1798Flo. These your vnvsuall weeds, to each part of you

1799Do's giue a life: no Shepherdesse, but Flora

1800Peering in Aprils front. This your sheepe-shearing,

1801Is as a meeting of the petty Gods,

1802And you the Queene on't.

1803Perd. Sir: my gracious Lord,

1804To chide at your extreames, it not becomes me:

1805(Oh pardon, that I name them:) your high selfe

1806The gracious marke o'th' Land, you haue obscur'd

1807With a Swaines wearing: and me (poore lowly Maide)

1808Most Goddesse-like prank'd vp: But that our Feasts

1809In euery Messe, haue folly; and the Feeders

1810Digest with a Custome, I should blush

1811To see you so attyr'd: sworne I thinke,

1812To shew my selfe a glasse.

1813Flo. I blesse the time

1814When my good Falcon, made her flight a-crosse

1815Thy Fathers ground.

1816Perd. Now Ioue affoord you cause:

1817To me the difference forges dread (your Greatnesse

1818Hath not beene vs'd to feare:) euen now I tremble

1819To thinke your Father, by some accident

1820Should passe this way, as you did: Oh the Fates,

1821How would he looke, to see his worke, so noble,

1822Vildely bound vp? What would he say? Or how

1823Should I (in these my borrowed Flaunts) behold

1824The sternnesse of his presence?

1825Flo. Apprehend

1826Nothing but iollity: the Goddes themselues

1827(Humbling their Deities to loue) haue taken

1828The shapes of Beasts vpon them. Iupiter,

1829Became a Bull, and bellow'd: the greene Neptune

1830A Ram, and bleated: and the Fire-roab'd-God

1831Golden Apollo, a poore humble Swaine,

1832As I seeme now. Their transformations,

1833Were neuer for a peece of beauty, rarer,

1834Nor in a way so chaste: since my desires

1835Run not before mine honor: nor my Lusts

1836Burne hotter then my Faith.

1837Perd. O but Sir,

1838Your resolution cannot hold, when 'tis

1839Oppos'd (as it must be) by th' powre of the King:

1840One of these two must be necessities,

1841Which then will speake, that you must change this pur-(pose,

1842Or I my life.

1843Flo. Thou deer'st Perdita,

1844With these forc'd thoughts, I prethee darken not

1845The Mirth o'th' Feast: Or Ile be thine (my Faire)

1846Or not my Fathers. For I cannot be

1847Mine owne, nor any thing to any, if

1848I be not thine. To this I am most constant,

1849Though destiny say no. Be merry (Gentle)

1850Strangle such thoughts as these, with any thing

1851That you behold the while. Your guests are comming:

1852Lift vp your countenance, as it were the day

1853Of celebration of that nuptiall, which

1854We two haue sworne shall come.

1855Perd. O Lady Fortune,

1856Stand you auspicious.

1857Flo. See, your Guests approach,

1858Addresse your selfe to entertaine them sprightly,

1859And let's be red with mirth.

1860Shep. Fy (daughter) when my old wife liu'd: vpon

1861This day, she was both Pantler, Butler, Cooke,

1862Both Dame and Seruant: Welcom'd all: seru'd all,

1863Would sing her song, and dance her turne: now heere

1864At vpper end o'th Table; now, i'th middle:

1865On his shoulder, and his: her face o' fire

1866With labour, and the thing she tooke to quench it

1867She would to each one sip. You are retyred,

1868As if you were a feasted one: and not

1869The Hostesse of the meeting: Pray you bid

1870These vnknowne friends to's welcome, for it is

1871A way to make vs better Friends, more knowne.

1872Come, quench your blushes, and present your selfe

1873That which you are, Mistris o'th' Feast. Come on,

1874And bid vs welcome to your sheepe-shearing,

1875As your good flocke shall prosper.

1876Perd. Sir, welcome:

1877It is my Fathers will, I should take on mee

1878The Hostesseship o'th' day: you're welcome sir.

1879Giue me those Flowres there (Dorcas.) Reuerend Sirs,

1880For you, there's Rosemary, and Rue, these keepe

1881Seeming, and sauour all the Winter long:

1882Grace, and Remembrance be to you both,

1883And welcome to our Shearing.

Bb2 Pol.

1884Pol. Shepherdesse,

1885(A faire one are you:) well you fit our ages

1886With flowres of Winter.

1887Perd. Sir, the yeare growing ancient,

1888Not yet on summers death, nor on the birth

1889Of trembling winter, the fayrest flowres o'th season

1890Are our Carnations, and streak'd Gilly-vors,

1891(Which some call Natures bastards) of that kind

1892Our rusticke Gardens barren, and I care not

1893To get slips of them.

1894Pol. Wherefore (gentle Maiden)

1895Do you neglect them.

1896Perd. For I haue heard it said,

1897There is an Art, which in their pidenesse shares

1898With great creating-Nature.

1899Pol. Say there be:

1900Yet Nature is made better by no meane,

1901But Nature makes that Meane: so ouer that Art,

1902(Which you say addes to Nature) is an Art

1903That Nature makes: you see (sweet Maid) we marry

1904A gentler Sien, to the wildest Stocke,

1905And make conceyue a barke of baser kinde

1906By bud of Nobler race. This is an Art

1907Which do's mend Nature: change it rather, but

1908The Art it selfe, is Nature.

1909Perd. So it is.

1910Pol. Then make you Garden rich in Gilly' vors,

1911And do not call them bastards.

