© University of Sheffield, 2010
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THE
QUEEN’S
EXCHANGE:
A
COMEDY

The Persons in the Play.n10731

BERTHA,n10732 Queen of West Saxons.
KELRIC,n11056 ELKWIN,n11057 ELFRID,n11058 three sycophant Lords in Queen Bertha’s Court.
SEGEBERT,n10733 a Lord banished by Queen Bertha.n11068
THEODRIC, King Osric’s Favourite and Ambassador.
ANTHYNUS and OFFA,n11059 Segebert’s sons.
MILDRED,n11060Segebert’s daughter.n11067
OSRIC,n11061 King of Northumbria.
THEODWALD, EAUFRID,n11062 ALFRID,n11063 EDELBERT,n11064 Lords of King Osric’s Council.
4 CLOWNS.gg1009
JEFFREY, the King’s Fool.n11065
A CONSTABLE.
ETHELSWIC, Theodric’s substitute in Osric’s affections.
A PHYSICIAN.
3 OUTLAWS.
A HERMIT and his SERVANT.
EDITH,n11066 Mildred’s Nurse.
ARNOLD, an old servant of Offa.
A CARPENTER, A MASON and A SMITH, three Thieves.
KEEPER of Prison.

Scene England.

Prologuen10264 to the Queens Exchange.


The writer of this play, who evergg68 uses
        To usher with his modesty the Musesgg4259
        Unto the stage, he that scarce ever durstgg219
        Of poets rank himself above the worst,
        Though most that he has writ has passedgs1743the rest,
        And found good approbationgg3112 of the best,
        He, as he never knew to bow, he says,
        As little fears the fortune of his plays.
        He yields their right to us, and we submit
        All that they are in learning or in wit
        To your fair censure.gs1628 All is then but thus:
        As you approve, they are good or bad to us;
        And all by way of favour we can crave
        Is that you not destroy where you may save.
ACT ONE
1.1n10500
Hautboysgg3027 [sound offstage].
Enter KELRICK, ELKWIN, [ELFRID],n10263 SEGEBERT, BERTHA and Attendants.


3BerthaSince it has pleased the highest Power to place me
        His substitute in regal sovereignty,
        Over this kingdom, by the general vote
        Of you, my loyal Lords and loving subjects,
        Though grounded on my right of due succession,
        Being immediate heir, and only child
        Of your late, much deplored king, my father,
        I am in a most reverend duty bound
        Unto that Power above me, and a well-
        Befitting care towards you my faithful people,
        To rule and govern so (at least so near
        As by all possibility I may)
        That I may shun Heaven's anger, and your grief.
        Which that I may, at our last consultation,
        The better to pass through my weighty charge,
        I gave you to consider of the proposition
        Is made to me by the Northumbrian king
        Of marriage, not only to enable me
        In my government, but thereby to strengthen
        This kingdom in succeeding times, by a line
        Of lawful successors. I gave you all
        My strong and most unanswerable reasons,
        To which you seemed contented, all but one,
        Who with the rest by this I hope is satisfied.
        ’Tis you, Lord Segebert, you it is I mean.
        Does it appear to you yet reasonable,
        That I be matched to the Northumbrian king?
        I have with patience waited a whole month
        For you to rectify your scrupulous judgement,
        Whereby it might comply with these, no way
        Inferior to your self, but are your peers,
        As well in their known wisdom, as my favour.

4SegebertThus low unto your sacred Majesty
        I here devotegg6076 myself; and thus I meet
        With equal love, th’ embraces of these Lords.
        I’ll join and grow one body and one voice
        With them, in all may add unto your honour,
        And your dear kingdom’s good. But pardon me,
        My sovereign Queen, and I beseech you, my Lords,
        To weigh with your known wisdom the great danger
        This match may bring unto the crown and country.
        ‘Tis true, the King Osric as well in person
        As in his dignity, may be thought fit
        To be endowed with all you seem to yieldgs1686 him;
        But what becomes of all the wholesomegs1744 laws,
        Customs, and all the nerves of government
        Your no less prudent than majestic father
        With power and policy enriched this land with
        And made the Saxons happy, and yourself
        A queen of so great eminence. Must all,
        With so much majesty and matchless beauty,
        Be now subjected to a stranger’s foot
        And trod into disorder? All your wealth,
        Your state,gs1753 your laws, your subjects, and the hope
        Of flourishing future fortunes, which your father
        By his continual care and tediousgg156 study
        Gave as a legacy unto this kingdom,
        Must all be altered, or quite subverted,gg6077
        And all by a wilful gift unto a stranger?

5BerthaPeace! Stop his mouth! Unreverend old man,
        How durstn10265 thou thus oppose thy sovereign’s will,
        So well approved by all thy fellow peers,
        Of which the meanestgg199 equals thee in judgement?

6SegebertDo you approve their judgements, Madam, which
        Are grounded on your will:n10266 I may not do’t.
        Onlygs1745 I pray that you may understand
        (But not unto your loss) the difference
        Betwixt smooth flattery and honest judgements.

7BerthaDo you hear this, my Lords?

8KelricMy Lord Segebert,
        Though you exceptgg6078 against this king,
        He may hereafter thank you in your kind.

9SegebertMeantime I thank you for your prophecy.

10Kelricn10267You cannot but allow succession is
        The life of kingdoms; and if so, you cannot
        But wish the Queen (which Heaven grant speedily)
        An happygg1548 husband.

11BerthaI thank you, good my Lord.

12ElkwinAnd if an husband, why not him she affects?gs1732
        Can it befit a subject to control
        The affection of his princess? Heaven forbid!

13SegebertThis is ear-taking music.

14ElkwinOr suppose,
        You might control it: whom in your great wisdom
        Would you allotn10268 the Queen?

15SegebertI see your aim
        And know, when I have said all that I dare,
        What censure I must undergo. And thus
        I’ll meet it boldly: you are sycophantsgg6079 all,
        And do provide but for yourselves, though all
        The kingdom perish for’t. May the justice
        That follows flattery overtake you for’t.

16[Bertha]n10269Take hence the madman.

