ACT 5*
5.1
[Enter] VICTORIA, FRANCISCO, FLAVIA, ASTUTTA, JACCONETTA.

642VictoriaNow, lady, has your entertainment pleased you
        In the Novella’s house? Is all well yet†?

643FlaviaSo well that now, come father, friends and all
        The friendly foes* that did oppose my bliss,
        I can maintain my cause in these safe arms*
        ’Gainst all their frowns and furies.

644VictoriaAnd your mistrust is over* too. I hope, sir,**
        The place is not so dangerous* as it was?*

645FranciscoLady, your nobleness shown in this great bounty†,
        Hath not alone† wiped off* my foul suspicion,
        But scored upon my breast an endless sum
        Of thanks which I, unable to discharge†,
        Must not presume to live but as your creature†;
        Nor will I further dare to tempt† your goodness
        In† deeper search of what your reason was
        (Past all my hopes and wishes) to provide†
        For me. I will not sum in such a scruple*:
        For sure, I hold you for a power divine
        (Past all the fictions† of the fabulous† times,
        Fashioning out† the gods in earthly forms)
        Sent by the highest providence† to help me.

646VictoriaYou take too deep† a sense of courtesy†!
Enter BORGIO with HORATIO and PISO.*

        But see, are these your friends?

647FranciscoAnd let me beg
        Your suffrage†, lady, I may bid them welcome.

648VictoriaYour bride and I will both supply† you in it.
        Neither of these is he they call Fabritio?*

649BorgioNo, but he’s sent for and comes instantly.[BORGIO] exits.

650FranciscoThis is the lady* I am bound to serve.

651HoratioAnd I to honour.

652Victoria   [Aside to HORATIO]*   Setting aside your suit*, sir.

653HoratioI cannot promise that.

654Piso   [Aside to VICTORIA]   And I* do wish
        I had her double price* in ready† ducats†
        For what she has done, and tother† do besides.*

655Victoria   [Aside to PISO]   You still stand† in your good conceit† of me.

656Piso   [Aside to VICTORIA]   Yes, and I would so stand† to’t, ha――――

657Victoria   [Aside to PISO]   You are a merry gentleman!

658FranciscoI will not whisper it, Horatio*:
        The woman* that I dealt with for disguise
        Was wrought† before by this most matchless† lady
        To cross† the match twixt Flavia and Fabritio;
        And had undone it though† I had done nothing;
        And, ere† she would condition† with me,
        Obliged me, by an oath, (in case† we ’scaped)
        To bring her hither† to this lady's house.
        I kept that oath and here you find us welcomed.

659PisoThen thou* hast done’t. Would** I had still the ducats
        To pledge† thee here.
Enter BORGIO

660VictoriaWe’ll talk of that hereafter†.
[BORGIO] whispers with VICTORIA*

661PisoWhat acted you, tit†, in this comedy?

662AstuttaThe chambermaid, a kind of putter-forwards†,
        Sir, to the business.

663FranciscoShe has done so well
        That, if a match in Venice may be found
        By my best care, I’ll help her to a husband,
        For she deserves a good one.

664AstuttaAnd if he prove not so, I am like to prove
        A good one myself and make him something*.

665PisoThou wilt: I find it in a villainous cast†
        Of that eye there.

666HoratioAnd what think you of this?[HORATIO stands] by JACCONETTA

667PisoEven such another, of another hue*:
        She has a devilish gloat* too.

668VictoriaGallants, I find you merry; you’re more welcome.
        My man acquaints me with a present business
        Requiring privacy. Please you with your friends,
        Go up to the bride-chamber; there is music.
           [Aside] To JAC[CONETTA]*   Wait† you respectively†.

669HoratioWe’ll all observe† you, lady.
[HORATIO, FRANCISCO, FLAVIA, ASTUTTA and JACCONETTA] exit*

670PisoBut lady, if you receive the ducats†
        Before you come to us, pray bring our shares*;
        We all connive† you know.

