Comrfl IBttivmitg Jitotg 
 
 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME 
 FROM THE 
 
 SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND 
 
 THE GIFT OF 
 
 Henrg M. Sage 
 
 1891 
 
 ^s^^M•::\ Wg :a- ao^NjC^io. 
 
 9755-2 
 
__ Cornell University Library 
 
 PR 2750.B56 1910 
 
 The birth of Merlin, 
 
 3 1924 013 134 329 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924013134329 
 
Under the Supervision and Editorship of 
 JOHN S. FARMER 
 
 Written by William Shakespear and William Rowley " 
 
 1662 
 
 Issued for Subscribers by the Editor of 
 THE TUDOR FACSIMILE TEXTS 
 MCMX 
 T 
 
Zbe Zubot facsimile XTcyts 
 
 ili^ girtlr of P^^rlin 
 
 Written by William Shakespear and William Rowley" 
 
 Date of writing uncertain, probably c. 1620 
 
 Date of this the Earliest and only Known Edition . . 1662 
 [B.M. Press-mark, C. 34, 1. 7] 
 
 Reproduced in Facsimile 1910 
 
^•^~^7fe5"2- 
 
XLbc Bittb of riDerltn 
 
 " Written by William Shakespear and William Rowley " 
 
 1662 
 
 Kirkman^s ascription of " The Birth of Merlin " as in part to 
 Shakespeare is generally regarded as improbable. 
 
 The date of composition and the stage-history of the play are also 
 shrouded in mystery. 
 
 Little likewise is known of William Rowley. The first notice of him 
 occurs in 1607, when he is found in London following the double calling 
 of actor and playwright, collaborating in the last capacity with Dekker, 
 Middleton, T. Heywood, Fletcher, Massinger, Webster, and Ford. The 
 last mention is of his marriage in 1637. The dates of his birth or death 
 are unknown. Samuel Rowley was probably his elder brother. 
 
 Mr. J. A . Herbert, of the Manuscript Department of the British 
 
 Museum, comparing this facsimile with the original [B.M. Press-mark, 
 
 C. 34, /. y,from which these facsimiles are made : another copy is C. 12, 
 
 f. I (6)] , says : — " It is very nearly perfect . . . . In all essentials it 
 
 is excellent. '" 
 
 JOHN S. FARMER. 
 
r 
 
 
 birth" 
 
 O F 
 
 MERLIN: 
 
 ■ ^he' Qkilde hath found his Father.' 
 
 As it liatti been feveral times Aded 
 v^ - with great Applaufc. 
 
 .Written by William Shakefpear , and 
 William ^VdIcj. 
 
 Tlacere cupio. 
 
 
 «t- 't' t t^ 't^ i^ % 
 # •■ » * %■ •$■ ■?:• 
 
 i LOKDON : Prijited by T^o. Johnfon for Fr<(>ifif Kirhman^ and 
 ' :/ ' K(?»r»' J\l^rJ?7, and are to be fold at rhe Pnnccs Arms in 
 V- ~ 'Chamery-Lanc. 1662. 
 

 'Drammatis Ter/ona. 
 The Scene B r i t t a i n . 
 
 AVrelm , King of BrittMu. 
 VertigeTf King of ButraiH^ 
 Vter Peniras«n the Prince, Brother to Aurelitu. 
 Donebcrt a Noblemin, tnd Father to Conftantia and Uode/lia. 
 The Earl of GlofieTy and Father to F<f jry«. 
 £rfoflEarlofCi^^/fr, and General to King /li(r*/»if 
 Caior Earl of Cormraly and Suitor to ConjiantU 
 Fdwjn, Son to the Earl of Gloftery and Suitor to Uodefl'tg 
 Tcf/w and o/wii/if, twoNoblcnnen 
 Jlfr/j« the Prophet 
 
 ^w/Wwr the Hermit, after Biftjop of Ff'»»fAf/fr. 
 "^ Clown, brother to J»»f, mother of Alrt://» 
 Sir N/ffeedfm«* NwA««^, a Courtier 
 The Devil, father of iierlin 
 o/criw, the Saxon General 
 OSdt a Saxon Nobleman 
 . Trtximmy a Saxon Magician 
 
 TwoBifhops 
 
 Two Saxon Lords 
 
 Two of £<fc// Captains 
 
 Two Gentlemen 
 
 A little Antick Spirit 
 Artefi4, Sifter to ofior'm the Saxon General 
 CftifiantiMy 
 
 and >Daughters to Demiert 
 Uodefti4 3 
 
 Jone Gee-t0o'ty Mother of Merlin 
 A Waiting-woman to Artefis 
 lucina^ Queen of the Shades. 
 
 Ai The 
 
 « 
 
The BIRTH of MERLIN: 
 
 OR, 
 
 7 he Childe hath found his Father, 
 A C TU s. I. 
 
 Lntei Dombert, Glofter, Cador, Edwin, Conftantiu^md Uodejlia, 
 
 Y 
 
 t../; 
 
 Cadtr^^^ "T^Ou teach me language, fir, as one that knows 
 
 the Debt of Love I owe unto their Vertues, 
 
 wherein like a true Courtier I have fed my 
 
 felf with hope of fair Succefs , and now at- 
 
 tend your wiftt confent to my long Suit. 
 
 Doiio, Believe me, youthful Lord , time could not give an op- 
 portunity more fitting your dcfires , always provided my Daugh- 
 ters love be fuited with my Grant. cadgr. 'Tis the condition 
 fir, her Promife feal'd. Done. Ift fo, Conftamia ? 
 
 Conflan. I was content to give him words for oathes, he fwore 
 fo oft he lov'd me. Done. That thou believeft him ? 
 
 Conft. He is a man I hope. Dovo. That's in the trial Girl. 
 
 Cow/?. However lama woman5fir. dowc. The Law's on th^ 
 fide then, fha't have a Husband, I, and a worthy one ; Take her 
 brave Cornwal, and make our happinefs great as our wifhes. 
 
 Cador. Sir, I thank you. Cloji. D. uble the fortunes of 
 
 the day ,my Lord , and crown my wifhes too : I have a fon here, 
 who in my abfence would protein ro lefs unto your other Daugh- 
 ter. Dono. Ha Clojler, is it fo > what fays Lord Edwin ? will 
 fte protefl: as much to thee ? 
 
 Edwin. Elfe mull fne want fomeof'her Sifters faith, Sir. 
 
 Madeira. Of her credulity much rather, Sir : My Lord, jrou are 
 a Soldier , and methinks the height of that Profeiiion ftould di- 
 minifh all heat of Loves defires , being fo late employ 'd in blood 
 and ruiae. Edwin, The more my Confcicnce tyes aie to re- 
 
 pair 
 
"■/" ^" -- ~ -^ ~~~~^ 
 
 7he Birth 9f WiXm: I 
 
 pair the worlds lofTcs in a new fuccelfioa. iioiefi, Necefllty it i 
 
 feeiiis ties yoar afFe<flions then, and at that rate I would unwilling- ' 
 
 ly be thruil upon you, a wife is a di(h foon cloys, fir. 
 
 Edwin. Weak and difeafed appetites it may. Uodeft, Moft 
 of your making have dull ftomacks fir. Bono, If that be all Girl» 
 thou (halt quicken him, be kinde to him Modejiai Noble Edmn, let 
 it fuffice what's mine in her, fpeaks yours j 
 For her coni'enrjlet your fair fuit go on, 
 Shi is a woman fir, and will be won. Enter Teeth* 
 
 Edwin. You give me comfort fir. Dana. NowTfff/w. 
 Tvclio. The King,my honor 'd Lords,reqnires your prefence,and. 
 calls a Councel for return of anfwer unto the parling enemy, 
 whofe Embairadors are on the way to Court . Bono, So fudden- 
 ly, chejier it feems has ply'd them hard at war, they fije fo faft for 
 peace, which by my advice they ne're ftiall have, unlefs riiey leave 
 the Realm, Come noble Glofier, let's attend the King, it lie<; fir in 
 your Son to do me pleafure , and fave the charges of a Wedding 
 Dmner, 
 
 If you'l make hafte to end your Love affairs. 
 One colt may give difcharge to both my cares. Exit Bono. Gloft* , 
 
 Edwin, riedomybeft. Coder. Now roc/»o, what ftirring 
 
 news at Court? rof/w. Oh my Lord,the Court's all fill'd with 
 rumor, the City with news, and the Country with wonder , and all 
 the bells i'th' Kingdom muft proclaim it, we have a new Holy- 
 day a coming. Canfia. A holy-day! for whom ? for tliee ? 
 'iToclto. Me, Madam! 'sfoot I'de be loath that any manfliould 
 make a holy-day for me yet: In brief 'tis thus, there's here arriv'd 
 at Court, fent by the Earl oichefler to the King , a man of rare e- 
 fteem for holynefs, a reverent Hermit, that by miracle not onely 
 faved our army, but without aid of man o'rethrcw the pagan Hoft, 
 and with fuch wonder fir, as might confirm a Kingdom to his faiths 
 
 Edwin. This is ftrange news indeed, where is he ? 
 
 Teclio. In conference with the King that much rcfpefts him. 
 
 Modeft. Truft me, I long to fee him. Todio. Faith you will' 
 hnde no great pleafure in him, for ought that I can fee Lady, they 
 fay he is half a Prophet too , would he could tell me any news of 
 the loft Prince, there's twenty Talents otFcr'd to him that finds 
 him. cudou Such news was breeding in the morning. 
 
 * Toclit.. 
 
I 
 
 1\- 
 
 Or^ 7 ht Chiliii hathftitui hit Father. 
 
 Todio. And now it has birth and life fir , if fortune Weftmc Tie 
 once more fearch thofe woods where then we loft him, I Jcnow not 
 yctwhatface may follow me. Exit. 
 
 Cador. Fortune go with you fir , come fair Miftrifs, your Sifter 
 arrd Lord Edwin are in game, and all their wits at ftake to win the 
 Set. Conjla. My fift«r has the hand yct,we had bcft leave them. 
 She will be out anon as well as I, 
 He wants but cunning to put in a E>yc. Exit Cador. Confian. 
 
 Edwin. You are a cunning Gamcfter, Madam. 
 
 Modefi. It is a defperate Game indeed this Marriage , where 
 there's no winning without lofs to cither. Eft')w». , Why, what 
 but your perfcdion noble Laiy, can bar the worthinefe of this my 
 fuit? if fo you pleafe I count my happinefs , from difficult obtain- 
 ing,you fhall fee my duty and observance. 
 
 Uodeji. There ftallbe place to neither, noble fir„ I dobefeech 
 you let this mild Reply give anfwer to your fuit , for here I vow if 
 e're I change my Virgin name by you, it gains or loofes. 
 
 Edwtn.My wiftes have theircr own. Modeft. Let them con- 
 fine you then, as to my promife, you give faith and credence f 
 
 Edwin. In your command my willing abfence fpeaks it. Exit, 
 
 Modeft. Noble and vertuous : could I dream of Marriage, I 
 fliould affea thee Edwin : oh my foul , here's fomcching tells me 
 that thefe bcft of creatures, thefe models of the world , weak man 
 and woman,ihould have their fouls, their making, life, and being, 
 CO fome more excellent ufe • if what the fenfe calls pleafure were 
 our ends, we might juftly blame great natures wifdom , who rear'd 
 a building of fo miich art and beauty to entertain a giieft fofar in- 
 certain, fo imperfeft : if onely fpeech diftinguifh us from hearts, 
 who know no inequality of birth or place , but ftill to fly from 
 goodnefs : oh , how bafe were life at fuch a rate ! no, no , that 
 power that gave to man his being, fpeech, and wifdom, gave it for 
 tbankfulnefs: To him alone that 
 Made me thus, may I whence truly know. 
 Tie pay to him, not man, the love I owe. ixit. 
 
 Flouriih Cornets. Enter Aurelius Kin^ of Brittain, Dcnobertf 
 Gloftery Cador., Edwin, Toclio, Ojwojd., and Attendunts. 
 
 Aurelius. No tiding of our brother yet ? "Tis ftrange, fone're 
 
 the Court, and in our own Land too, and yet no news of him : oh 
 
 - - ..__ this 
 
f: 
 
 The Birtkfif Mctlim 
 
 this lofs tempers the fweetnefs of our happy conquefts, with much- 
 untimely forrow. Done. Royal dr, his fafety being unque- 
 lHon'd,fliould to time leave the redrefs of forrow, were he dead or 
 taken by the foe, our fatal lofs had wanted no quick Herald to iiif- 
 clofe it. Attrelius. That hope alone fuftains me, nor will we 
 be fo ingrateflil unto heaven toqueftion what we fear , with what 
 we enjoy. Is anfwer of our meftage yet returnM from that religi- 
 ous man, the holy Hermit , fent by the Earl of Chefter to confirm 
 us in that miraculous a<a ? For 'twas no lefs , our Army being in 
 "rout, nay, quite o'rethrown, as Chefter writes^ even then this holy 
 'man arm'dwith his crofs and ftaff, went fmiling on, and boldly 
 'fronts the foe •, at fight of whom the .S<«a:o«j flood amar'd : for to 
 their feeming,above the Hermit head appear'd fuch brightnefsjfuch 
 clear and glorious beams-as if our men march't all in fire,wherewith 
 the Vagatii fled, and hy our troops were all to death purfu'd. 
 
 G/6/. 'Tis full of wonder fir. ~' 
 
 , Amel. Oh Glofier, he's a jewelworth a Kingdom; where's ofrcold 
 with his anfwer ? 
 
 Ofwold. 'Tisherc my Royal Lord. i4nrrf. In writing, wiH 
 
 h^ not fit with us ? oftvo. His Orizons perform'^, he bad me 
 fay he would attend with all fubrnifliori. Atnel. Proceed to 
 
 councel then , and let fome give order, the Embaffadors being 
 come, to cake our anfwer, they have admittance, olvrold, Totlif, 
 he it your charge : and now my Lords , obferve the holy councel 
 of this reveren'd Hermit : \^re,ids~] As you refpeci your fafety .^limit nit 
 that onelj fotver that hathproteBedyou^ trufl not an open enemy toofdr'^ 
 ' He'syet aloofer; and knows you have rvon^ 
 
 Mifchtefi not ended, are but then begun. Airfelme the Hermit, 
 
 r Btno. Powerful and pichie, which my. ad vice confirms, nonian 
 leaves phyfick when his ficknefs flakes, but doubles the i eceipts : the 
 word of Peace feems fair to blood-fhot eyes; but being appli'd with 
 fuch a medicine as blinds all the fight , argues defire of Cure., bijt 
 not of Art. Aurel. You arguefrom defeftsjif both the narte^ 
 
 •andtheconditionofthePeace beone , it is to be prefer 'd, and ih 
 the cflFer made by the i'rfwn, I fee nought repugjnaiit. '" .,^~ 
 
 Gl'eft. The time of Truce requir'd for thirty days, r^rriesfu- 
 fpic'on \n it,, fince half that fpace will fei-veto (treingrti their'weak- 
 nedReoiraenr. Cador. Who in lefs time will undertaice to 
 
 ' tKOa- 
 
 
 W- 
 
Or, 7 Ar Ckildt kaih fouiulhu Father, 
 
 free our Country from them. idwin. Leave that unto our for- 
 tune. Dino. Is not our bold , and hopeful General ftill Ma- 
 iler of the field , their Legious fain , the reft intrencht for fear, 
 half ftarv'd, and wounded, and ftali we now give ore our feir ad- 
 vantage? force heaven,my Lord, the danger is far more, in trufting 
 to their words, then to their weapons. 
 Enter Ofwtld. 
 
 ofwoll The Embafladors are come (ir. Aurd. Conduft 
 
 diem ittywe are refoiv'dmy Lords, fincc policy fail'd in the begin- 
 ning, it (ha^l havb no hand in the conclufion , that heavenly power 
 that hath fo well begun their fatal overthrow I know can end it, 
 from which fair hope, my felf will give them anfwer. 
 
 Flourifh Cornets. Enter Artefia mth theSaxen Lords, 
 
 Bona. What's here,a woman Orator? Aurel. Peace Dono- 
 , hert, fpeak, what are you Lady ? Artef. The fifter of the Sax- 
 on Generslt, warlike Ofiorm the Eaft Anglefe King , my name Ar- ■ 
 tefidjwhd i» terms of Io\'e brings peace and health to great AurelitUy 
 wiHiin^ fhe may return as faira prefent as flie makes tender of. 
 
