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I

THE

GENTLEMA N

VENICE

A

Tragi-Comedie

Prefentedatthe Private houfe in

Salisbury Court by her

Majefties Servants.

Written by

James Shirley.

LONDON 3

Printed for Humphrey CWofeley and are to be fold at his Shop at the Princes Armes in St.

Pm Is Church-yard, 1655.

I

>^9.f/9,

\

TO THE

HONORABLE

Sir T HO. NIGHTINGALE

Baronet.

si*K,

H E Poem that approacheth to kifs your hand, had once a An¬ gular grace and luftre from the Scene, when it enjoy’d thelifeof

a&ion^Nor did it want thebefl: hands to ap¬ plaud it in the Theater} But nothing of thefe is considerable, to the Honour it may receive now from jyour Confirmation and accep¬ tance.

I muft acknowledge many years have pa ft 5 fince it did Vagire in Cunts , and when it had gotten ftrength,and legs to walk3travel- ing without direction, it loft it felf, till it was recovered after much inquifition, and now upon thefirfl: return home, hath made this fortunate addreffe , and application to your Patronage^ In which my ambition is fa- tisfied.

I know this Nation hath been fruitfull in

A 2

names

The Epiftle Dedicatory.

names of Eminent Honor. But in thefe times, there be more Lords then Noblemen, and while you are pleas’d tofmileupon this piece, I moft cheerfully throw my felfe, and it upon your Protection, whofe Angle worth to me, is beyond all the boafted Greatnefie and voluminous titles of our age.

Be pleas’d to read, what is prefented yovi , at an hour, you will dedicate to Recreation, and prefer ve the Author in your memory , whofe higheft defires are to make good the Character of

Sir9

The moft bumble among \

I

thofe that honor you*'!

James Shirley

The

S>>

The names with ibme (mall

Chara&ers of the Perfons.

THE Duke of Venice.

Gornari a Gentleman of Venice of a great fortune 9 but having no Child 9 contrives to have an heir from hts wife } and a^ainfl the nature and cuflome of the Italian, indeer es anEngUfh gentleman to her affection and fociety.

Florelli the Eng lift Gentleman of a Noble extraction and perfons much honoured for his parts, by which he gained much reputation in the Acade¬ mies.

Malipiero Nephew to Cornarb a, man of a violent fpiriti and haled by his Uncle y for his de¬ baucheries.

Giovanni^ {fuppos *d Son of Roberto the Dukes Gardiner ) whofe noble mind could not bee fupprefl 5 in his low condition 5 and in love xticb

Bellaura.

Thomazo, the fuppofed Son of the Duke 3 whom no precepts , nor education at Court-, could forme into honorable defres} or employments.

Marino lCourtfe7S 6f Honor.

Candiano \

Roberto the Dukes Gardiner > an humorous jolly old man.

cA 3 Ber-

I^rcdfo \comPanions °f Malipiero

Georgio, the (jar diners ferv ant.

Bravos.

Attendants .

SouldierS.

Bellaura the Dukes Niece 3 whom Giovanni

pafsionately affected.

Claudiana wife to Gornaris a Lady of excel - le nt beauty jngratiated ky her husband to Florelli thcenglifh Gentleman.

Urfula wife to Roberto^ a froward woman 3and who much doted upon Thomazo her Nurfechild „ Rofabella a Curtefan.

The Scene.

VENICE.

THE

THE

gentleman

OF

VENICE.

Ad. i.

Enter Malipiero, whe knock* at a Dsore} to him a Servant,

Mai.

Here is my Uncle firra >

Str. Not within.

Mai. Come hither, tell me truth. Ser. Hee’s gone abroad.

Mai, He has commanded your offi¬ cious roguefhip.

To deny him to me. [ Mat. kicks him. ]

Ser, What do you mean fir > ( kicks

Mai. To (peak with my Uncle firrah, anclthefe Shall fetch him hither.

Ser. Help. £ He runns in]

Mai, Your howling will

A 4 Be

a Tie gentleman of V enice.

Be his kue to appear.

Enter Cowart. A

Cor. What infolence is this ? 1

Mai. No infolence: I did but correS: your knave, 1 Becaufe I would not lofe my labour fir,

1 cametofpeakw’ee. f

Cor. Shall I not be fafe - l

Within my houfe> hence- I

Mai. I ha not done yet.

Cor. Y ou were bsft aflault me too,

Mai. 1 mud borrow money.

And that fome call a ftrikingj but you are My very loving Uncle, and do know How ncceffary it is, your Nephew fhould not Want for your honor.

Cor. Hence;! difclaim ,

And throw thee from- my bloodjthou art a baftard, Mai. Indeed you do lie Uncle, and ’tis love ,

And reverence bids me fay fo, it would coft Dear, fhould the proudeft Gentleman of Venice Have call’d myMother whore3 but you ftia.ll onely By the disboUHe of fifty Duccats take My anger off, and l’lc be ftill your Nephew ^

And drink your health, and my good Aunts.

Cor. Drink thy Confufion.

Mai. Heaven forbid your Heir fhould fo Forget himfelf, and lofe the benefit Gf fuch a fair Eftate as you have Uncle}

Shall I have Gold for prefent ufe 1 Cor NotaZ'chine.

Mai. Conuder but what Company I keep.

Cor,. Things that lie like Confumptions on their Family,

And will in time eat up their very name}

A knot of fooles and knaves.

Mai.

The Gentleman of V enice 3

Mai. Take heed, be temperate,

A hundred Duccats elte wil hadly fatisfie,

’The Dukes own Son Signior Thoma&o wo’not BIu(h to be drunk fir in my company.

Cor. He is corrupted Amongft difeafes like thy felf, become His Fathers ftiame and forrow, and hath no Inheritance of his noble nature.

Mai. You

Were beftcall him baftard too, the money I modeftly dernandcd,and that quickly,

And quietly, before I talk aloud,

I may be heard to’th Palace elfe.

Cor.Thou heard/ i’le tel thee,

Were treafon talk’d, I believe thy teftimony Would hold no credit againft the hangman5but I lofc too pretious time in dialogue with thee.

To be Ihort therefore know.** —

Mai. Very well, to’th point.

Cor. I will confume all my eftatc my felf. (&ion. Mai. You do not know the waics without inftru- Cor. I will be inftru&ed then.

Mai. I doc like that.

Let’s joyn focieties, and ile be fatisfied ;

Let me have part in the confuming of

The mony,that does mould for want of Sun-beams

Within your mufty Coffers, l’lc releafe you.

You have no lwaggering face; but I can teach Your very lookes to make a noyfe, and if You cannot drink or game, wee’l ha’ devices;

You may have whores, I that but live in hope After your death, keep twelve in penfion, r They wear my Livery, l’le refigne the Leverets ,

I can ha more, I have a lift of all

The Curtczans in Venice3 which ftiall tumble

And keep their bugle bowes for thee dear Uncle ,

L Wee’Ic

4 The Gentleman of Venice.

Wce’l teach thee a thoufand waies.

Cor. itlhannotnced,

I (hall take other courfes with my wealth.

And none of you (hall (hare in’t. I have a humour To turn my mony into Hofpitalls;

Your riots come not thither.

’ M al. But we may.

Drink, and difeafes are the waies to that too.

But will you turn a Mailer of this Colledge You talk of Uncle? this fame Hofpitall ?

And lay out mony to buy wooden leggs For crippl’d men of War, invite to your coll Men that have loft their nofes in hot fervice?

Live and converfe with roten bawdes & bonefetters, Provide Penfions for furgery, and hard words That eat like Corrofives, and more afflift The patient? but you’l fave charges, I confider My Aunt, your wife — —

Cor. How darft thou mention her With thy foul breath.

Mai. May be excellent at compoling Of Med’cines for corrupted lungs, impoftumes At making plaifters, dyet drinks, and in charity Will be a great friend to the pox.

Cor. Thou villain.

Mai. And you’l be famous by’t, I may in time As I faid before, if lull, and wine affift me,

Grow unfound too, and be one of her patients}

And have an office after in her houfhold To prepare lint, and fearcloths, empty veines.

And be controller of the Crutches, oh The world would praife the new foundation Of fuch a Peft houfe, and the poor foules drink Your health at every Feftivallin hot porredge. •

Cor. Art thou of kin to me ?

Mai. I think I am,

As

5

T be Gentleman of Venice:

As near asyour brothers eld eft Son, who had No competent eftate from his own parents.

And for that reafon by wife nature was Ordain’d to be your heir that have enough Uncle, The fates muft be obeyed, and while your land Is faftned to my name for want of males.

Which I do hope, if my Aunt hold her barrenncffe You will never bang out of her Sheaf, I may Be confident to write my felf your Nephew.

Cor. Thou haft no feeds of goodnefs in thee, but I may find waies to crofs your hopefull intereft.

Mai. You’l find no feeds in my Aunts parflybed I hope, and then I’m fafe,but take your courfe, Supply me for the prefent, for your honour— — — < The Duccats come.

Or. You are cofened.

Mai. As you would not

Have me pull down this houfe, when you are dead And build a ftewes, the Duccats come.

Or. Thou coward /

MM. Becaufe I do not cut your throat, that were The way to difinherit my felf queintly.

Cor . Canft thou not deal.* & fo deferve a hanging ? ‘ MM. Yes lean, and am often tempted, but I wo’not

Do you that mighty wrong, to let what you have So long, and with fo little confcience gathered.

Be loft in confifcation by my fellony.

I know a way worth ten on’tj yet thus much l’le bind it with an oath, when I turn thief.

Your Gold fhall be the firft I will make bold with, In the mean time lend me the trifling Duccats,

And do not trouble me.

Cor. Not a Muccmgo To fave thee from the Gallics,

MM. No? the Gallies /

Muft

6 The gentleman of Venice. . '

Muft I (hift ftill? remember, and die fhortly I’le live, I will, and Yather then not be Reveng’d on thy eftate,I will eat roots Gourfc ones I mean, love, and undoe an herbwife With eating up her fallets, live and lap Onely in barly water, think on’c yet ,

I am now for wine, you know not what that heat May do, the in jury being fo frefh, I may Return, and you’l repent.

Cor. ’Tis more then I Can hope of thee, go to your rabble fir.

Mnl. You a Gentleman of Venice > but remember, A pox ’a your wealth, I will do fomething To deferve the halter, that 1 may difgrace The houfe I came on, and at my Execution Make fuch afpecch,as at the report, thou (hale T urn defperatc, and with the remnant of My Cord go hang thy ftlf , and that way forfeit All thy Eftate when 1 am dead, i’le do Or this, or fomething worfc to be reveng’d.

Exit, Mai.

Enter Servant.

Cor. Hee’s loft, this doth new fire my refolution* See if your Miftris be yet ready firra.

Say I expeft her; Exit Servant.

My blood is almojl: in a fever with My paffion,but CJandiana may cure all,

Whom I have wrought with importunity

To be fpe&ator at the exercife

This day ’ith Academy, here (he comes,

Enter Claudiana.

Art ready >

\*_€Uh. Ever to obey you fir.

But if you would confidcr yet, you may Be kind,and let me ftay, I dare not think Y ou are lefs careful of my honor, but

You

The Gentleman of Venice. 7

You gave once Command with my confcnt too,

Not to be feen too much abroad.

Cor. I did.

1 muftconfefle Claudiana^ I had thoughts And fcruples which thy innocence hath clear’d.

And though our nice Italian every where Impofe feverely on their wives} 1 fhould Be unjuft to make thee ftill a prifoner to Thy melancholly Chamber, take the aire,

’Tisfor thy health, and while i wait upon thee. Thou art above the tongue, and wound of fcandall.

Clan. I know your prefence takes off all difhonor. But—

Cor. No more, I charge thee by thy love.

And to convince all arguments againft it}

I have provided fo, thou {halt obferve Unfeen the bold contentions of art,

Anda&ion.

Clan. I’m not well.

C or. I (ball be angry

If my defires be plai’d withal!, pretend not With purpofe to delude me, I have bldfings Stor’d in thy health, but if you pra&ife any Infirmity to crofs my will, that aimes At the fecurity of thy health and honour¬ ed#. Sir, you (hall fteere me. f Cor. This becomes Clandiana,

I will thank thee in a kifs, prepare The Gnndelo.

Ser. It waites [ Within ]

Cor. And I on thee.

The treafure of ray eyes, and heart. Exeunt.

Enter Roberto, llrfula, Georgio.

Rob. Where is my fon Giovanni firra>

Geo. Hecwent two hours agoe to the Aademy , T o fee the exercife to day.

8 The Gentleman of Venice,

Urf How’s that 1

What bufinefs has he there, pray ’mongft Gentlemen ? He does prefume too much.

Ro. Patience good Urfula. £him

Urf. You give him to much reine;’twould become To follow his profeffion, and not look after Thofe gentlemanly fports.

Ro. No tempeft wife,

No thundring Urfula} am not I the Dukes Chief Gardiner, ha? and fhall I make my Son A drudg; confine him here to be an earth- .v oral, Live like a mole, or make it his laft blefiing To plant, and order quickfet; let him walk.

And fee the fafhions.

Urf. He has coft you fweetly T o bring him up, what ufe had he of learning ?

What benefit, but to endanger us.

And with his ’poring upon books at midnight,

To fet the houfe on fire, let him know how To rule a fpade, as you ha done.

Ro. He does fo,

And knowes how to inoculate my Urfula ,

My nimble tongue, no more: becaufe he read Theftory of Zantippe to’thcr night That could out-talk a drum, and found a point Of War to her ht^band honeit Socrates ,

You took a pet; he fhall abroad fometimes And read and write till his head ake. Go.to Urf. So, fo, the Dukes Garden (hall be then Well look’t to, he deferves a Penfion, for reading Amadts do gaule^ and Guvman'y And Don Quixot , but i’ie read him a lefture.

Ro. You will.? offer but to bark at him, /

And I will fend him to the Univerfity T o anger thee, nay he fhall learn to fence too,

And fight with thee, at twenty fcverall weapons

Except

9

The Gentleman of V enice.

Except thy two edged tongue, a little thing Would make me entertain a dancing matter.

