Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
The Project Gutenberg EBook of A King, and No King by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
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A KING, AND NO KING.
By Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
Persons Represented in the Play.
Arbaces, _King_ of Iberia.
Tigranes, _King of_ Armenia.
Gobrias, _Lord Protector, and Father of_ Arbaces.
Bacurius, _another Lord_.
Mardonius.)
Bessus, ) _Two Captains_
Ligo[n]es, _Father of_ Spaconia.
_Two Gentlemen_.
_Three Men and a Woman_.
Philip, _a servant, and two Citizens Wives_.
_A Messenger_.
_A Servant to_ Bacurius.
_Two Sword-men_.
_A Boy_.
Arane, ) _The [Queen-Mother_.
Panthea,) _Her Daughter_.
Spaconia,) _A Lady Daughter of_ Ligones Mandane,) _A waiting woman, and other attendants_.
* * * * *
_Actus primus. Scena prima_.
* * * * *
_Enter_ Mardonius _and_ Bessus, _Two Captains_._Mar_.
_Bessus_, the King has made a fair hand on't, he has ended the Wars at a blow, would my sword had a close basket hilt to hold Wine, and the blade would make knives, for we shal have nothing but eating and drinking.
_Bes_.
We that are Commanders shal do wel enough.
_Mar_.
Faith _Bessus_, such Commanders as thou may; I had as lieve set thee Perdue for a pudding i'th' dark, as _Alexander_ the Great.
_Bes_.
I love these jests exceedingly.
_Mar_.
I think thou lov'st 'em better than quarrelling _Bessus_, I'le say so much i'thy behalf, and yet thou 'rt valiant enough upon a retreat, I think thou wouldst kill any man that stopt thee if thou couldst.
_Bes_.
But was not this a brave Combate _Mardonius_?
_Mar_.
Why, didst thou see't?
_Bes_.
You stood wi'me.
_Mar_.
I did so, but me thought thou wink'dst every blow they strook.
_Bes_.
Well, I believe there are better souldiers than I, that never saw two Princes fight in lists.
_Mar_.
By my troth I think so too _Bessus_, many a thousand, but certainly al that are worse than thou have seen as much.
_Bes_.
'Twas bravely done of our King.
_Mar_.
Yes, if he had not ended the wars: I'me glad thou dar'st talk of such dangerous businesses.
_Bes_.
To take a Prince prisoner in the heart of's own Country in single combat.
_Mar_.
See how thy blood curdles at this, I think thou couldst be contented to be beaten i'this passion.
_Bes_.
Shall I tel you truly?
_Mar_.
I.
_Bes_.
I could willingly venture for't.
_Mar_.
Um, no venture neither _Bessus_.
_Bes_.
Let me not live, if I do not think 'tis a braver piece of service than that I'me so fam'd for.
_Mar_.
Why, art thou fam'd for any valour?
_Bes_.
Fam'd! I, I warrant you.
_Mar_.
I'me e'en heartily glad on't, I have been with thee e're since thou cam'st to th'wars, and this is the first word that ever I heard on't, prethee who fames thee.
_Bes_.
The Christian world.
_Mar_.
'Tis heathenishly done of'em in my conscience, thou deserv'st it not.
_Bes_.
Yes, I ha' don good service.
_Mar_.
I do not know how thou mayst wait of a man in's Chamber, or thy agility of shifting of a Trencher, but otherwise no service good _Bessus_.
_Bes_.
You saw me do the service your self.
_Mar_.
Not so hasty sweet _Bessus_, where was it, is the place vanish'd?
_Bes_.
At _Bessus_ desp'rate redemption.
_Mar_.
At _Bessus_ desp'rate redemption, where's that?
_Bes_.
There where I redeem'd the day, the place bears my name.
_Mar_.
Pray thee, who Christened it?
_Bes_.
The Souldiers.
_Mar_.
If I were not a very merrily dispos'd man, what would become of thee? one that had but a grain of choler in the whole composition of his body, would send thee of an errand to the worms for putting thy name upon that field: did not I beat thee there i'th'
head o'th' Troops with a Trunchion, because thou wouldst needs run away with thy company, when we should charge the enemy?
_Bes_.
True, but I did not run.
_Mar_.
Right _Bessus_, I beat thee out on't.
_Bes_.
But came I not up when the day was gone, and redeem'd all?
_Mar_.