1912Perd. Ile not put

1913The Dible in earth, to set one slip of them:

1914No more then were I painted, I would wish

1915This youth should say 'twer well: and onely therefore

1916Desire to breed by me. Here's flowres for you:

1917Hot Lauender, Mints, Sauory, Mariorum,

1918The Mary-gold, that goes to bed with' Sun,

1919And with him rises, weeping: These are flowres

1920Of middle summer, and I thinke they are giuen

1921To men of middle age. Y'are very welcome.

1922Cam. I should leaue grasing, were I of your flocke,

1923And onely liue by gazing.

1924Perd. Out alas:

1925You'ld be so leane, that blasts of Ianuary

1926Would blow you through and through. Now (my fairst (Friend,

1927I would I had some Flowres o'th Spring, that might

1928Become your time of day: and yours, and yours,

1929That weare vpon your Virgin-branches yet

1930Your Maiden-heads growing: O Proserpina,

1931For the Flowres now, that (frighted) thou let'st fall

1932From Dysses Waggon: Daffadils,

1933That come before the Swallow dares, and take

1934The windes of March with beauty: Violets (dim,

1935But sweeter then the lids of Iuno's eyes,

1936Or Cytherea's breath) pale Prime-roses,

1937That dye vnmarried, ere they can behold

1938Bright Phoebus in his strength (a Maladie

1939Most incident to Maids:) bold Oxlips, and

1940The Crowne Imperiall: Lillies of all kinds,

1941(The Flowre-de-Luce being one.) O, these I lacke,

1942To make you Garlands of) and my sweet friend,

1943To strew him o're, and ore.

1944Flo. What? like a Coarse?

1945Perd. No, like a banke, for Loue to lye, and play on:

1946Not like a Coarse: or if: not to be buried,

1947But quicke, and in mine armes. Come, take your flours,

1948Me thinkes I play as I haue seene them do

1949In Whitson-Pastorals: Sure this Robe of mine

1950Do's change my disposition:

1951Flo. What you do,

1952Still betters what is done. When you speake (Sweet)

1953I'ld haue you do it euer: When you sing,

1954I'ld haue you buy, and sell so: so giue Almes,

1955Pray so: and for the ord'ring your Affayres,

1956To sing them too. When you do dance, I wish you

1957A waue o'th Sea, that you might euer do

1958Nothing but that: moue still, still so:

1959And owne no other Function. Each your doing,

1960(So singular, in each particular)

1961Crownes what you are doing, in the present deeds,

1962That all your Actes, are Queenes.

1963Perd. O Doricles,

1964Your praises are too large: but that your youth

1965And the true blood which peepes fairely through't,

1966Do plainly giue you out an vnstain'd Shepherd

1967With wisedome, I might feare (my Doricles)

1968You woo'd me the false way.

1969Flo. I thinke you haue

1970As little skill to feare, as I haue purpose

1971To put you to't. But come, our dance I pray,

1972Your hand (my Perdita:) so Turtles paire

1973That neuer meane to part.

1974Perd. Ile sweare for 'em.

1975Pol. This is the prettiest Low-borne Lasse, that euer

1976Ran on the greene-sord: Nothing she do's, or seemes

1977But smackes of something greater then her selfe,

1978Too Noble for this place.

1979Cam. He tels her something

1980That makes her blood looke on't: Good sooth she is

1981The Queene of Curds and Creame.

1982Clo. Come on: strike vp.

1983Dorcas. Mopsa must be your Mistris: marry Garlick

1984to mend her kissing with.

1985Mop. Now in good time.

1986Clo. Not a word, a word, we stand vpon our manners,

1987Come, strike vp.

1990Pol. Pray good Shepheard, what faire Swaine is this,

1991Which dances with your daughter?

1992Shep. They call him Doricles, and boasts himselfe

1993To haue a worthy Feeding; but I haue it

1994Vpon his owne report, and I beleeue it:

1995He lookes like sooth: he sayes he loues my daughter,

1996I thinke so too; for neuer gaz'd the Moone

1997Vpon the water, as hee'l stand and reade

1998As 'twere my daughters eyes: and to be plaine,

1999I thinke there is not halfe a kisse to choose

2000Who loues another best.

2001Pol. She dances featly.

2002Shep. So she do's any thing, though I report it

2003That should be silent: If yong Doricles

2004Do light vpon her, she shall bring him that

2005Which he not dreames of. Enter Seruant.

2006Ser. O Master: if you did but heare the Pedler at the

2007doore, you would neuer dance againe after a Tabor and

2008Pipe: no, the Bag-pipe could not moue you: hee singes

2009seuerall Tunes, faster then you'l tell money: hee vtters

2010them as he had eaten ballads, and all mens eares grew to

2011his Tunes.

2012Clo. He could neuer come better: hee shall come in:

2013I loue a ballad but euen too well, if it be dolefull matter

2014merrily set downe: or a very pleasant thing indeede, and

2015sung lamentably.

2016Ser. He hath songs for man, or woman, of all sizes:

2017No Milliner can so fit his customers with Gloues: he has

2018the prettiest Loue-songs for Maids, so without bawdrie

2019(which is strange,) with such delicate burthens of Dil-

2020do's and Fadings: Iump-her, and thump-her; and where

2021some stretch-mouth'd Rascall, would (as it were) meane

2022mischeefe, and breake a fowle gap into the Matter, hee

2023makes the maid to answere, Whoop, doe me no harme good

2024man: put's him off, slights him, with Whoop, doe mee no

2025harme good man.

