Cambyses

A lamentable tragedy mixed full of pleasant mirth, containing the life of Cambises king of Persia, from the beginning of his kingdom unto his death, his one good deed of execution, after that many wicked deeds and tirannous murders, committed by and through him, and last of all, his odious death by God’s Justice appointed. Done in such order as follows.

By Thomas Preston.

The division of the parts.

For one man.

Council.

Huf.

Praxaspes.

Murder.

Lob.

The Third Lord.

For one man.

Lord.

Ruf.

Commons’ cry.

Commons’ complaint.

Lord Smirdis.

Venus.

For one man.

Knight.

Snuf.

Small Hability.

Proof.

Execution.

Attendance.

Second Lord.

For one man.

Cambises. 

Epilogus.

For one man.

Prologue.

Sisamnes.

Diligence.

Cruelty.

Hob.

Preparation.

The First Lord.

For one man.

Ambidexter

Trial.

For one man.

Meretrix. 

Shame.

Otian.

Mother.

Lady.

Queen.

For one man

Young Child. 

Cupid.

[Prologue].

The Prologue enters.

Prologue.

Agathon, whose counsel wise to princes well extended,

by good advice unto a Prince three things he has commended:

First is that he has government and rule over men;

Secondly, to rule with laws, aka Justice (said he) then;

{5}Thirdly, that he must well conceive, he may not always reign.

Lo, thus the rule unto a Prince Agathon squared plain.

Tully, the wise whose sapience in volumes great does tell,

Who in wisdom in that time did many men excel,

“A Prince” (said he) “is of himself, a plain and speaking law”;

{10}The law, a Schoolmaster divine, this by his rule I draw.

The sage and witty Seneca, his words thereto did frame:

“The honest exercise of Kings, men will ensue the same;

But contrarywise, if a King abuse his kingly seat,

His ignominy and bitter shame in the end shall be more great.”

{15}In Persia there reigned a king, who Cyrus is known by name,

Who did deserve, as I do read, the lasting blast of Fame.

But he, when sisters three had wrought to shed his vital thread,

As heir due to take the crown, Cambises did proceed.

He in his youth was trained up by trace of virtue’s lore,

{20}Yet (being king) did clean forget his perfect race before.

Then cleaving more unto his will such vice did imitate,

As one of Icarus’ kind, for warning then did hate,

Thinking that none could him dismay, nor none his facts could see.

Yet at the last a fall he took, like Icarus to be.

{25}Else as the fish which often took the pleasant bait from hook:

In safe did he spring and pierce the streams, when fisher’s fast did look

To hoist up from the watery waves, unto the dried land;

Then caught at last by subtle bait, came to the fisher’s hand.

Even so this king Cambises here: when he had wrought his will,

{30}Taking delight in the innocent, his guiltless blood, to spill,

Then mighty Jove would not permit him to proceed with offence,

But what measure the king did meet, the same did Jove commence:

To bring to end with shame his race, two years he did not reign.

His cruelty we will dilate, and make the matter plain,

{35}Craving that this may suffice now, your patience to win.

I take my way: behold, I see the players coming in.

FINIS.

[Scene 1.]

First enter Cambises the King, Knight and Counselor.

Cambises.

My Council grave and sapient with lords of legal train,

Attentive ears towards me bend and mark what shall be said;

So you likewise my valiant knight (whose manly acts do fly

By brute of fame, the sounding trump that pierces the azure sky),

{5}My sapient words I say perpend and so your skill delate.

You know that Mors vanquished has Cyrus, that king of state,

And I by due inheritance possess that Princely crown,

Ruling by sword of mighty force in place of great renown.

You know and often have heard tell my father’s worthy facts:

{10}A manly Mars’ heart he bare, appearing by his acts.

And what? Shall I to ground let fall my father’s golden praise?

No, no: I mean to attempt this fame more large to rise,

In that that I, his son, succeed his kingly seat as due.

Extend your councel unto me in that I ask of you.

{15}I am the king of Persia, a large and fertil soil;

The Egyptians against us repunge, as varlets slave and vile.

Therefore I mean, with Mars’ heart, with wars them to frequent,

Them to subdue as captives mine: this is my heart’s intent.

So shall I win honour’s delight, and praise of me shall go.

{20}My Council, speak, and Lordings too: is it not best do so?

Council.

Oh puissant king, your blissful words deserve abundant praise,

That you in this do go about, your father’s fame to rise.

Oh blissful day that king so young, such profit should conceive,

His father’s praise and his to win, from those that would deceive!

{25}Sure my true and sovereign king, I fall before you prest,

Answer to give as duty mine, in that your Grace request.

If that your heart addicted be, the Egyptians to conuince

Through Mars and the conquest won, then deed of happy prince

Shall pierce the skies unto the throne of the supernatural seat,

{30}And merit there a just reward from Jupiter the great.

But then your Grace must not turn back from this intended will,

But to proceed in virtuous life employ endeavour still:

Extinguish vice, and in that cup to drink have no delight.

To martiall feats and kingly sport, fix all your whole delight!

King.

{35}My Council grave, a thousand thanks with heart I do you render

That you my case so prosperous entirely do tender.

I will not swarve from those your steps, whereto you wold me train.

But now, my Lord and valiant knight, with words give answer plain:

Are you content with me to go, the Mars’ games to try?

Lord.

{40}Yea peerless Prince: to aid your Grace myself will live and die.

Knight.

And I for my hability, for fear will not turn back,

But as the ship against the rocks, sustain and bide the wreck.

King.

Oh willing hearts, a thousand thanks I render unto you!

Strike up your drums with courage great, we will march forth even now.

Council.

{45}Permit (O king) few words to hear! My duty serves no less,

Therefore give leave to council thine, his mind for to express.

King.

Speak on, my Council, what it be; you shall have favour mine.

Council.

Then will I speak unto your Grace, as duty does me bind.

Your Grace does mean for to attempt of war the manly art,

{50}Your Grace therein may well receive with others for your part.

The dent of death in those affairs, all persons are alike:

The heart couragious oftentimes his detriment does seek.

It’s best therefore for to permit a ruler of your land,

To sit and judge with equity when things of right are scanned.

King.

{55}My Grace does yield to this your talk, to be thus now it shall.

My Knight, therefore prepare yourself, Sisamnes for to call.

A Judge he is of prudent skill, even he shall bear the sway

In absence mine, when from the land I do depart my way.

Knight.

Your Knight before your Grace even here himself has ready prest

{60}With willing heart for to fulfill as your Grace made request. Exit.

Council.

Please your Grace, I judge of him to be a man right fit,

For he is learned in the Law having the gift of wit.

In your Grace’s precinct, I do not view for it a meeter man;

His learning is of good effect. bring proof thereof I can.

{65}I do not know what is his life, his conscience is hidden from me:

I doubt not but the fear of God before his eyes to be.

Lord.

Report declares, he is a man that to himself is near,

One that favours much the world, and too much sets thereby.

But this I say of certainty, if he your Grace succeeds

{70}In your absence but for awhile. He will be warned indeed

No injustice for to frequent, no partial Judge to prove,

But rule all things with equity, to win your Grace’s love.

King.

Of that he shall a warning have, my orders to obey:

Great punishment for his offence against him will I lay.

Council.

{75}Behold, I see him now egress and enter into place.

[Enter Sisamnes.]

Sisamnes.

Oh puissant Prince and mighty king, the gods preserve your Grace!

Your Grace’s message came to me, your will purporting forth;

With grateful mind I it received, according to mine oath.

Erecting then myself with speed, before your Grace’s eyes,

{80}The tenor of your Princely will from you for to agnise.

King.

Sisamnes, this is the whole effect the which for you I sent:

Our mind it is to elevate you to great preferment.

My Grace and gratious council like has chosen you for this cause.

In judgment you do office bear, which have the skill in laws;

{85}We think that you accordingly by Justice rule will deal,

That for offence none shall have cause (of wrong) you to appeal.

Sisamnes.

Abundant thanks unto your Grace for this benignity;

To you his council in like case, with Lords of clemency.

What so your Grace to me permits, if I therein offend,

Such execution then commence, and use it to this end,

{90}That all other (by that my deed) example so may take

To admonish them to flee the same, by fear it may them make.

King.

Then according to your words, if you therein offend,

I assure you even from my breast, correction shall extend.

From Persia I mean to go into the Egypt land,

{95}Them to convince by force of arms and win the upper hand.

While I therefore absent shall be, I do you full permit

As governour in this my right, in that estate to sit

For to detect and like correct, those that abuse my Grace.

This is the total of my will. Give answer in this case.

Sisamnes.

{100}Unworthy much (O prince) am I, and for this gift unfit;

But since that it has pleased your Grace that I in it must sit,

I do avouch unto my death, according to my skill,

With equity for to observe your Grace’s mind and will,

And nought from it to swerve indeed, but sincerely to stay.

