.
But harke, I heare the aduerse Drum approch.
God and our right, Saint Denis, and Saint George.
Enter Cornwall, Cambria, Gonorill, Ragan, and the army.
Sp580Corn.
I3
Be
Presumptuous King of Gawles, how darest thou
Presume to enter on our Brittish shore?
And more then that, to take our townes perforce,
And draw our subiects hearts from their true King?
Presume to enter on our Brittish shore?
And more then that, to take our townes perforce,
And draw our subiects hearts from their true King?
Be sute to buy it at as deare a price,
As ere you bought presumption in your liues.
Sp581King.
Ore-daring Cornwall, know, we came in right,
And iust reuengement of the wronged King,
Whose daughters there, fell vipers as they are,
Haue sought to murder and depriue of life:
But God protected him from all their spight,
And we are come in iustice of his right.
And iust reuengement of the wronged King,
Whose daughters there, fell vipers as they are,
Haue sought to murder and depriue of life:
But God protected him from all their spight,
And we are come in iustice of his right.
Sp582Cam.
Nor he nor thou haue any interest here,
But what you win and purchase with the sword.
Thy slaunders to our noble vertuous Queenes,
Wee’l in the battell thrust them down thy throte,
Except for feare of our reuenging hands,
Thou flye to sea, as not secure on lands.
But what you win and purchase with the sword.
Thy slaunders to our noble vertuous Queenes,
Wee’l in the battell thrust them down thy throte,
Except for feare of our reuenging hands,
Thou flye to sea, as not secure on lands.
Sp583Mum.
Welshman, ile so ferrit you ere night for that word,
That you shall haue no mind to crake so wel this tweluemonth.
That you shall haue no mind to crake so wel this tweluemonth.
Sp585Rag.
Tis meerely forged for a colours sake,
To set a glosse on your inuasion.
Me thinks, an old man ready for to dye,
Should be asham’d to broache so foule a lye.
To set a glosse on your inuasion.
Me thinks, an old man ready for to dye,
Should be asham’d to broache so foule a lye.
Sp587Gon.
Peace (Puritan) dissembling hypocrite,
Which art so good, that thou wilt proue stark naught:
Anon, when as I haue you in my fingers,
Ile make you wish your selfe in Purgatory.
Which art so good, that thou wilt proue stark naught:
Anon, when as I haue you in my fingers,
Ile make you wish your selfe in Purgatory.
Sp588Per.
Nay, peace thou monster, shame vnto thy sexe:
Thou fiend in likenesse of a humane creature.
Thou fiend in likenesse of a humane creature.
Sp590Leir.
She snatches them & teares them.
Out on thee, viper, scum, filthy parricide,
More odious to my sight then is a Toade.
Knowest thou these letters?
More odious to my sight then is a Toade.
Knowest thou these letters?
Sp591Rag.
Think you to outface me with your paltry scrowles?
You come to driue my husband from his right,
Vnder the colour of a forged letter.
You come to driue my husband from his right,
Vnder the colour of a forged letter.
Within
Within the thicket two long houres and more.
Sp595Per.
There, where you sent your seruant with your letters,
Seald with your hand, to send vs both to heauen,
Where, as I thinke, you neuer meane to come.
Seald with your hand, to send vs both to heauen,
Where, as I thinke, you neuer meane to come.
Sp596Raga.
Alas, you are growne a child agayne with age,
Or else your sences dote for want of sleepe.
Or else your sences dote for want of sleepe.
Sp597Per.
Indeed you made vs rise betimes, you know,
Yet had a care we should sleepe where you bade vs stay,
But neuer wake more till the latter day.
Yet had a care we should sleepe where you bade vs stay,
But neuer wake more till the latter day.
Sp599Mum.
Fayth, and if you reason till to morrow,
You get no other answere at their hands.
Tis pitty two such good faces
Should haue so little grace betweene them.
Well, let vs see if their husbands with their hands,
Can do as much, as they do with their toungs.
You get no other answere at their hands.
Tis pitty two such good faces
Should haue so little grace betweene them.
Well, let vs see if their husbands with their hands,
Can do as much, as they do with their toungs.
Sp600Cam.
I, with their swords they’l make your toung vnsay
What they haue sayd, or else they’l cut them out.
What they haue sayd, or else they’l cut them out.
Exeunt both armyes.
Sound alarum: excursions. Mumford must chase Cambria
away: then cease. Enter Cornwall.
Sp602Corn.
Exit.
The day is lost, our friends do all reuolt,
And ioyne against vs with the aduerse part:
There is meanes of safety but by flight,
And therefore ile to Cornwall with my Queene.
