Richard Brome Online

ACT FOUR*

Act Four is comprised of three scenes. The first sees Varillus trying to patch up his differences with Tersulus in an attempt to mimic the fraternal displays of affection demonstrated by their lords and parallels in the courtly love triangle. Tersulus remains unconvinced, but Varillus perseveres, and their combined affection baffles Doris, particularly when the men take it one step further and pretend to be their lords wooing Doris as the Princess. The scene isn’t simply a heavy-handed attempt by Brome to make obvious the parallels between Eudina and Doris’s situations, but also affords the men (including Geron) an opportunity to woo Doris in person, as well as providing comedy to punctuate the serious political scenes involving Philargus and Philocles.
Once Geron has exited, Varillus takes the opportunity to ask Doris what Garrula’s big secret with Thymele might be (and Brome is also reminding the audience that a juicy dénouement is inevitable), but Doris is ignorant of its meaning.
Scene Two contrasts with what has come before, featuring the meeting arranged by Matho’s false letters of Philargus and Philocles for their challenge. It is clear that one of them must die and the other marry Eudina, so the scene has the potential to be both heavy and decisive. But Brome undercuts the sombre mood by presenting characters that are irritatingly neo-platonic to the end: each brother enters, surveys the chosen ground and laments that it must receive his blood, for both have decided to allow the other brother to live by somehow impaling themselves on the other's point. The audience watch the beginning of the duel with this knowledge in mind, and there is potential for a very comic scene to unravel, particularly when the struggle on the ground involves two men trying to prevent each other from committing suicide, the total reversal of a usual duel sequence.
The tragic potential of the scene is again flirted with when Matho enters to finish them both off; however, they disarm and unbeard him, revealing Stratocles’ servant in his cowardice. Matho quickly (and without prior provocation) confesses knowledge of Stratocles’ plan to abduct Eudina while walking on Tempe plains. But at this point, the Rustics appear (in a manner akin to the Watch in Much Ado About Nothing) and demand an explanation of the circumstances which confront them. Like plain-speaking Doris, the Rustics are not fooled by physical disguise or impressive words: they recognise the twins as their potential future king, and note that although they have three swords, they have not killed Matho despite having the opportunity. It appears that the Rustics heard Matho’s plot and saw him remove his beard whilst they were discussing their country affairs. Their next success is in surprising Stratocles, who arrives in the same spot with Eudina in distress. Matho and Stratocles are secured before being taken to court for the King’s judgement, thus demonstrating the Rustics' faith in the natural order of status (set in contrast with Stratocles' aspirations).
Scene Three sees the King in despair at the disappearance of his daughter and her suspected abduction by Stratocles. The rumours (prevalent in Act One) are circulating that Philargus and Philocles have gone to fight, and this is the lowest point for the King: on the brink of losing both his daughter and her two prospective husbands (and inheritors of his crown). Again the rumours relay the twins’ death, and are said to originate with Stratocles.
Into the middle of this comes Garrula, unaware of the mood of her fellows, weeping for her dying son. Of course, Geron isn’t really dying, but suffering from lovesickness, and as soon as she learns that the twins might be dead, thus putting Varillus and Tersulus out of the running with Doris, Garrula is delighted that her son is now in with a chance. The scene ends with word from Eupathus that both the men and Eudina are returning home with Stratocles in custody.

4.1

[Enter] VARILLUS [and] TERSULUS.

439VarillusWe should love one another, brother Tersulus,

More inwardly†, and be in friendship true

As our lords are. Prithee†, let their example

Piece up† all difference betwixt† us.

440TersulusPiece up?

I know your meaning and your jeer†, Varillus,

In your ‘piece up’.

441VarillusFie† on thy jealousy. ’Cause thou art a tailor,

How e’er a gentleman by place†, thou think’st

I jeer† thy quality† .

442TersulusYou should not. For

Look back unto the world’s beginning:* there

You’ll find a tailor was before a barber.

443VarillusNay, if you go to rip up† old antiquity† –

444Tersulus [Aside to audience] Rip! There he is again.

445VarillusYou may as well

Collect† that the first man* (who you suggest

Was his own tailor) was his own barber first.

446TersulusAs how?

447VarillusDo you think he did not scratch his head

In casting† how to fashion† out his breeches?