{105}Else let me taste the penalty, as I before did say.

King.

Well then, of this authority I give you full possession.

Sisamnes.

And I will it fulfill also, as I have made profession.

King.

My council then let us depart, a final stay to make:

To Egypt land now forth with speed, my voyage I will take.

{110}Strike up your drums us to rejoice, to hear the warlike sound!

Stay you here, Sisamnes Judge, and look well to your bound.

Exeunt King, Lord and Council.

Sisamnes.

Even now the King has me extolled, and set me up aloft!

Now may I wear the broadered gard and lie in down bed soft,

Now may I purchase house and land, and have all at my will,

{115}Now may I build a princely palace, my mind for to fulfill.

Now may I abrogate the Law, as I shall think it good;

If anyone me now offend, I may demand his blood.

According to the Proverb old, my mouth I will up make:

Now it does lie all in my hand, to leave or else to take.

{120}To deal with Justice to my bound, and so to live in hope . . .

But oftentimes the birds are gone, while one for nest does grope.

Do well or ill, I dare avouch, some evil on me will speak:

No truely yet I do not mean the King’s precept to break.

To place I mean for to return my duty to fulfill. Exit.

[Scene 2].

Enter the Vice with an old Cap on his head, an old pail about his hips for harness, a Scummer and a potlid by his side and a rack on his shoulder.

Ambidexter.

Stand away, stand away for the passion of God!

Harnessed I am prepared to the field.

I would have been content at home to have bod,

But I am sent forth with my spear and shield.

{5}I am appointed to fight against a Snail,

And Willkin Wren the ancient shall bear:

I dout not but against him to prevail,

To be a man my deeds shall declare.

If I overcome him, then a Butterfly takes his part,

{10}His weapon must be a blew speckled hen.

But you shall see me overthrow him with a fart,

So without conquest he shall go home again.

If I overcome him, I must fight with a fly,

And a black pudding the fly’s weapon must be:

{15}At the first blow on the ground he shall lie.

I will be sure to thrust him through the mouth to the knee.

To conquest these fellows the man I will play!

Ha, ha, ha, now you will make me to smile,

To see if I can all men beguile.

{20}Ha, my name, my name would you so fain know?

Yea that shall you, and that with all speed ...

I have forgot it therefore I cannot show ...

A, A, now I have it, I have it indeed!

My name is Ambidexter: I signify one,

{25}That with both hands finely can play.

Now with king Cambises and by and by gone,

Thus do I run this and that way.

For a while I mean with a Soldier to be,

Then give I a leap to Sisamnes the Judge:

{25}I dare avouch, you shall his destruction see.

To all kind of estates I mean for to trudge!

Ambidexter, nay he is a fellow if you knew all:

Cease for a while, hereafter hear more you shall.

Enter three Ruffians, Huf, Ruf and Snuf, singing.

Huf.

God’s flesh and his wounds, these wars rejoice my heart:

{30}By his wounds I hope to do well for my part.

By God’s heart the world shall go evil if I do not shift:

At some olde Carles bouget I mean for to lift.

Ruf.

By his flesh, nose, eyes and ears,

I will venture void of all cares.

{35}He is not a Souldier that does fear any doubt,

If that he would bring his purpose about.

Snuf.

Fear that fear listen, it shall not be I:

By God’s wounds I will make some neck stand awry.

If I lose my share, I swear by God’s heart,

{40}Then let another take up my part.

Huf.

Yet I hope to come the richest Soldier away.

Ruf.

If a man ask you, you may hap to say nay.

Snuf.

Let all men get what they can, not to lose I hope:

Wheresoever I go in each corner I will grope.

Ambidexter.

{45}What if you run into the corner of some pretty maid?

Snuf.

To grope there, good fellow, I will not be afraid.

Huf.

God’s wounds, what are you that with us does meet?

<You> seem to be a Soldier the truth to tell,

{50}You seem to be harnessed, I cannot tell how.

I think he <c>ame lately from riding some cow.

Such a deformed slave did I never see:

Ruf do you know him? I pray you tell me.

Ruf.

No by my troth fellow Huf, I never see him before.

Snuf.

{55}As for me, I care not if I never see him more.

Come, let us run his arse against the post!

Ambidexter.

Ah, you slaves, I will be with you at the off!

(Here let him swing them about)

Ah you knaves, I will teach you how you shall me deride!

Out of my sight, I can you not abide.

{60}Now, good man pouchmouth, I am a slave with you;

Now have at you, afresh again even now.

Mine Arse against the post you will run,

But I will make you from that saying to turn.

Huf.

I beseech you heartily to be content!

Ruf.

{65}I ensure you by mine honesty no hurt we meant!

Beside that again we do not know what you are.

You know that Soldiers their stoutness will declare:

Therefore, if we have in any thing offended,

Pardon our rudeness and it shall be amended.

Ambidexter.

{70}Yea God’s pity, begin you to entreat me?

Have at you once again! By the mass I will beat you.

Huf. (fights again)

God’s heart let us kill him! Suffer no longer!

Snuf. ([they] draw their swords)

You slave we will see if you be the stronger.

Ruf.

Strike of his head at one blow!

{75}<That> we be Souldiers, God’s heart, let him know.

Ambidexter.

O the passion of God, I am done by mine honesty!

I will take your part hereafter verily.

All.

Then content let us agree.

Ambidexter.

Shake hands with me, I shake hands with you.

{80}You are full of courtesy, that is the best,

And you take great pain, you are a mannerly guest.

Why, masters, do you not know me? The truth do me tell.

All.

No trust us, not very well.

Ambidexter.

Why, I am Ambidexter who many soldiers do love!

Huf.

{85}God’s heart, to have your company needs we must prove.

We must play with both hands with our hostess and host,

Play with both hands and score on the post.

Now and then with our Captain, for many a delay?

We will not stick with both hands to play.

Ambidexter.

{90}The honester man ye, ye may me trust.

Enter Meretrix with a staff on her shoulder.

Meretrix.

What? Is there no lads here that has a lust,

To have a passing trull to help at their need?

Huf.

God’s heart, she has come indeed!

What, mistress Meretrix, by his wounds welcome to me!

Meretrix.

{95}What will ye give me? I pray you, let me see.

Ruf.

By his heart, she look for gifts by and by.

Meretrix.

What master Ruf? I cry you mercy.

The last time I was with you I got a broken head,

And laid in the street all night for want of a bed.

Snuf.

{100}God’s wounds, kiss me my Trul so white!

In you I swear is all my delight.

If you should have had a broken bed for my sake,

I would have made his head to ache.

Meretrix.

What, master Ambidexter, who looked for you?

Ambidexter.

{105}Mistress Meretrix, I thought not to see you here now.

There is no remedy at meeting: I must have a kiss.

Meretrix.

What man? I will not stick for that by guess. (Kiss)

Ambidexter.

So now gramercy, I pray you be gone.

Meretrix.

Nay soft, my friend: I mean to have one.

{110}Nay soft, I swear, and if you were my brother,

Before I let go I will have another. (kiss, kiss, kiss).

Ruf.

God’s heart, the whore would not kiss me yet!

Meretrix.

If I am a whore, you are a knave; then it is quit.

Huf.

But hear you Meretrix, with whom this night will you lie?

Meretrix.

{115}With him that gives the most money.

Huf.

God’s heart, I have no money in purse, nor yet in clout.

Meretrix.

Then get you hence and pack like a lout!

Huf.

Adieu like a Whore. Exit Huf.

Meretrix.

Farewell like a knave.

Ruf.

{120}God’s Nails, Mistress Meretrix, now he is gone:

A match you shall make straight with me.

I will give you six pences to lie one night with you.

Meretrix.

God’s heart, slave, do you think I am a six penny Jug!

{125}No wis you Jack, I look a little more smug.

Snuf.

I will give her 17 pence to serve me first.

Meretrix.

Gramercy Snuf, you are not the worst.

Ruf.

By God’s heart she were better be hanged, to forsake me and take this!

Snuf.

{130}Was she so? That shall we see.

Ruf.

By God’s heart, my dagger into her I will thrust.

Snuf.

A you boy, you would do it and you durst.

Ambidexter.

Peace, my masters, you shall not fight:

He that draws first I will him smite.

Ruf.

{135}God’s wounds, Master Snuf, are ye so lusty?

Snuf.

God’s sides, master Ruf, are ye so crusty?

Ruf.

You may happen to see.

Snuf.

Do what you dare to me.

Here <they> draw and fight. Here she must lay on and coile them both. The Vice must run his way for fear. Snuf flings down his sword and buckler and run his vvay.

Meretrix.

God’s sides, knaves, seeing to fight you be so rough,

{140}Defend yourselves: for I will give you both enough.

