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ACT THREEn9336
3.1
[Enter] GARRULA [and] GERON.

289GarrulaWould you thus offer, by your own diseasegg4267,
        To shorten your mother’s days? Or can you pine
        And I not grieve? Or cannot grief kill me
        Do you think?

290GeronA wise philosopher, whilomgg3861, did affirm
        That women who have passed the fire of love
        Have hearts which grief can neither pierce, norn4971 move.

291GarrulaSon, your philosophy fails you, as your love
        Blinds you: for Cupidgg3708’s fire, I know, may be
        Quenched by old age, but grief’s unquenchable.   Sips her bottlen6429.   
        My tongue still falters with me (there’s my grief)
        And there are not so many fathomsgg4269 ’twixt
        A woman’s tongue and heart, but grief may find
        The bottom, but for care to keep it up
        By sending down an antidote before it.   Sips again.   

292GeronBut whilomgg3861 did the love-sick poet prove
        No antidote against the power of love.

293GarrulaForbear your whiloms and your old said sawsgg4273,
        And since you are in love, and by that love
        Grown sick with the concealment.

294GeronAs whilom
        Th’ Athenian boy who stole a foxn8017 did hide
        Under his coat his theft from being descriedgg4275
        Until it tore his gen’tals – his entrailsn4972n6459,
        I should have said.

295GarrulaNo more, I say,
        Of your disease, but to the cure, which is
        The love of Doris. How ha’ you triedgs881 her, son?

296GeronBy oratorygs882, epistlesgg4283, and by gifts
        Which whilom Ovidn9624 said were best of shiftsgg3164.

297GarrulaYes, such a gift it might be, and so fastenedgs883.

298GeronBut she, as whilom said Anonimus,
        Retortethgg4284 all with scorn injuriousgg4560.

299GarrulaYet will you leave your whiloms? And go seek
        My lady governess? Say I would speak with her.

300GeronBut whilom said Diogenesn6462 (’tis true)
        To one that wouldgs884, ‘I will not speak with you’.n7891

301GarrulaWill you say as I say, and do as you’ren4966 bidden?
           [Aside]   It is not her great ladyship’s daughter’s handmaidgg2161
        Shall scorn my son while I know what I know.n6466
        If you love Doris, run and tell her so.

302GeronFor Doris’ love, as whilom Daedalusn6465,
        I will take wing.
Enter THYMELE.
        But see, I am prevented.

303ThymeleOh Garrula! Well found; I was in quest of you.

304GarrulaAnd I was e’en a-sending for you, madam.

305Thymele   [Aside]   What an imperiousgg4200 beldam’sgg4286 this. But I
        Must humourgg5925 her.   [Aloud]   Sending for me, do you say?
        For what, good Garrula.

306GarrulaSending for you?n6468 Yes, madam, so I said,
        And say’t again. What, what, I know what I know.
        You know I do; and that there is no such
        Distinction ’twixt the honours of your birth
        And place, and mine of age and knowledge, but
        You might vouchsafegg496 the summons when I send.

307Thymele   [Aside]   What needs this Garrula?   [Aloud]   I am here you see.

308GarrulaYou know I know, and have deserved some favours;
        I do not boastn6403 for what. You know.

309Thymele   [Aside]   Oh me!
        Who trust those secrets whereon honour rests
        To custody in mercenarygg4287 breasts
        Do slavegg3567 nobility; and though they pay
        A daily ransom, ne’er redeem’t away.
           [Aloud to GARRULA]   Pray, let us be more privategs885, though indeed
        I love your son for his great care of mine.

310GarrulaOh, do you so? Go forth, son Geron, till
        I call. All shall go well I’ll warrantgg859 thee.

311GeronWhilom, so
        Said a physician, meaning to restore,
        And killed the patient was butgs29 sick before.[He] exit[s].

312ThymeleWhy, Garrula, do you maintain a strife
        Still in my grievèd mind ’twixt hope and fear?
        Cannot so many years of my known kindness
        Win yet a confidence of secrecy.
        You are as deeply bound by oath too as myself.

313GarrulaI do confess my oath, and would not break it;
        Yet, madam, as you are a woman, you
        May know a broken oath is no such burden
        As a great secret is; besides the ticklinggg4288
        A woman has to in and out with’t. Oh,
        The tongue itch is intolerable! And were I
        A woman of tongue, as most are of my calling
        (Though midwivesn6469 ha’ been held the best at secret
        Counsel-keeping) it had been out, I fear.

314ThymeleBut still take heed, dear Garrula.

315GarrulaYes, madam.
        Yet there are kindnesses required on your part.

316ThymeleHave I not still been kind?

317GarrulaMy memory serves me; and but that my tongue
        Now falters with me – I could recount   Sips.   
        All the rewards I have had from time to time,
        Since you translatedgs886 me from a country housewife
        Into the midwife royal; what in gowns,
        In gold, in jewels, chains and rings; and (which
        I prize ’bove all) my syrups and my sippings.   Sips.   

318ThymeleYour place of honour in the court –

319GarrulaWhat, what?
        I hope I had that before i’ the King’s favour,
        As his Queen’s midwife. She is in Elysiumgg3293.   Sips.   

320ThymeleThen, Garrula, your learned son’s preferment,
        Tutor and governor to my sons.

321GarrulaThereby
        Hangs a talen6467, madam. Now I come to th’ point:
        My son affectsgg2587 your daughter’s handmaidn6775, Doris,
        Who slightsgg1900 his love. I must now by your power
        Obtain her for my son.

322ThymeleBe confident,
        Though I confess I hold her worthlessgg4527 of him.

323GarrulaI tell him so: but love has blinded him.
        Ho Geron, I say! Geron, come and hear.n7729
Enter GERON.

324GeronSo whilom prisoners have been called to come
        From dungeon deep to hear a blacker doomn6470.

325ThymeleGeron, be comforted. By all my power,
        Doris shall be your own.

326GeronThen whilom, as
        Ovid by his Corinnan6777 sweet, said ohn6778 –
Enter DORIS.
           [Aside]   She comes, she comes. My joys do overflow.

327ThymeleNow, Doris, what portendsgg5926 your haste? Speak, maid,
        Is it to Geron, or to me, your business?

328Doris   [Aside]   His ill looksn6779 had almost made me miscarry’t.gg4528n7728
           [Aloud]   Madam, the princess instantly desires
        Your company.

329ThymeleBut by her grace’s favour,n6780
        And your leave, Doris, I will trenchgs1645 so far
        On both your patiences, and for your good,
        As to be witness of an interchange
        Of some few words ’twixt Geron and yourself.
[DORIS looks away from GERON.]
        Why look you from him so? He loves you, Doris.

330DorisThat’s more than I e’er knew or read, by all
        He speaks or writes to me. He clothes his words
        In furs and hoods, so that I cannot find
        The naked meaning of his business, madam.

331ThymeleSpeak plainly to her, Geron.