671Victoria   [To PISO]   Pray be not jealous†.
        Follow your friends, I’ll follow you straightway.PISO exits
           [Aside]   * How dreams he of this money!* He knows nothing.
           [Aloud to BORGIO]   An English factor†, say you, Borgio?

672BorgioYes, mistress: a brave fellow.

673VictoriaAnd is he so well moneyed as to spare
        Out of his master’s trust* so great a sum?

674BorgioOh he’s a master here himself. They are,
        Abroad, the royalest†* nation of the world*.
        What rich Venetian rarety has not
        The English money-masters purchased from
        Princes and states to bear home as their triumphs?*
        And for their pleasures ――――but I’ll say no more.
        He thinks I stay too long for him to wait
        Without† with so much money.

675VictoriaDid’st thou see’t?

676BorgioMost brightly shining! He’s now telling† it
        In the next room! He comes not to tender†
        The value of it in fine qualities
        Like your supposed Monsieur*, but in cash!
        Cash! Cash of gold! Oh, ’tis a tempting sight!
        Able to damn a noblewoman’s honour.
        What’s your descent†? But poor, I make no question.
        Why, this will set you up* and make you noble.

677Victoria   [Aside]*   This way of his might serve to turn† the blood†
        That has but any tincture† of good in it
        From touching such a bait†, yet he thinks now
        He spurs† me to it. But, bravo†, I will fit† you.
           [Aloud to BORGIO]   Go call him in, go.

678Borgio   [Aside]*   Now my blood† and brain†
        Be strong and sudden!*   [Aloud]   Stay!

679VictoriaWhy stop you, Borgio?

680BorgioTo see him weigh his gold. Oh dainty† sight!
        He brought his weights in’s pocket: just† gentleman,
        He will be sure you shall not want† a grain†
        Of your full price of sweet damnation*.

681VictoriaHe’s doing no such thing.

682BorgioNo, no, I have it now.

683VictoriaI pray thee go. Thou know’st not how the thought
        Of so much gold and the conceit† o’th’ maidenhead
        Lost i’ the house today* sets my virginity
        On edge† now to be going.

684BorgioAre you so ready? Then I fly†.
Enter above PISO [and] HORATIO*

685VictoriaWhat ails† the fellow, trow†*?

686PisoI must yet have an eye upon this female
        To quit my jealousy or catch her i’th’ nick*.

687HoratioHere we may see and hear all undiscovered.

688PisoWatch close†, he comes.
Enter SWATZENBURGH like a merchant with a full bag.

689SwatzenburghBy your leave, lady, I come not a pure suitor*
        (With studied oratory; nor address a sonnet,
        Or trifling love-toys to persuade admittance†
        By slow degrees into your inmost favour)
        But a rich purchaser, that brings at once
        The golden sum* and price of your enjoying*.
        Here,* precious beauty, made by this more precious!
        Take your full due† and render readily
        The full tuition† of† my wealthy purchase.

690Victoria   [Aside]   Now virtue guard me!

691PisoWhat’s that?

692HoratioShe invokes† virtue.

693SwatzenburghHa! Why this delay?
        Let not the glorious sight of this amaze you,
        Though it be granted, sudden* apprehension†
        Of such bright blessings may transport a soul
        Into high raptures, when it is considered,
        The ornament† of youth, the strength of age,
        Life’s great maintainer. Lady, let not this
        At all transmute† you, for I’ll bring supplies
        That shall so frequently acquaint you with
        Such sights as these that you shall grow regardless†
        Even of the care to keep them, in respect
        Of the delicious pleasure brings them in*.
        Delay not therefore that high purchased pleasure
        That brings this to you by a minute’s loss
        To make it fully yours.