I will teach you how you shall fall out for me:

Yea you slave Snuf, no more blows will you bide?

To take your heels a time haste you spied?

You Villain, seeing Snuf is gone away,

{145}A little better I mean you to pay.

He falls down, she falls upon him, beats him and takes away his weapon.

Ruf.

Alas, good mistress Meretrix, no more:

My legs, sides, and arms with beating are sore.

Meretrix.

You a Soldier and lose your weapon?

Go hence Sir boy, say a woman has you beaten.

Ruf.

{150}Good Mistress Meretrix, my weapon let me have:

Take pity on me, mine honesty to save.

If it be known this repulse I sustain:

It will redound to my ignomy and shame.

Meretrix.

If you will be my man and wait upon me,

{155}This Sword and Buckler I will give you.

Ruf.

I will do all at your commandment:

As servant to you I will be obedient.

Meretrix.

Then let me see how before me you can go!

When I speak to you, you shall do so.

{160}Off with your cap at place and at board,

Forsooth mistress Meretrix at every word.

Tut, tut, in the Camp such soldiers there be?

One good woman would beat a way two or three.

Well, I am sure Customers tarry at home:

{165}Mannerly before, and let us be gone. Exeunt.

[Scene 3].

Enter Ambidexter.

Ambidexter.

O the passion of God, be they here still or no?

I dare not abide to see her beat them so.

I may say to you I was in such a flight!

Body of me, I see the hair of my head stand upright!

{5}When I saw her so hard upon them lay on,

O the passion of God thought I, she will be with me anon!

I made no more ado but avoided the thrust,

And to my legs began for to trust.

And fell a-laughing to myself when I was once gone:

{10}It is wisdom (quoth I) by the mass to save one.

Then into this place I intended to trudge,

Thinking to meet Sisamnes the Judge.

Behold where he comes. I will him meet,

And like a gentleman I mean him to greet

Enter Sisamnes.

Sisamnes.

{15}Since that the King’s Grace’s majesty in office did me set,

What abundance of wealth to me might I get.

Now and then some vantage I achieve, much more yet may I take,

But that I fear unto the king, that some complaint will make.

Ambidexter.

Jesus, master Sisamnes, you are unwise.

Sisamnes.

{20}Why so? I pray, you let me agnise.

What, master Ambidexter, is it you?

Now welcome to me, I make God avow.

Ambidexter.

Jesus, master Sisamnes, with me you are well acquainted:

By me rulers may be trimly painted.

{25}You are unwise if you take not time while you may;

If you will not now when you would you shall have nay.

What is he that of you dare make exclamation,

Of your wrong dealing to make explication?

Can you not play with both hands and turn with the wind?

Sisamnes.

{30}Believe me, your words draw deep in my mind.

In colourwise unto this day to bribes I have inclined,

More the same for to frequent of truth I am now minded.

Behold even now unto me Suitors do proceed.

Enter Small Hability.

Small Hability.

I beseech you hear, good master Judge, a poor man’s cause to tender;

{35}Condemn me not in wrongful wise, that never was offender.

You know right well my right it is, I have not for to give:

You take away from me my due, that should my body relieve.

The Commons of you do complain, from them you devocate;

with anguish great and grievous words, their hearts do penetrate.

{40}The right you sell unto the wrong, your private gain to win:

You violate the simple man, and count it for no sin!

Sisamnes.

Hold your tongue you pratling knave, and give to me reward,

Else in this wise, I tell you true, your tale will not be heard.

Ambidexter, let us go hence, and let the knave alone.

Ambidexter.

{45}Farewell Small Hability! For help now get you none:

Bribes has corrupted him, good Laws to pollute. Exeunt.

Small hability.

A naughty man that will not obey the King's constitute:

with heavy heart I will return til God redress my pain. Exit.

[Scene 4].

Enter Shame with a black trumpet.

Shame.

From among the grisly ghosts I come, from tyrants’ testy train.

Unseemly shame of sooth I am procured to make plain,

The odious facts and shameless deeds that Cambises king does use.

All pity and virtuous life, he does it clean refuse,

{5}Lechery and drunkenness, he does it much frequent,

The Tiger’s kind to imitate, he has given full consent.

He nothing esteems his council grave, nor virtuous bringing up,

But daily still receives the drink of damned vice’s cup.

He can bide no instruction; he takes so great delight

{10}In working of iniquity, for to frequent his spight.

As Fame does sound the royal trump of worthy men and frim,

So Shame does blow the strained blast, the trump of shame on him. Exit.

[Scene 5].

Enter the King, Lord, Praxaspes, and Sisamnes.

King.

My Judge, since my departure hence, have you used Judgement right?

If faithful steward I you find, the same I will requite.

Sisamnes.

No doubt your Grace shall not once hear, that I have done amiss.

Praxaspes.

I much rejoice to hear so good news as this.

Enter Commons Cry running in, speaks this verse and go out again hastely.

Commons Cry.

{5}Alas, alas, how are the Commons oppressed,

By that vile Judge, Sisamnes by name?

I do not know how it should be redressed.

To amend his life no wit he does frame.

We are undone and thrown out of door,

{10}His damnable dealing does us so torment!

At his hand we can find no relief nor succourse.

God grant him Grace for to repent. He runs away crying.

King.

What doleful cries are these my lord, that sound do in mine ear?

Intelligence if you can give, unto your king declare.

{15}To me it seems my Commons all, they do lament and cry

Out of Sisamnes Judge most chief, even now standing us by.

Praxaspes.

Even so (O king) it seemed to me, as you rehersal made.

I doubt the Judge culpable is, in some respect or trade.

Sisamnes.

Redouted king, have no mistrust, no thing your mind dismay:

{20}There is not one that can me charge or ought against me lay.

Enter Commons Complaint with Proof and Trial.

Commons Complaint.

Commons complaint I represent, with thrall of doleful state,

By urgent cause erected forth, my grief for to dilate.

Unto the king I will prepare, my misery to tell

To have relief of this my grief, and fettered feet so fell.

{25}Redouted Prince and mighty King, myself I prostrate here:

Vouchsafe (O King) with me to bear, for this that I appear.

With humble suit I pardon crave, of your most royal Grace

To give me leave my mind to break, before you in this place.

King.

Commons Complaint, keep nothing back, fear not your tale to tell,

{30}Whatever he be within this land that has not used you well:

As Prince’s mouth shall sentence give, he shall receive the same.

Unfold the secrets of your breast, for I extinguish blame.

Commons Complaint.

God preserve your royal Grace, and send you blissful days,

That all your deeds might still accord to give the God your praise.

{35}My complaint is, O mighty king, against that Judge you by,

Whose careless deeds, gain to receive, has made the commons cry:

He, by taking bribes and gifts, the poor he does oppress,

Taking relief from Infants young, widows and fatherless.

King.

Untrustful traitor and corrupt Judge, how like you this complaint?

{40}Forewarning I to you did give, of this to make restraint,

And has you done this devilish deed, mine ire for to augment?

I sentence give, you Judas judge, you shall your deed repent.

Sisamnes.

O puissant Prince, it is not so! His complaint I deny.

Commons complaint.

If it be not so, most mighty King, in place then let me die.

{45}Behold that I have brought with me, both Proof and Trial true,

To stand even here and sentence give, what by him did ensue.

Proof.

I Proof do him in this appeal: he did the Commons wrong,

Unjustly he with them has dealt, his greedy was so strong.

His heart did covet riches to get, be cared not which way.

{50}The poor did lose their due and right, because they want to pay

Unto him for bribes indeed. This was his wonted use:

Whereas your Grace good laws did make, he did the same abuse.

Trial.

I Trial hereto verify what Proof does now unfold:

To stand against him in his wrong, as now I dare be bold.

King.

{55}How like you this, you captive vile? Can you the same deny?

Sisamnes.

O noble king forgive my fact, I yield to your mercy.

King.

Complaints and Proof, redress will I all this your misery:

Depart with speed from whence you came, and straight command by me

The Execution man to come, before my Grace with haste.

All.

{60}For to fulfil this your request, no time we mean to waste. Exeunt they three.

King.

My Lord, before my Grace go call Otian, this Judge’s Son,

And he shall hear and also see what his father has done.

The Father he shall suffer death, the Son his room succeed

And if that he no better prove, so likewise shall he speed.

Praxaspes.

{65}As your Grace has commandment given, I mean for to fulfil.

Praxaspes steps aside and fetches him.

King.

Accursed Judge, could you consent to do this cursed ill?

According unto your demand you shall for this your guilt

Receive your death: before mine eyes, your blood it shall be spilled.

Praxaspes. [(comes back with Otian)]

Behold, O King: Sisamnes’ son before you does appear.

King.

{75}Otian, this is my mind: therefore to me come near.