Peace, orl will deftroy thy Kitchi fiUrftt'.a,

Disorder all thy trinkets, and in ftead Of braffe and pewter, hang up VM de Gumbos, lie fet an Organ up at thy beds head,

And he (hall play upon’t: what tyrannicall To thy own flefh and blood, to Giovanni!

My heir, my onely boy? fetch me a taylor.

He fhall have new cloaths,and no more be warm With the reverfion of your peticoates.

Do not provoke me, what imperious ?

Get you in, or I will fwinge you.go,and weed.

Virf. Now for vexation could I cry my heart out.

Exit .

Mo. Sirra (lay you, and is Giovanni gone To’th’ Academy faift ?

Geo. Yes fir, they fay,

There is anEngliCh Gentleman, that winns The Garland from ’em all at every exerette.

One of the Court told my young matter on’t,

( As he enquired of every Gentleman Gomes in to’th’ Garden, what’s the newes abroad) Mo. And does he not tell thee tales 8c dainty ftories Sometimes >

Geo. Oh, of Tamberlatn, and th^great Turk, 8c all His Concubines, he knowes ’em to a hair,

He is more perfeft in the Chronicles Then I am in my prayers.

Mo, I do believ’t

Geo. And talkes a battell, as he were among ’em , He tickles all your turbants, and in a rage,

Wifties he had the cutting of their Cabbages To (hew what houfehecameon.

.R0. Ha my boy!

Geo, Oh fir he has a peftilent memory,

He

io The Gentleman of Venice.

He told me to’cher day there vtas another World in the Moon, arid that the world we live in Shines like to that, to people that live there,

How many miles it is about the Earth ,

How many to the ftarrs, I fear he will Be mad, if he read much,’tis juft like ravening, And fuch hard words would choak me to repeat ’em.

Mo. He never tells me this*

Geo . We are familiar.

You are his Father, and he dares not lie To you, to me he may talk any thing,

He knowes my underftanding to an inch.

Would you would fpeak to him though , to take ] a little

More paines, ’tis I do all the droilc, the durtwork: When I am digging* he is cutting Unicorries,

And Lyons in tome hedge, or elfc deviling New knots upon the ground, drawing out Growns And the Dukes armes, Cattles and Cannons in ’em, . HereGallies, there a Ship giving a broad fide.

Here out of turfc he carves a Senatour With all his robes, making a fpeech to Time That grows hard by, and twenty curicfitics,

I think he meanes to embroider all the Garden Shortly, but I do all the courfe-worke* here’s My Miftris agen.

Enter Vrfttld. ,

Me. What, is the ftormlaid >

Vrf. I muft be patient: your fonne’s not come yet. Mo. Why now thou art Vrfa Maiort love thy whelp,

And we are friends.

Vrf. Was not the Dukes Son here }

I fear he is fick, that I have not fecn him Thefe twodaies in the Garden.

Geo. ,

7 he gentleman of V enice, 1 1

Geo. There’s a Gentleman.

Vrf. I, there’s a Gentleman indeed. >

[ dream’c on him laft night, pray heaven he be In health, I prethee make enquiry,

There’s a Gentleman, and you talk of a Gentleman!*

Geo . Signior Thomazo ?

Ro. Where is hee ?

Geo. I know not, but my miftris would fend me To know the ftate of his body .

Ro, Why , how now Vrfula > firra about your bufinefle,

And fparc that inquifition, what hath four impudence to do with the Dukes Son t

Vrf. Have not I to do that gave him fuck ?

[ hope I was his nurfe, and it becomes me To enquire of his health, he is the very pearl 3f curtcfie, not proud nor coy I warrant you.

But gentle as my Sunday muffe . . :

Ro. Yourconny skinne. iV7

Vrf. I am the better when*! look upon him.

There’ a gentleman, and you talk of a gentle man,

>o compleatjfo affable, afcholar too , fl could, underftand him, prethee Tweet heart,

Jet me with child that I may long a little.

Ro. For a piece of the Dukes Soul!’ ,

Vrf. I (hall nere forget how pretily letook theniple , and Would play, and prattle himfclf

fleep I warrant you, but hec’s now a man,

El'reat man, and he remembers me ftilL- i ere*s a gentleman, and you talk of a gentleman. tRo. The woman dotes. Exit .

JLnter Marino meeting Candiano a Senatour.

Jar. Whither fo faft ? V n sn. To the Academy, fc> Spare

'■ ' < B

Tour

r 2 The Gentleman of Venice.

Y oar haft,all’s done.

CVw.Who has the vote to day >

Mar. The Englifh Gentleman is ftill vi&orioijs. All praifes flow upon him, he ha’s depos’d Our City, which hath now refign’d her Lawrcll. Enter Florelli and other gentlemen.

Can. Is not this hce >

Mar. The fame, in’s face the promile Of a moft noble nature.

Flo. Gentlemen,

Pfay give me leave, to underftand your language,

F or this.fo much above me, fcarcc will be,

(AVhcn I’m lefle ignorant), worth my thanks, i .Gent. This is

We know pretence of modefty, we muft Congratulate yourtriumph.

Flo. For this time

l’ie be content your praifes (hall abufe me.

Who arc thefe >

Mar. Friends and Honorers of your worth.

Flo. I fee that courtcfie is native here ,

All the reward I can return, muft be T o fpeak abroad the Noblenefie of Venice For fo much grace to an unworthy ftranger.

Can. The Duke himfclfe.

Enter Duke^ Thomazo, Senators, Malipiero. Du. We muft refolve to fend new forces And fpeedily, the flame will el£e endanger Venice it felf.

Sen. This town loft will encourage The inful ting Genowefe.

Dm. Thomaz.0 !

The. Sir.

Du. I look when you will ask me leave to traile A pike, and purchafe honor in thefe Warrs.

Tho. I have not been well iince I was laft

The (jttttletnan of V eti i cc. i 3

Let blood, and therefore if you plcafe, I would Be excus’d till the next warrs, and then have at-*£mj By that time 1 (hall be a better rapier man.

Du. This fool is the difhonor of my blood.

He declines all that’s noble, and obeyes A bafe and vulgar appetite, he dwells Like a difeafe within my name, but ’d-s Heavens punifliffiditt, what are they V

Mari. All ftrartgers, but among them one In v.hom you may read fo'rife thing worth your grace, "

An Englifh Gentleman.

Du. He, to whom fame Gives the honor of <5tfr exert ifes, nature With fuch an aftive heat might have built up My Son, but hee’s curft to live a fikdow, ’ Marino fetches Florelli tokjfstke Dukes hand. Welcome fir to I' Venice. ~ (Son.

Tho. He (hall kifs my handtoo, I am the Dukes Flo. You honor me. *

Du. Thomaz.o give that gentleman A box’oth ear.

T ho. He wo’not take it kindly,

He is one— — <- -

Du. Will ftrike agen, is not that it >

1 ho. I would not ufe a ftranger fo difcourteoufly,or elfow— . — ( thy of

Du. Embrace him then, and make your fclf wor- His friendlhip and converfe, you’! gain more honor Then the empty title of your birth cah bring yre : But to the great affair; the War, your Counfdls# Exeunt Duke , Senatour and Marino.

Tho. My father bids me embrace you fir.

Flo. I (hall

Be proud when I can do you any fervice.

7 ho. Gentlemen, pray know me every one,

B 2 I

I ^ The Gentlemad of Venice.

I am the Dukes Son, my name’s Signior Thomas. m Cent. You do us too great honor.

Mai. We had no objeft worth our envy fir Till you arriv’d, you have at once diflionorcd.

And made our Venice fortunate.

T ho. Malipiero , let’s bid ’em welcome in rich wine. Mai. I attend you fir.

This fellow muft not live to boaft his trophecs.

He may fupplant me too, if he converle Too freely with Tho ma^o} whofe courfe wit Is all the ftock I live by, pleafe you gentlemen To w alk.

Gent. We follow.

Tho. I wcjuld not have the way But that you are a ftrangcr.

Gen. it becomes you,

Ex.Omnes,

Enter Cornari and Claudiana , as in the D uk.es

Garden.

Cla.

II have obey’d you fir.

Cor. Thou haft done well My Clattdiana9ve ry well, who dare T raduce thee for V am I not carefull of thee*

I prethee give me thy opinion Who deferv’d beft ot all the gentlemen?

C la. I have not art enough to judge.

Cor. But thou

Haft fancie, and a liberal! thought, that may Beftow thy praife on lome or other, tell me If thou hadft been to give thegarland, prethee

Whofe

The Gentleman of Venice. 15

Whofe head fhould wear it? though wee ha not judgement

j To examine, and prepare our juftice; yet Where men contend for any viftory ,

Affe&ion may difpofe us, and by fome Secret in nature we do ftill incline To one, and guard him with our wifhes.

Cla. I hope This is but mirth.

Cor. By my regard to thy Fair honor, nothing elfe, it fhannot rile To a difpute, who ha’s thevotetoday Of all the gentlemen? I muft know.

Cla. They arc To me indifferent.

Cor. So is my queftion, but I muft have more.

It cannot be but fome man muft deferve More print and poize in thy opinion, jSpcak as thou lov’ft me Claudiana.

\ Cla. Sir,

Your inquifition is not without change Of lookes upon me, and thofe fmiles you ask with, Are not your own I fear.

Cor. Nay, then you dally.

And undoe that obedience, I fa much Commended.

Cla. Dear Carnari.

Coy. Yetagen? rhe man, tell me the man ?

Cla. What man >

Cor. The gentleman rhat beft deferve* in thy opinion: fliall be angry : what deny to give me rhis triviall fatisfa&ion? the expence Df a little breath? why do you tremble fo ?

Cla, Alas, I know not what to anfwer, this - Muft

■ 1 6 The Gentleman of V enice.

Mud nepds engender fears in ray coldbofome. That my poor honor is betrai’d, and I Stand iri your thoughts fulpettcdof Ibme guilt I never underftood, if the report Of malice have abus’d me to your ear,

(For by your fclf I am all innocent )

Cor. What do you mean Claudiana ?

Cta. Sir, your qu {lion Hath frighted me, ’cis ftrange, and killing to My tender apprehenlion.

Cor. Y’are a fool

T a be thus troubled, and but that I know

The put i y of thy faith to me, this language Would make me jealous, ’cis an ill drefs’e paflion , And palenefle, that becomes not Claudiana To wear upon her modeft cheek, I Ee Thy heart lick in thy eyes, be wife, and cure ic.

My qutftion was but mirth, without the fence O', the ieaft (cruple in my felf, or meaning To difeompofe one chearfull look.

C la. Your pardon.

Cor. And you as fifely might have anfwered me. As 1 had cafually ask’tthe time o’th day;

What dreffing you delight in,or what gown

Y hi moll afFeft to wear.

Cla. Once morel ask you pardon, you reftore me. And I am nowfecur’d by your clear goodnefle,

T o give my weak opinion- ■— ;

Cor. Ofthe man

Tliat d id appear in thy thoughts to deCerve

Moll honor.

Cla. Yon’lexcufea womans verdift,

M y v ice is for the ftrangerfir.

Cor. Why f) J

Y u Ik' him'bcft;- what horror was in this Poor qutiliun now? you nKan the Englilh man?

Cla*

TheGentlemanof Venice: 1 7

C.la.'Xht fame,moft graceful! in fils parts &perfon. Cor. ’Tis well, l’me Satisfied, and we both meet : In one opinion too, he is indeed The braveft Cavalier , what hurt’s in all This now? I fee you can diftinguifh , weit thou A virgin Ciaudt ana., thou wouki’ft find I Gentle and eafie thoughts to entertain Sopromifing a fervant; Hhould be Taken with him ihy (elf, weri 1 a Lady,

And lov’d a man.

Cla. How’s this 1 my feares return.

Enter Bellaura and Georgio.

| Cor. Madam Bellaura the Dukes charge is entred The Garden, let’s chooie another walk. Ex.

Bel. Why you are conceited fiirra, does wit , Grow in this Garden ?

Ge. Yea,Madam while I am in’t,I am a flip My felf-

Bel. Of Rofemary or time • '

Ge. Of wit fweet Madam. (tering.

Bel. ’Tis pitty, bat thou Ihouldft be kept with wa- Gr. There’s wit in every Flower, if you can ga¬ ther it.

Bel. I am of thy mind.

But what’s the wit prethee of yonder tulip ? (tier.- Ge. You may read there the wit of a young Cour- Bel. What’s that ?

Ge. Pride, and (hew of colours, a fair promifing, Deare when ’tis bought, and quickly comes to no¬ thing.

Bel. The wit of that rofe ?

Ge. If you attempt

Madam to pluck a rofe, I (hall find a moral in’t.

Bel. No Country wit? ( which here

Ge. That growes with pot*herbes,and poor roots. Would be accounted weeds, courfe things of profit,

B 4 Whofe

1 3 The Gentleman of Venice.

Whofc end is kitchin Phyfick, and found health; l[ T wo things not now in fafhion. fc

Bel. 'Your wit dances. (

Where learn’t you all thefe moralls 1

Geo. 1 but glean i II

From my young matter Giovanni Madam,

Hee’l run divifion upon every flower.

He ha’s a wit able to kill the weeds, 8

And ripen all the fruit in the Dukes Orchard,

Bel. Where is Giovanni l I

Geo. He went betimes to’th Academy,

He is at all the exercifes, we

Shall ha fuch newes when he comes home.

Bel. Why does j

Your matter (being rich)fuffcr hisfon To work i’th garden > (Madam,

Geo. My matter ? hcc’san honeft mortall man It is my miftrifs, that commands him to’t ,

A lhrow,aRd loves him not, but ’tis no matter;

I ha’ the better company, hee’s here.

Enter Giovanni.

l’le leave him to you Madam, I muft now Water my plants. Exit. |

Bel. Why? how now Giovanni}yo\i frequent I hear The Academies.

Gio. When I can difpence Madam, with time, and thefe employments, I Intrude a glad fpe&ator at thofe ichooles Of wit and aftion, which although I cannot Reach, I am willing to admire, and look at With pitty of my feh loft here in darknefle.

Bel. By this cxprtffion I may conceive How much you nave improv’d, 8c gain’d a language Courtly, and mod eft.

Gio. Madam,you are pleas’d To make my uneven frame of words your mirth*

" 7 ’he Gentleman of V enice. I ^

[ profeffe nothing but an humble ignorance,' ftjtd I repent not, if by any way ( My duty and manners (afe) it may delight you.

