you ?

That never trod in a suspected path, | Deject your valour? Shall, I say, these virtues
Subject to base construction? Be undaunted; So many and so various trials of
For now, as of a creature that is mine, Your constant mind, be buried in the frown
I rise up your protectress: all the grace (To please you, I will say so) of a fair woman

I hitherto have done you, was bestow'd -Yet I have seen her equals.
. With a shut hand; it shall be now more free, - Sfor. Good Pescara,
Open, and liberal. But let it not,

This language in another were profane; Though counterfeited to the life, teach you In you it is unmannerly. Her equal! To nourish saucy hopes.

I tell you as a friend, and tell you plainly, Fran. May I be accurs'd,

(To all men else my sword should make reply When I

prove
such a monster!

Her goodness does disdain comparison, Marc. will stand then

And, but herself, admits no parallel. Between you and all danger. He shall know, Pes. Well, sir, I'll not cross you, Suspicion overturns what confidence builds; Nor labour to diminish your esteem, And he that dares but doubt when there's no Hereafter, of her.

ground, Is neither to himself nor others sound. [Exit.

Enter TIBERIO and STEPHANO. Fran. So, let it work! Her goodness, that Sfor. 0! you are well return'd; denied

Say, am I blest? hath she vouchsaf'd to hea My service, branded with the name of lust, Shall now destroy itself; and she shall find, Is there hope left that she may be appeas'd When he's a suitor, that brings cunning arm'd Tib. She, sir, yet is froward, With power to be his advocates, the denial And desires respite, and some privacy. Is a disease as killing as the plague,

Steph. She was harsh at first; but, ere » And chastity a clue that leads to death.

parted, seem'd not Hold but thy nature, duke, and be but rash Implacable. And violent enough, and then at leisure Sfor. There's comfort yet: I'll ply her Repent; I care not.

Each hour with new ambassadors of mo And let my plots produce this long'd-for birth,

honours, In my revenge I have my heaven on earth. Titles, and eminence: my second self,

[Exit. Francisco, shall solicit her. SCENE III.-Another Room in the same.

Steph. That a wise man,

And what is more, a prince that may col Enter Ludovico SFORZA, PESCARA, Julio,

mand, and GIOVANNI.

Should sue thus poorly, and treat with his wi Pes. You promis'd to be merry.

As she were a victorious enemy. Julio. There are pleasures,

Sfor. What is that you mutter? And of all kinds, to entertain the time. I'll have thy thoughts. Gio. Your excellence vouchsafing to make Steph. You shall. You are too fond, choice

And feed a pride that's swoln too big alread Of that which best affects you.

And surfeits with observance. Sfor. Hold your prating.

Sfor. O my patience! Learn manners too; you are rude.

My vassal speak thus ? Pes. I must borrow

Steph. Let my head answer it, The privilege of a friend, and will; or else If I offend. She, that you think à saint, I am, like these, a servant; or, what's worse, l.fear, may play the devil. A parasite to the sorrow Sforza worships Pes. Well said, old fellow. [ Asid In spite of reason.

Steph. And he that hath so long engross Sfor. Pray you, use your freedom;

your favours, And so far, if you please, allow me mine, Though to be nam'd with rey'rence, lo To hear you only; not to be compellid

Francisco, To take your - moral potions. I am a man, Who, as you purpose, shall solicit for you, And, though philosophy, your mistress, rage I think's too near her. fort,

[Sfor. lays his Hand on his Swor Now I have cause to grieve, I must be sad; Pes. Hold, sir! this is madness. And I dare show it.

Steph. It may be they confer of joini Pes. Would it were bestow'd

lordships; Upon a worthier subjects

I'm sure he's private with her. Sfor. Take heed, friend.

Sfor. Let me go, You rub a sore, whose pain will make me I scorn to touch him; he deserves my pity,

And not my anger. Dotard! and to be of And I shall then forget myself and you. Is thy protection, else thou durst not think Lance it no further.

That love to my Marcelia hath lest room Pes. Have you stood the shock

In my full heart for any jealous thought: of thousand enemies, and outfac'd the anger I could smile to think, what wretched thing Of a great emperor, that vow'd your ruin,

they are, Though by a desperate, a glorious way, That dare be jealous. That had 'no precedent?

Tib. This is a confidence Ilave you given proof, to this hour of your Beyond example.

life, Prosperity, that searches the best temper,

Enter Isabella; and Mariana. Could never puff you up, nor adverse fate Sfor. If you come

mad;

peace

kill me ;

1

To bring me comfort, say that you have made Let them at once dispatch me.
Nr with my Marcelia.