And that’s in part, you know, the barber’s office†.

448TersulusThe scratching of the head?*

449VarillusAnd still

In use ’mongst tailors on themselves. But note

The foul corruptions brought in by time;

Of old they did but rub invention up†,

How to contrive their work. But now their heads,

Wrists, fingers, all have got an itch by’t, which

Nothing but stealing can allay†; though that

Can never cure it.

450TersulusLying and stealing went

Of old together: now they are shared it seems

Between the barber and the tailor.

451VarillusSharp*.

452TersulusYour instruments are sharp as mine, sir barber,

And you can pick more out of your lord’s ears

Than I take from his garments with my shears.

453VarillusAgree, good brother, or would† we had Doris

To stickle† ’twixt us.

454TersulusThere you’re* afore me too.

455VarillusBut come, lords’ followers are their apes† in most things;

Why should not we be as friendly rivals now

In Doris’ love, as are our lords in the

Princess Eudina’s. We will take up a fashion*.

Enter DORIS.

456DorisVarillus, where’s your lord?

457VarillusI know not, Doris.

458DorisTersulus, where’s yours?

459Tersulus *I know not, Doris.

460DorisYou echo one another. You’re* commanded

Both by the princess and the governess

To seek ’em out.

461BothYour love commands our stay.

462DorisCoupled together? Go yet, one of you.

[Pointing to TERSULUS] You I can spare best.

463VarillusWhy him?

464DorisYou then.

465TersulusWhy him?

466DorisDo you conspire? I will return your care*.

[Making as if to leave.]

467TersulusNay, gentle Doris, stay. For, ’tis in vain

To seek our lords. They are both rode* singly forth

To take the air. Mine an hour since.

468VarillusMine even now. I came but since to call

My brother Tersulus.

469DorisYour brother Tersulus?

470TersulusAs deeply vowed in friendship as our lords are.

471VarillusIt is with us as ’tis with them: we both

Are brothers, friends; yet rivals in your love.

Can you now, as the princess is to them,

Be equally affected† to us both?

472DorisDo you stay† me to abuse me?

473VarillusNay, dear Doris.

We love our lords! And as you love the princess

Who loves them, love you us. You are Eudina,

I, Philocles, and he Philargus is.*

474Doris [To audience] Are the men mad?

475TersulusSuppose so, gentle Doris.

476VarillusThe King commands you to make present† choice

Of one of us, or else ambitious Stratocles

(That’s Geron) must enjoy† you. Now sweet princess,

Be speedy in your choice. The kingdom’s good

Depends upon it. And in your election,

Oh make Philargus blessed: he best deserves you.

477TersulusAdmired friend, and brother Philocles,

Your courtesy o’ercomes me: I must sue,

Though my heart aches the while as much for you.

478DorisThis is fine† fooling –

Good barber Philocles, and tailor Philargus,

You shall not need to trim† up his affection,

Nor you to stitch up his with your forced courtesies.

I know, in this, each woos but for himself,

And my affection runs as even betwixt you,

As nothing but your scissors, or your shears,

Had parted.

Enter GERON.*

479VarillusSee Stratocles, alias Geron.

480GeronSo whilom† did contend two warlike princes

For a fair island, till a powerful king

Subdued them both and it. Doris, take heed,

Be wary in your conversation

(As whilom Tully* warned his tender son)

With such plebeians, least their vulgar breeding

Corrupt your education.

481VarillusMust she be

Your pupil, learnèd Geron.

482GeronAnd myself

Her only study†, such as whilom was

Ulysses to Penelope*.

483VarillusTake heed, Doris,

How you become his wife: for he will love you

So by the book*, as he will never lie† with you

Without an author for’t.

484GeronSir, she shall be

More precious to me than Homer’s Iliads,

Whilom to Alexander, which he made

His mighty bedfellow. But why stand I

To render this account? The princess sent you,

Doris, to call their lords to walk with her,

And take the air of Tempe.

485TersulusThey are gone to take the air already, sir.

486GeronCome you with me then, Doris.

487DorisAnd why with you,

Antiquity*? I have heard you all this while,

And though you boast you have an interest in me,

We are not yet one volume, both bound up

And clasped together.

488VarillusShe speaks in his element†.

