ACT TWO*
2.1
[Enter] DORIS reading a letter.

155DorisMy Lesbia*, my Cynthia*, my Lycoris**,
        Or (which is best of names) my lovely Doris* – that’s I.
        I still† am thine and cannot commutate†;
        I am as certain to thee as thy fate.
        ’Tis not my study, or my travails† can
        Make me to thee appear another man.
        Thou may’st affirm of me (as whilom† did
        Xantippe* of her husband, whom she chid†,
        Grave Socrates*, regardless of his worth,
        He still returned the same that he went forth)
        Before I visit thee, thus may’st thou hear on.
        Thine in the tribulation† of love – Geron.
        Ha, ha, ha. Old whilom† Geron! Art thou come again?
        Could Delphos not detain nor the sea swallow thee
        But I must be in danger to be punished
        With the porcupine bristles*? Fate deliver me.
Enter PLACILLA.

156PlacillaDoris, you must be vigilant in attendance
        And see that no man pass this lobby† towards
        Her grace’s lodging. ’Tis your charge: look to’t.

157DorisMistress, you know your mother laid that charge
        On me before, and I am ready here
        To answer every comer in his kind†.
        Had you forgot it?

158PlacillaPardon me, I had;
        But my care hurts not*. One thing more, good Doris.
        If my dear brother Philocles come to visit,
        Prithee call me. Speak, wilt thou?

159Doris– * help your head.
        I must not stir from hence†, yet I must come
        To call you forth. Away, somebody comes.

160PlacillaI trust unto thee, Doris.[She] exit[s].

161DorisWhat a sick court is here? She’s love-struck too.
        I can with half a sense find† her disease,
        But cannot guess the object of her love.
        She keeps the fire so close up† in her bosom
        That she will sooner perish by’t, than suffer
        A spark of it fly out to make discovery†.
        The princess, she’s love-sick for two; and her
        Despair of gaining either’s her consumption.
        But what think I of their loves when mine own
        Is trouble enough? Now the visitants;
        My great lord’s howdies† are upon the entry,
        And the unwelcom’st first.
Enter MATHO.

162MathoGood morrow, lady.
        May I crave† admittance to the lady governess?

163DorisYes, you may crave it, sir, but not obtain it:
        Her nearness to the princess at this time
        Is by so strict necessity required.

164MathoMay I prevail†, then, to impart the duty
        I have in charge unto the lady’s daughter?

165DorisThat is the mistress whom I wait upon,
        Though now at remote distance; she attends
        Her mother at this instant, and her mother
        The princess in much privacy. If I
        May be thought worthy to receive the knowledge
        Of what you have in trust unto the princess,
        It shall be orderly conveyed unto her grace.

166MathoLord Stratocles, solicitous† for glad tidings,
        (Beseeching† that her grace be pleased to take
        The tender† of his service, and affirming
        Upon his honour that no rest affects him
        Until he shall receive a perfect† knowledge
        Of her recovery) prays to be advertised†
        In what condition of health she fares,
        Or to gain leave to visit her himself.

167DorisSir, you have lost much time: you might have said,
        How does the princess? And I answer thus:
        She is most dangerously sick; not to be seen
        By him or any man.

168MathoYet let her know
        My lord’s obsequious† care for her recovery.

169DorisI’ll tell my mistress*, who shall certify
        Unto my lady, who shall intimate
        Unto the princess what you have left in trust
        With me, her grace’s handmaid thrice removed.

170MathoI will acquaint my lord, who for your care
        Shall upon his advancement to the crown
        Give me command, who will give present order
        Unto my man for your promotion.
        Your diligence† deserves it.[He] exit[s].

171DorisMy great lord’s especial* parasite†. I am beholden to you.
Enter TERSULUS.
           [Aside]   Here comes another: an importunate†
        Though impertinent suitor of mine own.

172TersulusMy beauteous Doris, first, my love presented
        Unto yourself, my Lord Philargus craves
        To know how fares the princess.

173Doris   [Aside]   This comes nearer
        To my regard† than tother†, and deserves
        A comfortabler† answer.   [Aloud]   She’s not well, sir,
        But much amended† in her health. ’Tis like†
        Your lord (would he approach to visit her)
        Shall find a fair admission to her grace.

