Source text for this digital edition:
Massinger, Philip. The Roman Actor. 1629. [online] In: Mueller, Martin (gen. ed.) Shakespeare His Contemporaries Northwestern University. [Accessed: 28 October 2016]

Note on this digital edition

This electronic transcription comes from the original-spelling text in the Shakespeare His Contemporaries project, which offers curated versions of texts from Early English Books Online - Text Creation Partnership. It differs in textual corrections (detailed in the appendix) made with reference to the transcription in the English Drama collection published by Chadwyck-Healey, and in assigning role identifiers to speakers. This curation has been carried out by Sonia Sofía Perelló.
The SHC source text has been re-encoded by Jesús Tronch Pérez in order to be used in the databases of the EMOTHE project and of the HIERONIMO project.
As from October 2017 the Shakespeare His Contemporaries site is obsolete and its project is incorporated into EarlyPrint.

With the support of research project GVAICO2016-094, funded by Generalitat Valenciana (2016-2017).

__________________________________________________

THE
ROMAN
ACTOR.
A
TRAGAEDIE.
As it hath diuers times beene, with
good allowance Acted; at the private
Play-house in the Black-Friers,
by the Kings Majesties
Servants.
WRITTEN
by PHILIP MASSINGER.

LONDON.
Printed by B. A. and T. F. for ROBERT ALLOT, and
are to be sold at his Shop at the signe of the Beare
in Pauls Church-yard. 1629.

The persons presented.

Domitianus Caesar.

Paris the Tragaedian.

Parthenius a free-man of Caesars.

AElius, Lamia, and Stephanos.

Iunius Rusticus.

Aretinus Clemens, Caesars spie.

AEsopus a Player.

Philargus a rich Miser.

Palphurius Sura, a Senator.

Latinus a player.

3.Tribunes.

2.Lictors.

Domitia the wife of AElius Lamia.

Domitilla cousin germane to Caesar.

Iulia Titus Daughter.

Caenis, Vespatians Concubine.

The principall Actors.

IOHN LOVVIN.

IOSEPH TAYLOR.

RICHARD SHARPE.

THOMAS POLLARD.

ROBERT BENFIELD.

EYLLARDT SVVANSTONE.

RICHARD ROBINSON.

ANTHONY SMITH.

WILLIAM PATTRICKE.

CVRTISE GREVILL.

GEORGE VERNON.

IAMES HORNE.

IOHN TOMPSON.

IOHN HVNNIEMAN.

WILLIAM TRIGGE.

ALEXANDER GOVGH.

To my much Honoured, and most true Friends, Sir PHILIP KNYVET , Knight and Barouet. And to Sir THOMAS IEAY, Knight. And THOMAS BELLINGHAM of Newtimber in Sussex Esquire.

HOw much I acknowledge my selfe bound for your so many, & extraordinary fauors confer'd vpon me, as farre as it is in my power posterity shall take notice, I were most vnworthy of such noble friends, if I should not with all Thankefulnesse, professe, and owne em. In the composition of this Tragaedie you were my only Supporters, and it being now by your principall encouragement to be turn'd into the world, it cannot walke safer, then vnder your protection. It hath beene happie in the suffrage of some learned, and judicious Gentlemen when it was presented, nor shall they find cause I hope in the pervsall, to repent them of their good opinion of it. If the grauity and height of the subject distaste such as are onely affected with Iigges, and ribaldrie (as I presume it will,) their condemnation of me, and my Poem, can no way offend me: my reason teaching me such malicious, and ignorant detractors deserue rather cöntempt, then satisfaction. I euer held it the most perfit birth of my Minerua; and therefore, in justice offer it to those that haue best deseru'd of me, who I hope in their courteous acceptance will render it worth their receiuing, and euer, in their gentle construction of my imperfections, beleeue they may at their pleasure dispose of him, that is wholly, and sincerelie
Devoted to their seruice.
Philip Massinger.

To his deare Friend the Author.

I Am no great admirer of the Playes,
Poets, or Actors, that are now adayes:
Yet in this Worke of thine me thinkes I see
Sufficient reason for Idolatrie.
Each line thou hast taught CEASAR is, as high
As Hee could speake, when groueling Flatterie,
And His owne pride (forgetting Heavens rod)
By His Edicts stil'd himselfe great Lord and God.
By thee againe the Lawrell crownes His Head;
And thus reviu'd, who can affirme him dead?
Such power lyes in this loftie straine as can
Giue Swords, and legions to DOMITIAN.
And when thy PARIS pleades in the defence
Of Actors, every grace, and excellence
Of Argument for that subject, are by Thee
Contracted in a sweete Epitome.
Nor doe thy Women the tyr'd Hearers vexe,
With language no way proper to their sexe.
Iust like a cunning Painter thou lets fall
Copies more faire then the Originall.
I'll adde but this. From all the moderne Playes
The Stage hath lately borne, this winnes the Bayes.
And if it come to tryall boldly looke
To carrie it cleere, Thy witnesse being thy Booke.
T. I.

In Philippi Massingeri, Poetae elegantiss: Actorem Romanum, typis excusum.[...]

ECce Philippinae, celebrata Tragaedia Musae
Quam Roscus Britonum Roscius egit, adest.
Semper, fronde ambo vireant Parnasside, semper
Liber ab invidrae dentibus esto, Liber.
Crebra papyriuori spernas incendia paeti
Thus, Vaenum expositi tegmina suta libri:
Nec metuas raucos, Momorum Sybila, rhencos
Tam bardus nebulo si tamen vllus, erit.
Nam toties festis, actum, placuisse Theatris
Quod liquet, hoc, Cusum, crede, placebit, opus.
Tho: G.

To his deseruing Friend Mr. Philip Massinger, vpon his Tragaedie, the Roman Actor.

PARIS, the best of Actors in his age
Acts yet, and speakes vpon our Roman Stage
Such lines by thee, as doe not derogate
From Romes proud heights, and Her then learned State.
Nor great Domitians fauour; not th'embraces
Of a faire Empresse, nor those often graces
Which from th'applauding Theaters were pay'd
To His braue Action, nor His ashes layd
In the Flaminian way, where people strow'd
His Graue with flowers, and Martialls wit bestow'd
A lasting Epitaph, not all these same
Doe adde so much renowne to Paris name,
As this that thou present'st his Historie
So well to vs. For which in thankes would Hee
(If that His soule, as thought Pithagoras
Could into any of our Actors passe)
Life to these Lines by action gladly giue
Whose Pen so well has made His storie liue.
Tho: May.

Vpon Mr. MASSINGER His Roman Actor.

TO write, is growne so common in our Time
That euery one, who can but frame a Rime
Howeuer monstrous, giues Himselfe that praise
Which onely Hee should claime, that may weare Bayes
By their Applause whose judgements apprehend
The weight, and truth, of what they dare commend.
In this besotted Age (friend) 'tis thy glory
That Heere thou hast out-done the Roman story.
Domitians pride; His wiues lust vnabated
In death; with Paris, meerly were related
Without a Soule, Vntill thy abler Pen
Spoke them, and made them speake, nay Act agen
In such a height, that Heere to know their Deeds
Hee may become an Actor that but Reades.
Iohn Foorde.

LOng'st thou to see proud Caesar set in State,
His Morning greatnesse, or his Euening fate?
With admiration heere behold him fall
And yet out-liue his tragique Funerall:
For 'tis a question whether Caesars Glorie
Rose to its heighth before, or in this Storie.
Or whether Paris in Domitians fauour
Were more exalted, then in this thy labour.
Each line speakes him an Emperour, eu'ry phrase
Crownes thy deseruing temples with the Bayes;
So that reciprocally both agree
Thou liu'st in him and Hee surviues in Thee.
Robert Harvey.

To His long knowne and lou'd Friend, Mr. PHILIP MASSINGER, vpon His Roman Actor.

IF that my Lines being plac'd before thy Books
Could make it sell, or alter but a looke
Of some sowre Censurer, who's apt to say
No one in these Times can produce a Play
Worthy his reading, since of late, 'tis true
The old accepted are more then the new.
Or could I on some Spot o'the Court worke so
To make him speake no more then He doth know;
Not borrowing from His flattering flatter'd friend
What to dispraise, or wherefore to commend.
Then (gentle Friend) I should not blush to bee
Rank'd 'mongst those worthy ones, which heere I see
Vshering this Worke, but why I write to Thee
Is to professe our loues Antiquitie,
Which to this Tragaedie must giue my test,
Thou hast made many good, but this thy best.
Ioseph Taylor.

THE ROMAN ACTOR, A Tragedie.

ACTVS, I. SCAENA, I.

Enter Paris, Latinus, AEsopus.

AEsop.

WHat doe wee acte to day?

Latinus.

Agaves phrensie

With Pentheus bloudie end.

Paris.

It skils not what

The times are dull, and all that wee receiue

Will hardly satisfie the dayes Expence.

The Greekes (to whom we owe the first inuention

Both of the buskind scaene and humble stocke)

That raigne in euery noble familie

Declaime against vs: and our Amphitheater.

Great Pompies worke, that hath giu'n full delight

Both to the eye, and eare of fifty thousand

Spectators in one day, as if it were

Some vnknowne desert, or great Roome vnpeopl'd,

Is quite forsaken.

Latin.

Pleasures of worse natures

Are gladly entertayn'd, and they that shun vs,

Practise in priuate sports the Stewes would blush at.

A Litter borne by eight Liburnian slaues,

To buy Diseases from a glorious strumpet,

The most censorious of our Roman gentrie,

Nay of the guarded robe the Senators,

Esteeme an easie purchase,

Paris

Yet grudge vs

(That with delight joyne profit and endeauour

To build their mindes vp faire, and on the Stage

Decipher to the life what honours waite

On good, and glorious actions, and the shame

That treads vpon the heeles of vice. The salarie

Of six Sestertij:

AEsop.

For the profit Paris,

And mercinarie gaine they are things beneath vs

Since while you hold your grace, and power with Caesar,

We from your bounty finde a large supply,

Nor can one thought of want euer approach vs,

Par.

Our aime is glorie, and to leaue our names

To after times.

Latin.

And would they giue vs leaue

There ends all our ambition.

AEsop.

Wee haue enemies

And great ones too, I feare. 'Tis giuen out lately

The Consull Aretinus (Caesars spie)

Sayd at his Table ere a moneth expir'd

(For being gald in our last Comedie)

He would silence vs for euer.

Par.

I expect

No fauour from him, my strong Auentine is

That great Domitian, whom we oft haue cheer'd

In his most sullen moodes will once returne,

Who can repayre with ease, the Consols ruines.

Lat.

'Tis frequent in the Citie, he hath subdued

The Catti, and the Daci, and ere long,

The second time will enter Rome in triumph.

Enter two Lictors.

Par.

Ioue hasten it, with vs? I now beleeue

The Consuls threates AEsopus.

1. Lict.

You are summon'd

T'appeare to day in Senate.

2. Lict.

And there to answer

What shall be vrg'd against you.

Par.

We obey you.

Nay droope not fellowes, innocence should be bould

We that haue personated in the Sceane

The ancient Heroes, and the falles of Princes

With loude applause, being to act our selues,

Must doe it with vndaunted confidence.

What ere our sentence be 'tis in sport.

And though condemn'd lets heare it without sorrow

As if we were to liue againe to morrow.

1. Lict.

'Tis spoken like your selfe.

Enter AElius/ Lamia, Iunïus/ Rusticus, Palphuris/ Sura.

Lam.

Whether goes Paris?

1. Lict.

He's cited to the Senate.

Lat.

I am glad the State is

So free from matters of more waight and trouble

That it has vacant time to looke on vs.

Par.

That reuerend place, in which the affaires of Kings.

And prouinces were determin'd, to descend

To the censure of a bitter word, or iest,

Drop'd from a Poets pen I peace to your Lordships

We are glad that you are safe.

Exeunt Lictors, Paris, Latinus, AEsopus.

Lam.

What times are these?

To what is Rome falne? may we being alone

Speake our thoughts freely of the Prince, and State,

And not feare the informer.

Rust.

Noble Lamia,

So dangerous the age is, and such bad acts

Are practis'd euery where, we hardly sleepe

Nay cannot dreame with safetie. All our actions

Are cal'd in question, to be nobly borne

Is now a crime; and to deserue too well

Held Capitall treason. Sonnes accuse their Fathers,

Fathers their sonnes; and but to winne a smile

From one in grace in Court, our chastest Matrons

Make shipwracke of their honours. To be vertuous

Is to bee guilty. They are onely safe

That know to sooth the Princes appetite,

And serue his lusts.

Sura.

Tis true; and tis my wonder

That two sonnes of so different a nature,

Should spring from good Vespatian. We had a Titus,

100

Stilde justly the delight of all mankinde,

Who did esteeme that day lost in his life

In which some one or other tasted not.

Of his magnificent bounties. One that had

A readie teare when he was forc'd to signe

105

The death of an offender. And so farre

From pride, that he disdain'd not the conuerse

Euen of the poorest Roman.

Lam.

Yet his brother

Domitian, that now swayes the power of things,

110

Is so inclin'd to bloud, that noe day passes

In which some are not fastend to the hooke,

Or throwne downe from the Gemonies. His freemen

Scorne the Nobilitie, and he himselfe

As if he were not made of flesh and bloud,

115

Forgets he is a man.

Rust.

In his young yeeres

He shew'd what he would be when growne to ripenes:

His greatest pleasure was being a childe

With a sharp pointed bodkin to kill flies,

120

Whose roomes now men supply. For his escape.

In the Vitellian warre he rais'd a Temple

To Iupiter, and proudly plac'd his figure

In the bosome of the God. And in his edicts

He does not blush, or start to stile himselfe

125

(As if the name of Emperour were base)

Great Lord, and God Domitian.

Sura.

I haue letters

He's on his way to Rome, and purposes

To enter with all glorie. The flattering Senate

130

Decrees him divine Honours, and to crosse it

Were death with studied torments; for my part

I will obey the time, it is in vaine

To striue against the torrent

Rust.

Lets to the Curia

135

And though vnwillingly grieue our suffrages

Before we are compeld.

Lam.

And since we cannot

With safetie vse the actiue, lets make vse of

The passiue fortitude, with this assurance

140

That the state sicke in him, the gods to friend,

Though at the worst will now begin to mend.

Exeunt.

ACTVS, I. SCAENA, 2.

Enter Domitia, and Parthenius.

Domit.

To me this reuerence?

Parth.

I pay it Ladie

As a debt due to her thats Caesars mistris.

145

For vnderstand with ioy he that commands

All that the Sunne giues warmth to, is your seruant.

Be not amaz'd, but fit you to your fortunes.

