ACT FIVE*
5.1
[Enter] PHILOCLES [and] PHILARGUS.

683PhiloclesBrother and friend, I’m deaf to all dissuasion.
        I charge you by Eudina’s love, our friendship,
        And (if there be) ought that you hold more sacred,
        Move† not to alter my fixed resolution.

684PhilargusThat resolution’s mine. And I conjure you
        By the self-same respects, and all that are
        Or may be hallowed†, to let me depart.
        I will remove† but for some few days journey
        Whence† you shall duly hear from me. But rather
        I’ll travel* to th’Antipodes*, than here
        Linger the vain impediment† of your joys
        In your Eudina.

685PhiloclesTravel’s my design.
        Eudina must be yours. She is a bliss
        Which heaven created for you.

686PhilargusCan a bliss
        Be purchased with your absence? No: ’twill torture
        Equally in fruition† as in want†.
        Were it a kingdom only, we could part it
        Without the quarrel of the Theban*brothers*;
        Or, were it heaven itself, Castor and Pollux*
        Should have our imitation. But Eudina
        Is only indivisible.*

687PhiloclesAdd to it this:
        Their sentence is erroneous that deny
        Partition† to the soul. For ours do witness,
        Friendship can give her a division,
        And make reciprocal community
        Of all her faculties. But still Eudina
        Is indivisible. Why name I her,
        Whom to forget must be my only task?
        Brother, adieu.

688Philargus’Tis I that must take leave.
Enter DISANIUS.

689DisaniusIs it even† so?

690PhiloclesI fear we are prevented.

691DisaniusNephews, why left you so the presence†? I
        May justly fear you were ill advised in it.
        The King expects your quick return, and will not
        Let pass this peremptory† day, set down
        For matching of his daughter, to preserve
        Life, state, or kingdom. Have you a purpose,
        First having begged that villain Stratocles’ pardon,
        To give him up your interest in the princess?
        The kingdom too, to boot†? Will you compel
        The King to give him all?

692PhilargusNot so, good uncle.

693DisaniusWhat do you less in flying from the presence,
        When that affair is now in agitation†?

694PhiloclesUncle, you saw withal the great distraction
        We left the princess in. How when she looked
        Upon Philargus, she inclined to him;
        And when on me, to me; when on us both
        How ecstasied† she fell!

695PhilargusA strong necessity
        There is that one of us absent†.

696DisaniusTherefore
        You both fly off to travel several† ways!
        Come, let me tell you, your courtesy is foolish,
        And you unworthy to have such a fortune
        Hang like a pregnant cloud over your heads
        Ready to be dissolved in showers upon you,
        While your own madness conjures up a wind
        To blow’t away.

697PhilargusUncle, you are unjust.
        I would remove to let that golden shower*
        Light† upon Philocles.

698PhiloclesI upon Philargus.

699Disanius   [Aside]   I could even† swaddle† ’em both for a brace† of babies.
        Your folly makes me mad: will you return
        Yet to the presence, both of you?

700PhiloclesUncle, you know
        To be both there is neither to be there,
        But to breed more perplexity† in Eudina.
        Pray, take Philargus.

701DisaniusNephew, come, be wise:
        It is a crown that courts you, and the name
        Of friend or brother ought to stand aloof
        And know a distance where such dignity
        Is tendered. Take your opportunity;
        I find you coming; come.

702PhilargusI pray, take Philocles.

703DisaniusI’ll take him for the wiser man then.   [To PHILOCLES]   Nephew!
        Come, and embrace your fortune, and forget not
        To thank the gods your brother has no more wit.
        A kingdom and a beauteous bed-fellow
        (There, nephew, there!). Do not those bear a sound
        ’Bove friend and brother, ha?

704PhiloclesNot in mine ears.

705Disanius   [Aside]   What frost has seized their blood and brains, which
        Beauty nor dignity can thaw?   [Aloud]   Go, travel.
        What stay you for? Young gentlemen sometimes neither
        Wait for a gale of gold to blow ’em out
        O’th’ harbour; Stratocles will furnish you,
        And thank you more than for his forfeit† life.

