170 Lussurioso. Nay then, I see thou’rt but a puny in the subtle mystery of a woman: why, ’tis held now no dainty dish. The name is so in league with age that nowadays it does eclipse three-quarters of a mother.
Vindice. Dost so, my lord?
Let me alone then to eclipse the fourth.
Lussurioso. Why, well said: come I’ll furnish thee, but first swear to be true in all.
Vindice. True?
Lussurioso. Nay, but swear!
180 Vindice. Swear? I hope your honour little doubts my faith.
Lussurioso. Yet for my humour’s sake, ’cause I love swearing.
Vindice. ’Cause you love swearing, ’slud I will.
Lussurioso. Why, enough.
Ere long look to be made of better stuff.
Vindice. That will do well indeed, my lord.
Lussurioso. Attend me. [Exit.]
Vindice. Oh.
Now let me burst, I’ve eaten noble poison.
We are made strange fellows, brother, innocent villains.
190 Wilt not be angry when thou hear’st on’t, think’st thou?
I’faith, thou shalt. Swear me to foul my sister?
Sword I durst make a promise of him to thee.
Thou shalt dis-heir him, it shall be thine honour.
And yet now angry froth is down in me,
It would not prove the meanest policy
In this disguise to try the faith of both;
Another might have had the selfsame office,
Some slave that would have wrought effectually,
Ay, and perhaps o’erwrought ’em. Therefore I,
200 Being thought travelled, will apply myself
Unto the selfsame form, forget my nature,
As if no part about me were kin to ’em,
So touch ’em – though I durst almost for good
Venture my lands in heaven upon their good.
[Act 1
Scene 4
Enter the discontented lord Antonio, whose wife the Duchess’ youngest son ravished; he discovering the body of her, dead, to certain lords, [Piero] and Hippolito.
Antonio. Draw nearer, lords, and be sad witnesses
Of a fair comely building newly fallen,
Being falsely undermined. Violent rape
Has played a glorious act: behold, my lords
A sight that strikes man out of me.
Piero. That virtuous lady.
Antonio. Precedent for wives.
Hippolito. The blush of many women, whose chaste pretence
Would e’en call shame up to their cheeks,
10 And make pale wanton sinners have good colours –
Antonio. Dead!
Her honour first drunk poison, and her life,
Being fellows in one house did pledge her honour.
Piero. O grief of many!
Antonio. I marked not this before:
A prayerbook the pillow to her cheek,
This was her rich confection, and another
Placed in her right hand, with a leaf tucked up,
Pointing to these words:
20 Melius virtute mori, quam per dedecus vivere.
True and effectual it is indeed.
Hippolito. My lord, since you invite us to your sorrows,
Let’s truly taste ’em, that with equal comfort,
As to ourselves we may relieve your wrongs.
We have grief too, that yet walks without tongue.
Curae leves loquuntur, majores stupent.
Antonio. You deal with truth my lord:
Lend me but your attentions, and I’ll cut
Long grief into short words. last revelling night,
30 When torchlight made an artificial moon
About the court, some courtiers in the masque
Putting on better faces than their own,
Being full of fraud and flattery: amongst whom,
The duchess’ youngest son – that moth to honour –
Filled up a room, and with long lust to eat
Into my wearing, amongst all the ladies
Singled out that dear form, who ever liv’d
As cold in lust as she is now in death –
Which that step-duchess’ monster knew too well –
40 And therefore in the height of all the revels,
When music was hard loudest, courtiers busiest,
And ladies great with laughter – O vicious minute!
Unfit but for relation to be spoke of –
Then with a face more impudent than his vizard
He harried her amidst a throng of panders,
That live upon damnation of both kinds,
And fed the ravenous vulture of his lust.
O death to think on’t! She, her honour forced,
Deemed it a nobler dowry for her name
50 To die with poison than to live with shame.
Hippolito. A wondrous lady of rare fire compact
Sh’as made her name an empress by that fact.
Piero. My lord, what judgement follows the offender?
Antonio. ’Faith, none, my lord: it cools and is deferred.
Piero. Delay the doom for rape?
Antonio. O you must note who ’tis should die.
The duchess’ son, she’ll look to be a saver,
‘Judgement in this age is near kin to favour.’
Hippolito. Nay then, step forth thou bribeless officer.
[Draws his sword.]
60 I bind you all in steel to bind you surely:
Here let your oaths meet, to be kept and paid,
Which else will stick like rust, and shame the blade.
Strengthen my vow, that if at the next sitting,
Judgement speak all in gold and spare the blood
Of such a serpent, e’en before their seats,
To let his soul out, which long since was found
Guilty in heaven.
All. We swear it and will act it.
Antonio. Kind gentlemen, I thank you in mine ire.
70 Hippolito.’Twere pity
The ruins of so fair a monument
Should not be dipped in the defacer’s blood.
Piero. Her funeral shall be wealthy, for her name
Merits a tomb of pearl: my lord Antonio,
For this time wipe your lady from your eyes.