Thinke vpon state, and greatnesse, and the Honours

That waite vpon Augusta, for that name

150

Ere long comes to you: still you doubt your vassall,

But when you haue read this letter, writ, and sign'd

With his imperiall hand, you will be freed

From feare, and jealousie and I beseech you,

When all the beauties of the earth bowe to you,

155

And Senators shall take it for an honour,

As I doe now to kisse these happie feete;

When euery smile you giue is a preferment,

And you dispose of Prouinces to your creatures,

Thinke on Parthenius.

Domit.

160

Rise. I am transported,

And hardly dare beleeue what is assur'd here.

The meanes, my good Parthenius, that wrought Caesar

(Our God on earth) to cast an eye of fauour

Vpon his humble handmaide!

Parth.

165

What but your beautie?

When nature fram'd you for her master piece,

As the pure abstract of all rare in woman,

She had no other ends but to designe you

To the most eminent place. I will not say

170

(For it would smell of arrogance to insinuate

The seruice I haue done you) with what zeale

I oft haue made relation of your Vertues,

Or how I haue sung your goodnesse or how Caesar

Was fir'd with the relation of your stories

175

I am rewarded in the acte, and happie

In that my proiect prosper'd.

Domit.

You are modest,

And were it in my power I would to be thankefull.

If that when I was mistris of my selfe,

180

And in my way of youth, pure, and vntainted,

The Emperour had vouchsaf'd to seeke my fauours,

I had with ioy giuen vp my virgin fort

At the first summons to his soft embraces:

But I am now anothers, not mine owne.

185

You know I haue a husband, for my honour

I would not be his strumpet, and how lawe

Can bee dispenc'd with to become his wife.

To mee's a riddle.

Parth.

I can soone resolue it.

190

When power puts in his Plea the lawes are silenc'd,

The world confesses one Rome, and one Caesar,

And as his rules is infinite, his pleasures

Are vnconfin'd; this sillable his will

Stands for a thousand reasons,

Domit.

195

But with safetie,

Suppose I should consent, how can I doe it,

My husband is a Senator of a temper,

Not to be iested with.

Enter Lamia.

Parth.

As if hee durst

200

Be Caesars riuall. Heere he comes, with ease

I will remoue this scruple.

Lam.

How! so priuate!

Mine owne house made a brothell! Sir how durst you,

Though gaurded with your power in Court, and greatnesse,

205

Hould conference with my wife? as for your Minion

I shall hereafter treate.

Parth.

You are rude, and sawcie,

Nor know to whom you speake.

Lam.

This is fine i faith!

Parth.

210

Your wife? but touch her, that respect forgotten

That's due to her, whom mightiest Casar fauours

And thinke what 'tis to die. Not to loose time.

She's Caesars choice. It is sufficient honor

You were his taster in this heauenly nectar,

215

But now must quit the office.

Lam.

This is rare.

Cannot a man be master of his wife

Because she's young, and faire, without a pattent.

I in mine owne house am an Emperour,

220

And will defend whats mine, where are my knaues?

If such an insolence escape vnpunish'd.

Parth.

In your selfe Lamia. Caesar hath forgot

To vse his power, and I his instrument,

In whom though absent, his authoritie speakes,

225

Haue lost my faculties.

Stampes.

Lam.

The Guard! why am I

Enter a Centurion with Souldiers.

Design'd for death?

Domit.

As you desire my fauour

Take not so rough a course.

Parth.

230

All your desires

Are absolute commaunds. Yet giue me leaue

To put the will of Caesar into acte.

Heer's a bill of Diuorce betweene your Lordship,

And this great Lady. If you refuse to signe it,

235

And so as if you did it vncompell'd,

Wonne to it by reasons that concerne your selfe,

Her honour to vntainted. Here are Clearkes.

Shall in your best bloud write it newe, till torture

Compell you to performe it.

Lam.

240

Is this legall?

Par.

Monarchs that dare not doe vnlawfull things,

Yet bare them out are Constables, not Kings

Parth.

Will you dispute?

Lam.

I know not what to vrge

245

Against my selfe, but too much dotage on her

Loue and obseruance.

Parth.

Set it vnder your hand

That you are impotent, and cannot pay

The duties of a husband, or that you are mad

250

(Rather then want iust cause wee'l make you so)

Dispatch, you know the danger els, deliuer it

Nay on your knee. Madam you now are free

And Mistris of your selfe.

Lam.

Can you Domitia

255

Consent to this?

Domit.

'Twould argue a base minde

To liue a seruant, when I may commaund.

I now am Cæsars, and yet in respect

I once was yours, when you come to the Pallace,

260

(Prouided you deserue it in your seruice)

You shall find me your good Mistris, waite me Parthenius

And now farewell poore Lamia.

Exeunt omnes preter Longinum.

Lam.

To the Gods

I bend my knees, (for tyrannie hath banish'd

265

Iustice from men) and as they would deserue

Their Altars, and our vowes, humbly inuoke'em

That this my rauish'd wife may proue as fatall

To proud Domitian, and her embraces

Affoord him in the end as little ioy,

270

As wanton Helen brought to him of Troy.

Exit.

ACTVS, I. SCAENA, 3.

Enter, Lictors, Arctinus, Fulcinius, Rusticus, Sura, Paris, Latinus, AEsopus.

Aret.

Fathers conscript may this our meeting be

Happie to Caesar and the common wealth.

Lict.

Silence.

Aret.

The purpose of this frequent Senate

275

Is first to giue thankes to the Gods of Rome,

That for the propagation of the Empire,

Vouchsafe vs one to gouerne it like themselues

In height of courage, depth of vnderstanding,

And all those vertues, and remarkeable graces,

280

Which make a Prince most eminent, our Domitian

Transcend's the ancient Romans. I can neuer

Bring his praise to a period. What good man

That is a friend to truth, dares make it doubtfull,

That he hath Fabius stay'dnesse, and the courage

285

Of bould Marcellus, to whom Hanibal gaue

The stile of Target, and the Sword of Rome.

But he has more, and euery touch more Roman

As Pompey's dignitie, Augustus state,

Antonies bountie, and great Iulius fortune.

290

With Catoes resolution. I am lost

In th'Ocean of his vertues. In a word

All excellencies of good men in him meet,

But no part of their vices.

Rust.

This is no flatterie!

Sur.

295

Take heed, you'l be obseru'd.

Aret.

'Tis then most fit

That we (as to the Father of our Countrie,

Like thankefull sonnes, stand bound to pay true seruice

For all those blessings that he showres vpon vs)

300

Should not conniue, and see his gouernment,

Deprau'd and scandaliz'd by meaner men

That to his fauour, and indulgence owe

Themselues and being.

Par.

Now he points at vs.

Aret.

305

Cite Paris the Tragedian.

Par.

Here.

Aret.

Stand forth.

In thee, as being the chiefe of thy profession,

I doe accuse the qualitie of treason,

310

As libellers against the state and Caesar.

Par.

Meere accusations are not proofes my Lord,

In what are we delinquents?

Aret.

You are they

That search into the secrets of the time,

315

And vnder fain'd names on the Stage present

Actions not to be toucht at; and traduce

Persons of rancke, and qualitie of both Sexes,

And with Satiricall. and bitter iests

Make euen the Senators ridiculous

320

To the Plebeans.

Par.

If I free not my selfe,

(And in my selfe the rest of my profession)

From these false imputations, and proue

That they make that a libell which the Poet

325

Writ for a Comedie, so acted too,

It is but Iustice that we vndergoe

The heauiest censure.

Aret.

Are you on the Stage

You talke so boldly?

Par.

330

The whole word being one

This place is not exempted, and I am

So confident in the iustice of our cause,

That I could wish Caesar, in whose great name

All Kings are comprehended sate as iudge,

335

To heare our Plea, and then determine of vs.

If to expresse a man sould to his lusts,

Wasting the treasure of his time and Fortunes,

In wanton dalliance, and to what sad end

A wretch thats so giuen ouer does arriue at,

340

Deterring carelesse youth, by his example,

From such licentious courses; laying open

The snares of baudes, and the consuming arts

Of prodigall strumpets, can deserue reproofe,

Why are not all your golden principles

345

Writ downe by graue Philosophers to instruct vs

To chuse faire Vertue for our guide, not pleasure,

Condemne vnto the fire?

Sura.

There's spirit in this.

Par.

Or if desire of honour was the base

350

On which the building of the Roman Empire

Was rais'd vp to this height; if to inflame

The noble youth with an ambitious heate

T'indure the frosts of danger, nay of Death

To be thought worthy the triumphall wreath

355

By glorious vndertakings, may deserue

Reward, or fauour, from the common wealth.

Actors may put in for as large a share

As all the sects of the Philosophers;

They which could precepts (perhaps seldome reade)

360

Deliver what an honourable thing

The actiue vertue is. But does that fire

The bloud, or swell the veines with emulation

To be both good, and great, equall to that

Which is presented on our Theaters?

365

Let a good Actor in a loftie Sceane

Show great Alcides honour'd in the sweate

Of his twelue labours; or a bould Cancillus

Forbidding Rome to be redeem'd with gold

From the insulting Gaul's; or Scipio

370

After his victories imposing Tribute

On conquer'd Carthage. If done to the life,

As if they saw their dangers, and their glories,

And did partake with them in their rewardes,

All that haue any sparke of Roman in them

375

The slothfull artes layd by, contend to bee

Like those they see presented.

Rust.

He ha's put

The Consuls to their whisper,

Par.

But 'tis vrg'd

380

That we corrupt youth, and traduce superiours:

When doe we bring a vice vpon the Stage,

That does goe off vnpunish'd? doe we teach

By the successe of wicked vndertakings,

Others to tread, in their forbidden steps?

385

We show no arts of Lidian Pandarisme,

Corinthian poysons, Persian flatteries,

But mulcted so in the conclusion that

Even those spectators that were so inclin'd,

Go home chang'd men. And for traducing such

390

That are aboue vs, publishing to the world

Their secret crimes we are as innocent

As such as are borne dumbe. When we present

An heyre, that does conspire against the life

Of his deare parent, numbring euery houre

395

He liues as tedious to him, if there be

Among the auditors one whose conscience tells him,

He is of the same mould we cannot helpe it.

Or bringing on the stage a loose adultresse,

That does maintaine the ryatous expence

400

Of him that feedes her greedie lust, yet suffers

The lawfull pledges of a former bed

To starue the while for hunger, if a Matron

Howeuer great in fortune, birth, or titles,

Guilty of such a foule vnnaturall sinne,

405

Crie out tis writ by me, we cannot helpe it:

Or when a couetous man's express'd, whose wealth

Arithmatique cannot number, and whose Lordships

A Falcon in one day cannot flie ouer

Yet he so sordid in his mind, so griping

410

As not to affoord himselfe the necessaries

To maintaine life, if a Patrician,

(Though honourd with a Consulship) finde himselfe

Touch'd to the quicke in this, we cannot helpe it.

Or when we show a Iudge that is corrupt

415

And will giue vp his sentence as he fauours,

The person, not the cause, sauing the guiltie

If of his faction, and as oft condemning

The innocent out of particular spleene,

If any in this reuerend assemblie,

420

Nay e'ne your selfe my Lord, that are the image

Of absent Caesar feele something in your bosome

That puts you in remembrance of things past,

Or things intended tis not in vs to helpe it.

I haue said, my Lord, and now as you finde cause

425

Or censure vs, or free vs with applause.

Lat.

Well pleaded on my life I neuer saw him

Act an Orators part before.

AEsop.

We might haue giuen

Ten double fees to Regulus, and yet

430

Our cause deliuered worse.

A shoute within, enter Parthenius.

Aret.

What shoute is that?

Parth.

Caesar our Lord married to conquest, is

Returnd in triumph.

Fulcin.

Lets all hast to meete him.

Aret.

435

Breake vp the Court, we will reserue to him

The Censure of this cause

All.

Long life to Caesar.

Exeunt omnes.

ACTVS, I. SCAENA, 4.

Enter Iulia, Caenis, Domitilla, Domitia.

Caen.

Stand backe the place is mine.

Iul.

Your's am I not

440

Great Titus daughter, and Domitians neece

Dares any claime precedence?

Caen.

I was more

The mistris of your father, and in his right

Claime dutie from you.

Iul.

445

I confesse you were vsefull

To please his appetite.

Domit.

To end the controuersie,

For Ile haue no contending, Ile be bold

To leade the way my selfe.

Domitil.

450

You Minion!

Domit.

Yes

And all ere long shall kneele to catch my fauours.

Iul,

Whence springs this floud of greatnesse?

Domit.

You shall know

455

To soone for your vexation, and perhaps

Repent too late, and pine with enuie when

You see whom Caesar fauours

Iul.

Obserue the sequel.

Enter at one doore Captaines with Lawrels, Domitian, in his Triumphant Chariot, Parthenius, Paris, Latinus, AEsopus met by Aretinus, Sura, Lamia, Rusticus, Fulcinius, and prisoners led by him.

Caes.

As we now touch the height of humane glorie,

460

Riding in triumph to the Capitoll,

Let these whom this victorious arme hath made

The scorne of Fortune, and the slaues of Rome,

Tast the extreames of miserie. Beare them off

To the common prisons, and there let them proue

465

How sharpe our axes are.

Rust.

A bloudie entrance!

Caes.

To tell you, you are happie in your Prince

Were to distrust your loue, or my desert

And either were distastefull. Or to boast

470

How much, not by my Deputies, but my selfe,

I haue enlargd the Empire; or what horrors

The Souldier in our conduct hath broke through,

Would better suite the mouth of Plautus bragart,

Then the adored Monarch of the world.

Sura.

475

This is no boast.

Caes.

When I but name the Daci,

And gray ey'd Germans whom I haue subdu'd,

The Ghost of Iulius will looke pale with envie,

And great Vespatians, and Titus triumph,

480

(Truth must take place of Father and of Brother)

Will be no more remembred. I am aboue

All honours you can giue me. And the stile

Of Lord, and God, which thankefull subiects giue me

(Not my ambition) is deseru'd,

Aret.

485

At all parts

Coelestiall Sacrifice is fit for Caesar

In our acknowledgement.

Caes.

Thankes Aretinus

Still hold our fauour. Now; the God of warre,

490

And famine, bloud, and death, Bellonas Pages

Banish'd from Rome to Thrace in our good fortune.

With iustice he may taste the fruits of peace,

Whose sword hath plowd the ground, and reap'd the harvest

Of your prosperitie. Nor can I thinke

495

That there is one among you so vngratefull,

Or such an enemie, to thriuing vertue,

That can esteeme the iewell he holds deerest

Too good for Caesars vse

Sur.

All we possesse.

Lam.

500

Our liberties.

Fulcin.

Our children.

Parth.

Wealth.

Aret.

And throates

Fall willingly beneath his feete.