489DorisNo, I am yet loose paper*, and ’twere good

To keep me so, for when I’m bound I must

Obey, be searched†, examined and corrected.

Yet this I’ll do, and now be serious,

If you will all obey my rule, and try†

Your fortunes who shall have me.

490Varillus [and] TersulusWe agree.

491GeronTheir merits bear no equability†

With mine.

492VarillusA very† Stratocles.

493DorisYou boast your worth, and stand on confidence

In powerful advocates†. But what are all

Unto my love, and (which is more) my will?

If you will hear my proposition, hear it.

494Varillus [and] TersulusWe are agreed. Pray hear’t.

495GeronLet’s hear it then.

The gods, in love, whilom have stooped with men.*

496DorisThat you all love me, I believe; and am

Content that every one of you do think

Himself prime man in my affection:

And one of you I’ll take. But yet my choice

Must wait upon† Eudina’s. Therefore mark†:

If your lord wins the princess, and becomes

The King’s immediate heir, I will be yours;

If your lord, yours.

497GeronTherein the odds is mine,

For they are both my lords.

498DorisThen if both have her, I’ll be yours: not else.

499GeronAs whilom said, ‘None of the wisest clerks,

When the sky falls we shall have store’ —*

500DorisOf whiloms. Ha, ha, ha!

501Varillus [and] TersulusHa, ha, ha!

502GeronYour mistress, lady, princess, and my mother

Shall know your–

503DorisAway, old whilom.

504All [but Geron]Ha, ha, ha.

505GeronYour lords, too, I’ll acquaint.

506DorisAway, old child,

Go tell it mother, do.*

If you had spent in the philosophers’ school

Your time no better than in Cupid’s lectures,

What a strange dunce you had been. Tell her, love shows

In you, as whilom – she knows what she knows.

507GeronYour love I will forget; your scorn remember

In black revenge, and so –

508DorisFarewell, December*.[Exit GERON].

509VarillusHe’ll to his mother now. But tell me, Doris,

What means that beldam† in ‘she knows, she knows’:

She’s often up with’t to the governess.

510Tersulus *It has relation to some uncouth† passage†

Betwixt them in my lady’s youth, I guess.

511Doris *’Tis some smock-secret*, I believe. But gentlemen,

You know how I have laid myself out† to you.

512TersulusThat, as the princess shall bestow herself

On either’s lord, you will embrace his man.

513DorisRight.

514VarillusAnd to that you’ll hold?

515DorisYes, this for a creed†:

That heaven must make its choice and hold you

Of one of them, before she takes the other.

You understand me, and now cease your strife.

When th’one’s lord’s dead, I’ll be the other’s wife.

So farewell, gentlemen. I have stayed too long.[Begins to exit]

516VarillusShe has given us both a hint now, would we take it.

[Returning to them]

517DorisYou did not hear me say, ‘Kill you his lord’,

Nor you kill his.[She] exit[s].

518VarillusBut she has laid a ground†

To end a strife, that I should ne’er ha’ found.

519TersulusVarillus, come, our lords may be returned:

And we be shent† for loitering.

520VarillusI must think on’t.[They] exit.

4.2

[Enter] MATHO in his disguise.*

521MathoNow for my combatants. Th’appointed ground

Is here, the time draws on, and the event

Foreseen in my imaginary light

Of every pass† projected in their sight.

In the first passage† , each shall wound the other;

Then shall they give, lend, pay, change wound for wound,

Till both of them lie fainting on the ground,

Holding between their teeth their doubtful lives:

When I, to end the question, friendly come in,

And with an equal hand dispatch* ’em both.

And so into my ambush†.

Enter PHILARGUS.

One approaches.[MATHO] exit[s].

522PhilargusThis is the place. What is’t that urges me

So promptly to deed, which being acted,

Will be th’astonishment of heaven and earth?

Applauded nowhere but in hell. Fair Tempe,

Let it not be derived to after ages,

By any uncouth mark upon thy face,

Let not thy grassy locks, that shall receive

The drops of blood, wither and die, condemning

The place that bore them to continual baldness;

Let not the impress† of our labouring† feet

Hold its proportion†; nor that part of earth,

Whereon the slain shall measure out his length*,

Reserve the stamp, and make it monumental,

By a perpetual spring of more procere†

And bigger-bladed grass. And, when my soul

Hath found an exit (which my purpose is

My brother’s sword shall open), let the valley

(When he’s departed) sink and undermine

The bordering hills that they may cover me.