Thou knowest, and so do I, thou meanedst to flie, and thy fear making thee mistake, thou ranst upon the enemy, and a hot charge thou gav'st, as I'le do thee right, thou art furious in running away, and I think, we owe thy fear for our victory; If I were the King, and were sure thou wouldst mistake alwaies and run away upon th' enemy, thou shouldst be General by this light.
_Bes_.
You'l never leave this till I fal foul.
_Mar_.
No more such words dear _Bessus_, for though I have ever known thee a coward, and therefore durst never strike thee, yet if thou proceedest, I will al ow thee valiant, and beat thee.
_Bes_.
Come, our King's a brave fel ow.
_Mar_.
He is so _Bessus_, I wonder how thou cam'st to know it. But if thou wer't a man of understanding, I would tell thee, he is vain-glorious, and humble, and angry, and patient, and merry and dul , and joyful and sorrowful in extremity in an hour: Do not think me thy friend for this, for if I ear'd who knew it, thou shouldst not hear it _Bessus_. Here he is with his prey in his foot.
_Enter &c. Senet Flourish_.
_Enter_ Arbaces _and_ Tigranes, _Two Kings and two Gentlemen_.
_Arb_.
Thy sadness brave _Tigranes_ takes away From my full victory, am I become
Of so smal fame, that any man should grieve When I o'recome him? They that plac'd me here, Intended it an honour large enough, (though he For the most valiant living, but to dare oppose me single, Lost the day. What should afflict you, you are as free as I, To be my prisoner, is to be more free
Than you were formerly, and never think The man I held worthy to combate me
Shall be us'd servilely: Thy ransom is
To take my only Sister to thy Wife.
A heavy one _Tigranes_, for she is
A Lady, that the neighbour Princes send Blanks to fetch home. I have been too unkind To her _Tigranes_, she but nine years old I left her, and ne're saw her since, your wars Have held me long and taught me though a youth, The way to victory, she was a pretty child, Then I was little better, but now fame
Cries loudly on her, and my messengers
Make me believe she is a miracle;
She'l make you shrink, as I did, with a stroak But of her eye _Tigranes_.
_Tigr_.
Is't the course of _Iberia_ to use their prisoners thus?
Had fortune thrown my name above _Arbace_, I should not thus have talk'd Sir, in _Armenia_
We hold it base, you should have kept your temper Till you saw home again, where 'tis the fashion Perhaps to brag.
_Arb_.
Be you my witness earth, need I to brag, Doth not this captive Prince speak
Me sufficiently, and al the acts
That I have wrought upon his suffering Land; Should I then boast! where lies that foot of ground Within his whole Realm, that I have not past, Fighting and conquering; Far then from me Be ostentation. I could tell the world
How I have laid his Kingdom desolate
By this sole Arm prop't by divinity,
Stript him out of his glories, and have sent The pride of all his youth to people graves, And made his Virgins languish for their Loves, If I would brag, should I that have the power To teach the Neighbour world humility,
Mix with vain-glory?
_Mar_.
Indeed this is none.
_Arb.
_Tigranes_, Nay did I but take delight
To stretch my deeds as others do, on words, I could amaze my hearers.
_Mar_.
So you do.
_Arb_.
But he shal wrong his and my modesty,
That thinks me apt to boast after any act Fit for a good man to do upon his foe.
A little glory in a souldiers mouth
Is well-becoming, be it far from vain.
_Mar_.
'Tis pity that valour should be thus drunk.
_Arb_.
I offer you my Sister, and you answer
I do insult, a Lady that no suite
Nor treasure, nor thy Crown could purchase thee, But that thou fought'st with me.
_Tigr_.
Though this be worse
Than that you spake before, it strikes me not; But that you think to overgrace me with The marriage of your Sister, troubles me.
I would give worlds for ransoms were they mine, Rather than have her.
_Arb_.
See if I insult
That am the Conquerour, and for a ransom Offer rich treasure to the Conquered,
Which he refuses, and I bear his scorn: It cannot be self-flattery to say,
The Daughters of your Country set by her, Would see their shame, run home and blush to death, At their own foulness; yet she is not fair, Nor beautiful, those words express her not, They say her looks have something excellent, That wants a name: yet were she odious, Her birth deserves the Empire of the world, Sister to such a brother, that hath ta'ne Victory prisoner, and throughout the earth, Carries her bound, and should he let her loose, She durst not leave him; Nature did her wrong, To Print continual conquest on her cheeks, And make no man worthy for her to taste But me that am too near her, and as strangely She did for me, but you will think I brag.
