His anger, and prevail'd; your father hath And in the place bequeath'd his prayer and blessing. Conf. Some ceremonies are behind : he did And left his sepulture to me; I am confident, Fran. His will in all things I obey, and yours, With all due obsequies his funeral. Fer. Why you alone obey? I am your brother: My father's eldest son, though not his heir. Fran. It pleas'd my father, sir, to think me worthy Of such a title; you shall find me kind, If you can look on matters without envy. Fer. If I can look on matters without envy! Fer. I may live here, Francisco! Enter a Gentleman with a letter. Conditions! I would not understand Fran. With me, from madam——- I find my father was not dead till now. - ? Croud not, you jealous thoughts, so thick into Will forfeit all again. [Act iv., Sc. 1.] Fernando tells Felisarda that his father is dead. Fer. I have a story to deliver; A tale, will make thee sad: but I must tell it. There is one dead, that lov'd thee not. Fel. One dead, That lov'd not me? this carries, sir, in nature No killing sound: I shall be sad to know I did deserve an enemy or he want A charity at death. 1 Like the reply of Manoah in Samson Agonistes: "Sad, but not saddest, the desolation of a hostile city." Fer. Thy cruel enemy, And my best friend, hath took eternal leave, For I did love my father. Fel. Ha! your father! Fer. Yes, Felisarda, he is gone, that in The morning promis'd many years, but death Hath in a few hours made him as stiff, as all The winds and winter had thrown cold upon him, And whisper'd him to marble. Fer. My inheritance, wrought from me Of wealth, the love and promise of two hearts. Wither at soul, and robb'd by thee of that Fran. "Tis not sure Fernando, but his passion (that obeys not Shook off their chains of flesh,) would leave his dwelling, Should dare the appeal, and make Fernando see Fer. He that thrives By wicked art, has confidence to dress wonder 1 1 Dirty planet.-Sterne. Thou durst do so much injury, Francisco, Fran. I need no guard; I know Fer. Dare I not? Fran. And name Thy cause 'tis thy suspicion, not Francisco, Hath wrought thee high and passionate. To assure it ; With all my title to your land. Car. How is that?1 Fran. Let him receive it at his peril. Fran. It was my father's act, not mine: he trembled His conscience feel, when he shall spurn his dust, To this bad world again, to walk and fright him! 2 Fran. (Gives him the will). Sir, you may cancel it. How you can answer him that's dead, when he Shall charge your timorous soul for this contempt His last bequest, and breath, that seal'd your blessings! Car. These are fine fancies. Here; and and may it prosper, [Is going. Where my good father meant it: I am overcome. Fer. (Returns the will). Forgive me, and enjoy it.3 His father RAMIRES (supposed dead) appears above, with Ram. Fernando, stay. FELISARDA. Fer. Ha, my father and Felisarda : Are they both dead!-I did not think [Kneels. To find thee in this pale society Of ghosts so soon. Fel. I am alive, Fernando: And Don Ramires still thy living father. Fran. You may believe it, sir, I was of the council,5 Car. Men thought you dead. Ram. It lay within 1 [Two lines omitted.] 2 [One ine.] [Five and a half lines.] The knowledge of Francisco, and some few, Which I have found worth him, and my acceptance. Fer. "Tis a joy So flowing, it drowns all my faculties. My soul will not contain, I fear, but loose, And leave me in this extacy. [Act v., Sc. 3.] THE LADY OF PLEASURE. A COMEDY [PUBLISHED 1637: LICENSED 1635]. BY JAMES SHIRLEY Sir Thomas Bornewell expostulates with his lady on her extravagance and love of pleasure. BORNEWELL. ARETINA, his lady. Are. I am angry with myself; To be so miserably restrain'd in things, Wherein it doth concern your love and honour Bor. In what, Aretina, Dost thou accuse me? have I not obey'd For a lady of my birth and education? Bor. I am not ignorant how much nobility Flows in your blood, your kinsmen great and powerful Madam, to give the dignity of your birth All the best ornaments which become my fortune; And be the fable of the town, to teach Are. Am I then Brought in the balance? so, sir. Bor. Though you weigh Me in a partial scale, my heart is honest: Nay, study ways of pride and costly ceremony; Four score pound suppers for my lord More motly than the French, or the Venetian, Must pester every narrow lane, till passengers And tradesmen curse your choaking up their stalls, And common cries pursue your ladyship For hind'ring of their market. Are. Have you done, sir? Bor. I could accuse the gaiety of your wardrobe, And prodigal embroideries, under which, Rich satins, plushes, cloth of silver, dare And shew like bonfires on you by the tapers: Are. Pray, do. I like Your homily of thrift. Bor. I could wish, madam, You would not game so much. Are. A gamester, too! Bor. But are not come to that repentance yet, Should teach you skill enough to raise your profit ; You look not through the subtilty of cards, And mysteries of dice, nor can you save Charge with the box, buy petticoats and pearls, And keep your family by the precious income; Nor do I wish you should: my poorest servant Shall not upbraid my tables, nor his hire |