Enter PHILOCLES.

523PhiloclesHe hath prevented me in haste. In death

I shall prevent his happily expected

Labour and toil, who for no other end

Am here arrived but to be sacrificed

For expiation† of his discontent.

524Philargus [Aside] Let all the eyes of heaven be hooded†,* only

One star to guide his point unto my heart,

Which instantly shall fall, and be extinct

In my distillèd† blood; that so the gods

May not behold him. May some magic spell

Instruct his arm and weapon how to slay

My name and memory, that of me, there be not

Any desire, on him no imputation†.

525Philocles [Aside] My cure is only how my breast may swallow

His point, without revealing mine intent.

526Philargus [Aside] Aye, so’t shall be: a violent assay†

For provocation, and then spit† myself

Upon his steel.

They espy one another, draw, and pass at each other, instantly both spread their arms to receive the wound.

527PhiloclesPhilargus. What! So quick?

528PhilargusWhat’s meant by this?

529PhiloclesThat should be my demand.

530PhilargusAre you so changeable?*

531PhiloclesNot I, Philargus.

532PhilargusThis was my resolution. Will you stain

The reputation raised of your high valour.

533PhiloclesI came to make experiment of none

But what consists in suff’ring.

534PhilargusThat’s my part.

535PhiloclesMyself,

If you deny me that last friendly office.

536PhilargusBrother, you dally† with me. Therefore I conjure you

By fair Eudina, let your anger loose;

Break up this cask of blood*, and give the earth

A draught† unto her health.

537PhiloclesBy the same beauty

(Then which no greater subject of an oath)

I swear to be your nuptials’ sacrifice,

Be you the priest. I’ll suffer without noise:

In my displayed bowels* you shall read

An augury† of bliss upon you both.

538PhilargusThis is hard measure, Philocles, to mock

Ere you destroy.

539PhiloclesI’ll mock no more. Adieu.

He offers to kill himself; PHILARGUS closes† with him. They struggle, and both fall down, still striving to hold each other’s sword etc.*

540PhilargusHold, hold, and be not prodigal† of that blood

More precious than Pactolus’ golden streams*.

541PhiloclesWas then your challenge but to try† me only?

542PhilargusYours was, it seems; but none went out from me.

543PhiloclesThen are we both ensnared by treachery.

Enter MATHO.

544Matho [Aside] This I foresaw ’twould come to. [Aloud] ’Save ye lordings.

And whither travel* ye? Do you not want a guide

To help ye on your way?

MATHO draws, they start up and disarm him.

545PhilargusThis is the villain

That summoned me.

546PhiloclesAnd me. Villain, what art thou?

547Matho [Aside] Unhappily guessed. [Aloud] I pray enquire no further.

548PhilargusWhat monster art thou?

549PhiloclesUnworthy on thy face to bear man’s ensign*.

Who has suborned† thee?

He unbeards him.*

See, ’tis Stratocles’ man.

550PhilargusDie, villain, die.* And were thy master in thee,

The thirst of whose ambition sought our bloods,

His flesh with thine should here become a prey

Unto the ravens.*

551MathoOh, be pitiful

And spare my life, my lords, and I’ll reveal

Matters of weight and wonder; which, concealed,

Will yet cost both your lives, and make the princess,

If she not answer my lord’s fierce desires,

Subject to rape and murder.

552PhiloclesHow can she

So fall into his power?

553PhilargusWe shall abuse

The trust the gods have put into our hands

If we neglect to execute justice on thee.

554MathoLet me but warn ye of Eudina’s danger,

Whereby her virgin innocence may not suffer,

And then inflict your furies on me.

555PhiloclesThat charms* our ready hands and steel†. Speak quickly.

556MathoThis very hour she’s to be surprised†

By my Lord Stratocles, here, on Tempe plains,

Where she is come to walk, slenderly† guarded,

To take the air. He, with a strength, will seize her

And hurry her hence† unto his mansion house†,

To yield to his desire, or death, if suddenly

Prevention be not made.