Bel. Indeed Giovanni 1 am pleas’d, but not With your fufpition, that my praifes arc Other then what become my ingenuous meaning. For if I underftand,I like your language.

But with it I commend your model! fpirit,

Gio. It is an honour Madam, much above My youths ambition, but ifl poffeffe A part of any knowledge you have dain’d To allow, it owes it felfunto this fchool.

Bel . What fchool ?

Gio. This Garden Madam, ’tis my Academy, Where gcntlcmen,and Ladies ("as your fell,

The firft and faireft, durft I call you miftris,)

Enrich my eare, and observation With harmony of language, which atbeft I can but coldly imitate.

lie/. Still more courtly /

Why how now Giovanni , you will be Profeffor Ihortly in the art of complement,

You were beft quit the Garden , 8t turn Courtier. Gio. Madam , I think upon the Court with re¬ verence.

My fate, is to adore it afar off.

It is a glorious Landfchape, which I look at As fome men with narrow optick glaffec Behold the ftarrs, and wonder at their vaft (Though unknown)habitable worlds of brightnefs: But were my eye a nearer judge, and I Admitted to a clearer knowledge Madam Of the Court life, there I might find the truth Of mans beft Ideas, and enjoy the happineflc.

Now onely mine by naked {peculation,

I think how there I ftiould throw off my duft

20 The Gentleman of Venice.

And rife a new Creation. j

Bel. The Court |1

Is much beholding to you Giovanni.

do. It is a duty Madam I owe truth.

[ Bel A truth in fuppofition all this while.

Gio. I fhould be fad if any experience (hould Betray an error in my faith, and yet Sofoft and innocent a trefpa(Te,Madam,

Might well expeft a pardon.

Bel. Some that have

Freely enjoy’d the pleafurcs, or what elfe You fo advance in Court, have at the laft Been weary, and accus’d their gay Condition,

Nay, chang’d their ftate for fuch an humble life As you profefle, a gardiner.

Ge'q. I defpife not

What-I was born to Madam, but I (hould Imagine the difeafe lay in the mind,

Not in the Courtier, that would throw atoay So fpacious a blefling to be fervile.

Bel. Y ou know not Giovanni your own happinefi. Nor the Court finnes, the pride andfurfeits there Come not within your circle, there are few Purfue thofe noble trafts your fancy aims at,

It is a dangerous Sea to launch into,

Both (helves and rockcsyou fee not, 1, 8t mermaid?. Gio. What are they Madam ?

Bel' You have heard ofMermaidcs. r Gio. You mean not women I hope Madam ?

Bel. Yes.

Gio. Oh do not by fo hard an application Incrcafc the Poets torment, that firft made That fabulous ftory to difgrace your fex,

Y’are firm, and the fair feal of the great maker,

A print next that of Angels.

Bel. We arc bound t’cc

' tf

21

The Gentleman of Venice.

If our caufe want a flourilh, you have art To make us ftie*y fair.

Gio. And you arc fo,

’Tis malice dares traduce you ; or blind ignorance That throw? herjtrains, wh^h fallofffrom your | Vs figures, ’ ^ 'Ji

For thofe which weaker underftandings cal Your fpots,are ermine*, andean fuch asthefe Darlings of heaven, and nature, women, ftioot At Court an influence like unlucky planets ?

They cannot furc, why you live Madam there ,

That are enough to prove all praife, a truth.

And by a fweet example make ’em all Such as you are objc&Sjof love and wonder.

Oh then how blcs’t are they that live at Court, With freedome to converfe with fo much virtue.

As your fair fex embraceth.

Enter llrfula.

Bel. Here’s your mother.

Gio. Shee was too hafty.

Vrf, Madam I hope you’l pardon my fons rudenefs To hold difcourl'e with your Ladilhip.

Bel. ’Tis a courtefie,

And he talkes well to paffc away the time, Exceeding well, but I muft tp my Guardian The Duke-— Exit.

Vrf. Happineffe attend your Ladilhip.

Now fir what arc you thinking of ?

Gw. Your pardon, nothing.

Vrf. Nay flay, I muft talk with you my felf.

But firft what talk had you with my Lady ?

Gio. She was pleas’d toaskfomc queftions,

Vrf. What were they ?

Gio. I ha’ forgot.

Vrf Youha’forgoty’area leud And fawey boy, go to, your father fpoiles you j

JLnter

2 2 The Gentleman of V enice. .

Enter Roberto.

Vrf. But if you ufe me firra ’oth this fafhion Fie break your pate, I will, the Dukes owne fonne ( My bleffing upon him ) would not anfwer me With I ha’ forgot, I warrant you, but you— —

Ro. Why, how now Vrfttla , what? perpetual! clamours?

Vrf. Oh hcreVyour (tickler.

Gio. Nothing unkind to me, (he was angry j

With yourfervant(jtf0r£»'0, and threatned to break His head, away— — —

Geo. Myhe.id? comeheeles. — — Exit.

Ro, Was it but fo ? (he (hall, (he (hall do that.

With all my heart, and l will break it too.

Vrf. Nay, then 1 will be friends with him,

Ra. Where’s the knave ?

Vrf. I wo’not be compell’d to break his head.

And you were twenty husbands; fare you wel.

Ro. ’Tis fuch a wafp, but (he fhannot wrong thee,

Gio. I know (he wo’not fir, (he is my mother.

She comes agen.

Enter Thomazo, Malipiero, Barnardo And Marcello.

Erf. My heart does leap to fee you.

Ro. The Dukes fon, and a troop of gallant s,but j I alwaies have fore eyes to fee one th6re,

That Signior Malipieroy he does owe me Already forty Crownes, and I forgive him.

Mai. Signior Roberto , remember that I owe Y ou forty Crowns.

Ro. Pray, do you forget ’em.

Mai. I never pay till it come to a hundred.

Ro. Never pay/ it is no matter Signior.

I were beft be gone before he borrow more.

It is a trick he nfes to put on

With his rich clothes. Pie vanifh. Exit.

Mx/.Strangc this Englilh man appears not£ Erf,

The Gentleman of Venice. 2 3

Vrf. I was afraid you had been fick my Lord.

The. I was never fick in my life, but when I had a feaver, or fome other infirmity.

I’]e call thee nurfe ftil. Giovanni . 1

Gie. Sir.

Tho. Thou looked like a changling.

Gw.The more’s my misfortune.

Y ou are the Dukes fon. Exit,

Tho. Who can help it? nurfe,

Vrf. He was never courteous to women.

Here’s a gentleman, and they talk of a gentleman, Now could I weep for joy. 1 muft take my leave fir:

Tho . 1 muft make bold with my nurfe. f'r/Blelfings upon thy heart, how fweetly he kifles. Here was a touch for a Lady. " , Exit.

Tho. Go thy waies,

An admirable twanging lip, pitty thou are A thought too old: ha wagtaile!

Ber. Does he come alone ?

Mai. Alone, be you refolute 1 When you fee me draw, (hoot all your points •

I Into his heart.

Ber. Be confident.

Mar. Unlcfle

He be fteel-proof, he fhannotboaft abroad Much vi&ory in Venice.

Enter Florelli, and Giovanni.

Gio. Signior Thomaz,otir) is there.

Flo. I thank you.

Gio. Y ou pay too much fir for no fcrvice.

The. Here he is. (mile.

We were wagering thou wouldft not keepe thy pro- Elol I durft not make that forfeit of your grace,

I moft eonfult my own, when 1 am carefull To wait upon your honor.

Mai. You are noble.

Flo .

24 T/.'f’ Gentleman of Venice.

Flo. Your humble fervant gentlemen.

7 ho. Where didftfupp? .

Flo. I was not willing to engage my felf Abroad, left I might trefpafie on your patience.

Tho. What (hall’s do this evening 1 Mai. Walk a turn,

And then to a bonaroba.

Bet. A match. C

tho, Giovanni J

Thy fpade,and hold roy cloak.

Mai. What’s the device '( (I cannot

Tho. 1 have ’great mind to dig now, do’ft think Handle afpade, i’le make a bed with my Gentle¬ men now

For a hundred Duccat?.

Mai. ’Tisa bafe employment ,

Fit for fuch a drudge as Giovanni.

Gio. Sir ! (hill breed?

Mai. A drudged faid,dee fcorne your little dung- Gio. This is not noble.

Mai. How mole-catcher ?

Flo. Forbear he is not arm’d.

Mai. You werebeft be his champion.

Tho. Are you good at that ?

Ido not love to wear my doublet pink’d. Exit. .Gio. Three againft one > /-Giovanni recovers 4 Mai. Hold.

Gio. I am no drudg you’l find To be commanded fir , you painted flies.

And onely fit for troutes.

Flo. Let’s give ’em play, and breath.

Mai. Loft our advantage l is Thontaz,o fled ?

Mar. And Bernardo, we were beft retire, that Gardiner

Will ftick me into ground, elfe for a plant. Exit.

Mai.

slwori , having fir ft )us'A his Jpade to fide k with the Englishman: 'Bernardo [having . loft his weapon flies.

The gentleman of Venice. 25

Mai. Expeft wee’i be reveng’d. Exit.

Gio. Let’s prevent ’m.

Flo. They arc not worth it Giovanni ^ fo I {,eard you nam’d.

Gio. My name is Giovanni.

Flo. Thou haft reliev’d, and fav’d my life) I find Their bafe confpiracie, what (hall I pay Thy forward refcue >

Gio. Tis but what I owe ,

To juftice, with the expence of blood and life To prevent treachery, reward I have Receiv’d i’th aft, if I have done you fervice.

But ’twas your innocence that madefuch haft T o your own valour, not my fword preferv’d you. I am young, and never taught to fight.

Flo. I preihec

Accept this trifle, buy a fword, and wear it.

Thou haft deferv’d to thrive a nobler way Then thy condition fhewes. *

Gio. Though fome would call This bounty, urge it not to my difgrace,

1 fcorn to fell the motion of my arme /

I fear you are not fafe yet, there may be Danger in following them, and it grows dark.

Have patience while I fetch a key, that (hall Befriend you with a private way. Exit.

Flo. Th’art noblca

Though I am careleflc where the termes of honor Engage my life, ’tis wifdome not to lofe it Upon their bafe revenge, but I muft ftudy Some other payment for this young mans courage. How ere his body fuffer in a cloud ,

His fpirit’s not obfcure, but brave, and aftivc.

Enter Cornari and Brano’s arm.d.

Cor. If iny intelligence faile not, he muft be Hereftill. This evening hath put on a Vizard

To

a 6 The Gentleman of V emice.

To confpire with me, there he walkes, furprizc him.

They feiz>e upon him^bind his armes andfeet3 and blind him with abagg. , .

Flo. VillainesjCowards, Slaves, my fword. ]

Bra. If you be lowd,wee’l ftrangle you.

Cor. Difpatch.

Bra. We ha done fir, is he for the river now ?

Cor. No, follow me. Exeunt.

Enter Giovanni.

Gto. Thefc (hew like officers,

Alas hce’s apprehended on their bafe Complaint, I cannot help; thy caufe and innocence Muft now befriend thee ! bafe world ! yet I may Injure, the parts abroad; *ds onely Venice Is fick with thefe diftempers,thenjji*le leave it.

And inftantly purfue fome other fate

Pth warrs, it may cure fomething too within me.

That is deny’d all remedy at home,

Some bodies for their Phyfick,are defign’d To change of airc, i’le try ’c upon my mind. Ex.

Aft.

Enter Malipiero 4#<5/Thomazo,

Tho.

NOt this Englifhman to be found ?

Mai. Hee’s not above ground Where I could fufpeft him in the City ■■■ >"'<* Tho. Let him goe, may be his haft topled him Into the river, and we may eat his nofc In the next haddock.

Mai . Wherefore did you fly?

The.

The Gentleman cf Venice. 2 J

Tho . Do’ft think ’twas fear >

MalT Twas fomtthing like a will*

To keep your skin from oilet-holes.

Tho. Igrant you,

What had I to do to bring up a fafhion ?

Mai, We might ha’ gone a fure and nearer w <y To ha* kill’d him in a right line with a bullet.

But let him goe, fo he qui t Venice any way.

Tho. Hee would fpoilc our mirth, butlmi.cH wonder

Bernardo is not come yet, whom I fent Embafiador for money to the Merchants.

Mai . Nor Marcello , whom I employ’d to the fame end.

To my raoft Coftive Uncle for fome goldfinches. Tho.Why (hould theftatc have an Exchequer, ?.nd

We want?

Mai- For pious ufes too, to drink their health^ \nd fee the Common-wealth go round ; In mutuall commerce of mirth and fpirit,

Which phlegmc and ufury hath almoft ftifled, sobriety and long gownesfpoiie the City.

Tis we would keep the body politick "rom Sinking, ulcer’d with long obligation',

\txd notaries, which nowftuffethe Rialto ,

\nd poyfon honed natures, that would elfie dve freely, and be drunk at their own charge.

7 ho. I would make new lawes, and I were Duke of Venice.

Mai. Wc would not fit. i’th chimney corner then, bid fing like Crickets.

Tho, We would roare like Trumpets, i.nd deal the Senators with, give us your monies— Mat. Their’s? give us our own, their ftaies, their wives,

tnd wardrobes Scanderbeg .

2 o The Gentleman of Venice:

Tho. And their pretty daughters,

My valiant T urk,who(hould feed high o’ purpofc— M a/. To keep the wanton blood in titillations. Tho. It (ftould be a Law 9 no maid Ihould be in

falhion.

Mai. Yes let ’em be in falhion, but not hold.

Tho. Not after fourteen be it then ena&ed;

Mai. Wee would banilh all the Advocates that refus’d

T o pimp, and prove it Civill Law. (Dominion! Tho. No feribe fhould dare to fhew his ears in out Mai. Hang ’em, they arc labclls of the Law 9 anc ftinke, !

Worfe then a filh-lhamblcs in lent. No lew Should turn a Chriftian upon perill of A Confifcaticn.

Tho. Why?

Mai. The Haves arc rich, (fcience

To turn ’em Chriftians were tofpoile their Con ' And make ’em hide their mony, ’cis lefle evill In ftate to chcrifh Jewes, then Chriftian Ufurers. Tho. I will hav.e every Citizen a J ew then.