174TersulusI dare not (to delay my lord a minute
        Of these glad tidings) stay to prosecute†
        My love-suit to yourself.

175DorisNo, no; away.
        Away, good Tersulus; and hazard† not
        Your lord’s for your own fortunes.

176TersulusYet, my Doris –

177DorisYet again, man.

178TersulusBe pleased to think of me.

179DorisI shall, and better of you when you are gone.

180TersulusWingéd with that hope, I fly.[He] exits.

181DorisA pretty nimble fellow and a tailor.
Enter VARILLUS.
        I could almost affect† him, did not this
        More supple-handed barber put him by†.

182VarillusSweet Doris! Thus, by me, Lord Philocles
        Salutes† the princess.   [He] kiss[es her].   

183DorisThis requires an answer
        Of health indeed.

184VarillusHow fares her highness?

185DorisWell.
        Exceeding well, and longs to see your lord.

186VarillusI’ll haste to tell him so.

187DorisNay, good Varillus,
        I have not gained a conference† with you
        Since your return from Delphos.

188VarillusAt more leisure
        I’ll tell thee wonders, Doris.

189DorisSomething now.

190VarillusHa’ you seen your lover, Geron, the old tutor,
        Since our arrival?

191DorisHere is an epistle†
        Came from him to my hands this morning. Hang him!

192VarillusWell, he has been the whole mirth† of our journey
        In the discovery† of his love to you.
        His meat, his drink, his talk, his sleep, has all
        Been Doris; Doris, nothing but your remembrance
        Has been the trouble† of his company;
        I’ll tell thee at large† hereafter. The fair princess
        Is well you say?

193DorisShe was well when I left her,
        But subject to much passion†. She is well
        And ill, and well again all in three minutes.
        Great ladies may be so. But if I should
        Be sick and well, and sick again and well
        Again as oft as she, the world would say
        I had it*– And had been a courtier, to some purpose.

194VarillusThey would say the handmaid had been handled,*
        Would they?

195DorisLike enough, but great ones must not be be talked on so*.

196VarillusYou have detained me to my undoing.
Enter PHILOCLES.
        See, my lord!

197DorisI’ll send his sister to appease him.[She] exit[s].

198PhiloclesYou have done ill, Varillus, to neglect
        A duty of that consequence that I
        Expected in your quick return. Was this
        A time to loiter?

199VarillusMy good lord, the princess
        Is well again, restored to absolute health.

200Philocles’Tis happy news. But why was I delayed
        In this account*? Was it too precious for me?
        Redeem your fault by some ensuing service,
        Or you may lose* a master that has loved you.Exit VARILLUS.
        I must proceed to gain Eudina’s love
        From my Philargus or I lose myself.
        And gaining it, I must forgo† Philargus,
        And equally be lost. Oh sister, welcome.
Enter PLACILLA.
        I must request your aid.

201PlacillaIn anything
        Wherein I may be useful, best of brothers.

202PhiloclesI would entreat you be my advocate†
        In love unto Eudina – Oh, but hold,
        Shall I be treacherous unto my brother?
        A brother! What’s a brother?* A mere name;
        A title which we give to those that lodged
        In the same womb; so bedfellows are brothers;
        So men inhabiting one town or country
        Are brothers too: for though the place containing*
        Be greater, the relation is the same.
        A friend! Aye*, that’s the thing I violate,
        Than which, nor† earth nor heaven hath aught*† more sacred.
        ’Tis my Philargus, nay, myself I injure,
        If I content myself.

203PlacillaWhy, brother Philocles –
           [Aside]   Did I say brother? How my tongue conspires
        To torture me! If brother be a naked†
        Title or name (as he suggests) I would
        It had nor† being, name, nor title.   [Aloud]   Philocles,
        You’re* passionate.

204PhiloclesFond reason, I disclaim thee;
        Love is a strain*† beyond thee,* and approaches*
        The gods’ estate†. Friendship’s a moral virtue,
        Fitter for disputation† than observance†.
        Eudina. Oh Eudina! In what price†
        Art thou with† me, for whom I cast away
        The soul’s whole treasury, reason and virtue?
        Placilla, you must woo* Eudina for me.
        Do you startle at it? Pray do’t, as you love me.

205PlacillaIf I were she, you should not need an advocate.