17Kelricn11087   [To SEGEBERT]   We are sorry for you.

18ElkwinAnd wish the troublesome spirit were out of you,
        That so distracts your reason.

19ElfridWe have known you
        Speak and answer to the purpose.

20Segebert   [To ELKWIN]   Your question to no purpose, sir, was this:
        Whom my great wisdom would allot the Queen?
        You are not worth my answer.   [To BERTHA]   But my sovereign,
        I do implore your gracious attention
        To these few words.

21KelricLess sense.

22ElfridNo matter.

23ElkwinSilence.
        Speak your few words: the Queen can give you hearing.

24Segebert   [To BERTHA]   I wish Your Highness would command your women,
        That know their qualities, to take up your beagles.
        Their petulances sortgg3135 not with this place
        Nor the more serious matter of my speech.

25BerthaSpeak: I can hear you through.n10270 Forbeargs1593 him, Lords.

26SegebertThe King your father, and my ne’ern10271-to-be-
        Forgotten master — please you to remember,
        Although his memory be lost with these
        Who ne’ern10272 had grace to know him rightly — gave me
        Before his death strictlygs1746 this charge,gg1561 and in
        Your presence too, charging your self withal
        To give it due obedience: that you should
        Before all men’s advice take mine for marriage;
        And that especially I should take care
        ’Gainst innovation, thatn10273 the laws he left
        Established with such care for good o’th’n10274 kingdom
        Might be maintained by whomsoe’ern10275 you matched with.
        I know, and you, if you knew anything,
        Might know the difference ‘twixt the Northumbrian laws
        And ours; and sooner will their king pervertgs1747
        Your privileges and your government,
        Than reducegs1748 his to yours: pure common sense —
        Even you, methinks, my Lords — may foretell that.

27BerthaYou have said enough.

28SegebertI do beseech your Highness
        But for this little more.

29BerthaI’ll hear no more.

30KelricPray hear his little more although you send him
        Out of your hearing then for evermore.

31SegebertYour father added this to his command:
        That rather than by marriage you should bring
        Your subjects to such thraldom,gg808 and that if
        No prince whose laws coheredgg6080 with yours did seek you
        (As some there are, and nearer than th’ Northumbrian)
        That he would have you from some noble stockgg1396
        To take a subject in your own dominion.

32BerthaTraitor!

33SegebertTo urge your father’s testament?

34KelricBut did the King, your ne’ern10276-forgotten master,
        Bequeath her an affection to such blood?

35BerthaForbear.gs524 Now he’s not worth your speaking to.

36Kelric   [Aside]   Now she’ll ha’ me, I hope. What a foul beast
        Was I to undervalue subject’s blood?

37BerthaI have forbornegs1749 you long, for the old love
        My father in his life conferred upon you
        And still I yield to it so much as saves
        Your head, bold-talking fellow. But, sir, hear
        Your doom.gg2293 Since the King’s love hath puffed your dotagegs208
        With swollen conceitgs1750 (for what can it be less?)
        That you are now my King (for sure you think so)
        I’ll trygs1751 my title with you. Hence, you exile!
        Go in perpetual banishment from this kingdom.
           [To KELRIC, ELKWIN and ELFRID]   Speak not a word for him.

38[Kelric, Elkwin and Elfrid]n10296In sooth,gg4655 we meant it not.

39KelricBut may it please Your Majesty, you mentioned
        His head erewhile.gg3182 Now, if I might advise--

40BerthaAway, you’ll be too cruel.

41Kelric   [Aside]   Another hope lost.

42ElkwinHis lands and goods, Madam, would be thought on.

43BerthaNo, he has children.

44ElfridI’ll take his daughter with all faults, and half his lands.

45Bertha   [To SEGEBERT]   Why are ye not gone?

46SegebertI have not much to say.

47BerthaOut with it, then, and then out with yourself!

48SegebertIn the large history of your father’s life
        You find but one example for this doomgg2293
        Of banishment, and that was of Alberton10734 five years since,
        For wronging me unto His Highness, when
        He stood in competition with me for
        The honourgs1752 in the stategs1753 the King then gave me.

49BerthaAnd what of this?

50SegebertBut thus: I stood by then, and then all-knowing Heaven
        Saw that though he for wronging me was banished,
        I was right sorry, and much pleaded for him.

51BerthaIt follows now that you would have these lords,
        Whom you have so abused,gs1754 to plead for you.

52SegebertQuite contrary, for they are my abusers.
        Yet I do grieve for them, but more for you,
        To think on all your sorrows, when too late
        You’ll wish for me to steer the state.gs1753

53BerthaPray, if you meet that good old lord Alberto
        Now in your exile, send him home to us:
        I’ll promise him your honour in the state.gs1753

54AllHa, ha, ha!

55BerthaGo from my sight, and if after three days
        Thou art seen in my dominion, I will give
        A thousand crownsn10277 to him that brings thy head.
        See proclamation sent to that effect.

56KelricI will, and as many informers after
        The proclamation, as there be crowns in’t.
           [To SEGEBERT]   Come, we have spoken for you all that we can.

57ElfridThe Queen’s implacable.

58BerthaBe gone, I say! Why dost thou stay?

59SegebertButgg5728 to applaud your mercy and bounty,
        In that you postgs1755 me from a world of care
        And give me the wide world for my shareSEG[EBERT] and KELR[IC] exit.

60ElkwinYour Majesty has performedgg6081 a point of justice,
        Mingled with clemency,gg697 beyond all precedent.n10278

61BerthaEnough to give a warning to all such
        As dare oppose their princes’ purposes.
        Conduct in now th’ ambassador of Northumbria.ELKW[IN] and ELF[RID] exit.n11084
        Whilst I   [studying portrait of Osric]n11086   review his master’s brighter figuregg1756
        As ardently (but with more pure affection)
        As e’ern10280 did Cynthia her Endymion.n10279
Ent[er THEODRIC with ELKWIN and ELFRID]n10281

           [To Theodric]   My Lord, you have attended long, but now
        I shall return that answer to your King
        That, if his love be as you have pretended,
        May well excuse your stay. Tell him this story,
        A king sent forth a general to besiege
        A never-conquered city. The siege was long,
        And no report came back unto the king,
        How well or ill his expedition thrived,
        Until his doubtful thoughts had given lost,
        His hope o’th’ city and his army both.
        When he being full of this despair, arrived
        O’th’ sudden his brave general with victory,
        Which made his thanks, as was his conquest, double.
        You may interpret me, my Lord.