No doubt our grief and yours may one day court it,
When we are more familiar with revenge.
Antonio. That is my comfort, gentleman, and I joy
In this one happiness above the rest,
80 Which will be called a miracle at last:
That, being an old man, I’d a wife so chaste. Exeunt.
Act 2
Scene 1
Enter Castiza the sister.
Castiza. How hardly shall that maiden be beset
Whose only fortunes are her constant thoughts,
That has no other child’s part but her honour,
That keeps her low, and empty in estate.
Maids and their honours are like poor beginners,
Were not sin rich there would be fewer sinners.
Why had not virtue a revenue? Well,
I know the cause: would have impoverished hell.
[Enter Dondolo.]
How now, Dondolo.
10 Dondolo. Madonna, there is one, as they say, a thing of flesh and blood: a man I take him, by his beard, that would very desirously mouth to mouth with you.
Castiza. What’s that?
Dondolo. Show his teeth in your company.
Castiza. I understand thee not.
Dondolo. Why speak with you, madonna!
Castiza. Why, say so madman, and cut a great deal of dirty way. Had it not been better spoke in ordinary words that one would speak with me?
20 Dondolo. Ha, ha, that’s as ordinary as two shillings! I would strive a little to show myself in my place: a gentleman-usher scorns to use the phrase and fancy of a servingman.
Castiza. Yours be yo
ur own, sir: go direct him hither.
I hope some happy tidings from my brother
That lately travelled, whom my soul affects.
Here he comes.
Enter Vindice her brother disguised.
Vindice. lady, the best of wishes to your sex.
Fair skins and new gowns.
Castiza. Oh they shall thank you sir. [He gives her a letter.]
30 Whence thus?
Vindice. Oh from a dear and worthy friend, mighty.
Castiza. From whom?
Vindice. The duke’s son.
Castiza. Receive that! A box o’th’ ear to her Brother.
I swore I’d put anger in my hand
And pass the virgin limits of my self,
To him that next appeared in that base office,
To be his sins’ attorney. Bear to him
That figure of my hate upon thy cheek
40 Whilst ’tis yet hot, and I’ll reward thee for’t.
Tell him my honour shall have a rich name,
When several harlots shall share his with shame.
Farewell, commend me to him in my hate! Exit.
Vindice. It is the sweetest box
That e’er my nose came nigh,
The finest drawn-work cuff that e’er was worn.
I’ll love this blow forever, and this cheek
Shall still hence forward take the wall of this.
Oh I’m above my tongue! Most constant sister,
50 In this thou hast right honourable shown;
Many are called by their honour that have none,
Thou art approved forever in my thoughts.
It is not in the power of words to taint thee.
And yet for the salvation of my oath,
As my resolve in that point, I will lay
Hard siege unto my mother – though I know
A siren’s tongue could not bewitch her so. [Enter Mother.]
Mass, fitly here she comes; thanks my disguise.
Madam, good afternoon.
60 Mother. Y’are welcome sir.
Vindice. The next of Italy commends him to you:
Our mighty expectation, the duke’s son.
Mother. I think myself much honoured, that he pleases
To rank me in his thoughts.
Vindice. So may you, lady.
One that is like to be our sudden duke,
The crown gapes for him every tide, and then
Commander o’er us all: do but think on him.
How blest were they now that could pleasure him
70 E’en with anything, almost.
Mother. Ay, save their honour.
Vindice. Tut, one would let a little of that go too
And ne’er be seen in’t: ne’er be seen in’t, mark you,
I’d wink and let it go –
Mother. Marry, but I would not.
Vindice. Marry, but I would, I hope; I know you would too,
If you’d that blood now which you gave your daughter.
To her indeed ’tis this wheel comes about.
That man that must be all this – perhaps ere morning
80 For his white father does but mould away –
Has long desired your daughter.
Mother. Desired?
Vindice. Nay, but hear me,
He desires now that will command hereafter,
Therefore be wise: I speak more as a friend
To you then him. Madam, I know y’are poor,
And ’lack the day, there are too many poor ladies already.
Why should you vex the number? ’Tis despised.
live wealthy, rightly understand the world,
90 And chide away that foolish country girl
Keeps company with your daughter: chastity.
Mother. Oh fie, fie, the riches of the world cannot hire a mother to such a most unnatural task!
Vindice. No, but a thousand angels can.
Men have no power; angels must work you to it.
The world descends into such baseborn evils
That forty angels can make fourscore devils.
There will be fools still, I perceive, still fool.
Would I be poor, dejected, scorned of greatness,
100 Swept from the palace, and see other daughters
Spring with the dew o’th court, having mine own
So much desired and loved – by the duke’s son?
No, I would raise my state upon her breast
And call her eyes my tenants; I would count
My yearly maintenance upon her cheeks;
Take coach upon her lip; and all her parts
Should keep men after men; and I would ride
In pleasure upon pleasure:
You took great pains for her once when it was:
110 Let her requite it now, though it be but some.
You brought her forth, she may well bring you home.