Rust.

505

Base flattery.

What Roman could indure this?

Caes.

This cals on

My loue to all, which spreads it selfe among you.

The beauties of the time I receiue the honour

510

To kisse the hand, which rear'd vp thus, holds thunder

To you 'tis an assurance of a calme.

Iulia my neece and Caenis the delight

Of old Vespatian, Domitilla to

A princesse of our bloud.

Rust.

515

Tis strange his pride

Affords no greater courtesie to Ladies

Of such high birth and rancke.

Sur.

Your wifes forgotten

Lam.

No shee will bee remembred feare it not

520

She will bee grac'd and greas'd.

Caes.

But when I looke on

Diuine Domitian, mee thinkes we should meete

(The lesser gods applauding the encounter)

As Iupiter the Giants lying dead

525

On the Phlegraean plaine imbrac't this Iuno

Lamia 'tis your honour that she's mine.

Lam.

You are too great to be gainesaid.

Caes.

Let all

That feare our frowne, or doe affect our fauour,

530

Without examining the reason why,

Salute her (by this kisse I make it good)

With the title of Augusta.

Domit.

Still your seruant,

All.

Long liue Augusta great Domitians Empresse.

Caes.

535

Paris my hand.

Par.

The Gods still honour Caesar.

Caes.

The wars are ended, and our armes layd by

We are for soft delights. Command the Poets

To vse their choisest, and most rare inuention

540

To entertaine the time, and be you carefull

To giue it action, Wee'l prouide the people

Pleasures of all kindes. My Domitia thinke not

I flatter, though thus fond, On to the Capitoll

Tis death to him that weares a sullen browe:

545

This tis to be a Monarch when alone

He can command all, but is aw'd by none

Exeunt.

The end of the first Acte.

ACTVS, II. SCAENA, 1.

Enter Philargus, Parthenius.

Philarg.

My sonne to tutor me. Know your obedience

And question not my will.

Parth.

Sir were I one

550

Whom want compeld to wish a full possession

Of what is yours. Or had I euer numbred

Your yeeres, or thought you liu'd to long, with reason

You then might nourish ill opinions of me.

Or did the suite that I prefer to you

555

Concerne my selfe, and aim'd not at your good

You might denie, and I sit downe with patience,

And after neuer presse you,

Philarg.

I' the name of Pluto

What wouldst thou haue me doe?

Parth.

560

Right to your selfe,

Or suffer me to doe it. Can you imagine

This nastie hat, this tatterd cloke, rent shooe,

This sordid linnen can become the master

Of your faire fortunes? whose superfluous meanes

565

(Though I were burthensome) could cloth you in

The costliest Persian silkes, studded with iewels

The spoyles of Prouinces, and euery day

Fresh change of Tirian purple.

Philarg.

Out vpon thee,

570

My monyes in my coffers melt to heare thee.

Purple, hence Prodigall. Shall I make my Mercer

Or Taylor my heyre, or see my Ieweller purchase

No, I hate pride.

Parth.

Yet decencie would doe well.

575

Though for your outside you will not be alterd,

Let me preuaile so farre yet, as to winne you

Not to denie your bellie nourishment;

Neither to thinke you haue feasted when 'tis cramm'd

With mouldie barley bread, onions, and leekes,

580

And the drinke of bondmen water.

Philarg.

Wouldst thou haue me

Bee an Apicius, or a Lucullus,

And ryot out my state in curious sawces?

Wise nature with a little is contented,

585

And following her, my guide, I cannot erre.

Parth.

But you destroy her in your want of care

(I blush to see, and speake it) to maintaine her

In perfect health and vigor, when you suffer

(Frighted with the charge of Phisicke) Rheumes, Catars,

590

The Scurfe, Ach in your bones to grow vpon you,

And hasten on your fate with too much sparing.

When a cheape Purge, a Vomit and good dyet

May lengthen it, giue me but leaue to send

The Emperors Doctor to you.

Philarg.

595

Ile be borne first

Halfe rotten to the fire, that must consume me,

His Pills, his Cordials, his Electuaries,

His Sirrups Iulips, Bezerstone nor his

Imagin'd Vnicornes horne comes in my bellie,

600

My mouth shall be a draught first, 'Tis resolu'd.

No; I'le not lessen my deare golden heape.

Which euerie houre increasing does renew.

My youth, and vigor, but if lessen'd, then,

Then my poore hartstrings cracke. Let me enioy it,

605

And brood ore't while I liue, it being my life,

My soule, my all. But when I turne to dust,

And part from what is more esteem'd by me

Then all the Gods, Romes thousand Altars smoke to,

Inherit thou my adoration of it,

610

And like me serue my Idoll.

Exit Philargus.

Parth.

What a strange torture

Is Auarice to it selfe! what man that lookes on

Such a penurious spectacle but must

Know what the fable meant of Tantalus,

615

Or the Asse whose backe is crack'd with curious viands

Yet feedes on thistles. Some course I must take,

To make my Father know what crueltie

He vses on himselfe.

Enter Paris.

Par.

Sir with your pardon,

620

I make bould to enquire the Emperours pleasure,

For, being by him commanded to attend

Your fauour may instruct vs what's his will.

Shall be this night presented?

Parth.

My lou'd Paris,

625

Without my intercession you well know

You may make your owne approaches, since his eare

To you is euer open.

Par.

I acknowledge

His clemencie to my weakenesse, and if euer.

630

I doe abuse it, lightning strike me dead,

The grace he pleases to conferre vpon me

(Without boast I may say so much) was neuer

Impoly'd to wrong the innocent, or to incense

His furie.

Parth.

635

'Tis confess'd many men owe you

For Prouinces they nere hop'd for; and their liues

Forfeited to his anger, you being absent,

I could say more.

Par.

You still are my good Patron.

640

And lay it in my fortune to deserue it,

You should perceiue the poorest of your clients

To his best abilities thankefull.

Parth.

I belieue so.

Met you my Father?

Par.

645

Yes Sir, with much griefe.

To see him as he is. Can nothing worke him

To be himselfe?

Parth.

O Paris 'tis a waight

Sits heauie here, and could this right hands losse

650

Remoue it, it should off but he is deafe

To all perswasion.

Par.

Sir with your pardon,

I'll offer my aduice! I once obseru'd

In a Tragedie of ours, in which a murther

655

Was acted to the life, a guiltie hearer

Forc'd by the terror of a wounded conscience,

To make discouerie of that, which torture

Could not wring from him. Nor can it appeare

Like an impossibilitie, but that

660

Your Father looking on a couetous man

Presented on the Stage as in a mirror

May see his owne deformity, and loath it.

Now could you but perswade the Emperour

To see a Comedie we haue that's stilde

665

The Cure of Avarice, and to command

Your Father to be a spectator of it,

He shall be so Anotamiz'd in the Scaene,

And see himselfe so personated; the basenes

Of a selfe torturing miserable wretch

670

Truely describ'd that I much hope the obiect

Will worke compunction in him.

Parth.

There's your fee

I ne're bought better counsaile. Be you in readines

I will effect the rest.

Par.

675

Sir when you please

Wee'l be prepar'd to enter. Sir the Emperour.

Exit. Paris.

Enter Caesar, Arctinus, Guard.

Caes.

Repine at vs?

Aret.

Tis, more, or my informers

That keepe strict watch vpon him are deceiu'd

680

In their intelligence there is a list

Of malecontents, as Iunius Rusticus

Palphurius, Sura, and this AElius, Lamia,

That murmure at your triumphs as meere Pageants;

And at their midnight meetings tax your iustice

685

(For so I stile what they call tyrannie)

For Paetus Thrasea's death, as if in him,

Vertue her selfe were murther'd; nor forget they

Agricola (who for his seruice done

In the reducing Britanie to obedience)

690

They dare affirme to be remou'd with poyson,

And he compeld to write you a cohaeyre

With his daughter, that his testament might stand,

Which else you had made void. Then your much loue

To Iulia your neece, censur'd as incest,

695

And done in scorne of Titus your dead brother;

But the divorce Lamia was forc'd to signe

To her, you honour with Augusta's title,

Being onely nam'd, they doe conclude there was

A Lucrece once, a Collatine, and a Brutus,

700

But nothing Roman left now, but in you

The lust of Tarquin.

Caes.

Yes. His fire, and scorne

Of such as thinke that our vnlimited power

Can be confin'd, dares Lamia pretend

705

An interest to that which I call mine?

Or but remember, she was euer his

That's now in our possession? fetch him hither.

The Gard goe of.

I'll giue him cause to wish he rather had

Forgot his owne name then e're mention'd hers.

710

Shall we be circumscrib'd? let such as cannot

By force make good their actions, though wicked

Conceale, excuse or qualifie their crimes:

What our desires grant leaue, and priuiledge to

Though contradicting all divine decrees,

715

Or lawes confirm'd by Romulus, and Numa,

Shall be held sacred.

Aret.

You should else take from

The dignitie of Caesar.

Caes.

Am I master

720

Of two and thirtie Legions, that awe

All Nations, of the triumphed world,

Yet tremble at our frowne, yeeld an accompt

Of whats our pleasure to a priuate man?

Rome perish first, and Atlas shoulders shrinke,

725

Heav'ns fabrique fall; the Sunne, the Moone, the Stars

Loosing their light, and comfortable heate,

Ere I confesse, that any fault of mine

May be disputed.

Aret.

So you preserue your power

730

As you should equall, and omnipotent heere,

With Iupiters aboue.

Parthenius kneeling whispers to Caesar.

Caes.

Thy suite is granted

What ere it be Parthenius for thy seruice

Done to Augusta. Onely so? a trifle.

735

Command him hither. If the Comedie faile

To cure him, I will minister something to him

That shall instruct him to forget his gold,

And thinke vpon himselfe.

Parth.

May it succeed well

740

Since my intents are pious.

Exit Parthenius.

Caes.

We are resolu'd

What course to take, and therefore Aretinus

Inquire no farther. Goe you to my Empresse,

And say I doe entreate (for she rules him

745

Whom all men else obey) she would vouchsafe

The musicke of her voice, at yonder window,

When I aduance my hand thus. I will blend

Exit Aretinus.

My crueltie with some scorne, or else tis lost.

Reuenge, when it is vnexpected falling,

750

With greater violence; and hate clothed in smiles,

Strikes, and with horror dead the wretch that comes not

Prepar'd to meete it. Our good Lamia welcome.

Enter Lamia with the Guard.

So much we owe you for a benefit

With willingnes on your part conferd vpon vs,

755

That ''tis our studie we that would not liue

Ingag'd to any for a courtesie,

How to returne it.

Lam.

'Tis beneath your fate

To be oblig'd that in your owne hand graspe

760

The meanes to be magnificent.

Caes.

Well put off

But yet it must not doe, the Empire, Lamia,

Diuided equally can hold no waight,

If ballanc'd with your guift in faire Domitia.

765

You that could part with all delights at once,

The magazine of rich pleasures being contain'd

In her perfections, vncompell'd deliuer'd.

As a Present fit for Caesar. In your eyes

With teares of ioy, not sorrow, 'tis confirm'd

770

You glory in your act.

Lam.

Derided too!

Sir this is more.

Caes.

More then I can requite

It is acknowledg'd Lamia. There's no drop

775

Of melting nectar I tast from her lippe,

But yeeldes a touch of immortalitie

To the blest receiuer; euery grace and feature,

Priz'd to the worth, bought at an easie rate;

If purchas'd for a Consulship. Her discourse.

780

So rauishing, and her action so attractiue,

That I would part with all my other senses

Prouided I might euer see, and heare her.

The pleasures of her bed I dare not trust

The windes or ayre with, for that would draw downe

785

In enuie of my happinesse, a warre

From all the Gods vpon mee.

Lam.

Your compassion

To me is your forbearing to insult

On my calamitie which you make your sport,

790

Would more appease those Gods you haue prouok'd

Then all the blasphemous comparisons,

You sing vnto her praise.

Caes.

I sing her praise?

'Tis farre from my ambition to hope it.

Musicke aboue and a song.

795

It being a debt she onely can lay downe,

And no tongue else discharge. Harke. I thinke prompted

With my consent that you once more should heare her,

She does begin. An vniuersall silence

Dwell on this place. 'Tis death with lingring torments

800

To all that dare disturbe her. Who can heare this

The song ended Caesar goe on.

And falls not downe and worships? in my fancie,

Apollo being iudge on Latinos hill,

Faire hayr'd Calliope on her iuorie Lute

(But something short of this) sung Ceres prayses

805

And grieslie Pluto's rape on Proserpine.

The motion of the Spheares are out of time

Her musicall notes but heard. Say Lamia, say,

Is not her voice Angelicall?

Lam.

To your eare.

810

But I alas am silent.

Caes.

Bee so euer,

That without admiration canst heare her.

Malice to my felicitie strikes thee dumbe,

And in thy hope, or wish to repossesse

815

What I loue more then Empire, I pronounce thee

Guiltie of treason. Off with his head. Doe you stare?

By her, that is my Patronesse, Minerua,

(Whose Statue I adore of all the Gods)

If he but liue to make reply thy life

The Guard lead off Lamia slopping his mouth.

820

Shal answer it. My feares of him are freed now

And he that liu'd to vpbraid me with my wrong

For an offence he neuer could imagine

In wantonnes remou'd. Descend my dearest.

Plurality of husbands shall no more

825

Breede doubts or iealousies in you. 'Tis dispatch'd

And with as little trouble heere, as if

I had kild a flye. Now you appeare and in

Enter Domitia, vsherd in by Aretinus, her traine with all state borne vp by Iulia, Caenis, and Domitilla.

That glorie you deserue, and these that stoope

To doe you seruice in the acte much honourd.

830

Iulia forget that Titus was thy Father,

Canis and Domitilla ne're remmeber

Sabinus, or Vespatian. To be slaues

To her, is more true liberty then to liue

Parthian or Asian Queenes. As lesser stars

835

That waite on Phaebe in her full of brightnes,

Compar'd to her you are (thus I seate you)

By Caesars side. Commanding these that once

Were the adored glories of the time

To witnes to the world they are your vassals

840

At your feete to attend you.

Domit.

Tis your pleasure

And not my pride. And yet when I consider

That I am yours, all duties they can pay

I doe receiue as circumstances due

845

To her you please to honour.

Enter Parthenius with Philargus.

Parth.

Caesars will

Commaunds you hither, nor must you gaine-say it.

Phil.

Loose time to see an Enterlude? must I pay to

For my vexation?

Parth.

850

Not in the Court,

It is the Emperours charge.

Phil.

I shall endure

My torment then the better.

Caes.

Can it bee

855

This sordid thing Parthenius is thy Father?