62TheodricIf so,
        I am to tell the King he has won your love.

63BerthaA blush may be excused in the confession.
        ’Tis my first answer to the question: yes.

64TheodricSo from the doubtful darkness of the night,
        The blushing morn ushers the cheerful sun
        To give new light and life unto the world.
        I shall revive my king with these glad tidings.

65BerthaYou have said well: let us inform you better.n10282
[BERTHA takes THEODRIC to one side and confers privately with him]n10283

66ElkwinI can but think what old Segebert said
        Concerning laws, customs, and privileges,
        And how this match will change the government.
        I fear, howe’er the laws may go, our customs will
        Be lost, for he, methinks, out-flatters us already.

67ElfridHe’s the King’s favourite,gg6082 and has wooed so well
        For him, that we may fear he’ll wriggle in
        ‘Twixt him and us, the prime man in her favour.

68Bertha   [To THEODRIC]n11085   Let it be so. The tenth of the next month
        I’ll be prepared to entertain His Highness,
        First to confirm a contract, then as soon
        As he shall please, to consummate our marriage.
        In the mean time this figure,gs1756 which you say
        Resembles him, as painter’s skill affords —
        Indeed, it is a sweet one!   (Kisses it)   — shall be daily
        My dear companion most unseparably;
        And when I sleep, it shall partake my pillow.
        Does he love mine as well d’ye think, my Lord?

69TheodricJust with the same devotion. If I durst,gg219
        I would say more.

70BerthaNay, speak, my Lord, pray speak!

71TheodricHe doesn10284 allow’t a table, waiters and officersgg6083
        That eat the meat.

72BerthaIndeed!

73Elkwin   [Aside]   Oh horrible!

74Elfrid   [Aside]   Nay, we shall ne’ern10276 come near him!

75TheodricAnd at night
        He lodges it perpetually on his bosom.

76Elkwin   [Aside]   We are dunces to him.

77TheodricHere, just here —   [THEODRIC] shrugs.n10287   
        And’t please Your Majesty — o’ the heart’s side.

78BerthaIndeed I am pleased! I’ll staygs1104 you but tonight:
        Tomorrow you shall hasten towards the King,
        And for your speed wear this.n10288

79TheodricMost gracious queen.[THEODORIC] kisses her hand.
[THEODRIC, BERTHA, KELRIC, ELKWIN, ELFRID,and Attendants exit.]n10286
1.2n10290
Enter SEGEBERT, ANTHYNUS,n10289 OFFA [and] MILDRED.

80Segebert’Tis the Queen’s pleasure, children: I must bear it.

81OffaTo banishment, good heaven forbid!n10291
        And Heaven I hope will not yet suffer it.

82SegebertWhilst we expect the best from Heaven’s high will,
        It suffers princes to reward us ill.
        Yet can I think it shakes an angry hand
        Over my head for some misdeed of mine,
        Which I have unrepented let go by.
        It must be something sure was pleasure to me.
        What in the world has most delighted me?
        To love my king and country, neighbours, friends,
        And sometimes enemies. (I’ll pass o’ern10292 that.)
        I have done well (though I do not to boast it)
        To succour and relieve all kind of wretches,
        Poor souls that have half deafened me with prayers,
        Loud prayers. They’ll miss me now, and I
        Shall have amissgs1760 of themn10297 too. (Let that pass.)
        What have I done at home, since my wife died?
        No turtle ever kept a widowhood
        More strictn10293 than I have done. Then, for my children:
        Offa, come you hither.

83OffaMy lord father.

84Anthynus   [Aside]   He might have called me first: I am the eldest.

85SegebertI am sure thou’lt answer in behalf of one.
        Have I not loved thee always?

86OffaO dear sir,
        I am all unworthy to acknowledge half,
        Half of your piousgs1757 bounties on a son,
        A wretch so ill deserving as myself.
        Your hand has evermore been open to me,
        Your blessings still more readily have showered
        Upon my head than I had grace to ask them.
           [Aside]n10294   For to my knowledge I ne’ern10276 asked blessing yet
        With a good will in all my life: some would
        Do penance in the church with less perplexity.gs1758

87SegebertAye, thou wast ever an obedient child.
           [To MILDRED]   Next, you, my daughter.

88Anthynus   [Aside]   Then I must be last.

89SegebertHow have you found my love?

90MildredSir, far above my duty.   [MILDRED] weeps.n10299   

91SegebertDo not weep, but speak, good child.
        I have not long to stay with ye: my three days
        Will scarce afford this hour to bide with you.

92MildredHad I no tears nor sobs to interrupt
        My flattering tongue, but had speech as free
        As the best orator that speaks for fee
        Could, or durst I attempt t’express your goodness
        More than to say, ’tis more than I can say —

93Segebert’Tis a good maid!   [Aside]   O Queen, thou art too cruel!

94MildredBut honour’d father, grant me yet one boon.n11088

95SegebertWhat’s that, my girl?

96MildredYou shall know presently.gg103
[MILDRED] dries her eyes.

        Pray give me leave to kneel unto the Queen
        To try what I can do for your repeal.
        ’Twere shame we should sit down and lose you thus.
        The Queen affectsgs1732 me well. You know she loves me
        And promised once she would deny me nothing.