Your father here for judgment wrong procured has his death,

And you his son shall him succeed, when he has lost his breath;

And if that you do once offend, as you see your father has,

In likewise you shall suffer death: no mercy shall you save.

Otian.

{80}O mighty King, vouchsafe your Grace my father to remit:

Forgive his fault, his pardon I do ask of you as yet.

Alas, although my father has your Princely heart offended,

Amends for miss he will now make and faults shall be amended.

Instead of his requested life, pleases your Grace to take mine:

{85}This offer I as tender Child, so duty does me bind.

King.

Do not entreat my Grace no more, for he shall die the death.

Where is the Execution man, him to bereave of breath?

Enter Execution.

Execution.

At hand, and if it like your Grace, my duty to dispatch,

In hope that I when deed is done, a good reward shall catch.

King.

{90}Dispatch with sword this Judge’s life, extinguish fear and cares;

So done, draw you his cursed skin straight over both his ears.

I will see the office done, and that before mine eyes.

Execution.

To do the thing my king commands, I give the enterprise.

Sisamnes.

Otian, my son, the king to death by law has me condemned,

{95}And you in room and office mine, his Grace’s will has placed.

Use justice therefore in this case, and yield unto no wrong,

Least you do purchase the like death, or ever it be long.

Otian.

O father dear, these words to hear, that you must die by force,

Bedews my cheeks with stilled teares: the King has no remorse.

{100}The grevious grieves and strained sighs my heart does break in twain,

And I deplore, most woeful child, that I should see you slain.

O false and fickle frowning Dame, that turns as the wind,

Is this the joy in father’s age, you me assign to find?

O doleful day, unhappy hour, that loving child should see

{105}His Father dear before his face, thus put to death should be.

Yet Father give me blessing yours, and let me once embrace:

Your comely body in folded arms and kiss your ancient face.

Sisamnes.

O child, you make mine eyes to run as rivers do by stream.

My leave I take of you, my son: beware of this my beam.

King.

{110}Dispatch him even now you man of death! No longer seem to stay.

Execution.

Come Master Sisamnes, came on your way: my office I must pay.

Forgive therefore my deed.

Sisamnes.

I do forgive it you my friend: dispatch therefore with speed.

[Execution] smites him in the neck with a sword to signify his death.

Praxaspes.

Behold, O king, how he does bleed, being of life bereft.

King.

{115}In this wise, he shall not yet be left:

Pull his skin over his ears to make his death more vile.

A wretch he was, a cruel thief my commons to beguile.

Execution flays him with a false skin.

Otian.

What child is he of nature’s mould, could bide the same to see

His Father floughed in this wise? Oh how it grieves me.

King.

{120}Otian, you see your father dead, and you are in his room:

if you be proud as he has been, even thereto shall you come.

Otian.

O King, to me this is a glass: with grief in it I view

Example that unto your Grace, I do not prove untrue.

Praxaspes.

Otian, convey your Father hence to Tomb, where be shall lie.

Otian.

{125}And if it pleases your Lordship, if shall be done by and by.

Good Execution man, for need, help me with him away.

Execution.

I will fulfill as you to me did say. They take him away.

King.

My Lord, now that my Grace has seen, that finished is this deed,

To question mine give tentive ear and answer make with speed.

{130}Have not I done a gratious deed, to redress my commons’ woe?

Praxaspes.

Yea, truely if it please your Grace: you have indeed done so.

But now (O King) in friendly wise, I councel you in this,

A certain vice to leave, that in you placed is.

The vice of drunkenness (Oh king) which does you sore infect

{135}With other great abuses, which I wish you to detect.

King.

Peace my Lord, what needs this? Of this I will not hear.

To Palace now I will return, and there to make good cheer,

God Bacchus he bestows his gifts: we have good store of wine,

And also that the Ladies are, both passing brave and fine.

{140}But stay, I see a Lord now come, and with him a valiant knight.

(Enter a Lord and Knight to meet the King)

What news my Lord? To see you here my heart it does delight.

Lord.

No news, O king, but of duty come, to wait upon your Grace:

King.

I thank you, my Lord and loving knight. I pray you with me trace,

My Lords and Knight I pray you tell, I will not be offended:

{145}Am I worthy of any crime once to be reprehended?

Praxaspes.

The Persians much praise your Grace, but one thing discommend:

In that to Wine subject you are, wherein you do offend.

Since that the might of wine affect does often subdue your brain,

My councel is to please their hearts: from it you would refrain.

Lord.

{150}No, no, my Lord, it is not so, for this of Prince they tell:

For virtuous proof and Princely facts, Cyrus he does excel.

By that his Grace by conquest great the Egyptians did convince

Of him report abroad does pass, to be a worthy Prince.

Knight.

In person of Croesus I answer make: we may not his Grace compare

{155}In whole respect for to be like Cyrus, the king’s father,

In so much your Grace has yet no child, as Cyrus left behind.

Even you I mean, Cambises king, in whom I favour find.

King.

Croesus said well in saying so. But, Praxaspes, tell me why

That to my mouth in such a sort, you should avouch a lie,

{160}Of drunkenness me thus to charge? But you with speed shall see

Whether that I a sober King, or else a drunkard be.

I know you have a blissful baby, wherein you do delight:

Me to revenge of these your words, I will go wreck this spight.

When I the most have tasted wine, my bow it shall be bent:

{165}At heart of him even then to shoot, is now my whole intent.

And if that I his heart can hit, the King no drunkard is;

It heart of his I do not kill, I yield to you in this.

Therefore, Praxaspes, fetch to me your youngest Son with speed:

{170}There is no way I tell you plain, but I will do this deed.

Praxaspes.

Redouted Prince, spare my sweet Child, he is mine only joy!

I trust your Grace to infant’s heart, no such thing will employ.

If that his mother hears of this (she is so nigh near to flight),

In clay her body will soon be shrined, to pass from world’s delight.

King.

{175}No more ado: go fetch me him, it shall be as I say.

And if that I do speak the word, how dare you once say nay?

Praxaspes.

I will go fetch him to your Grace, but so I trust it shall not be.

King.

For fear of my displeasure great, go fetch him unto me. [(Exit Praxaspes)]

Is he gone? Now by the Gods I will do as I say.

{180}My Lord, therefore fill me some wine, I heartily you pray,

For I must drink to make my brain somewhat intoxicate:

When that the wine is in my head, oh trimly I can prate.

Lord.

Here is the cup with filled wine: thereof to take repaste.

King.

{185}Give it me to drink it of, and see no wine be wasted. (drinks)

Once again enlarge this cup, for I must taste it still. (drinks)

By the Gods, I think of pleasant wine I cannot take my fill.

Now drink is in: give me my bow and arrows for, sir Knight,

At heart of child I mean to shoot, hoping to cleave it right.

Knight.

{190}Behold, O King, where he does come, his infant young in hand.

[Praxaspes comes back on stage with his Young Child.]

Praxaspes.

O mighty King, at your Grace’s behest, with sorrow I have scanned,

And brought my Child from mother’s knee, before you to appear,

And she thereof nothing does know that he in place is here.

King.

Set him up my mark to be: I will shoot at his heart.

Praxaspes.

{195}I beseech your Grace not so to do: set this pretence apart.

Farewell, my dear and loving babe, come kiss your father dear:

A grievous sight to me it is, to see you slain even here.

Is this the gain now from the King for giving councel good,

Before my face with such despight, to spill my Son’s heart's blood?

{200}O heavy day to me this is, and mother in like case.

Young Child.

O Father, Father, wipe your face:

I see the tears run from your eye.

My mother is at home sewing of a band:

Alas dear father, why do you cry?

King.

{205}Before me as mark now let him stand: I will shoot at him my mind to fulfill.

Young child.

Alas, alas, Father will you me kill?

Good master king do not shoot at me: my mother loves me best of all.

[The King] shoots.

King.

I have dispatched him: down he does fall.

As right as a line his heart I have hit:

{210}Nay you shall see Praxaspes, stranger news yet.

My Knight, with speed his heart cut out, and give it unto me.

Knight.

It shall be done, O mighty king, with all celerity.

Lord.

My Lord Praxaspes, this had not been, but your tongue must be walking:

To the King of correction, you must needs be talking.

Praxaspes.

{215}No correction, my Lord, but councel for the best.

Knight.

Here is the heart, according to your Grace’s behest.

King.

Behold Praxaspes, your son’s own heart: Oh how well the same was hit!

After this wine to do this deed, I thought it very fit.

Esteem you must right wel thereby, no drunkard is the king,

{220}That in the midst of all his cups, could do this valiant thing.

My Lord and Knight, on me attend to Palace we will go,

And leave him here to take his Son, when we are gone him from.

All.

With all our hearts we give consent, to wait upon your Grace. [Exeunt Cambises, Knight and Lord.]

Praxaspes.

A woeful man, O Lord, am I, to see him in this case.