Frań. Draw your sword then,
Isa. I had rather

And, as you wish your own peace, quickly
Wait on you to your funeral.
Sfor. You are my mother;

Consider not, but do it.
Or, by ber life
, you were dead else.

Sfor. Art thou mad?
Mari. Would
you were,

Fran. Would from my youth a loathsome To jour dishonour! Here

your
mother was

leprosy
Committed by your servant (for I scorn Had run upon this face, or that my breath
To call bim husband), and myself, your sister, Had been infectious, and so made me shunn'd
If that ron dare remember such a name, Of all societies! Curs'd be he that taught me
Mewd up, to make the way open and free Discourse or manners, or lent any grace
For the adultress; I am unwilling

That makes the owner pleasing in the eye To sar, a part of Sforza.

Of wanton woman!
Sfor. She bath blasphem'd, and by our law Sfor. I am on the rack!
must die.

Dissolve this doubtful riddle.
lsa. Blasphem'd! for giving a false woman Fran. That I alone,
her true name.

Of all mankind; that stand most bound to love
Sfer. O bell, what do I suffer?

you, Nari. Or is it treason

And study your content, should be appointed, For me, that ani a subject, to endeavour Not by my will, but forc'd by cruel fate, To save the bonour of the duke, and that To be your greatest enemy! Not to hold you He should not be a wittel on record ? In this amazement longer, in a word, Sfor. Some proof, vile creature!

Your dutchess loves me. Or bou hast spoke thy last. ,

Sfor. Loves thee!
Vari
. The public fame,

Fran. Is mad for me-
Tbeir hourly private meetings; and, e'en now, Pursues me hourly.
When, under a prelence of grief or anger,

Sfor. Oh!
You are denied the joys due to a husband,

Fran. And from hence grew
And made a stranger to her, at all times ller late neglect of you.
The door stands open to him.

Sfor. O women! women!
Sfor. O the malice

Fran. 1 labour'd to divert her by persuasion, And envy of base women! Wretches! you Then urg'd your much love to her, and the have rais'd

danger; A monumental trophy to her. I'm so far | Denied her and with scorn. From giving credit to you, this would teach me Sfor. 'Twas like thyself. More io admire and serve her. You are not Frun. But when I saw her smile, then heard

worthy To fall as sacrifices to appease her ;

Your love and extreme dotage, as a cloak, And therefore live till your own envy burst Should cover our embraces, and your power you.

Fright others from suspicion; and all favours Isa. All is in vain; he is not to be mov?d. That should preserve her in her innocence, Mari. She has bewitch'd him.

By lust inverted to be us'd as bawds; Pes. Tis so past belief,

I could not but in duty (though I know To me it shows a fable.

That the relation kills in you all hope

Of peace hereafter, and in me 'twill show Enter FRANCISCO, speaking to a Servant Both base and poor to rise up her accuser) within.

Freely discover it. Fran. On thy life,

Sfor. Eternal plagues Prvide my borses, and without the port Pursue and overtake ber! But, like a village With care altend me.

nurse, Sero. [within] I shall, my lord.

Stand I now cursing and considering, when
The tamest fool would do. Within there!

Stephano,
you to lend your ear, a weighty secret, Tiberio, and the rest! I will be sudden,
I am in labour to deliver to you.

And she shall know and feel, love in extremos Sfar. All leave the room.

Abus'd, knows no degree in bate.
Excunt Isa, and Marii
Excuse me, good Pescara,

Re-enter TIBER10 and STEPHANO.
Es long I will wait on you.

Tib. My lord. Pes. You speak, sir,

Sfor. Go to the chamber of that wicked izo language' I should use.

[Exit. Sfor. Be within call,

Steph. What wicked woman, sir? we may have use of you.

Sfor. The devil, my wise. lib. We shall, sir.

Force a rude entry; drag her hither; [Exeunt Tiberio and Stephano. And know po pity: any gentle usage Sfor. Say on, my comfort!

To her will call on cruelty from me, Fran. Comfort!

Do, your torment, To such as show it. Stand you staring! Go, so my fate appoints me. I could curse Put

my

will in act. Ice bour that gave me being.

[Ereunt Tiberio and Stephano. Sfor. What new monsters

Since she dares damnation, u misery stand ready to devour me? I'll be a fury to her.

her say,

Fran. Great sir, I would impart,

woman

futaps

ACT y.

on me

Fran. Yet, great sir,

Indeed, the unkindness to be sentenc'd by you, Exceed not in your fury; she's yet guilty Before that I was guilty in a thought, Only in ber inient.