97SegebertFor this thou shalt not trouble her. Besides,
        You put me well in mind to chargegs130 you, daughter,
        Upon my blessing, go no more to Court.
        Shun it, I charge thee, as thou wouldst my curse.
        If you have lovers there whom they call servants,
        Do as neatgg6087 surgeons do when they have touched
        Loathsome or pestilent sores: wash clean your hands
        Of all of ’em, that are far more infectious.
        And hear me, daughter Mildred: I am told
        The Northumbrian ambassador now at Court,
        The great King’s greater favourite,gg6082 made hot love to you.
        And that he obtained your picture, which he wears
        More proud of’t than his undeserved honours.
        Let me now charge you further, and observe it:
        Shake off all thoughts of him. Upon the match now
        He and whole shoalsn10300gg6088 of upstart braveries,gg5980
        Must hither needs attend their King. But if
        Thou marry with him, or any amongst them,
        Though the greatest subject that his master has,
        Thou art divorced forever of my blessing.

98MildredI will in all obey you.

99OffaI shall look to that, sir.

100SegebertEnough. Anthynus!

101Anthynus   [Aside]   At last, yet I am thought on.

102SegebertNow there restsgg2348
        Of all my children but you to resolve me:
        How you have found my love?

103AnthynusYou ask me last,
        Sir, I presume, ’cause you have had me longest,
        To crown their testimony.

104SegebertYet you seem,
        Anthynus, by your leave, the least to know me,
        But like a stranger look upon me when
        These give me due respect.

105AnthynusLess than due
        I dare not give you, and more were to abuse you.
        Though I do not applaud, I must approvegs1759
        You are a right good father.

106OffaUmh.

107SegebertYet you speak in this but coldly.

108Offa   [To SEGEBERT]n11089   No, no, it sounds not well. But you are wise.

109AnthynusI have observed, but specially at Court,
        Where flattery is too frequent, the great scorn
        You have ever cast upon it, and do fear
        To come within such danger of reproof,
        Knowing your reason may as well detest it
        In your own house, as in kings’ palaces.
        And when I hear another (my dear sister,
        Heaven knowsn10298 I mean not you!)
        Speak like a flatterer, I hold my peace,
        And so come short of doing what I would,
        For fear of overdoing. But, honoured sir,
        When a son can be found that dares do more
        For’s father’s life or honour than myself,
        I’ll forfeit mine inheritance and your blessing.
        So much your love engagesgg6084 me.

110Offa   [To SEGEBERT]   If this were hearty now, not hollow.

111SegebertNo more!
        Time calls away apace, and I am satisfied,
        Since I must undergo the Queen’s hard censure,gg362
        That it falls not upon me like a curse,
        For wronging crown or country, neighbours, friends,
        Or you my dearer children. I will take it
        Not as a punishment, but blessing rather,
        To be removed from miseries
        Are like to fall on this unhappy kingdom.
        And I will think the Queen has done me favour
        To ease me of my cares a thousand ways,
        To make my rest of life all holidays.gg6085
        Now take my last directions. Son Anthynus.

112Anthynus   [Aside]   "Son"! It is holidayn9636 with me too. ’Tis
        The first time he called me "Son" these three years.

113SegebertThough you are eldest, and my lawful heir,
        And must be lord at my decease of all
        My large possessions, yet it is my will
        That till my death my Offa have the swaygg6090
        And government of all, allowing you
        That yearly stipendgg6086 formerly I gave you.
        Let me not hear of any grudge betwixt you.
        And be you both respectfulgg6089 of your sister,
        And you of them, good girl. It is decreed
        That I shall never see you more.

114MildredAy me.   [MILDRED weeps.]n10295   

115SegebertGo, get thee in, I prithee, Mildred!
        Go in, I say, thy brothers shall a little
        Shew me my way. Go in, I shall not speak else,
        And I have more to say to them. Good, now go!

116Mildred   [Sobbing]   O, O, O.[MILDRED starts to exit but returns.]n10302

117SegebertYou will not disobey me? Heaven bless my girl!

118MildredBut must I never see you more?

119SegebertYes, child, in heaven, and then for evermore.

120MildredTo wait your coming thither I’ll afore.n11091Exit [MILDRED].

121SegebertThither shall be my first journey, but after.gs1869n11090
           [To OFFA and ANTHYNUS]   You shall stillgg410 hear from me where’ern10301 I wander.

122AnthynusNot I, sir, by your favour.

123SegebertWhy, I pray?

124AnthynusI must be nearer you. I kneel for’t, sir,
        And humbly pray I may not be denied
        To wait on you in exile. Take me with you.

125Offa   [To SEGEBERT]   Do you not findgs1870 him?

126SegebertThis is but your stoutnessgg6091
        (Though you seem humble unto me) against
        Your brother, because I leave the rule to him.

127AnthynusFar be it from my thoughts, dear sir! Consider
        He has had that rule already divers years
        E’ern10285 since my mother died,n10303 and been your darling,
        Heaven knows without my grudge, while you were pleased.

128Offa   [To SEGEBERT]   Heaven knows his thoughts the while, alack a day!

129AnthynusI never envied him, though I have found
        You have severely overlookedgs1687 my actions,
        When you have smiled on his, though but the same.
        I have been still content while I have found my duty firm.

130SegebertYou shall along.

131AnthynusYou have new begotten me!

132OffaSir!

133SegebertPeace: I know thy fear, my dearest boy.

134OffaDoes not your blood begin to chill within you?
        Great heirs are overhasty, sir,
        And think their fathers live too long. Pray, sir
        Take heed of him. Though he should act the
        Parricide abroad, our laws acquit him.

135SegebertI’ll give myself to Heaven: quit thou thy fear.
        I am not worth a life. I’ll take him hence
        That thou mayst be secure from bloody spite.
        I fear him not. Mischief has spent herself
        And left her sting within me for a charmn10306
        That quitsn10305 me from the fear of further harm.
        Go get thee home: my blessing and farewell!

136OffaPray, sir, excuse me, I cannot speak   (Aside)n10304   for laughing.

137SegebertAnd farewell, country! Shed not a tear for me.
        I go to be dissolved in tears for thee.[SEGEBERT, ANTHYNUS and OFFA exit.]