No actor can expresse him. I had held

The fiction for impossible in the Scaene,

Had I not seene the substance. Sirrha sit still,

And giue attention, if you but nod

860

You sleepe for euer. Let them spare the Prologue,

And all the Ceremonies proper to our selfe

And come to the last act, there where the cure

By the Doctor is made perfect. The swift minutes

Seeme yeeres to me Domitia that diuorce thee

865

From my embraces. My desires encreasing

As they are satisfied all pleasures else

Are tedious as dull sorrowes. Kisse me, againe:

If I now wanted heate of youth, these fires

In Priams veines would thaw his frozen bloud,

870

Enabling him to get a second Hector

For the defence of Troy.

Domit.

You are wanton?

Pray you forbeare. Let me see the Play.

Caes.

Begin there.

Enter Paris like a Doctor of Physicke, AEsopus, Latinus brought forth a sleepe in a chayre, a key in his mouth.

AEsop.

875

O master Doctor he is past recouerie

A lethargie hath ceas'd him. And howeuer

His sleepe resemble death his watchfull care

To guard that treasure he dares make no vse of,

Workes strongly in his soule.

Par.

880

What's that he holdes

So fast betweene his teeth?

AEsop.

The key that opens

His iron chests cramn'd with accursed gold,

Rustie with long imprisonment. There's no dutie

885

In me his sonne, nor confidence in friends,

That can perswade him to deliuer vp

That to the trust of any.

Philarg

He is the wiser

We were fashion'd in one mould.

AEsop.

890

He eates with it,

And when deuotion calles him to the Temple

Of Mammon, whom of all the Gods he kneeles to

That held thus still, his orisons are payde;

Or will he though, the wealth of Rome were pawn'd

895

For the restoring of it for one short houre

Be wonne to part with it.

Philarg.

Still, still my selfe.

And if like me he loue his gold, no pawne

Is good securitie.

Par.

900

I'll trie if I can force it.

It will not be. His auaritious mind

(Like men in riuers drown'd) makes him gripe fast

To his last gaspe what he in life held dearest.

And if that it were possible in nature

905

Would carry it with him to the other world.

Philarg.

As I would doe to hell rather then leaue it.

AEsop.

Is he not dead?

Long since to all good actions

Or to himselfe, or others, for which wise men

910

Desire to liue. You may with safetie pinch him,

Or vnder his nayles sticke needle, s yet he stirs not,

Anxious feare to loose what his soule dotes on

Renders his flesh insensible. We must vse

Some meanes to rouse the sleeping faculties

915

Of his mind, there lies the Lethargie. Take a Trumpet

And blowe it into his eares, tis to noe purpose

The roring noyse of thunder cannot wake him.

And yet despaire not I haue one tricke yet left

AEsop.

What is it?

Par.

920

I will cause a fearefull Dreame

To steale into his fancie, and disturbe it

With the horror it brings with it, and so free

His bodyes Organs.

Domit.

'Tis a cunning fellow,

925

If he were indeed a Doctor as the play sayes,

He should be sworne my seruant, gouerne my slumbers

And minister to me waking.

Par.

If this faile

A chest brought in.

I'll giue him ore. So with all violence

930

Rend ope this iron chest. For here is life lyes

Bound vp in fetters, and in the defence

Of what he values higher, 'twill returne

And fill each veine and arterie. Lowder yet.

'Tis open, and alreadie he begins

935

To stirre, marke with what trouble.

Latinus stretches himselfe.

Philarg.

As you are Caesar

Defend this honest thriftie man, they are theeues,

And come to rob him.

Parth.

Peace the Emperour frownes.

Par.

940

So now powre out the bags vpon the Table,

Romoue his iewels, and his bonds, againe.

Ring a second golden peale, his eyes are open.

He stares as he had seene Medusas head,

And were turn'd marble. Once more.

Lat.

945

Murther, murther,

They vs murther, murther. My sonne in the plot?

Thou worse then paracide if it bee death

To strike thy Fathers body, can all tortures,

The furies in hell practise, be sufficient

950

For thee that doest assassinate my soule?

My gold! my bounds! my iewels! dost thou envie

My glad possession of them for a day?

Extinguishing the Taper of my life

Consum'd vnto the snuffe?

Par.

955

Seem not to mind him.

Lat.

Haue I to leaue thee rich denied my selfe

The ioyes of humaine being? Scrap'd and horded

A masse of treasure, which had Solon seene

The Lidian Croesus had appear'd to him

960

Poore as the begger Irus. And yet I

Sollicitous to encrease it, when my intrayles

Were clem'd with keeping a perpetuall fast,

Was deafe to their loud windie cries, as fearing

Should I disburse one peny to their vse,

965

My heyre might curse me. And to saue expence

In outward ornaments, I did expose

My naked body to the Winters cold,

And summers scorching heate. Nay when diseases

Grew thicke vpon me, and a little cost

970

Had purchas'd my recouerie, I chose rather

To haue my ashes clos'd vp in my vrne,

By hasting on my fate, then to diminish

The gold my prodigall sonne, while I am liuing,

Carelessely scatters.

AEsop.

975

Would you would dispatch and die once.

Your Ghost should feele in hell, that is my slaue

Which was your master.

Philarg.

Out vpon thee varlet.

Par.

And what then followes al your carke, and caring,

980

And selfe affliction when your staru'd truncke is

Turn'd to forgotten dust? This hopefull youth

Vrines vpon your monument. Ne're remembring

How much for him you suffer'd. And then tells

To the companions of his lusts, and ryots,

985

The hell you did indure on earth to leaue him

Large meanes to be an Epicure, and to feast

His senses all at once, a happines

You neuer granted to your selfe. Your gold then

(Got with vexation, and preseru'd with trouble)

990

Maintaines the publicke stewes, pandars, and ruffians

That quaffe damnations to your memorie,

For liuing so long here.

Lat.

'T will be so, I see it.

O that I could redeeme the time that's past

995

I would liue, and die like my selfe; and make true vse

Of what my industrie purchas'd.

Par.

Couetous men

Hauing one foote in the graue lament so euer.

But grant that I by Art could yet recouer

1000

Your desperate sicknes, lengthen out your life

A dozen of yeeres, as I restore your body

To perfect health, will you with care endeuour

To rectifie your mind

Lat.

I should so liue then

1005

As neither my heyre should haue iust cause to thinke

I liu'd too long for being close handed to him,

Or cruell to my selfe.

Par.

Haue your desires

Phaebus assisting, mee I will repayre

1010

The ruin'd building of your health, and thinke not

You haue a sonne that hates you; the truth is

This meanes with his consent I practis'd on you,

To this good end, it being a deuice

In you to shew the Cure of Avarice.

Exeunt Paris, Latinus, AEsopus.

Phil.

1015

An old foole to be guld thus I had he died

As I resolue to doe, not to be alter'd,

It had gone off twanging.

Caes.

How approue you sweetest,

Of the matter, and the Actors?

Domit.

1020

For the subiect

I like it not, it was filch'd out of Horace,

Nay I haue read the Poets but the fellow

That play'd the Doctor did it well by Venus;

He had a tunable tongue and neate deliuery,

1025

And yet in my opinion he would performe

A louers part much better. Prethee Caesar

For I grow wearie let vs see to morrow

Iplus and Anaxerete.

Caes.

Any thing

1030

For thy delight Domitia. To your rest

Till I come to disquiet you. Wayte vpon her.

There is a busines that I must dispatch

And I will straight be with you.

Exeunt Aretinus, Domitia, Iulia, Canis, Domitilla.

Parth.

Now my dread Sir

1035

Endeuour to preuayle.

Caes.

One way or other.

Wee'l cure him neuer doubt it. Now Philargus

Thou wretched thing, hast thou seene thy sordid basenesse?

And but obseru'd what a contemptible creature

1040

A couetous miser is? dost thou in thy selfe

Feele true compunction! with a resolution

To be a new man?

Philarg.

This craz'd bodies Caesars,

But for my minde.

Caes.

1045

Trifle not with my anger.

Canst thou make good vse of what was now presented?

And imitate in thy suddaine change of life,

The miserable rich man, that expres'd

What thou art to the life.

Philarg.

1050

Pray you giue me leaue

To dye as I haue liu'd. I must not part with

My gold, it is my life. I am past cure.

Caes.

No; by Minerua thou shalt neuer more

Feele the least touch of auarice. Take him hence

1055

And hang him instantly. If there be gold in hell

Inioy it, thine here and thy life together

Is forfeited.

Philarg.

Was I sent for to this purpose?

Parth.

Mercie for all my seruice, Caesar mercie

Caes.

1060

Should Ioue pleade for him. 'Tis resolu'd he dyes,

And he that speakes one sillable to disswade me,

And therefore tempt me not. It is but iustice.

Since such as wilfully, will hourely dye,

Must tax themselues, and not my crueltie.

Exeunt omnes.

The end of the second Act.

ACTVS, III. SCAENA, 1.

Enter Iulia, Domitilla, Stephanos.

Iul.

1065

No Domitilla, if you but compare

What I haue suffer'd with your iniuries,

(Though great ones I confesse) they will appeare

Like molehils to Olimpus.

Domitil.

You are tender

1070

Of your owne wounds, which makes you loose the feeling

And sense of mine. The incest he committed

With you, and publikely profes'd, in scorne

Of what the world durst censure may admit

Some weake defence, as being borne headlong to it.

1075

But in a manly way to enioy your beauties.

Besides wonne by his periuries that he would

Salute you with the title of Augusta,

Your faint deniall show'd a full consent,

And grant to his temptations. But poore I

1080

That would not yeeld, but was with violence forc'd

To serue his lusts, and in a kinde Tiberius

At Caprae neuer practis'd, haue not heere

One conscious touch to rise vp my accuser

I in my will being innocent.

Steph.

1085

Pardon mee

Great Princesses, though I presume to tell you

Wasting your time in childish lamentations,

You doe degenerate from the bloud you spring from:

For there is something more in Rome expected

1090

From Titus daughter, and his vncles heyre,

Then womanish complaints after such wrongs

Which mercie cannot pardon. But you'l say

Your hands are weake, and should you but attempt

A iust reuenge on this inhumaine monster.

1095

This prodegie of mankind bloudie Domitian,

Hath readie words at his command aswell

As Islands to confine you to remoue.

His doubts, and feares, did he but entertaine

The least suspition you contriu'd or plotted

1100

Against his person.

Iul.

'Tis true Stephanos.

The legions that sacred Hierusalem

Vnder my Father Titus are sworne his,

And I no more remembred.

Domit.

1105

And to loose

Our selues by building on impossible hopes,

Were desperate madnes.

Steph.

You conclude too fast.

One single arme whose master does contemne

1110

His owne life holds a full command ore his,

Spite of his guards. I was your bondman Ladie,

And you my gracious patronesse; my wealthe

And libertie your guift, and though no souldier,

To whom or custome, or example makes

1115

Grimme death appeare lesse terrible, I dare dye

To doe you seruice in a faire reuenge

And it will better suite your births and honours

To fall at once, then to liue euer slaues

To his proud Empresse that insults vpon

1120

Your patient sufferings. Say but you goe on,

And I will retch his heart, or perish in

The noble vndertaking.

Domit.

Your free offer

Confirmes your thankefulnesse, which I acknowledge

1125

A satisfaction for a greater debt

Then what you stand ingag'd for: but I must not

Vpon vncertaine grounds hazard so gratefull,

And good a seruant. The mortall powers

Protect a Prince though sould to impious acts,

1130

And seeme to slumber till his roaring crimes

Awake their iustice: but then looking downe

And with impartiall eyes, on his contempt

Of all religion, and morrall goodnesse,

They in their secrets indgements doe determine

1135

To leaue him to his wickednesse, which sinckes him

When he is most secure.

Iul.

His crueltie

Increasing dayly of necessitie

Must render him as odious to his souldiers,

1140

Familiar friends, and freemen, as it hath done

Alreadie to the Senate; then forsaken

Of his supporters, and growne terrible

Eu'n to himselfe, and her, he now so dotes on,

We may put into act, what now with safetie

1145

We cannot whisper,

Steph.

I am still prepar'd

To execute when you please to command mee:

Since I am confident he deserues much more

That vindicates his countrie from a tyrannie,

1150

Then he that saues a citizen.

Iul.

O heere's Caenis.

Enter Caenis.

Domitil.

Whence come you?

Caen.

From the Empresse who seemes mou'd

In that you waite no better. Her prides growne

1155

To such a height that shee disdaines the service

Of her owne women; and esteemes her selfe

Neglected? when the Princesses of the bloud

On everie course imployment, are not readie

To stoope to her commands.

Domitil.

1160

Where is her greatnes?

Cæn.

Where you would little thinke she could descend

To grace the roome or persons.

Iul.

Speake; where is she?

Cæn.

Among the Players, where all state layd by,

1165

She does enquire who acts this part, who that,

And in what habits? blames the tire-women

For want of curious dressings; and so taken

She is with Paris the Tragedians shape

That is to act a Louer, I thought once

1170

She would haue courted him.

Domitil.

In the meane time

How spends the Emperour his houres?

Caen.

As euer

He hath done heretofore in being cruell

1175

To innocent men, whose vertues he calles crimes.

And but this morning if't be possible

He hath out-gone himselfe, hauing condemn'd

At Aretinus his informers suite,

Palphurius Sura, and good Iunius Rusticus,

1180

Men of the best repute in Rome for their

Integritie of life; no fault obiected

But that they did lament his cruell sentence

On Paetus Thraseas the Philosopher

Their Patron and instructer.

Steph.

1185

Can Ioue see this

And hold his thunder!

Domitil.

Nero and Caligula

Commanded onely mischiefes but our Caesar

Delights to see'em.

Iul.

1190

What we cannot helpe,

We may deplore with silence.

Caen.

We are call'd for

By our proud mistresse.

Domit.

We a while must suffer.

Steph.

1195

It is true fortitude to stand firme against

All shocks of fate, when cowards faint and dye

In feare to suffer more calamitie.

Exeunt.

ACTVS, III. SCAENA, 2.

Enter Caesar, Parthenius.

Caes.

They are then in fetters.

Parth.

Yes Sir. But

Caes.

1200

But? What?

I'll haue thy thoughts. Deliuer them.

Parth.

I shall Sir.

But still submitting to your God-like pleasure

Which cannot be instructed?

Caes.

1205

To the point.

Parth.

Nor let your sacred Maiestie belieue

Your vassall, that with drie eyes look'd vpon

His Father drag'd to death by your command,

Can pitty these, that durst presume to censure

1210

What you decreed.

Caes.

Well. Forward.

Parth.