_Mar_.
I do I'le be sworn. Thy valour and thy passions sever'd, would have made two excellent fellows in their kinds: I know not whether I should be sorry thou art so valiant, or so passionate, wou'd one of 'em were away.
_Tigr_.
Do I refuse her that I doubt her worth?
Were she as vertuous as she would be thought, So perfect that no one of her own sex
Could find a want, had she so tempting fair, That she could wish it off for damning souls, I would pay any ransom, twenty lives
Rather than meet her married in my bed.
Perhaps I have a love, where I have fixt Mine eyes not to be mov'd, and she on me, I am not fickle.
_Arb_.
Is that al the cause?
Think you, you can so knit your self in love To any other, that her searching sight
Cannot dissolve it? So before you tri'd, You thought your self a match for me in [f]ight, Trust me _Tigranes_, she can do as much In peace, as I in war, she'l conquer too, You shall see if you have the power to stand The force of her swift looks, if you dislike, I'le send you home with love, and name your ransom Some other way, but if she be your choice, She frees you: To _Iberia_ you must.
_Tigr_.
Sir, I have learn'd a prisoners sufferance, And will obey, but give me leave to talk In private with some friends before I go.
_Arb_.
Some to await him forth, and see him safe, But let him freely send for whom he please, And none dare to disturb his conference, I will not have him know what bondage is,
[_Exit Tigranes_.
Till he be free from me. This Prince, _Mardonius_, Is full of wisdom, valour, al the graces Man can receive.
_Mar_.
And yet you conquer'd him.
_Arb_.
And yet I conquer'd him, and could have don't Hadst thou joyn'd with him, though thy name in Arms Be great; must al men that are vertuous Think suddenly to match themselves with me?
I conquered him and bravely, did I not?
_Bes_.
And please your Majesty, I was afraid at first.
_Mar_.
When wert thou other?
_Arb_.
Of what?
_Bes_.
That you would not have spy'd your best advantages, for your Majesty in my opinion lay too high, methinks, under favour, you should have lain thus.
_Mar_.
Like a Taylor at a wake.
_Bes_.
And then, if please your Majesty to remember, at one time, by my troth I wisht my self wi'you.
_Mar_.
By my troth thou wouldst ha' stunk 'em both out o'th' Lists.
_Arb_.
What to do?
_Bes_.
To put your Majesty in mind of an occasion; you lay thus, and _Tigranes_ falsified a blow at your Leg, which you by doing thus avoided; but if you had whip'd up your Leg thus, and reach'd him on the ear, you had made the Blood-Royal run down his head.
_Mar_.
What Country Fence-school learn'st thou at?
_Arb_.
Pish, did not I take him nobly?
_Mar_.
Why you did, and you have talked enough on't.
_Arb_.
Talkt enough?
Will you confine my word? by heaven and earth, I were much better be a King of beasts
Than such a people: if I had not patience Above a God, I should be cal 'd a Tyrant Throughout the world. They will offend to death Each minute: Let me hear thee speak again, And thou art earth again: why this is like _Tigranes_ speech that needs would say I brag'd.
_Bessus_, he said I brag'd.
_Bes_.
Ha, ha, ha.
_Arb_.
Why dost thou laugh?
By al the world, I'm grown ridiculous
To my own Subjects: Tie me in a Chair
And jest at me, but I shal make a start, And punish some that others may take heed How they are haughty; who will answer me?
He said I boasted, speak _Mardonius_,
Did I? He will not answer, O my temper!
I give you thanks above, that taught my heart Patience, I can endure his silence; what will none Vouchsafe to give me answer? am I grown To such a poor respect, or do you mean
To break my wind? Speak, speak, some one of you, Or else by heaven.
_1 Gent_.
So please your.
_Arb_.
Monstrous,
I cannot be heard out, they cut me off, As if I were too saucy, I will live
In woods, and talk to trees, they will al ow me To end what I begin. The meanest Subject Can find a freedom to discharge his soul And not I, now it is a time to speak,
I hearken.
_1 Gent_.
May it please.
_Arb_.
I mean not you,
Did not I stop you once? but I am grown To balk, but I defie, let another speak.