Mai. Wc have built no Seraglio yet.

Tho. That’s true, f

What think you of the Univerfities ?

Would not they ferve ? |

Mai. O excellent.

They have fevcrall fchooles for feverall games,

Tho. And fcaffolds

For the fpe&ators when we keep our afts: l

Mai. The Golledgc rents would find the wenche petticoates,

And the revenues of a fcore of Abbics jj

Wei ftript, would ferve to rowl ’em in clean linnet f And keep the toyes in diet.

Tho. excellent !

The Gentleman of Venice. o.f

But when we have converted to the ufe

The Monaftcries, where fhall we beftow The Fryers, and the thin religious men?

Mai. You may

Keep them with little charge, water is all The blcffing their poor thirft requires, and taylorj Wo’not be troubled for new clothes, a hair (Hire Will outwear a Copy- hold, and warm 4 lives,

Or if you think ’em troubleloroe, it is A fair pretence to fend ’em to fome wild Country to plant the faith, and teach the infiddlc A way to Heaven, for which they may be burn'c Or hang’d, and there’s an end o’th honeft men.

There be a thoufand waies to quiet them. ,

7ho. My admirable Counfellor, thou ffiouidft be My fupreme officer to fee Juftice done.

Mal^on cannot honour men of worth too much.

1 7ho. Wce’lha the bridges all pull’d down, and made Offilver.

Mai. Droflfe ! Gold isour oriedt metalK Enter Bernardo.

Here is Benardo , welcome, w here's the monv ?

Ber. Not a gazer .'the merchants are all fallen. And fay you owe too much already.

Mai . Thefe are Dogbolts.

’Tis time we had new lawes and they wo’not truft.

Tho. But we muft build

No golden bridges at this rate with fun-bc unes. Mdl. They were beft content thcmielves with ho¬ neft ftone,

JHard as the heart of your ungodly Merchants.

Tha. Prethee let’s leave our dream of frighting Sailors,

And fay, whit hope haft tjtou of getting money i C 2 Fof

The Gentleman of Venice.

For this daies mirth? ('faith

Mai. Some hope there is, if my Uncle have but Enough, to credit what I never mean.

Thrift and fubmilfion, and holy matters}

'Tis all the waics are left to cozen him And creep into his nature, I have pawn’d All my religion thatil’e turnc Fryer.

The. Haft pawn’d thy religion, much good do him, Let him take the forfeit, fo he fend thee money*— Mai. F or prefent ufe,and howl, and hang himfelf. 1 care not-- oh — here’s Marcello.

Enter Marcello.

0

W

II

D;dtl fpeak with him i Mar. Yes.

Mai. That’s well. (it this—

Mar. He doe’s commend him to you, and with 0 Mai, I knew t’ would take, his tender confidence! 7 ho. Haft thou prevail’d >

Mar. This halter — be ha’s tyed the knot himfelf At.d faie's next the Philofophcrs ftone, hee knowes In not

What thing of nobler value to prefent you :

And rather then you fhould delay for want F<

Of a convenient — you know what, you fhould Once more perufe his Orchard, there’s one tree He would have bear no other fruit.

Mai • I thank him. - F

For his fine noofe, would I had his neck in’t.

The Devill fhould not conjure him from this circle! Is this the end of all? !

Tho, No, not of all. j

Mai. I pretheee try how it will hold — d’ee hea Let’s lay our heads together. Which of you Is beft acquainted with the Turk ?

The. What Turk.

M*

The Gentleman of V enice. 5 1

Mai. The great and mighty Sultan, the grand Signior*

Or have you but a Chriftiar, corrcfpondencc With any of his heathen officers.

Tho. What to doe ? (gence ?

Mai. No rogue that lies purdue here for intelli- Ber. What then >

Mai. I would make a bargainc with him now , and fell

This City to the Pagan inftantly.

Venice is a Jewell, a rich pendant ;

Would hang rarely at the great T urkes eare.

Tho. No doubt.

Mai. Or atone Horne of his half Moon.

Mar. I think fo.

-1 Mai. I would betray if I knew berw, the date thjOr any thing for half a hundred Duccats :eTo make one merry night, though after I Were broke upon a wheel, or fet upright ifjro peep through a cleft tree like a polc-cat tin the high way— no money from the Mungrclls > Well if I live, i will to Amferdam,

\nd adde another Ichifme to the two hundred .‘‘ourfeore and odd}

[ am refolv’d.

7 ho. What ?

Mai. To cry down all things That hang on wit, truth, or religion.

Tho. Come, thou art paffionate, is there no trick > Mo lewd device? let me fee? — I have thought \way to raife us my dear Tally, a projeft Shall raife us, or i’ie venture-**— - Mai. What ?

7 ho. My neck

"or hanging is the end of my device,

'* 1efle I thrive in’t: goto the randevcua ,

c 3 To.

^ 3 The Gentleman of V enice.

To RofabslW&ty the grand Cavale,

K ifs her and call for wines, ray bullyrookes,

A difli of dainty fidlers to curvet too.

And drink a health that I may profper, tumble And (hake the houfe, Flc fetch you off*

Mai. But fignior— — — *

77>o.No more words, cannot you be gonc,be drunk, A nd leave me to the reckoning, i’le return With Indian fpoiles like Alexander. Exit ,

Mai. Spoken

joke a true Macedonian, we are gone.

He’s right,and may in time, and our good breeding ? e brought to fomcthing,may deferve the Gallies.

¥ How your leaders Mirmidons.

Both. We attend. Exeunt.

tlnter G io vanni and Gcorgio.

CJe.But will you venture Signior Giovanni Your body to the warrs indeed i Glo. I mean fo.

Ge. And leave me to be loft, or thrown away Among the weeds here I Gio. T ry thy fortune wo’me.

Ge. Yes, and come hopping home upon one legg. Will all my pay then buy a handfome halter T o hang my arm in, if it be but maim’d,

Yet I endure a battail every day ,

My miftris bath a mouth carries whole Cannon $

\ nd if you took that engine to the waits,

Tou would find it do rarefervice.

Gio. What >

Ge. Her tongue;

* Tike her but angry, and you’l need no more > illery to fcoure them with a breach.

V hat fpoilc her breath would make in a market place ?

GiOi

33

The Gentleman of Veince.

Gio. Be IdTe fatyricall;

I muft not hear this, (he is my mother,

: Gto. She is my miftris , and thats worfc, but I 'me rcfolv’d,

i’le to the warrs w’e, do not tell her on’c,

My prendfhip is worfc then killing there.

My hand,i’lc w’ee.

Gio. In the mean time buy yec a fword, and belt. And what is tic. c Gives him

Ge. No more, i’le be a fouldier ; \_mo ney. And kill according to my pay, this will Suffice to vamp my body, I may rife If I grow rich in valour, that w ill do’t,

Mony and a tilting feather make a Captain. Exit.

! Gto. There is no other way to quiet the Affiiftions here, betide ’cis honorable,

And warrea glorious miftris.

Enter Bellaura, and Roberto.

Tis Bellattra and my Father.

Be/. I know Madam you may break his refolut jon, If you be pleas’d, you may command; hee’s here.

Bel. l’le try my skill.

Ro. Bleffings attend your Ladithip.

I’le waite for the fuccefle. Exit.

Bel. How now Giovanni,

What with a fword, you were not us’d to appeare Thus arm’d, your weapon is a fpade 1 take it.

Gio . It did become my late profeffion Madam;

But I am chang’d.

Bel. Not to a fouldier.

Gio. It is a title Madam will much grace me.

And with the beft colic ftion of my thoughts lhave ambition to the warrs. t Be. You have?

Gio. Oh ’tis a brave profeffion, and rewards

i G 4 ',«****&! ^

54 The Gentleman of Ve nice.

All lofle wee meet with double weight in glory,

A calling Princes ftil are proud to own.

And fprqe d6 willingly forget their crownes To be commanded, ’cisthe fpring of all We here entitle fame to, Emperors And all degrees of honors, owing all Their names to this imployment, in her vgft And circular embraces holding Kings,

Ai d making thenv, and yet To kind as not To exclude fuch private things as I, who may I/ arn and commence in her great arts.My life Hath been too ufeleflfe to my lelf and Country,

3Tb time l (hould imploy it to deferve A name within their Regiftry, that bring The wealth, the harveft home of well bought honor* Bel It is an aftive time I muft confeffe,

And the unhappy feene of war too nere us But that it fhould enflame you on the fuddain To leave a calm, and fecurc life, is more Then commonly it workes on men of your Birth, and condition, befidesl hear Your Father is not willing you {hould leave him. To engage your (elfin fuch apparent danger.

Here you will forfeit your obedience blnleffe you flay.

Gio. 1 cannot defpair Madam Of his confent, and if by my own ftrengrh Of reafon I incline him not, it was In my ambition to addrefle my humble Suite to your Ladifhip to gain it for me.

At worft it is no breach of duty Madam ,

If I preferre my Country and her caufe Now bleeding, before any formall ties Of nature to a foft indulgent father.

For danger, lec pale foules confider it,

It is beneath my fears.

A

35

The Gentleman of Venice.

Bel. Yet I can fee

Through all this refolution iovttnni ? ’Tisifomthing clfc hath wrought this violent chang, Pray let me be of counfel with your though t$.

And know the ferious motive, come be clear,

1 am no enemy, and can aflift Where I allow the catife.

Gio. You may be angry Madam, and chide it as a fawcy pride In me to name, or look at honor, nor Can I but know what imall addition Is my unskiifull armc to aide a Country.

Bel. I may therefore juftly fufpeft, there is 'Something of other force that moves you to The warrs, enlarge my knowledge with the fecret, Gio. At this command 1 open my heart , Madam , I muft confeflc there is another caufe Which I dare not in obedience Obfcure, fince you will call it forth, and yet Ifcnow you will laugh at me.

Bel. It would ill Become my breeding Giovanni.

Gio. Then,

Know Madam, Pme in love.

Bel. In love with whom?

Gio. With one I dare not name, (lice’s fo much Above my birth and fortune*.

Bel. I commend

Your flight, but does (he know it 1 Gio. Idurft never

Appear with fo much boldnefle to difeover My hearts fo great ambition, ’cis here dill,

A ftrange and bufie gueft.

Bel. And you think abfencc May cure this wound.

Gio. Or death.

%6 'ike Gentleman of Venice,

Bel. I may prefume ,

You think (lice’s fair.

<7*0.1 dare as foonquefti on your beauty Madam The onely ornament, and ftarre of Venice. >

Pardon the bold comparifon, yet there is Something In you refemblos ray great miftris She bluffes-

Such very beames difpearfeth her bright eye Powerfull to reftore decrepit nature.

But when (he frowncs, and changes from her fweet Afpe£t ( as in my fears I fee you now Offended at my boldneffe) (he docs blaft Poor Giovanni thus, and thus I wither At heart, and wi(h my fclf a thing loft in iVSy own forgotten duff, but it’s not poflible At laft ( if any ftarres bleffe but high thoughts)

By fomedefert in war, and deeds of honor.)

(For mean as I, have rais’d themfelves to Empire} That (he without a bluff to ftain her cheek May own me for a fervant— -I am loft In wandring apprehenfions.

Bel. Poor Giovanni ,

I piety thee, but cannot cure— I like

Thy afpiring thoughts, and to this laft of love.

Allow the vvarrs a noble remedy.

Enter Roberto and llrfula.

I have argu’d againft your fonns refolve, but find His reafons overcome my weak difpute.

And I muft counfell you to allow ’em too.

Urf. Nay, I was never much againft it Madam. R0. She loves him not, but does your Ladiffip Think fitting, he ffould go ?

Bel. Yes, yes ’tis honorable^

And to encourage his forward fpirit,

The Generali is my kinfman Giovanni %

What

The Gentleman of Venice. g y

What favours he can do you, you (hall have My letters to entreat, and at my charge You (hall be furnifla’d like a Gentleman,

Attend me at my lodgings.

I Gto. You bind all

My ferviccs; why this will make a (hew yet.

Ro. Nay, then take my confent and bleffing too.

Urj. And mine: the Duke. * Exeunt.

Enter Duke and Marino.

Du. Bellaurat I muft fpcak to you.'

Bel. I attend.

Du. You have my purpofe, and return me clearly How he beftowes himfelf, and what fociety Withdrawes him from his duty thus.

Mar. I (hall With my beft care.

Du. I fear that Malipiero, |>«i Bellaura]

But let me find your diligence: Bellaura . Exit.

The Scene adorn'd with Figures among ft the reft Claudiana’s

Enter Bravos with the Engliftmanjhey un¬ bind him and Exeunt.

Flo. I am all Wonder: (hall I truft my fences.

A fair and pleafant gallery; was I Surpris’d for thi$?or doe I dream, I did Expeft the end of my conveyance (hould Have been more fatal.

No traft appears, or figne of thofe that brought me. The place is rich in ornament, fare thefe Are Pi&ures, all things filent as the Images,

And yet thefe fpeak, fome do inhabit here.

This room was not ordain’d onely for air » And (hadowes, *tis fome flattering Prologue to My death, fome plot to fecond the affront

38 The gentleman of Venice.

Of Malipiero with more fcorne to ruine me.

Enter Cornari mth a cafe of Pifiolls,

What art?

Cor. A friend.

Flo. That pofture and prefentment Promife no great alfurance, yet there’s fomething Within that noble frame would tempt me to Believe thou art*

Cer. What ?

Flo. A black murderer. "*

Point not thy horrid fneffengers of death Upon a man difarm’d, my bofome is No proof againft thofe fiery Executioners,

How came I to defervefrom thee unknown So black a purpofc, as thy lookes prefent me ?

I never law thy face, nor am I confeious Of any aft, in whofe revenge, thou haft Put on this horror, let me know my guilt Before I die, although I never liv’d At that poor rate to fear a noble death;

Yet unprepar’d, and thus to die, doth fomething Stagger ray foul, and weaken my refolve To meet thy Execution, thou haft Too good a face to be a Mercenary Cut-throat, and Malipiero would become The hangmans office better.

Cor. You believe then.

How cafily I can command your deftine,

I have no plot with any Malipiero ,

And thus remove thy fears

He carries in the Ptfiolls and retHrnes.