206PhiloclesI charge you by this kiss.   [He kisses her.]   

207PlacillaYour wages
        Corrupt* your agent to be false. Oh whither†,
        Into what sands* will the rash pilot† Love
        Drive this weak vessel? Did I call it love?
        ’Tis sooty, hellish fire; unlawful* flame.
        Yet such as we may easier tax† than tame.

208PhiloclesWhat troubles you, Placilla? Oh, you are
        Already entertained† to mediate
        For him you better love, Philargus? Do:
        He best deserves her; I’ll woo* for him too.
Enter DORIS.

209DorisMadam, my lady calls for you.*Exit PLACILLA.
        My lord,
        The princess has ta’en notice of your visit
        And wishes you draw nearer, if you please.

210PhiloclesI meet that wish with swift but fearful feet.
        My joys are bitter, and my woes are sweet.[He] exit[s].

211DorisI have heard men say when they on gamesters† look
        (Though equally affected† to both parties,
        Or both were strangers to ’em yet) they’ll yield*
        A secret inclination which should win.
        I am for Philocles now, against Philargus,
        Who is as noble and as free to me
        As ever Philocles was. But tarry†, Doris:
        You have a bet upon the game, I take it,
        Your love unto Varillus. If his lord
        Rise to a kingdom, you may hope to climb
        The ladder of a ladyship by the man.
        But not too fast. Here’s one pursues the game
        That is as like to win. Why, if he does?
Enter PHILARGUS.
        His follower, Tersulus, loves me past Varillus,
        And may as much advance me. But I love not
        Him, and the love of honour above husbands
        Has been so common among ladies, that
        The fashion’s stale and ugly*.

212PhilargusSo’t must be.*
        And so by transposition† of my love
        I shall be quiet, and Philocles double happy.
        Doris, go seek my mother, and perceive
        If I may see the princess.

213DorisYes, my lord.[She] exit[s].

214PhilargusLove, thou art well compared to fire, which where
        It doth obey and serve, being commanded
        By higher powers of the soul, it fares
        Like to the stone or jewel of a ring,
        Which joins the orb†, and gives it price and lustre*:
        So glorious is that love, so necessary.
        But, where it rules and is predominant,
        It tyrannizeth; reason is imprisoned;
        The will, confined; and the memory
        (The treasury of notions) clean exhausted;
        And all the senses slavishly chained up
        To act th’injunctions† of insulting love,
        Perched† on the beauty of a woman. Thou
        Masculine love, known by the name of friendship,
        Art peaceful and morigerous†. But that
        Of woman, is imperious† and cruel.
        Why should I then lose Philocles for Eudina?
Enter EUDINA [and] THYMELE, EUDINA reading a letter.
        Why? Can I look on her and ask a reason?
        O the divinity of woman! Sure
        There is no heaven without ’em. If the gods
        Should thrust out Jove* as he deposed his father
        And elect me to be their thunderer†,
        I’d not drink nectar† to forgo† Eudina.

215ThymeleFie, fie, Philargus, you’re* a sluggish lover.
        I have been careful for you, yea, and partial
        Against your brother Philocles, to prefer†
        Your love to his. And you to suffer him
        A whole hour opportunity before you!

216PhilargusHas he been here?

217ThymeleAnd is. Only for you
        I have beguiled† him of her presence, that
        Till you have made first presentation
        Of love to her, he shall have no access.

218PhilargusNow, Philocles, I suffer in thy injury,
        And to proceed in it were treachery.
        I would retire – But that magnetic beauty
        To which are chained thousands of hearts and eyes
        Has captived mine; nor must I seem to slight†
        A mother’s care. She’s not the first (’tis known)
        That of two sons hath best affected† one.

219ThymeleWhy move you not, Philargus, towards the princess?

220PhilargusMadam, you see she’s busy.
EUDINA throws away the letter.

221Eudina   [Aside]   Stratocles –
        May thy ambition hoist thee into air;*
        And thy loose wings, like thy licentious† paper,
        There failing thee, let fall thy vicious body
        To earth, as here thy name lies to be trod on.
           [Aloud]   Philargus, you are welcome.

222PhilargusPrincely madam,
        That language from your gracious lips is powerful
        To save him from the grave, that only lives
        By your free favours.