And ioyne against vs with the aduerse part:
There is meanes of safety but by flight,
And therefore ile to Cornwall with my Queene.
Enter Cambria.
Sp603Cam.
Exit.
I thinke, there is a deuill in the Campe hath haunted
me to day: he hath so tyred me, that in a maner I can fight no
more. Enter Mumford.
Zounds, here he comes, Ile take me to my horse.
me to day: he hath so tyred me, that in a maner I can fight no
more. Enter Mumford.
Zounds, here he comes, Ile take me to my horse.
Mumford followes him to the dore, and returnes.
Sp604Mum.
Exit.
I4
Alarums
Farewell (Welshman) giue thee but thy due,
Thou hast a light and nimble payre of legs:
Thou art more in debt to them then to thy hands:
But if I meet thee once agayne to day,
Ile cut them off, and set them to a better heart.
Thou hast a light and nimble payre of legs:
Thou art more in debt to them then to thy hands:
But if I meet thee once agayne to day,
Ile cut them off, and set them to a better heart.
Alarums and excursions, then sound victory. Enter Leir, Peril-
lus, King, Cordella, and Mumford.
Sp606Leir.
First to the heauens, next, thanks to you, my sonne,
By whose good meanes I repossesse the same:
Which if it please you to accept your selfe,
With all my heart I will resigne to you:
For it is yours by right, and none of mine.
First, haue you raisd, at your owne charge, a power
Of valiant Souldiers; (this comes all from you)
Next haue you ventured your owne persons scathe.
And lastly, (worthy Gallia neuer staynd)
My kingly title I by thee haue gaynd.
By whose good meanes I repossesse the same:
Which if it please you to accept your selfe,
With all my heart I will resigne to you:
For it is yours by right, and none of mine.
First, haue you raisd, at your owne charge, a power
Of valiant Souldiers; (this comes all from you)
Next haue you ventured your owne persons scathe.
And lastly, (worthy Gallia neuer staynd)
My kingly title I by thee haue gaynd.
Sp609Leir.
Ah, my Cordella, now I call to mind,
The modest answere, which I tooke vnkind:
But now I see, I am no whit beguild,
Thou louedst me dearely, and as ought a child.
And thou (Perillus) partner once in woe,
Thee to requite, the best I can, ile doe:
Yet all I can, I, were it ne’re so much,
Were not sufficient, thy true loue is such.
Thanks (worthy Mumford) to thee last of all,
Not greeted last, ’cause thy desert was small;
No, thou hast Lion-like layd on to day,
Chasing the Cornwall King and Cambria;
Who with my daughters, daughters did I say?
To saue their liues, the fugitiues did play.
Come sonne and daughter, who did me aduaunce,
Repose with me awhile, and then for Fraunce.
The modest answere, which I tooke vnkind:
But now I see, I am no whit beguild,
Thou louedst me dearely, and as ought a child.
And thou (Perillus) partner once in woe,
Thee to requite, the best I can, ile doe:
Yet all I can, I, were it ne’re so much,
Were not sufficient, thy true loue is such.
Thanks (worthy Mumford) to thee last of all,
Not greeted last, ’cause thy desert was small;
No, thou hast Lion-like layd on to day,
Chasing the Cornwall King and Cambria;
Who with my daughters, daughters did I say?
To saue their liues, the fugitiues did play.
Come sonne and daughter, who did me aduaunce,
Repose with me awhile, and then for Fraunce.
Sound Drummes and Trumpets. Exeunt.
FINIS.
Prosopography
Andrew Griffin
Andrew Griffin is an associate professor in the department of English and an affiliate
professor in the department of Theater and Dance at the University of California,
Santa Barbara. He is general editor (text) of Queen’s Men Editions. He studies early
modern drama and early modern historiography while serving as the lead editor at the
EMC Imprint. He has co-edited with Helen Ostovich and Holger Schott Syme Locating the Queen’s Men (2009) and has co-edited The Making of a Broadside Ballad (2016) with Patricia Fumerton and Carl Stahmer. His monograph, Untimely Deaths in Renaissance Drama: Biography, History, Catastrophe, was published with the University of Toronto Press in 2019. He is editor of the
anonymous The Chronicle History of King Leir (Queen’s Men Editions, 2011). He can be contacted at griffin@english.ucsb.edu.
Anonymous
Chloe Mee
Chloe Mee is a research assistant on the LEMDO team who is working as a remediator
on Old Spelling texts. She is about to start her second year at UVic in Fall 2022
and is pursuing an Honours degree in English. Currently, she is working on the LEMDO
team through a VKURA internship. She loves literature and is enjoying the opportunity
to read and encode Shakespeare quartos!