706PhiloclesStratocles can gain nothing by my absence,
        While her Philargus stays.

707PhilargusNo, nor by mine,
        While Philocles remains.

708DisaniusShall I make a motion†?
        Will one of you remain?

709Both [Philargus and Philocles].One must and shall.

710DisaniusThen yield to take your lots† for’t. I will make ’em:
        As you respect my love, your mother’s life,
        The kingdom’s good, Eudina’s love and life,
        Let it be so. Pause not upon’t, but do’t.
        See, here’s ink and paper. I am inspired,
        Apollo, with thy wisdom.   He writes two lots.   ‘Love’ – and ‘Friendship’.
        See, here’s a pass for one, and a plantation
        For tother†.* Love and friendship, gentlemen.
        Love shall abide at home, and Friendship walk,
        According to the custom of the world.
        Let it be so. Come, study not*, but draw;
        I’ll draw* upon ye both else.   They draw* the lots.   

711PhilargusFriendship for me then.

712PhiloclesSee, here I have it, brother. And yours is Love.
        My love* be prosperous to you. My horse, my horse!
Enter VARILLUS.

713VarillusAll’s ready, sir.

714PhiloclesIn the first place then bring
        A parting cup, that by the grapes’ elixir*,
        As Jove by Acheron*, I may protest
        My constancy and zeal unto my purpose.

715Varillus   [Aside]   And now’s my time to act thy purpose, Doris.[He] exit[s].*

716DisaniusKick not your heels against the gods, Philargus.
        It is most evidently their decree
        That you abide and Philocles remove†.

717PhiloclesI do obey my lot. And, noblest brother,
        Be you as free in love, as I from envy.

718PhilargusBut how can you forgo that equal interest
        You have with me in Thessaly and Eudina?

719DisaniusWhy should that trouble you? You see he does
        Forgo’t, and is a-going. Would† he were gone once†.

720PhilargusCan love allow’t?

721PhiloclesVariety of objects,
        Like nails, abandon one another.* So
        May I, by novelties of travel,* lose
        The thought of love; and cheerfully return
        Both hers and yours in a more just relation.
Enter VARILLUS with a bowl of wine.
        Give me the bowl. Now, brother, to that love
        You owe the fair Eudina, unto which
        I give th’addition of mine own, and all
        The joys that e’er† I wished myself and her,
        And to that friendship, which nor† time nor absence
        Shall ever end or alter.   He drinks and gives VARILLUS the bowl.   

722Varillus   [Aside]   Now the service that may redeem my faults
        Is to be done.

723PhilargusGive it me full, Varillus.

724Varillus   [Aside]   I’ll give you more than you expect by this.
He puts in a powder.

725PhilargusYou have the victory in friendship, brother,
        Who, by your resolute absence will enforce
        And drive me to a happiness; wherein
        I must not cease in all the strength of prayers
        Of sacrifice and vows; in all my goods
        Of fortune, mind and body to be yours:
        Which that you may return to repossess
        With the more speed, this health to auspicate†
        And expedite† your travels*.

726Varillus   [Aside]   They are done
        Already if my ’pothecary’s skill fail not.

727PhiloclesWith this embrace, my brother, and my last
        Of present ceremony, I now wish you
        In th’arms of your Eudina –
        And may my better part of soul*, which now
        I leave in trust with you, by you be breathed
        Into her breast, that she may lively find
        She has my love in yours, and that in you
        She has us both.

728DisaniusSo, so, enough. Ha’ ye done yet?

729PhiloclesHow is it with you, brother?

730PhilargusAs it is
        With souls that leave the world in peace.   [He falls.]   

731DisaniusFor shame,
        Leave womanish ceremony*. Will you part
        Before it be too late?

732PhiloclesToo soon, I fear.
        Philargus! Brother! Friend! Ye gods, how comes this?*

733DisaniusWhat, is he dead? I see then how it comes.
        You or your man, or both, ha’ poisoned him.

734PhilargusNo, ’twas myself.*

735DisaniusThou wilt not go out o’th’ world
        With a lie i’ thy mouth?* Speak yet again.