557Philargus’Tis worth our care†.

558MathoPreserve me from his vengeance, and I’ll bring you

Unto his enterprise.

559PhiloclesWe must not trust him;

He may have laid an ambuscado† for us.

Enter six RUSTICS with weapons.

560PhilargusSee, brother, stand upon our guard.

561MathoHelp, help, aid me good people, help!

562PhiloclesWhat means the villain now?

5631. RusticWhat’s the complaint?

5642. RusticWhat is your grievance, speak?

565MathoI am a servant to Lord Stratocles,

Who has preserved your country and your lives.

5661. RusticWe are the more beholding to him; on.

5672. Rustic’Twas more his gentleness than our deserving; on.*

568MathoThese two are his malignant enemies,

And finding that my lord is in these parts

Together with the princess, fair Eudina

(Who has made him her choice), they lie in wait

To murder him, as they had me, had not

The gods sent you to rescue me.

5691. Rustic’Twas more their gentleness, than your deserving; on.

570MathoI have no more to say, but that you take ’em

On your allegiance to safe custody,

And let me pass.

5711. RusticUn’ch†, that would be more

Our gentleness than your deserving too; on, on.

572PhilargusDear friends –

5731. RusticGood, interrupt us not: we’ll hear ye in order.

[To MATHO] On you, sir, ere you go; and come not back

For anything unspoke you left behind.*

574MathoI thank you, sir. I had like to ha’ left my sword

Behind, which they disarmed me of.

5751. RusticThat was their gentleness more than your deserving

(They having three swords, and you none to guard you).

They killed you not, indeed; yet on again.

What further do you charge ’em with?

576MathoNo more, nor you, less you detain me longer.

5771. RusticNow you grow bold and saucy, I must tell you.

5782. RusticNow you’re* a knave, a villain and a traitor.

Left you no more behind you but a sword?

I saw a scabbard† on your face of late,

A false one. Seek it out.

5793. RusticOh, here it is. Takes up the false beard.

5801. RusticPut it him on again. On with it, on.

Resist and we will hang thee. Now, my lords,

My princes, I may say. For one of you

Must be our king. We know you though you know

Not us; you may perhaps hereafter know us

More by your gentleness than our deserving.

581Phil[ocles and] PhilargusO worthy country men.

5821. RusticWe are the heads† of Tempe, and the chief

Swain heads† of Thessaly* (the King has known us)

And here we came to lay† our heads together

For good of commonwealth. Here at the verge*

Of this adjoining thicket is our bower†

Of consultation; and from thence† (regardful

Ever with eye and ear for common good)

We saw a beard pulled off; and heard that mouth,

(Which now is dumb) open a plot, unlike

The pitiful complaint he made to us.

583PhilargusBut saw you not some passages* before?

Of his attempt upon our lives?

5841. RusticGood gods!

5852. RusticNo, we came in but† then. Those are enough

To hang the man, and turn his lord out of

Our country favour*. If we find he has

That plot upon the body of the princess

Of rape and murder, he* can be no king

For us; for, sirrah, we have wives and daughters.

Enter STRATOCLES, EUDINA [and] SOLDIERS.

5861. RusticStand close.* See who comes here.

587StratoclesSo, now go back, my friends. There’s some reward.

588SoldiersThanks to the noble bounteous Stratocles.

[STRATOCLES] gives a purse [to the SOLDIERS].

Exit SOLDIERS.

589StratoclesLady, your tears are bootless†.

590EudinaHelp, ye gods!

591StratoclesYour cries as unavailable†. The gods

(To whom your friendly foolish lovers

Have sacrificed each other) have given you up

To me, the only worthy of you.

592EudinaNo, they are both sublimed† into one star,

Yet of a double influence, that shall

Strike death into thy purposes, and give

Me light by which t’ascend with them to live

After my present death.

She offers† to kill herself with a knife; he holds† her.

593StratoclesYour haste to death shall not prevent my lust.*

594PhiloclesShe must outlive thy lust and the false traitor.

595[1.] RusticHold, hold, disarm, but kill him not.

5962. RusticWe’ll keep him tame.

597StratoclesYou have odds o’ me.*

598EudinaI am in heaven already.

599PhilargusLive, wonder of the heavens, a star on earth

Outshining theirs.