Edited by Marion O'Connor


n10731   The Persons in the Play. For the benefit of readers (who will need all the help they can get if they are to follow the plot of The Queen's Exchange), this list of dramatis personae has been rearranged into order of appearance; duplicate entries have been amalgamated; a few identities and allegiances have been clarified; and some advance indications of plot developments have been removed. [go to text]

n10732   BERTHA, William Camden's Britannia (1586, English translation 1610) includes a brief tabular account of the etymology and meanings of Saxon names: Bertha's appears, along with Segebert's, among names which share a root word meaning `bright' (p. 139 / sig. M2r). In Anglo-Saxon historiography, Bertha was a Frankish princess, a Christian, married to King Ethelbert of Kent, a pagan: her religion prompted him, late in the sixth century, to tolerate the arrival and evangelical activities of Christian missionaries led by St. Augustine and eventually to become a Christian himself. Wood construes the character as a figure for Queen Henrietta Maria, she likewise being French and differing in religion from her English husband. Brome's Bertha, however, may not derive from either of these relatively well-documented queens but rather (or also) from Sexburga, of whom rather less is on historical record. Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. Serburga's name is the only feminine one on Foxe's list of West Saxon rulers -- a list from which Brome appears to have taken names for other of his dramatis personae as well as for Bertha's father, later named as `Kenwalcus' (see [NOTE n10427]). According to Foxe, Sexburga reigned, lateish in the seventh century, for only a single year. [go to text]

n11056   KELRIC, Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. Celric is there listed as king of the West Saxons late in the sixth century: his name (with variant form `Celricus’) closely precedes that of Elkwin. [go to text]

n11057   ELKWIN, Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. Elkwin is there listed as king of the West Saxons early in the seventh century: his name (with variant forms `Escwynus’ and `Ascwynus’) closely follows that of Celric. [go to text]

n11058   ELFRID, Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. Elfride (variant form `Elfridus’) is listed as the last King of the Mercians before they were taken over by the West Saxons. [go to text]

n10733   SEGEBERT, Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. Of the nine kings listed for the East Saxons between the mid sixth century and the early eighth century, two are named Segebert and two, Sigebert. The recurrence of the name among royalty is unsurprising: etymologically, Sege or Sige means `victory’ and Bert means `bright’. William Camden's Britannia (1586, English translation 1610) includes a brief tabular account of the etymology and meanings of Saxon names: Sigebert's appears, along with Bertha's, among names which share a root word meaning `bright' (p. 139 / sig. M2r). [go to text]

n11068   a Lord banished by Queen Bertha. ]Alberto, two banished Lords. The excision of the name of Alberto, and the corresponding emendation of the phrase identifying him and Segebert, are for the sake of surprise: the final scene will reveal the Hermit to be Alberto. [go to text]

n11059   OFFA, Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. An Offa is listed as King of the East Saxons for in the late seventh century, after an almost unbroken run of rulers named Sigebert or Segebert: this East Saxon Offa is noted to have abdicated after five years to become `a monk at Rome’. Another is listed as King of the Mercians for 39 years in the middle of the eighth century: this Mercian Offa, having slain his daughter’s saintly fiancé, also finishes up in `Rome, where he made himselfe a monke’. [go to text]

n11060   MILDRED, An Anglo-Saxon nun, Mildred was daughter of Merwald, King of the Mercians: John Foxe mentions her in his Acts and Monuments, two sentences before he mentions Editha. [go to text]

n11067   Segebert’s daughter. ] Segeberts daughter, Osriicks Queen. The second identification has been excised for the sake of suspense. [go to text]

n11061   OSRIC, Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. Osric is there listed as a king of part of Northumbria early in the seventh century. His name appears immediately above that of Eaufrid, then king of the other part of Northumbria, with whom Foxe brackets him in condemnation: `These two are put out of the race of kings, because they reuolted from the Christian faith…’ [go to text]

n11062   EAUFRID, Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. Eaufrid is there listed as a king of part of Northumbria early in the seventh century. His name appears immediately above that of Osric, then king of the other part of Northumbria, with whom Foxe brackets him in condemnation: `These two are put out of the race of kings, because they reuolted from the Christian faith…’ [go to text]

n11063   ALFRID, ALFRID Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. Alfride (variant form `Alridus’) is there listed as king of Northumbria late in the seventh century. [go to text]

n11064   EDELBERT, EDELBERT Early editions of John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (from 1570 and including the 1632 imprint by Adam Islip, Felix Kingston and Robert Young) printed `A Table describing the seuen kingdoms of the Saxons, raigning here in England’. There are: two Ethelberts (one expulsed, the other slain) near the end of the list of the kings of Northumbria; another Ethelbert, King of the West Saxons but ruling in Northumberland; another Ethelbert, King of the East Anglians and slain by Offa; and, best known, Ethelbert King of Kent and first Saxon king to become Christian. The recurrence of this name among royalty is unsurprising: etymologically, Edel or Ethel (medial `d’ and `th’ being interchangeable in names of Saxon derivation) means `noble’ and Bert means `bright’. [go to text]

gg1009   CLOWNS. countryfolk [go to text]

n11065   JEFFREY, the King’s Fool. Wood is surely correct in suggesting that Brome named his Fool with reference to the Caroline court fool Jeffrey Hudson (1619-1682), who was part of Queen Henrietta Maria’s household. Hudson, a dwarf, was born in Rutland. His father, a baker, worked for George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham and owner of a great house at Burley in that rural county. The boy passed from the household of Buckingham’s Duchess to that of the Queen . Hudson appears at her side (and with an ape on his shoulder) in Anthony van Dyck’s 1633 portrait of the Queen, now in the National Gallery of Washington, and within frame (and impossibly small in scale) of Daniel Mytens’ 1630-2 painting of Charles I and Henrietta Maria departing for the chase, in the Royal Collection. (Both are accessibly reproduced in the catalogue of the Royal Academy’s 1999 exhibition Van Dyck 1599-1641, respectively pages [247] and 60.) His own solo portrait, also by Mytens and also in the Royal Collection, is reproduced alongside Hudson’s ODNB entry by Malcolm Smuts. Brome would have been aware of this court Fool, who danced in several court masques and was the subject of a mock-heroic poem by William Davenant (Jeffreidos, written 1630 and printed 1638). [go to text]