736Varillus   [Aside]   He has said well for me already.

737PhiloclesGone, past recovery, but he shall not pass
        Without my company.
He offers† to kill himself. DISANIUS snatcheth his sword away.

738DisaniusWilt thou die mad too?
        Come, sir, let go your whiblin.* He has yet
        Some breath. Run for physicians –   [To VARILLUS]   No, sir, stay.
        I will not quit† you so.   [Aside]   I can read guilty lines
        Palpably on this villain’s visnomy†.
           [Aloud]   Is there no more i’th’ house?* Some help here! Ho!
PHILOCLES offers again to kill himself.*
        Nephew, forbear. As you will have me think
        You guiltless of your brother’s blood, forbear.
        How am I tortured! Ho! Philargus! Rub him,
        Rub him, he may live yet.

739PhiloclesOh that the world
        Might be so happy!

740DisaniusSo, well said. A box
        Or two in kindness will not do amiss.*
        Stir not you, sirrah.*
Enter TERSULUS.
           [To TERSULUS]   Oh, sir, you lay hold
        On that same traitor.   [Indicating VARILLUS.]   

741VarillusI’ll not stir, my lord.*

742DisaniusI’ll hold you to your word, sir.   [To TERSULUS]   Run, sir, you
        And fetch physicians.

743TersulusOh my lord, fallen dead!

744DisaniusStay but† to look upon him and I’ll swear
        Thou art his murderer.Exit TERSULUS.
        Fetch the King’s physicians
        If not to cure him, yet to rip the cause
        Out* of his sudden death.   [To VARILLUS]   I guess they’ll find
        Your handy-work in’s maw†.

745VarillusYou heard him say
        It was himself that did it. I am cleared.
Enter EUPATHUS.

746EupathusMy lord, the King, impatient of your stay,
        Has sent –*

747DisaniusWhat has he sent? Has he sent means
        To call this man from death, or that* from falling
        After him into th’ grave?

748EupathusOh heavy spectacle!

749DisaniusBut come, I will not cry though. Pray, assist me*
        In with this body. Charity commands,
        When grieved necessity entreats, your hands.[They all exit.]
5.2
[Enter] GERON [and] the four RUSTICS.

750GeronMy Rustici amici*, your counsel and
        Your virtue have restored me. And ’tis true
        As whilom† said the good Antisthenes*:
        Virtue is armour ’gainst the very fates.

7511. RusticWe told you for your good, good Master Geron;
        Fond love became† you not.

7522. RusticIt sat upon your coat like burrs or briars
        Stuck in the hindlocks† of our fleecy sheep,
        Who shake their heads, figgle†, and writhe their tails,
        And bleat for woe; sprinkle† the ground behind ’em
        Sometimes, iwis*†. ’Twould make one laugh and pity ’em
        All at once, but all remediless;
        Till we with helping wit and hands release ’em.

753Geron*A wise man, then, in love is like a sheep
        I’th’ briars. As whilom said –

7543. RusticBut, by the way,
        What was that ‘Whilom’? Sir, you speak much of him,
        But what was he, pray?

755GeronAn ancient Briton*, whom I have affected
        As idly as my love. But I’ll forget it
        And use that word no more.   [Aside]   The clowns† have found† me.

7564. RusticBut will you now proceed upon your plot
        For th’ honour of Tempe plains, and Tempe swains†.

757GeronYou can all dance?

7582. RusticAfter our country guise†.

7593. RusticLike so many light horses*.

7601. RusticSo can our wives,
        Who have followed us up to court, we thank ’em.
        Pray Juno we get them honestly† home again.

761GeronThere is no doubt. However, fear you nothing
        As whi – ’tis hard to leave off an old custom.

7622. RusticThe ‘whi’ was out, but ‘lom’* stuck in your teeth.

763Geron’Tis well it did so. You can dance, you say.
        A dance I have projected† for the princess;
        Whoever marries her it shall serve. As whi –

7641. RusticAgain, ’twas e’en† a-coming.

765GeronYou are as quick as whi –

7662. RusticAnd there again.

7671. RusticNay, we are heads, I tell you, Master Geron,
        And should have wit; and show’t we can i’th’ country,
        In the head vein*, though here* at court like courtiers
        We’ll show it in our heels*. Pray, therefore, on.