Flo. Is he gone?

Cor. Y’are ftill within

My power, but call your felfe my gueft,not prifoner, Awd if you be not dangerous to your felf

The Gentleman of V enice. g 9

Nothing is meant but fafety here and honor.

Flo. This does amaze me more;but do Italians Compell men to receive their courtefies ?

Cor. I muft not give you reafons; yet for your Surprize, you may receive a timely knowledge And not repent. I am a Gentleman,

And by that name fecure thee, if you can Fancie a peace with this reftraint, ’tis none But fomething that may pleafe you above freedom, If your unruly thoughts tempt a refiftance,

Death is let in, at every thing you look at.

Flo.Vlc leave my wonder and believe, what now Mufti obey ?

Cor. Firft walk away your fright.

F/o.’risofF.

(SV.How do you like this gallery?

Flo. ’T is very handfome.

Cor. And thcle pictures.

Flo. Wei,

Cor. Your eyes are yet too careleffe, pray exa¬ mine ’em.

Flo. They cannot anfwer.

Cor. Now your opinion.

Flo. Very good faces.

Cor: Have your eyes ever Met with a fubftance that might rtfleft On any of thefe ftiadowcs fir in Venice >

Flo. Never.

Cor. Look a little bctter,is there nothing Of more then common curiofity.

In any of thefe beauties.

Flo. I havefeen

Fair ones, what fhould this mean ?

Cor. But pray tel me,

c fome have prais’d for bandforamfs) W hich doth affett you mod? I guefie you have . By frequent view, and the converfe with Ladies

Ar-

4© 7 he gentleman of Venice,

Ariv’d at excclicnt judgement:

Flo. 1 did not

Expert this Dialogue, yet i’le be free,

I profefs ftranger to ’em all, but this Ipointmg to I ihould elcft the faireft and moft worthy Claudia- A mafeuline Embrace, I build upon na^

The promifeof your Honour, I fhould elfc Be nice in my opinion.

Cor. You arc juft,

And 1 prefer that too, what will you fay To call that Lady Miftris, and enjoy her ?

Shee’s noble to my knowledge, but enough At this time. I muftpray your kind cxcufc if(whilft)you walk into this room f Opening the Flo. A fair one. Changing-.

Cor. Which is defign’d your lodging, I become Your jailour, and make fore this Gallery Til my return j be conftant to your temper.

There fhall be nothing wanting to procure You fafe, and pleafant hours.

F/tf.Diftruft falles off.

I will expeft to find you noble, though My faith bind not to all,and enter. Exit .

Cor. So.

I tread a maze too, but muft not refign

My office, till I perfeft mydefign Exit .

Enter Malipiero with Rofabella dancing, [Dance'J Bernardo, Marcello,

Ber. Aftive Malipiero.

Mar, Excellent

They move as they had nothing elfe but foul.

Mai. So, drink, we are not merry, here’s a health To my hen fparrow.

Mar.Le t it walk round.

Ber. What Rofabella' s healths before the dates-***-}

Half

The Gentleman of Veni ee.

Mai. Hang State?, and C ommonwealths we will be Emperors;

And laugh, and drink away whole Provinces.

Shall we not dydapper?

Ro. What you pleafe, but will Signior

Ihomaz-obe'tierc prcfently, and bring-*- - •

Mai. The golden Fleece, thou Lady Gainever ,

And he (hall mount thy little modefty,

And ride like Agamemmni and (hall pay.for’t. While we, like valiant Greekes in lufiy wine. Drench the remembrance that we are mortal!.

More wine, my everlafting Marmofet.

Ber. Brave Malifiero (till ! our grand Signiors health, [Drinfce*]

Signior Thomaz.o.

Mai. Let it come fquirrells,

And then a fong mySpretty Rojabella ,

Which of the Senators were here laft night T o court thee with a draught of diflblv’d pearle ? Be fupple to thy friends, and let thy men i Of ftate,who hide their warp’t leggs in long gowns, | And keep their wifdom warm in furrs like agues ,

: Moft grave and ferious follies, wait, and want The knowledge of thy fidle, my dear Dowfabel.

Ro. What hath advanc’d your brain thus Malifiero ? Y ou were not wont to talk at fuch a h eight.

There Is fomc mighty fortune drpoping, is Your Uncle fick, whofeheiryouhopetobe >

Mai. Hang Uncles, there’s a damp in’s very name. Wine, or I fink,- — — fonow thy fong, come fit.

Rosabella frtgs.

Ent er Thomaao with Marino.

Tho. Nay you (hall enter, Gentlemen, my friend. Salute him, Malifiero , he is one

May

4 2 The Gentleman of Venice,

* May do usfervice.

Mar. fir! i’le take my leave.

7 ho. That were a jeft, you (hall ftay by this hand , Who ha’s the wine, drink to my noble friend, Whilft I embrace my Queen of C artkagc.

^.Welcome. (Father*

Mai. 1 have feen this Gentleman wait ncre your Tho. R i ght in his bedchamber, a fober Coxcombe, We met by chance, let’s make him drunk, I have The brave devi ces here boy.

Mai. Good : y’are welcome,

Fill me a tun of wine.

Mari. How Signior !

is too too little for a friend.

M^ri.They’l drown me, here’s a pretious knot 'l ho. I hugge thee Cleopatra, Gentlemen,

Am not I behind half a (core glades, fil, f He takes the Come charge me home, i’le take it here u>ottle. Mari. What will become of me? they mean to drench

Me for the fullens, I am like to have A very hue time, and employment here.

Tho. But ha’ you nere a banquet l Rof. ’Tis preparing.

Tho Let it be as rich as the Egyptian Queen Made for Mark. Anthony, in the mean time What limb of wantonnefle have you ready for My noble friend here, get him a fine fltfh (addle,

Or where’s thy mother, now I think upon’t.

He loves to ride upon a pad.

M.«-i.Not I fir.

Mai. Oh by all meanes Signior.

He (hall go to the price of any Ladyware.

M<®7.Who I? alas my tilting daies arc done, nay , nay, then

I’ie drink w’ee gentlemen, but 1 cannot tumble

Tho ,

43

The Gentleman cf V en ice.

Tho. Why then hercVto thee.

IVWt.No Lrdy warefor mefwcetMiftris,

I blulh to fay I cannot mount at this time.

Would I were off agen, polecat* for me >

Tho. Now gentlemen wipe your tyes C Sh'wes a Mari. A Cabinet of rich Jewels. \cabimt.

* l ho . And how, and how (hew things?

Is’t fit we want to rtvcll, while my father

Ha’s thife toyes idle, we grope in the dark

And 1 jfe our way, while luch bright ftarre s as thefe

May light us to a wench ?

' Mari. Thete is no confidence in’t.

But what (hall we do with ’enk there’s a lull re Hath ft uck me into a flame.

M at. Di ink half, and tumble out the reft In featherbeds.

Tho. Where’s Rofabeltay to lend money >

Atari. Stay, fir.

She never can difburfe to half their valew,

Befide 1 know their (lie and coftive natu 1 I am acquainted with a Jew, are we All faithful!? are there no traitors hei e 1 am acquainted with a Jew final furnifr. yoii iTo purpofe, & tranfiport thde , where they.fnannot Betray from whence they came; tiuft hei ’tis dan¬ gerous,

Bcfides the learning of your mirth, by a

Penurious Son, give me the Cabinet -

Y’are fureall thefeare friends, & will fay nothing? Tho. I warrant thee;what luck had I to meet him. Mai. Will you truft him ?

7£<?.Hee’$ one of tit, make haft, a mighty fiumme. Atari, l’le bring a ftorme of Duccats initantlv.

Exit.

7 ho. So,,fo to’th wine agen.

Atal, You need not fpend the total here,! have uk / . D F »r

44. The Gentleman of Venice.

For forty ofthofe Duccats.

Tho. S’hat have fifty.

Mai. Thefe gentlemen are out of figlcavc? too. Some frefher robes would fhew well.

yko. They fhall have New skins my Holofernes.

Mai. l’ie have half.

B. M. A match.

Mai. Wine, to our Generaliffimo.

T ho. That’s 1, 1 underftand the Metaphor.

It (hall have law, oh for fome trumpets now.

Mai. T antarra rara boyes,outrore the winds And drink the fun into Eclipfe, hang iniching. But where’s my wanton Pinnace >

Ber, Boorded by Some man of war by this time.

Mar. She is fpoon’d away.

Mai. My top and top gallant gone? ha/ are then Pirates

Upon thefe Goafts; give fire upon the water-rats, And fhoot pell mell, fight as a whirlewind Hinges, Difordering all,, what man of Menaces Dare look awry upon my Cattamountaine l

Tho. Not I: now hce’s got rampant, heel kill fom body.

Ber. You muft not be affrighted, to’ther lift And be a Giant eke, and talk of terrors With words Olympus high.

Tho. Will that do’t?

Ber. Oh fir.

Tho. Give me the bottle then ?

Mai. Suppofe thou wert my Uncle now, con hither.

Hold thy head fair* that I may whip it off.

Mar. Mine’s nothing like , Bernardo has bee taken

Ft

45

The Gentleman of Venice.

For your Uncle Signior.

Mai. How dart you be like The rogue my Uncle firra ?

Ber.l fir>’tis

Signior Thomaz>e that fee means, and fee ' For very fear his head fales off r 7 hmaz? was

Mai. Reach it me, 3 drinti** and

i l’le drink a health, then in his skull. (.IWCnie^ Tho. Who talkes of me, who dares mention

A thought of me> where be the dainty duccats? Enter Marino.

Mari.Thc moneie’s coming fir, fix men are laden* And will be here immediately.

Mai. Thou (halt drink A health, kneel venerable fir.

Tha. Be humble.

Thou man of Mailt go } or thou dyeft ( ,

Mari , I do fir. \KneeUs']

Mai. To the Town, a fire.

Mar. What dee mean Signior.

7 bo. He has a v?ry good meaning, never doubt it. Ma/.That you (hall pledge, or forfeit your lconce tome.

None (hall have the honor to p’edge this health.

But this whay bearded Signior,

7*VNow do my braincs tumble, tumble, tumble— Mai. give ichim.

And drink it with devotion as I did.

Tho. I long to fee thefe double, double — hickets But where’s the Cockatrice, this whirl gigge i Is my head faft ?

Mar. The ferue is firm, fu peft not.

Mari. I dare not pray nor ask forgive nefle here. Tho, Do not my braines now turn upon the toe.

D 2 Mai.

4 6 The Gentleman of V eni ce. ,

M al. Do you hear my doughty Signior Thomaz^^i Wo ’not you kil theDuke,yuUrgrace!efs father now? ' Tho. Yes marry will I. (night,!,

Mai. You (hail let him into the Chamber one1, Where he (hall ftrangle him.

Tho. O 1 1 can play upon his windpipe rarely.

Mai. Wec’l fee ( a*ce mark )• fome corner of the Palace

A fire, at the fame time, and in that hurry Break into the T rea(ury,rake what we think fit,

And fteal away by Sea into another Country. JVWi.Moft admirably contriv’J;the men arc come.

Enter Officers.

Tho. Hey, the money boyes?

W/hr/.Difarme . he traitors. (trick?

Mai. Plots , ambufeadoes, are thefe your Jewf Mari. Pi wait til you have flept away your furreit. Here in the heufe.

Tho. Which is the Jew of all thefe? li

M^i/.We are cheated by a Court-nap. (Jewells Tho. Mv friend, are you the Jew? where be rhi M art. Truth is, I have fen t the Jewels toyouijj Father,

And he will lend no money.

Tho. No money ?

M al. But muft we go to prtfon 1

Tho. F;e to prifon with e’m fpighto* your teeth j

Mari. Not, till you have flept, this wajj

Exit, with Tht

Enter Rofabella. (

Fo. The Banquet’* ready gentlemen. * K Mai. A rtfeue. li

We are fnatch’d up for traitors, we are betraid, And going to prifon.

Re. Who paies for the wine aad banquet - M*

The Gentleman of Venice. 4 7

Mai. Why any living body, that has a fcruple In’s Confidence, for the loiTa of thy dear Comfits , \nd Carrawaies, away, lead me ye rogues.

’le not march elle, and let us make a (hew,

Vly fine officious rafcills, on afore, follow in fit flute, fo farewell firelock.

Rof. I fhall be undone.

Mai. Undoing is thy trade,

March on I lay. Exeunt.

Ad. 4.

Enter Cornari, after him Claudiana.

?lau.X7 Our p'eafure fir ; you did command my f prefence.

Cor. Are you com ? you and I muft not be Interrupted Claudiana.

Claud . Why do you (hut your Chamber 1 Cor.Wtc muft be private, riuw does my life ?

C/au. Well fir, if you Be fo.

Cor. 1 have a fute to thee, my bcft CaUdiani.

Clatt. To mt ? t muft be granted.

Cor That’s well faidj

3ut ’tis a bufinefle (fweet) of mighty confequcnce , More pretious then my life.

Cla. GoodnelTe forbid i (hould not give obedience to the le ft Of your command?, but> when y nr life requires Myfervice,I (hould chide my heart, and ih . tight* Unlefle they put on wings to (hew their duty. CW\Nay,’tis a bulinefle (w et will (peak thy love.

D 3 Cla.

48 The Gentleman of Venice.

Cor. Thou knowcft how many years fince the Prieft eyed

Our holy knot, with what religious flowing Of chaft and noble love our hearts have met, Howmanybleffingshavel lumm’d in thee ,

And but in thee for unto this, Heaven gave not (That which indeed doth Crown all Marriage,) Children, thou haft been fruitfull Cl*udi*n*

In all that’s good, but onely fruicfulnclle;

And when I think who in my want of that Great bldling of thy womb, muft be my heir,

A bafe and impious villain, to poflefle And riot in my fpacious fortunes, I Forget that other happinefle in thy perfon,

And let in a vexation to confume me.

Cl a. I know not what to fear, it is heavens will And not my fault*

Cor , Oh no, the fault is mine,

All mine Claudiam , for thou art not barren .

*TisI, a man pr. digious and mulfted By nature, without faculty of man To make our marriage happy, and preferve This tair; this lovely figure, be at peace And let me blufh, a thing not worth the love Of fuch a bounteous fweetnefife.