n11066   EDITH, An Anglo-Saxon nun, Editha was daughter of Edgar, a 10th-century King of England: John Foxe mentions her in his Acts and Monuments, two sentences after he mentions Mildred. [go to text]

n10264   Prologue ] Prolouge [go to text]

gg68   ever always [go to text]

gg4259   Muses the nine Greek goddesses of the arts who inspired poets, musicians, artists etc. [go to text]

gg219   durst dared [go to text]

gs1743   passed surpassed, excelled, exceeded in quality (OED pass v, 1a) [go to text]

gg3112   approbation approval, satisfaction [go to text]

gs1628   censure. formal judgements or opinions of an expert, referee, etc. (OED 2) [go to text]

n10500   1.1 The first act of The Queen’s Exchange consists of two scenes, both of which are devoted to introducing the dramatis personae and establishing plot situations. The first scene brings on BERTHA, Queen of the West Saxons, and her councillors: honest old SEGEBERT and odious toadies CELERIC, ELKWIN and ELFRID. Seeking their ratification of her intention to marry the King of Northumbria, she reminds Segebert that he has previously opposed her matrimonial plan. Segebert reiterates and explains his opposition to the match as endangering crown and country. He also reminds the Queen that her father had instructed her to take Segebert’s advice over all others’ and had instructed Segebert to eschew innovation, which is a likely consequence of exogamy. Queen Bertha’s response to Segebert’s advice is to send him into exile: her flatterers would prefer something(s) stronger – death and/or confiscation of property -- but she evinces concern for Segebert’s children. Having sent off Segebert, she welcomes THEODRIC, silver-tongued ambassador from the King of Northumbria, praises the King’s portrait, fishes for His Majesty’s opinion of her own portrait, agrees to marry the King and announces the matrimonial schedule. The second scene introduces Segebert’s aforementioned children -- elder son ANTHYNUS, younger son OFFA, and daughter MILDRED -- to whom their father bids farewell and gives his parting instructions. The exchanges establish that, much to her father’s disapproval, Mildred has attracted the amorous attentions of Theodric during his ambassadorial visit to the West Saxon court. They also establish that although Segebert favours Offa over Anthynus, the younger son is duplicitous and manipulative, while the elder is so devoted to his father as to insist on accompanying him into exile. [go to text]

gg3027   Hautboys "a wooden double-reed wind instrument of high pitch, having a compass of about 2 octaves, forming a treble to the bassoon (now usually oboe)" (OED hautboy, 1) [go to text]

n10263   [ELFRID], He is not included in the 1657 Quarto but required to speak in this scene (addition follows Wood). [go to text]

gg6076   devote consecrate (OED v. 1) [go to text]

gs1686   yield grant, allow, concede (OED yield v, 18c, where this instance is among examples given for usage in this sense between 1571 and 1907) [go to text]

gs1744   wholesome beneficial, salutary, mentally or morally healthful (OED 1) [go to text]

gs1753   state, government, court (OED n. 26) [go to text]

gg156   tedious long, tiresome [go to text]

gg6077   subverted, overthrown (OED subvert 1), a sense which is now obsolete [go to text]

n10265   durst ] darst [go to text]

gg199   meanest most inferior in rank [go to text]

n10266   on your will: ] on your will? The punctuation in 1657 Quarto (which Wood retains) obscures the logic of the sentence. [go to text]

gs1745   Only but, the only thing to be added being (OED conj., 1) [go to text]

gg6078   except protest (OED v. 4) [go to text]

n10267   Kelric ] Col. (Emendation follows Wood, who prefers `Celeric'.) [go to text]

gg1548   happy fortunate, lucky; also, successful in performing what the circumstances require (OED 5a) [go to text]

gs1732   affects? likes, prefers [go to text]

n10268   allot Elkwin's choice of verb sustains the sneer in the previous line's prepositional phrase, `in your great wisdom': he uses `allot' in a sense (OED v, 2) which is proper to great authorities, such as God or Fate. [go to text]

gg6079   sycophants flatterers; deceivers (OED sycophant n, 3 and 4) [go to text]

n10269   [Bertha] ] Segebert. 1657 Quarto is obviously confused. Noting that `Bertha intervenes several lines later to hear more of Segebert's complaint', Wood assigns the speech to Elkwin rather than to the queen. She makes that concession, however, only after Segebert has implored it; and it is difficult to imagine these toadies overturning court etiquette to the extent of commanding his removal. (Wood's further suggestion that they might `actually attempt to remove Segebert at this point in the scene' seems even more unlikely.) Moreover, if this command comes from the Queen, then it occasions Kelric's immediately subsequent statement of false sympathy. [go to text]

n11087   Kelric ] Colr. (Emendation follows Wood, who prefers `Celeric'.) [go to text]

gg3135   sort to answer or correspond to, to befit or suit (OED 8) [go to text]

n10270   through. ] though. [go to text]

gs1593   Forbear leave (him) alone [go to text]

n10271   ne’er ] ne'r [go to text]

n10272   ne’er ] nere [go to text]

gs1746   strictly with insistence on exact performance, execution, or obedience (OED 3a) [go to text]

gg1561   charge, (n) task, duty, commission (OED n. 12) [go to text]

n10273   that Although it would probably be clear enough when given audible emphases by an actor, the sequence of conjunctions begins to confuse on the page: this one has the sense (OED 3a) of `so that' or `in order that'. [go to text]

n10274   o’th’ ] oth' [go to text]

n10275   whomsoe’er ] whomsoere [go to text]

gs1747   pervert overturn; change for the worse; destroy (OED v. 2) [go to text]

gs1748   reduce adapt (OED v. 11a and b) [go to text]

gg808   thraldom, captivity [go to text]

gg6080   cohered agreed (OED cohere v, 4b) [go to text]

gg1396   stock race, family, or ancestral type (OED n. 1 and 3d) [go to text]

n10276   ne’er ] ne're [go to text]

gs524   Forbear. stop (this behaviour), desist [go to text]

gs1749   forborne tolerated, put up with (OED forbear v, 2) [go to text]