'Tis my zeale

Still to preserue your clemencie admi'rd

Temper'd with iustice, that emboldens me

1215

To offer my aduice. Alas I know Sir

These Bookemen, Rusticus, and Pulphurius Sura,

Deserue all tortures. Yet in my opinion,

They being popular Senators, and cried vp

With loud applauses of the multitude,

1220

For foolish honestie, and beggerly vertue,

T'would rellish more of pollicie to haue them

Made away in priuate, with what exquisite torments

You please it skils not, then to haue them drawne

To the degrees in publike; for 'tis doubted

1225

That the sad obiect may beget compassion

In the giddie rout, and cause some sudaine uprore

That may disturbe you.

Caes.

Hence pale spirited coward

Can we descend so farre beneath our selfe

1230

As, or to court, the peoples loue, or feare

Their worst of hate? Can they that are as dust

Before the whirlewinde of our will and power,

Adde any moment to vs? Or thou thinke

If there are Gods aboue, or Goddesses,

1235

(But wise Minerua that's mine owne and sure)

That they haue vacant houres to take into

Their serious protection, or care.

This many headed monster? mankind liues

In few, as potent Monarchs, and their Peeres,

1240

And all those glorious constellations

That doe adorne the firmament, appointed

Like groomes with their bright influence to attend

The actions of Kings, and Emperours,

They being the greater wheeles that moue the lesse.

1245

Bring forth those condemn'd wretches let me see

One man so lost, as but to pittie 'em

And though there lay a million of soules

Imprison'd in his flesh my Hangmens hookes

Should rend it off and giue 'em libertie.

1250

Caesar hath said it.

Exit Parthenius.

Enter Parthenius, Aretinus, and the Guard, Hangmen dragging in Iunius, Rusticus, and Palphurius Sura, bound backe to backe.

Aret.

'Tis great Caesars pleasure

That with fix'd eyes you carefully obserue

The peoples lookes. Charge vpon any man

That with a sigh, or murmure does expresse

1255

A seeming sorrow for these traytors deaths,

You know his will, performe it.

Caes.

A good bloud-hound,

And fit for my imployments.

Sur.

Giue vs leaue

1260

To dye fell tyrant.

Rust.

For beyond our bodies

Thou hast no power.

Caes.

Yes I'll afflict your soules.

And force them groaning to the Stigian lake

1265

Prepar'd for such to howle in, that blaspheame

The power of Princes, that are Gods on earth;

Tremble to thinke how terrible the dreame is

After this sleepe of death.

Rust.

To guiltie men

1270

It may bring terror, not to vs, that know

What 'tis to dye, well taught by his example

For whom we suffer. In my thought I see

The substance of that pure vntainted soule,

Of Thraseas our master made a starre,

1275

That with melodious harmonie invites vs

(Leauing this dunghill Rome, made hell by thee,)

To trace his heauenly steps, and fill a Spheare

Aboue yon Chrystall Canopie.

Caes.

Doe inuoke him

1280

With all the aydes his sanctitie of life

Haue wonne on the rewarders of his vertue,

They shall not saue your Dogs doe you grinne? torment 'em.

So take a leafe of Seneca now and proue

If it can render you insensible

1285

Of that which but begins here. Now an oyle

The Hangmen torment 'em, they still smiling.

Drawne from the Stoicks frozen principles

Predominant ouer fire were vsefull for you.

Againe, againe. You trifle. Not a groane,

Is my rage lost? What cursed charmes defend 'em!

1290

Search deeper villaines. Who lookes pale? or thinkes

That I am cruell?

Aret.

Ouer mercifull.

all your weakenesse Sir.

Parth.

I dare not show

1295

A signe of sorrow, yet my synnewes shrinke

The spectacle is so horrid.

Aside.

Caes.

I was neuer

O'recome till now. For my sake rore a little,

And show you are corporeall, and not turn'd

1300

Aeriall spirits. Will it not do. By Pallas

It is vnkindly done to mocke his furle

Whom the world stiles omnipotent. I am tortur'd

In their want of feeling torments. Marius storie

That does report him to haue sate vnmou'd

1305

When cunning Chirurgions rip'd his arteries,

And veines, to cure his goute compar'd to this

Deserues not to bee nam'd. Are they not dead?

If so, wee wash an AEthiope.

Sur.

No, wee liue.

Rust.

1310

Liue to deride thee, our calme patience treading

Vpon the necke of tyrannie. That securely,

(As t'were a gentle slumber,) we indure

Thy hangmens studied tortures, is a debt

Wee owe to graue Philosophie, that instruct's vs

1315

The flesh is but the clothing of the soule

Which growing out of fashion though it bee

Cast of, or rent, or torne, like ours, 'tis then

Being it selfe diuine, in her best luster.

But vnto such as thou, that haue no hopes

1320

Beyond the present, euerie little scar;

The want of rest; excesse of heate or, cold

That does informe them, onely they are mortall,

Pierce through, and through them.

Caes.

We will heare no more,

Rust.

1325

This onely, and I give thee warning of it.

Though it is in thy will to grinde this earth,

As small as Atomes, they throwne in the Sea to.

They shall seeme recollected to thy sense,

And when the sandie building of thy greatnes,

1330

Shall with its owne weight totter; looke to see me

As I was yesterday, in my perfect shape,

For I'll appeare in horror.

Caes.

By my shaking

I am the guiltie man, and not the Iudge.

1335

Drag from my sight, these cursed ominous wizards,

That as they are now like to double fac'd Ianus

Which way soe're I looke, are furies to me.

Away with 'em. First show them death, then leaue

Exeunt Hangmen with Rusticus and Sura. Stephanos following.

No memory of their ashes I'll mocke fate.

1340

Shall words fright him, victorious armies circle?

No, no, the feuer does begin to leaue me.

Enter Domitia, Iulia, Caenis.

Or were it deadly, from this liuing fountaine

I could renue the vigor of my youth,

And be a second Verbius. O my glory!

1345

My life I command I my all!

Embracing and kissing mutually.

Domit.

As you to me are.

I heard you were sad; I haue prepar'd you sport

Will banish melancholie. Sirrha, Caesar,

(I hugge my selfe for't) I haue beene instructing

1350

The Players how to act, and to cut off

All tedious impertinencie, haue contracted

The Tragedie, into one continued Sceane.

I haue the art of't, and am taken more

With my abilitie that way, then all knowledge

1355

I haue but of thy loue.

Caes.

Thou art still thy selfe,

The sweetest, wittiest.

Domit.

When wee are a bed

I'll thanke your good opinion. Thou shalt see

1360

Such an Iphis of thy Paris, and to humble

The pride of Domitilla that neglects mee

(How e're she is your cousin) I haue forc'd her

To play the part of Anaxerete.

You are not offended with it?

Caes.

1365

Any thing

That does content thee yeilds delight to mee.

My faculties, and powers are thine.

Domit.

I thanke you

Prethee lets take our places. Bid'em enter

After a short flourish, enter Paris as Iphis.

1370

Without more circumstance, how doe you like

That shape? me thinkes it is most sutable

To the aspect of a despairing louer.

The seeming late falne, counterfeited teares

That hang vpon his cheekes, was my deuice.

Caes.

1375

And all was excellent.

Domit.

Now heare him speake.

Par.

That she is faire (and that an Epethite

To foule to expresse her or descended nobly,

Or rich, or fortunate, and certaine truthes

1380

In which poore Iphis glories. But that these

Perfections, in no other Virgin found,

Abus'd, should nourish crueltie, and pride,

In the diuinest Anaxarete,

Is, to my loue-sicke languishing soule, a riddle,

1385

And with more difficultie to be dissolu'd,

Then that, the monster Sphinx from the steepie rocke

Offer'd to Oedipus. Imperious loue,

As at thy euer flaming Altars Iphis

Thy neuer tyred votarie hath presented

1390

With scalding teares whose Hecatombes of sighes,

Preferring thy power, and thy Paphian mothers

Before the thunderers, Neptunes, or Pluto's

(That after Saturne did diuide the world

And had the sway of things) yet were compell'd

1395

By thy vneuitable shafts to yeeld

And sight vnder thy ensignes, be auspicious

To this late tryall of my sacrifice

Of loue, and seruice.

Domit.

Do's he not act it rarely?

1400

Obserue with what a feeling he deliuers

His orisons to Cupid; I am rap'd with't.

Par.

And from thy neuer emptied quiuer take

A golden arrow, to transfix her heart

And force her loue like me, or cure my wound

1405

With a leaden one, that may beget in me

Hate and forgetfulnesse, of what's now my Idoll.

But I call backe my prayer, I haue blaspheam'd

In my rash wish. 'Tis I that am vnworthy,

But she all merit, and may in iustice challenge

1410

From the assurance of her excellencies

Not loue, but adoration. Yet beare witnesse

All knowing powers, I bring along with me

As faithfull aduocates to make intercession

A loyall heart, with pure, and holy flames

1415

With the foule fires of lust neuer polluted.

And as I touch her threshold (which with teares

My limbes benumb'd with cold, I oft haue wash'd)

With my glad lips I kisse this earth growne proud

With frequent fauours from her delicate feete.

Domit.

1420

By Caesars life he weepes. And I forbeare

Hardly to keepe him companie.

Par.

Blest ground thy pardon

If I prophane it with forbidden steps.

I must presume to knocke, and yet attempt it

1425

With such a trembling reuerence as if

My hands held vp, for expiation

To the incensed Gods to spare a kingdome.

Within there, hoe? something divine come forth

To a distressed mortall.

Enter Latinus as a Porter.

Lat.

1430

Ha! Who knockes there?

Domit.

What a churlish looke this knaue has

Lat.

Is't you Sirrha?

Are you come to pule and whine? avaunt, and quickly.

Dogwhips shall driue you hence else.

Domit.

1435

Churlish deuill?

But that I should disturbe the Sceane, as I liue

I would teare his eyes out.

Caes.

'Tis in iest Domitia,

Domit.

I doe not like such iesting, if he were not

1440

A flintie hearted slave, he could not vse

One of his forme so harshly. How the toade swells

At the others sweete humilitie!

Caes.

'Tis his part

Let 'em proceed.

Domit.

1445

A Rogues part, will ne're leaue him

Par.

As you haue gentle Sir, the happinesse

(When you please) to behold the figure of

The master peice of nature, limn'd to the life,

In more then humane Anaxerete,

1450

Scorne not your seruant, that with suppliant hands

Takes hold vpon your knees, coniuring you

As you are a man, and did not sucke the milke

Of Wolues, and Tigres, or a mother of

A tougher temper, vse some meanes these eyes

1455

Before they are wept out, may see your Ladie.

Will you be gracious Sir?

Lat.

Though I loose my place for't

I can hold out no longer.

Domit.

Now hee melts

1460

There is some little hope hee may die honest

Lat.

Madam.

Enter Domitilla for Anaxerete.

Domit.

Who calls? what obiect haue we heere?

Domit.

Your cousin keepes her proud state still I thinke

I haue fitted her for a part.

Domit.

1465

Did I not charge thee

I ne're might see this thing more?

Par.

I am indeed

What thing you please, a Worme that you may tread on,

Lower I cannot fall to shew my duty,

1470

Till your disdaine hath dig'd a graue to couer

This bodie with forgotten dust, and when

I know your sentence, cruellest of women)

I'll by a willing death remoue the obiect

That is an eyesore to you.

Domit.

1475

Wretch thou darst not.

That were the last, and greatest seruice to mee

Thy doting loue could boast of. What dull foole

But thou could nourish any flattering hope

One of my height, in youth, in birth and fortune

1480

Could e're desend to looke vpon thy lownesse?

Much lesse consent to make my Lord of one

I would not accept, though offre'd for my slaue,

My thoughts stoope not so lowe.

Domit.

There's her true nature

1485

No personated scorne.

Domit.

I wrong my worth

Or to exchange a syllable or looke,

With one so farre beneath me.

Par.

Yet take heed,

1490

Take heed of pride, and curiouslie consider

How brittle the foundation is, on which

You labour to aduance it. Niobe

Proud of her numerous issue durst contemne

Latonas double burthen but what follow'd?

1495

She was left a childlesse mother, and mourn'd to marble.

The beautie you o're-prize so, time, or sicknes

Can change to loth'd deformitie, Your wealth

The prey of theeues; Queene Heccuba Troy fir'd

Vlisses bond-woman. But the loue I bring you

1500

Nor time, nor sicknesse, violent theeues, nor fate

Can rauish from you.

Domit.

Could the Oracle

Giue better counsaile.

Par.

Say will you relent yet?

1505

Reuoking your decree that I should dye?

Or shall I doe what you command? resolue

I am impatient of delay.

Domit.

Dispatch then

I shall looke on your Tragedie vnmou'd,

1510

Peraduenture laugh at it, for it will proue

A Comedie to me.

Domit.

O diuell! diuell!

Par.

Then thus I take my last leaue. All the curses

Of louers fall vpon you; and hereafter

1515

When any man like me contemn'd, shall studie

In the anguish of his soule to giue a name

To a scornfull cruell mistresse, let him onely

Say this most bloudie woman is to me.

As Anaxerete was to wretched Iphis.

1520

Now feast your tyrannous mind, and glorie in

The ruines you haue made: for Hymens bands

That should haue made vs one, this fatall halter

For euer shall diuorce vs; at your gate

As a trophee of your pride, and my affliction,

1525

I'll presently hang my selfe.

Domit.

Not for the world.

Restraine him as you loue your liues.

Caes.

Why are you

Transported thus Domitia? 'tis a play,

1530

Or grant it serious, it at no part merits.

This passion in you.

Par.

I nere purpos'd Madam

To do the deed in earnest, though I bowe

To your care, and tendernesse of me.

Domit.

1535

Let me Sir,

Intreate your pardon, what I saw presented

Carried me beyond my selfe.

Caes.

To your place againe

And see what followes

Domit.

1540

No I am familiar

With the conclusion, besides vpon the sudaine

I feele my selfe much indispos'd.

Caes.

To bed then

I'll be thy Doctor.

Areo.

1545

There is something more

In this then passion, which I must find out,

Or my intelligence freezes.

Domit.

Come to me Paris

To morrow for your reward

Steph.

1550

Patronesse heare mee

Will you not call for your share? sit downe with this,

And the next action like a Gaditane strumpet

I shall looke to see you tumble.

Domit.

Prethee be patient.

1555

I that haue sufferd greater wrongs beare this

And that till my reuenge my comfort is.

Exeunt.

The end of the third Act.

ACTVS, IIII. SCAENA, 1.

Enter Parthenius, Iulia, Domitilla, Caenis.

Parth.

Why 'tis impossible Paris?

Iul.

You obseru'd not

(As it appeares) the violence of her passion,

1560

When personating Iphis, he pretended

(For your contempt faire Anaxerete)

To hang himselfe.

Parth.

Yes, yes, I noted that;

But neuer could imagine it could worke her

1565

To such a strange intemperance of affection,

As to dote on him.