332GarrulaTo her, son.

333GeronMy business is the same that whilom drew
        Demosthenesn6781 to Corinth: some repentance,
        So I pay not too dear.

334DorisLo’ you there, madam.

335GarrulaYou must speak plainer, son.

336ThymeleAnd be you kinder, Doris.

337DorisBut not so kind, good madam, as to grant
        I know not what.

338GeronOh, forfeitgg893 not the praise
        That whilom Aristotlen11287 gave your sex,
        To be enriched with piety and pity.

339DorisI know not what to pity, but your wantgs991
        Of utterance. It isn6782 some horrid thing
        That you desire, and are ashamed to speak it?

340GeronNo, gentle Doris, nothing but the thing
        Whereby great Alexandern6783 whilom said
        He knew himself a mortal, and no god,
        Coitionn6784gg4530 –

341DorisBe it what it will, I cannot
        Give what I understand not. You’ren4961 too aloof.

342GarrulaThere’s comfort, son. And I’ll give thee instructions
        To come more close to her.

343Thymele   [To GARRULA]   I’ll ease your care,
        And be myself his agentgg4532. He’s too learned.
        Geron, you speak too learnedly, as if
        You wooed a muse. And Doris understands not,
        But by your posturen6785, what you’d have. I’ll put
        Your meaning into woman’s words, and such
        As shall be sure to speedgg4531. But first I’ll waitgs155
        Upon the princess. Garrula, will you go?

344GarrulaAnd thank you for my sonn6787. But still – I know.n6788

345ThymeleNay, I will do’t. Geron, be confident.

346GeronI thank your ladyship as much as they
        Who whilom – whilom –

347DorisKnew not what to say.n6786

348GarrulaHe’s overjoyed.

349ThymeleGo, Geron, lead the way.[They all exit.]n11290
3.2
[Enter] KING, STRATOCLES, DISANIUS [and] JUSTINIUS.

350KingPray, trouble me no further. I have said
        That if in five days’ space she make not choice
        Of one of those whom (I must tell you, Stratocles)n6789
        She loves, and I prefergg1920 before you, then
        I’ll weighgg2484 your suitgs992 and reasons; and till then
        I say’t again, you are a trouble to me.

351StratoclesA trouble, sir? That were a time that knew me
        A trouble to your enemies, not you,
        When this same lump of earthn6790 (which now’s a trouble)
        Stood a sole bulwarkgg3144 of your realm, repelling
        Armsgg4533 of foes, shroudinggg4534 your fearful subjects
        Under my shield, guarding your fields and vineyards
        From desolationgg4535, your palaces from ruin;
        And am I now a trouble?

352DisaniusStratocles,
        You lose the glory of your deeds by blazinggg4536
        Your own renown. He that commends himself,
        Speaks upon trust, and is his hearer’s slave.n9342

353StratoclesPeace, Envyn6791, and be thankful for thy life
        Which thy tongue forfeits.

354JustiniusLet my mildness tell you,
        You are irreverent before the King,
        Who has not been forgetful of your worth,
        Nor slow in your reward. Then moderate
        Your heat with counsel, and be first assistant
        Unto the public good. So shall you merit
        The first regard in honours and affairs
        Of private nature.

355Stratoclesn6793So.

356KingThis oracle
        Troubles me not a little. I had thought
        Thereby to have declinedgs993 this weighty care
        From my declininggg4537 shoulders, and have given
        My country satisfactiongs1646, and myself,
        In choosing of a son and successor.
        But I am prisoner in the labyrinthn6792
        Of the gods’ verdict.

357JustiniusTheir sublimitygg4538
        In matters of the future seldom stoops
        To humann6407 apprehension; yet vouchsafesgs1641
        To answer our demands, but chides withal
        Our too much incensen6406 with obscurity.
        Your grace, however, may presume, where they
        Shall deign to spend a word, and take an offering,n9217
        It is a certain augurygg4539 of good.

358KingThou hast allayedgg756 my fear. Justinius’n6409 come,
        Lendn6408 me thy brain’s assistance. For in thee
        I find a tempergs994 that accords with me.Exit KING [and] JUSTINIUS.

359DisaniusSoldiern6794, I dare yet tell thee thou art rash,
        Foolish as valiant, and as easily may’st,
        For all thy loftiness, be undermined
        As the base bramble. Boasting weakness, thee
        And promising ambition leads thee up,
        An earthly exhalationn6795 into th’air;
        Where with a little borrowed light, one moment,
        Thou shin’st the markgs1642 and wonder of all eyes;
        But soon consumed and darted to the centren9218,
        Becom’st the scorn of men and sport of children.

360StratoclesYou are o’th’n6410 sect of Cynicsn6797, and have learned
        To bark philosophyn6796.

361DisaniusThen shall you hear
        Your now adoringn6411 multitude upbraidgg4541
        Your insolence and pride, and gain the name
        Of prophets by your downfall, while one swears
        He had foretold it long; another dreamt it;
        All jointly cry: “We never could endure him;
        See what a look he has; what brawnygg4542 lips;
        What poisonous eyes; and what an impudent frontgs1647!”

362StratoclesYou will out-run your privilege of pratinggs995
        And suffer for’t.

363DisaniusI am too prodigalgg3002
        Of seed upon so flinty soiln6798 as thou.
        Be as thou art, and perish.[He] exit[s].

364StratoclesIgnorant wretch,
        That out of all thy bookish theory
        Knows not the soul to be aerialgg4544
        And of a soaring nature; not unlike
        The noble falconn6801 that will never cease
        To work ’bove all that tops her. The supreme
        Estate on earth, and next unto the gods,
        Is majesty; and that’s my presentgs378 gaings1643,
        Though I have all but that, yet wantinggg1899 that
        All is as none to me. And since my way
        Must be upon the ruins (sourn6800n6799 Disanius)
        Of thee, and of thy glories in thy nephews,
        The King’s dear darlings, for whose precious sakes
        I must attendgs996 five days (yet be a troublen6802)
        I’ll traveln6803 through your bloods. Thyself has gi’n me
        The quicker motion by thy timely envy.
        Thou hast set spurs to the pale horse of deathn6804,
        That into dust shall trample all those letsgg3285
        Which stand ’twixt me and the Thessalian crown,
        Upon whose back I’ll set this rider.
Enter MATHO.

365MathoMy sovereign lord.

366StratoclesI like that compellationgg1244:n6805
        Thou styl’stn9236 me as thou wishest me, on whom
        Depends thy consequent advancement, Matho.
        But we butgs29 dream of sovereignty and sleep
        To the achievement: something must be done
        With wakeful eyes and ready handsn6807, my Matho.

367MathoNow my king speaks himself.n6806 Let but your eye
        Find out the way these ready hands shall act
        The strength of your designs. I can perceive
        That now the labour of your Jove-like brainn6808
        Is bringing forth the Pallasn6809 shall inspire
        Me to perform the work of my advancement.