gg2293   doom. sentence [go to text]

gs208   dotage senility, feeblemindedness caused by old age (OED 1) [go to text]

gs1750   conceit morbid seizure of the mind (OED n. 11) [go to text]

gs1751   try prove, demonstrate (OED v. 13) [go to text]

n10296   [Kelric, Elkwin and Elfrid] ] All. [go to text]

gg4655   sooth, (in) truth, (in) all honesty [go to text]

gg3182   erewhile. a short time ago; recently; but now [go to text]

gg2293   doom sentence [go to text]

n10734   Alberto The Italianate name `Alberto' is out-of-place in a play which purports to be set in Anglo-Saxon England, and perhaps the final vowel should be removed. The name `Albert', by contrast, is well-suited to the setting: William Camden's Britannia (1586, English translation 1610) includes a brief tabular account of the etymology and meanings of Saxon names: Albert appears here, along with Elfrid, among names which share a root word (Ael, Eal, Al) meaning `all' or `wholly' (p. 139 / sig. M2r). [go to text]

gs1752   honour exalted rank or position (OED n. 4a) [go to text]

gs1753   state government, court (OED n. 26) [go to text]

gs1754   abused, maligned, reviled (OED abuse v, 7) [go to text]

gs1753   state. government, court (OED n. 26) [go to text]

gs1753   state. government, court (OED n. 26) [go to text]

n10277   A thousand crowns A crown was a coin (initially gold, later silver) worth five shillings, so a thousand crowns would equal £250. According to the National Archives currency converter on 2 August 2009, £250 in 1630 would be the equivalent in spending power of £22,290. [go to text]

gg5728   But only [go to text]

gs1755   post dispatch, send in a hurry (OED post v2, 3a) [go to text]

gg6081   performed brought about, produced (OED perform, 3) [go to text]

gg697   clemency, mercy, leniency [go to text]

n10278   precedent. ] president [go to text]

n11084   ELKW[IN] and ELF[RID] exit. 1657 Quarto places this stage direction a line earlier. [go to text]

n11086   [studying portrait of Osric] The source from which the portrait is produced will depend on its size: in workshop on 28 June 2007, the portrait was understood to be a miniature which Bertha could carry about her person and gracefully kiss. [go to text]

gg1756   figure owed [go to text]

n10280   e’er ] ere [go to text]

n10279   Cynthia her Endymion. In Greek classical mythology, the goddess of the moon (whose various names include Cynthia) fell in love with a beautiful youth, Endymion, when she saw him asleep on a mountainside. [go to text]

n10281   Ent[er THEODRIC with ELKWIN and ELFRID] Video ]Ent.Emb. Having given Elkwin and Elfrid an exit after [QE 1.1.line330], the line with which Bertha sends them off to bring in Theodric, the Northumbrian ambassador, 1657 Quarto neglects to provide for the courtiers' re-entry. They will, however, be required to speak again -- half a dozen lines after Theodric's entrance and in response to his first and second speeches in the scene. Since Bertha sent them off to escort Ambassador Theodric into her presence, it seems reasonable for them to re-enter with him. That editorial decision has consequences for the timing of their exit in search of him: in order to maximise the time available for Elkwin and Elfrid to accomplish their errand, this edition sends them off as soon as the command is spoken. This in turn has consequences for Bertha's delivery of the fourth through sixth lines of the speech: she talks to herself while contemplating the portrait of the Northumbrian king whom she plans to marry. See clip . [go to text]

n10282   You have said well: let us inform you better. In 1657 Quarto, this is set as two verse lines (divided after `well'), but it is tolerable as a single line of blank verse. (Relineation follows Wood.) [go to text]

n10283   [BERTHA takes THEODRIC to one side and confers privately with him] ] (Talk aside with him). Wood: Bertha takes Theodric aside to talk with him. [go to text]

gg6082   favourite, one who stands unduly high in the favour of a prince (OED n. 2) [go to text]

n11085   [To THEODRIC] Video Wood here adds: `(Speaking aside to Theodric)', on the grounds that `it seems reasonable from the nature of their exchanges to assume that Bertha and Theodric are speaking out of the hearing of the assembled lords.' Those lords, however, soon comment on the exchange, so they must be able to hear it. Workshop session on 28 June 2007 demonstrated the theatrical force of the courtiers' visual and verbal responses to Theodric's ambassadorial rhetoric . [go to text]

gs1756   figure, visual image, likeness or representation [go to text]

gg219   durst, dared [go to text]

n10284   does ] do's [go to text]

gg6083   officers persons who hold a particular office or post (OED officer n, 1) [go to text]

n10276   ne’er ] ne're [go to text]

n10287   [THEODRIC] shrugs. Video To shrug is `to raise (and contract) the shoulders, esp. as an expression of disdain, indifference, disclaiming responsibility, etc.; in early use also, to cringe' (OED v, 2). For different varieties of Caroline courtly shrugging, see the extended quotation from William Hawkins's Apollo Shroving (1626) in Michael Leslie's note [NOTE n4872]. Workshop session on 28 June 2007 included some discussion of what sort of shrug was required . Then, on the first run-through, when actor Robert Lister as Theodric shrugged, Hannah Watkins as Bertha spontaneously mirrored his gesture . [go to text]

gs1104   stay delay [go to text]

n10288   And for your speed wear this. Video The reference of the pronoun `this' is unclear, nor is there any other indication of what Bertha gives Theodric to wear and thereby speed his journey. Of the various possibilities which were suggested at workshop session on 28 June 2007, a ring appeared likeliest. Whatever the object is, it makes its brief appearance at the end of the scene and is never mentioned again. However, Theodric may still be wearing it when the audience next see him in the next scene but one. [go to text]

n10286   [THEODRIC, BERTHA, KELRIC, ELKWIN, ELFRID,and Attendants exit.] ] Exeunt omnes. [go to text]

n10290   1.2 ] SCEN. II. [go to text]

n10289   ANTHYNUS, ] Apthynus (Emendation follows Wood.) [go to text]

n10291   forbid! Quarto of 1657 situates the line break between the two syllables of this word. [go to text]