_2 Gent_.
I hope your Majesty.
_Arb_.
Thou drawest thy words,
That I must wait an hour, where other men Can hear in instants; throw your words away, Quick, and to purpose, I have told you this.
_Bes_.
And please your Majesty.
_Arb_.
Wilt thou devour me? this is such a rudeness As you never shew'd me, and I want
Power to command too, else _Mardonius_
Would speak at my request; were you my King, I would have answered at your word _Mardonius_, I pray you speak, and truely, did I boast?
_Mar_.
Truth will offend you.
_Arb_.
You take all great care what will offend me, When you dare to utter such things as these.
_Mar_.
You told _Tigranes_, you had won his Land, With that sole arm propt by Divinity:
Was not that bragging, and a wrong to us, That daily ventured lives?
_Arb_.
O that thy name
Were as great, as mine, would I had paid my wealth, It were as great, as I might combate thee, I would through al the Regions habitable Search thee, and having found thee, wi'my Sword Drive thee about the world, till I had met Some place that yet mans curiosity
Hath mist of; there, there would I strike thee dead: Forgotten of mankind, such Funeral rites As beasts would give thee, thou shouldst have.
_Bes_.
The King rages extreamly, shal we slink away? He'l strike us.
_2 Gent_.
Content.
_Arb_.
There I would make you know 'twas this sole arm.
I grant you were my instruments, and did As I commanded you, but 'twas this arm
Mov'd you like wheels, it mov'd you as it pleas'd.
Whither slip you now? what are you too good To wait on me (_puffe_,) I had need have temper That rule such people; I have nothing left At my own choice, I would I might be private: Mean men enjoy themselves, but 'tis our curse, To have a tumult that out of their loves Will wait on us, whether we will or no; Go get you gone: Why here they stand like death, My words move nothing.
_1 Gent_.
Must we go?
_Bes_. I know not.
_Arb_.
I pray you leave me Sirs, I'me proud of this, That you will be intreated from my sight: Why now the[y] leave me all: _Mardonius_.
[_Exeunt al but_ Arb. _and_ Mar.
_Mar_.
Sir.
_Arb_.
Will you leave me quite alone? me thinks Civility should teach you more than this, If I were but your friend: Stay here and wait.
_Mar_.
Sir shal I speak?
_Arb_.
Why, you would now think much
To be denied, but I can scar[c]e intreat What I would have: do, speak.
_Mar_.
But will you hear me out?
_Arb_.
With me you Article to talk thus: wel , I will hear you out.
_Mar_.
Sir, that I have ever lov'd you, my sword hath spoken for me; that I do, if it be doubted, I dare call an oath, a great one to my witness; and were you not my King, from amongst men, I should have chose you out to love above the rest: nor can this challenge thanks, for my own sake I should have done it, because I would have lov'd the most deserving man, for so you are.
_Arb_.
Alas _Mardonius_, rise you shall not kneel, We all are souldiers, and al venture lives: And where there is no difference in mens worths, Titles are jests, who can outvalue thee?
_Mardonius_ thou hast lov'd me, and hast wrong, Thy love is not rewarded, but believe
It shal be better, more than friend in arms, My Father, and my Tutor, good _Mardonius_.
_Mar_.
Sir, you did promise you would hear me out.
_Arb_.
And so I will; speak freely, for from thee Nothing can come but worthy things and true.
_Mar_.
Though you have al this worth, you hold some qualities that do Eclipse your vertues.
_Arb_.
Eclipse my vertues?
_Mar_.
Yes, your passions, which are so manifold, that they appear even in this: when I commend you, you hug me for that truth: but when I speak your faults, you make a start, and flie the hearing but.
_Arb_.
When you commend me? O that I should live To need such commendations: If my deeds Blew not my praise themselves about the earth, I were most wretched: spare your idle praise: If thou didst mean to flatter, and shouldst utter Words in my praise, that thou thoughtst impudence, My deeds should make 'em modest: when you praise I hug you? 'tis so [false], that wert thou worthy thou shouldst receive a death, a glorious death from me: but thou shalt understand thy lies, for shouldst thou praise me into Heaven, and there leave me inthron'd, I would despise thee though as much as now, which is as much as dust because I see thy envie.
_Mar_.
However you will use me after, yet for your own promise sake, hear me the rest.
_Arb_.
I will, and after call unto the winds, for they shall lend as large an ear as I to what you utter: speak.