 Aurel. The faireft prefent e're mine eyes were bleft with, com- 
 mamf acbair there for this Saxon Beauty : fit Lady , we'I confer :, 
 your warlike brother fues for a peace, you fay? 
 
 .(irrr/". With endlefs love unto your State and Perfon. 
 
 Amel. Ha's fent a moving Orator believe me,what thinkft thou 
 Donotert ? Done- Believe me fir, were I but yong agen this 
 
 gilded pill might take my ftomack quickly. Aurel. True, thou 
 art old, how foon we do forget our own defeSs. Fair damfel, oh 
 my tongue turns Traitor , and will betray my heart , fifter to our 
 enemy : 's death her beauty mazes me, I cannot fpeak if I but look 
 on her, what's that we did conclude ? D»no. This Royal Lord. 
 
 Aurel. Pill), thou canft not utter it: fair'ft of creatures, tell the 
 ' King your Brother that wein'love,ha land honor ro our Country, 
 command his Armit;s to depart our Realm , but if you p'eafe fair 
 foul-Lord Donobert, "deliver you cur pleafure. Bono. I fball fir, 
 Lady return, and certifie your brodier. Aurel. Thou art tco 
 
 fciunt,and.rude, return fo foon, fie , let her fl^ay , and fend feme 
 nieflengerto certifie our pleafure. Dcnv. What meanes ycur 
 tOrace? Aurel. To give her time of reft to her long Journey, 
 we would not willingly be thought uncivil. Artrf. Great King 
 
 B of 
 
7he sirtk $/ Mttlia : 
 
 of Srirtdin,\ct it not feem ftrange to embrace the Princely OfTen 
 
 of a friend, 
 
 VV hofe vercues with thine own, in ftireft merit 
 
 Both States in Peace and Love may now inherit* 
 
 Attrel. She fpcakes of Love agen , fure 'tis my fear,fhe know*! 
 do not hate her. Artef. Be then thy felf moft great Aureliutf 
 
 and let not envy,nor a deeper fin In thefc thy Councellors, deprive 
 thy goodncfs of that fair honor , we in feeking peace,give firft to 
 thee J who never ufc to foe but force our wiftes ; yet if this feem 
 light, oh let my fex, though worthlefs your refpc£t,take the report 
 of thy humanity, 
 
 Whofe mild and vertuous life loud feme difplayes. 
 As being o'recome by one fo worthy praife. 
 
 Aurel. She has an Angels tongue, fpeak ftill. Deno. •'Tliis 
 
 flattery isgrofs fir, hear no more on't, Lady,thefe childifh corrtple- 
 ments are needlefs, you have yoor anfwer,and believe it, Madam, 
 his Grace , though yong^ doth wear within his breaft tco grave a. 
 Councellor to be feduc't by fmoothing flattery,or oy ly words. 
 
 Artef. I come not fir, CO wooe him. Dona, 'Twere folly if 
 
 you ftould , you cnuftnot wed him, (hame take thy tongue, being 
 old and weak thy f«tf , thon dost' A, and lotting on chine own de* 
 fedsyfpeak'llwhatthoud'ftwifliinme, do I command the decds- 
 of others, m'ine own ad not free ? 
 I Be pleaf d to fmile or frown, we refpefl: neither, 
 
 r Mywili and rule fliallftand and fall together. 
 
 I Moft fiiir Artefia,kc the King dcfcends to give thee wdcome with 
 
 \ tbefe warlike Saxoniyiad now on eqbal terms both fuesand grants, 
 
 j inftead of Truce, let a perpetual League feal our united bloods in 
 
 holy marriage, fend the Eaft Angles King this happy news , that 
 ' thou with me haft made a League for ever, and added to his ftate 
 
 i a frie nd and brother : i^«ak deareft Love , dare you confirm this 
 
 I Title? Artef I were no woman to deny a good fo high and 
 
 i noble to my fame and Country. A<rf/. Live then a Queen m 
 
 t Brittain. Gloft. He meanes to marry her. 
 
 Dono. Death ! he ftall marry the devil firft, marry a Pag4ti, aa 
 
 - - idolater. C4/for. He has won her quickly. _ 
 
 Edwin. She was woo'd afore ihecame fore, or came of purpofe 
 
 ' -eoconchide the Match. AureJ. Who dares oppofe our wilt> my 
 
 l Lord 
 
 1 
 
^ 
 
 (I Or, rbt Chil^ hAthftntnilbis F At her. 
 
 ■ Lord of GUfier,bt you Embaflkdor unto our Brother, the Brother 
 
 I of our Queen Arttfi4 , tell him .for fuch our entertainra^c look* 
 
 r hitn , our marriage auJding to the happinefs, -^^^}. 
 
 y. Ofour intended joys, mans good or ill, 
 
 ! In this like waves agree,come double ftil!. Enter Hermit. 
 
 Who's this, the Hermit ? Welcome my happinefs, our Countries 
 hope, moft reverent holy man , I wanted but thy blefling to make 
 I f . perfedthe infinite fum of my felicity. 
 
 Hermit, Alack fweet Prince, that happinefs is yonder, 
 Felicity and thou art far afunder, 
 
 this world can never give it. j4«r«/. Thou art deceiv'd, fee 
 
 here what I have found, Beauty, Alliance, Peace, and flrength of 
 Friends,all in this all exceeding excellcnce,the League's confirm'd. 
 Hrrmir. With whom,dear Lord? A<rW. With the great 
 
 Brother of this Beauteous woman, the Royal Saxon King. 
 
 Hermit. Oh then I fee , and fear thou art too near thy mifery, 
 ; ' what magick could fo linck thee to this mifchicf by all the good 
 that thouhaft reapt by me, ftand further from deflruftion. 
 . AureL Speak as a m«n, and I (hall hope to obey thee. 
 I H^rwtr. Idolaters get hence,fond King, let'go, 
 
 Tfaoij hug'ftthy njine, and thy Countries woe. 
 
 Dono. Well fpoke oW Father, too hkn, bait him foundly , now 
 by heavens bleftLatJy j I can fcarcekeep patience. 
 
 I Sax*n Lord. What devil k this ? 2 Saxf* Lord. That 
 
 curled Chriftian , by whofe hellifli charmej our army was o're- 
 (hrown. Hermit. Why do you dally fir ? oh tempt not heaven, 
 warm not a ferpcnt in your naked bc^om , difcharge them from 
 your Court. Aurtl. Thou fpeak'ft like madnefs, command the 
 fi»zen Ihepherd to the (hade , when he fits warm i'th'Sun, the fe- 
 ver fick to add more heatunto his burning pain , thefe may obey, 
 'tis lefe extremity then thou en'pynR to me:caft but thine eyeupon 
 this be{wcy,do it,rie forgive thee,tbough jealoufie in others findes 
 no pard»rt,rhen fay thou doft not love me^I Iball then fwear th'art 
 immortal, and no earthly man, oh blaine then my mortallity , not 
 me. Hermit. It is thy weaknefs brings thy mifery, unhappy 
 
 Pwnce. Aurel. Benrilder in thy doom. 
 
 Hermit. "Tis you that mufl indure heavens doom, which-faln, 
 remember'sjuft. Artef. Thouffialt not live to fee it: how 
 L.:l^:_,_ ._^^._ . .._: ._ _^ . B2 f^rcs 
 
Th iirtb if Met\itti 
 larfes ray Lord ? If my poor prefcnce breed diflike, great Prince, 
 I am no fucii neglefted foul, will feck to tie you to your word. 
 
 jiurel. My word dear Love, may my Religion, Crown, State 
 and Kingdom fail,when I fail thee, command Earl Chefter to break- 
 up the qamp, without difturbance to our Saxon friends, fend every 
 hour fwift ports to haften on the K(ng her Brother , to conclude 
 this League, this endlefs happy Peace of Love and Marriage, till 
 when provide for Revels,and give charge that nought be wanting, 
 which make our Triumphs 
 
 Sportful and free to a! I, if fuch fair blood Exit all but Hermit. 
 
 Ingender ill, man muft not look for good. Florifh. 
 
 Enter Modefiia reading M 4 beokj 
 Medefia. How much the oft report of this bl eft Hm««, hath 
 won on ray deCres j I muft behold him, and fare this fhould be he, 
 oh the worlds folly , proud earth and duft , how low a price bears 
 goodnefs, all that fhould make man abfolute, fhines in him : much 
 reverent Sir, may I without ofFence give interruption to your holy 
 thoughts? Hermit. What would you Lady? Modefi. That 
 which till now ne're found a language in me, I am in love. 
 Her. In Love, with what ? Uodeft. With vertue ? 
 
 Her. There's no blame in that. Uideji. Nay fir, wkh you ? 
 With your Religious Life ? Your Vertue , Goodnefs, if there be 
 a name to exprefs affedion greater, that , that would I learn and 
 otter: Reverent Sir, if there be any thing to bar my fuit, be chari- 
 table and expofe it , your prayers are the fame Orirons , which I 
 will number . lioly Sir, keep not inftrudion back from willingnefs, 
 poflefsmeof that knowledge leadsyou on to this humility, for 
 well I know were greatnefs good , you would not live fo low. 
 Her. Are you a Virgin? Modeil. Yes Sir > Her. Your name? 
 Modefi. Modefta ? Her. Your name and rertues meet , a 
 
 Modeft Virgin , live ever in the fanftimonious way to Heaven 
 and Happinefs,there's goodnefs in you, I muft inftruft you further; 
 come look up,behold yon firmament , there fits a power , whofe 
 foot-ftool IS this earth, oh learn this leflbn. 
 And praftife it, he that will climb fo high, 
 Muft leave no joy beneath, to move his eye. Txit. 
 
 Modefi. I apprehend you fir,on Heaven I fix my love. 
 Earth gives us grief,.our joys are all above, . , : 
 
r 
 
 Or, Tht ChiUthMhf$u»d hk F At her. 
 
 For this was man in innocence naked born. 
 
 To fliow us wealth hinders our fweet return^ I)^, 
 
 A C T US II. 
 
 Tnter Clown, and hit Siflex great mth childe. 
 
 ClowK. \ V^'ay, follow me no further, lam none of thy brother, 
 jlV what with Childe, great with Childe , and knows not 
 whofe the pather on't, I am afliam'd to call thee-Sifter. 
 
 y WW. Believe me Brother, he was a Gentleman. 
 
 clown. Nay, I believe that, he gives arms, and legs too, and has 
 made you the Herald to blaze 'cm , but Joan, Joan , fitter Joan, 
 can you tell me his name that did it : how fliall we call my Cdufin, 
 your bartardjwhen we have it? Joan. Alas, I know not the 
 
 Gcntlemans name Brother,! met him inthefe woods,the laft great 
 bunting , he was fo kinde and profFer*d me fo much , as I had not 
 the heart to ask him more. Clown. Not his name, why this 
 
 fliowcs your Country breeding now, had you been brought up i'ch' 
 City, you'd have got a Father firft , and the childe afterwards : 
 baft thou no markes to know him by. Joan. He had moft rich 
 Attire, a fair Hat and Feather , a gilt Sword , and moft excellent 
 Hangers. Clown. Pox on his Hangers, would he had bin gelt 
 for his labor. Joan. Had you but heard him fwear you would 
 have thought- Clomi. I as you did, fivearing and lying goes 
 
 together ftill, did his Oathes get you with Childe, we ftjall have a 
 roaring Boy then yfaith, well filler, I muft leave you» 
 
 Joan. Dear Brother ftay, help me to finde him out, I'le ask no 
 further. Clown. 'Sfoot who fhould I finde? who fhould I ask for? 
 
 Joan. Alas I know not, he ufes in thefe woodi , andthefeare 
 witnefs of his oathes and promife. Clown. We are like to have 
 a hot fuit on't, when cur beft witnefs's but a Knight 'athPoft. 
 
 Jean, Do but enquire this ForreftjI'le go with you, fome happy 
 fate may guide us till we meet him. Clown. Meet him, and 
 
 what name Ihall we have for him, whes we wee t him? 'SToot thou 
 neither knowft him, nor canft tell what to call him , was ever man 
 tyr'd with fuch a bufinefs , to have a filler got with childe , and 
 know not who did it-, well , you ftail fee him , I'le do my beft for 
 
you, He make Proclamation , if thefe Woods and Trees , Aiy&i 
 iayi, will bear any witnefs, tec them anfwer ; Oh yes : If there be 
 any man that wants a name, will come in for confcicnce fake, and 
 acknowledge himfeif to be a Wh6re-Marter,hc flial have that laid 
 to his charge in an hour, he (hall not be rid on in an age^ if he hare 
 Lands, he (hall have an heir, if he have patience , he ihali have a 
 ^ife,i£he have neither Lands nor patience,he Ihall have a whore, 
 fo ho boy, fo ho, fo, fo. TVi^n Prince Vter. So, ho, by, fo, bo, 
 flbho, illo ho. Clown. Hark, hark filter, thcreV one hwllows 
 to us, what a wicked world's this , a man cannot fo foon name a 
 whore but a knave comes prefently^d fee where he is,ftand cSpfe 
 awhile, fifter. Enter Prince Vter. 
 
 Prince. How (ike a voice that Ectbo fpake,hut oh my thoughts 
 arc loft forever in amazement, could I but meet a man to tell her 
 beauries , tbefc trees would bend their tops to kife the air , that . 
 from my tips ifhoald give her praifes ujr, citrfn. He talk's of a 
 ^^man, fifter. ffttn. This may be he, brother. 
 
 Cliwn. View him well,yon fee he has a fair Sword, but hisHan- 
 
 f' cr's are fi\hl. Princ'e. Here did I fee her fiji ft,here view her 
 
 ea"uty,oh had I known her name, I had been happy. 
 
 <?W«. Sfter this is be fure , he knows not thy name neither, a 
 coaple cjfwifp foo's yfaith,to get chilthren and know not one anch. 
 ther. Prince, You weeping leaves, upon whofe tender cheeks 
 doth ftand a flood of tears at my complaint, and heard my vow? 
 and oathes., clr^n. Law, Lawf, he has been a great mearcr 
 
 too, 'tis be fifter.^ Prince. For having overtook her, a:slhave 
 feen a forward blood-hound , ftripthe fwifter of the cry rcadyTo 
 feize his wifhed hopes,upon thefuddenviewftruck-witba ftonifbr 
 ment at his arriv'd prey, inftead of feizure ftands at fearful bay. 
 Or like to MdJ-ittJ foldiers, who o'rctook 
 The eye fight killing G«rg-fl»5it oiie look, 
 Made everlafting ftand: fo fear'd my power 
 Whofe closd afpir'd the Sun, diflblv'd a fhower : . v i 
 
 rigmalion , then I carted thy fad fate , whofe Ivory piSure, and 
 my fair were one , cnir doftge paft imagination , I law and felt 
 defire. CUrvn. Pox a your fingering,did he fee! fifter? ^ ; 
 Prince. But cnjoy'd now,oh fate, thou hadll thy days and nights 
 
 to feed, 
 
 • ■ • , ^ Cr 
 
 k^.. 
 
Or^The ChiUe hathfumd hit Father, 
 
 Or calm affe&ion, one poor fight was all, 
 
 Converts my pleafure to perpetutl thrall, 
 
 Imbracing thine, thou lollefl breath ami defire, "•"' 
 
 So I relating mine, will here expire, 
 
 For here I vow to you mournful plants 
 
 Who were the firft made happy by her fame, 
 
 Never to part hence, till I know her name. 
 
 Cloron, Give me thy hand fifler , The Childe has found hia Father^ 
 this is he furcjas I am a man, had I been a woman thefe kinde words 
 would hare won me , I fhoaW have had agfeat belly too that's 
 certain^ well, I'lc fpeak to him r moft honeft and fkflily minded 
 Gentleman, give me your hand fir. Prince, Ha, what art thou, 
 tfaac tlius rude and boldly , dareft taie notice of a wretch fo.much 
 aily'd CO mifery as I am? C/<7n'K.'Nay,Sir,for our aliance,! fhall 
 be found to be ft poor brother in Law of your worftiips^ the Gen- 
 tlewoman you fpake on, is my fifter, you fee whatackw fhe 
 fpreads, her name is Joan Go-too't , I am her elder ,but fhe has been 
 at it before me •• 'tis a womans fault, pox a this bafhfulnefs , come 
 forward yi<^,prethee fpeak to him. Prince. Have you e're fcen 
 me Lady? Clown. Seen ye, ha, ha, It feems (he has fek you too, 
 here's a yong Go-focV acomingfir,fiie tsmyfidter, weallloveto 
 Go-too't , as well as your worfliip. Die's a Maid yet , but you may 
 make her a wife, when you pieafe fir. Prince. I am amaz a 
 
 with wonder: Tell me woman, what fin have you committed wor- 
 thy this? Jotn. Do you not know me fir? 
 