768GeronOn, let us then to practice. King and court
        Shall see, to crown their joys, some country sport.[They all exit.]
5.3
[Enter] KING, JUSTINIUS, EUDINA, THYMELE [and] Attendants.

769KingNo answer, no return? Must I entreat,
        Yet have my undeservèd favours slighted†?

770ThymeleYet, sir, your kingly patience.

771KingStupid folly
        ’Twere longer to attend†. My vow is past
        And registered in heaven; the minute is
        At hand that calls down thunder on me, which
        No tear or prayers can mollify† or avert* ,
        If I upon so long deliberation
        Shall falsify. So, call in Stratocles.Exit ATTENDANTS.

772EudinaO my dread father. Yet one hour’s patience
        Till Eupathus or Disanius return.
        One short, short hour: I may not live so long.
        His wife you named, though you may force me take him.

773KingI’ll leave that to the gods.

774EudinaThey will forgive. Give them your imitation
        In mercy, as in power on earth. I know Disanius
        Went not in vain to call ’em to your presence.
        And him that he brings first into this room
        Of Philocles or Philargus I will take,
        Though he precede the other but one foot;
        I have it by inspiration from the gods.

775KingYou are full of dreams.

776ThymeleThis cannot, sir, be long
        In trial.

777King.Yet I am not bound to wait
        On those ingrateful† men.
Enter STRATOCLES.
        Oh Stratocles,
        You have from your late† errors, which your then
        Headstrong ambition hurried and cast you in,
        With that humility purged yourself, that I
        Conceive you now a temperate† man; and am
        Instructed by the clemency of the gods
        To cherish and reward your virtue. Therefore
        From their divine appointment, at my hands –

778EudinaO mighty sir* –

779KingDare not to disobey me.

780EudinaReceive Eudina.

781StratoclesRoyal King and master,
        Mistake not so the pleasure of the gods.
        My forfeit life you have forgiven me:
        Your kingly power and grace might do it. You
        Have given it freely, but I took’t with caution,
        By future service to make good your gift.
        But for my forfeit† love to fair Eudina,
        And my lost honour to the twin-born brothers,
        There can be no redemption if I add
        By acceptation† of your bounteous offer
        A second trespass†, greater than the former.

782KingDo you refuse her then?

783StratoclesIn hope she’ll plead
        My pardon to your grace.

784EudinaThe gods have wrought†
        Effectually for me.
Enter PLACILLA with a petition, kneels.

785KingStrangely unexpected.
        Are you become a suppliant†, Placilla?

786PlacillaIn the behalf, sir, of your loyal subjects,
        The swains of Tempe.

787KingI expected, rather,
        News from your unkind† brothers.   [Reads petition.]   See, Justinius,
        The Commons†, rather than I shall bestow
        My daughter upon Stratocles, do beseech me
        To take a further time.

788JustiniusYou’re* happy, sir,
        In his refusal and in their request.
        They are fair predictions of ensuing joys
        To you, your daughter, and the kingdom, if
        I may be worthy to divine so much.

789KingHowe’er thy divination proves, thy wish
        Is worth our thanks.
Enter EUPATHUS [with a paper].
        And we may have
        Glad tidings presently. Now, Eupathus,
        Where is Disanius, Philocles, and Philargus?
        Why come they not?

790EupathusThey are all at hand, my liege.
        This paper may excuse their stay.
[Handing the KING a paper.]

791KingOh, do
        They plead excuse then?
The KING reads the paper.

792ThymeleI am full of fears.

793EudinaAnd I of sudden joy.

794PlacillaPray all be well.
        The King has struck his breast, and seems perplexed.

795KingJustinius, Stratocles, read here this paper.
        Go, Eupathus, and let them enter. Stay.
        Yet go, bring them in their prescribed† manner. [Exit EUPATHUS]
        I’ll send the woman off, whose sudden grief
        May be a bar to our proceedings.   [To THYMELE]   Madam –

796Thymele   [Aside]   I fear that Garrula has detected† me.

