The Noble Spanish Soldier Part 19

KING Where is our n.o.ble soldier Balthazar?

So close in conference with that Signor?

NO No.

KING What think'st thou of this great day Balthazar?

BALTHAZAR Of this day? Why as of a new play, if it ends well, all's well. All but men are but actors, now if you being the King should be out of your part, or the Queen out of hers, or your Dons out if theirs, here's No will never be out of his.

NO No.

BALTHAZAR 'Twere a lamentable piece of stuff to see great statesmen have vile exits, but I hope there are nothing but plaudities in all your eyes.

KING Mine I protest are free.

QUEEN And mine by heaven.

MALATESTE [Aside]

Free from one good look till the blow be given.

KING Wine. A full cup crowned to Medina's health.

MEDINA Your highness this day so much honours me, That I to pay you what I truly owe, My life shall venture for it.

DAENIA So shall mine.

KING Onaelia, you are sad. Why frowns your brow?

ONAELIA A foolish memory of my past ills Folds up my look in furrows of old care, But my heart's merry, Sir.

KING Which mirth to heighten, Your bridegroom and yourself first pledge this health Which we begin to our High Constable.

Three cups filled, one to the King, the second to the Bridegroom and the third to Onaelia, with whom the King compliments.

QUEEN Is't speeding?

MALATESTE As all our Spanish figs are.

KING Here's to Medina's heart with all my heart.

MEDINA My heart shall pledge your heart i'th deepest draught That ever Spaniard drank.

KING Medina mocks me, Because I wrong her with the largest bowl.

I'll change with thee Onaelia.

Malateste rages.

QUEEN Sir, you shall not!

KING Fear you I cannot fetch it off?

QUEEN Malateste!

KING This is your scorn to her, because I am doing This poorest honour to her. Music sound, It goes were it ten fathoms to the ground.

Cornets play. King drinks, Queen and Malateste storm.

MALATESTE Fate strikes with the wrong weapon.

QUEEN Sweet Royal Sir no more, it is too deep.

MALATESTE Twill hurt your health sir.

KING Interrupt me in my drink? 'Tis off.

MALATESTE Alas Sir.

You have drunk your last, that poisoned bowl I filled Not to be put in your hand, but hers.

KING Poisoned?

ALL Descend black speckled soul to h.e.l.l!

[The faction turn on Malateste and wound him.]

MALATESTE The Queen has sent me thither.

Malateste dies.

CARDINAL What new fury shakes now with her snake's locks?

QUEN I, I, 'tis I Whose soul is torn in pieces, till I send This harlot home.

CARDINAL More murders! Save the Lady.

BALTHAZAR Rampant? Let the Constable make a mittimus <60>.

MEDINA Keep them asunder.

CARDINAL How is it royal son?

KING I feel no poison yet, only mine eyes Are putting out their lights. Me thinks I feel Death's icy fingers stroking down my face.

And now I'm in a mortal cold sweat.

QUEEN Dear my Lord.

KING Hence, call in my physicians.

MEDINA Thy physician tyrant, Dwells yonder, call on him or none.