694VictoriaSir, I have heard you.
Enter BORGIO behind with pistols.*

        And now must let you know*, ’tis not the sight
        Of that your glorious sum can take† my wonder;
        Much less my love or person. My amazement
        Is, that a man that bears his Maker’s shape*,
        Indued† with reason to direct and govern
        That goodly fortune, and has such treasure given him
        (Besides his greater blessings of the mind
        By well disposing of it) to advance
        This worth in deeds of virtue, should descend
        Below the sense of beasts to part with that,
        Allotted† for his livelihood and honour,
        To waste it and himself in bestial lust.

695SwatzenburghHow’s this?*

696PisoI know not what to make o’ this wench.
        She preaches, methinks!*

697VictoriaBesides, sir, were it well examinèd*,
        The golden sum you tender† is, perhaps,
        None of your proper own: I understand
        You are another’s factor†. I presume
        In all your catalogue of merchandise
        You find no warrant† to buy maidenheads.
        Is such a thing in all your bills† of lading†?
        They are no way transportable†, though you allow
        For fraught† and leakage† half the worth; and less
        Returnable by way of exchange. How can
        You take up a virginity in Venice,
        And make a London-payment of it on
        Sight of your bill† or† six or ten days after?

698PisoGood!

699SwatzenburghNay then, you dally† with me, and I must
        Deal plain and briefly with you. Here’s the price,
        And either render me my just demand
        Or I shall take for your disgrace an order†
        Shall spew†* you forth the city.

700Victoria   [Aside]*   Now I fear
        I am ensnared†. I have but one way left
        To fly from† shame or fall to utter ruin.

701PisoI begin to suspect† her honest.*

702SwatzenburghYour answer, gentlewoman.

703VictoriaGentle sir,
        The law hath made me yours. And I have now
        No court but conscience to relieve† me in.[VICTORIA] kneels

704SwatzenburghWhat may this mean?*

705VictoriaIf the strong passion of a virgin soul,
        Expressed in bitter’st tears, move not your pity*,
        This shall prevent your cruelty.[VICTORIA produces] a knife

706PisoShe’ll prove† honest, o’ my life.

707SwatzenburghWhat mean you, lady?

708VictoriaKeep at that distance, sir, and you shall know.
        Come nearer, and I will not live to tell you.

709SwatzenburghPray rise and speak your story: yet I tell you,
        I hold it very strange† that so much money
        And such a one as I (none of th’unhandsom’st*)
        Should not go down† with a young wench, and one
        Of the profession† you pretend to be of*,
        Before cold iron*! Methinks, most unnatural*!
        Think better yet before you utter further.

710VictoriaIndeed I may not.

711SwatzenburghWell, well, on then.

712Victoria’Tis true: I am indeed a mere pretender*
        To the profession† you supposed me of:
        A spotless virgin (by my utmost hopes*)
        And will remain so till I am a bride.

713PisoToo honest to be a woman!*

714SwatzenburghWhy took you this deceiving habit* then?

715VictoriaI am about to tell you for your pity*.
        I am a Roman born, of good descent;
        My father noble ( of the Candiani*)
        Howe’er* decayed in fortune ere† he died;
        Which drew on my misfortune: for, being betrothed
        Unto a wealthy heir, here, of this city,
        Who sojourned† then in Rome, his covetous† father
        Ravished† his faith from me, to give’t another;
        And called him hastily from Rome to Venice.
        I followed him in hope to cross† the match
        And so regain him, towards which already
        I have done something.

716PisoFabritio’s wench*, my life on’t!

717SwatzenburghWhat, in this habit† as a courtesan*?

718VictoriaNot without good advice: for by this means
        I draw the eyes of all the youthful gentry,
        Not without hope to gain a sight of him.
        My price and port† keep back inferior persons.
        Nor lose I honour by it: for the strictness
        Of our Italian censure† gives* a virgin
        That held familiarity with* any man
        By way of marriage-treaty and then forsaken,
        Lost in repute*; she is no honest woman
        Until that man do vindicate her honour*.