223EudinaNay, my dear Philargus,
        I thought me nearer to you than that you
        Should rove† at me with courtship. Stratocles
        (The emblem of whose pride lies there in paper)
        Shot from afar indeed; yet, like a Jove
        (A self-conceited one) presumed to strike
        Love by command into me by his letters.

224PhilargusI cannot flatter pride, nor undervalue
        Abilities. ’Tis true that Stratocles
        Has been a useful servant to the state;
        But, doubtless he would make as ill a master.

225EudinaNo more of him.

226PhilargusNor more be thought of him.
        And therefore, madam, by your fair command,
        To avoid all court-circumlocutions†,
        I tender† thus my service, and crave† hearing.

227EudinaYou have it freely.

228ThymeleTo avoid all lets†,
        I will withdraw myself.[She] exit[s].

229PhilargusThe King has graciously been pleased in lieu†
        Of my slain father’s services, and for love
        To us his sons, (by us much undeserved)
        To recommend unto your noble choice
        My brother and myself. You, standing doubtful
        Whether† to choose, we, to avoid dispute
        Of violating friendship, did implore
        The counsel* of the Oracle to direct
        You in th’election†. But the hidden sense
        In the dark* sentence hath perplexed both you
        And us with more anxiety.

230EudinaIt is too true.

231PhilargusYet you are not prescribed†; your choice is free:
        To take your lot in Philocles or me.
        We both, by strong injunction†, must pursue
        Your sacred love, yet keep our friendship true†.
        Then thus, illustrious† madam.   He kneels.   

232EudinaNot so low.

233PhilargusAs low as future duty must compel me,
        When you shall be my queen; let me beseech
        The favour that I seek and would obtain,
        Equal with heavenly bliss, to shine on Philocles.

234EudinaThat he may be your king?

235PhilargusMay he prove so.

236EudinaBe all example lost.

237PhilargusFriendship, with favour, may
        Hold between king and subject. But one throne
        Cannot estate† two kings; love’s number’s one.

238EudinaOh my Philargus, you have opened now
        The meaning of the Oracle. I have the sense
        Most perfectly†. You have beyond example
        Preserved your friendship with your brother, and
        In wooing for him have won me to yourself.
        I am your own.   She kisses him.   

239PhilargusI am amidst the gods.
        The wealth o’th’ world, the beauty of the heavens,
        And powers of both shall not redeem my interest.
        – Provided that I lose not Philocles.
Enter PHILOCLES, THYMELE [and] PLACILLA.

240EudinaIn that your constancy you win me more.

241ThymeleYour importunity† hath prevailed. See Philocles,
        The Princess and Philargus.

242PhiloclesOh, you are partial†.   He sinks†.   

243PlacillaOh help, my brother; speak, dear Philocles.

244PhilargusYe gods, how comes this? Let me raise him up,
        Brother, and friend; speak, ’tis Philargus calls thee.

245PhiloclesPhilargus, let me go. ’Tis your advantage.

246EudinaLet me request the cause of your disturbance,
        Good Philocles.

247PhiloclesNo other but myself,*
        Honoured Eudina. For, who cedes†* to danger
        Upon a dish he loves, ought not to blame
        The meat, but his unbridled appetite.

248PlacillaHow do you now? What a cold moisture
        Spreads o’er his temples here.

249EudinaLet me come to him.

250ThymeleI can read his grief.

251EudinaWhat’s that to the redress†?

252ThymeleThe Delphian god, medicine’s* inventor, knows
        That and not I.

253EudinaHis grief’s a jealous passion
        Upon my supposed favour to Philargus.
        Shake it off, Philocles, I am thine, as much
        As e’er I was, or his.

254PhiloclesIt is no jealousy,
        Only a fear Philargus had broke friendship:
        So my soul’s better part exited, left
        The other languishing.

255PhilargusHad you expired
        In that belief, and I had understood it,
        My shadow should have posted after yours
        Unto the Elysian fields* to vindicate†
        So causeless imputation†.

256ThymeleAnd because
        You charged my son with partiality.
        Let us remove, Philargus, come, Placilla.

257EudinaYou will not take him from me. Stay, Philargus.

258ThymeleWhat would you do with both?

259PhilargusI may not stir
        When she, whose power above me countermands†
        The precepts of the gods, requires my stay.