Made me put on a seeming anger towards you, Sfor. Intent, Francisco!

And now-behold the issue! As I do, It does include all fact; and I might sooner May heaven forgive you!

[Dies. Be won to pardon treason to my crown, Sfor. Then I believe thee; Or one that kill'd my father,

Believe thee innocent too. Fran. You are wise,

Tib. Her sweet soul has left And know what's best to do: yet, if you please, Her beauteous prison. To prove ber temper to the height, say only Steph. Look to the duke; he stands That I am dead, and then observe how far As if he wanted motion. She'll be transported. lll remove a little, Tib. Grief hath stopp'd But be within your call. Now to the upshot! The organ of his speech. Howe'er, I'll shift for one. [Aside, and exit. Sfor. O my heart-strings! [Excunt. Re-enter TIBERIO, STEPHANO, and Guard, with MARCELIA.

Scene I.-The MILANESE. A Room in ErMarc. Where is this monster,

GENIA'S House.
This walking tree of jealousy? Are you here?
Is it by your commandment or allowance,

Enter FRANCISCO and EUGENIA.
I am thus basely us’d? Which of my virtues, Fran. Why, couldst thou think, Eugenia,
My labours, services, and cares to please you,

that rewards, Invites this barbarous course? Dare you look Graces, or favours, though strew'd thick upon

me, Without a seal of shame?

Could ever bribe me to forget mine honour? Sfor. Impudence,

Or that I tamely would set down, before How ugly thou appear'st now! Thy intent I had dried these eyes, still wet with showers To be a wanton, Teaves thee not blood enough

of tears To make an honest blush: what had the act By the fire of my revenge? Look up, my dearest! done ?

For that proud fair, that thief-like, stepp'd Marc. Return'd thee the dishonour thou

between deserv'st.

Thy promis'd bopes, and robb'd thee of a fortune Sfor. Your chosen favourite, your wood Almost in thy possession, hath found, Francisco,

With horrid proof, his love she thought ber Has dearly paid fort; for, wretch! know, he's

glory, dead,

But hasten'd her sad ruin. And by my hand.

Eug. Do not flatter Marc. Thou hast kill'd then,

A grief that is beneath it; for, however A man I do profess I lov'd; a man The credulous duke to me prov'd false and cruel For whom a thousand queens might well be It is impossible he could be wrought on rivals.

So to serve her. But he, I speak it to thy teeth, that dares be Fran. Such indeed, I grant, A jealous fool, dares be a murderer, The stream of his affection was, and ran, And knows no end in mischief.

A constant course, till I, with cunning malio Sfor. I begin now

(And yet I wrong my act, for it was justice) In this my justice.

[Stabs her. Made it turn backward; and hate, in extreme Marc. Oh! I have fool'd myself

(Love banish'd from his heart), to fill the rooin Into my grave, and only grieve for that In a word, know the fair Marcelia's dead. Which, when you know you've slain an in- Eug. Dead! nocent,

Fran. And by Sforza's hand. Does it ne You needs must suffer.

move you? Sfor. An innocent! Let one

How coldly you receive it! I expected Call in Francisco; for he lives, vile creature, The mere relation of so great a blessing,

[Exit Stephano. Borne proudly on the wings of sweet reveng To justify thy falsehood.

Would have call'd on a sacrifice of thanks, With wanton flatteries thou hast tempted him. You entertain it with a look, as if

You wish'd it were undone.
Re-enter STEPHANO.

Eug. Indeed I do:
Steph. Seignior Francisco, sir, but even now For if my sorrows could receive addition,
Took' horse without the ports.

Her sad fate would increase, not lessen ther Marc. We are both abus'd,

She never injur'd me. And both by him undone. Stay, death, a little, Fran. Have you then no gall, Till I have clear'd me to my lord, and then Anger, or spleen, familiar to your sex? I willingly obey thee. O my Sforza! Or is it possible that you could see Francisco was not tempted, but the tempter: Another to possess what was your due, And, as be thought to win me, show'd the And not grow pale with envy? warrant

Eug. Yes, of him That you sign’d for my death. But, being That did deceive me. There's no passion, contemn'd,

A maid so injur'd ever could partake of, Upon his knees with tears be did beseech me, But I have dearly suffer'd. These three yea Not to reveal it: I, soft-hearted fool, In my desire and labour of revenge, Judging his penitence true, was won unto it: Trusted to you, I bave endur'd the 'throes

Of teeming women; and will hazard all Speak, my oraculous Graccho.
Fale can inflict on me, but I will reach Grac. I have heard, sir,
The beart, false Sforza!