2026Pol. This is a braue fellow.

2027Clo. Beleeue mee, thou talkest of an admirable con-

2028ceited fellow, has he any vnbraided Wares?

2029Ser. Hee hath Ribbons of all the colours i'th Raine-

2030bow; Points, more then all the Lawyers in Bohemia, can

2031learnedly handle, though they come to him by th' grosse:

2032Inckles, Caddysses, Cambrickes, Lawnes: why he sings

2033em ouer, as they were Gods, or Goddesses: you would

2034thinke a Smocke were a shee-Angell, he so chauntes to

2035the sleeue-hand, and the worke about the square on't.

2036Clo. Pre'thee bring him in, and let him approach sin-

2037ging.

2038Perd. Forewarne him, that he vse no scurrilous words

2039in's tunes.

2040Clow. You haue of these Pedlers, that haue more in

2041them, then youl'd thinke (Sister.)

2042Perd. I, good brother, or go about to thinke.

2056Clo. If I were not in loue with Mopsa, thou shouldst

2057take no money of me, but being enthrall'd as I am, it will

2058also be the bondage of certaine Ribbons and Gloues.

2059Mop. I was promis'd them against the Feast, but they

2060come not too late now.

2061Dor. He hath promis'd you more then that, or there

2062be lyars.

2063Mop. He hath paid you all he promis'd you: 'May be

2064he has paid you more, which will shame you to giue him

2065againe.

2066Clo. Is there no manners left among maids? Will they

2067weare their plackets, where they should bear their faces?

2068Is there not milking-time? When you are going to bed?

2069Or kill-hole? To whistle of these secrets, but you must

2070be tittle-tatling before all our guests? 'Tis well they are

2071whispring: clamor your tongues, and not a word more.

2072Mop. I haue done; Come you promis'd me a tawdry-

2073lace, and a paire of sweet Gloues.

2074Clo. Haue I not told thee how I was cozen'd by the

2075way, and lost all my money.

2076Aut. And indeed Sir, there are Cozeners abroad, ther-

2077fore it behooues men to be wary.

2078Clo. Feare not thou man, thou shalt lose nothing here

2079Aut. I hope so sir, for I haue about me many parcels

2080of charge.

2081Clo. What hast heere? Ballads?

2082Mop. Pray now buy some: I loue a ballet in print, a

2083life, for then we are sure they are true.

2084Aut. Here's one, to a very dolefull tune, how a Vsu-

2085rers wife was brought to bed of twenty money baggs at

2086a burthen, and how she long'd to eate Adders heads, and

2087Toads carbonado'd.

2088Mop. Is it true, thinke you?

2089Aut. Very true, and but a moneth old..

2090Dor. Blesse me from marrying a Vsurer.

2091Aut. Here's the Midwiues name to't: one Mist. Tale-

2092Porter, and fiue or six honest Wiues, that were present.

2093Why should I carry lyes abroad?

2094Mop. 'Pray you now buy it.

2095Clo. Come-on, lay it by: and let's first see moe Bal-

2096lads: Wee'l buy the other things anon.

2097Aut. Here's another ballad of a Fish, that appeared

2098vpon the coast, on wensday the fourescore of April, fortie

2099thousand fadom aboue water, & sung this ballad against

2100the hard hearts of maids: it was thought she was a Wo-

2101man, and was turn'd into a cold fish, for she wold not ex-

2102change flesh with one that lou'd her: The Ballad is very

2103pittifull, and as true.

2104Dor. Is it true too, thinke you.

2105Autol. Fiue Iustices hands at it, and witnesses more

2106then my packe will hold.

2107Clo. Lay it by too; another.

2108Aut. This is a merry ballad, but a very pretty one.

2109Mop. Let's haue some merry ones.

2110Aut. Why this is a passing merry one, and goes to the

2111tune of two maids wooing a man: there's scarse a Maide

2112westward but she sings it: 'tis in request, I can tell you.

2113Mop. We can both sing it: if thou'lt beare a part, thou

2114shalt heare, 'tis in three parts.

2115Dor. We had the tune on't, a month agoe.

2116Aut. I can beare my part, you must know 'tis my oc-

2117cupation: Haue at it with you:

2134Clo. Wee'l haue this song out anon by our selues: My

2135Father, and the Gent. are in sad talke, & wee'll not trouble

2136them: Come bring away thy pack after me, Wenches Ile

2137buy for you both: Pedler let's haue the first choice; folow

2138me girles. Aut. And you shall pay well for 'em.

2145Seruant. Mayster, there is three Carters, three Shep-

2146herds, three Neat-herds, three Swine-herds y^t haue made

Bb3 them

2147themselues all men of haire, they cal themselues Saltiers,

2148and they haue a Dance, which the Wenches say is a gal-

2149ly-maufrey of Gambols, because they are not in't: but

2150they themselues are o'th' minde (if it bee not too rough

2151for some, that know little but bowling) it will please

2152plentifully.

2153Shep. Away: Wee'l none on't; heere has beene too

2154much homely foolery already. I know (Sir) wee wea-

2155rie you.

2156Pol. You wearie those that refresh vs: pray let's see

2157these foure-threes of Heardsmen.

2158Ser. One three of them, by their owne report (Sir,)

2159hath danc'd before the King: and not the worst of the

2160three, but iumpes twelue foote and a halfe by th' squire.