260ThymeleWhat, not to give your brother, Philocles,
        An opportunity for equal hearing?
        Your grace will not deny’t him.

261EudinaTrue, I may not.

262PhilargusThat spell convinces all. Friendship’s above†,
        And must control obedience, and love.[PHILARGUS] exit[s] with THYMELE and PLACILLA.*

263[Philocles]*’Tis not to injure thee, my dear Philargus,
        That here I linger to oppose thy love,
        But to prefer it.

264EudinaWhat says Philocles?

265PhiloclesTo say I love you, madam, with a zeal
        That dares to meet the trial of martyrdom,
        And suffer’t for your sake, might get a name,
        A glorious one, and an immortal crown:
        Yet so I should forgo† (in leaving you
        On earth, a heaven on it) the bliss,
        Which, grieving, I should in Elysium† miss.
        No, I will love you better than to die,
        And be mine own chief mourner; yet must crave,
        Under your gracious favour, leave to suffer
        More than a thousand deaths, that is, to live
        And part with my fair hopes in you forever.

266EudinaWhat means my Philocles?

267PhiloclesPrincely madam,
        Consider the necessity, which now
        By further search I gather from the hidden
        Oraculous perduit*, by which I am tied†
        Not to contend for you, that is, I must not
        Wound friendship in Philargus, but pursue
        My fortune, which is to gain love from you.
        For whom it says not, but the meaning’s plain:
        I for Philargus should your love obtain.
        The gods deal after as they please with me,
        My suit is that you take Philargus.

268EudinaOh –
        Philocles, you have made a double conquest,
        For you have got the victory of me
        Which was before assigned unto Philargus.
        Your fortune thus embraces you.   She kisses him.   

269PhiloclesThis now,
        And with Philargus’ friendship, were to me
        A fortune ’bove the envy of the gods.

270EudinaHe cannot disallow’t. He wooed me for you,
        And won me to himself, as you have now,
        Suing for him.

271PhiloclesI must not hold you then.
        His title, as his friendship precedes mine.

272EudinaYet still the choice is mine. I may take you
        Without offence to him.
Enter PHILARGUS, THYMELE [and] PLACILLA.
        But now he comes,
        And has again an equal interest.*
        Strange love! In other’s absence I took either
        And loved each best; now both at once appear,
        Neither is mine. Fate, let me die to one
        Rather than live in this confusion.

273ThymeleNow, madam, whether’s† love do you approve?

274EudinaConfound me not with question. They are each
        Wedded to other’s friendship. Either is
        More studious for the other than himself.

275PhilargusAnd ever must.

276PhiloclesAnd will be.

277EudinaSo will I
        For both of you than for myself.

278ThymeleAlas.

279EudinaThen let’s continue thus with maiden love,
        With modest freedom, unsuspected joys,
        As we had all been formèd in one womb,
        Till heaven determine of us.
Enter KING and EUPATHUS.*

280KingTo determine
        Of you, Eudina, is by heaven committed
        In present unto me. On you depends
        The future glory and prosperity,
        Both of my house and kingdom. ’Tis besides
        Exacted of me by my near allies
        And by my subjects (whom I must secure†)
        To constitute a successor. And no longer
        Will I expect your answer than five days.
        By then, you must declare who is your husband,
        Or else expect one from myself; the man
        Whose name I am as loath† to mention
        As you to hear, even Stratocles.

281EudinaNay, death first.

282KingBe you obedient; and by the way,
        Take my approvement† of Lord Philocles,
        Not that I slight Philargus.

283Eudina   [Aside]   Here’s a mystery too,
        As dark as that from Delphos*. He approves
        My choice of Philocles, slighting† not Philargus.

284KingCome, both you equal brothers; leave her to
        Her thoughts awhile.

285Both brothersIn all obedience.Exit KING [and all, leaving THYMELE, PLACILLA and EUDINA].

286ThymeleWhat strange amazement hath surprised you, madam?
        No study, nor no strife can alter fate
        Or the decrees the gods determinate.
        A husband you shall have, be confident.
        Be, as you were: secure of the event,
        Till time produce it.

287PlacillaMadam, be yourself.

288EudinaYet five days for love’s war. Jove, grant I have
        By then, to end the strife, a peaceful grave.[They all exit.]

Edited by Eleanor Lowe