Cl*. Let me fall I Kneeles ]

Beneath that which fuftaines me, ere I take In a beleef, that will deftroy my peace.

Not in the appr henfion of what You frame to accufe your fell, but in fear My honour isbetraid to yourlufpition;

Oh kill me fir, before I lofe your thought.

Your noble thought.

Cor. R-ife, with thy tears I kiffe Away thy tremblings; I fufpeft thy honor ?

My heart will want faith to believe an Angel,

That

The Gentleman of Venice. 4c

That fhould traduce thy fair name, thou art chaft <\.s the white down of heaven, whofe feathers play Upon the wings ofa cold winters gale,

Trembling with fear to touch the impurer earth. How are the rofcs frighted in thy cheekes To palenefTe, weeping out of tranfparent dew: When a loofe ftory is but nam’d.^ thou art The miracle ofa chaft wife, from which fair Originall, drawn out by heavens own hand.

To have had one Copie, 1 had write perfection To all my wilhes here , but ’tis denyed me.

Nor do 1 mock thee with a fable, wnile 1 miferably complain, convinc’d, and loft fn my own Mafcu'ine defeft, biit yet [ love thee C landiam, doft not think fb ?

And after fo much injury, I bring Not my repentance onely, but a juft And noble fatisfa&ion.

C'U. You opprefTe

My fences with the weight of new amazement, j Cor. I muft be clear, thou muft embrace another— Another in my bed, whom from the world I have made choice to know thee, be not frighted , This way is left, and this alone to recompence My want, and make both happy.

Cla. I embrace Another in your bed ?

Cor. Doft think I would Attempt, or wifh thee to’t , without a care In every circumftancc to both our fames > C7<*.Fame? are you matter of your reafon?dare you Provoke heaven thus ?

Cor. Heaven onely (hall be witnefle,

Whofe fecrefie i’ie truft, but not another*.

Befide the principall agent, to get heaven.

Cla. Y’are no Italian fure.

D 4

5© The Gentleman of Venice.

Cor. Yes, and thy husband,

A juft one to thy memory, that would Cancell his faith, rather then be a ftrift Idol ter of words, and fevere Iawes,

To the deftroying offo fweet a figure;

I would not have thee flye like birds i’ch aire.

Or fhippes that leave no traft, to fay here was ,

So rich a bkfling, rather like a plant

Should root,and grow, and bloom, & bear for ever.

Cla. l’me loft for ever.

Cor. Be wife and meet my wifhes, ’cis my love That h ath ’orccome all nice confide rings To do thee juftice. Nor will I intrude Upon thy bofome one (hall be unwelcome,

Hee’s honorably born, of comely perfon.

But has a fouleadcfes glory tb ’em both,

A boy from him, born toniy name and fortunes Leaves not another wealth tc my ambition. '

T o raife thy free confent my Claudiana ,

’Tis he, Whom thou doft think worth thy owne praift”,

The gentleman v'&orious forhis parts,

So late in Vemce. theEnglifh Cavalier.

Cla. I am undone.

Cor. To be fhort,

I have furpriz’d his perfon for this ufe.

He hath been many daies an obfcure gueft Within the lodgings next the Garden, for I mull confeffe 1 have had ftrugl ings in My nature, and have fate in Councell ’gainft My felfe fometime, touching this great affair,

But 1 have anfwer’d every thing oppos’d it.

And took this time to acquaint thee. „

Cla. Good fir kill me.

Or. I will, 4

And him i«), ifyetrd^‘ 'lot; and make

The

51

The Gentleman of Veince.

The projeft as I caft it_> be not obftinate,

Why, h? fhali nere difcover who thou art,

]f thou be faithfull to thy {elf, thou maift Pretend thy felf fome pleafant bona roba.

Or take what name, and (feapethou wilt.

Cla. There’s none

Gan hide my fhame, or wafh the ftain away;

Cor. What fhame or (ta n is in’t when it is kept A fecret darker then the book of deftinic From mankind >

Cla. Am I praftis’d in thofe arts ?

Of fin that he (hould take me for a Gurtefan >

Nay, rather let me be known, your wife.

It will oblige him more to u(e m; well, (him. And thank your loving paines that brought me to

If I muft be a whore, and you a - — -

Cor. Stay, and I a— what. ^I bleed within me.

Cla. This key will make the Chamber free, I follow. '

Gonfider fir, l’me elfe undone for ever Ex.

Cor. Why if he know me for her husband, ’tis Without a name, I can fecure my honor,

And fend him quickly to eternall filence- Fme refolv’d they muft obey, proceed,

A little blood will wafti away this deed. Ex.

Enter Duke3 Senators , Attendants , Letters upon a Table.

Du ke Our City drooping with the xvounds fo late Receiv’d, is now to ftudy with what joyes To entertain fo great a vi&ory.

Treuifo is return’d to our obedience,

Almoft without a Ioffe, how many fell On the adverfe part, ;hofe papers fignific,

And muft enlarge our tryumph : but is’c not Strange what our generall writes of G^vanni ,

Whofc

5 2 The Gentleman of Venice.

Whofe fpirit he admires, and forward valour. Referring to his bold attempt, our Conqueft,

That he advanc’d his head and fword firft on The enemies walls, which inflam’d our army To fecond him with courage, and that after With his own hands he flew their generall,

Whofe fall (hot death and trembling through their Army.

Can. Where is Gitvami >

Du. He is by direction of our generall Now marching hither, to his onely conduft.

The Captives are remitted, and his aft By us to be confidered, bpt we have Sent order for the placing of his Prifoners Securely, and commanded he (hould here Attend our pleafure C^#.The young Gardiner i Du. The fame, whofe early valour takes away The prejudice of humble birth, and ought To be encourag’d nobly.

OtH.’Tis but juftice.

v Enter Marino.

Is’c poffible the Gardiners Son (hould fo Behave himfclf in war,

He will deferve fome honor for’t.

Du. Why may not

Our power difpencc,and though his low condition By our rule exempt him ( for his gallant ferviee Done) now create him gentleman of Venice ,

With a noble penfion from our treafury To bear his title up?

Can.VJe give it ftrangers ,

Whofe birth we not examine.

He defer ves it.

Du. Let him receive no favour

For

53

The Gentleman of Venice.

For his relation to me, but take His place and punilhment wich the reft, away ; I caft him from my thought. Exit Marine*

! Can Why comes not Our Generali himfrlf? j • Da. Reafons of war May yet compell his ftay, hec’s to repair Some breaches which cur Souldiers made, St wifely By fome new fortification, fecure The Town if the Enemy Ihould reinforce.

Att. Signior Giovanni wattes.

Enter Mar.

Da. Hath hedifpos’J By our direftion thole prifoners were Sent by our Generali?

Atten. He hath andpleafe your exceilencie.

Da. Admit him.

Enter Giovanni plum’d and brave Georgio his fervant

Qio. All health and honor to the Duke and Senate.

Da. We thank thee Giovanni , and will fpare Your trouble to relate what we have gain'd l’th warjOur General writes how much our Venice Doth owe to you, whole maiden yet bold valour Hath wrought our fafety, and fupprtft the late Infolent Genowefe.

Gio. Y our bounty makes That mine, which I want merit fir to challenge,

But if my will to ferve my Country f for Befide that name and warm-dc fires, I dare (cherilh Gall nothing mine ) y’are pleas’d to accept and A young mans duty, you will teach me in The nexc employment to del? rve i ndeed.

Till when, you lofe not>to have built upon This humble pile, a monument of your goodnefle ,

54 The gentleman of Venice.

To tell the world, although mifplac’d on me,

You love a growing vertue.

TDh. Th is Giovanni ?

His words taft more of courtier then thcGarden. To Ihew we und- rftand, and to that knowledge Have will to recompence the deleft, Giovanni The Senate bidds you ask, what in your power Your thought can aim at. to reward your fervice. And you (ball foon poflrflc it.

Geo. A k,ask qu'ckly,

A hundred thoufand double double duccats.

’Twil ferve us both,do’t, beggars muft be impudent. Gio. Now you deftroy what elfe might live to ferve you,

This grace will make me nothing, when I call My airy worth to ballance, keep thofc glorious Rewards for men borne, and broughtnp in honor i That may be great and able Golumnes to Your ever envyed ftrte; alas I rife Like a thin reede beneath this Common-wealth, Whofe weighr, an Atlas muft luftain like heaven. This favour is too mighty, and if you Command me, ask a juft reward, *tis nothing. , Geo. You had as good ha faid nothing, l blulh for you.

You know many Souldiers So modeft, to refufe pay, or preferment >

They cannot have it fometimes, after many Petitions to the State, and now their miudes Are foluble and apt to powre out favours.

You to be fo maidenly—*

Gio. May I credit

With pardon of your wifdomes, that you mean To encourage thus the low born Giovanni >

Geo. Now he makes queftum of their honefty too. Oh limple fouldicr.

‘The Gentleman of Venice. 55

Dt*. We look not at thy root, but at thy bloffom. And as a pi « terver ot our Country We offer up a gratitude, conlult With thvbetf judgement, ( though befide this aft O his abroad) I can give no account [Afuie J

.W y 1 Ihould I ve this young man, or prefer him,

I known r by what myftery, I have (tunc,

Hadth lights to wifh him more then common for- A d 'his occafion ot his merit offered.

I will puifue.

Geo Do as I counfell you, and remember, I Have left my fortunes, and my trade to ferve you.

Gio. Call it not pride ft I be willing to Believe your excell«nce,that I have dons S* mthing your goodnefll prompts you to reward, And he grave Senate, 1 have thought.

Du. Be free.

Geo Now do I expeft to be half a Senator at lead.

Gio. And fince you rajfe my aft to fuch a merit,

I will not asK a thing too much beneath it.

Geo. W Ji -aid Vaunt}*

Gio. And (hame your bounty; yet I may bar You will not grant - — ■

Geo. AgCii?

Du. Name it wih confidence.

Gio. I lc ok at no rewaid of gold.

Geo. How’s that? hee’sout on’s part.

Gio. 1 know not.

By what fate I contemn it, norat titles Of honor, or command, or what can trench On ftace or wealth.

Geo. I thank yee heartily,

I mnft to digagen.

Gio. Employ fuch gifts,

To pay fonte flight, and mercenary foules.

That make their end of good, reward, and not

I.

5 6 The Gentleman of V enicer

Itfelfe, but fince you have impos’d l ihould Make choyce of fomwhat know my ambition aims— Du. At what ?

Gio. It is too great a happinefle, but I now Goniider I have pratled to the wind.

What I defire is not within your power.

And what you may command, not in my wiflics. For I would ask Bellaura'. can you make Me fit tor filch a blcfling? no, you cannot, llnlefle I were unborn, and (hould agcn Come forth, not Giovanni , but the Son Of fome bright name, and this world-taking honor. Dh. Bellaura > ((range requeft.

Enter Marino and Bellaura.

Mar. Madem I dare not Be feen, if you prevail,! (hall attend,

And put his mercy into aft. Exit.

Du. Shee’s here.

Bel. 1 have a fuit to your highneffe.

Du. Me Bellaura ?

Bel. About your Ion, whom men to your dilhonor Lead like fome bafe offender.

Du. I muft fpeak

The caufe into your ear. C Whifpers to her J

Gio. I was too blame

To mention her fo publick, but my heart Grew tick with filence, and their propofitioni To ask what I defir’d moft, prevail’d Againft myreafon:

D«. Leave him to me, Bellaura.

Do you < bferve that gentleman ?

Bel ’Tis Giovanni.

He does become the fouldier.

Du. He has done wonders Abroad, and quit our gratitude, to be Onely by you rewa. d*d, can you love him >

BeU

The Gentleman of V enice. 57

Bel. I underftand you not.

Dtf.And marry him ?

Bel. How have I loft my felf, fince I became Your charge, a legacie bequeath’d your care By 5»y dead father, the late Duke of Venice,

That you ftiould hink I can defeend with fuch Forgetful I nefic of my felf, my birth or fortunes To place my love on one fo poorly born.

Du. You blufh. Bel. ’tis anger in my blood to hear him nam’d. [ To Giovanni ]

You] pay me courfely for my charity.

Learn modefty hereafter to be gratefull.

1 ha done we’e fir Exit.

Geo. Do you heer the tit"? be wife.

And look at ready money, ’tis a better Commodity then any Lady in Chriftendom;

Gw. Pray difmifs,

And pardon Giovanni. I am fatisfied.

For your own honor let not my ambition Be told abroad, i’le check and punilh my Afpiring thoughts hereafter.

Du. Ysu have leave.

Come gentlemen,

He is in love.

Du. 1 pitty him. Exit. Duke and Senator.

Geo. What (hall become of us now by your folly ? Gio. Wee’l to the Garden George , and there begin Another grouth, for what we have’s defpis’d.

Geo. I knew I fhould return to my dear dunghill. Gio. Iprethee fee the armour which Btllama Bellow’d on me, brought home.

Geo . Your armour? yes

We might have worn foft natur’d (ilk, and you had Been rul’d by me, a pox of love for my part,

9 Tis good for nothing, but to make things dear. Gio. l’ie be reveng’d upon my ftarrs, that made

Me

^ 3 The gentleman of Venice.

Me poor, and dye forgotten in my (hade Ext

A 7 able prepar'd, two tapers. Enter Florclli,

Flo. 1 find no great devotion in this Monaftick life, the Maior Domo promis’d A Miftris here of that complexion,

But I like not this folitude.

And tedious expectations,

1 (hall nere do thingshandiomly.

Give me freedonte and fair play.

And turn me to a harpy, but to be thus Compell’d to an imbrace (for thats the meaning Of my flie Signior,if it be not worfe )

Fed high to encounter with an Amazon,

I know not?tis not well, nor confcionable In my opinion: I hear tome bufie About the lock.

Enter Cormri.

My Jaylor? What now fellowes ?

Sir, if I muft ha my throat cut, as much Better I do not hope, though I deferve not That bounty from your hands , 1 live f > dully,

I would requeft you fet a time, and’t be A day or two, to pray and think of matters.

And then turn me loofe to the other world!