2161Shep. Leaue your prating, since these good men are

2162pleas'd, let them come in: but quickly now.

2163Ser. Why, they stay at doore Sir.

2165Pol. O Father, you'l know more of that heereafter:

2166Is it not too farre gone? 'Tis time to part them,

2167He's simple, and tels much. How now (faire shepheard)

2168Your heart is full of something, that do's take

2169Your minde from feasting. Sooth, when I was yong,

2170And handed loue, as you do; I was wont

2171To load my Shee with knackes: I would haue ransackt

2172The Pedlers silken Treasury, and haue powr'd it

2173To her acceptance: you haue let him go,

2174And nothing marted with him. If your Lasse

2175Interpretation should abuse, and call this

2176Your lacke of loue, or bounty, you were straited

2177For a reply at least, if you make a care

2178Of happie holding her.

2179Flo. Old Sir, I know

2180She prizes not such trifles as these are:

2181The gifts she lookes from me, are packt and lockt

2182Vp in my heart, which I haue giuen already,

2183But not deliuer'd. O heare me breath my life

2184Before this ancient Sir, whom (it should seeme)

2185Hath sometime lou'd: I take thy hand, this hand,

2186As soft as Doues-downe, and as white as it,

2187Or Ethyopians tooth, or the fan'd snow, that's bolted

2188By th' Northerne blasts, twice ore.

2189Pol. What followes this?

2190How prettily th' yong Swaine seemes to wash

2191The hand, was faire before? I haue put you out,

2192But to your protestation: Let me heare

2193What you professe.

2194Flo. Do, and be witnesse too't.

2195Pol. And this my neighbour too?

2196Flo. And he, and more

2197Then he, and men: the earth, the heauens, and all;

2198That were I crown'd the most Imperiall Monarch

2199Thereof most worthy: were I the fayrest youth

2200That euer made eye swerue, had force and knowledge

2201More then was euer mans, I would not prize them

2202Without her Loue; for her, employ them all,

2203Commend them, and condemne them to her seruice,

2204Or to their owne perdition.

2205Pol. Fairely offer'd.

2206Cam. This shewes a sound affection.

2207Shep. But my daughter,

2208Say you the like to him.

2209Per. I cannot speake

2210So well, (nothing so well) no, nor meane better

2211By th' patterne of mine owne thoughts, I cut out

2212The puritie of his.

2213Shep. Take hands, a bargaine;

2214And friends vnknowne, you shall beare witnesse to't:

2215I giue my daughter to him, and will make

2216Her Portion, equall his.

2217Flo. O, that must bee

2218I'th Vertue of your daughter: One being dead,

2219I shall haue more then you can dreame of yet,

2220Enough then for your wonder: but come-on,

2221Contract vs fore these Witnesses.

2222Shep. Come, your hand:

2223And daughter, yours.

2224Pol. Soft Swaine a-while, beseech you,

2225Haue you a Father?

2226Flo. I haue: but what of him?

2227Pol. Knowes he of this?

2228Flo. He neither do's, nor shall.

2229Pol. Me-thinkes a Father,

2230Is at the Nuptiall of his sonne, a guest

2231That best becomes the Table: Pray you once more

2232Is not your Father growne incapeable

2233Of reasonable affayres? Is he not stupid

2234With Age, and altring Rheumes? Can he speake? heare?

2235Know man, from man? Dispute his owne estate?

2236Lies he not bed-rid? And againe, do's nothing

2237But what he did, being childish?

2238Flo. No good Sir:

2239He has his health, and ampler strength indeede

2240Then most haue of his age.

2241Pol. By my white beard,

2242You offer him (if this be so) a wrong

2243Something vnfilliall: Reason my sonne

2244Should choose himselfe a wife, but as good reason

2245The Father (all whose ioy is nothing else

2246But faire posterity) should hold some counsaile

2247In such a businesse.

2248Flo. I yeeld all this;

2249But for some other reasons (my graue Sir)

2250Which 'tis not fit you know, I not acquaint

2251My Father of this businesse.

2252Pol. Let him know't.

2253Flo. He shall not.

2254Pol. Prethee let him.

2255Flo. No, he must not.

2256Shep. Let him (my sonne) he shall not need to greeue

2257At knowing of thy choice.

2258Flo. Come, come, he must not:

2259Marke our Contract.

2260Pol. Marke your diuorce (yong sir)

2261Whom sonne I dare not call: Thou art too base

2262To be acknowledge. Thou a Scepters heire,

2263That thus affects a sheepe-hooke? Thou, old Traitor,

2264I am sorry, that by hanging thee, I can

2265But shorten thy life one weeke. And thou, fresh peece

2266Of excellent Witchcraft, whom of force must know

2267The royall Foole thou coap'st with.

2268Shep. Oh my heart.

2269Pol. Ile haue thy beauty scratcht with briers & made

2270More homely then thy state. For thee (fond boy)

2271If I may euer know thou dost but sigh,

2272That thou no more shalt neuer see this knacke (as neuer

2273I meane thou shalt) wee'l barre thee from succession,

2274Not hold thee of our blood, no not our Kin,

2275Farre then Deucalion off: (marke thou my words)

2276Follow vs to the Court. Thou Churle, for this time

2277(Though full of our displeasure) yet we free thee

2278From the dead blow of it. And you Enchantment,

2279Worthy enough a Heardsman: yea him too,

2280That makes himselfe (but for our Honor therein)

2281Vnworthy thee. If euer henceforth, thou

2282These rurall Latches, to his entrance open,

2283Or hope his body more, with thy embraces,

2284I will deuise a death, as cruell for thee

2285As thou art tender to't. Exit.