Mother. O heavens! This overcomes me.
Vindice. [Aside] Not, I hope, already?
Mother. It is too strong for me. Men know that know us,
We are so weak their words can overthrow us.
He touched me nearly, made my virtues ’bate
When his tongue struck upon my poor estate.
Vindice. [Aside] I e’en quake to proceed. My spirit turns edge?
I fear me she’s unmothered, yet I’ll venture:
120 ‘That woman is all male, whom none can enter.’
What think you now, lady: speak, are you wiser?
What said advancement to you? Thus it said:
The daughter’s fall lifts up the mother’s head:
Did it not, madam? but I’ll swear it does
In many places. Tut, this age fears no man –
‘’Tis no shame to be bad, because ’tis common.’
Mother. Ay, there’s the comfort on’t.
Vindice. The comfort on’t!
I keep the best for last: can these persuade you
130 To forget heaven – and – [Gives her money.]
Mother. Ay, these are they –
Vindice. Oh!
Mother. That enchant our sex.
These are the means that govern our affections. That woman will not be troubled with the mother long, that sees the comfortable shine of you. I blush to think what for your sakes I’ll do!
Vindice. [Aside] Oh suffering heaven with thy invisible finger
E’en at this instant turn the precious side
140 Of both mine eyeballs inward, not to see myself.
Mother. look you sir.
Vindice. Holla.
Mother. let this thank your pains. [Gives him money.]
Vindice. O, you’re a kind madam;
Mother. I’ll see how I can move.
Vindice. Your words will sting.
Mother. If she be still chaste, I’ll ne’er call her mine.
Vindice. [Aside] Spoke truer than you meant it,
Mother. Daughter Castiza? [Enter Castiza.]
150 Castiza. Madam?
Vindice. O she’s yonder. Meet her.
[Aside] Troops of celestial soldiers guard her heart,
Yon dam has devils enough to take her part.
Castiza. Madam, what makes yon evil-officed man
In presence of you?
Mother. Why?
Castiza. He lately brought
Immodest writing sent from the duke’s son
To tempt me to a dishonourable act.
160 Mother. Dishonourable act? Good honourable fool,
That wouldst be honest ’cause thou wouldst be so,
Producing no one reason but thy will.
And ’t’as a good report, prettily commended,
But pray, by whom? Mean people, ignorant people:
The better sort I’m sure cannot abide it.
And by what rule shouldst we square our lives,
But by our betters’ actions? Oh if thou knewest
What t’were to lose it, thou would never keep it.
>
But there’s a cold curse laid upon all maids,
170 Whilst other clip the sun, they clasp the shades!
Virginity is paradise locked up.
You cannot come by yourselves without fee,
And it was decreed that man should keep the key.
Deny advancement, treasure, the duke’s son?
Castiza. I cry you mercy, lady. I mistook you:
Pray, did you see my mother? which way went you?
Pray God I have not lost her.
Vindice. [Aside] Prettily put by.
Mother. Are you as proud to me as coy to him?
180 Do you not know me now?
Castiza. Why are you she?
The world’s so changed, one shape into another,
It is a wise child now that knows her mother!
Vindice. Most right i’faith.
Mother. I owe your cheek my hand,
For that presumption now, but I’ll forget it.
Come, you shall leave those childish haviours,
And understand your time. Fortunes flow to you.
What, will you be a girl?
190 If all feared drowning that spy waves ashore,
Gold would grow rich, and all the merchants poor.
Castiza. It is a pretty saying of a wicked one, but methinks now
It does not show so well out of your mouth:
Better in his.
Vindice. [Aside] I’faith bad enough in both,
Were I in earnest as I’ll seem no less?
I wonder, lady, your own mother’s words,
Cannot be taken, nor stand in full force.
’Tis honesty you urge; what’s honesty?
200 ’Tis but heaven’s beggar: and what woman is so foolish to keep honesty
And be not able to keep herself? No,
Times are grown wiser and will keep less charge.
A maid that has small portion now intends
To break up house, and live upon her friends.
How blest are you: you have happiness alone.
Others must fall to thousands, you to one,
Subservient in himself to make your forehead
Dazzle the world with jewels, and petitionary people
Start at your presence.
210 Mother. Oh if I were young, I should be ravished.
Castiza. Ay, to lose your honour.
Vindice. ’Slid, how can you lose your honour
To deal with my lord’s grace?
He’ll add more honour to it by his title:
Your mother will tell you how.
Mother. That I will.
Vindice. O, think upon the pleasure of the palace:
Secured ease and state; the stirring meats
Ready to move out of the dishes that e’en now quicken when they’re eaten;
Five Revenge Tragedies: The Spanish Tragedy, Hamlet, Antonio's Revenge, The Tragedy of Hoffman, The Revenger's Tragedy (Penguin Classics) Page 34