368Stratocles’Tis not yet ripe for the delivery,
        But thou shalt quickly have it. Follow me.[They] exit.

3.3

[Enter] EUDINA, THYMELE [and] PLACILLA.

369EudinaGood madam, let me be excused. The mirth
        You offered to allaygs997 or quench my sorrows
        Might have been well received at former times,
        But now it is unseasonable.

370ThymeleYet think on’t, madam,
        How gravely Geron goes, and with what scorn
        The wantongs998 girlgg5979 recoils.

371EudinaGood, speak no more on’t.

372ThymeleThen beldamgg4286 Garrula’s reasons urging Doris,
        Showing how either of hisn6810 pupils’ grace
        In your electing Philocles or Philargus,
        Though to them doubtful, is a sure advancement
        To her by Geron.

373EudinaStill you movegg1799 like thosen7730
        That do in merry tales mis-spend their breath
        To those that are that day marked out for death.

374ThymeleYou may not say so, madam; ’tis in youn6811
        By taking one, to give new life to two:
        Yourself, and if you’ll give me leave to name
        The other, be it Philargus; or if chance
        Shall favour better, Philocles; or him,
        Let it be him that gives you the first visit.

375EudinaThat were to fancy in ourselves an oracle,
        Or to give fortune power to execute
        The judgement of the Delphian godn6812.

376ThymeleWho knows
        But that his oracle would have it so.

377Placilla   Asiden6816   Was it for that you now sent for Philargus.

378ThymeleSay, shall it be so, madam; or suppose so?

379EudinaThis pleases better yet than Geron’s wooing.
        Pray thee, Placilla, sing. And may thy voice
        Attract him that may prove the happier choice.

380PlacillaI’ll try my best in notes, and what they wantgg491
        I’ll strive to make effectual in my wishes.

381EudinaThanks, kind Placilla. But the leaden weights
        Of sleep oppress mine eyelids, and I shall not hear thee.

382ThymeleYet sit, and let her sing: you’ll sleep the better.
PLACILLA sings. After a strain or two, EUDINA sleeps, and enters, as a visiongg4546 at the severalgg1695 doors, PHILARGUS and PHILOCLES. They meet and embrace affectionately;n6813 then whisper a while; then suddenly start offgg4548, and draw their swords; menacen6817gg4547 each other, and severallygs999 depart. The song ended, EUDINA affrightedly startsn7892 up.n6814

383EudinaStay, Philocles; stay, Philargus.n6815 Let not fury
        Lead you to end that difference with your swords
        Which only fits my life to satisfy.

384ThymeleWhat means your grace?

385EudinaPursue ’em, with prevention,
        Before they meet again, or one or both
        Must perish. Did you not observe their challenge,
        And eithers’ daring other to the field?

386ThymeleWho, madam? Where? And when?

387EudinaNow; here; your sons.
        How can you ask?

388ThymeleBecause we were awake
        And saw nothing.

389PlacillaCollect your spirits, madam; you slept.

390EudinaIt was an ominousgg4545 dream then.

391ThymeleAnd of good,
        I dare divine it, madam.
Enter PHILARGUS.
        And now see
        Whom fortune first hath sent to be your choice.
        Philargus, you have won the glorious prize.

392PhilargusBut does the glory of the worldn6818, Eudina, grant it?

393EudinaMy affrightment shakes me still.
        Oh my Philargus, I am now inspired
        Sure by a vision from the gods with knowledge
        That, in my choice of you or Philocles,
        I shall become the ruin of you both.

394Philargus’Tis not in fate to wound our common friendship.

395Eudina’Tis better in myself to kill the danger.

396PhilargusThe gods avertgs1000 such purposes. If you
        Deprive the world of your fair self, then we
        Both fall by necessary consequence.
        But what are we? This Thessaly must suffer.n6819
        The King must yield, to see a new and strange
        Succession appointed to his crown,
        And by his subjects, not himself.

397Eudina’Tis that
        Deters me: yet let me prevail, Philargus,
        (To quit me of my fears) that eregg1781 I pass
        My faith unto a husband, youn6413 and Philocles,
        Before the gods, your mother and myself,
        Once more, do celebrate your vow of friendship.
        And let me be excused in this: for I
        Must tell you, dear Philargus, that though now
        My love be fixed on one of you (albeit
        I name not which) I will not take him with
        Least scruplegs50 of a fear of losing him
        Again by th’other’s spiten6414; nor leave that other
        Less loved by me, than now he is, forever;
        And though but one can be possessed of me
        One friendship, yet, must marry us all three.

398PhilargusThe gods have spoke it in you; it is their
        Divine injunctiongg3754. Madam, I obey it,
        And dare engagegg3817 as much for Philocles.

399ThymeleThis is most fair: now, till you meet, ’tis fit
        You fall on lighter purposesn6820 for your health.
        Son, here was mirth today, although the princess
        Relished it not.

400PhilargusI heard of Geron’s love
        To his fair Doris. We are now become
        His tutorsn6821, madam, to be amorous.

401ThymelePlacilla, come you hithergg1268. I observe
        A change in you of late, and do suspect
        The reason. What! Do you blush at my suspicion?
        Nay, then you mak’t my knowledge. You are in love.
        I’ll yet come nearergg4550 you. I guess with whom:
        And at fitgs938 time I’ll schoolgs1001 you for’t.

402EudinaCome, madam;
        Now if you please we’ll take some air. Philargus
        Craves leave to seek his brother.

403PhilargusYes, madam.

404ThymeleI wait o’gs1003 your gracegs1002. Nay, do not look displeased:
        I tell you, girl, there is danger in it.Exit EUDINA [and] THYMELE.

405PhilargusStay, Placilla.
        What! Has my mother chidgg3968 you? I’ll not question
        Her reason, nor your fault; but pray thee, sister,
        If Philocles approach to see the princess
        Ere my return, tell him I stay at’sgg4551 lodging,
        First, to confer with him.

406PlacillaI will, my brother.

407PhilargusIngg4108 trothn6420 thou weep’st. Therefore, to comfort you,
        Because I know by some infallible signs
        You are more tender of his love than mine.
        He stands in equal competition yet
        With me for fair Eudina. And if fortune
        Allots her me, I’ll be as kind a brother
        And still the same to you as Philocles.
        I pray thee, dry thine eyes.
Enter MATHO disguised with a letter.

408Matho   [Aside]   If a disguised face and a counterfeitgs1644 hand
        Ever prevailed, may these in this plot speedgg4531.
           [Aloud]   My lord, I had this in chargegg4552 to rendergs310 to you.
[MATHO hands over the letter and] PHILARGUS reads.
Exit MATHO.