{225}My days I deem desire their end: this deed will help me hence,

To have the blossoms of my field destroyed by violence.

Enter Mother.

Mother.

Alas, Alas! I do hear tell, the King has killed my son:

If it be so, woe worth the deed, that ever it was done.

It is even so? My Lord I see. How by him he does weep?

{230}What meant I that from hands of him, this child I did not keep?

Alas husband and Lord, what did you mean,

To fetch this child away?

Praxaspes.

O Lady wife, I little thought for to háue seen this day.

Mother.

O blissful babe, O joy of womb, heart’s comfort and delight!

{235}For Councel given unto the King, is this your just requite?

O heavy day and doleful time, these mourning tunes to make

With blue-bred eyes into mine arms, from earth I will you take

And wrap you in mine apron white. But oh, my heavy heart,

The spightful pangs that it sustains, would make it in two to part!

{240}The death of this my son to see, O heavy mother now,

That from your sweet and sugared joy, to sorrow so should bow.

What grief in womb did I retain, before I did you see?

Yet at the last when smart was gone, what joy were you to me?

How tender was I of your food, for to preserve your state?

{245}How stilled I your tender heart, at times early and late?

With velvet Paps I gave you suck with issue from my breast

And danced you, upon my knee, to bring you unto rest.

Is this the ioy of you I reap, O king of Tiger’s brood?

Of tiger’s whelp had you the heart, to see this child’s heart blood?

{250}Nature enforces me, alas, in this wise to deplore:

To wring my hands O well away, that I should see this hour.

Your mother yet will kiss your lips, silk soft and pleasant white

With wringing hands, lamenting for to see you in this plight.

My Lording dear, let us go home, our mourning to augment.

Praxaspes.

{255}My Lady dear with heavy heart, to it I do consent:

Between us both the child to bear unto our lordly place. Exeunt.

[Scene 6].

Enter Ambidexter.

Ambidexter.

Indeed, as they say, I have been absent a long space.

But is not my Cousin Cutpurse with you in the meantime?

To it, to it Cousin, and do your office fine!

How like you Sisamnes for using of me?

{5}He played with both hands, but he sped ill favouredly.

The King himself was godly up trained:

He professed virtue, but I think it was fained.

He plays with both hands, good deeds and ill,

But it was no good deed, Praxaspes’ son to kill.

{10}As he for the good deed on the Judge was commended,

For all his deeds else he is reprehended.

The most evil disposed person that ever was,

All the state of his life he would not let pass.

Some good deeds he will do, though they be but few:

{15}The like things this tyrant Cambises does shew.

No goodness from him to none is exhibited,

But still malediction, abroad is distributed.

And yet you shall see in the rest of his race,

What infamy he will work against his own Grace.

{20}Whist, no more words! Here comes the king’s brother.

Enter Lord Smirdis with Attendance and Diligence.

Smirdis.

The King’s brother by birth am I, issued from Cyrus’ loins:

A grief to me it is to hear, of this the kings repines.

I like not well of those his deeds, that he does still frequent;

I wish to God that other ways, his mind he could content.

{25}Young I am and next to him, no more of us there be.

I would be glad a quiet realm in this his reign to see.

Attendance.

My Lord, your good willing heart the Gods will recompense,

In that your minde so pensive is, for those his great offense.

My Lord, his Grace shall have a time to pair and to amend:

{30}Happy is he that can escape, and not his Grace offend.

Diligence.

If that wicked vice he could refrain, from wasting wine forbear,

A moderate life he would frequent, amending this his square.

Ambidexter.

My Lord, and if your honor it shall please,

I can inform you what is best for your ease.

{35}Let him alone, of his deeds do not talk,

Then by his side you may quietly walk.

After his death, you shall be King:

Then may you reform each kind of thing.

In the meantime live quietly, do not with him deal:

{40}So shall it redowned much to your weal.

Smirdis.

You say true my friend, that is the best:

I know not whether he loves me, or does me detest.

Attendance.

Lean from his company, all that you may:

I faithful Attendance will your honor obey.

{45}If against your honor he takes any ire,

His Grace is as like to kindle his fire

To your honor’s destruction, as otherwise.

Diligence.

Therefore, my Lord, take good advise.

And I Diligence, your case will so tender,

{50}That to his Grace your honor shall be no offender.

Smirdis.

I thank you both entire friends, with my honor still remain.

Ambidexter.

Behold where the King does come with his train.

Enter the King and one Lord.

King.

O Lording dear and brother mine, I joy your state to see,

Surmising much what is the cause, you absent thus from me.

Smirdis.

{55}Please your Grace, no absence I, but ready to fulfill

At all essays my Prince and king, in that your Grace me will.

What I can do in true defence to you, my Prince, aright,

In readiness I always am, to offer forth my might.

King.

And I the like to you again do here avouch the same.

All.

{60}For this your good agreement here, now praised be God’s name.

Ambidexter.

But hear you noble Prince, hark in your ear.

It is best to do as I did declare.

King.

My Lord and brother Smirdis now, this is my mind and will:

That you to Court of mine return, and there to tarry still

{65}Til my return within short space, your honor for to greet.

Smirdis.

At your behest so will I do, til time again we met.

My leave I take from you (O King). Even now I do depart.

Exeunt Smirdis, Attendance and Diligence.

King.

Farewell Lord and Brother mine, farewell with all my heart.

My Lord, my brother Smirdis is of youth and manly might,

{70}And in his sweet and pleasant face my heart does take delight.

Lord.

Yea, noble Prince. If that your Grace before his honor dies,

He will succeed a virtuous king and rule with equity.

King.

As you have said my Lord, he is chief heir next my Grace,

And if I die tomorrow next he shall succeed my place.

Ambidexter.

{75}And if it please your Grace (O king) I heard him say,

For your death unto the God, day and night he did pray.

He would live so virtuously and get him such a praise,

That Fame by trump his due deserts, his honor should up raise.

He said your Grace deserved had the cursing of all men,

{80}That you should never after him get any praise again.

King.

Did he speak thus of my Grace, in such dispightful wise?

Or else do you presume to fill my princely ears with lies?

Lord.

I cannot think it in my heart that he would report so.

King.

How say you? Speak the truth. Was it so or no?

Ambidexter.

{85}I think so, if it please your Grace, but I cannot tell.

King.

You play with both hands, now I perceiue well;

But to put all doubts aside, and to make him lose his hope,

He shall die by dent of sword, or else by choking rope.

Shall he succeed when I am gone, to have more praise than I?

{90}Were he Father as brother mine, I swear that he shall die.

To palace mine I will therefore, his death for to pursue.

Exit.

Ambidexter.

Are you gone? Straight away I will follow you.

How like you now, my masters? Does not this geer cotton?

The proverb old is verified: soon ripe and soon rotten.

{95}He will not be quiet til his Brother is killed,

His delight is wholly to have his blood spilled.

Merry, Sir, I told him a notable lie:

If it were to do again men, I dare do it I.

Merry, when I had done to it I dare not stand:

{100}Thereby you may perceive I use to play with each hand.

But how now, Cousin Cutpurse, with whom play you?

Take heed for his hand is groping even now.

Cousin, take heed, if you do secretly grope:

{105}If you are taken Cousin, you must look through a rope. Exit.

[Scene 7].

Enter Lord Smirdis alone.

Smirdis.

I am wandering alone here and there to walk:

The Court is so unquiet, in it I take no joy.

Solitary to myself now I may talk.

If I could rule I know what to say.

Enter Cruelty and Murder with bloody hands.

Cruelty.

{5}My coequal partner Murder, come away!

From me, long you may not stay.

Murder.

Yes from you I may stay, but not you from me,

Therefore I have a prerogative above you.

Cruelty.

But in this case we must togither abide.

{10}Come, come! Lord Smirdis I have spied.

Lay hands on him with all festination,

That on him we may work our indignation.

Smirdis.

How now my friends? What have you to do with me?

Murder.

King Cambises has sent us unto you,

{15}Commaunding us straightly, without mercy or favour,

Upon you to bestow our behaviour

With Cruelty to murder you, and make you away.

[They] strike him in different places.

Smirdis.

Yet, pardon me, I heartily you pray:

Consider the King is a tyrant tirannious,

{20}And all his doings are damnable and parnitious.

Favour me therefore, I did him never offend.

A little bladder of Vinegar <is> pricked.

Cruelty.

No favour at all: your life is at an end.

Even now I strike his body to wound:

Behold! Now his blood springs out on the ground.

Murder.

{25}Now he is dead. Let us present him to the King.

Cruelty.

Lay to your hand, away him to bring. Exeunt.

[Scene 8].

Enter Ambidexter.

Ambidexter.

O the passion of God, yunder is a heavy Court:

Some weep, some wail, and some make great sport.