797KingI must entreat a while your absence, lady.

798ThymeleMay I presume to ask your reason, sir?

799KingMy will has been above your question. Pray,
        Let me request you go.

800ThymeleI know obedience.

801KingAnd go, Placilla, send old Garrula to me.

802Thymele   [Aside]   Now ’tis most evident.   [Aloud]   O mighty sir,
        Conceive not worse of me than Garrula.
        Let us appear together.

803KingWhat means this?

804ThymeleYou may be pleased to hear me first.

805KingPray pull not
        More weight upon your breast than you can bear,
        By your impertinent stay. Go, I command you.

806ThymeleI must obey. However, ’tis too late
        To change the resolution of my fate.Exit THYMELE [and] PLACILLA.

807KingI have not known her thus. I fear distraction†
        Fore-runs the voice of grief, as to prevent it.
        Heaven knows I called for Garrula but to send her
        With best directions to prepare and arm
        Her tender soul against the sting of sorrow
        Before it should approach her. But, Eudina,
        You must be valiant, and not let the sight
        Of death in others shake your confidence.

808EudinaHow means your majesty?

809KingSuppose that both
        Your fatal lovers, Philocles and Philargus,
        Slept in the caves of death.

810EudinaI should not live then.

811KingSuppose his destiny had cut off one,
        And, in him, all the impediments, that crossed†
        You in th’enjoying of the other, say
        Which could you wish survivor? But you have
        Declared your constant purpose to possess
        The first Disanius brings into this presence†.
        Come, one is dead. There is a strict necessity
        You know it. Now collect your reason. For ’tis not
        Your passion for the dead, nor your dislike
        Of Stratocles; no, though my subjects yield you
        A longer time, shall make me tempt the gods
        By breaking of my vow. Be steadfast then,
        As you respect a father, and take courage.
Recorders.* Enter DISANIUS before a hearse, PHILOCLES after [with Attendants]. VARILLUS manacled, and led by TERSULUS. EUPATHUS supports PHILOCLES, as ready to sink with grief.
        See, Philocles lives.

812EudinaPhilargus, then,
        Is brought in dead before him by Disanius;
        And unto him the first to be brought in
        My faith was vowed; and he is now my choice.

813KingWhat, being dead? Could you affect† ’em so
        Equally, both alive, that you forbore
        To choose, because you could not have ’em both;
        And now seek only him cannot be had?
The hearse set down, EUDINA kneels to it. PHILOCLES kneels on the other side.
        What love, what madness call you this? Good gods,
        Throw not your wrath upon me in destruction.

814JustiniusNor let your passion master you, great* sir,
        As sudden grief does her. But give a little
        Scope to her sorrow. She will soon return
        And meet her reason in obedience
        To your desires.

815KingI thank thee, good Justinius.
A song*, during which DISANIUS etc. discourse with the KING.* DISANIUS seems to acquaint the KING with the manner of PHILARGUS’ death, pointing at VARILLUS. The KING seems much troubled; but at the end of the song, (as by the KING’S appointment) DISANIUS raiseth PHILOCLES, and JUSTINIUS raiseth EUDINA, and bring them to the KING while EUPATHUS with the ATTENDANTS go forth with the hearse, the recorders playing, which done:

816KingYour virgin tears and vows o’er your lost love
        I did attend† with pardon, my Eudina;
        In hope you are now compliant to my will.

817DisaniusGrieve† not your father, madam.

818EudinaI ha’ done;
        And as the gods direct him to command me,
        I must and will obey.

819DisaniusSo that’s well said.

820KingThe gods have pleased, Eudina, to determine
        Your doubtful choice, reserving Philocles
        Unto your love without competitor.
        Therefore it now remains that he be taken
        Into your liking whom I have decreed
        My successor.

821EudinaHis merits are above
        Me and this land, in which what interest
        My birth hath given me, I resign to him.
        Only let me beseech a further respite.

822KingFor what? The celebration? I consent.
        But for the contract†, this immediate hour
        Shall see it knit beyond all dissolution.