Helen Ostovich
Helen Ostovich, professor emerita of English at McMaster University, is the founder
and general editor of Queen’s Men Editions. She is a general editor of The Revels Plays (Manchester University Press); Series
Editor of Studies in Performance and Early Modern Drama (Ashgate, now Routledge),
and series co-editor of Late Tudor and Stuart Drama (MIP); play-editor of several
works by Ben Jonson, in Four Comedies: Ben Jonson (1997); Every Man Out of his Humour (Revels 2001); and The Magnetic Lady (Cambridge 2012). She has also edited the Norton Shakespeare 3 The Merry Wives of Windsor Q1602 and F1623 (2015); The Late Lancashire Witches and A Jovial Crew for Richard Brome Online, revised for a 4-volume set from OUP 2021; The Ball, for the Oxford Complete Works of James Shirley (2021); The Merry Wives of Windsor for Internet Shakespeare Editions, and The Dutch Courtesan (with Erin Julian) for the Complete Works of John Marston, OUP 2022. She has published
many articles and book chapters on Jonson, Shakespeare, and others, and several book
collections, most recently Magical Transformations of the Early Modern English Stage with Lisa Hopkins (2014), and the equivalent to book website, Performance as Research in Early English Theatre Studies: The Three Ladies of London in Context containing scripts, glossary, almost fifty conference papers edited and updated to
essays; video; link to Queenʼs Mens Ediitons and YouTube: http://threeladiesoflondon.mcmaster.ca/contexts/index.htm, 2015. Recently, she was guest editor of Strangers and Aliens in London ca 1605,
Special Issue on Marston, Early Theatre 23.1 (June 2020). She can be contacted at ostovich@mcmaster.ca.
Janelle Jenstad
Janelle Jenstad is a Professor of English at the University of
Victoria, Director of The Map
of Early Modern London, and Director of Linked Early Modern Drama
Online. With Jennifer Roberts-Smith and Mark Kaethler, she
co-edited Shakespeare’s Language in Digital Media: Old
Words, New Tools (Routledge). She has edited John Stow’s
A Survey of London (1598 text) for MoEML
and is currently editing The Merchant of Venice
(with Stephen Wittek) and Heywood’s 2 If You Know Not
Me You Know Nobody for DRE. Her articles have appeared in
Digital Humanities Quarterly, Elizabethan Theatre, Early Modern
Literary Studies, Shakespeare
Bulletin, Renaissance and
Reformation, and The Journal of Medieval
and Early Modern Studies. She contributed chapters to Approaches to Teaching Othello (MLA); Teaching Early Modern Literature from the Archives
(MLA); Institutional Culture in Early Modern
England (Brill); Shakespeare, Language, and
the Stage (Arden); Performing Maternity in
Early Modern England (Ashgate); New
Directions in the Geohumanities (Routledge); Early Modern Studies and the Digital Turn (Iter);
Placing Names: Enriching and Integrating
Gazetteers (Indiana); Making Things and
Drawing Boundaries (Minnesota); Rethinking
Shakespeare Source Study: Audiences, Authors, and Digital
Technologies (Routledge); and Civic
Performance: Pageantry and Entertainments in Early Modern
London (Routledge). For more details, see janellejenstad.com.
Kate LeBere
Project Manager, 2020–2021. Assistant Project Manager, 2019–2020. Textual Remediator
and Encoder, 2019–2021. Kate LeBere completed her BA (Hons.) in History and English
at the University of Victoria in 2020. During her degree she published papers in The Corvette (2018), The Albatross (2019), and PLVS VLTRA (2020) and presented at the English Undergraduate Conference (2019), Qualicum History
Conference (2020), and the Digital Humanities Summer Institute’s Project Management
in the Humanities Conference (2021). While her primary research focus was sixteenth
and seventeenth century England, she completed her honours thesis on Soviet ballet
during the Russian Cultural Revolution. She is currently a student at the University
of British Columbia’s iSchool, working on her masters in library and information science.
Mahayla Galliford
Research assistant, remediator, encoder, 2021–present. Mahayla Galliford is a fourth-year
student in the English Honours and Humanities Scholars programs at the University
of Victoria. She researches early modern drama and her Jamie Cassels Undergraduate
Research Award project focused on approaches to encoding early modern stage directions.
Martin Holmes
Martin Holmes has worked as a developer in the
UVicʼs Humanities Computing and Media Centre for
over two decades, and has been involved with dozens
of Digital Humanities projects. He has served on
the TEI Technical Council and as Managing Editor of
the Journal of the TEI. He took over from Joey Takeda as
lead developer on LEMDO in 2020. He is a collaborator on
the SSHRC Partnership Grant led by Janelle Jenstad.