_Mar_.
Would you but leave these hasty tempers, which I do not say take from you al your worth, but darken 'em, then you will shine indeed.
_Arb_.
Well.
_Mar_.
Yet I would have you keep some passions, lest men should take you for a God, your vertues are such.
_Arb_.
Why now you flatter.
_Mar_.
I never understood the word, were you no King, and free from these moods, should I choose a companion for wit and pleasure, it should be you; or for honesty to enterchange my bosom with, it should be you; or wisdom to give me counsel, I would pick out you; or valour to defend my reputation, still I should find you out; for you are fit to fight for all the world, if it could come in question: Now I have spoke, consider to your self, find out a use; if so, then what shal fal to me is not material.
_Arb_.
Is not material? more than ten such lives, as mine, _Mardonius_: it was nobly said, thou hast spoke truth, and boldly such a truth as might offend another. I have been too passionate and idle, thou shalt see a swift amendment, but I want those parts you praise me for: I fight for all the world? Give me a sword, and thou wilt go as far beyond me, as thou art beyond in years, I know thou dar'st and wilt; it troubles me that I should use so rough a phrase to thee, impute it to my fol y, what thou wilt, so thou wilt par[d]on me: that thou and I should differ thus!
_Mar_.
Why 'tis no matter Sir.
_Arb_.
Faith but it is, but thou dost ever take al things I do, thus patiently, for which I never can requite thee, but with love, and that thou shalt be sure of. Thou and I have not been merry lately: pray thee tell me where hadst thou that same jewel in thine ear?
_Mar_.
Why at the taking of a Town.
_Arb_.
A wench upon my life, a wench _Mardonius_ gave thee that jewel.
_Mar_.
Wench! they respect not me, I'm old and rough, and every limb about me, but that which should, grows stiffer, I'those businesses I may swear I am truly honest: for I pay justly for what I take, and would be glad to be at a certainty.
_Arb_.
Why, do the wenches encroach upon thee?
_Mar_.
I by this light do they.
_Arb_.
Didst thou sit at an old rent with 'em?
_Mar_.
Yes faith.
_Arb_.
And do they improve themselves?
_Mar_.
I ten shillings to me, every new young fellow they come acquainted with.
_Arb_.
How canst live on't?
_Mar_.
Why I think I must petition to you.
_Arb_.
Thou shalt take them up at my price.
_Enter two Gentlemen and_ Bessus.
_Mar_.
Your price?
_Arb_.
I at the Kings price.
_Mar_.
That may be more than I'me worth.
_2 Gent_.
Is he not merry now?
_1 Gent_.
I think not.
_Bes_.
He is, he is: we'l shew our selves.
_Arb_.
Bessus, I thought you had been in _Iberia_ by this, I bad you hast; _Gobrias_ will want entertainment for me.
_Bes_.
And please your Majesty I have a sute.
_Arb_.
Is't not lousie _Bessus_, what is't?
_Bes_.
I am to carry a Lady with me.
_Arb_.
Then thou hast two sutes.
_Bes_.
And if I can prefer her to the Lady _Pentha_ your Majesties Sister, to learn fashions, as her friends term it, it will be worth something to me.
_Arb_.
So many nights lodgings as 'tis thither, wilt not?
_Bes_.
I know not that Sir, but gold I shal be sure of.
_Arb_.
Why thou shalt bid her entertain her from me, so thou wilt resolve me one thing.
_Bes_.
If I can.
_Arb_.
Faith 'tis a very disputable question, and yet I think thou canst decide it.
_Bes_.
Your Majesty has a good opinion of my understanding.
_Arb_.
I have so good an opinion of it: 'tis whether thou be valiant.
_Bes_.
Some body has traduced me to you: do you see this sword Sir?
_Arb_.
Yes.
_Bes_.
If I do not make my back-biters eat it to a knife within this week, say I am not valiant.
_Enter a Messenger_.
_Mes_.
Health to your Majesty.
_Arb_.
From Gobrias?
_Mes_.
Yes Sir.
_Arb_.
How does he, is he well?
_Mes_.
In perfect health.
_Arb_.
Take that for thy good news. A trustier servant to his Prince there lives not, than is good Gobrias.
_1 Gent_.
The King starts back.
_Mar_.
His blood goes back as fast.
_2 Gent_. And now it comes again.