 Prince. Know thee! as I do thunder jhelljand mifchief, wicth,ftaJ- 
 lion^hag. Clown. I fee he will marry her , he (peaks folikea 
 husband. Prince. Death, I will cut their tongues out for 
 
 this blafphemy,ftrumpet,villain,wbcre have you ever feen me? 
 Clown. Speak for your felf wnth a pox to ye. 
 Prmce^Uves, He make you curfe your felves fcr this temptation. 
 fotn. Oh fir, ifeveryoudidfpeaktome , it was in fmoother 
 J)hrafe,tn fairer language. Prince. Lightning confume me, if I 
 ever faw thee, my rage o'reflowes my blood, all patience flies me. 
 ~Beatsher. Clown. Hud I befeech you fir , I have nothing to 
 
 %'toyou. yoi«». Help, help, murder, murder. 
 Enter TocUo. and O [wold. 
 Toclio. Make hafte Sir5this way the found camejit was a wood. 
 
 Ofweld. 
 
o[v0old. See where fhe is , and the Prince, the price of all o* 
 wiflies. Clown. The Prince fay ye, ha's made a poor Subjeft 
 
 of me I am fure. Toclk. Sweet Prince, noble Vter, fpeak, 
 
 how fare y u (ir ? Ofwold. Dear fir, recal your felf, your 
 
 fearful abfence hath won too much alrea'dy on the grief of our fad 
 King , from whom our laboring fearch hath had this fair fuccefs 
 in meeting you. Tolm. HisfilencCj and his looks argue di- 
 
 ilraftion. Clowii. Nay, he's madfure ,, he will not acknow- 
 
 ledge my fifter, nor the childe neither. ofwold. Let us entreat 
 your Grace along with us , your fight will bring new life , to the 
 King your Brother. TqcHo. Will you go fir? 
 
 Prince. Yes, any whether , guide me , all's hell I fee 
 Man may change air, but not his mifery. ixlt Prince Ttclio. 
 
 j^oan. Lend me one word with you, fir. Clown. Wellfaid 
 
 filler, he has a Feather, and fair Hangers too, this may be he. 
 
 o/JTflW. What would you fair one. C/oww, Surelhave 
 
 feen you in thefe woods e're this ? ofwold. Truft me never, I 
 never faw this place, til 1 at this time my friend conduced me. 
 
 Jmb. Themore'smyforrowthen: o/wW. Wouldl 
 
 could comfort you : I am a Bachelor , but it feems you have a hus- 
 band, yon have been fouly o'reftot elfe. Clmn. Awoman^ 
 fiiult, we are all fubjefl: to go cc't, fir. 
 
 Enter Toclu, 
 
 Toclie, ofwold away, the Prince will not (Wr a foot without you. 
 
 , ofwold. I am comingjfarewel woman. Toclio* Pritheemakf 
 
 hafte. 3^»M. Good fir, but one wprd with you e're you leave 
 
 us. TocU*. With me fair foul ? Clown. Shee'l have a fling 
 
 at him too, the Childe muft have a Father. j^oan. Have yoa 
 
 ne'er feen me fir ? Toclio. Seen diee , 'Sfbot I have feen many 
 
 fair faces in my time, prithee look up , and do not weep fo , fure 
 
 pretty wanton, I have feen this face before. Joan. It is enough, 
 
 though yourne 're fee me more. finkjdiwn. 
 
 I Toclto. 'Sfoot (he's fain, this place is incbanted'fure, look Bo the 
 
 i woman fellow. Ettiu 
 
 [ Clorfin, Oh (he's dead ! fte's dead , as you are a man (fay wad 
 
 help, fir : jfoan, Joahfiiktrjoait^ vrhy'Jo/tn.Got'eo't I fay, willycSl 
 
 cart away your felf, and your childe, and me too, what do you 
 
 rticanjfifler? Joan. Oh give mepardonfir,'twas too mucin joy 
 
 oppreft 
 
 
Ox^lhechildebafhfcuiidhUFAthcrr 
 
 oppreft my loving thoughts , Iknow you were too robleto deny 
 
 fitter 'Joan. Oh! I am undonti their, run , tell him 1 did bui^ 
 
 faint fb.4oy,dear brother hafte,why doft thou ftay?oh never ceafe, 
 till he giJe anfwer tothce. . c/*^«. He : which hef what do- 
 vou call him tro? Jo^f- Unnatural brother, (hew me the path be 
 took, why doft thou dally ?Tpeak, oh, which way went he ? 
 cZ-m-n. This way, that way, through the buflies there. 
 ^oan. Were it through fire, the Journey s eafie , wmged w<th 
 C A fire ' 
 
 ^Tlown. Hey day, there's fome hope of this yet, .I'efollowher 
 forlcindreds fake,ifihe mifs of her purpofc now,(he 1 challenge air 
 ihe findes I fee, for if ever we meet with a two leg d creature m 
 the whole Kingdom, the Childe fhall have a Father thats 
 ■ ° Exit. 
 
 Loud Mufick. Writer wt with the Sword and Mace^Cadcr^Edwin, 
 two Bilhofs^Aurelm,ofierm leading Artefta Crown d, Conftan- 
 day Modefiia^oHa, Proximus 4 Magician, Donoiert, Glofier, 
 Ofwold^THlioy aapafs over the Stage. HanefDono- 
 -' " tert,Glefi(rfEdwin,Cador. 
 
 Bono. Come G/o/"-,! da not like this hafty Marriage. 
 Glofier. She was quickly wooed and won , not fix days fince ar- 
 rived an enemy to fue for Peace, and nowcrown'd Queen of 
 BrittaiH, this is ftrange. Bono. Her brother too made as quic» 
 fpeed incoming,leaving hisSaxons^ani his ftarved Troops, toiake 
 Ae advantage whilft 'twas oflFer'd , fore heaven I fear the Kings 
 too credulous, our Army is difcharg'd too. Glofier. Yes, and 
 
 our Genial commanded heme, Sonl<fwi» have you feen him 
 fince? " Edwin. He's come to Court, but will not view thc^re^^ 
 fence, nor fpeak unto the King, he's fo difcontent at thisfo iflfcaUge 
 alianee with tkcr Saxon, as nothing can perfwade his p^tencfe-- ^ 
 
 Cador. Tfou know his humor will bduie no check, no_tf:diP 
 
 King oppofe it, all croffes feeds both his fpleen,a8d his impatience; 
 
 'thofc affeaionsare in him like powder, apt to inflame wkhWVery 
 
 little fpark, and blow up all his reafon. ' ■ . ; >f ' ir. o-?;^ •;; ;v 
 
 Glajier. Edol of Chefter is i nchkSolAiet. - ,:"-^ J ;';;'t;. '1 
 
 Vone. So is he by the Rood, ever moft faithful to the King and 
 
 KiBfidoin,how*re his paflions guide him. i . 
 
 : . ' " C P^f'^'' 
 
SnterEifAlmth'CafUint, 
 ^adat. See where he comes, my Lord. Omnes. Welcome 
 
 toCouit, brave EarL Ed«t. Do noc deceive me by your flac- 
 
 tenes : Is not the Saxoa here > the Leagne confirm'd ? the Mar- 
 riage ratiti'd? the Court divided with l?3gan Infidels > tbeleaft 
 part Chnftians, at leaft in their Commands ? Oh the gods ! it is a 
 thought dtat takes away my tieep, and dulls my fenfes fo I fcarcety 
 know you : Prepare my horfes, lie away to Chefier. 
 Cap, Whatfliallwedowithour Companies, my Lord? 
 EM. Keep them at home to increafe Cuckolds, and get feme 
 Ca6^r your Captainfliips, fmooth up your brows, the wars has 
 fpoil'd your faces, and few will now regard yoo. 
 Bono. Preferve your patience. Sir. 
 
 Idal. Preferve your Honors, Lords, your Countries Safety, 
 your Lives, and Lands from ftrangers : what black devil c<»jtd fo 
 bewitch the King , fo to di&barge a Royal Army in the height of 
 conqueft ? nay, even already made viaorious, to give fijch credit 
 to an enemy,atlarvedfoc, a ftragling fugitive, beaten beneath 
 our feet, fo love deje&ed , fo fervile, and fo bafe , as hope of life 
 bad won them all, to leave the Land for ever ? 
 
 Dottt. It was the Kings wiH, 2dti. It was your wantof wif- 
 dom y that (hould have laid before his tender youth , the dangers 
 of a State, where forain Powers bandy for Soveraignty with Law- 
 ^iKings, who bc'ns fcried once, to affure therafelves, will never 
 ful to feek the blood and life of all competitors. 
 
 Dom. Your words found well my Lord, and point at fafcty,bot^ 
 for the Realm and us, but why did yon within whofe power it lay^ 
 as General, with fall Commilnon to difpofe the war , jead ear to 
 parly mth the weakned foe? Edri. Oh the good Gods t 
 
 eaior. And on that parly came this EmbaiSe. 
 Mdoi* Yoa win hear me. Edwin. Your letters did declare ic , 
 to the King, both of the Peace,and all Conditions brought by this 
 SAiisn Lady, wfaofe food love has thus bewitched him. 
 
 id^. I will curfe ]aaa alias Mack as hell , unleis yon hear me, 
 
 your grofs miflake would make wtfdom her felf run madding 
 
 through the ftrcets, and ^larrd with her ftadow , death I why 
 
 fciiFd ye noe that woman? Dm9.Glt^. Oh my Lord. 
 
 IM, The great deviltafcenegokkjbadJbecnbp, and alt the 
 
 wonea 
 
I- 
 
 OttThechiUe hdthftnndhit FMhtr, 
 
 women of the world were btrreo , ftie ftioald have died e're he 
 bad married her ou cbefe condicions. CAior. Ic is not tea- 
 
 (on that direds fou thus. Bdol. Then have I none , for all 
 
 I have dire&s me , never was man fo palpablf abus'd,fo bafcif 
 marred, bought and fold tofcorn, my Honor, Fame, and hopeful 
 V'ftorics, the lofsofTimf, Expences, Blood and Fortunes, all 
 vaniiht into nothing. Edwtn 1 his rage is vain my Lord, what 
 the King docs, nor they, nor you can help, £<W. My Sword 
 
 mull fail me then. C4rfpf. 'Gainft whom will you expofei:? 
 
 EdoU What's that to yt. u , 'gainfl all the devils in bell to guard 
 my country. Brfwi/?. Thefe arc airy words. i 
 
 tdtl. Sir, you tread too hard upon my patience. | 
 
 Edwin. I )peak the duty of a Subie33 hiith , and fay agen htti. | 
 
 your been here in prefence. 
 What the King did,you had not dar'd to crofs it, I 
 
 EdeU I will trample on bis Life and Soul that fays it. j 
 
 Crfrfor. My Lord. I<bmn. Come, come, £«<<>/. Now bc- { 
 
 fjre heaven. C«i»r. Dear fir. £<<»/, Not darc?thou heft be- 
 neath thy lungs. G/f//fr. Noraoreh>nE(iir;». 
 
 iJvnn. I have done fir, I take my leave. Efo/. Bat thou 
 
 fliall not, you fliall take no leave of me Sir. ' 
 
 DM0. Forwifdo<ns£ak«my Lord. Erfrf. Sir, I'le leave him, 
 and you, and all of you , the Court and King , and let my Sword, * 
 aud friends,ftuftic for iJtU lafety : ftay you here, and hog the Sa^ J 
 
 «#w*,till chey cat your throats,or bring the Land to fervile flavery, 
 fiicfa yokes of bafenefs, Chektr muft not fufier. 
 Go, and repent betimes the fe foul mifdeeds. 
 For in thk League, all our whole Kingdom bleeds, 
 vMdn He preve It, or perifh. 
 
 GUfi. See how his rage trawfports him! Ex«f Erfo/. Cafx. 
 
 Gr«r. Thefc pafliofB fet apart, a braver foldier breathes not 
 i'ch' worU this day. i>»««. I wifli his own worth do not court . 
 kimifie* 
 
 The King imift Ra|«, and we mull learn to obay , 
 .T^ie vertne ftiH direAs the noble way. 
 ixMd'Mufick. Ew«r Mrdm, Artefit, Ofiorhu, oUa^ Pritximus^ 
 
 ■jtm^^Why iscbc Court (oMi> me diinks each room, and 
 '•■'-'■' C 2 anpjc 
 
The Sirth of Merlin : 
 
 angle of our Palace (hould appear ftuck full of objeftsfitfor 
 mirth and crmraphs,to fhowour high content. OftvoldRll wine mnft' 
 wc begin the ReveU?be it fo then,rea€ii me the cap .- lie now begia * 
 a Health to our lov'd Queen, the bright Artefi4 , the Royal Saxon 
 King, our warlike brother, go and command all the whole Court 
 to pledge it, fill to the Hermit there-, moft reverent Anjelmt, wee'I 
 do thee Honor firft, to pledge my j^een. 
 
 Her. I drink no healths great King, and if I didjl would be Joath 
 to part with health, to thofe that have no power to give it back 
 agcn. Aurel. Milkke not, it is the argument of Love and 
 Duty to our jQueen and us, Artef. But he ows none it fecms. 
 
 Ber. I do to vertue Madam , temperate minds covets that 
 iiealth to drink, which nature gives in every fpring to man, he that 
 doth hold ., 
 
 His body, but a Tenement at will 
 Beftows no coft,but to repair what's ill. 
 Yet if your healths or heat of Wine, fair Princes, 
 Could this old frame, or thefc cras'd limbes reftore, . 
 Or keep out death, or ficknefs, then fill more, 
 I'le makefrefh way for appetite, if no, 
 On fuch a prodigal who would wealth beftow^ \ 
 
 o/m«5. He fpeaksnoc like a gueft to grace a wedding. 
 
 EntfrTacliot . > 
 
 ' Axtef. Noilr,but like fo envious impofler. . O^ AChriiliatr 
 iOfave, a Cinick. o/or. What vertue could decline your King-. 
 ly Tpirit , to fuch refped: of him whdfe magick fpiells ntet with 
 your vanquiflit Troops, and turn'd youc Arms to that nec6ffity of 
 fight, which the difpair of any hope.to (land but by hischarms,- had 
 been defeated in a bloody conqueft? oAa 'Twasmagickjbello 
 bred magick did itnr,and that's acourfe my Lord, which u^e efteem 
 in all our Saxon Wars , unto ,the laft and loweft ebbe of fcrvile 
 treachery. ^ . Aurel. Sure you.ate decciv'd, it was the hand ot 
 heaven, that in his vertue gave us vifiory, is there a powec ia naa 
 that can ftrike fear thorough a general camp, or create fpirits^ia 
 recreant bofoms above prefcnt (enfej? ofitr. To blind the fcafe 
 there may with apparition of well ann."d troops witbidthentfcbes 
 are air, form'd into humane fliapes,3ad focb that day were by that 
 Sorcerer rais'd co crofsour fortunes. ' Mtel, Tbcrclis a*law 
 
 , tdls 
 
i2_ 
 
 OtjheGMUllM\fiimid^h»Fdtbtr. 
 
 tells usjthat words want force to ma ke 3eeds void, ^aA{>{«s in^ 
 
 be fliown by inftances alike, ^^xel beHeve it. y * - ^' ' ©^•r.-'T* 
 
 eafily perforni'd,believe me lif , ptbftofe your omi Genres, apd 
 
 give but way to what our Magick here ftalt ftraight perform, ^cA 
 
 . then let his or our defcrts be eenfur.'iJ.; i.'^Aurel: We could - boc 
 
 wiHi a greater happinefs, then what this faeisfaAioD brings with-it, 
 
 let him proceed,fair brother. ofior. He fliall fir, conje learned 
 
 - Vroximm, this tasJc be thine , let thy great charms confound the o^ 
 
 ^pillion this Chriftian by his fpells hath falfly won. 
 