Navarra Houldin
Project manager 2022-present. Textual remediator 2021-present. Navarra Houldin (they/them)
completed their BA in History and Spanish at the University of Victoria in 2022. During
their degree, they worked as a teaching assistant with the University of Victoriaʼs
Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies. Their primary research was on gender and
sexuality in early modern Europe and Latin America.
Peter Cockett
Peter Cockett is an associate professor in the Theatre and Film Studies at McMaster
University. He is the general editor (performance), and technical co-ordinating editor
of Queen’s Men Editions. He was the stage director for the Shakespeare and the Queen’s Men project (SQM),
directing King Leir, The Famous Victories of Henry V, and Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay (2006) and he is the performance editor for our editions of those plays. The process
behind those productions is documented in depth on his website Performing the Queen’s Men. Also featured on this site are his PAR productions of Clyomon and Clamydes (2009) and Three Ladies of London (2014). For the PLS, the University of Toronto’s Medieval and Renaissance Players,
he has directed the Digby Mary Magdalene (2003) and the double bill of George Peele’s The Old Wives Tale and the Chester Antichrist (2004). He also directed An Experiment in Elizabethan Comedy (2005) for the SQM project and Inside Out: The Persistence of Allegory (2008) in collaboration with Alan Dessen. Peter is a professional actor and director
with numerous stage and screen credits. He can be contacted at cockett@mcmaster.ca.
Tracey El Hajj
Junior Programmer 2019–2020. Research Associate 2020–2021. Tracey received her PhD
from the Department of English at the University of Victoria in the field of Science
and Technology Studies. Her research focuses on the algorhythmics of networked communications. She was a 2019–2020 President’s Fellow in Research-Enriched
Teaching at UVic, where she taught an advanced course on
Artificial Intelligence and Everyday Life.Tracey was also a member of the Map of Early Modern London team, between 2018 and 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, she was a fellow in residence at the Praxis Studio for Comparative Media Studies, where she investigated the relationships between artificial intelligence, creativity, health, and justice. As of July 2021, Tracey has moved into the alt-ac world for a term position, while also teaching in the English Department at the University of Victoria.
Orgography
LEMDO Team (LEMD1)
The LEMDO Team is based at the University of Victoria and normally comprises the project
director, the lead developer, project manager, junior developers(s), remediators,
encoders, and remediating editors.
QME Editorial Board (QMEB1)
The QME Editorial Board consists of Helen Ostovich, General Editor; Peter Cockett, General Editor (Performance); and Andrew Griffin, General Editor (Text), with the support of an Advisory Board.
Queenʼs Men Editions (QME1)
The Queen’s Men Editions anthology is led by Helen Ostovich, General Editor; Peter
Cockett, General Editor (Performance); and Andrew Griffin, General Editor (Text).
University of Victoria (UVIC1)
https://www.uvic.ca/Metadata
| Authority title | King Leir, Quarto 1 |
| Type of text | Primary Source Text |
| Short title | Leir: Q1 |
| Publisher | University of Victoria on the Linked Early Modern Drama Online Platform |
| Series | Queenʼs Men Editions |
| Source |
Quarto 1, 1605.
Transcription prepared by Andrew Griffin. First published in the QME 1.0 anthology on the ISE platform. Converted to TEI-XML
and remediated by the LEMDO Team for republication in the QME 2.0 anthology on the LEMDO platform.
Base facsimile used for transcription from The Folger Shakespeare Library
|
| Editorial declaration | Edited according to the ISE Editorial Guidelines |
| Edition | Released with Queenʼs Men Editions 2.0 |
| Sponsor(s) |
Queenʼs Men EditionsThe Queen’s Men Editions anthology is led by Helen Ostovich, General Editor; Peter
Cockett, General Editor (Performance); and Andrew Griffin, General Editor (Text).
|
| Encoding description | Encoded in TEI P5 according to the LEMDO Customization and Encoding Guidelines |
| Document status | published, peer-reviewed |
| Licence/availability | Intellectual copyright in this edition is held by the editors, Andrew Griffin. The XML files of the semi-diplomatic transcription and the modern texts are licensed for reuse under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license, which means that they are freely downloadable without permission under the following conditions: (1) credit must be given to the editor, QME, and LEMDO in any subsequent use of the files and/or data; (2) derivatives (e.g., adapted scripts for performance) must be shared under the same CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license; and (3) commercial uses are not permitted without the knowledge and consent of QME, the editor, and LEMDO. Production photographs and videos on this site may not be downloaded. They appear freely on this site with the permission of the actors and the ACTRA union. They may be used within the context of university courses, within the classroom, and for reference within research contexts, including conferences, when credit is given to the producing company and to the actors. Commercial use of videos and photographs is forbidden. |