Domit.

By my hopes I thinke not

That she respects though all heere saw, and mark'd it

Presuming she can mould the Emperours will

1570

Into what forme she likes, though we, and all

Th'informers of the world conspir'd to crosse it.

Caen.

Then with what eagernesse this morning vrging

The want of health, and rest, she did intreate

Caesar to leaue her.

Domit.

1575

Who no sooner absent

But she calls Dwarfe (so in her scorne she stiles me)

Put on my pantofles, fetch pen, and paper

I am to write, and with distracted lookes,

In her smocke, impatient of so short delay

1580

As but to haue a mantle throwne vpon her,

She seal'd I know not what but 'twas indorsed

To my lou'd Paris.

Iul.

Adde to this I heard her

Sav, when a page receiu'd it; let him waite me

1585

And carefully in the walke, cal'd our retreate,

Where Caesar in his feare to giue offence,

Vnsent for neuer enters.

Parth.

This being certaine

(For these are more then iealous suppositions)

1590

Why doe not you that are so neere in bloud

Discouer it?

Domit.

Alas you know wee dare not.

'Twill be receaued for a malicious practise

To free vs from that slauerie, which her pride

1595

Imposes on vs. But if you would please

To breake the ice on paine to be suncke euer

We would auerre it.

Parth.

I would second you,

But that I am commanded with all speede

1600

To fetch in Ascletario the Chaldaean

Who in his absence is condemn'd of treason

For calculating the natiuitie

Of Caesar, with all confidence fore-telling

In euerie circumstance when he shall die

1605

A violent death. Yet if you could approue

Of my directions I would haue you speake

As much to Aretinus, as you haue

To me deliuer'd. He in his owne nature

Being a spie, on weaker grounds no doubt

1610

Will vndertake it, not for goodnesse sake

(With which he neuer yet held correspondence)

But to endea're his vigilant obseruings

Of what concernes the Emperour, and a little

To triumph in the ruines of this Paris

Enter Aretinus.

1615

That cros'd him in the Senate house. Here he comes

His nose held vp, he hath something in the winde,

Or I much erre alreadie. My designes

Command me hence great Ladies, but I leaue

My wishes with you.

Exit Parthenius.

Aret.

1620

Haue I caught your greatnes

In the trap my proud Augusta?

Domit.

What is't saps him?

Aret.

And my fine Roman Actor? is't euen so?

No courser dish to take your wanton palate

1625

Saue that which but the Emperour none durst cast off?

T'is very well. I needs must glory in

This rare discouerie, but the rewards

Of my intelligence, bid me thinke even now,

By an edict from Caesar I haue power,

1630

To tread vpon the necke of slauish Rome,

Disposing offices, and Prouinces,

To my kinsmen, friends and clients.

Domit.

This is more

Then vsuall with him,

Iul.

1635

Aretinus?

Aret.

How?

No more respect and reuerence tender'd to mee

But Aretinus! 'tis confess'd that title

When you were Princesses, and commanded all

1640

Had beene a fauour; but being as you are

Vassals to a proud woman, the worst bondage,

You stand oblig'd with as much adoration

To entertaine him, that comes arm'd with strength,

To breake your fetters, as tand gallie-slaues

1645

Pay such as doe redeeme them from the oare

I come not to intrap you, But aloud

Pronounce that you are manumiz'd, and to make

Your libertie sweeter, you shall see her fall,

(This Empresse, this Domitia, what you will)

1650

That triumph'd in your miseries.

Domit.

Were, you serious

To proue your accusation, I could lend

Some helpe.

Caen.

And I.

Iul.

1655

And I.

Aret.

No atome to mee.

My eyes, and eares are euery where, I know all,

To the line and action in the play that tooke her;

Her quicke dissimulation to excuse

1660

Her being transported, with her morning passion;

I brib'd the boy that did conuey the letter,

And hauing perus'd it, made it vp againe:

Your griefes, and angers, are to me familiar;

That Paris is brought to her, and how farre,

1665

He shall be tempted.

Domit.

This is aboue wonder.

Aret.

My gold can worke much stranger miracles

Then to corrupt poore waiters. Heere ioyne with me

'Tis a complaint to Caesar. This is that

1670

Shall ruine her, and raise you. Haue you set your hands

To the accusation.

Iul.

And will iustifie

What we haue subscrib'd to.

Caen.

And with vehemencie.

Domit.

1675

I will deliuer it.

Aret.

Leaue the rest to me then

Enter Caesar with his Guard.

Caes.

Let our Lieutenants bring vs victory,

While we enioy the fruites of peace at home,

And being secur'd from our intestiue foes,

1680

Far worse then forreine enemies, doubts, and feares,

Though all the skie were hung with blazing meteors,

Which fond Astrologers giue out to be

Assur'd presages of the change of Empires,

And deaths of Monarchs, wee vndaunted yet

1685

Guarded with our owne thunder, bid defiance,

To them, and fate, we being too strongly arm'd

For them to wound vs.

Aret. Caesar.

Iul.

As thou art

More then a man.

Caen.

1690

Let not thy passions bee

Rebellious to thy reason.

The Petition deliuer'd.

Domit.

But receiue

This tryall of your constancie, as vnmou'd

As you goe to, or from the Capitoll,

1695

Thankes giuen to loue for triumphs?

Caes.

Ha!

Domit.

Vouchsafe

A while to stay the lightning of your eyes.

Poore mortalls dare not looke on.

Aret.

1700

There's no veine

Of yours, that rises high with rage, but is

An earthquake to vs.

Domit.

And if not kept clos'd

With more then humaine patience in a moment

1705

Will swallow vs to the center.

Caen.

Not that we

Repine to serue her, are we her accusers.

Iul.

But that she's falne so low.

Aret.

Which on sure proofes

1710

VVe can make good.

Domitil.

And Show she is vnworthie

Of the least sparke of that diuiner fire

You haue confer'd vpon her.

Caes.

I stand doubtfull.

1715

And vnresolu'd what to determine of you.

In this malicious violence you haue offer'd

To the Altar of her truth, and purenesse to me,

You haue but fruitlesly labour'd to sullye

A white robe of perfection, black mouth'd enuie

1720

Could belch no spot on. But I will put off

The deitie, you labour to take from me,

And argue out of probabilities with you

As if I weare a man. Can I beleeue

That she, that borrowes all her light from me,

1725

And knowes to vse it, would betray her darkness

To your intelligence, and make that apparent.

Which by her perturbations in a play

VVas yesterday but doubted and find none,

But you that are her slaues, and therefore hate her

1730

VVhose aydes she might imploy to make way for her?

Or Aretinus whom long since she knew

To be the Cabinet counsailor, nay the key

Of Caesars secrets? could her beauty raise her

To this vnequald height to make her fall

1735

The more remarkable? or must my desires

To her, and wrongs to Lamia be reuengd

By her, and on herselfe that drewe on both?

Or she leaue our imperiall bed to court

A publicke actor?

Aret.

1740

who dares contradict

These more then humain reasons, that haue power

To cloth base guilt, in the most glorious shape

Of innocence?

Domit.

To wel she knew the strength,

1745

And eloquence of her patron to defend her,

And thereupon presuming fell securely,

Not fearing an accuser, nor the truth,

Produc'd against her, which your loue and sauour

Will ne're discerne from falshood.

Caes.

1750

I'll not heere

A syllable more that may inuite a change

In my opinion of her. You haue rais'd,

A fiercer war within me by this fable,

(Though with your liues you vowe to make it storie)

1755

Then if, and at one instant all my legions

Reuolted from me, and came arm'd against me.

Heere in this paper are the swords predestin'd

For my destruction; heere the fatall stars

That threaten more then ruine; this the deaths head

1760

That does assure me, if she can proue false

That I am mortall, which a sudaine feauer

Would prompt me to beleeue, and fayntly yeeld to.

But now in my full confidence what she suffers,

In that, from any witnesse but my selfe,

1765

I nourish a suspition she's vntrue,

My toughnes returnes to me. Lead on Monsters,

And by the forfeit of your liues confirme

She is all excellence, as you all basenesse,

Or let mankinde for her fall, boldly sweare

1770

There are no chast wiues now, nor euer were.

Exeunt omnes.

ACTVS, IIII. SCAENA, 2.

Enter Domitia, Paris, Seruants.

Domit.

Say we command, that none presume to dare

On forfeit of our fauour, that is life,

Out of a sawcie curiousnesse to stand

Within the distance of their eyes, or eares,

1775

Till we please to be waited on. And sirrha

Exeunt seruants.

Howe're you are excepted, let it not

Beget in you an arrogant opinion

'Tis done to grace you.

Par.

With my humblest seruice

1780

I but obey your summons, and should blush else

To be so neare you.

Domit.

'Twould become you rather

To feare, the greatnesse of the grace vouchsaf'd you

May ouerwhelme you, and 'twill doe no lesse

1785

If when you are rewarded, in your cups

You boast this priuacie.

Par.

That were mightiest Empresse

To play with lightning.

Domit.

You conceiue it right.

1790

The meanes to kill, or saue, is not alone

In Caesar circumscrib'd, for if incens'd

We haue our thunder to, that strikes as deadly.

Par.

'Twould ill become the lownesse of my fortune

To question what you can doe, but withall

1795

Humilitie to attend what is your will,

And then to serue it.

Domit.

And would not a secret

(Suppose we should commit it to your trust)

Scald you to keepe it?

Par.

1800

Though it rag'd within me

Till I turn'd cyndars, it should ne're haue vent.

To be an age a dying, and with torture

Onely to be thought worthy of your counsaile,

Or actuate what you command to me

1805

A wretched obscure thing, not worth your knowledge,

Were a perpetuall happinesse.

Domit.

We could wish

That we could credit thee, and cannot find

In reason but that thou whom oft I haue seene

1810

To personate a Gentleman, noble, wise,

Faithfull, and gainsome, and what vertues else

The Poet pleases to adorne you with

(But that as vessels still pertake the odour

Of the sweete pretious liquors they contain'd)

1815

Thou must be reallie in some degree

The thing thou dost present. Nay doe not tremble,

We seriouslie beleeue it, and presume

Our Paris is the volume in which all

Those excellent guifts the Stage hath seene him grac'd with

1820

Are curiouslie bound vp.

Par.

The argument

Is the same great Augusta, that I acting,

A foole, a coward, a traytor or cold cinique

Or any other weake, and vitious person

1825

Of force I must be such. O gracious Madam,

How glorious soeuer, or deform'd,

I doe appeare in the Sceane, my part being ended,

And all my borrowed ornaments put off,

I am no more, nor lesse then what I was

1830

Before I enter'd.

Domit.

Come you would put on

A wilfull ignorante, and not vnderstand,

What 'tis we point at. Must we in plaine language,

Against the decent modestie of our sex

1835

Say that we loue thee, loue thee to enioy thee,

Or that in our desires thou art preferr'd

And Caesar but thy second? thou in iustice

If from the height of Maiestie we can

(Looke downe vpon thy lownesse and embrace it,)

1840

Art bound with feruor to looke vp to me.

Par.

O Madam heare me with a patient eare

And be but pleas'd to vnderstand the reasons

That doe deterre me from a happinesse

Kings would be riuals for. Can I that owe,

1845

My life, and all that's mine to Caesars bounties

Beyond my hopes, or merits showr'd vpon me,

Make payment for them with ingratitude,

Falshood, and treason? Though you haue a shape

Might tempt Hyppollitus, and larger power

1850

To helpe, or hurt, then wanton Phaedra had,

Let loyaltie, and dutie plead my pardon

Though I refuse to satisfie.

Domit.

You are coy

Expecting I should court you, let meane Ladies

1855

Vse prayers, and intreaties to their creatures

To rise vp instruments to serue their pleasures;

But for Augusta so to loose her selfe

That holds command o're Caesar, and the world,

Were pouertie of spirit. Thou must, thou shalt,

1860

The violence of my passions knowes no meane,

And in my punishments, and my rewards

I'll vse no moderation. Take this onely

As a caution from me. Thread-bare Chastitie,

Is poore in the aduancement of her seruants,

1865

But wantonnesse magnificent; and 'tis frequent

To haue the Salarie of vice waigh downe

The pay of vertue. So without more trifling

Thy sudaine answer.

Par.

In what a straight am I brought in

1870

Alas I know that the denial's death

Nor can my grant discouer'd threaten more.

Yet to dye innocent, and haue the glorie

For all posteritie to report that I

Refus'd an Empresse to preserue my faith

1875

To my great master, in true iudgement must

Show fairer then to buy a guilty life,

With wealth, and honours. 'Tis the base I build on,

I dare not, must not, will not.

Domit.

How contemn'd?

1880

Since hopes, nor feares in the extreames preuaile not

I must vse a meane. Thinke who 'tis sues to thee

Denie not that yet which a brother may

Grant to his sister: as a testimonie

Caesar, Aretinus, Iulia, Domitilla, Caenis aboue.

I am not scorn'd. Kisse me. Kisse me againe.

1885

Kisse closer. Thou art now my Troyan Paris

And I thy Helen.

Par.

Since it is your will.

Caes.

And I am Monelaus. But I shall be

Caesar descends.

Something I know not yet.

Domit.

1890

Why lose we time

And opportunitie. These are but sallads

To sharpen appetite. Let vs to the feast.

Courting Paris wantonly.

Where I shall wish that thou wert Iupiter

And I Alcmena, and that I had power

1895

To lengthen out one short night into three,

And so beget a Hercules.

Caes.

While Amphitrio

Stands by, and drawes the curtaines.

Par.

falls on his face.

Oh? —

Domit.

1900

Betrai'd?

Caes.

No, taken in a not of Vulcans filing,

Wherein my selfe the Theater of the Gods

Are sad spectators, not one of em daring

To witnesse with a smile he does desire

1905

To be so sham'd for all the pleasure that

You haue sold your being for. What shall I name thee?

Ingratefull, trecherous, insatiate, all

Inuectiues, which in bitternes of spirit

Wrong'd men haue breath'd out against wicked women,

1910

Cannot expresse thee. Haue I rays'd thee from

Thy lowe condition to the height of greatnesse,

Command, and Maiestie in one base act

To render me (that was before I hugg'd thee)

An adder in my bosome, more then man

1915

A thing beneath a boast? did I force these

Of mine owne bloud as handmaids to kneele to

Thy pompe, and pride, hauing my selfe no thought.

But how with benefits to binde thee mine;

And am I thus rewarded? not a knee?

1920

Nor teare? nor signe of sorrow for thy fault?

Breake stubborne silence. What canst thou alleage

To stay my vengeance?

Domit.

This. Thy lust compell'd me

To be a strumpet, and mine hath return'd it

1925

In my intent, and will, though not in act

To cuckold thee.