600EudinaWhat a short journey ’tis

For heavenly minds to reach unto the gods!

601StratoclesBetrayed!

6021. RusticNo, not betrayed. You’re* but well met, my lord,

But that’s our gentleness more than your deserving.

603StratoclesAm I become the shame and scorn of peasants?

6041. RusticOr if you’ll ha’t betrayed, then blame your own

Overmuch† policy and want† of beasts

To carry it to market*. We ne’er lay

More burden on an ass than he can bear,

Here in the country: what is done at court

We know not. Here perhaps is one can tell;

Know you this bearded satyr*? [He] pull[s] off MATHO’S beard.

605StratoclesCoward, slave!

Thy faintness† hath betrayed me.

606MathoNo, ’twas odds

Such as men meet that fight against the gods.

6071. Rustic [Aside to RUSTICS] The fellow has some grace; he weeps. But come

Princess and princes, what is now your pleasure

We do unto these men?

608EudinaFor me, I have learned

By mine own sufferings in my afflictions

To be compassionate. I wish their pardon.

609StratoclesThat mercy wounds me deeper with remorse

Than all my lost designs, and their derision

Have done with indignation.

6101. RusticThere is some hope these yet may prove new men.

611EudinaLord Stratocles,

Those wounds that pierce the heart with true contrition†

Do bring the precious balm in ’em that cures it.

612PhilargusWe wish yours may be such.

613PhiloclesAnd that this shame

May guard you innocent of future blame.

6142. RusticHere’s sweetness upon sweetness.

6151. RusticNow it remains that we advise ourselves,

Brethren of Tempe, that since these delinquents

Are fallen into our hands, that we discharge

Our country loyalty with discretion,

And not release him from our power, but by

The power above us* (that’s the King’s), we’ll wait†

On you to court. On you,* for your new loves,

And you for old acquaintance.

616EudinaI’ll acquaint my father with your care.

He shall be witness of our bringing in

The ambitious politic† trapped in his own gin†.[They all exit.]

4.3

[Enter] KING, DISANIUS [and] JUSTINIUS.

617KingBereft of all my joys and hopes at once!

Is there no comfort nor no counsel left me?

Why stand you gazing thus with sealèd lips?

Where is your counsel now, which you are wont†

In trifling matters to pour out in plenty?

Now, in the peril of my life and state

I cannot get a word. Give me my daughter,

Or take my kingdom too. Where is she? Tell me.

618DisaniusAll we can say or hear is she was taken

Out of her private walks* by violent hands,

Only we guess the master of the plot

Was Stratocles, who now is missing in the court.

619KingHe asked my leave to leave the court, and had it.

620Disanius’Twas a fit gloss† for his foul treachery.

621KingBut what ha’ you said for her recovery?

622JustiniusWe have dispatched a hundred several posts†

To every coast and angle of your kingdom:

No way of finding her is left unsought.

623DisaniusCould* we find Stratocles, she might be found.

624KingStill upon him? Where’s Philocles? Where’s Philargus?

They are missing too.

625DisaniusHell has not in’t a thought

That can detract† their honours.

626JustiniusYet a rumour

Is spread about the court, they are gone to fight.

627Disanius’Gainst whom?

628JustiniusAgainst themselves. Nay more, that they

Have fought, and both are slain.

629DisaniusYou may as soon

Believe the Arctic and Antarctic poles

Can meet in* opposition amidst

The firmament†, and jointly in a fall

Extinguish both their lights in Neptune’s bosom*.

630KingWhence springs this rumour?

631DisaniusStratocles is the head,*

We may be confident; and his men the pipes

That have dispersed it.

632KingStill you judge Stratocles.

What purpose can he have in’t?

Enter THYMELE.

633DisaniusOh, my sister

Has heard the news too.

[THYMELE] weeps.

Weep not, tender sister,

Your sons are safe.

634ThymeleYes, they are with the gods.

635KingAnd, had they ta’en Eudina with them too,

My doubts and fears were over, well as yours.

Enter GARRULA weeping.

636DisaniusHere’s one that makes a face, an ugly one,

And would weep too, had she but moisture in her.*

How now! Whose mare’s dead*, Garrula? Take thy bottle

And turn that into tears. Or dost thou wring

Thy face because that’s dry? Gi’ me’t, I’ll fill it.

