Philaster; Or, Love Lies a Bleeding. Beaumont Francis

ont

      Philaster; Or, Love Lies a Bleeding

      The Scene being in Cicilie.

* * * * *Persons Represented in the Play

      The King.

      Philaster, Heir to the Crown.

      Pharamond, Prince of Spain.

      Dion, a Lord.

      Cleremont } Noble Gentlemen his

      Thrasiline } Associates.

      Arethusa, the King's Daughter.

      Galatea, a wise modest Lady attending the Princess.

      Megra, a lascivious Lady.

      An old wanton Lady, or Croan.

      Another Lady attending the Princess.

      Eufrasia, Daughter of Dion, but disguised like a

      Page, and called Bellario.

      An old Captain.

      Five Citizens.

      A Countrey fellow.

      Two Woodmen.

      The Kings Guard and Train.

* * * * *

      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 multitude (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 constitutions 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 sex

                      Yet teach her nothing but her fears and blushes,

                      Desires without desire, discourse and