719SwatzenburghBut should he find you here, what were his censure†?

720VictoriaHere he should find what his disloyalty†
        Had wrought† me to; and should restore me firm†
        On my first basis* or exchange a life
        For mine* ere we would part.

721SwatzenburghThis sounds yet well.

722BorgioI’ll trust thee now: thou art a noble wench,
        Thou hadst kissed death* by this else. Now I’ll trust thee.[BORGIO] exits

723VictoriaIf he were lost by marriage of† another,
        I would remove† with such a testimony†
        Of my reserved† honour (in despite
        Of this my outward carriage†, for my ends†;
        Maugre† the stern construction† of my country)
        That strangers should receive† me; and some one
        More noble than himself――――

724SwatzenburghTake you to wife?

725VictoriaI should not doubt.

726Swatzenburgh’Tis done, and I am he that does it.

727VictoriaI cannot, sir, but kindly take your offer:
        But if my first love fail me, there is one,
        A noble German, that commenced his suit
        To me this day.

728SwatzenburghI am he too, lady―――― Look well upon me
        That in this shift†, reducing† of my beard,
        With this supply of money came to try† you.
        I find you noble and, above it, honest.

729PisoThis is the German that Fabritio apes†.*

730HoratioAnd† he should come now!*
Enter JACCONETTA to them above.

731JacconettaGentlemen, forbear†.
        Indeed it is not civil† in you to pry beyond
        Your hospitable usage*. Pray forbear.

732Horatio’Tis timely† chidden†, wench, we will obey thee.

733JacconettaBesides the Bridegroom and the Bride expect you.

734PisoO! ha’ they done? We come, we come.
HOR[ATIO and] PI[SO] exit [with JACCONETTA]*

735VictoriaThis jealous† trial* now of yours (howe’er*
        You have expressed strong arguments of love)
        Has not augmented† you in my affection.

736SwatzenburghO say not so, sweet lady! I’ll redeem† it.

737VictoriaI cannot yet believe you are the man:
        You are so changed from what you seemed today.
        Must the mind alter with the outward habit?*
Enter BORGIO*

738BorgioMistress, the German――――

739VictoriaHere he is, man,* he says.

740BorgioI say he is without† and craves† to see you.

741VictoriaHow can this be? Or who can I believe?

742BorgioGood sir, depart and make room for yourself,
        Your proper self, to enter: the Dutch prince.

743SwatzenburghI tell thee I am he, and here already.
        I am Swatzenburgh.

744BorgioYes, in your tother† beard*, sir.
        Hans Snortanfart, are you not? Well I can but warn you:
        If you will needs stand to the taking-off
        A man’s good name from him before his face,
        Then take what follows. I will fetch him in.
        Mistress, you were best be out of sight a while:
        Your presence with this stranger may whet up† his fury
        To cut all our throats else.

745VictoriaI’ll take your counsel.[VICTORIA] exits

746BorgioFor, sir, I’ll tell you: if you had but seen
        How he worried† a Spaniard today, you would
        Have been able at your return to make
        As many of your countrymen as thrive
        By serving of the states to laugh i’faith.

747SwatzenburghI tell thee I am he: ’twas I that chased
        The Spaniard hence.

748BorgioI tell you yet again
        You were best be gone before the He* indeed
        Come in to chase you after him.

749SwatzenburghI’ll stand the hazard†.

750BorgioSee his impatience pulls him in already.
Enter FABRITIO in the German’s habit*.

751FabritioWhere is this lady? Does* her beauty fly† me?

752BorgioShe is at hand, but first here is a stranger,
        A most strange stranger, that says he is you, sir.

753SwatzenburghWas oder wer bistu*? Bistu ein Deutscher?
        Sag mir* in was ort Du gelebst hast?

754FabritioWho’s this?

755SwatzenburghIch denke du bist ein heuchler*; bistu aber
        Ein Deutscher* so anwort mihr in deutscher sprach.