 P'rex. Great King,propQund your wiflies then, what perfons,cf 
 what State, what nujnbers,or how arin*d,pleafe your own thoughts, ' 
 they Qiatl appear before you. Aurel. Strange art! what thinkft 
 thou reverent Hermit} Her. Let him go on fir. j 
 
 ^«rW. Wilt thou behold his aihning? I 
 
 Hw. Right gladly fir, it will be my joy totell,. 
 That I was here to lilugh at him and hell. ! 
 
 Aurel. I lite thy confidence. Jrtef. His fawcy impudence, 
 
 prQceedto'th' trial. Pro*. Speak your dcfires my Lord, and 
 
 fee it place'c in any angle underneath the Moon, the center of the 
 Eareb, tfte Sea, thc^Air, die region of the fire, nay hell it feif,and 
 rieprefentit. Aurel. Wee'l have no fight fofearfiil,onely 
 
 thisjif aii thy art can re^clrity.fbow me here the two great Cham- 
 pions of the Trcjah War, AcbiUes and brave He&or^ our great An- 
 ceftor^ bodi in their warlike habits, Armor,Shields,and Weapons 
 tbenJiiufe fisr fight. fWAf. Tis done, my Lord, command a 
 
 halt and filence, as each man will refpeft his life or danger. Armel^ 
 fiefge^. Enter Spirit. Quid vis? Prex. Attend me. 
 
 i -Aiirel. The Apjparition comes , on our difpleafure let all keep 
 plactand filence. Witlin Drums beat Marches, 
 
 £»ttr.Proximus bringing in Heftor attird and arm'i after the Trojatt 
 mahtter, witbTvrgety Srvord^ iniBattet-aXy a Trumpet before him, j 
 
 and a Spirit inflsme (olours with a Terch^t the other door Achille* 
 
 with his Spear and Falcben,aTrttmpet and a Spirit in black^be- 
 ^ fere him\ Trumpets found alarm , and they manage their wea- 
 
 - . pons to begin- the F^ht ': and after fome Charges , the 
 . Hermit ftepsietween them, at which feemittg,Mnaz.'d 
 - ; .: thVfpiritSy and tremble. Thunder within. 
 
 , , ,Pr«f. What means this ftay,bright Amti;PUfgeth[ why fear you 
 .'■'• ■ " - ' , and 
 
"-^ 
 
 Ihe Birth 9f yytt^i 
 
 and fall back? renew the A!ai:ins,and enforce theCombat,or bell 
 or darknefe circles you forever Arm, We darc-oot. Frc^, HiJ 
 
 Pie^eth. Our clmrms are dl diflblv'd, Amel away, 
 Tis worfe then hell to us, whiteft here vk Ihy. Exit *U. 
 
 Her. What! at a Non-plus fir? conunand them back for fhame! 
 
 Pycx. What power o're-aws my S^^clL! return you Hell-hounds; 
 Armel, Ple{^eth y double damnation feizeyon, by ail the Infernal 
 poweis, the prince of devils is in this Hermits liabit, whatelfc 
 could force my Spirits quake or tremble thus > 
 
 Her. Weakarguraenttohidcyourwantof skill: does the devil 
 fear the devii , or war w;tu hell ? they have not been acquainted 
 long it fecms. Kn j w m'f-believi. g Pagan, even that Power 
 That overthrew you. Ibices, ftill lets you fee. 
 He one!y can cont oul both hell and thee. 
 
 Prox. Difgracc and miichief, He enforce new channs,rew fpells, 
 and fpirits rais'd from the 'ow Abyisof hells unbottom'd depths. 
 
 Aurfl. We hare enough fi., give o're your charms, wee*l6nde 
 fome otlier time to praifc your Art. I dare not but acknowledge 
 chat heavenly Potver my heart itands witnefsto: benotd.fmaJd 
 my Lords, at this difaft.r, nor cbou my faired ^ueen : we'l change 
 che^ceneto fome more pleafin^ fpo: ts Lead to your Chamber, 
 How'ere in this thy pleaiurcs fuide a cro&. 
 Our joy's too fixed here to iufierlois. 
 
 Toclio. Which I ihall adde to fir,with news I bring ; The Prince 
 your Brother, lives. jiure[. Hii Tot/w. And comes 
 
 to grace this high and heaven-knit Marriage. 
 
 Aurd. W by doiX thou flatter me , to make me think fucb hap- 
 pinefs attends rac ? Bnter Prince Uter and Ofwold. 
 
 Teclui. Hisprefencc fpeaksmy truth, fir. Dtm. Force me, 
 
 'tis he : look Gljfier. Gkjt. A Welting beyond hopc,fir. 
 
 Aurtl. Ha! tis he : welcome my fecond Comfort. A^?e/u,Dea- 
 reftLove, it is my Brother, my Princely Brother , all my King- 
 doms hope, oh give him v»elcome,as tbou lovft my health. 
 
 Arte(. You have fo free a welcome fir, from me, as this your 
 prefence has fuch power I fwear o're me arranger, that I muft 
 forget my Countrey, Name, and Friends, and count th» place my 
 Toy and Birth right. Priiiu. Tis fte^ 'tis fte I fwear ! oh 
 
 ve «ood gods, 'tis flie ! that face within diofc woods where fr« I 
 ' ^ ^ faw 
 
 -4 
 
Or, 7 be ChildikiHbfimti hk Tdther, 
 
 fa w her, capci ved my fenfcs,and thas many taoneAs bar'd toe froifc 
 all focietyofmen : bovrcame (he to this place, brother Aurelimi 
 Speak that Angels na«ne,her heaveinUeft nanie,ch fpeak it qoick- 
 ly Sir. Auret. Ic K Arttfia^ the Royal Saxon Princefs. 
 
 Frince. A woman, and no Deity : no feigned (hape, to mock the 
 reafon of admiring fenfe, on whom a hope as low as mine may fivey 
 love, and enjoy, dear Br otbcr,may it not ? Auret. She is all 
 
 the Good, or Vertue thou canft name, my Wife, my Qann. 
 
 Prince. Ha! your wife! Aftef. Which you fball finde fif» 
 
 if that time and fortune may make ray love but worthy of yottf 
 tryal. Prince. Oh! Autel. What troubles you, dear Bro> 
 ther > Why with fo ftrange and fixt an eye dott thon behold my 
 Joys? Artef. You are not wcH, fir. Prince. Yes, yes, 
 
 dh you immortal powers, why has poor man fo many entrances for 
 forrow to creep in at, when our fenfe is much too weak to hold his 
 bappinefs ? Ob fay I was born deaf : and let your filence confirm 
 in me the knowing my defed, at: lead be charitable to conceal lOf 
 fin, for hearing is no lefs in me, dear Brother. 
 
 Mrei. No more, I iK thou arc a Rival in the Joys of my higk 
 Bli6. Gome my Artefia, 
 
 The Daj^'s mcflft prais'd when 'tis eccHpft by Night , 
 Great Good muft have as great III oppofite. 
 
 Pmee. Stay, hear bat a word •, yet now I think oi't, 
 Thisfc your Wedding-night, and were it mine, 
 I Oiould be angry wim lead lofs of time. 
 
 Artef. Enryfpeaks no fueh words, has no fuch looks. 
 
 Prtnte. Sweet reft unto you both. AureL Lights to our Nup- 
 tial Chamber. Artef. Could you fpeak fo , I would not fear 
 bow much my grief did grow. Aurel. Lights to our Chamber, 
 on,on, fct on. Exeunt. Manet Prince. 
 
 Prince. Could you fpeak fo,I would not fear how much my griefs 
 did grow. Tbofe were her very words , fure 1 am waking , ftie 
 wrung me by the hand, and fpake them to me with a moll paffio- 
 nate afFeftion, perhaps fhe loves, and now repents her choice , in 
 marriage wiA my brother •, oh fond man, how dareft thou truft 
 thy Traitors thoi^ts, thus to betray thy felf ? 'twas but a waking 
 
 dream wheremtbo&niadeft thy wiflies fpeak, not her, in which 
 thy fooUfit hopes ftrivcs tP_pr©loBg 
 
his s-ik'Skt^^fUim^AK^o 
 
 A wfetchddbeing , fo fickfy chiliirfenpfew ■ "- f ' , - • ^ 
 VVichiiealth bv'd toys, which ior a ciraedelir 
 Buc do not cure thp fit: be thfen a man, : - ! ; i ' , .1'. ■' 
 
 Meet that deftruanion which f hop canft notflie- V ^ . " ' ' 
 
 Frbm, not to live, make k tixy hm to die, , ' ' 
 And call her now, whom thtw di^fVhope to Wed , • - 
 
 Tfefferbtherswifejthouarttoone'reakin, ' ' 
 
 And fucb an aft above all name's a.iGn , :, 
 
 ^Idt to bfe blotted Dutj heaven pardon me,! > ^i 
 
 She'sbaniflitfroramybororti now for ever, * :S / 
 
 To loweft ebbes, men jnftly hope a flood, ' . ^ 
 Whehvicegrowsbarren, all dcfires are good.; / , r 
 
 Enter JVauing Gtntlfwoman with a Jfwtl. 
 
 Gent. The noble Prince, I take it fir. Prince. You fpeak mC 
 what I (hould be,Lady. , Gf «f. Know by tfeat name* fir, j^jeen 
 ul«^j?*greets^y.OUi , Pfinee. Alasigood verjtuejhowisfhemifta- 
 kpn. Gf«r. Commending her affeaibn till this Jewel, fir. 
 
 Vrince. She binds my fervice to her ; ha ! a Je*el 'tis a fair one 
 truftme, .an4methinksitmuchrefembles,fpnpiethinglhave feen 
 with her. Ge». It is tn artificial crab. Sir-,- Vrme. Acrea-: 
 cure that goes backward; H G*«< • Trod, .from |he way it looks. 
 , Prime. .There is no moral in it akides to her felf ? 
 
 Gent. Tis your conftruftion gives you that fir, flic's a woman. 
 PrM»«,And like this,may ufe her legs,and eyes two feveral ways.; 
 
 Gent. Juft like the Sea-crab, which on the Muffel prayes, L_ 
 whiirt he bills iit a ftohe. Pfi»«. Pretty in troth , pri^ee 
 
 tell me,art thou' boneft ? Gent. Ihope I feem no other, fir. i 
 
 Prince. And thofe that feem fo, are fometimes bad enough. i 
 
 Genr,\i they will accufe.tbemfcIvesfor want of witnefs,let them, 
 I am. not fofoolifli. , Prince. I fee th'art wife , come fpeak . 
 
 me truly, what is the: greateft fin ? 
 
 G/f»r. That which m^niievetafted, wbathas been don^e :' 
 
 Is as the leaft, common to all ts one. ,^i;jiv-/'. 
 
 Prince. Doft think thy Lady isofthy opinion? '; '[i:,-/ 
 
 Gent. She's abad Scholar elfe , I have brought her lip, apdftei 
 dares owe me ftill. . Prim, ly 'tis a;ffmlt: in-greatwiilsj they, 
 dare ov^e many e're they pay one, but dateft thou espofc tby febo- , 
 lar to my examining ? Gent, Yes in good troth fir^^ -(aiifd |fl"*^7 
 
putlier to't too , 'cis a hard leffofl if flie anfwer it not, 
 
 yrince. Thou know'ft the hardefj. Gem, As far asa wofflan . 
 may, fir. Frince. I commend thy plainncfs, whcii wilctboii 
 
 bring me to thy Lady ? Gent. Next opportunity I acten<l 
 
 you, fir. Prime. Thanks, take this_^nd commend me to her. 
 
 Ger.t. Thinkof your Sea-crab fir, I pray. Exit. 
 
 Vrnicc. Oh by any means, Lady , what (faould alt this tend to ? 
 if it be Love or Luft that thus incites her , the fin is horrid and in- 
 celtuotis i if to betray my life, what hopes fhe by it ? Ycs,it coif 
 he a praitice 'twixt themfelves , to expel the Brituim and enfure 
 tire State through our deftru<iiions , all this may be valid with a 
 deeper reach invillany,then all my thoughts can gucfs at, however 
 I will confer with her , and if I finde 
 Luft hath given Life to Enyy in hct; minde, 
 Imay prevent the danger i fo men wife 
 By the fame ftep by which they fell, may rife. 
 \ ices are V ertues, if fo thought and fcen. 
 And Trees with foulcft roots, branch foone ft green. E»t. 
 
 c J ^ Q^i 2. S C E N E I. 
 
 , '{V:% ".-..i in v,0'{ 's , - 
 
 Enter CIowh and hit Sifier. 
 
 cltvftf,.j^Ovat nfter,thouthat art all fool, all mad-womafi. _, 
 ; \_/ Jom. Prithee have patience, we are nOw at Court, \ 
 C/o»». At Court ! ha, ha, that proves thy madiiefs, was there 
 ever any woman in thy taking travel'd to Court for a husband ? 
 *flid,,'tis enough for them to get children, and the City to keep 'cm, 
 and the Countrey to finde Nurfes ; every thing tnuft be done in his 
 due place,fifter. yo<<«. Be but content a while , for ture I 
 
 knowthis Journey will be happy. Oh dear brother, this night my 
 fweet Friend came tocomfort roe, I faw him, and embrac't himin 
 mine arms. C/«w». Why did you not hold him, and call me 
 
 to help you ? Joan, Alas , I thought I had been witb him 
 
 ftill, but when I wakjt I Clown. Ah pox of ail Log^r-heads^ 
 
 then you were but in a Dream all this while , and we may ftiH go 
 look him : Well, fince we are come to Court , call: your Cats eyes 
 about you, and either finde him out you dreamt on , or fomc ot^er, 
 ..r.i..\ D' ' ' for 
 
ft* SirtktfMctloii 
 
 for lie trouble my felf no further. Ent.Dtno.CddtfjEdw^ TcdU 
 See, fee, here com«s more Coartiers, look about you, come, pray 
 vi«w 'em all well ■, the otd man has none of the marks about him, 
 the other have both Swords and Feathers ; what thinkeft thou of 
 that ta'lyong Gentlemapi? ^ww. Hemuch refemblesbim.} 
 
 but fure my friend, brother, was not fo high of ftatore. 
 
 Cltwn. Oh heart, waft cIkju got a childe with a (hort thing too? 
 DfTi^ Come,come,l'ehearnomoreon't : GoLor d Edicin, tell 
 her this day tier fifter ftall be rtiarried to C^^for Earl ofCornwal , fo 
 fliatt (he to tbee brave £<iw»i>, if {he'f have my bleiFing. 
 ' %iwin. She is addifted to a fingle Life,fhe will not hear of Mar- 
 riage. Done. Tufti, fear it not : go you from me to hcf, ufc 
 your beft skill my Lord, and if you fail, I have a trick fhalf do it : 
 hafle, hafte about it. " Edwin. Sir, I am gone, my hope is in 
 your help more then my own. ' iww. And worthy T#c/f», to 
 your care I niuft commend tbtsbofindfe, for Lights and Mufick,and 
 what elfe is needful. Tw/w. I fttll my Lord. clami. We 
 would intreat a word (ir,coffl€ forward ROier. Ix.Deno.Toc.Cadvr, 
 Idwln. What lackft thou fellow ? Clown. I lack a father 
 for a childe, fir. IApw. H^! a Go^-^ther ? clovn.'Ho 
 fir, we mean the own father : it may be you fir , for any thing we 
 know, I think the childe is like you. .Edmn. Like me ! pri- 
 thee where is it ? ^own. Kay,'ti$ not born yet fir, 'tis fwth 
 coming you fee, the childe muft have a father : what do yon think 
 of my rnler ? Ed-ar'm. Why I think if ihe ne're had Busband 
 flie'sawhore, andthouafodjfwewel. £*>>♦ 
 €/•»». I thank you fir: wet!, pull up thy heart fifter, if there be 
 any L*w i'th Conrt this fellow ftall father it , 'caufe he ufes me fo 
 fcuryily. There's a great Wedding towards thejr fay,we'lamongft 
 them^ for a husband for thee. 
 