Lord Smirdis by Cruelty and Murder is slain:

But, Jesus, for want of him, how some do complain.

{5}If I should have had a thousand pound, I could not forbear weeping:

Now Jesus have his blessed soul in keeping.

Ah, good Lord, to think on him how it does me grieve:

I can not forbeare weeping, you may me believe. (He weeps)

O my heart, how my pulses do beat!

{10}With sorrowful lamentations, I am in such a heat.

Ah my heart, how for him it does sorrow!

Nay, I have done in faith now, and God give you good morrow.

Ha, ha, weep? Nay laugh, with both hands to play!

The king through his cruelty has made him away.

{15}But has not he wrought a most wicked deed,

Because king after him he should not proceed?

His own natural brother and having no more,

To procure his death by violence sore,

In spight because his brother should never be King:

{20}His heart being wicked consented to this thing.

Now he has no more brothers nor kindred alive:

If the king use this geer still, he cannot long thrive.

Enter Hob and Lob.

Hob.

God’s hat, naibor, come away! It’s time to market to go!

Lob.

God’s Vast, naybor, zay you zo?

{25}The clock has striken vive, ich think, by laken:

Bum Vay vrom sleep cham not very wel waken.

But Naybor Hoh, Naybor Hob, what have you to zel?

Hob.

Bum troth, Naybor Lob, to you I chil tel.

Chave two goslings, and a chine of good pork:

{30}There is no vatter between this and York.

Chave a pot of strawberries and a calve's head,

A zennight zince to morrow it has been dead.

Lob.

Chave a score of eggs, and of butter a pound:

Yesterday a nest of goodly young rabbits I bound.

{35}Chave vorty things mo, of more and of less ...

My brain is not very good them to express.

But God's hat naybor, wotst what?

Hob.

No not wel naybor. what's that?

Lob.

Bum vay naybor, master king is a zhrode lad!

{40}Zo God help me and holidam, I think the vool be mad.

Zome zay he did cruelly his brother he did kill,

And also a goodly young lad's heart blood, he did spill.

Hob.

Vorbod of God naibor, has he plaied zuch a volish deed?

Ambidexter.

Goodman Hob and goodman Lob, God be your speed!

{45}As you two towards market do walk,

Of the king’s cruelty I did hear you talk.

I assure you, he is a king most vile and pernicious:

His doings and life are odious and vicious.

Lob.

It were a good deed zomebody would break his hed.

Hob.

{50}Bum vay naybor Lob, I chousd he were dead.

Ambidexter.

So would I, Lob and Hob, with all my heart.

[(aside)] Now with both hands, will you see me play my part?

A you whoreson traitorly knaves!

Hob and Lob, out upon you slaves!

Lob.

{55}If you call me knave, you are an other:

My name is Lob and Hob my next naybor.

Ambidexter.

Hob and Lob, a you country patches,

Ah you fools, you have made wrong matches!

You have spoken treason against the king’s Grace;

{60}For it I will accuse you before his face.

Then for the same you shall be martered:

At the least you shall be hanged, drawn and quartered.

Hob.

O gentleman, you shall have two pear-pies and tell not of me!

Lob.

By God, a vat goose chil give you!

{65}I think no hurt by my father's soul, I zweare!

Hob.

Chave liued wel all my life time my naybors among,

And now chould be lothe to come to zuch wrong.

To be hanged and quartered? The grief would be great!

Lob.

A foul evil on you Hob, who bid you on it treat?

{70}Vor it was you that first did him name.

Hob.

You lie like a varlet, and you zaist the same:

It was zuch a voolish Lob as you.

Lob.

Speak many words, and by God’s nails I vow,

Upon your pate my staff I will lay.

Ambidexter.

{80} [(aside)] By the Mass, I will cause them to make a fray.

Yea, Lob, you say true: all came through him.

Lob.

Bum vay you Hob, a little would make me ye trim.

Give you a zawp on your nose til your heart ake.

Hob.

If you dare do it, else man cry creak!

{85}I thrust before you hurt me:

With my staff chil make a Lob of you.

Here let them fight with their slaves, not coming near another by three or four yards. The Vice sets them on as hard as he can. One of their wives come out and all to beat the Vice, and he runs away.

Enter Marian-may-be-good, Hob’s wife, running in with a broom, and parts them.

Marian.

O the body of me! Husband Hob, what mean you to fight?

For the passion of God, no more blows smite!

Neighbours and friends so long, and now to fall out?

{90}What? In your age to seeme so stout?

If I had not parted you, one had killed one another.

Lob.

I had not cared, I swear by God’s mother.

Marian.

Shake hands again at the request of me:

As you have been friends, so friends still be.

Hob.

{95}Bum troth cham content. And zaist word, neigbor Lob?

Lob.

I am content. Agreed, neighbor Hob.

[They] shake hands and laugh heartily at one another.

Marian.

So, get you to market, no longer stay;

And with yonder knave let me make a fray.

Hob.

Content wife Marian, chil do as you dost say,

{100}But busse me, ich pray you, at going away.

Exeunt Hob and Lob.

Marian.

You whoreson knave and prickeard boy, why did you let them fight?

If one had killed another here, could you their deaths requite?

It bears a sign by this your deed: a cowardly knave you are,

Else would you draw your weapon thine, like a man them to part.

Ambidexter.

{105}What, Marian-may-be-good, are you come pratling?

You may hap get a box on the ear, with your talking!

If they had killed one another, I had not cared a pea.

Here let her swing him in her broom. She gets him down, and he her down, and thus one on the top of another make pastime.

Marian.

Ah villain! Myself on you I must ease.

Give me a box on the ear? That will I try:

{110}Who shall be Master you shall see by and by.

Ambidexter.

O no more, no more, I beseech you heartily:

Even now I yield, and give you the mastery.

He runs his way out while she is down.

Marian.

Ah you knave, do you throw me down and run your way?

If he was here again, oh how I would him pay!

{115}I will after him, and if I can him meet,

With these my nails his face I will greet.

[Exit].

[Scene 9].

Enter Venus leading out her son Cupid, blind. He must have a bow and two shafts, one headed with gold and the other headed with lead.

Venus.

Come forth my Son, unto my words attentive ears resigne:

What I pretend see you frequent, to force this game of mine.

The King a kinswoman has, adorned with beauty store,

And I wish that Diana’s gifts them two shall keep no more,

{5}But use my silver-sugared game, their joys for to augment.

When I do speak to wound his heart, Cupid my Son, consent,

And shoot at him the shaft of love, that bears the head of Gold,

To wound his heart in lovers’ wise, his grief for to unfold.

Though kin she be unto his Grace, that nature me expell,

{10}Against the course thereof he may, in my game please me well.

Wherefore my Son do not forget: forthwith pursue the deed.

Cupid.

Mother, I mean for to obey, as you have whole decreed;

But you must tell me mother dear, when I shall arrow draw,

Else your request to be attained will not be worth a straw.

{15}I am blind and cannot see, but still do shoot by guess:

The Poets well in places store of my might do express.

Venus.

Cupid, my Son, when time shall serve, you shall do this deed:

Then warning I to you will give, but see you shoot with speed.

[Enter a] Lord, [a] Lady [and a] waiting maid.

Lord.

Lady dear to King akin, forthwith let us proceed

{20}To trace abroad the beauty fields, as erst we had decreed.

The blowing buds whose savoury scents our senses will much

The sweet smell of musk white rose, to plese the appetite;

The chirping birds whose plesant tunes therein shall hear record delight

That our great joy we shall it find in field to walk abroad.

{25}On lute and cittern there to play a heavenly harmony,

Our ears shall hear, heart to content, our sports to beauty.

Lady.

Unto your words most comely, Lord, myself submit do I:

To trace with you in field so green, I mean not to deny.

Maid. (here [she] traces up and down playing)

And I your waiting maid at hand, with diligence will be,

{30}For to fulfill with heart and hand, when you shall command me.

Enter King, Lord and Knight.

King.

Come on, my Lord and knight abroad, our mirth let us employ!

Since he is dead, this heart of mine in body I feel it joy.

Should brother mine have reigned king, when I had yielded breath,

A thousand brothers I rather had to put them all to death.

{35}But oh, behold where I do see a Lord and Lady fair:

For beauty she most worthy is, to sit in Prince’s chair.

Venus.

Shoot forth, my son! Now is the time, that you must wound his heart.

Cupid.

Content you, Mother: I will do my part.

[Cupid] shoots there [; then] Venus and Cupid go out.

King.

Of truth, my Lord, in eye of mine all Ladies she does excel:

{45}Can none report what dame she is, and to my Grace it tell?

Lord.

Redouted Prince, pleases your Grace, to you she is akin:

Cousin Germain nigh of birth, by mother’s side come in.

Knight.

And that her waiting maiden is attending her upon.