2286Perd. Euen heere vndone:

2287I was not much a-fear'd: for once, or twice

2288I was about to speake, and tell him plainely,

2289The selfe-same Sun, that shines vpon his Court,

2290Hides not his visage from our Cottage, but

2291Lookes on alike. Wilt please you (Sir) be gone?

2292I told you what would come of this: Beseech you

2293Of your owne state take care: This dreame of mine

2294Being now awake, Ile Queene it no inch farther,

2295But milke my Ewes, and weepe.

2296Cam. Why how now Father,

2297Speake ere thou dyest.

2298Shep. I cannot speake, nor thinke,

2299Nor dare to know, that which I know: O Sir,

2300You haue vndone a man of fourescore three,

2301That thought to fill his graue in quiet: yea,

2302To dye vpon the bed my father dy'de,

2303To lye close by his honest bones; but now

2304Some Hangman must put on my shrowd, and lay me

2305Where no Priest shouels-in dust. Oh cursed wretch,

2306That knew'st this was the Prince, and wouldst aduenture

2307To mingle faith with him. Vndone, vndone:

2308If I might dye within this houre, I haue liu'd

2309To die when I desire. Exit.

2310Flo. Why looke you so vpon me?

2311I am but sorry, not affear'd: delaid,

2312But nothing altred: What I was, I am:

2313More straining on, for plucking backe; not following

2314My leash vnwillingly.

2315Cam. Gracious my Lord,

2316You know my Fathers temper: at this time

2317He will allow no speech: (which I do ghesse

2318You do not purpose to him:) and as hardly

2319Will he endure your sight, as yet I feare;

2320Then till the fury of his Highnesse settle

2321Come not before him.

2322Flo. I not purpose it:

2323I thinke Camillo.

2324Cam. Euen he, my Lord.

2325Per. How often haue I told you 'twould be thus?

2326How often said my dignity would last

2327But till 'twer knowne?

2328Flo. It cannot faile, but by

2329The violation of my faith, and then

2330Let Nature crush the sides o'th earth together,

2331And marre the seeds within. Lift vp thy lookes:

2332From my succession wipe me (Father) I

2333Am heyre to my affection.

2334Cam. Be aduis'd.

2335Flo. I am: and by my fancie, if my Reason

2336Will thereto be obedient: I haue reason:

2337If not, my sences better pleas'd with madnesse,

2338Do bid it welcome.

2339Cam. This is desperate (sir.)

2340Flo. So call it: but it do's fulfill my vow:

2341I needs must thinke it honesty. Camillo,

2342Not for Bohemia, nor the pompe that may

2343Be thereat gleaned: for all the Sun sees, or

2344The close earth wombes, or the profound seas, hides

2345In vnknowne fadomes, will I breake my oath

2346To this my faire belou'd: Therefore, I pray you,

2347As you haue euer bin my Fathers honour'd friend,

2348When he shall misse me, as (in faith I meane not

2349To see him any more) cast your good counsailes

2350Vpon his passion: Let my selfe, and Fortune

2351Tug for the time to come. This you may know,

2352And so deliuer, I am put to Sea

2353With her, who heere I cannot hold on shore:

2354And most opportune to her neede, I haue

2355A Vessell rides fast by, but not prepar'd

2356For this designe. What course I meane to hold

2357Shall nothing benefit your knowledge, nor

2358Concerne me the reporting.

2359Cam. O my Lord,

2360I would your spirit were easier for aduice,

2361Or stronger for your neede.

2362Flo. Hearke Perdita,

2363Ile heare you by and by.

2364Cam. Hee's irremoueable,

2365Resolu'd for flight: Now were I happy if

2366His going, I could frame to serue my turne,

2367Saue him from danger, do him loue and honor,

2368Purchase the sight againe of deere Sicillia,

2369And that vnhappy King, my Master, whom

2370I so much thirst to see.

2371Flo. Now good Camillo,

2372I am so fraught with curious businesse, that

2373I leaue out ceremony.

2374Cam. Sir, I thinke

2375You haue heard of my poore seruices, i'th loue

2376That I haue borne your Father?

2377Flo. Very nobly

2378Haue you deseru'd: It is my Fathers Musicke

2379To speake your deeds: not little of his care

2380To haue them recompenc'd, as thought on.

2381Cam. Well (my Lord)

2382If you may please to thinke I loue the King,

2383And through him, what's neerest to him, which is

2384Your gracious selfe; embrace but my direction,

2385If your more ponderous and setled proiect

2386May suffer alteration. On mine honor,

2387Ile point you where you shall haue such receiuing

2388As shall become your Highnesse, where you may

2389Enioy your Mistris; from the whom, I see

2390There's no disiunction to be made, but by

2391(As heauens forefend) your ruine: Marry her,

2392And with my best endeuours, in your absence,

2393Your discontenting Father, striue to qualifie

2394And bring him vp to liking.

2395Flo. How Camillo

2396May this (almost a miracle) be done?

2397That I may call thee something more then man,

2398And after that trust to thee.

2399Cam. Haue you thought on

2400A place whereto you'l go?

2401Flo. Not any yet:

2402But as th' vnthought-on accident is guiltie

2403To what we wildely do, so we professe

2404Our selues to be the slaues of chance, and flyes

2405Of euery winde that blowes.

