Philaster Part 1

Philaster.

by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher.

Actus primus. Scena prima.

_Enter Dion, Cleremont, _and_ Thrasiline.

_Cler_. Here's not Lords nor Ladies.

_Dion_. Credit me Gentlemen, I wonder at it.

They receiv'd strict charge from the King to attend here: Besides it was boldly published, that no Officer should forbid any Gentlemen that desire to attend and hear.

_Cle_. Can you guess the cause?

_Di_. Sir, it is plain about the _Spanish_ Prince, that's come to marry our Kingdoms Heir, and be our Soveraign.

_Thra_. Many (that will seem to know much) say, she looks not on him like a Maid in Love.

_Di_. O Sir, the mult.i.tude (that seldom know any thing but their own opinions) speak that they would have; but the Prince, before his own approach, receiv'd so many confident messages from the State, that I think she's resolv'd to be rul'd.

_Cle_. Sir, it is thought, with her he shall enjoy both these Kingdoms of _Cicilie_ and _Calabria_.

_Di_. Sir, it is (without controversie) so meant. But 'twill be a troublesome labour for him to enjoy both these Kingdoms, with safetie, the right Heir to one of them living, and living so vertuously, especially the people admiring the bravery of his mind, and lamenting his injuries.

_Cle_. Who, Philaster?

_Di_. Yes, whose Father we all know, was by our late King of _Calabria_, unrighteously deposed from his fruitful _Cicilie_. My self drew some blood in those Wars, which I would give my hand to be washed from.

_Cle_. Sir, my ignorance in State-policy, will not let me know why _Philaster_ being Heir to one of these Kingdoms, the King should suffer him to walk abroad with such free liberty.

_Di_. Sir, it seems your nature is more constant than to enquire after State news. But the King (of late) made a hazard of both the Kingdoms, of _Cicilie_ and his own, with offering but to imprison _Philaster_. At which the City was in arms, not to be charm'd down by any State-order or Proclamation, till they saw _Philaster_ ride through the streets pleas'd, and without a guard; at which they threw their Hats, and their arms from them; some to make bonefires, some to drink, all for his deliverance. Which (wise men say) is the cause, the King labours to bring in the power of a Foreign Nation to aw his own with.

[ _Enter_ Galatea, Megra, _and a Lady_.

_Thra_. See, the Ladies, what's the first?

_Di_. A wise and modest Gentlwoman that attends the Princess.

_Cle_. The second?

_Di_. She is one that may stand still discreetly enough, and ill favour'dly Dance her Measure; simper when she is Courted by her Friend, and slight her Husband.

_Cle_. The last?

_Di_. Marry I think she is one whom the State keeps for the Agents of our confederate Princes: she'll cog and lie with a whole army before the League shall break: her name is common through the Kingdom, and the Trophies of her dishonour, advanced beyond _Hercules_-pillars.

She loves to try the several const.i.tutions of mens bodies; and indeed has destroyed the worth of her own body, by making experiment upon it, for the good of the Common-wealth.

_Cle_. She's a profitable member.

_La_. Peace, if you love me: you shall see these Gentlemen stand their ground, and not Court us.

_Gal_. What if they should?

_Meg_. What if they should?

_La_. Nay, let her alone; what if they should? why, if they should, I say, they were never abroad: what Foreigner would do so? it writes them directly untravel'd.

_Gal_. Why, what if they be?

_Meg_. What if they be?

_La_. Good Madam let her go on; what if they be? Why if they be I will justifie, they cannot maintain discourse with a judicious Lady, nor make a Leg, nor say Excuse me.

_Gal_. Ha, ha, ha.

_La_. Do you laugh Madam?

_Di_. Your desires upon you Ladies.

_La_. Then you must sit beside us.

_Di_. I shall sit near you then Lady.

_La_. Near me perhaps: But there's a Lady indures no stranger; and to me you appear a very strange fellow.

_Meg_. Me thinks he's not so strange, he would quickly be acquainted.

_Thra_. Peace, the King.

[ _Enter_ King, Pharamond, Arethusa, _and Train_.

_King_. To give a stronger testimony of love Than sickly promises (which commonly In Princes find both birth and burial In one breath) we have drawn you worthy Sir, To make your fair indearments to [our] daughter, And worthy services known to our subjects, Now lov'd and wondered at. Next, our intent, To plant you deeply, our immediate Heir, Both to our Blood and Kingdoms. For this Lady, (The best part of your life, as you confirm me, And I believe) though her few years and s.e.x Yet teach her nothing but her fears and blushes, Desires without desire, discourse and knowledge Only of what her self is to her self, Make her feel moderate health: and when she sleeps, In making no ill day, knows no ill dreams.

Think not (dear Sir) these undivided parts, That must mould up a Virgin, are put on To shew her so, as borrowed ornaments, To speak her perfect love to you, or add An Artificial shadow to her nature: No Sir; I boldly dare proclaim her, yet No Woman. But woo her still, and think her modesty A sweeter mistress than the offer'd Language Of any Dame, were she a Queen whose eye Speaks common loves and comforts to her servants.

Last, n.o.ble son, (for so I now must call you) What I have done thus publick, is not only To add a comfort in particular To you or me, but all; and to confirm The n.o.bles, and the Gentry of these Kingdoms, By oath to your succession, which shall be Within this month at most.

_Thra_. This will be hardly done.

_Cle_. It must be ill done, if it be done.

_Di_. When 'tis at best, 'twill be but half done, Whilst so brave a Gentleman's wrong'd and flung off.

_Thra_. I fear.

_Cle_. Who does not?

_Di_. I fear not for my self, and yet I fear too: Well, we shall see, we shall see: no more.

_Pha_. Kissing your white hand (Mistress) I take leave, To thank your Royal Father: and thus far, To be my own free Trumpet. Understand Great King, and these your subjects, mine that must be, (For so deserving you have spoke me Sir, And so deserving I dare speak my self) To what a person, of what eminence, Ripe expectation of what faculties, Manners and vertues you would wed your Kingdoms?

You in me have your wishes. Oh this Country, By more than all my hopes I hold it Happy, in their dear memories that have been Kings great and good, happy in yours, that is, And from you (as a Chronicle to keep Your n.o.ble name from eating age) do I Opine myself most happy. Gentlemen, Believe me in a word, a Princes word, There shall be nothing to make up a Kingdom Mighty, and flourishing, defenced, fear'd, Equall to be commanded and obey'd, But through the travels of my life I'le find it, And tye it to this Country. And I vow My reign shall be so easie to the subject, That every man shall be his Prince himself, And his own law (yet I his Prince and law.) And dearest Lady, to your dearest self (Dear, in the choice of him, whose name and l.u.s.tre Must make you more and mightier) let me say, You are the blessed'st living; for sweet Princess, You shall enjoy a man of men, to be Your servant; you shall make him yours, for whom Great Queens must die.