409Placilla   [Aside]   I am discovered in my lawlessn6822 love.
        Remember, Cupid, whom thou makest thy anvil:n6823
        A poor weak virgin. If thou art a god,
        Be just and reasonable. It savours not
        Of justice to provoke incestuous flames,
        Nor reason to enforce an ardencygg4553
        Of things impossible. Let me not burn
        With neighbouring fire, which, to enjoy, I must
        Therefore despair because it is so near.n9238

410PhilargusHa! Where’s this fellow? Is he gone?

411PlacillaYes, brother.

412Philargus’Tis Philocles, his hand! An eager challenge!
        A challenge, and to me, his friend and brother.
        Now Oracle, where’s your riddle? Answer me,
        Apollo’s fiddlestickgs1004. O ye Delphian priests,
        You hang religion up, like painted clothsn6825n6824
        Before unseemly walls, to cloak their filth
        And palliategs1005 their wicked mysteries.

413PlacillaHow do you, brother?

414PhilargusSick in Philocles.
        You’ll hear more of his kindness to you shortly.[He] exit[s].

415PlacillaHe suspects too, with much displeasure, my
        Unreasonable love to Philocles.
        But why should we be reason’s followers
        With loss of liberty? Which of the creaturesgs1006
        Allaysgs1007 his heatgs1008 toward any of his kind,
        ’Cause the same bellygg4554 gave them being? They
        Observe no difference of siregg1542 or damgg4555,
        Brother or sister, being mature for loven6826.
        Ah, whithergs926 am I going? Bestial thoughtsn6827,
        Forthgs1009 of my bosom. Leave me not, my soul,
        Or my soul’s better part, my reason. Oh —
Enter PHILOCLES.
        It was returning, but a flaming shaft
        Of love has set its mansion afire
        And frights it back again.n6828

416PhiloclesPlacilla. Sister.

417Placilla   [Aside]   That name of ‘sister’, like a violent cold
        Upon an extreme heat, fevers my blood
        To death.

418PhiloclesMethinks you are sad and troubled, sister.
        Why thus alone? Or have you entertained
        That troublesome companion, love? Come tell me,
        I can advise you very learnedly:
        For Cupid’s scholars are more exquisitegg3800
        In giving counsel than in using it.

419Placilla   [Aside]   How shall I answer him I dare not look on?n9239

420PhiloclesWhy are you sad?

421PlacillaOut of conformity
        Unto the present garbgs1010: I have assumed
        Only a veil of sadness.

422PhiloclesThou art only happy,
        Whose sorrow is but outward, as a stranger
        Called to be present at a funeral
        Clads himself like the rest, is serious
        And silent with a countenance dejected
        And testudineousgg4556 pace, but has not tears,
        Nor groanings for a loss to him unknown;
        The obsequiesgg4557 performed, unclothes himself
        Of grief and weedsgg1079 together. But, my sister,
        You are not pleased to talk upon this subject.
        Where is the princess?

423Placilla   [Aside]   He has given me now a colour for my sadness.
           [Aloud]   The princess is retired. She has been troubled
        With a most fearful dream of a duellogg4558
        Betwixt you and Philargus to be fought.

424PhiloclesWith friendly courtesies?

425PlacillaNay, with swords, she said.

426PhiloclesHa, ha, ha.

427PlacillaPhilargus hath been with her, and to him
        She told her fears, enjoininggg4559 him that both
        Of you should come, and jointly before her
        Declare your constant friendship.

428PhiloclesThat’s soon done.

429PlacillaBut trust me, sir, I fear Philargus took not
        All as she meant it; for at his departing,
        He looked displeasedly; and, when I demanded
        His health’s condition, he said he was sick
        In Philocles.

430PhiloclesIn Philocles’sn6424 absence,
        As I am in his. That was his meaning, sister.

431PlacillaPardon my fear; which is, that he’s not friends wi’ ye.

432PhiloclesAway, your fear has made you idle.

433PlacillaNo.
           [Aside]   It is my love, in that black horror clad,
        Which will, before it leaves me, make me mad.[She] exit[s].

434PhiloclesI’ll seek him out.
Enter MATHO disguised, [with] a letter.

435MathoMy lord, I was commanded
        To convey these into your lordship’s hands.

436PhiloclesBy whom were you employed?

437MathoMy lord, ’twas not
        The man that movedgs1011 me (for I know him not)
        But the reward.n9498 I humbly take my leave.[He] exit[s].

438PhiloclesMy brother write? Ha! Are we at such distance?
        Thou art no prophetess, Placilla, art thou?
He reads.
Brother Philocles, we are the laughing stock of the nation, and injuriousgg4560 both to the King, our country, the divine Eudina, and ourselves, by our childish love. The time is short: meet me, (I conjuregg811 you by our friendship) within three hours, in the north vale of Tempen7895; where it shall be the gods’ election to take one of us, and leave the other for Eudina. Expostulategg4561 not with yourself, much less with me otherwise than by weapon, or never expect to see — your brother, Philargus.

        O gods and men! Where shall we go to find
        Friendship and truth? Be’t so. For in th’event,
        We may be happy both. But with this odds:
        One with Eudina, tothergg1195 with the gods.[They] exit.

Edited by Eleanor Lowe


n9336   ACT THREE Act Three is comprised of three scenes. The first opens with mother and son comic duo, Garrula and Geron: the former sips at her bottle while the latter peppers his speech with classical references and ‘whilom’ as a catchphrase. Geron’s lovesickness for Doris is causing his mother worry, so much so that she has decided to enlist the assistance of Thymele (who employs Doris) with the help of a little blackmail concerning their secret. There follows an exchange with the potential for great comic business between both Geron and Doris: he is both delighted by her presence but uncertain of how to proceed; she is horrified by his appearance and baffled by his words. Thymele and Garrula spectate and offer advice for Doris to be kinder and more forgiving, whilst Geron is encouraged to speak more plainly.
Scene Two sees an increasingly weakening and care-ridden King surrounded by his bickering associates: Disanius and Stratocles exchange verbal battles while Justinius attempts to rein them in. When the King chooses to exit with the latter, the former are given liberty to attack each other with bitter words. Stratocles’ soliloquy enables him poetic expression of his ambition; his interaction with Matho only serves to underline this desire for advancement to the position of king.
Scene Three opens with Thymele and Placilla attempting to cheer Eudina’s spirits by suggesting she observe Doris and Geron’s hapless wooing. Instead, like her father, Eudina is weighed down by the subject of her marriage decision. Thymele’s advice is that Eudina settles for whichever man next comes to visit her. Eudina suggests Placilla sings to help her to sleep, but experiences a vision of Philargus and Philocles embracing before threatening each other with swords. Eudina sees her dream as both ‘ominous’ (terrible) and ‘omenous’ (predicting a future event).
Philargus then enters (apparently sent for by Thymele) and Eudina again expresses her anxiety that although she can only choose one husband, she, Philargus and Philocles should be united in friendship. When Philargus and Placilla are left alone, Brome cleverly uses the arrival of a letter (delivered by Matho, in disguise) to occupy Philargus while Placilla reveals her fraternal love in an aside. The letter is supposedly from Philocles, challenging him to a fight. Placilla mistakes Philargus' anger and hasty exit as his reaction to uncovering her guilty love for him. When Philocles next enters, she tells him of Philargus’ troubled countenance, moments before Matho once again appears in disguise bearing a similar letter. This is the supposed challenge, which Philocles reads aloud, accepting that while one of them will end up dead, the other will have Eudina. [go to text]