n10292   o’er ] o're [go to text]

n10297   They’ll miss me now, and I Shall have amiss of them ] They'l misse me...and I / Shall have a misse of them too. The compositor appears to have missed the pun. [go to text]

gs1760   amiss an evil deed (OED 2c) [go to text]

n10293   No turtle ever kept a widowhood More strict Turtledoves (genus Turtur) pair for life, so the turtle is `often mentioned as a type of conjugal affection and constancy' (OED turtle n1, 1a). [go to text]

gs1757   pious faithful to family duties and obligations (OED 2) [go to text]

n10294   [Aside] Quarto of 1657 marks the final sentence of this speech [QE 1.2.speech86] as an aside by putting it in parentheses: see [QE 1.2.line475]. [go to text]

n10276   ne’er ] ne're [go to text]

gs1758   perplexity. puzzlement, bewilderment (OED 1a) [go to text]

n10299   [MILDRED] weeps. ] (Weeps) In 1657 Quarto this stage direction appears at [QE 1.2.line493], the end of Segebert's speech [QE 1.2.speech]; but the first line of that speech [QE 1.2.speech91] indicates that Mildred's immediately preceding speech [QE 1.2.speech90] has been choked by tears, to which Segebert is responding. Mildred then goes on to imply [QE 1.2.speech92] that she is tongue-tied by crying. [go to text]

n11088   boon. ] bone (Wood retains the obsolete spelling.) [go to text]

gg103   presently. immediately (OED adv. 3); without delay [go to text]

gs1732   affects likes, prefers [go to text]

gs130   charge command [go to text]

gg6087   neat habitually clean and tidy; fastidious (OED adj. 4a) [go to text]

gg6082   favourite, one who stands unduly high in the favour of a prince (OED n. 2) [go to text]

gg6088   shoals troops, crowds (OED shoal n2, 3a) [go to text]

n10300   shoals ] Sholes (Emendation follows Wood) [go to text]

gg5980   braveries, gallants (OED `bravery' 5) [go to text]

gg2348   rests remains [go to text]

gs1759   approve confirm or corroborate (that) [go to text]

n11089   [To SEGEBERT] Wood marks this line as an aside: the pronominal reference of `you' is ambiguous, so it is not clear whose wisdom Offa purports to praise. However, the appears to sustain the flattery which he addresses to his father throughout the scene. [go to text]

n10298   knows ] know [go to text]

gg6084   engages obliges (OED engage v, 7b) [go to text]

gg362   censure, judgement (especially, though not always, adverse judgment) [go to text]

gg6085   holidays. days of festivity, recreation, amusement (OED holiday 2) [go to text]

n9636   holiday ] holyday [go to text]

gg6090   sway power of rule or command (OED n. 6a) [go to text]

gg6086   stipend allowance [go to text]

gg6089   respectful mindful (OED 1) [go to text]

n10295   [MILDRED weeps.] ] (Cries) [go to text]

n10302   [MILDRED starts to exit but returns.] Video ] (go and come again) In 1657 Quarto these words are printed as part of Segebert's speech ([QE 1.2.speech117]): see [QE 1.2.line647]. The quarto italicises most stage directions and surrounds some with parentheses as well. It also sets most quotations noticeably apart from the dialogue, on a separate line and/or to the right. Although the 1657 quarto puts these four words in parentheses, it neither italicises them nor separates them from the dialogue: Segebert's blessing ([QE 1.2.speech117]) has no terminal punctuation mark. The compositor apparently construed the words as part of that speech rather than as a stage direction. The workshop session on 28 June 2007 experimented with performing this section of the scene both as it is presented in 1657 Quarto, with the four words being spoken by Segebert , and also as it is presented in this edition, with the four words left unspoken as dialogue but performed as a stage direction for Mildred . The original version proved rather more plausible, and far more powerful, in the enactment than had been anticipated, so the experiment did not confirm editorial hypothesis as clearly as had been hoped. However, if those four words are spoken by Segebert, then (1) his speech here abandons the relative regularity of meter which has marked his every utterance in the play so far, and (2) his distress becomes dithering. On editorial balance, then, it has seemed preferable to construe the words as a stage direction. (Wood made the same decision -- `Mildred goes and comes again.’ -- but does not explain it.) Against that it should be noted that on the last workshop run-through, when this textual decision was tacitly left to the actors, Robert Lister as Segebert spoke the words as dialogue . [go to text]

n11091   To wait your coming thither I’ll afore. Wood construes this line as Mildred's undertaking to kill herself. However, Mildred has been presented as a most dutiful daughter: it would be more appropriate for her to be stating an expectation that she will die of grief. Moreover, Segebert does not respond to the line as if it were a suicide threat: he merely indicates that he expects to die first. [go to text]

n11090   Thither shall be my first journey, but after. ]Thither shall be my first journey./ But after you shall (Relineation follows Wood, but this edition changes the punctuation which he retains from 1657 Quarto. Resituation of the full stop improves both syntax and dramatic sense. The first sentence, which picks up Mildred's exit line, could be addressed to her departing figure, or it could be spoken as an aside. The second must be addressed to Offa and Anthynus, who are still onstage.) [go to text]

gs1869   after. at a later time (OED adv. 2) [go to text]

gg410   still always; continually; ever; on every occasion [go to text]

n10301   where’er ] where e're [go to text]

gs1870   find see through, perceive the truth about [go to text]

gg6091   stoutness haughtiness, arrogance (OED 1) [go to text]

n10285   E’er ] Ere [go to text]

n10303   died, ] die (emendation follows Wood) [go to text]

gs1687   overlooked despised, slighted (OED v. 2); scrutinised, examined (OED v. 3) [go to text]

n10306   Mischief has spent herself And left her sting within me for a charm The image personifies mischief as a female insect, exhausted by stinging Segebert and thereby leaving the sting in his flesh. [go to text]

n10305   quits ] quit [go to text]

n10304   (Aside) ] (aside) In 1657 Quarto this stage direction is placed well to the right of the words which it governs. [go to text]

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