 Enter Sir Nicodemus with a, Letter. 
 If we mifs there , He have another bout with him that abus*d me. 
 See! look, there comes another Hat and Feather , thisfliould be a 
 clofe Letcher,he's reading of a Love-letter. sir liic. Earl Cddor's 
 Marriage, and a Maftyic to grace it, fo, fo. This night Aall make 
 me famous for Prefentments. Hownowy-whatareyou? 
 
 down. A couple of Great Brtttains ^yoa may fee by our bellies,Gr. 
 Sir Ni*. And what of this fir? Clown. Why thus the matter 
 
 Aaods 
 
Or, 7heChHdf hath fiund hit T*tber, J 
 
 ftands fir ; There's one of your Courtiers Hunting Nags. has made *5 
 
 a Gap through another mans Inclofure. Now fir, here's the que- | 
 
 ttion, who ihbuld be at charge of a Fur-ixifh to flop it ? ' \ 
 
 Sir Nic. Ha,ha, this is out of niy element : the Law muft end it. 1 
 
 Clffwn. Your VN'orfhip fays well ; for furely I think fome Law- 
 yer had a hand in the bufinefs, we have fuch a troublefom llliie. 
 
 j'/rNir. But what's thy buunefs with me now ? C/own. Nay 
 
 fir, the bufinefs is done already, you may fee by my fillers belly. 
 
 sir Hie, Oh, now I finde thee , this Gentlewoman it feems has 
 been humbled. Clown. As low as the ground would give her 
 
 leave fir, and your Worfhip knows this : though thef c be many fa- 
 thers without childrcn,yet to have a childe without a father,werc 
 moft unnatural. StrKie. That's true ifaith , I never heard , of 
 a childe yet that e're begot his father. Ch»n, Why true,you 
 fay wifely fir. Sir Nic, And therefore I conclude, that he chat 
 got the childe, is without all quefiion the father of it. 
 
 Clewn. I, now you come CO the matter fir : and our fuit is to 
 your Worfhip for the difcovery of this father. sirKic. Why, 
 lives he in the Court here ? ^tan. Yes fir , and I defire but 
 
 Marriage. SfrNit. And docs the knave refufe it ? Gome, 
 
 come, be merry wench , he /hall marry chee , and keep the childe 
 too, if my Kniohthood can do any thing •, I am bound by mine Or- 
 ders to help diftrefTed Ladies, and can there be a greater injury to 
 a woman with childe, then to lack a father fbr't ? I am afliam'd of 
 your fimplenefs : Come, come, give me a Courtiers Fee for my 
 pains, and He be thy Advocate my felf, and juftice ftiall bi found, 
 ; nay He fue the Law for it ; but give me my Fee firft. 
 
 cloTm. If all the money I have i'th world wiH do it , yon fhall 
 have it fir. Sir hiie. An Angel Aots it, Clovrn, Niy 
 
 there's two, for your better eye fight fir. Sir Hie. Why we If 
 
 faid : give me thy hand wench , He teach thee a trick for all thi?, 
 fhall get a father for thy childe prefcntiy , and this it is, mark now : 
 You meet a man, as you meet me now, thou claimeft Marl^iage of 
 me, and tayeft the childe to n>y charge, I deny it : puihi that's no^ 
 tting, hold thy Claim faft, fh^' words carries it , and no Law can 
 withflandit. C/«!rn. IftpoffiWe? 
 
 Sir Nic. Paft all oppofition , her own word carries it , let her 
 cfcall-engeany man, the childe fliall call him Father-, there's a trick 
 
 - D 2 " ' fov 
 
- The Birth of Merlin : 
 
 for your money now. C/amw. Trorh Sir, we thank yoa , we'I 
 make ufe of your trick , and go no further to feck the childe a Fa- ^ 
 cher, for we challenge you Sir rfifter lay it to him , he [hall marry 
 thee, I fliall have a worfhipful old man to my brother. 
 
 sir Hie, Ha, ha,Ilikethypleafantnef9,, yo4n. Nav in- 
 
 deed Sir, I do challenge yon. doivn. You think we jeft fir. 
 
 Sir NIC. I by my crocli do I, I [ike thy wit yfaith, thou fhalt live 
 at Coirt with me, didft never here of Stccdemmmthing? I am the 
 man. C/w«. Nothing, 'Aid we are out agen , thou wait ne- 
 
 ver got with childe with nothing fur^. ^cj". I know not what 
 to fay. Sir N/f. Never griey? w«nch , (how me the man and 
 procefsfhallflyout. C/c»»» 'Tis enough for us to finde the 
 
 ' children, we looJc that you fliouW finde the Father, and therefore 
 either do us juftice, or we'I ftand to our firft challenge. 
 
 ^(rNif. VVould you have jullice without an Ad verfary, unlefe - 
 you can fhow me the man, I can do you no good io it. 
 
 Cleivn. Why then I hope you'l do us no harm lir, you'I reftore 
 my money. sir Nic. What, my Fee ? marry Law forbid it, ; 
 
 finde out the party, and you fhall have juftice,your fault dos'd up, | 
 
 and all fhatl be amended, the Childe his father, and the Law end- , j 
 ed. £*/r. c/wn. Well, hehasdeferv'dhisFeeifldeedj, i 
 
 for he has brought our fuit to a quick end, I promife you, and yet. 
 the Giilde has never a Father •, nor we have no more mony to feek j 
 
 after him, a ftame of all lecherous placcats •, now you look like a. | 
 Cat had newly kittcn*d,what will you do now tro ? Follow me no .| 
 further , left I beat your brains out. /«<<». Impofe upon me 
 
 any puniihment, i-ather then leave me now, 
 
 c/ffjPM. Well, I think I am bewitch with thee, I cannot finde in 3 
 
 my heart to for fake her, there was never fiRer would have abus'd | 
 
 a poor brother as thou haft done, I am even pin'd away with fret- .'! 
 
 ting, there's nothing but flefh and bones about me, well and I had 
 my money agen, it were fome comfort, hark fifter, Thunder. 
 
 does it not thunder? ^oan. Oh yes, moft fearfully, what Ihall. 
 we do brother? C/oww. Marry e'ene get fome Ihelterc're the 
 ftorm catch us : away, let's away I prithee. 
 Enter the Drfil in mans habit,rtchly atttr'dfhisfeet and hii head hmid, 
 
 Joan. Ha, 'tis he, ftay brother, dear brother ftay . 
 
 xV*)r». What's the matter now? Joan. My love, ray 
 
 friend 
 
Or, The Childe hdth fiuud hit Fdther, 
 
 friend is come, yonder he goes. c/ojr». Where, where* 
 
 \ ftiow me where, Tie ftop him if the devil be not in him. 
 
 joiin. Look there, look yonder, oh dear friend,pity my diftrefs, 
 ~ for heaven and goodnefs do but fpeak to me. 
 
 D.'ri/. She calls me, and yet drives me headlong from her, 
 , Poor mortal, thou and I are much uneven, 
 
 Thou mult not fpeak of goodnefs nor of heaven, 
 f ~ if Iconfer witli thee:but be of comfort, whilft men dobreath,and 
 J ; Britiains name be known, 
 
 I The fatal fi-uit thou bear'rt within thy womb, ■ 
 
 Shall here be famous till the day of doom. 
 
 Clevn. 'Slid who's that talks fo ? I can fee no body. 
 ^oan. Then art thou blind , or mad , fee where he goes , ami 
 beckons me to come, ch lead me forth , Tie follow thee in fpight 
 of fear or death. Exit. 
 
 Clorvn. Oh brave, fte'lrun to the devil for a husband, (he's 
 flark mad fure,and talks to a (haddow, for I could fee no fubftance •• 
 well, rie after her , thechilde was got by chance, ^nd the father 
 muft be found at all adventure. ^xit. 
 
 Enter Hermit ^ Modefi4,and F.dwiti. ^ ^ s • - 
 Modejid. Oh reverent fir , by you my heart hathreachtat the 
 large hopes of holy Piety , and for this I craved your company. 
 Here in your fight religiouflly to vow. 
 My chafte thoughts up to heaven, and make you now 
 ■ thewitnefsofmyfaith. Uer. Angels alllft thy hopes. 
 
 Edmn. What meanes my Love? thou art my promis'd wife. 
 
 Modeft, To part with willingly what friends and life 
 
 Gin make no good affurance of. Edmn. Oh finde remorfe 
 
 fair foul, to love and merit, and yet recant thy vow. 
 
 Modefi. Never : this world and I are parted now for ever. 
 
 Her. To finde the way to blifs, oh happy woman, 
 
 Th'aft leam'd the hardeft LeObn well I fee, 
 
 Now fliow thy fortitude and conftancy. 
 
 Let thefe thy friends thy fad departure weep. 
 
 Thou flialt but loofe the wealth thou could'ft not keep, ^' 
 
 My contemplation calls me, I muft leave ye, A 
 
 Edmn. O reverent Sir, perfwade not her to leave me, ' I 
 
 Her. My Lord I do not, nor to ceafe to love ye, ' ' 
 
 I oneiy 
 
^ 
 
 7 he Birth if Merliar 
 
 I pnely pray her faith may fixed ftand. 
 Marriage was bleftlknow with heavens own hand. ixlt. 
 
 Edwin, You hear him Lady, 'cis not a virgins ftate but fandity 
 ofIife,muft make you happy. Moiifj?. Good fir , you fay you ! 
 
 love me, gentle E^/wnjCven by that love 1 do befeech you leave rael ^ 
 
 'Edwin. Think of your fathers tears,your weepijig friends whom 1 
 
 cruel grief makes pale and bloodlefs for you. , 
 
 A£<w<<r/. Would I were dead to all. Efllw/M.Why doyouwcep? 
 Modejl, Oh who would live to fee . ' 
 
 How men with care and coft, feek milery. 
 
 Edwin, Why do you feek it then •<' What joy, what pleafure, ', 
 
 can give you comfort in a fingle life ? Uodefi, The contem- I 
 
 pUuion of a happy death , which is to me fo pleafing that I think 
 no torture could divert me : What's this world wherein you'd 
 have me walk, but a fad palTage to a dread Judgement-Seat, from 
 wteaceeven now we are but bail'd, upon our good abearing ^^^ till 
 that great Seflions come, vyhenDeathjtheGrycr, will furelyfiira- ■' i 
 
 moa ujj" and all to appear , to plead us guilty or our bail to clear: *> 
 
 what mufick's this ? Soft Mufuki <1 
 
 Enter two Bifliops, Edwin, Dtnahrty Glofitty Cdor, Confittncia, Of- 'j 
 
 wMy Totlta. I 
 
 Edwin. Oh now refolve and think upon my love, this foaods i 
 
 the Marriage of your beaute9us fifter , vcttaoasConfi<tncia^ with 
 the noble C<*<f«r, look, and behold this pleafiue. -' 1 
 
 Modefi. CoVer me with ni^t. 
 It is a vanity not worth the fighc. 
 
 Bono. See, fee, fhe's yonder, pafs on fon C^r. Daughter Cen- 
 ftMc'u, I bcfeech you all anlefs fbe firft move fpeech, (alute her 
 not. Edwin what good fuccefs? 
 Edwta. Nothing as yet, unlefs this obieil take her. 
 Done, See, fee, her eye is fixt upon hei fifter, 
 feem carelcfs all, and take no notice of her; on afore there, come 
 my Confiancia. 
 
 Uodefi, Not fpeak to nac, nor daia to caft an eye, 
 To look on my defpifed povertyf 
 ; ImuftbemorecharitaWe, pray ftaviaiy, are not you flic whom 1 
 i did once call fifter? Oii^rfiK. I did acknowledge fuch a name 
 
 \ to one whilft Ihe was woithy af_it> ia whofe folly .^ "* 
 
 , Since 
 
G r, Ihe Childe hatbfwnd bu Father. 
 
 Since you neglcft your fame and friends together, 
 In you I drown'd a fitters name for ever. 
 
 Mcdeft. Your looks did fpeak no lefs. Glojl. It now be- 
 
 gins to work, this fight has moved her. Dent, I Know this 
 
 tfick would take,or nothing. Mbdefi. Though you difdain in me 
 a fifters name, yet charity me thinks fhould be fo ftrong to inftruft 
 c're you rejed, I am a wretch even fblhes inftance , who perhaps 
 have er'd, not having known the goodnefs bears fo high and fair a 
 (how in you, which being expreft 
 I may recant this low defpifed life. 
 And pleafe thofe friends whom I mov'd to grief. 
 C4(ior. She is coming yfaith, be merry E</wt». 
 'Ctnfia. Since you dehre inftruftion you fhall have it, what ift 
 fhould make you thus defire to hvc vow'd to a finglc life? 
 
 Modrft. Becaufe I know I cannot flie from death , oh my good 
 fifter, I befeech you hear me, 
 This world is but a Mafque, catching weak- eyes. 
 With what is not our felves but our difguife, 
 A Vizard that falls off, the Dance being done, 
 And leaves Deaths Glafs for all to look upon, 
 Our bell happineis bere> lads but a night, 
 Whofe burning Tapers makes falfe Ware Teem right ; 
 Who knows not this, and will not now provide 
 Some better (hift before his fliame be fpy'd, 
 And knowing this vain world at laft will leave him. 
 Shake off thefe robes that help but to deceive him. 
 
 Cenft. Her words are powerful, I am amaz'd to hear her I 
 Bono. Her foul's inchanted with infefted Spells. 
 Leave her befb Girl , for now in thee 
 He feekthe fruits of Age, Pofterity. 
 Out o'my fight;fure I was half afleep,or drunk,when I begot thee. 
 
 Confi. Good fir forbear. What fay you to that fiftcr ? 
 The joy of children, a blefl Mothers Name ! 
 Oh who without much grief can loofe fucfe Fame ? 
 
 Modefi. Who can enjoy it without forrow rather ? 
 And that moft certain where the joy's unfurcj 
 Seeing the fruit that we beget endure 
 So many miferies , that oft we pray 
 
 The 
 
Tbt Birth if Met)in: .' ,<- 
 
 The Heavens CO fljuc up their afiBi(aed day : ■ 
 
 Ac bell we do but bring forth Heirs to die^. 
 
 AndfiH the CofEns of our enemy. ~ 
 
 . Coftff . Ob my foul. Dono. Hear her no more CanPniu, 
 
 floe sfurebewitchc with Error, leave her Girl. ' Q>»/? Then 
 
 rauft I leave all goodnefs fir : away, ftand oflF, I fay. - 
 
 Dono. How's this ? » Conft. I have no father, friend, no huf- 
 band now,all are but borrowed robes,in which we mafque to wafte 
 and fpend the cune, when-all our Life is but one good becwixrtwo 
 Ague-days, which frOm the firft, ere we have time to praife a fe- 
 cond Fever takes us : Oh my beft f.ftcr , my fouls eternal frien</, 
 torgi/e the ralhnefs of my diftemper'd tongue, for how could fhe 
 knew not her felf , know thy felicity , from which worlds cannot 
 now remove me. Datu. Art thou mad too , fond woman ? 
 
 what s thy meaning ? Omji. To Cede eternal happincfe in hea- 
 ven, which all this world affords not. Coder. Think of thy 
 Vow, thou art my prortiis'd Wife. Conft. Pray trouble me no 
 further. 0»w2«. Strange alteratioivi C^/or. VVhy do you 
 ftand at gaze, you^facredPrielts?yoq holy men be equal tothe 
 Gods, and confummate my Marriage wfth this woman.^, 
 
 Bifhop. Her felf gives barr my Lord , to your defires , and oor 
 performance, j 'tis againft the Law and Orders of the Church to 
 force a Marriage. ^ Cador. How amliWrong'd! was thisyonr 
 crick, my Lord ? Itono. I am abus'd paft fuffb-ance i grief 
 
 and amazement ftrive which Sehfeof mine fliatl loofe herbeiog 
 firfti yet let me call thee Daughter. Cador. McyW^ti, 
 
 Conft. Your words are air,.you fpeak of want, to wealth, 
 And wilh her ficknefs, newly rais'd to health. 
 