gg4267   disease discomfort, distress [go to text]

gg3861   whilom in times past [go to text]

n4971   nor ] ne [go to text]

gg3708   Cupid blind boy-god of love or infatuation, son of Venus [go to text]

n6429   bottle The bottle of alcohol which hangs by Garrula's side (introduced in [LS 1.2.speech81]), and which she explains in this scene is provided for her by Thymele in order to silence her. Garrula refers to this as medicinal, and it may be an alcoholic distillation of some sort, quite common in the period. In The English Housewife (1615), Gervase Markham includes a whole chapter on 'distillations and their virtues' for the housewife to prepare 'all sorts of waters meet for the health of her household'. [go to text]

gg4269   fathoms literally, a measurement that is the equivalent of the distance between the fingertips of each hand when the arms are outstretched to the full (roughly six-foot); figuratively, a great distance [go to text]

gg3861   whilom in times past [go to text]

gg4273   saws sayings, maxims [go to text]

n8017   Th’ Athenian boy who stole a fox Taken from Plutarch, Apophthegmata regum et imperatorum (where the boy is Spartan not Athenian). [go to text]

gg4275   descried made known, disclosed, revealed [go to text]

n6459   tore his gen’tals – his entrails Geron's lovesickness for Doris causes him to mistakenly mention 'genitals' for 'entrails', a doubly comic slip since it reveals his suppressed thoughts whilst substituting a credible (comical and painful) alternative to 'entrails' in the well-known story about the Spartan (not Athenian) boy. The original printed text has 'gentals', and although the word must be 'genitals', the elision is preserved along with the metre of the line. [go to text]

n4972   entrails ] intrals [go to text]

gs881   tried tested, endeavoured to seduce; have sexual experience of (Williams) [go to text]

gs882   oratory elegant, rhetorical language [go to text]

gg4283   epistles letters [go to text]

n9624   Ovid From Ovid's Ars Amatoria, the Arts of Love, which gives advice on how to woo and win a woman. [go to text]

gg3164   shifts an expedient, an ingenious device for effecting some purpose (OED n. III 3a) [go to text]

gs883   fastened secured (of a contract; here, of love) [go to text]

gg4284   Retorteth returned, rejected; answered (back) [go to text]

gg4560   injurious wilfully harmful [go to text]

n6462   Diogenes Greek philosopher and founder of Cynicism, a way of life which rejected luxury and excess in exchange for a simple, self-sufficient life. Some of his actions and attitudes were considered anti-social. [go to text]

gs884   would wanted (to) [go to text]

n7891   ‘I will not speak with you’. This edition presents the line as if a quotation from Diogenes. An alternative reading would see Geron preventing himself from sharing his knowledge and refusing to speak to his mother, perhaps because of her impatience. [go to text]

n4966   you’re ] y'are [go to text]

gg2161   handmaid attendant, (female) servant [go to text]

n6466   while I know what I know. This becomes one of Garrula's catchphrases as she threatens to reveal the secret shared with Thymele; see also [LS 1.2.speech91]. [go to text]

n6465   Daedalus Whilst attempting to escape imprisonment by King Minos on the island of Crete, Daedalus made wings for himself and his son, Icarus, out of feathers and wax, with which they flew from the tower and over the sea. Geron takes care in likening himself to Daedalus, rather than Icarus, since the former fully escaped, while the latter grew ambitious, forgot his father's advice, and flew too close to the sun, which melted the wax, causing the wings to be ineffectual for flight, and he fell into the sea. Ovid recalls the story in his Metamorphoses. [go to text]

gg4200   imperious ruling, dominant; overbearing, dictatorial [go to text]

gg4286   beldam’s aged woman, hag [go to text]

gg5925   humour (v) indulge, soothe [go to text]

n6468   Sending for you? The repetition suggests that Garrula has imbibed a little too much from the bottle and consequently is forgetful. See also the character of Nurse Closet in A Mad Couple Well Matched who has a terrible 'head' or memory, although alcohol is not mentioned as the reason [MC 2.2.speeches410-412]. [go to text]

gg496   vouchsafe 'to show a gracious readiness or willingness, to grant readily, to condescend or deign, to do something' (OED v. 6b) [go to text]

n6403   boast ] bost [go to text]

gg4287   mercenary one who works for (or is only motivated by) money or material reward [go to text]

gg3567   slave reduce to the condition of a slave; enslave [go to text]

gs885   private secretive, away from public view (and hearing) [go to text]

gg859   warrant assure, promise [go to text]

gs29   but only [go to text]

gg4288   tickling itching, tingling [go to text]

n6469   midwives Midwives had to be trustworthy and careful with their tongues, since they may well be privy to secrets in the birthing chamber which were unknown to anyone outside it; see also [NOTE n3763]. Garrula is also hinting here at the secret knowledge she possesses which resolves the play's tangled plot in Act 5. [go to text]

gs886   translated to change in appearance and/or function [go to text]

gg3293   Elysium 'The supposed state or abode of the blessed after death in Greek mythology' (OED). [go to text]

n6467   Thereby Hangs a tale Another of Garrula's catchphrases (along with 'I know what I know') which also hints at her secret knowledge and is used to threaten its revelation in front of Thymele; see also [LS 1.2.speech78]. [go to text]

gg2587   affects love, like (OED v1. 2); also means ‘to show ostentatiously a liking for' (OED v1. 5) [go to text]

n6775   your daughter’s handmaid Garrula describes Doris as serving Placilla, however, in the dramatis personae (in which there are many errors) Doris is listed as Thymele's waiting-woman. [go to text]

gg1900   slights (v) disregard, treat with disrespect [go to text]

gg4527   worthless unworthy [go to text]

n7729   Ho Geron, I say! Geron, come and hear. Video Whilst workshopping this sequence, the actor playing Geron (Joseph Thompson) identified the difficulty of performing the learned pedant whilst also being related to drunken Garrula, played by Jennifer McEvoy with a London accent. In order to create a sense of kinship, Joseph tried playing Geron with a similar accent to his mother, which created a comical contrast between the learned content of his lines and their delivery . In the same sequence, Garrula is also observed coaching her son in his wooing, particularly giving advice on his 'postures'. The theatrical appeal of Geron's character type is acknowledged by Brome in his rewriting of the prologue to The City Wit, where the character of Sarpego is identified as a great success. [go to text]

n6470   blacker doom Geron rather melodramatically compares hearing Thymele's opinion with the hearing of a legal judgement or sentence by a prisoner. [go to text]