756FabritioGood sir, speak in the proper language of
        The nation we are in, though it come brokenly†
        From you, that this good fellow here may understand us.

757SwatzenburghThou son of impudence and imposture†, speak:
        What is thy end† in this?

758FabritioThink what thine own must be,
        Thou son of slander*.

759SwatzenburghPrecious counterfeit!*
        But I am weaponless and must fetch strength†
        Of officers to right me.[SWATZENBURGH] exits

760FabritioWhat, does your shame remove† you, sir?

761Borgio   [Aside]   What can this rascal mean?

762Fabritio*I care not.   [To BORGIO]   Honest* fellow, where’s thy mistress?
Enter VICTORIA*

        Good angels guard me!*

763BorgioDoes she fright you, sir?

764FabritioI ask thee for thy mistress, the Novella.

765BorgioWhat appears she to you?

766FabritioThou powerful man in magic*, I will tell thee:
        Th’ hast raised† an apparition†, that has damned thee
        Blacker than thy black art; nay, hell itself.

767BorgioBless us! More madness yet!

768FabritioThe heavenly spirit that inspired† this form,
        (When the unworthy world enjoyed her being,
        Which thou hast conjured into this lewd habit†)
        Has at this instant won the powers above
        To sink† thee and thy sorcerers.

769BorgioWhat may you mean? Here is no sorcery:
        This woman’s flesh and blood.

770FabritioI would not dare to try to be the Duke.*

771BorgioYou may depart, pray hinder† not the house.

772FabritioHadst thou but seen, as I have, one like her
        And noted the divinity in her looks
        (Although† in those adulterate† incitements†
        She seems to wear) she would have struck thy soul
        With fervent adoration not base lust.

773Borgio   [Aside]   I know not what to say t’ him.[A] bell rings*

774VictoriaSee who rings.*BORGIO exit[s]
        What divine creature, sir, was that you mentioned?

775FabritioI dare to name her to thee, though thou be
        Her incensed ghost* to work† me to despair.
        It was Victoria.

776VictoriaThis sounds most strangely†! Have you been at Rome, sir?

777Fabritio’Twas there I saw and loved her.

778VictoriaAnswer me. Pray sir, why could not this fall†
        In your discourse† today, when I related
        My life and fortune to you? Why do you start†?
        I am no shadow†; but suspect you rather
        To be not as you seem, the noble German
        That vowed me love. Does that too startle† you?
        See, sir, to prove I am no airy† spirit,
        I’ll trust your hand (if you be mortal substance†)
        With so much flesh and blood as may resolve† you.

779FabritioI find ’tis she; and, having found her thus*,
        She’s lost for ever, and myself no less
        That was the cause of this her desperate† fortune.

780VictoriaWhat’s that you say? What ails you, sir? How is’t?
        And what moves thy distraction†?   [Calling offstage]   Borgio!   [To FABRITIO]   Speak.

Enter BORGIO

781BorgioHorror and shame invades us! All* the house
        Is round beset with officers. The magistrates
        Are entering now. For what* or whom they search
        I cannot guess, unless this be some murderer
        Slipped in, to draw† our lives in question*.

782Victoria   [To FABRITIO]   Deal plainly, sir. What are you?   [To BORGIO]   He’s stupefied†!

783BorgioThe Spaniard’s with ’em too that took th’affront†
        By the supposèd Dutchman here today*;
        And he that feigned†* himself to be that Dutchman
        Desires their aid against this unknown person.

Enter PANTALONI, PEDRO*, GUADAGNI, SWATZ[ENBURGH] PROSPERO, CHEQUINO, ZAFFI, PEDLAR-WOMAN.

784GuadagniThis is the house, you say.*

785Pedlar-Woman*And this is the gentlewoman.

786GuadagniGive me my daughter, harlot.