Cor. Read that. (gives him a paper']

He (hannot fee my blufhes, I muft pitty Thee Clandiana, but my flubborn fate Will have it fo, it is to make thee live Although we both muft fuffer, and I like A father thus, whofe child at play upon A rivers bank, is fain into the ftrearo,

Leap in, and hazard all to fave a little.

But I muft on Exit*

Flo. Amazement Circles me,

Such wonders are not read in every Marriage,

What (hall I doe? madnefle to queftion it.

I

%9

The Gentleman of Venice.

I muli refolve or die? fince there’s no help,

’Tis fomething if (he be bat like that face To comfort my proceeding.

Enter Cornari leading bis wife Veild.

Cer. Be bold, and take as lent this treafure from file, I muft expett it back agen with intereft. clocks the FA? The dore is faft agen,here is a prefident For husbands that want heirs to their eftate. *’

; A goodly perfon. Plcafe you Lady, to ! UnveiH a rich and moft inviting beauty, [jhe unveils ] I am all flame, (hall I take boldneffe, after My duty paid your white hand, to afpire And touch your lip— now could I wifh to dwell 1 here. [ he kjffcs ]

G an you read Lady > ( Signior r she takes the

She turnes away her face. I hope my \Jeper & turns. Has taken paines to bring her to the bufinefle^ And not left me to break her : can (he fpeak ?

Thofe lines (I know not how you like ’em Madam) Were none of my invention, the character,

I guefle to be your husbands/ 1 am here

A prifoncr to his will, to which unlefle

You give obedience, I have took leave

Of day for ever, deftin’d by his.vow

To an eternall (hade. O Exit Clauds duds

Shc'leads the way;

Conference be calrne, no grumblings now of piety.

Giovanni. The -pieces of Armour hung upon feve- rall trees FLoberto5Urfiila.

Gte. ^TpHefewefe the excellent Bellaur£% gife,

X Of no ufe now to mt,bu c to keep frelh v.O E The

6o The Gevt'.emanof Venice.

The memory of my dreams and that I lov’d her.

I fee how paflion did blind my reafon,

And my prodigious hopes vanilh’d to air Have left me to contemplate my own vanity.

Ro. I know not, but if I may credit Georgio That did wait on thee to the Senate, thou Haft loft an opportunity , that might Have made u&a.itClariJJw<fs Giovttnm.

I might tiave kept my reverend Mules, and had My'Ci-opper worfhipped by the Plebeians ,

And Urfala here been Madam heaven knowes what. And did you wifely to reiufe >

Ur. Nay, nay X know

He was not bot n to do us good, not ftoop To take preferment fromthe Duke and Senate?

Ro. Well,*twa$ his modefty.

Uk. . He learn’t it not from me.

Ro. No more— — — —

Ur. Ton wil be alwaies taking his part againft me. But I know, whatl know, and that’s a fecrct.

Here comes the t’other Dunderhead,

Enter Georgio. ' ,

Geo. The armour is hung up already, this We muft all come to. .

Rf>. What to the Gibst Georgiy > r Pointing n

Geo. Matter look here. \the Helmet.

Ifytiu; had but this hole to put your head in.

It would be a great pretervative to your hearing. And keep out all the nolfe, ofmy Dames Quivering, Within this fortification vyell lock’d up. (per. You would think her l$udt$ -residing a meer whif- Urf. AVhat’s that you talk of your Dame firra i Geo. .Oh dame, I have newes for you.. (cern? |l \

Urf.Vqr me?whac4sU?whom does your new’s con- i Geo. One that you love with ally our heart. j

Rd. Who is’t knave?

Cm

The Gentleman of Venice.

Geo. Knave ? call your word in, and eat it, Tie ad- vifc.

You may fare worfe:you do not hear the news then? Urf I (hall when you’i find utterance.

Geo. The newes— ■ -■

We arc all of one Religion ?

Ro. Out with it.

Ge. Every thing is not to be talk’d on.

Ro. So it ifeems by your concealment.

Urf. Shall we hear it ?

Gw. Yes? Signior Thomaz.o'—

Urf. What of him ? (tlerilaii.

Gw. There’s a gentleman, and you talk of a gen~ Urf. What of Tbomaz.oi now am I longing;

Gw. 1 heard, as I came hither—*

Vrf What?

Ro. Let us hear too.

Urf. What? be brief.

Gw. That he is to lofe his head Miftrifs — *■». ; Urf. Now a thoufand blifters upon chat tongur?,’ Gw. But you do not know for what, miftrille there’s it.

You are fo angry ftill at half a bufinefle.

Urf. F or what is he to luffer? oh my heart 1 Gw. For nothing but high tfeafon;

Ro. How ?

Geo. You ha’not patience, to hear a ftory out.

Ro. High treafon faid hefthat’s a Ihrewd bufinefj, Urf. T homaz.o lofe his head ? .

Ro. So it feems.

Urf B. ttcr thy generation Were headlcffc.

Gw. I told you but in good will, becaufe I knew You lov’d him. I ha done. Exit .

Urf. Paflxon O my dear heart! i’le to the Duke My fclf, and beg his pardon.

Ro. You’l make

E z You?

6 2 The Gentleman of V enice.

Your felf a party in the treafon, will you t You’l beg hi* pardon, you1! beg a halter.

And fooncr ’twill be granted.

Urf. Giovanni ,

Sweet Giovanni , there’s a funlhine word.

Deere child go with us.

Ro. lls> doft think i’legoe And run my head into the hempe ~i Vrf, Be ft hony-fuckle !

One word of hine will ftrike the pardon dead.

Gi' Ide rather go a pilgrimage.

"Urf. Thou fhalc go a pilgrimage, another time T o the worlds end I charge thee on my blefting, . And husband you muft gotoo.

Ro. No, no not I.

I thank you Urfula, i’le not have niy foot Nor hand in any treafon.

Urf Is it fo much to kne;l> you Hull fay nothing. lliiielFe you pieafe, leave all the ralk to me,

Ro. I wo’notgo, though the Duke fend for me. Urf How? that’s a piece a treafjn.

R*.So,if I go nor,

Shce’i betray me too j well Giovanni (hall go too. Where is he ?

Vrf. Let me alone to conjure him.

Shall we go presently, delaies are dangerous.

The rafcall George is gone too, allforfake me In ray diftrefie.

Ro . What will you fay Vrfula , (on you?

When you come there; what will the Dukes ihlnk Or who (hall fuffer for your impudence ?

And what? that is con(iderable,I have No mind to go agen.

Vrf. Then I’le (poile the Garden,

Break up the hedges, and deface the works Your darling Gtovanni made; i’le let in

A

The Gentleman cf Veni ce. 6%

■ A regiment offwinc , and all their Officers To undermine the Caftie he made laft,

• And fortified with Cannon, though 1 dye fort.

Ro. More treafon, well I will go, but I hope : You wo’not trudge this evening, if we muft Rcfolve upon’t, let us do things difcreetly.

Vrf. That was well faid, nay, I am for dilcr ctic n For all my hall.

Ro. I think it mod convenient To wait his bufinefie, coming forth his Chamber To morrow morning Vrfu/a, and then let Good natures work, to nights no time.

We mull confult ourPillowesjwhattofay;

And how to place our words.

Vrf. Now ’t is my bell Pigeon, la’s home inllantly.

Ro. A fober pace goes far, not too fall Frfala3 Remembrlng the Proverb, and what followes;

We Ihould march flow to lave me from the gallows.

Exit.

Enter Cornari with a Piftoll and a rapier. Floreili. Cor. Y ou have had your time of pleafure, can you pray ?

Flo. Pray, what do you mean Signior. (manded Cor. The Lady whom you have enjoy’d, com- I fhould prefent one of thefe two, or both In token of her gratitude.

Flo. This cannot Be earned fir.

Cor. Thefe are the Jewells

Which you muft wear fir next your heart: how de’e Affeft the luftre of this toy? ’tis bright,

But here’s a thing will fparkle.

Flo. 1 am loft.

Is this the pro'mife of my fafety?

Cor . Yes,

64 The Gentleman of Venice.

This willfecure all, thou dull Ilander,?

’Caufe you can dance, and vault upon a hobbihorfe, De’e think to mount Madcnas here, and not Pay for the fweet Carreere.Fool, to thy prayers,' For when thefe meflengers falute thy heart.

Thy foul (hall find, Pin an Italian,

And wo’not truft a life to him, whofe tongue Commands my honor.

Flo. Art a Chriftian?

Cor. As much as comes to a Venetians faith.

That believes no man is moreto fit die Thenhe,that has been capering with my wife.

Flo. Ye cannot fir forget I was betrai’d,

Awake thy confidence, and let that anfwer 1 have obey’d a dire neceflity ,

And was brought hither by a ftratagem.

CV.’Tis all one Signior; I prefume you gave Confent to the deere matter of delight.

Which is not held convenient you fliould talk of. Flo. Hold.

Cor. Hope not to breath ten minutes, gather up Thole thoughts you would have wait upon you to Another world.

Flo. Then ’as high time to think Of other matters, though you have cruelly Refolv’d there is no fafety for your fame.

To let me ftill be numbred with the living, f Which ifyourfeattered reafon were collefted,

I could refute,) but l’le not hope it now, )

Since moft ignobly ’gainft the rules of honor.

And faith already forfeit, you will make This undefenced pile your facrifice,

Yet do not kill me twice.

Cor. T wice ?

Flo . Such a rage

Were infinite^ pra&ifc not cruelty

Upon

The Gentleman of V enice, 6 5

Upon my tecond life, by murdering my Eternity, allow to my [3ft breath,

I Leave to difeharge the weight of many finnes Into the bofome of feme confeflor.

Cor. This may be granted, ’cis not muchunrea'* fonable.

Flo. Your charity will think it fit to allow ! Some minutes to collett my felf.

Cor. Tofhew

My defign has no malice in’t, i’le do

Your foul that office, though our bodies muft not

Enjoy this aire together many howrs.

l’le fend one to you. Exte.

Flo . The innocence of a Saint,

VVod not fecure his life from an Italian When his revenge is fixe. In what black hour Did Ifalutc the world, that I am thrown Upon fohard afate> it is not fit To expoftulate with heaven, or I could fay Something in my defence, (as I am man )

To keep this mighty rock from tailing on me.

My tutelar Angell be at counfcll with My thoughts, and if there be a path of fafety Direft my trembling fteps to find, and taft it.

Enter Cornari in a Friers habit.

Has kept his word, and ’tis no time to trifle.

As y’are a Prieft, and by that facred order

And fcapular you wear, not onely hear me

But ufe your pious art to fave from ruine

A man condemn’d for that which heaven and you

Call vertue, for not doing a black deed

Would damn three foules at once, 8t if your power

Cannot prevail for mercy to my life,

I challenge you when I am dead, to be A witneflc of my innocence. ,

C«r. This has

$ 6 ibeG entleman of V enice.

N o fliape ofa conftffioo.

Flo , Nor do I

Under that holy feal difcourfe aftory, '

Yet Father I muft throw my felf upon Your Charity. Know therciore 1 am bctraid ,

And by the plot of him that owes this Palace (Whofe name is never like to meet my knowledge) Snatch'd up, one fatall evening, and forc’d hither By forne dark minifters he had employ’d (I know not which way)te this fatall chamber.

I Ihudder but to name what impious aft Again!! his own, and his dear Ladies honor He had ddign’d for me; Her chafter foul Should have been ftain’d, in his diflruft of heaven. To bleflfe him with an heir,- and her white rreafure. By me a Granger rifled, had not providence. Chain’d up our blood, f© ;hat the hours he gave Tofervehis black ambitidn, and our luft ,

We onely fpent in prayers for his converflon.

C or. Ha.

Flo. This yet he knowes not, and it is not fafe To appear in our own vertue, fincethe juftice We did our peace, in crcfling his expeftance May improve his rage to both our ruines. This Sad ftory frights you, there is horror in’t.

But ’us an hour, thelaft, without fomc miracle To refeue me("a man difarm’d) from violence.

Nor dare I mock heaven now, or hang upon My foul the burden of a lie, when tis Taking her laft eternall flight, It is not A fear to dye affiifts me, with my faith And innocence about me; I have look’d Death in the lace, and be it thought no boaft To fay, I have taught others by example To march up to the uglieft face of danger.

The Gentleman of Venice. <v

But to die thus dilhonorably> to be Sent out o’th world i’th dark, with 3Ut a name Or any account to thole, to whom I owe My blood, and birth? perfons that carry names Of honor in my Country >This doth ftagger me To quit my life, and inay excufe my addrefie To you, who have Authority from heaven To take his fury off, whom otherwife I expeft my/violent executioner.

I have Tome tremblings for his Lady, whofc (on, £foft holy tears, ftream'd through my foul compafli- And charm’d my blood, tears,if he durft have pati¬ ence

Were powerful! enough to beg from heaven That bieffing which he fondly thinks to haften. With Ioffe oi his eternity.

Cor. No more.

Exit Conrari haftily^having thrown of the habit E nter again with C laudiana.

Forgive me, oh forgive me C landiana.

And if my fin of forcing thy obedience Beyond the rules of honor, and of marriage Have not quite murd’red thy affeftion;

With me a little life for my repentance.

Cl. I j >y to hear this from you.

FI. There’s work within me, andfo deep a feufe Of my own fhame and forrow, that 1 feel My heart already weeping out a bath To make thee white agen.

C/a. Sir, in what belt I underftand,Imuftaskyou forgiveneffe.

Cor. Ha mine, for wnat, betraying thee to dark- neffe i

Cla. For difobeying your command.

Cor. Thou didft

The impious aft by my defign, which takes

Thy

6 8

The Gentleman of Venice, lit away, and fpreads the leprofie

Upon my felf.

CVd.Although you kill me fir,

I muft remove the cloud, and let you fee

Me as I am,tiot chang’d from my firft innocence.

Cor. Poffible?

Cl. Moft eafi e, where there is A chaft refolve, and I muft tell you fir.

Although I wanted courage to oppofe Your paflion, when your reafon, and religion Were under violence ofyour will, my heart Refolv’d to try my own defence, and rather Then yeeld my felf a Ihamefull fpoile to luft,

By my own death to quit my name from fcandall 5 But providence determin’d better for me.

And made rae worth a ftrangers piety.

Whom your chice meant the ruine of my honor;

If this want entertainment in your faith*

’Tis peace to my poor heart that I have many White witnefles in Heaven.