n6777   Corinna The named mistress in Ovid's book of love poetry, Amores. [go to text]

n6778   oh Brome milks Doris's entrance for comedy, so that Geron apparently quotes Ovid saying 'oh', when it is more likely to be his reaction to seeing Doris appear onstage. [go to text]

gg5926   portends means, is signified by (OED v1. 2) [go to text]

n7728   His ill looks had almost made me miscarry’t. Video This edition suggests that Doris's line could be delivered as an aside, as demonstrated in performance by the following workshop clip . However, it is equally possible for Doris to deliver her line aloud, so that Geron overhears . [go to text]

n6779   ill looks Either Geron's physical appearance, or the way he is presenting himself at this current time, perhaps still in shock at Doris's entrance, or trying to arrange his features and body in a pleasing way for her. [go to text]

gg4528   miscarry’t. lose (message), fail (in duty) [go to text]

n6780   But by her grace’s favour, This dialogue between Thymele and Doris could occur as an aside, perhaps while Garrula is instructing Geron how to woo on another part of the stage. [go to text]

gs1645   trench encroach (OED v. 7b) [go to text]

n6781   Demosthenes MacLeod suggests that Geron means 'So I suffer pain not too grievously'. He explains that Demosthenes (a great Athenian orator, 1st century BC) was forced into exile after being accused of having misappropriated a large sum of money brought to Athens by Harpalus, the treasurer of Alexander the Great. [go to text]

gg893   forfeit (v) lose [go to text]

n11287   Aristotle The 4th century BC Greek philosopher who studied under Plato and taught Alexander the Great, and was famous in a literary context especially for his Poetics. [go to text]

gs991   want lack [go to text]

n6782   It is This edition retains 'It is' rather than reversing the order of these words to 'Is it', since the original text's formulation suggests that Doris has already made her mind up about Geron's intentions. [go to text]

n6783   Alexander Alexander the Great, or Alexander II of Macedon, monarch and renowned war leader (1st century BC). MacLeod cites the Oxford Classical Dictionary which suggests that Alexander may have believed himself divine, having requested the Greek cities to treat him as a God in 324 (p.40). [go to text]

gg4530   Coition meeting, coming together; also, copulation [go to text]

n6784   Coition Video Geron unfortunately compounds Doris's suspicions by using the word 'coition' to mean 'meeting', when it also can mean 'copulation' or sexual union. It is unclear whether Doris understands this word, seeming to interject because his response is too long and complicated rather than because she objects to his language and (accidental) insinuation. In workshopping this sequence, the actors experimented with the delivery of, and response to, 'Coition' . The reference appears in Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers. [go to text]

n4961   You’re ] Y'are [go to text]

gg4532   agent one who exerts power to produce a particular effect [go to text]

n6785   posture If Garrula was instructing Geron earlier in the scene how to act, stand, speak etc. perhaps he has adopted a rather artificial, off-putting posture. This might be the traditional posture of the (melancholic) lover as described by Moth in Love's Labour's Lost:
'with your hat penthouse-like o'er the shop of your eyes, with your arms crossed on your thin-belly doublet like a rabbit on a spit, or your hands in your pocket like a man after the old painting' (3.1.15-19).
A similar image is featured on the frontispiece of Burton's The Anatomy of Melancholy.
It is important to note that the art of speaking or acting was divided into the two categories of speech and gesture; Cambridge University had rooms dedicated to the practice of both. In this scene, Garrula and Thymele are attempting to school Geron on how to woo both in terms of speech and posture, but he is learning his lesson as if it were a foreign language. [go to text]

gg4531   speed (v) meet with good fortune, succeed [go to text]

gs155   wait tend (upon someone); accompany as a servant [go to text]

n6787   for my son i.e. on his behalf [go to text]

n6788   But still – I know. Garrula cannot resist one final warning to Thymele of her concealed knowledge. In performance, the line could be accompanied by a knowing tap to the side of the nose, or a wink. [go to text]

n6786   Knew not what to say. Doris finishes the couplet since Geron is tongue-tied. [go to text]

n11290   [They all exit.] ] Exeunt Omnes. [go to text]

n6789   (I must tell you, Stratocles) The King singles out Stratocles as the one suitor he knows Eudina does not love. [go to text]

gg1920   prefer advance, promote, favour [go to text]

gg2484   weigh consider [go to text]

gs992   suit petition, specifically in the courtship of a woman (OED n. 12) [go to text]

n6790   lump of earth i.e. flesh, commonly referred to as dust or earth in the Bible [go to text]

gg3144   bulwark a fortification [go to text]

gg4533   Arms weapons (used in warfare) [go to text]

gg4534   shrouding sheltering, protecting [go to text]

gg4535   desolation act of laying waste, destruction [go to text]

gg4536   blazing proclaiming, publishing (OED, blaze, v2. 2); celebrating [go to text]

n9342   He that commends himself, Speaks upon trust, and is his hearer’s slave. Possibly proverbial. [go to text]

n6791   Envy Stratocles, blinded by his own ambition, mistakes Disanius' measured words of advice for envious criticism and labels him as a personification of Envy. In Jonson's play The Poetaster the character of Envy appears on stage through the trap, wreathed in serpents. [go to text]

n6793   Stratocles ] Sra. (MacLeod) [go to text]

gs993   declined averted, turned (away) from; shrugged away [go to text]

gg4537   declining bending down, drooping (with fatigue and age) [go to text]

gs1646   satisfaction gratification, contentment (OED 5a. 5b) [go to text]

n6792   prisoner in the labyrinth Another reference to the mythology of Daedalus, who created a labyrinth on the island of Crete for King Minos in which to imprison his wife's son, the Minotaur (part man, part bull). Theseus succeeded in killing the Minotaur, finding his way through the labyrinth with Ariadne's thread. The King's reference here serves as an expression of his helplessness rather than necessarily to liken himself to Theseus. [go to text]

gg4538   sublimity loftiness, dignity [go to text]

n6407   human ] humane [go to text]

gs1641   vouchsafes consents, deigns [go to text]

n6406   incense ] incenss [go to text]

n9217   offering, ] offering. [go to text]

gg4539   augury omen, prophecy [go to text]

gg756   allayed alleviated; appeased [go to text]

n6409   Justinius’ ] Justinus [go to text]

n6408   Lend ] Lead [go to text]

gs994   temper temperament, constitution [go to text]

n6794   Soldier Disanius refers to Stratocles' boastful claims at the beginning of the scene of defending the country from its enemies in service of the King. He stands in contrast to the venerated General Adrastus, brother of Disanius, mourned by the King. 'Soldier' seems to mock Stratocles' activities in peace time, i.e. self-interested ambition in politics. [go to text]

n6795   earthly exhalation A mote (which catches the light as it ascends) or a meteor or shooting star, which exists momentarily and then is gone. [go to text]

gs1642   mark target, object [go to text]