787VictoriaHere’s no such creature* here, sir. If she be
        Your daughter this woman* directed hither,
        She is no harlot, but an honest bride,
        Lawfully wed and bedded, as may appear
        By the strong testimony of divers† friends.
           [To BORGIO]   Call them all down.BORGIO exit[s]

788PantaloniUnheard-of impudence! Are bawds and whores
        Fit matchmakers for magnificos’† daughters?

789VictoriaSpeak lower or at home*, sir: you know not*
        What we are. *   [Aside to PANTALONI]   Hark you, sir――――your last night’s trial
        Did not enough inform you?

790PantaloniWe shall know more anon.*   [To FABRITIO]   I’th’ meantime, what are you?*

791FabritioA stranger, sir.

792PantaloniWe shall know more of that anon too.

793Pedro   [Pointing to SWATZENBURGH]*   This is the stranger that affronted† me,
        ’Gainst whom I crave your justice.

794PantaloniYou shall know more anon too.

795Swatzenburgh   [Pointing to FABRITIO]*   And this is my abuser†.

796PantaloniYou also shall know more anon.

Enter BORGIO, FRANCISCO, PISO, HORAT[IO], FLAVIA, ASTUTTA, JACCONETTA.

797Guadagni   [To FLAVIA]   You are well met, gentle-woman ――――I gave you lost*.

798Astutta   [To FLAVIA]   What will you whimper† now? Will not marriage
        Make you bold that makes so many impudent?
           [To GUADAGNI]   She was not lost, sir*, nor in danger of losing;
        She was but mislaid a little, as your writing was today.

799PisoWell said, my chatt’ring magpie*. I will side† thee.

800GuadagniAudacious strumpet†, that seduces my daughter!

801PisoYou are mistaken: she did but wait upon her.

802AstuttaRight sir, and did but duty, I’ll be sworn.

803Pedlar-WomanNor I, I will be sworn.

804GuadagniNot in consenting to the stealth?**

805Pedlar-WomanIt was my duty, sir, for the reward.
        We all would live you know.

806GuadagniWill you be gone?

807Pedlar-WomanI hope I am discharged†: for look you, sir,
        I brought you where you find your daughter safe.

808GuadagniBegone, I say.

809Pedlar-WomanNo whit the worse for wearing, as they say.*

810Guadagni   [To the ZAFFI]*   Go, thrust her out of doors.

811Pedlar-WomanAt my own liberty, I hope.

812GuadagniHow thou wilt, to be rid of thee.

813Pedlar-WomanMay you see your children’s, children’s, children’s children.*[PEDLAR-WOMAN] exit[s with the ZAFFI]*

814Pantaloni   [To PISO]*   And thou misledst my son. I ask him of thee.

815PisoYou shall know more of that anon, sir.*

816PantaloniOutbraved† and scorned by strumpets, bawds, and bravoes†!
        Call in the officers.*

817PisoAnd call the common hangman*, if you please,
        And end all ’mong yourselves. If your grave wisdoms
        And lawyers here can find one guilty person,
        We’ll all submit our necks to you.
HORATIO and FRANCISCO, etc., talk aside with FABRITIO and VICTORIA*

818Guadagni’Tis boldly† spoken.

819PisoI will speak but truth.*
        And you, opposing it, shall wrong the dignity
        You bear i’th’ city to your utter shames.
           [To GUADAGNI]   This gentleman and your daughter were contracted†,
        Yourself a willing witness;   [To PANTALONI]   your son likewise
        Unto a noble virgin (Sir, of whom
        You shall know more anon).
        It pleased diviner providence* to take
        From either’s chosen mate their earthly fortunes;
        Yet each had person†, blood†, and virtue left
        Above the value of a prince’s dowry*.
        Would you so kick at† heaven then, in despite*
        Of its great ordinance†, as to force your children
        To forfeit† both their faiths, thereby to lose
        The never-failing hope of future blessings,
        To pull withal† a curse on your own heads,
        That could no less than ruin your estates,
        And render you most wretched in your dotage,
        Past help or hope how to relieve† yourselves:
        Your consciences still groaning underneath
        The lashes that your children’s bastard issue*
        Should lay upon you? More, you may consider――――

820PantaloniWe do consider, sir, this place and people
        No fit receipt for† warrantable† business.