823DisaniusAye*, that I thirst to see.

824KingGive me your hands.   EUDINA gives her hand.   
        Yours, Philocles.

825Disanius   [To PHILOCLES]   Why give you not your hand?
        Dare you not trust the King with’t?   [Aside]   Should he now
        Show a jade’s trick* and fly back?

826PhiloclesI beseech,
        Under your highness’ pardon, yet, a respite.

827Disanius   [Aside]   More respites yet? Was ever hopeful match
        Driven so round about?*

828KingWhy this delay?

829PhiloclesMy brother’s blood cries in me for your justice
        Which must be executed on his murderer
        Before I safely can, or dare, possess
        His interest in the faith of fair Eudina.

830DisaniusOh, is that all? That may be soon dispatched.
        Come forwards, poisoner.
[VARILLUS moves forward.]
        Good your majesty,
        For expedition†, make me his judge
        And hangman too (I care not)* rather than
        Suffer this match hang o’ the tenters† thus.

831KingHas he confessed the fact?

832DisaniusYes, yes, to me.
        I beat it out of him. Quickly, good King.

833KingYour patience, good Disanius. Sirrah, speak.

834VarillusIt was my act. But may your mercy look
        Upon my love in it unto my lord.

835King.Your lord shall be your judge then.

836PhiloclesI adjudge† him
        To sharp but ling’ring tortures (for his death
        Alone can yield no satisfaction);
        Tortures that may draw in, by his confession,
        As accessories with him, all the homicides†
        That are i’th’ kingdom.

837DisaniusA hard matter, that.

838PhiloclesNor can I think his only* brain and hands
        Composed the poison.

839DisaniusHang him, he’s a barber
        And uses aquafortis†, oil of vitriol†,
        Mercury, and suchlike, to cleanse his razors.

840Justinius’Tis good that you, Varillus, clear your conscience
        And, if you had confederates in the fact,
        Give up their names.

841Tersulus   [Aside]   Varillus, I suspect
        Doris joined hand with you in my lord’s death.

842DisaniusWhat’s that you mutter?

843TersulusIt shall out, my lord;
        The handmaid Doris, put him on’t; I know’t
        By what she said to us both, we being her lovers.

844DisaniusThe tailor proves an honest man: because
        He cannot have the wench himself, he’ll hang her.

845VarillusOf her I had the poison, ’tis confessed.

846DisaniusOh, that whore!

847KingFind her and drag her hither.Exit TERSULUS.*
Enter THYMELE [and PLACILLA].

848ThymeleWhere’s my Philargus? Give me yet his body,
        That with a mother’s tears I may embalm it.

849DisaniusYou have heard the woeful news then; but, my sister,
        Could grief recall Philargus, we would weep
        A second deluge* for his reparation†;
        Renew his breath by sighing, and awake him
        With groans out of his sepulchre.

850ThymeleAlready
        Have you interred him then? You made strange haste.
           [To KING]   Was it your subtlety† to send me hence,
        Fearing my cries might have revived him, King?
        And so again delayed your daughter’s marriage?
        I have enough to cross it* yet, Philargus.

851DisaniusWhat’s that?

852StratoclesDistraction, sure.

853KingMy fear foresaw’t.

854ThymeleYou are deceived, for from my depth of sorrow,
        Through this thick film of tears, I can perceive
        You are about to join the hands and faiths
        Of Philocles and Eudina.

855KingIs not that
        Enough to dry your tears, and show you that
        The gods were rather merciful in leaving
        This son, than rigorous in taking tother?

856DisaniusOr would you now, ’cause you have lost Philargus,
        Kill Philocles too by crossing of this contract?

857ThymeleIt is the pleasure of the gods I cross it.
Enter GARRULA.

858DisaniusOf devils it is. What can she mean? Go, sleep.

859GarrulaKing, by your leave.

860DisaniusWhat says old Suck-bottle† now?

861ThymeleNay, I am here before you, Garrula,
        And now will tell the long-hid secret for you.
        And if I err† in it, disprove me.