2406Cam. Then list to me:

2407This followes, if you will not change your purpose

2408But vndergo this flight: make for Sicillia,

2409And there present your selfe, and your fayre Princesse,

2410(For so I see she must be) 'fore Leontes;

2411She shall be habited, as it becomes

2412The partner of your Bed. Me thinkes I see

2413Leontes opening his free Armes, and weeping

2414His Welcomes forth: asks thee there Sonne forgiuenesse,

2415As 'twere i'th' Fathers person: kisses the hands

2416Of your fresh Princesse; ore and ore diuides him,

2417'Twixt his vnkindnesse, and his Kindnesse: th' one

2418He chides to Hell, and bids the other grow

2419Faster then Thought, or Time.

2420Flo. Worthy Camillo,

2421What colour for my Visitation, shall I

2422Hold vp before him?

2423Cam. Sent by the King your Father

2424To greet him, and to giue him comforts. Sir,

2425The manner of your bearing towards him, with

2426What you (as from your Father) shall deliuer,

2427Things knowne betwixt vs three, Ile write you downe,

2428The which shall point you forth at euery sitting

2429What you must say: that he shall not perceiue,

2430But that you haue your Fathers Bosome there,

2431And speake his very Heart.

2432Flo. I am bound to you:

2433There is some sappe in this.

2434Cam. A Course more promising,

2435Then a wild dedication of your selues

2436To vnpath'd Waters, vndream'd Shores; most certaine,

2437To Miseries enough: no hope to helpe you,

2438But as you shake off one, to take another:

2439Nothing so certaine, as your Anchors, who

2440Doe their best office, if they can but stay you,

2441Where you'le be loth to be: besides you know,

2442Prosperitie's the very bond of Loue,

2443Whose fresh complexion, and whose heart together,

2444Affliction alters.

2445Perd. One of these is true:

2446I thinke Affliction may subdue the Cheeke,

2447But not take-in the Mind.

2448Cam. Yea? say you so?

2449There shall not, at your Fathers House, these seuen yeeres

2450Be borne another such.

2451Flo. My good Camillo,

2452She's as forward, of her Breeding, as

2453She is i'th' reare' our Birth.

2454Cam. I cannot say, 'tis pitty

2455She lacks Instructions, for she seemes a Mistresse

2456To most that teach.

2457Perd. Your pardon Sir, for this,

2458Ile blush you Thanks.

2459Flo. My prettiest Perdita.

2460But O, the Thornes we stand vpon: (Camillo)

2461Preseruer of my Father, now of me,

2462The Medicine of our House: how shall we doe?

2463We are not furnish'd like Bohemia's Sonne,

2464Nor shall appeare in Sicilia.

2465Cam. My Lord,

2466Feare none of this: I thinke you know my fortunes

2467Doe all lye there: it shall be so my care,

2468To haue you royally appointed, as if

2469The Scene you play, were mine. For instance Sir,

2470That you may know you shall not want: one word.

2472Aut. Ha, ha, what a Foole Honestie is? and Trust (his

2473sworne brother) a very simple Gentleman. I haue sold

2474all my Tromperie: not a counterfeit Stone, not a Ribbon,

2475Glasse, Pomander, Browch, Table-booke, Ballad, Knife,

2476Tape, Gloue, Shooe-tye, Bracelet, Horne-Ring, to keepe

2477my Pack from fasting: they throng who should buy first,

2478as if my Trinkets had beene hallowed, and brought a be-

2479nediction to the buyer: by which meanes, I saw whose

2480Purse was best in Picture; and what I saw, to my good

2481vse, I remembred. My Clowne (who wants but some-

2482thing to be a reasonable man) grew so in loue with the

2483Wenches Song, that hee would not stirre his Petty-toes,

2484till he had both Tune and Words, which so drew the rest

2485of the Heard to me, that all their other Sences stucke in

2486Eares: you might haue pinch'd a Placket, it was sence-

2487lesse; 'twas nothing to gueld a Cod-peece of a Purse: I

2488would haue fill'd Keyes of that hung in Chaynes: no

2489hearing, no feeling, but my Sirs Song, and admiring the

2490Nothing of it. So that in this time of Lethargie, I pickd

2491and cut most of their Festiuall Purses: And had not the

2492old-man come in with a Whoo-bub against his Daugh-

2493ter, and the Kings Sonne, and scar'd my Chowghes from

2494the Chaffe, I had not left a Purse aliue in the whole

2495Army.

2496Cam. Nay, but my Letters by this meanes being there

2497So soone as you arriue, shall cleare that doubt.

2498Flo. And those that you'le procure from King Leontes?

2499Cam. Shall satisfie your Father.

2500Perd. Happy be you:

2501All that you speake, shewes faire.

2502Cam. Who haue we here?

2503Wee'le make an Instrument of this: omit

2504Nothing may giue vs aide.

2505Aut. If they haue ouer-heard me now: why hanging.

2506Cam. How now (good Fellow)

2507Why shak'st thou so? Feare not (man)

2508Here's no harme intended to thee.

2509Aut. I am a poore Fellow, Sir.

2510Cam. Why, be so still: here's no body will steale that

2511from thee: yet for the out-side of thy pouertie, we must

2512make an exchange; therefore dis-case thee instantly (thou

2513must thinke there's a necessitie in't) and change Garments

2514with this Gentleman: Though the penny-worth (on his

2515side) be the worst, yet hold thee, there's some boot.