n9218   darted to the centre This suggests speed of movement, perhaps reflected in the centre of the eye (which is black) or referring to the 'centre' of the target (between the bull's eye and the outer), although this meaning is not recorded in the OED until 1887 (9a). An alternative explanation is of 'centre' as 'the centre of the earth' so the contrast is between the particle being airborne aloft before falling down to the lowest point (however this does not explain how it then becomes the plaything of men and children). [go to text]

n6410   o’th’ ] oth [go to text]

n6797   Cynics A sect of ancient Greek philosophers, founded by Antisthenes, who rejected human desires for health, wealth, power and advancement. [go to text]

n6796   bark philosophy Stratocles uses the verb 'bark' meaning 'to utter' or 'burst out with' in order to pun on canine associations with Diogenes, philosopher and most extreme practitioner of the Cynics. The word 'cynic' is derived from a Greek form of the word for 'dog'; Diogenes advocated that humans should study and copy dogs' simple attitude to life. [go to text]

n6411   adoring ] adorning [go to text]

gg4541   upbraid reproach, find fault with [go to text]

gg4542   brawny hardened, unfeeling [go to text]

gs1647   front forehead; countenance [go to text]

gs995   prating idle talk; preaching [go to text]

gg3002   prodigal extravagant, recklessly wasteful [go to text]

n6798   seed upon so flinty soil A biblical reference to the New Testament parable of the sower. Jesus describes how the sower scatters seed on the path, rocky ground, amongst thorn bushes, and good soil. He explains that the seed which falls on rocky ground is like the word of God being received by men who do not allow the message to sink in, so that it dies quickly. Disanius is pointing to Stratocles' inability to absorb good advice (because he is consumed by ambition) and suggests that it will doom him. In doing so, Disanius dubiously associates himself with the sower of the parable, and, by implication, presents himself as a redeeming god-figure. [go to text]

gg4544   aerial of the air, airborne [go to text]

n6801   noble falcon Falconry is commonly associated with aspirational thoughts, though not always so favourably as here. In Shakespeare's Henry VI Part 2, whilst engaging in some falconry, King Henry comments 'Yea, man and birds are fain of climbing high' (2.1.8). To this, the Earl of Suffolk responds:
No marvel, an it like your majesty,
My Lord Protector's hawks do tower so well;
They know their master loves to be aloft,
And bears his thoughts above his falcon's pitch. (2.1.9-12)
Here, as in Stratocles' speech, the suggestion of aspiration is intrinsically linked with the threat of a fall (as in the frequently-referenced myth of Icarus and his wax wings). [go to text]

gs378   present immediate, current [go to text]

gs1643   gain object of desire (increase of advantage) [go to text]

gg1899   wanting lacking, needing [go to text]

n6799   sour ] sowre. An alternative modernisation of this spelling could be 'sore'. [go to text]

n6800   sour Stratocles comments on Disanius' apparent bitterness whilst also punning on 'sore' which, according to the OED can be a hawk in its first or second year (OED, sore, a2. 1; n2. 2), thus continuing the falconry references from the lines above. [go to text]

gs996   attend wait [go to text]

n6802   yet be a trouble Stratocles refers scornfully back to the King's comment at the beginning of the scene [LS 3.2.speech350]. [go to text]

n6803   travel ] travail. The modernisation supports the primary meaning: Stratocles will make his influence travel through their blood; the secondary meaning of 'travail' as 'work' is also present. The primary meaning is suggested by the following line's 'quicker motion'. [go to text]

n6804   pale horse of death The fourth horseman of the Apocalypse from the biblical book of Revelation 6:7-9 is referred to both as pale and pale green (depending on translation) and said to represent Death. Either Stratocles sets himself upon the horse's back, or 'this rider' refers to Matho, whom he has seen or heard entering before he speaks. Riding upon horses is a common trope in Early Modern drama for the controlling of difficult events: compare with another ambitious character, Lemot, in Chapman's An Humorous Day's Mirth: 'And he that mends my humour, take the spurs. Sit fast, for by heaven, I'll jerk the horse you ride on' (10.72-73). [go to text]

gg3285   lets obstacles, hindrances [go to text]

n6805   I like that compellation: In performance, this could be delivered as an aside to the audience. [go to text]

gg1244   compellation name by which a person is addressed (OED 2b) [go to text]

n9236   styl’st ] stil'st. Stratocles approves of Matho giving him his 'proper' title in address. [go to text]

gs29   but only [go to text]

n6807   wakeful eyes and ready hands Instead of his usual tactic, which is to use words to gain political advantage, Stratocles recognises that he must now be watchful for an opportunity for action. In Richard III, the Second Murderer recognises as much:
Talkers are no good doers. Be assured,
We go to use our hands, and not our tongues. (1.3.349-350)
[go to text]

n6806   Now my king speaks himself. Matho flatters Stratocles by anticipating his success. Although this line could be delivered as an aside, it is more appropriate, given its toadying content, for Stratocles to be within earshot. [go to text]

n6808   Jove-like brain Jove (also known as Jupiter) was the most powerful of the Roman gods, hence this is another example of Matho flattering Stratocles' intellect. [go to text]

n6809   Pallas Also known as Pallas Athene or Athena, the patron goddess of Athens was the daughter of Zeus and, according to mythology, emerged from Zeus' head after he swallowed Athena's mother, Metis (for fear that she would bear a son stronger than him). Pallas is known as a war goddess and the personification of wisdom, hence Matho's reference to her here. [go to text]

gs997   allay calm, repress, quell [go to text]

gs998   wanton undisciplined, rebellious (OED a. and n. 1a) [go to text]

gg5979   girl 'used as a form of address to a girl or woman' (OED n. 4; OED cites the example of The Love-Sick Court, 3.3) [go to text]

gg4286   beldam aged woman, hag [go to text]

n6810   his Geron's [go to text]

n7730   Still you move like those Video An interpretation of the following sequence, including the dream vision, is recorded in . In this staging, Eudina sleeps in the downstage position while the dream vision involving Philocles and Philargus occurs upstage of her. The actors noted that the music could serve as a useful cue to the actor playing Eudina (here, Olivia Darnley) that the dream vision is over and it is time for her to awake. [go to text]

gg1799   move persuade, convince [go to text]

n6811   in you in your power [go to text]

n6812   the Delphian god Apollo, at whose temple in Delphi worshippers came to put questions to the oracle [go to text]

n6816   Aside Video Two possible options for the delivery of this line were explored in the workshops: Placilla can either deliver the line as an aside to herself and the audience , or as an aside to Thymele as a statement . [go to text]

gg491   want lack [go to text]

gg4546   vision something seen in a dream or trance, often prophetic [go to text]

gg1695   several different, separate [go to text]

n6813   They meet and embrace affectionately; This edition retains the effect of the original text's heavily punctuated stage direction, though substituting the colons with semi-colons for clarity. The 'dreamed' action requires a series of clearly separate, ritualised performed actions, so that the semi-colons in this text serve to break up the actions into distinct units whilst also signifying a pause before the next action is begun. [go to text]