637GarrulaMy son, oh, oh, my son is at death’s door.

638DisaniusAnd is death so unkind to keep it shut

Against him? Out upon him, churl†.

639GarrulaMy liege

And madam – it shall out – you might have saved

My son’s life in your servant’s love, whose scorn

Will be his death, except the King divert it,

And I shall tell him what you know I know –

640Thymele [Aside] Oh me, undone.

641GarrulaAnd open such a secret

Unto his majesty –

642KingYet forbear† me now.

643GarrulaDo you slight† me in the care of my son’s life?

Do you scorn my secret too, that may be worth

More than your kingdom to you?

644DisaniusAway, old fool.

645GarrulaNow you shall never know’t.

646DisaniusFor thy good will

The King would thank thee, in offering at some mirth

To cool his grief, but that it is too hot

Yet to be touched.

647JustiniusIndeed, you do not well

To move† the King, or to perplex the lady

Now in their sorrows’ fullness.

648GarrulaWhat’s their sorrow

To mine? My son’s a-dying.

649JustiniusHer sons are dead,

And the King’s daughter lost.

650GarrulaBut I pray, say,

Is my lord Philocles and Philargus dead?

651Justinius’Tis said so.

652GarrulaThen I say my son shall live.

653DisaniusAnd so wilt thou while thou canst lift thy bottle

To that old mazer*.

654GarrulaHem! Ahem! A ha!*

655DisaniusDo you rejoice, and show the rotten half-tooth

You have left, that they are dead.

656GarrulaNo, I rejoice

That the advancement that the giglet† gaped for

In one of their fine followers is lost,

In hope of which she scorned my son. But now

He shall scorn her and live.

657DisaniusOut, envious trot†.

658GarrulaI’ll comfort him with the news.

659DisaniusAway, you hag.Exit GARRULA.

Enter EUPATHUS.

Here comes one merry, look.

660EupathusJoy to the King.

661DisaniusWell said, speak up and home†, good Eupathus.

662EupathusYour daughter’s safe returned, so is your son, madam,

For which you are to thank the gods.

He gives the KING a paper. He reads to THYMELE aside.

This is

Their true relation.

663DisaniusWhere is Stratocles?

664EupathusCaught in the snares of his foul treachery.

665DisaniusBravely and honestly spoken, Eupathus.

666EupathusAnd by their hands whose voices he had once

For his election.

667DisaniusWhat, his country heads?

668EupathusThey all turn head† upon him now.

669DisaniusBrave heads.

Observe my judgement now, my King. Those heads

I will so souse† in our best Greekish wines,

That they shall be such heads! O heads, heads, heads!

670KingI do approve your judgement, good Disanius,

But wish you not insult o’er man’s dejection.

We find that Stratocles is much penitent

And troubled at his trespass.

671DisaniusA halter still† him

For an ambitious hypocritical traitor.

672KingThe time for my Eudina’s match† draws near,

And I no longer will attend† on fortune.

I have decreed it past recall, regardless

Whether against the oracle, or with it.

673Thymele [Aside] Yet am I confident in your assertion,

You priests of Delphos.

674DisaniusHe’ll bestow her yet

On Stratocles, if she stand longer doubtful

In a fair choice.

675EupathusFear not, my lord. That doubt

Your country heads will clear. He has lost them

Forever.

676DisaniusOh brave heads! I will so ring

Their ears with jewels of praises* and preferment

That they shall glare like direful comets* at him.

677KingOne she shall choose of them. If not, I’ll put

A third upon her.

678ThymeleWith your pardon, sir,

Why are you (for I find it is so) stronger

For Philocles?

679KingNo reason urges me;

And yet I find an inclination in me

That pleads for him. I can perceive you too

Are partial towards Philargus. Can you yield

A reason for’t?

680ThymeleYes, sir, he is my eldest.

681KingAlas, but not* an hour. Well, I’ll remit†

My power of propounding†, and accept

Her choice of either, made within the time.

682ThymeleAye*, there my hopes do anchor; else they were

Certain of shipwreck. Yet the perilous waves

My vessel rides on seems so many graves*.[They all exit.]

Edited by Eleanor Lowe