862GarrulaTell’t then.
        My falt’ring tongue will fail me. I can hear though.   Drinks.   

863ThymeleThis contract must not be.

864KingYou then must yield
        More reason than I find you have.

865ThymeleYourself
        Can never make it. You will sooner join
        The wolf and lamb*, falcon and dove together.

866KingNo trifling, I command you, Thymele.

867PhiloclesIf you be serious, mother, hold us not
        In this suspense.

868ThymeleLet not the royal blood
        Of Thessaly be stained with an incestuous match.*

869KingHow!

870GarrulaShe says right. They are both your lawful children
        By your own virtuous queen now in — Elysium†*.

871KingWhat dreams are these of your distempered† heads?

872ThymeleThis is no dream or fable. But unfeigned*†   [GARRULA] sip[s].   
        As truth itself: which with your gracious leave
        I shall demonstrate, humbly craving pardon
        For my so long concealment, as I’ll yield
        Due reason for it.

873King.Freely speak, you have it.

874ThymeleYou may remember in your civil wars,
        (Those cruel wars, as I may justly style† ’em)
        In which my husband fell –

875DisaniusO my brave brother!

876ThymeleWhen open rebels and domestic traitors*
        Pursued your crown and life, your gracious queen
        To have been brought to bed, and was believed
        To have miscarried by an abortive birth.

877KingTrue. In her flight she was constrained† to take
        A neighbouring cottage, and use the help
        Of the swain’s wife.

878GarrulaThat swainess† was myself,
        Though my deserts have glorified me since.
        And by my help (and somewhat of the gods)
        She then made you the father of that prince.

879Disanius   [To GARRULA]   Take up thy bottle.   [To THYMELE]   Sister, speak you on.

880ThymeleTh’affrighted queen (yet wise in that extremity)
        Suspecting that the innocence of her babe,
        Born to a kingdom could not be secured
        In those combustions† from apparent danger,
        Sent him to me in private – then in travail*
        Of my Philargus – charging me to feign*†
        A second labour, with the midwife’s aid,
        For Philocles: I did, and was reputed
        Mother of both.

881KingI cannot think our queen
        Would keep us ignorant of so good a fortune.

882ThymeleI moved† her oft† to tell you. But she answered,
        ‘All is not sound†; there’s danger, yet’. And when,
        After Eudina’s birth, she felt herself
        At point of death, she strictly did enjoin†
        Me and this woman only conscious with her
        By oath of which she had prepared this copy    [She produces] a paper.   
        In her own hand†, to keep it silent, till
        Philocles should be able to secure
        Himself from treachery; or that your term
        Of life expiring, or some accident
        Of no less consequence, required detection† .
        For further proof –

883KingMy joy forbids more questioning;
        Give me my flesh and blood into my bosom.
        Thrice† happy fathers if your children were
        Born to you thus of perfect age*. But where
        Is now a match for my Eudina, I
        Have here a successor.
A shout within and crying ‘PHILARGUS! PHILARGUS!’ etc.

884KingHah! Voices i’th’ air that cry ‘Philargus’?

885EudinaVoices that do tell me I must follow him
        Up to the heavens, and there be married to him.

886DisaniusHere’s the she-devil now.*
Enter TERSULUS* with DORIS.

887DorisYou need not pull me.*
        For that man’s love, I laid thy lord to sleep.
        Had I loved thee best, then his lord had slept.

888DisaniusHow does he sleep? Speak, impudent baggage; how?

889DorisHow? With a powder, sir, which my own father,
        A skilful ’pothecary, prepared; who, if
        Philargus die, shall hang with us for company.

890DisaniusYour father?

891DorisYes, but now the peril’s passed.
Enter PHILARGUS [and] EUPATHUS.
        See, if he sleep, ’tis walking*.

892PhiloclesHa! Philargus.
        Or but the shade†, the spirit of my friend.

893PhilargusBe not amazed, as at an apparition.

894ThymeleDoth my son live? Oh, then I have enough.