 Dono. Bewitched Girls, tempt not an old mans fury , that hath 
 no ftrength to uphold his feeble age, but what your fights give life 
 iO, oh beware, and do not make me curfe you. , 
 Kneel. M«/f/. Dear father, here at your feet we kneel , .grant us 
 but chis, that in your fight and hearing the good Hermit may plead 
 our Caufe •, which if ic Ihall noc give fuch (atisfaftion as your Age 
 defires, we will fubmit to you. Conft. You gave us life, fa.ve 
 
 not our bodiesjbut our fouls from death. I>o«o. This gives fotBc 
 comfort yet : Rife with my bleinngs, Have pacience,noble C^dor., 
 worthy Edwin^ fend for the Hermit that we may confer , for fure 
 ; . . ■ • ■ ■ ildi- 
 
I OtytleJchiltkimthftundhkFMhir, j 
 
 Rel^tontycs you not CO leave I 
 
 Your careful Father thus i if fo it be, | 
 
 Takeyou>contenr,andgiveallgrieftoffle. Twunt, j 
 
 rhtufdtr and Lightning, Enter Devil. j 
 
 '■■ Dtvil. Mix light aod darkntts, earth and heaven dfffolve, be of «^ 
 one pieceagen, and turn to Cbm, break all your works you pow- \ 
 
 ers, and fpoil the world , or if you will maintain earth ftill,give 
 way and life to this abortive birth now coming , whofe fame iball 
 add unto your Oracles. Liuina, Hecate, dreadful Queen of Night, 
 brightvP>'c/fr/>««f,be pleas'd for Cera love , from itijun darkoefe, \ 
 
 fumraon up the Fates, 
 
 And in a moment bring them quickly hither. 
 Left death do vent her birth and her together. Thunder 
 
 Aiiitt you fplrits of infernal deeps, fquintey'd £rifffc», midinght Im- 
 euhvi. Enter Lucina, and tbt three Fates. 
 
 Rife, rife to aid this birth prodigious. Thanks Hecate, hail fifter 
 to the Gods, there lies your way , haile with the Fates, and help, 
 jive quick difpatch unto her laboring throws, to bring this mix- 
 ,ture of infernal ktd^ to humane bcmg, Exit Totes, 
 
 And to beguil her pains, till back you come, • 
 
 Anticks ftiall dance and Mafick fill the room. Dance. 
 
 Dw/. Thanks Queen of Shades. - 
 
 Luctna. Farewel, great fcrvant to th'infernal King, 
 Inlionor ofthischilde, the Fates (hall bring 
 All their aflifting powers of Knowledge, Arts, 
 Learning, Wifdom, all the hidden parts 
 Of all-admiring Prophecy, to fore-fee 
 The cveiifof times to come, his Art ftall ftand 
 A wall of brafs to guard the ^mr^iff Land, 
 Even from this minute, all his Arts appears 
 
 Manlike in Judgement, Perfon, State, and years, • 
 Upon his bre ft the Fates have fixt his name, 
 
 I Andfincehisbirth place was this forreft here, 
 
 They now have nam'd him il<r/i» i'i/w/tfr. 
 
 Devil. yAnd Merlins name mBrittain fliail live, 
 Whilft men inhabit here, or Fates can give- 
 Power to amazing wonder, envy ftall weep. 
 And mi/chief fit and fhake her ebbone wings. 
 
 ¥ 
 
 \ 
 
Whilft all the world of 3ffr/j«* magick fiflgs. Eicit* 
 
 Enttr Clown. 
 cHvm. Well , I wonder how my poor fitter does , after all thfe 
 thundering , I think (he's dead , for I can hear no tidings of her, 
 thofe woods yields fmall comfort for her, Icould meet nothing but 
 a fwinherds wife, keeping hogs by the Foreftfide,but neither (he nor 
 none of her fow^es would ftir a toot to help as •, indeed I think fte 
 durft not traQ her felf amongft the trees with me, for I muft needs 
 confcfeloffer'd fome kindnefs to her-, well, I woald fain know 
 what's becomft'of my fifter, if ftte have brooght me a yong Coufin, 
 his face may be a pidure to finde his Father by, faoh, filter Jw*, 
 Joan Go-too'ty where arc thou ? Wtth'm foan. Here, here bro- 
 raer, ftay but a white,I come to thee^, C/«r». O brave, (he's a- ^ 
 live ftill, I know her voice , Ihe fpeaks , and fpeak* cherfully m^ 
 thinks, how now, what Moon-caa hayfhe got with her ? , ;^ 
 
 Enter jfi>anifnd Merlin vtth dB^ek,. 
 jfodn. Come my dear AI<f/«M, whydoft thou fix thine eye (o 
 deeply on that boak? Merlin. Tofoundthedepthof Arcs, of 
 Leaining, VVifdom» Knowledge. Jean. Oh my dear, dear fon, 
 rhofe ftudies fits thee when tmw art t man. ' ' ■ 
 
 Merlin. Why mother, I can be but half a man at beft. 
 And that is your mortality, the reft 
 
 In me is fpii it, 'tis not meat, nor time, i 
 
 That gives this growth and bignefs, no, my years * 
 
 Shall be more ftrange then yet my birth appears, « , I 
 
 Look motlier, there's my Uncle. f«an. How doeft thou kno*r -j 
 him fon , thou never faw'fthim ? Merlin. Yet I know hiray \m 
 
 and know the pains he has taken for ye , to finde oat my Father^ ^| 
 give me your hand, good Uncle. ctmm. Ha, ha, Tde laugh > 
 
 at that yfaich, do you know me fir > Merlin. Yes, by the fan* ' 
 
 token that even now you fcift the fwinherds- wife 'ich" woods, and 
 would have done more, if flie would have let yott, Uncle. ' 
 
 c/o»». Awitch,awitch,awitch,fifter:ridhimoutofyoureom- 
 pany , he is either a witch or a conjurer , he could never have I 
 
 known this elfe. J«». Pray love him broiher,he is my foh. ^ 
 
 cUrvn. Ha, ha, this is worfe then all the reft yfatih, l^iMs J 
 beard he is more like your husband : let me fee, is your grta* belly r? 
 gone? ye4». Yes, and this she happffettJt. -J 
 
Or, IheChiUt h«hfm»ihk fatbtr. 
 
 clown, WhatjChis Hanichoke ? A Childe born with a beard ob 
 his face ? , Merlin. Yes, and ftrong legs to go, and teeth to eac 
 Clon>n. You can nurfe up your felf then? There's feme charges 
 fav'd for Soap and Candle, 'Hid I have heard of feme that has been 
 born with teeth, but never none with fuch a talking tongue before* 
 yo/r». Come, come, you muft ufe him kindly brother , did you 
 . but know his worth,you would make much of him. Clovm. Make 
 much of a Moncky ? This is worfe then Tom Thtmb, that let a fart 
 in his Mothers belly, a Childe to fpeak, eat, and go the firft hour 
 of his birth, nay , fudi a Baby as had need of a Barber before he 
 was born too-, why fifier this ismonflrous, and fhames all our 
 ktndfed. yo<f».That thus 'gainft nature and our common births, 
 he comes thus furniftii to falute the world , i» power of Fates, and 
 giftof his great father. Clown. Why, of what profeOion is 
 
 your father fir? Merlin. He keeps a Hot-houfe 'ith' Low Coun- 
 tries, will you fee him fir ? Cltwn, See him, why filler has the 
 childc found his father? Affr.Yes,and He fetch him Uncle. Exit. 
 Clown. Do not Uncle me, till I know your kindred , for my 
 confcience fome Baboon begot -thee, furcly thou art horribly de- 
 ceived filler, this Urchin cannot be of thy breeding, I Ihall be a- 
 iham'd to call him coufin, though his father be a Gentleman. 
 Enter Merltn and Devil. 
 Merlin. Now my kinde Uncle fee. 
 The Childe has found his Father, this is he. 
 
 Cttirn. The devil it is,ha,ha,is this your Iweet- heart filler? havt 
 » we run through the Countrey, haunted the City, and examin'd the 
 Court to finde out a Gallant with a Hat and Feather, and a filken 
 Sword, and golden Hangers, and do you now brin^ mc to a Raga- 
 muffin with a face like a Frying-pan? Joan, Fie brother, you 
 nviftake, behold him better. Clown. How's thi5?do you juggle 
 with me, or are mine eyes matches? Hat and Feather, Sword, and 
 Hangers and all, this is a Gallant indeed fifter , this has all the 
 marks of him we look for. 
 
 Devil, And you have found him now fir : give me your hand, I 
 now mull call you brother. Clown. Not till you have married 
 
 my filler, for all this while Ihe's but y^our whore, fir. 
 
 Defil, Thou art too plain, He fati'sfie that wrong to her, and 
 tfeee, and all, with liberal hand : come, why art thou tearful > 
 'J- E2 Clown, 
 
TBeBirtBtfMeAia: 
 
 down. Najr X am boc a&aid, and you were the devil, (ir. 
 DevH. Thou needit not, keep with chy lifter ihll , and IJe fup- 
 plyr your wants, you (hall lack nothing that gold and wealth can 
 purchafe. Clnvn. Thank you brother, we have gone many 
 
 a weary ftep to finde you -, you may be a husband for a Lady, for 
 you are far fetcht and dear bought,! allure you ; Pray how fhould 
 I call your Ion, my coufm here i Devil. His rame is Merlin. 
 
 C/oTTK, Herlin \ Your hand, couCn Metlin, for your fathers fake 
 I accept you to my kindred : if you grow in al I things as your Beard 
 does, you will be caikt on. By your Mothers fide coofin,you come 
 of the Go-tot ts^ Suffolk^ bred, but our (landing houfe is at Hecklye 
 i'th Hole, ind Lan9n-I)uz.z.ard. For your father, no doubt you may . 
 from him claim Titles of Worfliip,but I cannot defcribe it; I think 
 bis AnceUors came firft from HeB-iree in JVales^ coufinr 
 
 Devil. No matter whence we do derive our Nanre, 
 All Brittdnjf fhail ring of Mrt"//!!'/ fame. 
 And wonder at his afts. Gj hence to W^/w, 
 There live a while, there Forrifer the King 
 Builds Cades and llrong Holds, which cannot ftand v 
 
 Unlefs fupported by yong Merlins hind. • 
 
 There- (hall thy fame begin. Wars are a breeding. 
 The Saxons praftife Trcafon, yet unfeen, 
 Whch ftiortly lliall break out : Fair Love, farewel. 
 Dear fon and brother, here rauft I leave you all, 
 yetftilllwiilbenearatM^r/oiJcalL Faw. 
 
 Mer. Will you go Uncle? Clown. Yes, He follow you, 
 
 coufin : well,'! do mod horribly begin to fufpett my kindred^ this 
 brother in law of mine is the Devil fure , and though "he hidehis 
 horns with his Hat and Feather , I fpi'd his cloven foot for all his 
 
 cunning. ^ . . '^*"' 
 
 Enter ofictm^ OB*^ sni Prtxmm. 
 Ontr. Come,coine, time calls our clofe Complots to aaion: go 
 Troximm, with winged fpeed flie hence, bye thee toFT^/w, falute 
 great Vortiger with tiiefe our Letters ; bid the Kmg to arms, tell 
 lim we have new friends, more Forces landed jn NorM*"*' N»r. 
 tbumberUnd, bid him make hi^fte to meet us , if he keep h» word, 
 wee'l part the Realmbetweenus. oAi, Bend all thme Art to 
 
 <juit that late difgrace the Chriftian Hermit gave thee ,..«««ke thy 
 
Or, The CBiUe htti ftmd hit Father. 
 
 revenge both fure and home. Pux, That thought (irjfpint me 
 On, till I have wrought their fwiftdeftruSion. Im. 
 
 ofior. Go then, and prot'per. 0A4, be vigilant : Speak, are the 
 Forts poflcft ? the Guards made fure ? Revolve I pray on how 
 large confequence the bare evtnt and fequel of our hopes jtJyntly 
 confiflsjthat have cmbark't our lives upon the haziard of the leaft 
 mifcarriage. oSa. All's fure,the Queen your fitter hath con- 
 
 trived the cunning Plot fo fure , as at an inllant the Brothers ihall 
 be both furpriz'd and taken. oflor. And both fhall die, yet 
 
 one a while muft live , till we by him have gather'd ftrength and 
 power to meet bold iiAtl their ftern General, that now contrary to 
 the Kings command , hath re-united all his caftier'd Troops, and 
 this way beats his drums to ttveaten us. oSa. Then our Plot's 
 difcover'd. Ofter. Come, th'art a fool, his Army and his !ife 
 
 is given unto us : where is the Queen,my fifter ? O&d. In con- 
 ference with the Prince. 
 
 oftor. Bring the Guards nearer, all is fair and good, 
 Their Conference I hope Iball end in blood. Ixtunu 
 
 Enter Prince and Artefi*. 
 
 Artef. Come, come, you do but flatter, what you term Love^ is 
 but a Dream of blood, wakes with enjoying, and with open eyes 
 foi^ot, contemn'd, and loft. Trince. I muft be wary, her words' 
 arc dangerous. True, we'l fpeak of Love no more then. 
 
 ^rtfr/. Nay, if you will you may, 
 'Tis but in jeft, and yet fo children play 
 With fiery flames, and covet what is bright^ 
 But feeling his efleSs, abhor the light. 
 Pleafure is like a Building, the more high. 
 The narrower ftill it grows. Cedars do dye - 
 
 Sooneft at top. frince. How does your inftanced fuit ?> • - 
 
 Artef. From Art and Nature to make fure the root, 
 And lay a fali foundation, e're I try 
 The incertain Changesof a wavering Skie. 
 Make your example thus. — You haveakifs. — was it not pleafing? 
 
 Prinft. Above all name to cxprefs it. Arttf. Tet *tow the 
 
 pleafurc's gone, and "you have loft your joj-s pofteiiion. - -ii • 
 
 frince^ Yet when yaa pleafe thjs flood may ebb again. •' ■ ■ "> 
 
 Attef. But where it never ebbs, there runs the main. < J ' i 
 
 I tmtt. 
 
5J 
 
 - ' 7l9e girth ^ WLetim'. 
 Priiuf. Whocaa accaia fucb hopes f Attef, He fliow the 
 
 way CO ic, give me a cafte oticc more of whac you may enjoy. Kif, 
 Prittftt Impudent whorel Iwecemore falfe chan Acheifm caabe. 
 Should I noc call chu bigli feUctcyi. 
 
 Jxtef. U I fhou^d cruft y.>ur &ith , alas I fear youfoon would i 
 change belief. Priwe. Iwouldcovec Martyrdom tomake't 
 
 confirm'd. Artaf. Give me your hand oa that,you*l keep your 
 word? Prince, I vf HI, Atf/ Enough zHciphuiiand^ngj 
 AarWWi help, re fcuebetraidilTM^rf. . ,< . 
 
 ^rmce. Nay then 'tis I that am betraid I fee. 
 Yet with thy blood lie end thy Treachcrf. || 
 
 J^ttf. How now ! whac troubles you i Is this you fir, chat but 
 even now would fu£fer Martyrdom to wmyoar hope%ai]d is there . 
 now fuch terror in names of tnento frt^t.you;^ nay then I ^ 
 what mettleyou aremade on* Prmt*. Ha ! was it but cryal^: 
 
 then I ask your pardon : Whac a dull flave was I to be fo fearful ^ 
 He trull her now no more> yet try che utmoft. I am refolved, no 
 brother, no man breathings were he my bloods begetter , Ihould' 
 withhold me from your love, I'd l«ip into his boibm, and from his 
 brell pull forth that happinefe Heaven had zeferved in you for my 
 enjoying. ArteL, I now you fpcak. a Lover like a Princer Trea- 
 fon, treafon. Prin«. Agcn. ^«ff. He^ Saxon Princes: 
 Treafon, Enter oftarimtO&a^&c. 
 
 Ojior. Refcue the jgueen ; ftrike down the Villain. 
 Enter EdoUy Aureltus, Dovtbert^ Cadir, Edv^m^TtfUf, ofwtii^ 
 
 St the other Dour, ' '.'.■^ 
 
 Edol. Call in the Guards : the Prince in danger! Fall back dear 
 Sir, my breft (hall buckler you. Aarei. Beat down their wea-l 
 pons. Edol. Slave, were thou made o£ bnife,my fwocd ftali bite ' 
 thee. j*rW. Withdraw on pain of death : where is the Trai-, - 
 i tor ? Artef. Oh fave your life, my Lord, terit fuffice my bcau- 
 I ty forc't mine own captivity. ^«rie/. Who didkttempt to 
 
 wrong thee ? Prince. Hear me,Sir. AureL. Oh my fad foul V 
 ; was'tchou? ^;:r«f/i Ohdonotftandtoi^eak, oneminiuesi 
 
 ^ fi^,, prevents a fecond fpeiech for «ver. , • ' , AvrtL Make our 
 Guards ftr ong ; My dear Artefi*, let Us know thy wrongs , and our 
 own dangers. Artef. The Prince yourfarother,with thefe Brit- 
 tain Lords, have all agreed to cake me hence by force, and marry • 
 . ' me 
 
r~' 
 
 Or, The Childefi4tbfjn$iniM Father. 
 
 ftie to tim. Vrime. The Devil ftall wed thee firft : thy 'bafc- 
 
 neis and thy luft confound and rot thee- Arttf- He courted 
 
 me even now, and in mine ear fham'd not to plead his moft diHio- '^. 
 neft love, and their attempts to feize your facred perfon, either to 
 fliutyou up within fome prifon, or which is worfe, Ifeartomur- 
 •ther you. Omnes Brittuint. 'Ti$ all as falfe as hell. 
 Edol. And as foul as (he is. Artef. You know me. Sir ? 
 Idol. Yes, Deadly Sin, we know you , and fliall difcover all 
 yourvillany. Aurel. C hcfter forbar. oflor. Their trea- 
 
 fons fir , are plain : Why are their Souldiers lodg'd fo near tfre 
 Court? o^d. Nay ,why came he inarms fofuddenly? • 
 
 £<<o/. You fleering Anticks, do not wake my fury, . ~ ! 
 
