The Maids Tragedy. John Fletcher
a tall ship will be cast away: Descend with all the Gods, and all their power to strike a cal[m].
Cin. A thanks to every one, and to gratulate So great a service done at my desire, Ye shall have many floods fuller and higher Than you have wisht for; no Ebb shall dare To let the day see where your dwellings are: Now back unto your Government in haste, Lest your proud charge should swell above the waste, And win upon the Island.
Nep. We obey.
[Neptune descends, and the Sea-gods.
Cinth. Hold up thy head dead night; seest thou not day? The East begins to lighten, I must down And give my brother place.
Nigh. Oh! I could frown To see the day, the day that flings his light Upon my Kingdoms, and contemns old Night; Let him go on and flame, I hope to see Another wild-fire in his Axletree; And all false drencht; but I forgot, speak Queen. The day grows on I must no more be seen.
Cin. Heave up thy drowsie head agen, and see A greater light, a greater Majestie, Between our sect and us; whip up thy team; The day breaks here, and you some flashing stream Shot from the South; say, which way wilt thou go?
Nigh. I'le vanish into mists. [Exeunt.
Cin. I into day. [Finis Mask.
King. Take lights there Ladies, get the Bride to bed; We will not see you laid, good night Amintor, We'l ease you of that tedious ceremony; Were it [my] case, I should think time run slow. If thou beest noble, youth, get me a boy, That may defend my Kingdom from my foes.
Amin. All happiness to you.
King. Good night Melantius. [Exeunt.
Actus Secundus.
Enter Evadne, Aspatia, Dula, and other Ladies.
Dul. Madam, shall we undress you for this fight? The Wars are nak'd that you must make to night.
Evad. You are very merry Dula.
Dul. I should be far merrier Madam, if it were with me as it is with you.
Eva. Why how now wench?
Dul. Come Ladies will you help?
Eva. I am soon undone.
Dul. And as soon done: Good store of Cloaths will trouble you at both.
Evad. Art thou drunk Dula?
Dul. Why here's none but we.
Evad. Thou think'st belike, there is no modesty When we are alone.
Dul. I by my troth you hit my thoughts aright.
Evad. You prick me Lady.
Dul. 'Tis against my will, Anon you must endure more, and lie still. You're best to practise.
Evad. Sure this wench is mad.
Dul. No faith, this is a trick that I have had Since I was fourteen.
Evad. 'Tis high time to leave it.
Dul. Nay, now I'le keep it till the trick leave me; A dozen wanton words put in your head, Will make you lively in your Husbands bed.
Evad. Nay faith, then take it.
Dul. Take it Madam, where? We all I hope will take it that are here.
Evad. Nay then I'le give you o're.
Dul. So will I make The ablest man in Rhodes, or his heart to ake.
Evad. Wilt take my place to night?
Dul. I'le hold your Cards against any two I know.
Evad. What wilt thou do?
Dul. Madam, we'l do't, and make'm leave play too.
Evad. Aspatia, take her part.
Dul. I will refuse it. She will pluck down a side, she does not use it.
Evad. Why, do.
Dul. You will find the play Quickly, because your head lies well that way.
Evad. I thank thee Dula, would thou could'st instill Some of thy mirth into Aspatia: Nothing but sad thoughts in her breast do dwell, Methinks a mean betwixt you would do well.
Dul. She is in love, hang me if I were so, But I could run my Country, I love too To do those things that people in love do.
Asp. It were a timeless smile should prove my cheek, It were a fitter hour for me to laugh, When at the Altar the Religious Priest Were pacifying the offended powers With sacrifice, than now, this should have been My night, and all your hands have been imployed In giving me a spotless offering To young Amintors bed, as we are now For you: pardon Evadne, would my worth Were great as yours, or that the King, or he, Or both thought so, perhaps he found me worthless, But till he did so, in these ears of mine, (These credulous ears) he pour'd the sweetest words That Art or Love could frame; if he were false, Pardon it heaven, and if I did want Vertue, you safely may forgive that too, For I have left none that I had from you.
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