895DisaniusCome hither†, come hither, you three*. I will discharge
        The scene of you.*   [To VARILLUS]   Thy love unto thy lord
        (Though somewhat unadvisedly employed)
        Deserves reward; I’ll see it given thee,
        Thy lord and King shall thank thee. Take thy wench;
        She has love in her wit, and wit in her anger.
        I like the luck of things that ill† intents
        Should bring forth good events.   [To TERSULUS]   Thy faithfulness
        To thy lord too was happy. Go, I’ll see you
        All royally rewarded.Exit. VARILLUS, TERSULUS [and] DORIS.
Enter GERON.
        How now, Geron?

896GeronMy lord, I see here’s joy towards, as whi –

897Disanius’Slife†, stand not whiloming now man, but be brief.

898GeronCry mercy. I had left† it. But, my lord,
        To celebrate the flowing joys in court,
        I and my country heads have framed a masque†,
        Rather an antic† dance, rather a country toy†,
        Rather a rustic round†, rather a –

899DisaniusHoyday!†
        Thy ‘rather’s’ worse than thy ‘whilom’. Dost know
        What time o’ day ’tis?

900Geron’Tis a rural thing
        To be presented at the princess’ wedding
        And, if you think it meet†, I will induce†
        The practice of it presently. As whi –

901DisaniusGo fetch the heads and heels*; I’ll stay† the King
        To see and laugh at ’em. That’s grace enough.Exit GERON.

902KingPhilargus, you have much to know, the which
        We will† Eudina tell you, now she’s yours.
        Receive her and our blessing.

903PhilargusWere I dead
        (As I was thought to be) your name pronounced
        Over my grave, beyond all necromancy†,
        Would call fresh blood into my veins again,
        Strengthen my nerves to break the iron gates*
        Of death, and force my joyful spirit from
        Th’ Elysian paradise* to live with you.

904KingYou shall not be a loser, Thymele:
        Philocles shall be yours, and, in exchange,
        Placilla mine.

905Philocles   [To PLACILLA]   To me, my beauteous spouse,
        Thou art as Juno* to her Jupiter,
        Sister and wife.

906ThymeleYour highness may be pleased
        Now at so happy leisure to perpend†
        The oracle, which truly hath effected
        Each word of the prediction.

907KingWho can repeat the answer? I ha’ lost it.

908DisaniusI have it.
        Contend not for the jewel, which
        Ere long shall both of you enrich.

909PhiloclesEudina does so: me in a dear sister.

910PhilargusMe in a peerless wife.

911DisaniusPursue your fortune: for ’tis she
        Shall make ye what you seem to be.

912PhiloclesShe has done that too, for now indeed we’re* brothers.
        King Apollo, thou hast filled us all with joy.
Loud music is here.*
        But has our joy already filled our court
        With music?

913DisaniusWill your Majesty yet sit
        And see the practice of a presentation
        Against† the marriages by your swains of Tempe
        With thanks, and give it all the grace we may?
Enter GERON and the Swains [RUSTICS] and Nymphs for the dance.

914GeronFrom Tempe plains, the Tempe swains
        With mirth and melody,
        With dance and song do hither throng
        To greet your Majesty.

915GarrulaOh there, look there, madam, my son, and all
        My old Temperian neighbours.

916GeronWe cannot hope in all our scope,
        To gain much praise for skill,
        But it shall be enough, if ye
        Accept of our good will.
The dance.

917KingMy thanks to all.

918All [Rustics]Heaven bless your Majesty.[RUSTICS] exit.

919KingThanks to Apollo. Let his temple be
        The place of our solemnity. His altars
        Let them be laden with Arabian spices;
        Let his priests lead, in a devout procession,
        The horned sacrifice, mantled† with garlands*
        And we (our temples crowned with laurel*) follow
        With music, sounding† Hymen* and Apollo*.[They all exit.]

EPILOGUE.*


Epilogue’Tis not the poet’s art, nor all that we
        By life of action can present unt’ye
        Can justly make us to presume a play
        Is good till you approv’t: which that you may
        It cannot misbecome† us, since our gains
        Come by your favour more than all our pains.
        Thus to submit us unto your commands
        And humbly ask that favour at your hands*.

Edited by Eleanor Lowe