Caes.

O impudence I take her hence,

And let her make her entrance into hell.

By leauing life with all the tortures that

1930

Flesh can be sensible of. Yet stay. What power

Her beautie still holds o're my soule that wrongs

Of this vnpardonable nature cannot teach me

To tight my selfe and hate her? - Kill her. - Hold.

O that my dotage should increase from that

1935

Which should breed detestation. By Minerua

If I looke on her longer. I shall melt

And sue to her. My iniuries forgot

Againe to be receiu'd into her fauour

Could honour yeild to it! Carrie her to her Chamber,

1940

Be that her prison till in cooler bloud

I shall determine of her.

Exit with Domitia.

Aret.

Now step I in

While he's in this calme mood for my reward.

Sir, if my seruice hath deseru'd.

Caes.

1945

Yes. Yes,

And I'll reward thee, thou hast rob'd me of

All rest, and peace, and bin the principall meanes

To make me know that, of which if againe

Enter Guard.

I could be ignorant of. I would purchase it

1950

With the losse of Empire; strangle him, take these hence to

And lodge them in the dungeon, could your reason

Dull wretches flatter you with hope to thinke

That this discouerie that hath showr'd vpon me

Perpetuall vexation should not fall

1955

Heauie on you? away with 'em, stop their mouthes

I will heare no reply, O Paris. Paris

Exeunt Guard Aretinus, Iulia, Caenis, Domitilla.

How shall I argue with thee? how begin,

To make thee vnderstand before I kill thee,

With what griefe and vnwillingnes 'tis forc'd from me?

1960

Yet in respect I haue fauourd thee. I will heere

What thou canst speake to qualefie, or excuse

Thy readinesse to serue this womans lust.

And wish thou couldst giue me such satisfaction

As I might burie the remembrance of it:

1965

Looke vp. We stand attentiue;

Par.

O dread Caesar,

To hope for life, or pleade in the defence

Of my ingratitude were againe to wrong you.

I know I haue deseru'd death. And my suit is

1970

That you would hasten it: yet that your highnes

When I am dead (as sure I will not liue)

May pardon me I'll onely vrge my frailtie,

Her will, and the temptation of that beautie

Which you could not resist. How would poore I then

1975

Fly that which followd me, and Caesar su'd for?

This is all. And now your sentence.

Caes.

Which I know not

How to pronounce, O that thy fault had bin

But such as I might pardon; if thou hadst

1980

In wantonnesse (like Nero) sir'd proud Rome

Betraide an armie, butcherd the whole Senate,

Committed Sacriledge, or any crime

The iustice of our Roman lawes cals death,

I had preuented any intercession

1985

And freely sign'd thy pardon.

Par.

But for this

Alas you cannot nay you must not Sir

Nor let it to posteritie be recorded

That Caesar vnreueng'd, sufferd a wrong,

1990

Which if a priuate man should sit downe with it

Cowards would baffell him.

Caes.

With such true feeling

Thou arguest against thy selfe, that it

Workes more vpon me, then if my Minerua

1995

(The grand protectresse of my life, and Empire,)

On forfeite of her fauour, cry'd aloud

Caesar show mercie. And I know not how

I am inclinde to it. Rise. I'll promise nothing,

Yet cleare thy cloudie feares and cherish hopes,

2000

What we must doe, we shall doe; we remember

A Tragedie, we oft haue seen with pleasure,

Call'd, the False Seruant.

Par.

Such a one we haue Sir.

Caes.

In which a great Lord takes to his protection

2005

A man forlorne, giuing him ample power

To order, and dispose of his estate

In his absence, he pretending then a iourney.

But yet with this restraint that on no tearmes

This Lord suspecting his wiues constancie

2010

(She hauing playd false to a former husband)

The seruant though sollicited should consent

Though she commanded him to quench her flames.

Par.

That was indeed the argument.

Caes.

And what

2015

Didst thou play in it?

Par.

The false seruant Sir.

Caes.

Thou didst indeed. Do the Players waite without?

Par.

They doe Sir and prepar'd to act the storie

Your Maiestie mention'd.

Caes.

2020

Call 'em in. Who presents

The iniur'd Lord?

Enter AEsopus, Latinus, a Boy drest for a Ladie.

AEsop.

T'is my part Sir,

Caes.

Thou didst not

Doe it to the life. We can performe it better.

2025

Off with my Robe, and wreath, since Nero scorn'd not

The publike Theater, we in priuate may

Disport our selues. This cloake, and hat without

Wearing a beard, or other propertie

Will fit the person.

AEsop.

2030

Onely Sir a foyle

The point, and edge rebutted, when you act

To doe the murther. If you please to vse this

And lay aside your owne sword.

Caes.

By no meanes.

2035

In iest nor earnest this parts neuer from me.

We'l haue but one short Sceane. That where the Ladie

In an imperious way commands the seruant

To be vnthankefull to his patron when

My cue's to enter prompt me nay begin

2040

And doe it spritely though but a new Actor,

When I come to execution you shall find

No cause to laugh at me.

Lat.

In the name of wonder

What's Caesars purpose?

AEsop.

2045

There is no contending.

Caes.

Why when?

Par.

I am arm'd.

And stood grim death now within my view and his

Vneuitable dart aim'd at my breast

2050

His cold embraces should not bring an ague

To any of my faculties, till his pleasures

Were seru'd, and satisfied, which done Nestors yeeres,

To me would be vnwelcome.

Boy.

Must we intreate,

2055

That were borne to command, or court a seruant

(That owes his foode and cloathing to our bountie)

For that, which thou ambitiouslie shouldst kneele for?

Vrge not in thy excuse the fauours of

Thy absent Lord, or that thou standst ingag'd

2060

For thy life to his Charitie; nor thy feares

Of what may follow, it being in my power

To mould him any way.

Par.

As you may me

In what his reputation is not wounded

2065

Nor I his creature in my thankefulnesse suffer.

I know you are young, and faire, be vertuous too

And loyall to his bed, that hath aduanc'd you

To th'height of happinesse.

Boy.

Can my louesicke heart

2070

Be cur'd with counsell? or durst reason euer

Offer to put in an exploded plea

In the Court of Venus. My desires admit not

The least delay. And therefore instantly

Giue me to vnderstand what I shall trust to.

2075

For if I am refus'd, and not enioy

Those rauishing pleasures from thee, I run mad for;

I'll sweare vnto my Lord at his returne

(Making what I deliuer good with teares)

That brutishly thou wouldst haue forc'd from me

2080

What I make suit for. And then but imagine

What 'tis to dye with these words slaue, and traytor,

With burning corrasiues writ vpon thy forehead,

And liue prepar'd fort.

Par.

This he will beleeue

2085

Vpon her information. 'Tis apparent

And then I am nothing. And of two extreames

Wisedome sayes chose the lesse. Rather then fall

Vnder your indignation, I will yeeld

This kisse, and this confirmes it.

AEsop.

2090

Now. Sir now.

Caes.

I must take them at it.

AEsop.

Yes Sir, be but perfect.

Caes.

O villaine! thankelesse villaine! I should talke now;

But I haue forgot my part. But I can doe,

2095

Thus, thus, and thus.

Kils Paris.

Par.

Oh, I am slaine in earnest.

Caes.

'Tis time, and 'twas my purpose my good Paris

And yet before life leaue thee, let the honour

I haue done thee in thy death bring comfort to thee

2100

If it had beene within the power of Caesar

His dignitie preseru'd he had pardon'd thee.

But crueltie of honour did deny it.

Yet to confirme I lou'd thee? 'twas my study

To make thy end more glorious to distinguish

2105

My Paris from all others, and in that

Haue showne my pittie. Nor would I let thee fall

By a Centurions sword, or haue thy limbes

Rent peece meale by the hangmans hooke howeuer

Thy crime deseru'd it: but as thou didst liue

2110

Romes brauest Actor, 'twas my plot that thou

Shouldst dye in action, and to crowne it dye

With an applause induring to all times,

By our imperiall hand. His soule is freed

From the prison of his flesh, let it mount vpward.

2115

And for this truncke when that the funerall pile

Hath made it ashes, we'l see it inclos'd

In a golden vrne. Poets adorne his hearse

With their most rauishing sorrowes, and the stage

For euer mourne him, and all such as were

2120

His glad spectators weepe his suddaine death,

The cause forgotten in his Epitaph.

Exeunt. A sad musicke the Players bearing off Paris body, Caesar and the rest following.

The end of the fourth Act.

ACTVS, V. SCAENA, 1.

Enter Parthenius, Stephanos, Guard.

Parth.

Keepe a strong guard vpon him, and admit not

Accesse to any, to exchange a word,

Or syllable with him, till the Emperour pleases

2125

To call him to his presence. The relation

That you haue made me Stephanos of these late

Strange passions in Caesar, much amaze me.

The informer Aretinus put to death

For yeelding him a true discouerie

2130

Of th'Empresse wantonnesse; poore Paris kild first

And now lamented; and the Princesses

Consin'd to seuerall Islands, yet Augusta

The machine on which all this mischiefe mou'd

Receiu'd againe to grace?

Steph.

2135

Nay courted to it.

(Such is the impotence of his affection)

Yet, to conceale his weaknesse he giues out

The people made suit for her, whom they hate more

Then ciuill warre, or famine. But take heed

2140

My Lord, that nor in your consent nor wishes

You lent or furtherance, or fauour to

The plot contriu'd against her, should she proue it,

Nay doubt it onely you are a loft man

Her power o're doting Caesar being now

2145

Greater then euer.

Parth.

'Tis a truth I shake at.

And when there's opportunitie.

Steph.

Say but doe

I am yours, and sure.

Parth.

2150

I will Stand one tryall more

And then you shall heare from me.

Steph.

Now obserue

The fondnesse of this tyranne, and her pride.

Enter Caesar and Domitia.

Caes.

Nay all's forgotten.

Domit.

2155

It may be on your part.

Caes.

Forgiuen to Domitia 'tis a fauour

That you should welcome with more cheerefull lookes

Can Caesar pardon what you durst not hope for

That did the iniurie, and yet must sue

2160

To her whose guilt is wash'd off by his mercy

Onely to entertaine it?

Domit.

I ask'd none,

And I should be more wretched to receiue

Remission (for what I hold no crime)

2165

But by a bare acknowledgement then if

By sleighting, and contemning it, as now

I dat'd thy vtmost furie. Though thy flatterers

Perswade thee, that thy murthers, lusts, and rapes

Are vertues in thee, and what pleases Caesar

2170

Though neuer sown iust is right, and lawfull;

Or worke in thee a false beliefe that thou

Art more then mortall, yet I to thy teeth

(When circl'd with thy Guards, thy rods, thy axes,

And all the ensignes of thy boasted power)

2175

Will say Domitian, nay adde to it Caesar

Is a weake feeble man, a bondman to

His violent passions, and in that my slaue,

Nay more my slaue, then my affections made me

To my lou'd Paris.

Caes.

2180

Can I liue, and heare this?

Or heare and not reuenge it? come, you know

The strength that you hold on me, doe not vse it

VVith too much crueltie, for though 'tis granted

That Lidian Omphale had lesse command

2185

O're Hercules, then you vsurpe ore me,

Reason may teach me to shake off the yoke

Of my fond dotage.

Domit.

Neuer, doe not hope it

It cannot be. Thou bring my beauties captiue

2190

And not to be redeem'd, my Empire's larger

Then thine Domitian, which I'll exercise

VVith rigor on thee, for my Paris death.

And when I haue forc'd those eyes now red with fury

To drop downe teares, in vaine spent to appease me

2195

I know thy seruor such to my embraces

(Which shall be, though still kneel'd for, stil deni'd thee)

That thou with languishment shalt wish my Actor

Did liue againe, so thou might'st be his second

To feede vpon those delicates, when he's sated.

Caes.

2200

O my Minerua

Domit.

There she is inuoke her

Shee cannot arme thee with abilitie

To draw thy sword on me, my power being greater

Or onely say to thy Centurions

2205

Dare none of you doe what I shake to thinke on?

And in this womans death remoue the furies

That euery houre afflict mee? Lamias wrongs

When thy lust forc'd mee from him, are in mee

At the height reveng'd, nor would I out-liue Paris

2210

But that thy loue increasing with my hate

May adde vnto thy torments, so withall

Contempt I can I leaue thee.

Exit Domitia.

Caes.

I am lost

Nor am I Caesar, when I first betray'd

2215

The freedome of my faculties, and will

To this imperious Siren, I layd downe

The Empire of the world, and of my selfe

At her proud feete. Sleepe all my irefull powers?

Or is the magique of my dotage such

2220

That I must still make suite to heare those charmes

That doe increase my thraldome? wake my anger,

For shame breake through this Lethargie, and appeare

With vsuall terror, and enable mee

(Since I weare not a sword to pierce her heart,

2225

Nor haue a tongue to say this let her dye)

Though 'tis done with a feauer-shaken hand

Pulls out a Table booke.

To signe her death, assist mee great Minerua

And vindicate thy votarie. So shee's now

Among the list of those I haue prescrib'd

2230

And are to free mee of my doubts, and feares,

To dye to morrow.

(Writes.)

Steph.

That same fatall booke

Was neuer drawne yet, but some men of rancke

Were mark'd out for destruction.

Parth.

2235

I begin

To doubt my selfe.

Caes.

Who waites there?

Parth.

Caesar.

Caes.

So.

2240

These that command arm'd troupes quake, at my frownes

And yet a woman sleights 'em. Where's the Wizard

Wee charg'd you to fetch in?

Parth.

Readie to suffer

What death you please t'appoint him.

Caes.

2245

Bring him in.

Enter Ascletario, Tribunes, Guard.

We'll question him our selfe. Now you that hold

Intelligence with the starres, and dare prefixe

The day and houre in which we are to part

With life and Empire, punctually fore-telling

2250

The meanes, and manner of our violent end,

As you would purchase credit to your art

Resolue me since you are assur'd of vs

What fate attends your selfe?

Asclet.

I haue had long since

2255

A certaine knowledge, and assure as thou

Shalt dye to morrow being the fourteenth of

The Kalenda of October, the houre fiue

Spite of preuention, this carkasse shall be

Torne and deuourd by dogs, and let that stand for a firme prediction.

Caes.

2260

May our body wretch

Find neuer nobler Sepulcher if this

Fall euer on thee. Are we the great disposer

Of life, and death yet cannot mocke the starres

In such a trifle? Hence with the impostor,

2265

And hauing cut his throat, erect a pile

Guarded with souldiers, till his cursed truncke

Be turn'd to ashes, vpon forfeite of

Your life, and theirs, performe it.

Asclet.

'Tis in vaine,

2270

When what I haue foretold is made apparent

Tremble to thinke what followes.