2516Aut. I am a poore Fellow, Sir: (I know ye well

2517enough.)

2518Cam. Nay prethee dispatch: the Gentleman is halfe

2519fled already.

2520Aut. Are you in earnest, Sir? (I smell the trick on't.)

2521Flo. Dispatch, I prethee.

2522Aut. Indeed I haue had Earnest, but I cannot with

2523conscience take it.

2524Cam. Vnbuckle, vnbuckle.

2525Fortunate Mistresse (let my prophecie

2526Come home to ye:) you must retire your selfe

2527Into some Couert; take your sweet-hearts Hat

2528And pluck it ore your Browes, muffle your face,

2529Dis-mantle you, and (as you can) disliken

2530The truth of your owne seeming, that you may

2531(For I doe feare eyes ouer) to Ship-boord

2532Get vndescry'd.

2533Perd. I see the Play so lyes,

2534That I must beare a part.

2535Cam. No remedie:

2536Haue you done there?

2537Flo. Should I now meet my Father,

2538He would not call me Sonne.

2539Cam. Nay, you shall haue no Hat:

2540Come Lady, come: Farewell (my friend.)

2541Aut. Adieu, Sir.

2542Flo. O Perdita: what haue we twaine forgot?

2543'Pray you a word.

2544Cam. What I doe next, shall be to tell the King

2545Of this escape, and whither they are bound;

2546Wherein, my hope is, I shall so preuaile,

2547To force him after: in whose company

2548I shall re-view Sicilia; for whose sight,

2549I haue a Womans Longing.

2550Flo. Fortune speed vs:

2551Thus we set on (Camillo) to th' Sea-side.

2552Cam. The swifter speed, the better. Exit.

2553Aut. I vnderstand the businesse, I heare it: to haue an

2554open eare, a quick eye, and a nimble hand, is necessary for

2555a Cut-purse; a good Nose is requisite also, to smell out

2556worke for th' other Sences. I see this is the time that the

2557vniust man doth thriue. What an exchange had this been,

2558without boot? What a boot is here, with this exchange?

2559Sure the Gods doe this yeere conniue at vs, and we may

2560doe any thing extempore. The Prince himselfe is about

2561a peece of Iniquitie (stealing away from his Father, with

2562his Clog at his heeles:) if I thought it were a peece of ho-

2563nestie to acquaint the King withall, I would not do't: I

2564hold it the more knauerie to conceale it; and therein am

2565I constant to my Profession.

2567Aside, aside, here is more matter for a hot braine: Euery

2568Lanes end, euery Shop, Church, Session, Hanging, yeelds

2569a carefull man worke.

2570Clowne. See, see: what a man you are now? there is no

2571other way, but to tell the King she's a Changeling, and

2572none of your flesh and blood.

2573Shep. Nay, but heare me.

2574Clow. Nay; but heare me.

2575Shep. Goe too then.

2576Clow. She being none of your flesh and blood, your

2577flesh and blood ha's not offended the King, and so your

2578flesh and blood is not to be punish'd by him. Shew those

2579things you found about her (those secret things, all but

2580what she ha's with her:) This being done, let the Law goe

2581whistle: I warrant you.

2582Shep. I will tell the King all, euery word, yea, and his

2583Sonnes prancks too; who, I may say, is no honest man,

2584neither to his Father, nor to me, to goe about to make me

2585the Kings Brother in Law.

2586Clow. Indeed Brother in Law was the farthest off you

2587could haue beene to him, and then your Blood had beene

2588the dearer, by I know how much an ounce.

2589Aut. Very wisely (Puppies.)

2590Shep. Well: let vs to the King: there is that in this

2591Farthell, will make him scratch his Beard.

2592Aut. I know not what impediment this Complaint

2593may be to the flight of my Master.

2594Clo. 'Pray heartily he be at' Pallace.

2595Aut. Though I am not naturally honest, I am so some-

2596times by chance: Let me pocket vp my Pedlers excre-

2597ment. How now (Rustiques) whither are you bound?

2598Shep. To th' Pallace (and it like your Worship.)

2599Aut. Your Affaires there? what? with whom? the

2600Condition of that Farthell? the place of your dwelling?

2601your names? your ages? of what hauing? breeding, and

2602any thing that is fitting to be knowne, discouer?

2603Clo. We are but plaine fellowes, Sir.

2604Aut. A Lye; you are rough, and hayrie: Let me haue

2605no lying; it becomes none but Trades-men, and they of-

2606ten giue vs (Souldiers) the Lye, but wee pay them for it

2607with stamped Coyne, not stabbing Steele, therefore they

2608doe not giue vs the Lye.

2609Clo. Your Worship had like to haue giuen vs one, if

2610you had not taken your selfe with the manner.

2611Shep. Are you a Courtier, and't like you Sir?

2612Aut. Whether it like me, or no, I am a Courtier. Seest

2613thou not the ayre of the Court, in these enfoldings? Hath

2614not my gate in it, the measure of the Court? Receiues not

2615thy Nose Court-Odour from me? Reflect I not on thy

2616Basenesse, Court-Contempt? Think'st thou, for that I

2617insinuate, at toaze from thee thy Businesse, I am there-

2618fore no Courtier? I am Courtier Cap-a-pe; and one that

2619will eyther push-on, or pluck-back, thy Businesse there:

2620whereupon I command thee to open thy Affaire.