Of men in debt that, laid for by their creditors, Fran. Still mine own, and dearer! In all such places where it could be thought And yet in this you but pour oil on fire, They would take shelter, chose for sanctuary And offer your assistance where it needs not: Their lodgings underneath their creditors' noses; And that you may perceive I lay not fallow, Confident that there they never should be But bad your wrongs stamp'd deeply on my

sought for. heart,

Fran. But what infer you from it? I did begin his tragedy in her death,

Grac. This, my lord ; To which it serv'd as prologue, and will make That since all ways of your escape are stopp'd, A memorable story of your fortunes In Milan only, or, what's more, in the court, In my assur'd revenge: only, best sister, Whither it is presum'd you dare not come, Let us not lose ourselves in the performance, Conceal'd in some disguise, you may live sase. By your rash undertaking: we will be

Fran. And not to be discover'd ? As sudden as you could wish.

Grac. But by myself. Eug. I'pon those terms

Fran. By thee? Alas! I know thee honest, 1 yield myself and cause, to be dispos'd of

Graccbo, As you think fit,

And I will put thy counsel into act,

And suddenly. Yet, not to be ungrateful Enter a Servant.

For all thy loving travail to preserve me, Fren. Thy purpose ?

What bloody end soe'er my stars appoint, Sere. There's one Graccho,

Thou shalt be safe, good "Graccho.–Who's That follow'd you, it seems, upon the track,

within there? Since you left Milan, that's importunate Grac. In the devil's name, what means he? To bave access, and will not be denied;

[Aside. His hasle, he says, concerns you. Fran. Bring him to me. [Exit Servant.

Enter Servants. Though he hath laid an ambush for my life, Fran. Take

my

friend Or apprehension, yet I will prevent him, Into your custody, and bind him fast: And work mine own ends out.

I would not part with him.

Grac. My good lord !
Enter GRACCHO.

Fran. Dispatch:
Grac. Now for my whipping!

'Tis for your good, to keep you honest, And if I now outstrip him not, and catch him,

Graccho: I'I swear there are worms in my brains. I would not have ten thousand ducats tempt

[Aside.

you Fran. Now, my good Graccho!

To play the traitor. Why, thou fool! We meet as 'twere by miracle.

I can look through and through thee! thy Be brief; wbat brought thee hither?

intents Grac. Love and duty,

Appear to me as written in thy forehead, lod vigilance in me for my lord's safety. In plain and easy characters: and, but that lou are a condemn'd man, pursued and I scorn a slave's base blood should rust that sought for,

sword And

Four head rated at ten thousand ducats That from a prince expects a scarlet die, To bím that brings it.

Thou now wert dead. Away with him! Fran. Very good.

I will not hear a syllable.

[Exeunt Servants, with Graccho. Are intercepted, and your picture sent We must trust To every state confederate with Milan: Ourselves, Eugenia; and though we make li is impossible you should escape

use of Thar curious search.

The counsel of our servants, that oil spent, Eug. Why, let us then turn Romans, Like snuffs that do offend, we tread them out. And, falling by our own hands, mock their But now to our last scene, which we'll so threats.

carry, Fran. "Twould show nobly:

That few shall understand how 'twas begun, But that the honour of our full revenge Till all, with half an eye, may see 'tis done. Were lost in the rash action. No, Eugenia,

[Exeunt. Graccho is wise; my friend too, not my Scene II. - Milan. A Room in the Castle.

servant; And I dare trust him with my latest secret. Enter Pescara, TIBERIO, and Stephano. We would, and thou must help us to perform it,

Pes. The like was never read of. First kill the duke-then, fall what can upon us! Steph. But that melancholy should work For injuries are writ in brass, kind Graccho, So far upon a man, as to compel him

To court a thing that bas nor sense nor being,

Is unto me a miracle. [Aside. Pes. Troth, I'll tell

you, Fran. What's that?

And briefly as I can, by what degrees Grac. I labour with

lle fell into this madness. When, by the care A strong desire to assist you with my service; Of his physicians, he was brought to life, And now I am deliver'd of it,

He call'd for fair Marcelia, and being told
That she was dead, he broke forth in extremes

Grue. All passengers

And not to be forgotten.

Grae. He instructs me What I should do.

Fran. I told you.