Cor. You have done no feats then ■

My wife is chaft.

Flo. I cannot fir engage My laft breath to a nobler truth.

Cor. Tisfo . - Ex.C/a ,

You may withdraw Claudiana-, by what Has been expreft, though I am fatisfied.

You are not guilty in the fa& , as I Expe&ed, *cis not fafe, when 1 confider My own fame in the ftor y, that you live fir.

I muft not truft you longer with a fecret#

That by my tameneffe may hereafter fpread The infamy abroad: there’s no avoiding-’--

Flo. Then I muft die.

Cor. Perhaps you have fome hope

This

7 be gentleman of Venice. 6$

Thisengine may deceive me, and my fortune Nor com t ’g better arm’d, give you the advantage To ufe your ftrength, upon mv ftngle perion! Iknowyouaresftive, hut i’ie make hire work. Ex.

Flo. Till now I did not reach the precipice.

My heart would mutinie, but my hands are naked, And can do nothing.

Enter C orntiri with Bravos arm'd.

A knot of murderers/ arme me with a fword.

And let me die lighting againftyouall. l’leiayy’are noble hangmen, and not throw One curfc among you.

Cor. I’ve one word to fay fir.

Let none approach.

The fatall doom I threatned is revers’d;

Throw off your wonder, and believe you may Live long, if not in Venice;, and your lafety Is more confirm’d at Diftance, you are noble.

An honor to your nation. Here is gold,

I know not how you may be furnifhed fir For travcll hence, bills of exchange may faiL | Thefe will defray a prefent charge; betray i No wonder, take it.

Flo. I’le accept your bounty,

: And will not ask to whom I owe all this.

Forgive me that. I thought you not fo honorable. So when you pleafe, i’le take my leave.

Cor. Not yet.

By fuch attend ants ss you came to me,

I hare provided fir for your departure.

Your duties gentlemen. You know my purpofe.

The

70 The Gentleman of Venice. -

The Bravos blindhim} and. bind

him as b -fore. Exeunt,

Enter Claudiana.

Cor . Refume thy place within my foul Claudianai When 1 have done my forrow for what’s paft Weel fmile, and kifle for ever. Exeunt.

Enter a Servant.

Ser. A letter fir.

Cor. From whence?

Ser. Your Nephew now a Prifoner.

Cor. Let him rpt,and give ’em back the paperkite. Ser. The meflenger is gone.

Cor. Then he txpefts no anlwer. [Cor. ready}

Cla. You may read it.

Cor. Sir, I fend not to you for reliefe, nor to Mediate my pardon. I have not liv’d after The rate to deferve your bread to feed me,

Nor your breath to fave me. i oncly beg That yo 14 would put me into your prayers.

And forgiveneffe, and believe, I do not wifh life ,

But to redeem my fell from paft impieties ,

And fatisfie by a repentance the difhonors Have beene done to you , by the worft of men. Maliptero.

This is not his ufuall ftile.

C/a. This miracle may be.

Cor. I do want faith.

Cla. And fent a blelling to reward our penitence. Heaven has a fpacious charity.

Cor. Thou art all goodneffe. Ex.

Enter

The Gentleman of Venice: 7 1

Enter the Bravos , they lay him dovsn^ and Exeunt &

F lor elli recovers.

Flo. Sure this is gold. Enter 3. gentlemen .

Omnes. Florelli.

Flo. The fame.

1 . Thy looks are wild.

2. Where in the name of wonder haft thou been. Flo. 1 am drop’d from the Moon.

3. The Moon.

Flo. \ was (hatch’d up in a whirlwind,

Ard din’d and fup’d at Cynthia's own table, ('men. Where I drank all your healths in Ne£Ur gentle- Doyee want money? if you havea mind To return viceroycs, let’s take (hipping inftantly,

1 . And whither then?

Flo. For new difeoveries ,

A cloud will take us up at Sea.

2. ’Tis mernmg. ( ther

Flo. To drink, and then aboord, no matter whi-

l’le keep this for a monument.

3. That bag?

FlolOo not profane it,’twas Endimions pillow Stuffd with home (havings of the Moon, it had The vertue when (he clap’d it ore my head To bring me thence invifible through the air;

The moon does mobble up her felf fometime in’t. Where (he will (hew a quarter face, and was The firft that wore a black bag.

1 . But doft hear ?

Flo. No inquifitions if you will leave V 7 nice.

Let’s drink and fpoon away with the next vcffell,

A hundred leagues hence, I may tell you wonders. Hers is a chime to make Ring Oberon Queen Maby and all her fayries turn o’th toe boyes. a.Hee’s mad I think. Exeunt.

Enter

72

The Gentleman of Venice.

Enter Vrfula > Roberto , Gtcrrnnni. •

Vrf l could not fleep all this incite tor dreaming, O’ my poor fuckling.

Ro. peace I fay and wait In fiience Vrfula.

Gio. You may excufe me yet.

I wo’d not fee his excellence. ("pear

Vrf? Tisnot my meaning boy, thou fhouldft ap- Unlefle there be neceflity, you may ftay, ith’e next Chamber.

Enter a Court ter.

/ » #

Vrf. 1 befeech you Signior , is this grace coming 'forth, f

Cor. Not yet.

Vrf. I have an humble futc, I muft deliver A paper to his graces own hand,

I hope his grace can read. Ex. Cl.

Ro. Why how now bagpiper.

Vrf Nay, theres no harm in’c what if he can.

You will be talking, did not 1 fay I would fpeak all my felf. ( on’s

Ro. But Vrs . what do you think now will become When you have told your tale, though I am inno¬ cent.

It will be nergreat credit, nor much comfort To fee you whipt my Vrfula , 1 would Beforry for my part to peep through a Pillory And have an even reckoning with my ears,

Having no more hair to keep warm, and hide The poor concavities.

Vrf. Neverfear it husband.

Ro. I will fo curfe you Vrfula, and once A day: bind your body to a pear tree.

And thralh your hanches till you ftink agenj For ought I know thou haft committed treafon.

Look

The Gentleman 0/ Venice. 73

Look to’t, and bring me off with all my quarters If 1 be maim’d or croptjl’le’flea thee Vrfula^

Aad ftutfe’thy skin with ftraw, and hang thee np To keep the fruit fi ora Crowes, and after burn it. T o kill the Caterpillars, come, be wife in time.

And let Thomaz,o quietly be hang'J,

Or head: d yet, ana talk no more, he is But one, and has a young neck to endure it.

We are old, and fha’not (hew with half the grace Without our heads, ’twill be a goodly fight To fee our faces grin upon two poles,

To tell the gaping work! how we came thither T o perch, and ftink in unity, be wife ,

And leave 7 homaz,o to the Law. - *

Vrf. Can you be fo uncharitable, oh Tyrant!

Enter Duk$3 Mariner.

May it pleafe your excellence, my husband and My felt. .

Ro. She has put me in already.

Vrf. Humbly befecch a pardon for our fon.

D». Your fon Giovamt , where is he >

Vrf. He waites in the next Chamber.

Z>«. Call him in. What is the faft ?

Itmuft be an offence next treafon, if we Deny him pardon. t

Ro. I fear ’tis much about the matter.

Vtt. What is the faft?

• j * C > ' '• ’ .. 1 \

Enter Giovanni*

Vr. We do befeech you grant a pardon firft,

And ihen you (hall know all*

Dtt. That were prepofterous jufticc.

Why doft thou kneel Giovanni i

Gw. T o beg your mercy fir

To him, for whom my mother kneelcs

74 The gentleman of Venice,

Da. She askeg thy pardon.

Gio. M'ne? Let me offend Juft.

Da. Hee’s innocent. ( it.

Vr. No matter what he faies, my husban d knowes Ho. Shee’l make furc of me. (don,

Vr. And if your highnefle will but grant the par- Your grace fhall nor repent, but thank me for The beft difeovery-, i’le not bribe your excellence, But I will give you for it, what.you’l hold As pretious as your Dukedome.

Da. The old woman

Raves, you had btft fend her to the houfe Of the infant.

Ro So (hee’s to be whip’d already,

Da. What do you lay Roberto!

Ro. Hay nothing.

But that 1 hi. k my wife will hard ly mend upon’t. Da. llpcri what ?

Ro. On whippingjif it like your highnefli',

SKe cannot feci thofe'lrnail corrections, i have tiw’d hunting Poles, and hemp upon her.

And yet could do no good. (don,

Ur. L"t not your grace m ind him, give me a par- And if I do not- mikegood all my promife.

You (hall hang mjt husband, and flea me alive. * Da. What’s. thatjpaper ?

Ro. G \ him, thou fhouldft have done this afore.

I am pie par’d, more bone and flefti upon me If th. butineffe come to hanging,were a curtefie.

Hrf. Nay ’tis there in black arid white,you’i.find.it„ Giovanni is your fon, that was the Gardiner,

And he that is in prifori popr Thoma^o My lawfully begotten.

Du. Chang’d in their infancie. ' ' '

Urf. \nd lince conceal’d out of ambition Toiee my own a great man.

Ro.

75

The Gentle man of V enice.

Ro. I feel the knot under my ear.

Vr. I durft no*, truft my husband.

Ro, That was not much amifie.

Vrf. He has not wit enough to keep mv fecrets. Ro. Oh what a blefling has that man whole wife Knowcswhento hold her peace.

Mar. Sir, if we may compare their trafts of life, I (hall believe your noblenefle liv’d there In Giovanni , not fuppreft in poverty.

And their rude courfe condition, notwithftanding Thehelpes of Education,which feldome Do correft nature in 7 boma&o's low And abjeft fpirit.

D«. I’mc too full, I muft Difperfc my fwelling joyes or be diffolv’d. Summon our friends, invite Bellaura hither.

Art thou my fon >

Gio. I would I were fo bleft.

I ow’d you duty fir before, and now My knees encline with double force to humble iThe doubtfull Giovanni.

Du. Let that name

Be loft, take all my bleffings in Thomaz.o.

I Vrf. What think you of this Roberto.

I Ro. Why? 1 think

iThe Duke is mad, and when he finds his wits Hee’l hang us both yet.

Du. Now 1 find the reafon And fecret of my nature: but tell me What after fo long filence, made vou now Ppen the cloud that had conceal’d my fon ?

Ro. I know not fir— now Urfula. j Vr, The weakneffe of a woman, and a mother fhat would be loath to fee her naturall child i^ye like a bird upon a bough for treafon,

Mature will work, a mother is a mother,

7 6 The Gentleman of Venice.

And your Ton, by the opening of this riddle Reftor'd, I hope all (hall be well agen.

To. Would I were fair wafh’d,yet out of my pickle.

Vr- What think you bow?

Ro. I wilh, I wifti I could not think.

Enter Senators , Cornari.

Cor. We hear of wonders fir.

Dtt. This is my fon.

C or. With our moft glad embraces let us hold you*

Gio. Ever a fervant to your gravities.

Ro. The skie clears up.

Enter Bellaurai Marino.

Dtt. Bellaura, now receive not Giovanni ,

But Contartnt’s (on my deer Tbomaz>o.

Bel. My heart hath Wings to meet him.

Tho. Oh my happineffc !

Du. Paufe a little.

Ro. I melt agen Vrfttla} the Duke points at us,

And carries fireworks in his eyes.

Da. Though we did grant a pardon for your fbn. You are (ubjeft to the cenfure of etur lawes For this impofture. (beg

Ro. I knew *t would come, now telltale, will you The favour we may hang till we be dead?

Sweet Giovanni Thomaso (peak for us ,

Not guilty my Lord, I am not guilty,

Spare me, and let my wife be burn’d or hang*d.

Or drown’d, or any thing you (hall think fit.

You (hall find me reafonable.

Who (hall beg our pardon?

Vr. Mercy oh mercy.

Tho . Let me befeech you for their pardon fir, v They alwaies us’d me civilly. 4 V

Bel. Let me joinc. *

Sen. And a 11 of us, this is a day of triumph*

Du- It (hall be fo.

Ko.

The Gentleman of Venice. 7 7

Ro. A Jubile, a J ubile, here comes Thomaz ,ot I {hall fpeak treaibn prefcntly.

Fr/. Now heaven preferve your fweet graces.

Enter IhomazoyMalipiero.

Git . Mercy, oh mercy, my indulgent father.

Vrf. Art thou come boy? '

Gio. Boy? ftand away good woman.

Vrf. I nave procur’d thy pardon , mary have I child. (Crone.

Gio. I wo’d ’tWcre true, thou wemever a loving Ro. You may believe her ion.

Gio. Son, the old fellow’s mad.

Urf. I fay thou art pardon’d.

You muft kneel to me now, and this good Old man, and ask us bleffing.

Mar. Your name is prov’d Giovanni now, the Duke Has found another fon.

Gio. What (hall become of me? i Da. You (hall be onely punilh’d to return.

And dig as he hath done,and change your name To Giovanni , nature was not willing You ihould forget your trade, where’s my Tbomazxii I Gio. Arc you my father >

R 0. So my wife affures me, i Gio. Are you my mother >

Vrf.l my deere child.

Gio. And you Signior Thomazo , that was I > Tho.hnA. you Giovanni with the infidc outward. Oio. And muft I be a Gardiner 1 1 am glad on*c. Pray give me a couple of bleffings, and a lpade,

\nd fico for this frippery. I’le thank Vly deftiny that has yet kept my thread To a better ufe then hanging.

Coj^t. Let nothing

3f puniftiment profane this day, I muft

mplor* your mercy upon this young man,

Whofe

7 8 The Gentleman of Venice*

Whofc future life may reeompence his paft Impieties, and make him ferviceable To honor and good men.

Du. You (hew a charity,

If Iyhave heard a truth in fome fad ftories,

Hee’s yours and pardoned.

Ma. Y’are a miracle

Of goodnefle, *tis too much to look upon.

Whom I have with fuch impudence offended. Command me fir abroad untill by fome Years well emploid, a pennance for my crimes I may be thought one worthy to be own’d Your Kinfman.

Du. Agen, welcome my Thomaco ,

My dcareft pledge, till now I was no father;

In him, the want of hope my thoughts oppreft.

In thee my fortunes, and my name are bleft.

Exeunt. |

finis .

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