gg4548   start off move suddenly away (from someone or something) [go to text]

gg4547   menace threaten [go to text]

n6817   menace According to Dessen and Thomson, 'an action occasionally signalled as part of a dumb show or other extended stage business' (p. 143). For another use, see The Queen and Concubine, opening stage direction to Act 2, scene 1. [go to text]

gs999   severally not together, independently (through different doors) [go to text]

n6814   The song ended, EUDINA affrightedly starts up. In performance, the song's ending functions as the cue to the actor playing Eudina that the dream action has been completed and 'she' can open her eyes as if waking. [go to text]

n7892   starts According to Dessen and Thomson, 'starts' or 'starts up' is 'used in roughly sixty signals for a sudden involuntary movement linked to surprise or awakening from sleep' (p. 214). [go to text]

n6815   Stay, Philocles; stay, Philargus. These lines could be spoken as if Eudina is talking in her sleep, or talking as she awakes. [go to text]

gg4545   ominous of bad omen, ill fortune [go to text]

n6818   the glory of the world Philargus regularly refers to Eudina in such exaggerated phrases; see also [LS 1.2.speech150] and [LS 1.2.speech152], where he refers to her as 'the life of goodness' and 'the world'. [go to text]

gs1000   avert oppose; turn away (from a course of action) [go to text]

n6819   This Thessaly must suffer. i.e. Thessaly must suffer this. [go to text]

gg1781   ere before [go to text]

n6413   you ] your [go to text]

gs50   scruple refers to a small unit of time (OED n1. 3), but puns on alternative meaning: 'a doubt, uncertainty or hesitation in regard to right and wrong, duty, propriety, etc.' (OED n2. 1) [go to text]

n6414   spite ] spight [go to text]

gg3754   injunction the action of enjoining or authoritatively directing; an authoritative or emphatic admonition or order (OED 1) [go to text]

gg3817   engage pledge [go to text]

n6820   lighter purposes i.e. merrier activities [go to text]

n6821   His tutors A role reversal, in that Philargus and Philocles are to become tutors in love to their tutor, Geron. [go to text]

gg1268   hither here (to this place) [go to text]

gg4550   come nearer get close to the truth [go to text]

gs938   fit suitable [go to text]

gs1001   school instruct; teach a disciplinary lesson [go to text]

gs1003   wait o’ watch for [go to text]

gs1002   grace seemliness, sense of propriety [go to text]

gg3968   chid scolded [go to text]

gg4551   at’s at his [go to text]

n6420   In troth ] Introth [go to text]

gg4108   In truly [go to text]

gs1644   counterfeit forged (writing), imitated, false [go to text]

gg4531   speed (v) meet with good fortune, succeed [go to text]

gg4552   in charge entrusted to one's care or management, duty of responsibility; in trust [go to text]

gs310   render deliver [go to text]

n6822   lawless because it is the romantic love for a supposed brother [go to text]

n6823   Remember, Cupid, whom thou makest thy anvil: Placilla seems to confuse two Roman gods: Vulcan, god of fire and blacksmithing, and Cupid, the boy-god of love; however, Cupid is also supposedly Vulcan's son, so perhaps Placilla's reference to the blacksmith's anvil is intentional. She protests against the pain of being used to shape another purpose. Placilla's speech occurs while Philargus reads the letter and Matho exits (unseen by him). [go to text]

gg4553   ardency warmth of feeling, eagerness, zeal [go to text]

n9238   because it is so near. Placilla laments that the object of her affection is both 'near' in physical proximity and in blood, as he is thought to be her brother. [go to text]

gs1004   fiddlestick something insignificant; tool (used to play upon something else to produce an outcome) [go to text]

n6824   cloths ] cloaths [go to text]

n6825   cloths Painted hangings used as a cheaper way than woven tapestry to cover or brighten up interior walls. [go to text]

gs1005   palliate hide, conceal (OED v. 3) [go to text]

gs1006   creatures animals [go to text]

gs1007   Allays calms, represses [go to text]

gs1008   heat lust [go to text]

gg4554   belly uterus (OED n. 7) [go to text]

gg1542   sire father [go to text]

gg4555   dam mother (of animals) [go to text]

n6826   mature for love i.e. sexually mature [go to text]

gs926   whither where, to what place [go to text]

n6827   Bestial thoughts Placilla uses the vocative here, addressing her thoughts directly. [go to text]

gs1009   Forth out [go to text]

n6828   It was returning, but a flaming shaft Of love has set its mansion afire And frights it back again. Placilla describes how her reason (rational faculty) was returning to her, but when Philocles (the object of her affection) enters he reignites the feelings of love in her, so that her rational thought disappears again. Here love is likened to a 'flaming shaft', a burning arrow sent by Cupid which sets alight the 'mansion' or dwelling place of reason. [go to text]

gg3800   exquisite consummate, excellent, perfect [go to text]

n9239   him I dare not look on? ] him? I dare not look on. Emending the punctuation makes more sense grammatically and dramatically so that the question mark falls at the end of the complete sentence rather than in the middle of two shorter statements. [go to text]

gs1010   garb style, fashion [go to text]

gg4556   testudineous slow, like a tortoise [go to text]

gg4557   obsequies funeral rites [go to text]

gg1079   weeds clothes [go to text]

gg4558   duello duel [go to text]

gg4559   enjoining prescribe authoritatively, order (OED, enjoin, v. 2a) [go to text]

n6424   Philocles’s ] Philocles his [go to text]

gs1011   moved persuaded [go to text]

n9498   ’twas not The man that moved me (for I know him not) But the reward. In delivering an innocent-seeming letter, Matho's words are a reminder of the usual inner conflict between conscience and payment of those ordered to carry out unpleasant tasks. In Richard III, the two murderers intructed to kill Clarence articulate similar concerns:
1 Murderer How dost thou feel thyself now?
2 Murderer Some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.
1 Murderer Remember our reward, when the deed's done.
2 Murderer Zounds, he dies! I had forgot the reward. (1.4.116-120)
Matho has no such crisis of conscience, citing the reward as his prime motivation in delivering the letter. Of course, accepting a fee for undertaking an errand on another's behalf is not so unusual, but Matho's apparent lack of interest in the errand (only in the money) demonstrates he is capable of the sinister undertaking which this mission involves (i.e. the goading of the two brothers to fight one another to the death). [go to text]

gg4560   injurious wilfully harmful [go to text]

gg811   conjure entreat (OED v. 4) [go to text]

n7895   vale of Tempe A valley in Thessaly, between Mount Olympus in the north and Ossa in the South, through which the river Peneus flows into the Aegean. Commonly referenced as an idyllic haven of verdant walks and pleasing birdsong by classical poets, and honoured by the presence of the gods. [go to text]

gg4561   Expostulate argue [go to text]

gg1195   tother other (of two) [go to text]

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