(I would not say blasphem’d); then it came Bite your tongues, vile creatures, Into his fancy that she was accus'd And let your inward horror fright your souls, By his mother and his sister; thrice be curs’d For having belied that pureness. them,

And for that dog, Francisco, that seduc'd me, And thrice his desp'rate hand was on his sword I'll follow him to hell, but I will find him, T'bave kill'd-them both; but they restraind bim; And there live a fourth fury to torment bim. When wisely his physicians, looking on Then, for this cursed hand and arm, that The dutchess's wound, to stay bis ready hand,

guided Cried out, it was not mortal.

The wicked steel, I'll have them, joint by joint, Tib. 'Twas well thought on. With burning irons scar’d off, which I will eat

, Pes. Ale, easily believing what he wishid, I being a vulture fit to taste such carrion. Fell prostrate at the doctors' feet, and swore, Lastly, Provided they recover'd her, he would live í Doc. You are too loud, sir; you disturb A private man, and they should share his Her sweet repose. dukedom.

Sfor. I am bush'd. Sfor. [Within] Support her gently. 1 Doc. He's past hope: we can no longer Pes. Now be your own witnesses;

cover the imposture. I am prevented.

Re-enter PESCARA, with FRANCISCO, as a Jew Enter Ludovico SFORZA, ISABELLA, MARIANA, Doctor, and EUGENIA, disguised,

Doctors, and Servants, with the Body Fran. I am no god, sir, of MARCELIA.

To give a new life to her; yet I'll hazard Sfor. Carefully, I beseech you.

My head, I'll work the senseless trunk t'appear How pale and wan she looks! O pardon me, To him as it had got a second being. That

presume, dyed o'er with bloody guilt, Pes. Do but this, To touch this snow-white hand. How cold Till we use means to win upon his passions, it is!

T'endure to hear she's dead with some small This once was Cupid's fire-brand, and still

patience, 'Tis so to me. How slow her pulses beat too! And make thy own reward. Yet in this temper she is all perfection.

Fran. The art I use Mari. Is not this strange?

Admits no looker on: I only ask Isa Oh! cross him not, dear daughter. The fourth part of an hour, to perfect that

I boldly undertake. Therefore command, Enter a Servant, and whispers Pescara. That instantly my fupil and myself Pes. With me? What is he?

Have leave to make a trial of our skill Sero. He has a strange aspect;

Alone and undisturb'd. A Jew by birth, and a physician

Pes. About it straight. [Exit Eugenia. By his profession, as he says; who, hearing Sfor. What stranger's this? Of the duke's frenzy, on the forfeit of Pes. Look up sir, cheerfully; His life, will underlake to render him Comfort in him flows strongly to you. Perfect in every part.

[Apart. Sfor. Comfort! from whence came that Pes. Bring me to him.

sound? As I find cause, I'll do.

Pes. He is a man that can do wonders. [-Apart. Ereunt Pescara and Servants. [Beckons Francisco, Exit Francisco. Sfor. How sound she sleeps!

Do not hinder Heaven keep her from a lethargy! How long The dutchess's wish'd recovery, to inquire (But answer me with comfort, I beseech you) Or what he is, or to give thanks; but leave him Does your judgment tell you that her sleep To work this miracle. will last?

Sfor. Sure 'tis my good angel. 1 Doc. We have given her, sir,

I do obey in all things. Be ii death A sleepy potion, that will hold her long; For any to dislurb him, or come near, That she may be less sensible of the torment Till he be pleas'd to call us. O be prosperous The searching of her wound will put her to. And make a duke thy bondman.

[Exeunt Sfor. I am patient. You see I do not rage, but wait your pleasure. Re-enter Francisco, leading in EUGENIA What do you think she dreams of now? for

clothed as the Body of MARCELIA. sure,

Fran. 'Tis my purpose, Although her body's organs are bound fast, l'll make the door fast-50Her fancy cannot slumber.

Eug. Alas! I tremble: 1 DocThat, sir, looks on

Thus to tyrannise upon, and mock the dead Your sorrow for your late rash act, and pre- Is most inhuman. pares

Fran. Come we for revenge, To meet the free confession of your guilt And can we think on pity ? If to enjoy With a glad pardon.

The wish'd-for sacrifice to thy. lost honour, Sfor. She was ever kind.

Be in thy wavering thought a benefit, Let her behold me in a pleasing dream Now art thou blest.

[Kneels. Eug. Ah me! what follows now? Thus, on my knees before her (yet that duly Fran. What, but a full conclusion of ou In me is not sufficient); let ber see me

wishes! Compel my mother, from whom I took life, Look on this flow'r, Eugenia-such a thing And this my sister, partner of my being, As yonder corpse, whose fatal robe you wear To bow thus low unto her:

Must the pale wretch be summond to appea