He is a Lord of Prince’s Court, and will be there anon.

{50}They sport themselves in pleasant field, to former used use.

King.

My Lord and knight, of truth I speak: my heart it cannot choose,

But with my Lady I must speak and so express my mind.

My Lord and Ladies walking there, if you will favour find,

Present yourselves unto my Grace, and by my side come stand.

First Lord.

{55}We will fulfil, most mighty king, as your Grace does command.

King.

Lady dear, intelligence my Grace has got of late,

You issued out of mother’s stock, and kin unto my state.

According to rule of birth you are, Cousin germane mine:

Yet do I wish that further of this kindred I could find.

{60}For Cupid, he, that eyeless boy, my heart has so enflamed

With beauty you me to content, the like cannot be named.

For since I entered in this place and on you fixed mine eyes,

Most burning fits about my heart in ample wise did rise.

The heat of them such force does yield, my body they scorch (alas!),

{65}And burns the same with wasting heat, as Titan does the grass.

And since this heat is kindled so, and fresh in heart of me,

There is no way but of the same, the quencher you must be.

My meaning is that beauty yours, my heart with love does wound;

To give me love, mind to content my heart has you out found.

{70}And you are she, must be my wife, else shall I end my days:

Consent to this and be my Queen, to wear the crown with praise.

Lady.

If it pleases your Grace (O mighty king), you shall not this request:

It is a thing that nature’s course does utterly detest,

And high it would the God displease, of all that is the worst.

{75}To grant your Grace to marry, so, it is not I that dare.

Yet humble thanks I render now unto you, mighty King,

That you vouchsafe to great estate so gladly would me bring.

Were it not it were offence, I would it not deny;

But such great honor to achieve, my heart I would apply.

{80}Therefore (O king) with humble heart, in this I pardon crave:

Mine answer is in this request. Your mind you may not have.

King.

May I not? Nay then, I will, by all the Gods I vow;

And I will marry you as wife, this is mine answer now.

Who dare say no what I pretend, who dare the same withstand?

{85}Shall lose his head and have report as traitor through my land.

There is no nay: I will you have, and you my Queen shall be!

Lady.

Then, mighty King, I crave your Grace to hear the words of me.

Your councel take of Lordings’ wit, the laws aright peruse:

If I with safe may grant this deed, I will it not refuse.

King.

{90}No, no, what I have said to you. I mean to have it so:

For counsel theirs I mean not I, in this respect to go.

But to my Palace let us go, the marriage to prepare:

For to avoid my will in this, I can it not forbear.

Lady.

O God, forgive me if I do amiss:

{95}The king by compulsion enforces me this.

Maid.

Unto the Gods for your estate I will not cease to pray

That you may be a happy Queen, and see most joyful days.

King.

Come on, my Lords: with gladsome hearts, let us rejoyce with glee.

{100}Your Music show to joy this deed, at the request of me.

Both.

For to obey your Grace’s words our honours do agree. Exeunt.

[Scene 10.]

Enter Ambidexter.

Ambidexter.

O the passion of me, marry as they say, yonder is a royal court:

There is triumphing and sport upon sport.

Such loyal Lords, with such Lordly exercise,

Frequenting such pastime as they can devise:

{5}Running at tilt, josting with running at the ring,

Masking and mumming with each kind of thing,

Such dauncing, such singing, with musical harmony!

Believe me, I was loth to absent their company.

But will you believe? Jesu, what haste they made ‘til they were married?

{10}Not for a million of pounds one day longer they would have tarried!

Oh there was a banquet royal and superexcellent:

Thousands and thousands at that banquet was spent.

I muse of nothing but how they can be married so soon;

I care not if I be married before tomorrow at noon.

{15}If marriage is a thing that so may be had,

How say you maid? To marry me will you be glad?

Out of doubt I believe it is some excellent treasure,

Else to the same belongs abundant pleasure.

Yet with mine ears I have heard some say:

{20} “That ever I was married, now cursed be the day!”

Those are they, that with curse wives are matched,

That husband for hank’s meat, of them is up snatched:

Head broken with a bedstaff, face all to be scratched,

Knave, slave and villain, a cold coat now and then -

{25}When the wife has given it, she will say “alas good man”.

Such were better unmarried, my masters, I trow:

Then all their life after to be matched with a shrew.

Enter Preparation.

Preparation.

With speed I am sent all things to prepare,

My message to do as the king did declare.

{30}His Grace does mean a banquet to make,

Meaning in this place repast for to take.

Well, the cloth shall be laid and all things in readiness,

To court to return when done is my business.

Ambidexter.

A proper man, and also a fit,

{35}For the King’s estate to prepare a banquet.

Preparation.

What, Ambidexter? You are not unknown:

A mischief on all good faces, so that I curse not mine own!

Now, in the knave’s name, shake hands with me.

Ambidexter.

Well said, good man pouchmouth: your reverence I see.

{40}I will teach you, if your manners no better be.

A you slave, the king does me a gentleman allow;

Therefore I look, that to me you shall how. [They] fight.

Preparation.

Good Master Ambidexter, pardon my behaviour;

For this your deeds, you are a knave for your labour.

Ambidexter.

{45}Why, you stale counterly vaillain, nothing but Knave? [They] fight.

Preparation.

I am sorry your mastership offended I have.

Shake hands, that between us agreement may be:

I was overshot with myself, I do see.

Let me have your help, this furniture to provide:

{50}The King from this place will not long abide.

[Preparation] sets the fruit on the bord.

Ambidexter.

Content, it is the thing that I would wish:

I myself will go fetch one dish.

[Here] let the Vice set a dish of nuts and let them fall in the bringing of them in.

Preparation.

Cleanly, master Ambidexter? For fair on the ground they lie.

Ambidexter.

I will have them up again by and by.

Preparation.

{55}To see all in readiness I will put you in trust:

There is no nay, to the Court needs I must. Exit Preparation.

Ambidexter.

Have you no doubt, but all shall be well.

Marry, Sir, as you say, this geer does excel.

All things is in a readiness when they come hither,

{60}The king’s Grace and the Queen both together.

I beseech that my masters tell me is it not best,

That I am so bold to bid a gest?

He is as honest a man as ever spurred cow –

My Cousin Cutpurse I mean. I beseech you judge you.

{65}Believe me, Cousin, if to be the King’s jest, you could be taken:

I trust that offer would not be forsaken.

But, Cousin, because to that office you are not like to come,

Frequent your exercises, a horn on your thumb.

A quick eye, a sharp knife, at hand a receiver –

{70}But then take heed, Cousin, you are a cleanly conveyer.

Content yourself Cousin, for this banquet you are unfit,

When such as I at the same am not worthy to sit.

Enter the King, the Queen and his train.

King.

My Queen and Lords, to take repast let us attempt the same:

Here is the place. Delay no time, but to our purpose frame.

Queen.

{75}With willing hearts your whole behest, we mind for to obay.

All.

And we the rest of Prince’s train, will do as you do say.

King. (sits at the banquet)

Methinks mine ears does wish the sound of music’s harmony;

Here for to play before my Grace, in place I would them spy.

Ambidexter. (plays at the banquet)

They are at hand, Sir, with stick and fiddle:

{80}They can play a new dance called hey diddle diddle.

King.

My Queen, perpend. What I pronounce I will not violate,

But one thing which my heart makes glad I mind to explicate.

You know in Court by trained is a Lion very young,

Of on litter two whelps beside, as yet not very strong.

{85}I did request one whelp to see and this young Lion fight,

But Lion did the whelp convince by strength of force amight.

His brother whelp, perceiving that the Lion was to good,

And he by force was like to see the other whelp his blood,

With force to Lion he did run, his brother for to help:

{90}A wonder great it was to see that friendship in a whelp.

So then the whelps between them both the Lion did convince,

Which thing to see before mine eyes did glad that heart of Prince.

At this tale told let the Queen weep.

Queen.

These words to hear makes stilling tears issue from Crystal eyes.

King.

What do you mean, my spouse, to weep, for loss of any price?

Queen.

{95}No, no, O King, but as you see friendship in brothers whelp:

When one was like to have repulse, the other yielded help.

And was this favour showed in dogs to shame of royal king:

Alack, I wish these ears of mine had not once heard this thing!

Even so should you, O mighty King, to brother been a stay,

{100}And not without offence to you in such wise him to slay.

In all assays it was your part his cause to have defended,

And whosoever had him misused to have them reprehended.

But faithful love was more in dog, then it was in your Grace.

King.

O cursed captive vicious vile, I hate you in this place!

{105}This banquet it is an end, take all these things away!

Before my face you shall repent the words that you did say.

O wretch most vile, did you the cause of brother mine so tender?

The loss of him should grieve your heart, he being none offender.

It did me good his death to have, so will it to have thine:

{110}What friendship he had at my hands, the same even that shall find.