 0#4. Furyl £(ic/. Ratsban ,donoturgeme. 
 
 Arte(. Good fir , keep farther from them, Prince, Oh ray 
 ■fick heart,- ft>e is a witch by nature, devil by art Aurel. Bite 
 
 thine own flanderous tongue , 'tis thou art falfe , I have obferv'd | 
 your paflions long ere this. Ojlor. Stand on your guard , my 
 
 Lord, we are your friends, and all our Force i$ yours. j 
 
 £//<?/. To fpoil and rob the Kingdom. jlKrW. Sir, belilent. Ij 
 £(/«/. Silent! how long? till Doomf^ay ? i}iall I fland by, and | 
 ihear mine Honor blafted with foul Treafon , the State half loft^ j 
 and your life endangerd,yet be filent ? Artef. Yes, my blunt | 
 
 Lord, unlefs you fpeak your Treafons, Sir , let your Guards » k$ ' 
 Traitors, feize them al 1 , and then let tortures and dc vulfive racks, ' 
 force a Confeflion from them. EdoU Wilde- fire and Brim- \ 
 
 (tone eat thee. Hear me fir. Aurel. Sir,lle not hear you. 
 
 E(ffl/. But you fhall : Not hear me I were the worlds Monarchy 
 Cffar, livi.fs , he fliould hear me. I tell you Sir , thefe ferpentt 
 have betraid your Life and Kingdom : does not every day bring 
 tidings of more fwarms of lowfie flaves, the ofFal fugitives of bar- 
 ren Germany^ that land upon our Coafts, and by our negleilfcttled 
 in Korfolk^inA NorthumMand ? O/or. They come as Aids 
 
 and Safeguards to the King, oUa. Has he not need, when 
 
 Vtrtiger'sln arms, andyouraife Powers, 'tis thought, to joy n with 
 him? Irf»/.Peace,you pernicious Rat._ Do«o. Prithee forbear. 
 Edol. Away,fufFer a gilded rafcal,a low-bred defpicable creeper, 
 an infulting^Toad, tdfpit his poifon'dvewXme in my face L 
 0£t4. Sir, fir. 
 
TkeMirt^pfMetVmt 
 
 Edol. Do not rept jr, you Cur , for by the Gods, tho' the Kings 
 prefsnce guard chee « lOiall break all patience, and like a Lion 
 rous'd coTpoil, ftialt run foul-mouch'd upon chee,and devour thee 
 quick. Speak Br^ wi II you forfake chefe fcorpions, or (lay till chey 
 Save llung you to the heart? Aurel. Y'are traitors all, this is our 
 wife, our Queen : brother Ojlorm , troop your Saxons up , wc'l 
 hence to Wmchejier, raife more powers > to man with ftrength the 
 Cattle Camilot : go hence falfe men , joyn you with Vortigery the 
 murderer <)£ our brother C0ff/7((»»if«: we'l hunt both bita and you 
 writh dreadmlvengaoce, . 
 
 . Since Brirr^in faTti , we'l truft to forrain friends. 
 And guard our perlbn from your traitorous ends. 
 
 Lxeunt Aunt . ofier. oUa. Artef. Toe. of». 
 ¥ TEdmn. He's fure bewitch. Glefi, Whatcounicl^owfor 
 
 £ifecy •' Dom. One'y this Gr, with all the (peed we can, p're- 
 fervetheperfonoftheKingandKingdqm. , Cdder. Which 
 to effcfl:, 'tis beft march hence to Wales , and fet on Vortiger be- 
 fore he joyn his Forces with the Saxors. Edwin. On then with 
 fpeed for Wales and Vortiger , that icmpeft once o'reblown, we 
 come ofitrim to meet thy traiterous Smom , thee and them , that 
 with advantage thus have won the King , to back your faftions, 
 
 ' :and to work^ur ruines. 
 This by the Gods and ray good Sword, I'le fet 
 In bloody lines upon thy Burgonet. lxeunt. 
 
 I Act. 4.. S c e n e. I. 
 
 I ■ 
 
 t ^nterClojvntMerltHtaitd 4 little m'uk.S;irit. 
 
 J\<*r.TTOw now Uncle, why do you fearch your pockets fo? do 
 
 I tJ. you mifs any thing? Clown. Ha, Coufin M*W<«, 1 
 
 I hope your beard does not overgrow your honefty, I pray remem- 
 
 l ber vou are made up of fitters thread, I am your mothers brother, 
 
 ^ whofoever was your father. Merln. Why, wherein can you 
 
 task my duty, Uncle ? ClotPn. Your felf, or yoer page it 
 
 mult be , I have kept no other company, fincc year mother bound 
 
 vour head to my Proteftorfhip, I do feel afault of one fide,e|ther 
 
 it was that Sparrowhawk,or a Caft of Merlins, for I finde a Covy 
 
 1 - 01 
 
Ox,iheChUdth4tbfMwlhhF4thtr, "l 
 
 of Cardecu's fprung out of my pocket. Mtylin* W hj^. tfo^OW, 
 
 wart any money Uncle? firrah, had you any from him ? ■ ^, 
 
 Clown. Deny it not, for my pockets are witncfs againit yoQ», '. " ^ 
 
 spirit. Yes I had, to teach you better wit to look to it- 
 
 C/ow. Pray ufe your fingers better , and my wit may ferve ^ ! 
 it is fir. Xjo-Zin. WcII,reftore it. ^yz-zm. There it is. 
 
 Cloron. I, there's feme honed y in this, 'twas a token from f cor 
 invifible Father Coufin , which I would not have to go invifibly i 
 from me agen. Mer. Well, you are fure you have it now j 
 
 Uncle? Chwti. Yes, and mean to keep it now, from your pa- j 
 gcsfilching fingers too. .y^im. If you have it fofijre, pray | 
 
 ftiow it me agen. C/cwn. Yes, my h'tcle juggler,! dare ftibw it, 
 ha, clcAniy conveyance agen,ye have no invinble fingers have ye? 
 Tisgoneccitainlf. spirit. Why fir, Itouchtyoutiot. 
 
 Mer. \A'hy look you Uncle, I have it now, how ill do you look . 
 to it ? here It- p it fafer. Clnm Ha, ha, this is fine vfaith, I \ 
 rouftkeep irmt . si er company if you bare thcfe fl'gbtsorhand. ' | 
 
 Merim. C'-rnc.Cv ■ 'jUncie.'tif a'! my Art which ftiall notofieiwi \ 
 youfir,on'. 1/ i ;;,vr ycu a tafteof it, to fhow you fport. j 
 
 Clown tJh, bat 'tis ill jefting with a mans pocket tho'— but lann | 
 
 glad to fee you cunning <Icufin , for now will I warrant thee i \i{ ^ 
 
 ving till thOu dieft. Y ou have heard the news in W^/w tiere-' * ' \ 
 
 ; Jiirr Uncle,let me prevent your care and counfel/twill give y&u 1 
 
 better knowledge of my cunrting, y<,u would prefer me nowiit ' 
 
 hope of gain,to Vortiger King of the Welch Frittdini.to whom arc i 
 
 all the Artift? fummon'd now,that feeks the fecrets of futurity^th^ i 
 
 Bards, the Druids, W irards. Conjurers, not an Aura per with his 
 
 Whifling fpells, no Capuomanfler with his m-ifly f i.mcs, ^ 
 
 No Witch or Juggler, but is thither fert, .; 
 
 To calculate the m-ange and fear'd event ' i 
 
 Of his prodigious Caftle now in building , where all the labors of I 
 
 the painfixl day , are ruin'd ftilt i'th' night, and to this place yai I 
 
 Would have me go. CIcjph. Well, if thy mother were notrny | 
 
 ififter , 1 Would lay^fhe wa^a witch that begot this; but this is thy J 
 
 lE^lipr,indt thy mothef wit,thou hafl taken my tale into thy fnouriil 
 
 atrffjpalie^tti^tljoiights bcfbre R^e-, the'ffefore away, fhuffie^hyJTeit 
 
 'iifflo^ft'the (ficihjurerj, artd be i nwde'man before ^bl^lfosfi<f|lt| 
 
 age. "" •• Mer. I^y, bat ftay Uncle, you Overfl^rilnjri^&Srs^ 
 ^■.^i.v,-.:> ... .-.u fp.. t , -T --'tbJl 
 
 I 
 
r 
 
 *• 
 
 neSirtkofMetWo: 
 
 the Prftpliecies and ail the cunning Wizards , have certifi'd the 
 King, chat this his Caftle can never ilard, tilt the foundation's laid 
 with Mortar temper'd with the fatal blood of fuch achilde, whofe 
 father was no mortal. Clown. What's this to thee? If the devifc 
 weietliy father, was not thy mother born at Carmardcn ? Diggon 
 for that then , and then it muft be achildes blood , and who will 
 take thee for a childe with fuch a beard of thy face ? Is there not 
 diggon for that too Coufin ? Ai*r/ia. Irauftnotgo, lendme 
 
 your ear a while, I'le give you reafons to the contrary. 
 Enttr two Gentlemen. . 
 I Gentle. Sure this is an endlefs piece of work the King has fenc 
 us about ! 2 Gentle. Kings may do it,man , the like has been 
 
 done to finde out the Unicorn. i Gentle, Which will be fooner 
 found I think, then this fien'd begotten childe we feek for. 
 
 3 Gentle, Pox of thofe Conjurers that would fpeak of fuch a 
 one, and yet all their cunning could not tell us where to finde him. 
 I Gentle, In Wdles they fay afTurediy he lives>come let's enquire 
 further. iAer. I ^nde, your perfwafions muft not prevail with 
 me, I know mine enemies better then you do. Clewn. I fay 
 
 th'art a baftard then if thou difobey thine Uncle, was^ootyMwCo- 
 too'i thy motherly filler? if the devil were thy father , what kin 
 arc thou to any man alive , but Bailys and Brokers? and they are 
 but brothers in Law to thee neither. i Gentle. Hwv's this, I 
 
 think we (hall fpeed here. a Gentle. I, and unlook't for too, §o 
 ne're and liften to them. CUwn. Had thou a beard to hidetc, 
 wil't thoufhow thy feif a childe, wil't thou have more hair then 
 wit? Wil't thou deny thy mother , b-caufe nobody knows thy 
 lather? Or fliall thine Uncle be an afs? i Gentle. Bkfs ye 
 
 friend, pray what call you this fmall Centlemans name? 
 
 ClioM. Smaller, a fmalt man may be a great Gentleman, his fa< 
 ther may be of an ancient houfe, for ought we know fir. 
 
 2 Gemlf. Why? do you not know his lather? Clo»n. N o, nor 
 
 you neither I think,unlefs the devil be in ye. i Gentle. What ishis 
 
 name fir ? Clown, His name is my Coufin fir, his education is my 
 
 fitters fon, but hismaners arc hb own. Merlin. Why ask ye Gen- 
 
 , tlemen^ my name is MetUn. Qown, ^ es, and a Gofhawk was 
 
 c his,f«heF,fof ought we know,forlam fiire bis mother was a Wind- 
 
 fociier. a G<r«/r. He has a ipcuher then? C/owi*. As fure 
 
 ;■' , as . 
 
' ; (ys»7htChitdtyihfpmidbl$FAther, 
 
 as I have a filler, fir. x Gentlt, But his father vou leave doubc<' 
 fill. Clmn. Well Sir, as wife men as you , doubt whether he 
 had a father or no ^ i Centlt. Sure this is he we fcek for. 
 
 a cm- 1 chink no lefs: and fir, we let you know the King hath 
 fent for you. CW». The more childe l>e, and he ba<l bin rul'd 
 by me, he Should have gone before he was fent for. 
 
 1 Gent. May we not fee his mother? Clovti. Yes, and feel 
 her coo if you anger her, a deviliih thing I can tell ye Ihc ha<> beent 
 lie go fetch her CO ye. ^ftit^ 
 
 2 Gtnt. Sir, it were fit you did refolve for fpeed, yoiKnufl unto 
 the King. Mtr, My Service fir, ftaH need no ftrift. com- 
 mand, it fliatlobey moft peaceably , but necdlcfs 'tis to fetch wliat 
 is brought home, my journey may be Raid , the King is coming hi* 
 ther with the fame queft you bore before him, hark, this dnmi will 
 tell ye. Within Drums beat a l«w Mmrh. 
 
 I Gent. Th<s is fome cunning indeed iir. 
 
 Flori/h. L nter Vor tiger re*iing a letter , Prcximut^ witi) Drum 
 4iid Soldiers, &c. 
 
 Verti. Still in Our eye your meflage Frex'miUy we keep to fpur our 
 fpeed : OfiqritUy and OQa, we (hall lalute with fuccor againft Prince 
 Vitr and Aureliut^ whom now we hear incamps at Wtmhefter^ there's 
 nothing interrupts our way fo much, as doth the eredion of this fa- 
 ul Caftle, that fpite of all our Art and daily labor , the night Rill 
 rbines. Prox. As erft I did af^rm, flill I maintain, the fien'd 
 
 begotten ctiilde muQ be found out , whofe blood gives Hrength to 
 the foundation, a. cannot Itand elfe. 
 
 Enter CUi9n,itttd^oan, Merlin. 
 
 Vcrtt. Ha ! I'd fo? then Preximm by this intelligence he Should 
 be found: fpeak, is this he you tell of? clatrrt. Yes Sir, and, 
 
 I his Uncle, and rtie his mother. V«rti, And who is bis father ? 
 
 c'lffwn. Why, flie his mother can bcft tell you that, and yet I 
 tbinkthe childe be wife enou^, £cHr he has found his father. 
 , Vorr. Woman, is tjiis thy fon? yo<»». It if,my Lord. 
 
 rdr. What was i),fs father ? Or where lives he ? 
 • Meri. Mother 4''eakfreeJy and unafloniftit, 
 That which' you dar*d to a^, dread not to name. >. 
 
 ; y^n. Irt which 1 (hall betray ray fin and fliame, > • * 
 
 Btjtfihceitfnbllbefajthenkno^gredc King , all that my felfy^ 
 . 1: .-. , . F 2 . knows 
 
' - ' "'T*/ tiff* #f Merlin : 
 S^ kno#s ef fiim,i$ ihu: In pride of Wood and beamy I did hVe , m% 
 !' glafe the Altar wasmy face the Idol, fuch was my peevilh love on- 
 to my- Wf, that I did nateati other, fuch difdaiawas in my (corn-- 
 fbfeye, that I fuppos'd no mortal creature worthy to enjoy me y 
 thu»with the Peacock I beheld my train,but never faw the bfack- 
 nefs of my feet, oft have I chid the wrtnds for breathing on mc,and" 
 cuf ft the Sun, fearing to bUrt my beauty, in midfl of this mod lea- 
 proas difeafe , a feeming &tr yong man appcar'd unto me , in all 
 ifcthgs fuiting my afpiring pride ,. and with him brought along a 
 Conquering powrer , to which my frailty yielded, from whofe em^- 
 braces this iflue came, what more he is, I know not. 
 "" Vtrfi. Somilncubm, orSpiritofthe night begot him then , for 
 fdi^no nrortal did it. Mer. Nomatccr-whomyLord,lcavefoi- 
 fher cfic ft, Cnce 'tis as hurtful as anneceflary more to enquire: Go 
 to^eciufe my Lord-, why you have fought nie thus ? 
 