821PisoThis was no bawdy talk, sir, nor have I
        Heard worse from any mouth in this free place
        Till your arrival here.

822Victoria   [Aside]   I cannot be so happy.*

823Francisco   [Aside to FABRITIO]   Let her see your face.

824Victoria   [Aside to FABRITIO]   O my Fabritio――――

825BorgioYou see the worst of us: I should be loath†
        Any unwarrantable† act should pass among us.

826GuadagniThou look’st like one indeed of upright† conscience!

827BorgioAnd for the marriage, sir, it is as lawful
        As if yourself had given her in St. Mark’s*.
        I’ll fetch the priest t’avouch† it.

828GuadagniFetch that priest.
BORGIO joins in conference with VICTORIA and FABRITIO*

829PantaloniBut I’ll be so revenged upon this instrument*†,
        This unknown trull† here ――――

830HoratioOur ears and eyes, Fabritio,*
        Witness for her.*

831FabritioYou have told me wonders,
        Yet with such faith as I shall ever wish
        Locked in this heavenly cabinet†, I take* all.

832PisoYou may Fabritio, for as I prize† life,
        Honour ’bove that; and above both thy friendship,
        My soul is not assured of firmer truth.*
        Let thy Dutch habit drink off jealousy*
        And take her to thee.*

833Fabritio’Tis done, my Piso.

834VictoriaAnd I made happy past my height of hopes.*[They] kiss.

835Pantaloni   [Aside]   Good, you shall see how I shall cool those kisses.*

836BorgioMay I say boldly† you are man and wife?

837Fabritio and VictoriaWe are most faithfully till death.*

838BorgioI’ll fetch a priest shall straight† pronounce* ye so.*BORGIO exit[s]

839PantaloniYou say that is a Dutchman, sir, that wronged you.

840PedroRight, worthy signior, that’s the man I challenge.

841PantaloniYou say you are the man confronted Don here.

842SwatzenburghYes, and will still maintain’t, for violence
        He offered to that noble virtuous lady.

843PantaloniGood! Virtuous lady! Let me join your friendships.

844Pedro and SwatzenburghYou have done it, sir.

845Pedro   [Pointing to FABRITIO]   That is the man I challenge.

846SwatzenburghThe same man, I. He has not left the house
        Since my abuse; I fear to her much wrong*:
        For he is some disguised knave on my life.

847PantaloniNow you are in the right.

848SwatzenburghHe could not wear those clothes and speak no Dutch else.

849PantaloniStill i’ the right. I’ll show you what he is,
        And out of† him, what she is whom you call
        So virtuous and so noble! And you, sir*,
        That mentioned the hangman. Come all and see
        The commendable port† this lady bears.
        It seems, sir, you affect† this gentlewoman.

850FabritioThe best of any living.

851PantaloniAnd you him, lady?

852VictoriaYes, he is my husband.

853PantaloniWould that were true i’faith. The rogue, your man,
        Said he would fetch a priest――――
Enter BORGIO in [a] friar’s habit.

854BorgioNo verier† rogue than myself, sir.

855PantaloniThou art a mad fellow for a priest indeed.
        But such a priest! such a marriage!*
        Put ’em together.*

856BorgioI do pronounce them lawful man and wife.*

857PantaloniThe bridegroom thanks you; but you, Mistress Bride:*
        For the fine trick you put on me last night,
        Look now upon your husband.Enter NICOLO as the ZAFFI.
        Who would you speak with, fellow?

858NicoloWith Signior Rastrofico here, the hangman.
        I come to call him to state business, sir.