2621Shep. My Businesse, Sir, is to the King.

2622Aut. What Aduocate ha'st thou to him?

2623Shep. I know not (and't like you.)

2624Clo. Aduocate's the Court-word for a Pheazant: say

2625you haue none.

2626Shep. None, Sir: I haue no Pheazant Cock, nor Hen.

2627Aut. How blessed are we, that are not simple men?

2628Yet Nature might haue made me as these are,

2629Therefore I will not disdaine.

2630Clo. This cannot be but a great Courtier.

2631Shep. His Garments are rich, but he weares them not

2632handsomely.

2633Clo. He seemes to be the more Noble, in being fanta-

2634sticall: A great man, Ile warrant; I know by the picking

2635on's Teeth.

2636Aut. The Farthell there? What's i'th' Farthell?

2637Wherefore that Box?

2638Shep. Sir, there lyes such Secrets in this Farthell and

2639Box, which none must know but the King, and which hee

2640shall know within this houre, if I may come to th' speech

2641of him.

2642Aut. Age, thou hast lost thy labour.

2643Shep. Why Sir?

2644Aut. The King is not at the Pallace, he is gone aboord

2645a new Ship, to purge Melancholy, and ayre himselfe: for

2646if thou bee'st capable of things serious, thou must know

2647the King is full of griefe.

2648Shep. So 'tis said (Sir:) about his Sonne, that should

2649haue marryed a Shepheards Daughter.

2650Aut. If that Shepheard be not in hand-fast, let him

2651flye; the Curses he shall haue, the Tortures he shall feele,

2652will breake the back of Man, the heart of Monster.

2653Clo. Thinke you so, Sir?

2654Aut. Not hee alone shall suffer what Wit can make

2655heauie, and Vengeance bitter; but those that are Iermaine

2656to him (though remou'd fiftie times) shall all come vnder

2657the Hang-man: which, though it be great pitty, yet it is

2658necessarie. An old Sheepe-whistling Rogue, a Ram-ten-

2659der, to offer to haue his Daughter come into grace? Some

2660say hee shall be ston'd: but that death is too soft for him

2661(say I:) Draw our Throne into a Sheep-Coat? all deaths

2662are too few, the sharpest too easie.

2663Clo. Ha's the old-man ere a Sonne Sir (doe you heare)

2664and't like you, Sir?

2665Aut. Hee ha's a Sonne: who shall be flayd aliue, then

2666'noynted ouer with Honey, set on the head of a Waspes

2667Nest, then stand till he be three quarters and a dram dead:

2668then recouer'd againe with Aquavite, or some other hot

2669Infusion: then, raw as he is (and in the hotest day Progno-

2670stication proclaymes) shall he be set against a Brick-wall,

2671(the Sunne looking with a South-ward eye vpon him;

2672where hee is to behold him, with Flyes blown to death.)

2673But what talke we of these Traitorly-Rascals, whose mi-

2674series are to be smil'd at, their offences being so capitall?

2675Tell me (for you seeme to be honest plaine men) what you

2676haue to the King: being something gently consider'd, Ile

2677bring you where he is aboord, tender your persons to his

2678presence, whisper him in your behalfes; and if it be in

2679man, besides the King, to effect your Suites, here is man

2680shall doe it.

2681Clow. He seemes to be of great authoritie: close with

2682him, giue him Gold; and though Authoritie be a stub-

2683borne Beare, yet hee is oft led by the Nose with Gold:

2684shew the in-side of your Purse to the out-side of his

2685hand, and no more adoe. Remember ston'd, and flay'd

2686aliue.

2687Shep. And't please you (Sir) to vndertake the Businesse

2688for vs, here is that Gold I haue: Ile make it as much

2689more, and leaue this young man in pawne, till I bring it

2690you.

2691Aut. After I haue done what I promised?

2692Shep. I Sir.

2693Aut. Well, giue me the Moitie: Are you a partie in

2694this Businesse?

2695Clow. In some sort, Sir: but though my case be a pit-

2696tifull one, I hope I shall not be flayd out of it.

2697Aut. Oh, that's the case of the Shepheards Sonne:

2698hang him, hee'le be made an example.

2699Clow. Comfort, good comfort: We must to the King,

2700and shew our strange sights: he must know 'tis none of

2701your Daughter, nor my Sister: wee are gone else. Sir, I

2702will giue you as much as this old man do's, when the Bu-

2703sinesse is performed, and remaine (as he sayes) your pawne

2704till it be brought you.

2705Aut. I will trust you. Walke before toward the Sea-

2706side, goe on the right hand, I will but looke vpon the

2707Hedge, and follow you.

2708Clow. We are bless'd, in this man: as I may say, euen

2709bless'd.

2710Shep. Let's before, as he bids vs: he was prouided to

2711doe vs good.

2712Aut. If I had a mind to be honest, I see Fortune would

2713not suffer mee: shee drops Booties in my mouth. I am

2714courted now with a double occasion: (Gold, and a means

2715to doe the Prince my Master good; which, who knowes

2716how that may turne backe to my aduancement?) I will

2717bring these two Moales, these blind-ones, aboord him: if

2718he thinke it fit to shoare them againe, and that the Com-

2719plaint they haue to the King, concernes him nothing, let

2720him call me Rogue, for being so farre officious, for I am

2721proofe against that Title, and what shame else belongs

2722to't: To him will I present them, there may be matter in

2723it. Exeunt.