Caes.

Drag him hence

The Guard beare off Ascletario.

And doe as I command you. I was neuer

Fuller of confidence, for hauing got

2275

The victorie of my passions, in my freedome

From proud Domitia (who shall cease to liue

Since she disdaines to loue) I rest vnmou'd

And in defiance of prodigious meteors,

Chaldeans vaine predictions, iealous feares

2280

Of my neere friends, and freemen, certaine hate

O kindred, and alliance, or all terrors

The souldiers doubted faith, or peoples rage

Can bring to shake my constancie I am arm'd.

That scrupulous thing still'd Conscience is sear'd vp

2285

And I insensible of all my actions

For which by morrall and religious fooles

I stand condemn'd, as they had neuer beene

And since I haue subdu'd triumphant loue

I will not deifie pale captiue scare

2290

Nor in a thought receiue it. For till thou

Wisest Minerua that from my first youth,

Hast beene my sole protectresse, dost forsake me

Not Iunius Rusticus, threatned apparition,

Nor what this Southsayer but eu'n now foretold

2295

(Being things impossible to humane reason)

Shall in a dreame disturbe me. Bring my couch there

Enter with couch.

A sudaine but a secure drousinesse

Inuites me to repose my selfe. Let Musicke

With some choyse dittie second it. I the meane time

2300

Rest there deare booke, which open'd when I wake

Layes the booke vnder his Pillow, The Musicke and song. Caesar sleepes.

Enter Parthenius and Domitia.

Domit.

Write my name

In his bloudie scrole Parthenius? the feare's idle

He durst not, could not.

Parth.

I can assure nothing

2305

But I obseru'd when you departed from him

After some little passion, but much furie,

He drew it out, whose death he sign'd I know not

But in his lookes appear'd a resolution

Of what before he staggerd at. What he hath

2310

Determin'd of is vncertaine, but too soone

Will fall on you, or me, or both, or any

His pleasure knowne to the Tribunes, and Centurions.

Who neuer vse to enquire his will but serue it.

Now if out of the confidence of your power,

2315

The bloudie Catalogue being still about him

As he sleepes you dare peruse it, or remoue it

You may instruct your selfe or what to suffer,

Or how to crosse it.

Domit.

I would not be caught

2320

With too much confidence. By your leaue Sir. Ha!

No motion! you lye vneasie Sir,

Let me mend your Pillow.

Parth.

Haue you it?

Domit.

'Tis heere.

Caes

2325

Oh.

Parth.

You haue wak'd him, softly gracious Madam

While we are vnknowne, and then consult at leisure.

Exeunt Parthenius, and Domitia.

A dreadfull Musicke sounding, Enter Iunius Rusticus, and Palphurius Sura, with bloudie swords, they waue them ouer his head. Caesar in his sleepe troubled, seemes to pray to the Image, they scornefully take it away.

Defend me goddesse, or this horrid dreame

Will force me to destraction. Whether haue

2330

These furies borne thee? Let me rise! and follow

I am bath'd o're with the cold sweat of death,

And am depriu'd of organs to pursue

These sacriligious spirits. Am I at once

Robd of my hopes, and being? No, I liue

Rises distractedly.

2335

Yes liue, and haue discourse to know my selfe

Of Gods, and men forsaken. What accuser

Within me cries aloud, I haue deseru'd it,

It being iust to neither. Who dares speake this?

Am I not Caesar? how I againe repeate it?

2340

Presumptuous traytor thou shalt dye, what traytor?

He that hath beene a traytor to himselfe

And stands conuicted heere. Yet who can sit

A competent Iudge ore Caesar? Caesar. Yes

Caesar by Caesar's, sentenced and must suffer

2345

Minerua cannot saue him. Ha! Where is she?

Where is my goddesse? vanish'd! I am lost then

No 'twas no dreame, but a most reall truth

That Iunius Rusticus, and Palphurius Sura,

Although their ashes were cast in the sea

2350

Wereby their innocence made vp againe.

And in corporeall formes but now appear'd.

Wauing their bloudie swordes aboue my head,

As at their deathes they threatned. And me thought

Minerua rauish'd hence whisper'd that she

2355

Was for my blasphemies disarm'd by Ioue

And could no more protect me. Yes 'twas so,

His thunder does confirme it, against which

thunder and lightning.

Howe're it spare the lawrell, this proud wreath

Is no assurance. Ha! come you resolu'd

Enter 3. Tribunes.

2360

To be my executioners?

1. Trib.

Allegiance

And faith forbid that we should lift an arme

Against your sacred head.

2. Trib.

We rather sue

2365

For mercie.

3. Trib.

And acknowledge that in iustice

Our liues are forfeited for not performing

What Caesar charg'd vs.

1. Trib.

Nor did we transgresse it

2370

In our want of will, or care, for being but men

It could not be in vs to make resistance,

The Gods fighting against vs.

Caes.

Speake in what

Did they expresse their anger? wee will heere it

2375

But dare not say vndaunted.

1. Trib.

In briefe thus Sir.

The Sentence giuen by your imperiall tongue

For the Astrologer Ascletario's death

With speede was put in execution.

Caes.

2380

Well.

1. Trib.

For his throate out, his legs bound, and his armes

Pinion'd behinde his backe, the breathlesse truncke

Was with all scorne dragg'd to the field of Mars

And there a pile being rais'd of old dry wood,

2385

Smeer'd o're with oyle, and brimstone, or what else

Could helpe to feede, or to increase the fire

The Carkasse was throwne on it; but no sooner

The stuffe, that was most apt, began to flame;

But sudainely to the amazement of

2390

The fearelesse souldier, a sudaine flash

Of lightning breaking through the scatter'd cloudes

With such a horrid violence forc'd its passage

And as disdaining all heate but it selfe

In a moment quench'd the artificiall fire.

2395

And before we could kindle it againe

A clap of thunder follow'd with such noyse,

As if then Ioue incens'd against mankind,

Had in his secret purposes determin'd

An vniuersall ruine to the world.

2400

This horror past, not at Deucalions floud

Such a stormie shower of raine (and yet that word is

To narrow to expresse it) was e're seene

Imagine rather Sir, that with lesse furie

The Waues rush downe the Cataracts of Nile;

2405

Or that the Sea spouted into the ayre

By the angry Orke, endaungering tall ships

But sayling neere it, so falls downe againe,

Yet heere the wonder ends not, but begins

For as in vaine we labour'd to consume

2410

The witches bodye, all the Dogs of Rome

Howling, and yelling like to famish'd wolues

Brake in vpon vs, and though thousands were

Kild in th'attempt some did ascend the pile

And with their eager fangs ceas'd on the carkasse.

Caes.

2415

But haue they torne it?

1. Trib.

Torne it, and deuour'd it.

Caes.

I then am a dead man since all predictions

Assure me I am lost; O my lou'd souldiers

Your Emperour must leaue you: yet howeuer

2420

I cannot grant my selfe a short reprieue

I freely pardon you. The fatall houre

Steales fast vpon me. I must dye this morning

By fiue my souldiers, that's the latest houre

You e're must see me liuing.

1. Trib.

2425

Ioue auert it

In our swords lies your fate, and we will guard it.

Caes.

O no, it cannot be, it is decreed,

Aboue, and by no strengths heere to be alterd.

Let proud mortalitie but looke on Caesar

2430

Compass'd of late with armies, in his eyes

Carrying both life, and death, and in his armes

Fadoming the earth; that would be stilde a God,

And is for that presumption cast beneath

The low condition of a common man,

2435

Sincking with mine owne waight,

1. Trib.

Doe not forsake,

Your selfe wee'll neuer leaue you.

2. Trib.

VVe'll draw vp

More cohorts of your Guard, if you doubt treason.

Caes.

2440

They cannot saue me. The offended Gods

That now sit iudges on me, from their enuie

Of my power and greatnesse heere, conspire against me.

1. Trib.

Endeauour to appease them.

Caes.

'Twill be fruitlesse

2445

I am past hope of remission. Yet could I

Decline this dreadfull houre of fiue, these terrors

That driue me to despaire would soone flye from me

And could you but till then assure me,

1. Trib.

Yes Sir,

2450

Or wee'll fall with you, and make Rome the urne

In which wee'll mix our ashes.

Caes.

Tis said noblie,

I am something comforted. Howere to dye

Is the full period of calamitie.

Exeunt.

ACTVS, V. SCAENA, 2.

Enter Parthenius, Domitia, Iulia, Caenis Domitilla, Stephanos, Sijeius, Entellus.

Parth.

2455

You see we are all condemnd, there's no euasion,

We must doe or suffer.

Steph.

But it must be sudaine

The least delay is mortall.

Domit.

Would I were

2460

A man to giue it action.

Domit:

Could I make my approaches though my stature

Does promise little, I haue a spirit as daring

As hers, that can reach higher.

Steph.

I will take

2465

That burthen from you Madam. All the art is

To draw him from the Tribunes that attend him

For could you bring him but within my swords reach

The world should owe her freedome from a tyranne,

To Stephanos.

Sige.

2470

You shall not share alone

The glorie of a deed that will endure

To all posteritie.

Entel.

I will put in

For a part my selfe.

Parth.

2475

Be resolute, and stand close.

I haue conceiu'd a way, and with the hazard

Of my life I'll practise it to fetch him hither.

But then no trifling.

Steph.

We'l despatch him feare not

2480

A dead dog neuer bites.

Parth.

Thus then at all

Parthenius goes off the rest stand aside

Enter Caesar and the Tribunes.

Caes.

How slowe pac'd are these minutes! in extreames

How miserable is the least delay

Could I iumpe feathers to the wings of time

2485

Or with as little ease command the Sunne

To scourge his coursers vp heauens easterne hill

Making the houre I tremble at past recalling

As I can moue this dyals tongue to six,

My veines, and arteries emptied with feare

2490

Would fill and swell againe. How doe I looke?

Doe you yet see death about me:

1. Trib.

Thinke not of him

There is no danger all these prodegies

That doe affright you rise from naturall causes,

2495

And though you doe ascribe them to your selfe,

Had you ne're beene, had happen'd

Caes.

'Tis well said,

Exceeding well braue souldier. Can it be

That I that feele my selfe in health and strength

2500

Should still belieue I am so neare my end,

And haue my guards about me? perish all

Predictions. I grow constant they are false

And built vpon vncertainties.

1. Trib.

This is right.

2505

Now Caesar's hard like Caesar.

Caes.

We will to

The Campe, and hauing there confirmd the souldier

With a large Donatiue, and increase of pay

Some shall. I say no more.

Enter Parthenius.

Parth.

2510

All happinesse

Securitie, long life attend vpon

The Monarch of the World.

Caes.

Thy lookes are cheerefull,

Parth.

And my relation full of ioy and wonder.

2515

Why is the care of your imperiall body

My Lord neglected the fear'd houre being past

In which your your life was threatned.

Caes.

Is't past fiue?

Parth.

Past six vpon my knowledge, and iniustice

2520

Your Clocke master should dye that hath deferd

Your peace so long. There is a post new lighted

That brings assur'd intelligence, that your legions

In Siria haue wonne a glorious day,

And much enlarg'd your Empire. I haue kept him

2525

Conceal'd that you might first pertake the pleasure

In priuate, and the Senate from your selfe

Be taught to vnderstand how much they owe

To you and to your fortune.

Caes.

Hence pale feare then

2530

Lead me Parthenius.

1. Trib.

Shall we waite you?

Caes.

After losses Guards are vsefull, know your distance.

Exeunt Caesar and Parthenius.

2. Trib.

How strangely hopes delude men, as I liue

2535

The houre is not yet come.

1. Trib.

Howere we are

To pay our duties, and obserue the sequele.

Exeunt Trib.

Enter Caesar, and Parthenius.

Domit.

I heare him comming, be constant.

Caes.

Where Parthenius is this glad messenger.

Steph.

2540

Make the doore fast. Heere, a messenger of horror.

Caes.

How! betraid?

Domit.

No taken tyranne.

Caes.

My Domitia in the conspiracie!

Parth.

Behold this booke.

Caes.

2545

Nay then I am lost. Yet though I am vnarm'd

I'll not fall poorely.

Orethrowes Stephanos.

Steph.

Helpe me.

Entel.

Thus, and thus.

Sije.

Are you so long a falling?

Caes.

2550

falls, and dyes.

'Tis done, 'tis done basely.

Parth.

This for my Fathers death.

Domit.

This for my Paris,

Iul,

This for thy Incest

These seuerally stab him.

Domit

This for thy abuse of Domitilla.

Enter Tribunes.

1. Trib.

2555

Force the doores. O Mars!

What haue you done.

Parth.

What Rome shall giue vs thanks for.

Steph.

Despatch'd a Monster.

1. Trib.

Yet he was our Prince

2560

How euer wicked, aud in you this murther

Which whosoe're succeeds him will reuenge,

Nor will we that seru'd vnder his command

Consent that such a monster as thy selfe

(For in thy wickednesse, Augusta's title

2565

Hath quite forsooke thee) thou that wert the ground

Of all these mischiefes, shall goe hence vnpunish'd.

Lay hands on her. And drag her to sentence,

We will referre the hearing to the Senate

Who may at their best leisure censure you

2570

Take vp his body. He in death hath payd

For all his cruelties. Heere's the difference

Good Kings are mourn'd for after life, but ill

And such as gouern'd onely by their will

And not their reason. Vnlamented fall

2575

No Goodmans teare shed at their Funerall.

Exeunt omnes.

Florish.

FINIS.

[EDITORIAL CASTLIST

Domitianus Caesar.

Paris, the Tragaedian.

Parthenius, a free-man of Caesars.

AElius, Lamia, and Stephanos.

Iunius Rusticus.

Aretinus Clemens,, Caesars spie.

AEsopus, a Player.

Philargus, a rich Miser.

Palphurius Sura,, a Senator.

Latinus, a player.

3.Tribunes.

2.Lictors.

Domitia, the wife of AElius Lamia.

Domitilla, cousin germane to Caesar.

Iulia, Titus Daughter.

Caenis,, Vespatians Concubine.

The Roman actor

Philip Massinger

ACTVS, I. SCAENA, I.

ACTVS, I. SCAENA, 2.

ACTVS, I. SCAENA, 3.

ACTVS, I. SCAENA, 4.

The end of the first Acte.

ACTVS, II. SCAENA, 1.

The end of the second Act.

ACTVS, III. SCAENA, 1.

ACTVS, III. SCAENA, 2.

The end of the third Act.

ACTVS, IIII. SCAENA, 1.

ACTVS, IIII. SCAENA, 2.

The end of the fourth Act.

ACTVS, V. SCAENA, 1.

ACTVS, V. SCAENA, 2.

FINIS.