I give consent and make a vow that you shall die the death,

By Cruel’s sword and Murder fell, even you shall die the breath.

Ambidexter, see with speed to Cruelty you go:

Cause him hither to approch, Murder with him also.

Ambidexter.

{115}I ready am for to fulfill, if that it be your Grace’s will.

King.

Then nought oblight my message given: absent yourself away.

Ambidexter.

Then in this place I will no longer stay.

[(aside to the Queen)]

If that I dare, I would mourn your case,

But alas, I dare not for fear of his Grace. Exit Ambidexter.

King.

{120}You cursed ill, by all the Gods, I take an oath and swear,

that flesh of thine these hands of mine in pieces small could tear.

But you shall die by dent of sword: there is no friend nor foe,

Shall find remorse at Prince’s hand, to save the life of you.

Queen.

Oh mighty King and husband mine, vouchsafe to heare me speak,

{125}And licence give to spouse of yours her patient mind to break.

For tender love unto your Grace, my words I did so frame;

For pure love does heart of king me violate and blame.

And to your Grace is this offence, that I should purchase death?

Then cursed time that I was Queen, to shorten this my breath!

{130}Your Grace does know, by marriage true I am your wife and spouse,

And one to save another’s health (at truth plight) made our vows:

Therefore, O king, let loving Queen, at your hand find remorse.

Let pity be a mean to quench that cruel raging force,

And pardon plight from prince’s mouth. Yield grace unto your queen,

{135}That amity with faithful zeal may ever be us between.

King.

Ah, captive vile! To pity you, my heart it is not bent,

Nor yet to pardon your offence, it is not mine intent.

First Lord.

Our mighty prince with humble suit of your Grace this I crave,

That this request it may take place, your favour for to have.

{140}Let mercy yet abundantly the life of Queen preserve,

Since she in most obedient wise your Grace’s will does serve.

As yet your Grace but while with her has had cohabitation,

And sure this is no desert why to yield her indignation.

Therefore, O King, her life prolong, to joy her days in bliss.

Second Lord.

{145}Your Grace shall win immortal fame in granting unto this.

She is a Queen whose goodly hue excells the royal Rose:

For beauty bright Dame Nature she a large gift did dipose.

For comeliness who may compare? Of all she bears the bet.

This should give cause to move your Grace to love her very well.

{150}Her silver breast in those your arms to sing the songs of love,

Fine qualities most excellent to be in her you prove.

A precious pearl of price to Prince, a Jewel passing all:

Therefore, O king, to beg remorse on both my knees I fall,

To graunt her Grace to have her life, with heart I do desire.

King.

{155}You villains two, with raging force, you set my heart on fire!

If I consent that she shall die, how dare you crave her life?

You two to ask this at my hand does much enlarge my strife;

Were it not for shame you two should die, that for her life do sue.

But favour mine from you is gone, my Lords, I tell you true.

{160}I sent for Cruelty of late, if he would come away;

I would commit her to his hands, his cruel part to play.

Even now I see where he does come, it does my heart delight.

Enter Cruelty and Murder.

Cruelty.

Come Murder, come, let us go forth with might:

Once again the Kings commaundement we must fulfill.

Murder.

{165}I am contented to do it with a good will.

King.

Murder and Cruelty, for both of you I sent,

With all festination, your offices to frequent.

Lay hold on the Queen, take her to your power,

And make her away with in this hour.

{170}Spare for no fear: I do you full permit.

So I from this place do mean for to fleet.

Both.

With couragious hearts, O King, we will obey:

King.

Then come my Lords! Let us depart away.

Both the Lords.

With heavy hearts we will do all, your Grace does say. Exeunt King and Lords.

Cruelty.

{175}Come, Lady and Queen, now are you in our handling:

In faith with you we will use no dandling.

Murder.

With all expedition I, Murder, will take place:

Though you be a Queen, you are under my Grace.

Queen.

With patience I will you both obey.

Cruelty.

{180}No more words, but go with us away.

Queen.

Yet before I die some Psalm to God let me sing.

Both.

We are content to permit you that thing.

Queen.

Farewell, you Ladies of the Court, with all your masking hue:

I do forsake these broadered gards, and all the factions new,

{185}The Court and all the courtly train, wherein I had delight.

I banished am from happy sport and all by spightful spight,

Yet with a joyful heart to God a Psalm I mean to sing:

Forgiuing all and the king, of eche kinde of thing. [She] sing[s] and [they] exeunt.

[Scene 11].

Enter Ambidexter weeping.

Ambidexter.

A, A, A, A, I cannot choose but weep for the Queen:

Nothing but mourning now at the Court there is seen.

Oh, oh, my heart, my heart! Oh my bum will break:

Very grief so torments me that scarce I can speak.

{5}Who could but weep for the loss of such a Lady?

That can not I do, I swear by mine honesty.

But Lord, so the Ladies mourn, crying alack:

Nothing is worn now but only black.

I believe all cloth in wailing street, to make gownes would not serve:

{10}If I make a lie, the Devil let you starve.

All Ladies mourn, both young and old:

There is not one that wears a points worth of gold.

There is a sort for fear, for the King do pray;

That would have him dead, by the mass I dare say.

{15}What a King was he that has used such tiranny?

He was akin to Bishop Bonner, I think verily,

For both their delights was to shed blood,

But never intended to do any good.

Cambises put a Judge to death, that was a good deed,

{20}But to kill the young child was worse to proceed.

To murder his brother, and then his own wife?

So help me God and holy dame, it is pity of his life!

Hear you? I will lay twenty thousand pound,

That the king himself does die by some wound.

{25}He has shed so much blood that his will be shed:

If it come so to pass in faith then he is sped.

Enter the king without a gown, a sword thrust up into his side, bleeding.

King.

Out alas, what shall I do? My life is finished.

Wounded I am by sodden chance, my blood is diminished.

God’s heart, what means might I make, my life to preserve?

{30}Is there nought to be my help, nor is their nought to serve?

Out upon the Court, and Lords that there remain:

To help my grief in this my case, will none of them take pain?

Who but I in such a wise his death’s wound could have got?

As I on horse back up did leap, my sword from scabbard shot,

{35}And ran me thus into the side, as you right well may see:

A marvel’s chance unfortunate, that in this wise should be.

I feel myself dying now, of life bereft am I,

And death has caught me with his dart, for want of blood I spy.

Thus gasping here on ground I lie, for nothing I do care:

{40}A just rewad for my misdeeds, my death does plain declare. Here let him quake and stir.

Ambidexter.

How now noble King? Pluck up your heart.

What, will you die, and from us depart?

Speak to me, and you are alive.

He cannot speak, but behold how with death he does strive.

{45}Alas good King, alas he is gone:

The Devil take me, if for him I make any moan.

I did prognosticate of his end by the Mass:

Like as I did say, so is it come to pass.

I will be gone: if I should be found here,

{50}That I should kill him it would appear,

For fear with his death they do me charge.

Farewell, my masters: I will go take barge.

I mean to be packing, now is the tide:

Farewell, my masters, I will no longer abide. Exit Ambidexter.

Enter three Lords.

First Lord.

{55}Behold my Lords: it is even so, as he to us did tell.

His Grace is dead upon the ground, by dent of sword most fell.

Second Lord.

As he in saddle would have lept, his sword from sheath did go,

Cutting him up into the side: his life was ended so.

Third Lord.

His blood so fast did issue out, that nought could him prolong;

{60}Yet before he yielded up the ghost, his heart was very strong.

First Lord.

A just reward for his misdeeds the God above has wrought,

For certainly the life he led was to be counted nought.

Second Lord.

Yet a princely burial he shall have, according his estate,

{65}And more of him here at this time we have not to dilate.

Third Lord.

My Lord, let us take him up, to carry him away.

Both.

Content we are with one accord, to do as you do say. Exeunt all.

Epilogus.

Right gentle audience, here have you perused

The tragical history of this wicked king.

According to our duty we have not refused,

But to our best intent expressed everything.

{5}We trust none is offended for this our doing;

Our author craves likewise if he have squared amiss:

By gentle admonition to know where the fault is.

His good will shall not be neglected to amend the same,

Praying all to bear therefore with his simple deed.

{10}Until the time serve a better he may frame,

Thus yielding you thanks to end we decreed,

That you so gently have suffered us to proceed,

In such patient wise as to hear and see:

We can but thank you therefore, we can do no more.

{15}As duty binds us for our noble Queene let us pray,

And for her honorable Councel the truth that they may use

To practise Justice and defend her Grace each day,

To maintain Gods word they may not refuse,

to correct all those, that would her Grace and Grace’s laws abuse,

{20}Beseeching God over us, she may reign long,

To be guided by truth and defended from wrong.

Amen quod Thomas Preston.

Imprinted at London by John Allde.