859PantaloniCan this be he?   [Aside to SWATZENBURGH]*   You said he was a counterfeit†.
        I saw him ride† the wooden-horse†, last day*
        With less than half this beard. Unbeard him, sirrah.
        I’ll bear you out†. So rest you†, gentlemen,
        With your so virtuous lady and her husband.
[NICOLO removes FABRITIO's beard]*

860Omnes*Fabritio!

861Victoria   [To SWATZENBURGH]   Sir, I must crave your pardon: this is he,
        My first love that I told you of.

862SwatzenburghYou have it freely, lady.

863PantaloniI am abused and cozened†.

864VictoriaI thank you, sir, for all the harm you did me
        In your revenge――――   [Aside to PANTALONI]   And hark you: be at peace,
        And I’ll be silent for your last night’s work.

865GuadagniForbear† me, I am off* again.

866FranciscoGood sir,
        Stop not the blessing you were about to give us.

867GuadagniI am off again*. The pandar was the priest,
        The match is no match, you no more my children
        But knave and strumpet.

868PantaloniI’ll not be so cozened†.
        This is no priest; and all that’s past unlawful.

869PisoYou will know more anon.
BORGIO casts off his peruke† and beard [during the following speech]*

870BorgioThen cast your eyes on me, who dare maintain
        My priesthood lawful; it being derived
        From th’ holy Order of St. Augustine*?

871VictoriaLet me not surfeit† with excess of joy!
        My brother, Paulo!*

872BorgioThy brother and thy father*, virtuous sister:
        Be ever subject of my dearest† care;
        And pardon me, who (jealous† of thine honour,*
        Inflamed by the same heart, of the same blood†:
        For we are all the relicts† of our parents)
        Watched nearly†, and pursued thy ’scape* from Rome.
        For which I had good warrant†, gentlemen:*
        See there my dispensation† with th’allowance†
        Of all the holy brotherhood of my covent†.
        My ends were fair†, though in this uncouth way*.
        Though (Heaven, I beg thy pardon!*) as my care
        Was to preserve her life and more her honour,
        (Fearing* her violent and abused† spirit,
        Might have made wrack† of either or of both)*
        I once had secret purpose to have ta’en*
        Her life in case she had forsook her honour*;
        And with her cut off Candiani’s line*,
        Which, now branched† here, may touch the world’s end
        With fair succession!* Be you blest for ever.
        And now, grave sirs, let me entreat your likings†
        And cheerful reconcilement to your children,
        That so* you may your children’s children see,
        Crowned by the prayers of your prosperity.*

873GuadagniI am content.

874PantaloniAnd I, but for one scruple†.
        Clear me this point: how had you saved your honour
        If the old youth last night (who shall be nameless)
        Had but mis-spent his time* upon your moor here?

875Victoria’Tis easily done, sir. See, my* loved Fabritio,
        The eunuch† moor you gave me.
[VICTORIA removes some of JACCONETTA's clothing]*

876FabritioMy boy, Jacomo, turned chambermaid!
        Has thy mistress used thee well?

877VictoriaNot without much desert.*

878JacomoShe means for your dear sake, sir.

879FabritioI see, sweetheart, you have an honest* family.

880VictoriaHere you see all, and all that came i’th’ house
        (Since it was made mine).* In this convention†
        I dare† them not, but give them freest leave
        To speak the worst they found in the Novella.

881Omnes.We all conclude you’re noble.

882PauloAll’s well accorded† then. We all are friends,
        And may priests travail* never to worse ends.

EPILOGUE*


883Epilogue’Cause† ’tis the custom, by the poet, sirs,
        I’m sent to crave a plaudit†, and the spurs
        That prick him on to’t is his promised pay*
        May chance to fail, if you dislike the play.
        But don’t, if you be wise: for he has vowed
        To write far worse, if this be not allowed†.

FINIS

Edited by Professor Richard Cave