 Vorti. I doubt not butthou knowft , yet to be plain , I fought 
 thefe for thy blood. Mer. By whofe dircdioi ? 
 
 i'rtx. By mine> ray Art infalable inftru^ed me, upon thy blood 
 rrial^ the foundati6n rife of the Kings building,it cann :t ftand elfe. 
 
 Mer. Hitft thou fuch leifure to enquire my Fate -, and let thine 
 own hang caretefs over thee f Knowft thou what pendelous raif- 
 chiefrooH thy head, how fatal, and how fudden ? 
 
 Prtx. Pilh, bearded abortive, thou foretel my dangerlmyLordj , 
 he trifles to delay his own. Mer. No, I yield my Icif: and here 
 before the King, make good thine Augury, as I flialtmine, if thy 
 face fall not , thou haft fpoke all truth , and let my blood fatisfie 
 the Kings defires : if thou thy felf wilt write thine Epitaph , dif- 
 pacch it quickly, there's not* minutes time 'twixt thee and thy 1 
 
 death. AfionefJltdndkiUsTrox'tmia. ' ^ 
 
 Pi-flx'. Ha,^ha,ha. Wrr. I, fo, thou mayeft die laughing. 
 
 Vorti. Ha ! This is above admiration, look, is he dead > 
 
 C/twn. Yes fir , here's brains to make morter on , if you'f ufe 
 tliem : Coufia Merlin^ there's no more of this ftone fruit ready to 
 fall, is there ?. I pray give your Uncle a little fair warning. 
 
 Mer. Remove that (hape of death , and now my Lord forxlear 
 fatisfaftion of your doubts , Merlin will fhOw the fatal caufe that 
 keeps your fatal Cartle down,and hinders your proceedings; Stand 
 ihere,and by an apparition fee the labor and endof alhyour deftiny. 
 
 Motlusr. 
 
r ■ 
 I 
 
 Oti^i^e ckiUe h^h found his Fstier. 
 
 Mother an<MJn<Je,foutnuft be abfent. claa>n. I*yoiu:&- 
 
 ther coming Coufin? Aler. t«3ay,youinuftbegone. 
 
 fodti Ccfine,yoo*lcfFencl him brother. C/«w». I wouldfaia, 
 fee my Brother i'law, if you were married I might lawfully calfhim 
 fo. Merlin ftrikes his wand.. 
 
 Thunder and Lightning, tvo Dragons appear y a, White and a Red, 
 they fight a while and faufe. 
 
 Ft r. VMiat means this ftay ? 
 
 Uer. Be not amaz'd my Lord, for on the viAory 
 Of lofsor gain,asthcre twoChampions ends 
 Your fate, your life, and kingdom all depends, 
 therefure obCerve it well. Ver. I (hall, heaven be aufpicious to u^ 
 
 Thunder: The tw» Dra^tnt fight agen,gnd the White Dragon drives 
 off the Red. 
 
 Vor. The conqueft is on the white Dra»)ns part , now Merlin 
 feithfully expound the meaning. Her.ioat Grace muft then 
 not be offended with me. Vor. It is the weakeft part I foauif 
 
 ki thee, to doubt of me fo flightly ,- (hall I blame my prophet that 
 fbretel It me of my dangers f thy cunning I-approvc mdl excrilenc. 
 
 Her. Then know nov Lord> there is a damptfli Gave, the night- 
 ly habitatioa of thefe Dragons, vaulted beneath where you would 
 build your Caftle, wbofe enmity and nightly combats there, main* 
 Cain a confYant mine of your labors : To make it more plain , the 
 Dragons then your felf betoken, and the Saxon King, the vanquilht 
 Red, is fir, your dreadful Emblem. Von. Oh my fate ! 
 
 Mer. Nay, you muft hear with patience Royal fir, you flew the 
 lawful King Ctnfianim , 'twas a red deed , your Crown his Wood 
 did cement-, the Englifh S.-xtn fir ft brought in by you , for aid a- 
 gaind Cenftantm brethren, is the white horror who now knit togc* 
 iher, have driven ard ftiut you up in thefe wilde mountains , and 
 though they now feek to unite with friendftiip, it is to wound your 
 bofom, not embrace it, and with an utter extirpation to rout the 
 Britt/mt out, and plant the Englifh. Seek for your fafcty Sir, and 
 fpend no time toluid the airy CaftSes, for Prince XJter armed with 
 Arengeance for his brothers blood is hard upon you, if you miftruft 
 me, and to my words craves witnefsfir, then know here comes a 
 meflengertotcilyoufo. ixit Mer. 
 
 Enter 
 
- — - ' ~^:1 
 
 Enter Meffenitr. *y ^ 
 
 ^<?j!r<r«. My Lordl Prince C^wl Fbfr. And?Jhoelfefir? 
 Mtjftn. Edol, the great Gencrtl. Vort. The great Devil, 
 
 cheyace comirg w meet us. ■'Mefea. With a full power ifljr 
 
 Lord. Fm. With a full vengeance they mean to meet us, 
 lb we are ready to their confront as full march double footing, we'i 
 loofe no ground, nor (hall their numbers fright us, 
 If it be tatc, it cannot be witbftood, 
 
 We gotour Crown fo, be it loft in blood. Exeunt. 
 
 Ent4r Pritite VtcftEdolt C4iw<, Eiwin, TccliOf vitb Drum 
 
 and Soldier/. " 
 
 PWwff. Stay,and advice, hold drum. Irf«/. Beat flave, why dd 
 
 you paufe? why make a lUnd^ where are our enemies ? or do you 
 
 meaa we fight amongft our lelves ? Prince. Nay, noble Edel, let 
 
 u$ here take counfcl , it cannot hta-t , ic is che ;urell Garifon to 
 
 fafety. Edol. Fie on fiich ilow delays) fo fearful men that arero 
 
 pafs over a flowing river , ftand on the I ank t j par ly of tiic dan- 
 
 ' ' ger,tillthetiderifeandthenbcf .allowed, •snotcbeKinginfiddf 
 
 Cticr. Proud Kowi^er, the Tratof is in fitfld. Edmn. The 
 
 Murderer, and Ufurper. EdeU Let him be the devil fo I maf 
 
 fight with him , for heavens love (ir march on , oh my patience, 
 
 will you delay untill the Saxons come to aid his party ? A Tucket, 
 
 Frmce. There's no luch fear , prithee be calm a while, hark, ic 
 
 Teems by this, he comes or fendsto us. £^r |f it be for parly, I 
 
 wilt drown the fununons, if all our drums and boaffeners ciKdieffift 
 
 me not. ErterCaptam. 
 
 Prince. Nay, prithee hear, from whence art thou? "-^^ 
 
 Copy From the King V«rft^«-. Edol. Trakor, there's none 
 
 fuch : *Alarum drum , ftrike Jlave , or by mke honor I will breaJi 
 
 thy head, and beat thy drums heads botli aboot thine ears. ,^ 
 
 _ Priwf. Hold noble Et/o/jlet's hear what Astieles he can inforob 
 
 I £</«/. What articles, or whatconditionscanyouexped to vatee 
 
 half your wrong, unlcfs he kill himfelf by thoiifijnd tortures , and 
 
 J^nd his carcafe to appeafe your vengeance, for the foul murder of 
 
 c<|»/4«t/w,andtha?snct>tenthparcneichcr. Pmw 'Tis trtte, 
 
 I my brothers bloodis^tying to me now, I do »ppaiid thy counfel : 
 
 lience, be gone. ExitCapt* 
 
 We'l hear no parly now but By our ftvords 
 
 - , Idol. 
 
r 
 
 Or, 7*< CUUt h»tkfMnell»}$ F4th&, 1 
 
 IdW. And thofe ftiall fpeaJthome in death killing woi-d«j 
 Alarum to the fight, found, found the Alarwn. Lxeuni. 
 
 Alarum. Enter Edeldtmng all Vmi^enTarctheftrtbimytben 
 
 Enter Trinc^Vter pur fmt^Vorttger. 'Exit. 
 
 Vert. Doft follow n»e ? Prmte. Yes, to thy death I will. 
 
 Vort. Stayjbe advii'd , I would not be the oncly fall of Princes, 
 I flew thy brother : Fritife. Thou didft black Traitor, and in 
 that vengeance I purfue thee. Vort. Take mercy for thv felf, 
 
 and flie my fword, fave thine own life as fatisfaftion, which here 1 
 give thee for thy brothers death. Prince. Give what's thine 
 
 own : a Traitors heart and head, that's all thou art right Lord of ; 
 the Kingdom which thou ufurp'ft, thou nioft unhappy Tyrant , is 
 leaving thee, the Saxons which thou broughtft to back thy ufurpa- 
 tionsjare grown great, and where they feat themfelves, do hourly 
 fcek to blot the Records of old Sr»rrand Brittainsy from memory 
 of men, calling themfelvcs Umge^'men^ and Uivgefi-Utii^ that nO 
 more the Brituin name be known i all this by thee, thou bafe dc- 
 It- Uroyer of thy Native Countrey. Enter EdoU 
 
 , £</»/. What, ftand you talking? Eight. Prince. Hold Erf*/. 
 
 j Erf. Hold out my fword,andliften not toKing or Princes word. 
 
 There's work enough abroad, this task is mine. AUmtm. 
 
 Pri»«. Profper thy V»lour, as thy Vertueslhine. Exeuta. 
 Enter Cador And Edvin. 
 J ' C/idar. Bright Vidory her felf fights on our part , and buckled 
 
 ^ ia 120'den Beaver, ridffi triumphantly before us. Erfw. Juftice 
 ■ is with her, who ever takes the true and rightful caufe , let us not 
 
 lag behinde them. Enffr Prince. 
 
 Crfrfor, Here comesthe Prince, how goes our fortunes Sir ? 
 Prtnce. Hopeful, and fair, brave Coder ^ proud Vorttger beat down 
 by hdoh fword, ivat refcu'd by the following multitudes, iind now 
 ' for lafety's fled mito a Caftle hete (landing on the hill : but I liave 
 fenta cry of hounds «s violent as hunger, to br^ak bis ftony walls, I 
 cwifthcy fail* - j 
 
 ■We'l fend in wiide fireto diHodge him thence, 4 
 
 ^Or burn them all with flaming violence. Ibeeunt^ 
 
 \ '. - 1 Blazang^St^r »ffta,ri , 
 
 ( - f lorifliTrOBIf . E«lw P«»ff, Vter, tdol, Cridor^ liw'm, T«fe» vtth 
 
 mth DrtimMidStldiers. 
 
 L 
 
 Prince 
 
Vriti.Look EdoL (\i[\ this fiery exalation (Tvoocjhi'; friahtfulljor 
 rorson tb'amazed worId,fee In the beam that 'bout his ftaminp rShg 
 A Dragonj head appears,from out whofe mouth two flammc ffakpt 
 of Sre ftretcH EatUnd Weft. Edol. A-kI fee, from ford, the 
 
 ■? y 2- .^^ ^"^ftven ftnalfcr blaiing ftreams, diredly point on 
 this affrtghted kingdom. Cador. 'lis a dreadfiri Mercor. 
 _ Edwm. Aad doth portend ftrange fears. Prince^ This is no 
 Grown of Peace, this angry fint-hath fomething more to burn then 
 V"i^"X '^ '^ ^}^^ ^'^^ poipted at his fall , \t would pulj jn his 
 blafing Pirjtmids, and be appeai'^jfor Vmiger ii dead. ' ' - - < - -i 
 :~ rrfo/. .Thefe never cotnc without their large. efie£h.^ "'"''• 'f? 
 
 ' 'TriticK The will of heaven be done, our forrows this we wane 
 a taiAKk fitbon to expound this fiery Oracle. «-* 
 
 Caiar. Oh no my Lord, you have the beft that ever BrittMn bred' 
 anrfdtirft I prophecy of yonr Prophet fir, none tike him fhail fdc- 
 ceidhiM. I^rint/^ YoanieanMwim, ■ c*for. True fir' 
 Wand^rt)t>sJ»£fr/»«, be mcfusrin the "fcriy , anrf did foretdl the for- 
 tunes ofthisdayfuccefsfut to us. Edwin. He's fure about the 
 Camp, ,fcnd for hl,m fir. . Cadar. He told the bloody Vortiger his 
 fate, and truely tob,^<f if I could givefaith to any Wizards skill 
 it fhouWbe ja^/i*. ■ • a ... .', . 'J 
 
 ■ ' / Enter Mtrtin'Mi'Ctnm, i^ 
 
 Cador. Ai\i fee my Lord,a$ If to fatisfie y6ur Highnefsplearure,^ 
 ,Mrr/i»i$comc. Pritice. See, the pmiet's in his eye, difturb 
 
 liini por. ., ■ Edol. With wbara piercing judgement he^hold^ 
 it J ker. Whither w«lf Heaveti ahd Fate tranflatc this^Klng^ 
 
 'dom ? wliit revolutions, rife aiii^ fyFofMbnons ' ■ ' ' 
 
 Is f^ur'd yonder in that Star,' tbitfings. . 
 The change of BrirwiBj State, and death of Kings? 
 Ha J He's dead already, howrfwUtlymifchief creeps! -^^^ 
 Thy fatal end Tweet Prince, even 2MCrr/i» weeps;- ^"^^ Vy H . ! 
 
 Prince. He does forcfee foraeevfl, his aSioh (hows it , fore'rjfe 
 he does expound,he weeps the ftoryi Edol. There's another 
 
 weeps too. Sirrah doft thou uo<lerftan4 what^hou lamentft for;^ "^ 
 , Cfovn. No fir, t am his Uncle, and wei^-becaufe myCbufin 
 "weeps^flefli and blood cannot foi^bear; ^ Prince. Centlt Merlin^ 
 fpcak thy prophetick knowledge y In explanation of this fiery hor- 
 ror, from which we gather firora tHy mournful tcar^ much forrow 
 
 and 
 
Or, The Chiide Ut^fcmihU Father. 
 
 and dlfader in it. Ma. 'Tis true fair Prince, but you muft hear 
 the reft with patience. Mer, 1 vow I will, tho' it portend my 
 
 ruine. M^r. There's no fuch f€ar,this brought the fiery fall 
 
 oiVtrtiger , and yet n.' t him alone , tliis day is fain a King more 
 good, the glory of our Land, the milde, and gentle, fweet Autelm. 
 
 Pmu. Our brother! £<fw^w. forefend it heaven. 
 
 Mer. He at his Palace Royal fir azWtnchepr , thisday is dead 
 and iK)ifon'd. Cador, By whom? Or what means Wfr/») ? 
 
 Mer. By the Traiterous Saxons. idol. lever fear'd as much; 
 that devil oftonw, and the damn'd witch Artefia, fure has done it. 
 
 Prince. Poifon'd ! oh look further gentle Mfr//»,behold the Star 
 agen, and do but finde revenge for me , though it coft thoufand 
 lives, and mine the foremoft. Mer. Comfort your felf , the 
 
 heavens have given it fully , all tlie portentious ills to you is told, 
 now hear a happy flory fir from me , to you and to your fair po- 
 fterity. c/o»«. Me thinkslfeefomethinglikea peeI'dOinon, 
 it makes me weep agen. Mer. Be filent Uncle, you'l be forc'c 
 clfe. Clown. Can you not finde in the Star,Coufin, whether I 
 can hold my tongue or no? Edol. Yes, I rauft cut it out. 
 
 Clown, Phu , you fpeak without book fir , my Coufin Merlin 
 knows. Mer. True, I mult tie it up, now fpeak your pleafure 
 Uncle. C/(w». Hum, hum,hum, hum. Mer. So, fo — now 
 obferve my Lord , and there behold above yon flame-hair 'd beam 
 that upward fhoots,appears a Dragons head , out of whofe mouth 
 two ftreaming lights point their flame-feather'd darts contrary 
 ways, yet both (hall have their aims : Again behold from the igni- 
 firent body , feven fplendant and illuftrious rays are fpred , all 
 fpeaking Heralds to this Brittain Ifie, and thus they are ex- 
 pounded : Ttlfc Dragons head is the Herogliphick that figures out 
 your Princely felf, that here muft reign a King , thofe by-form'd 
 fires thk from the Dragons nrouth flioot Eaft and Weft, emblem 
 two Royal babes, which (hall proceed from you, a fon and daugh- 
 ter: her pointed conftellation Northwcft bending, 
 Crowns Her a jS^een in Ireland, of whom firft fprings 
 That Kingdoms Title to the Erittain Kings. 
 ' Clown. Hum, hum, hum. Mer. But of your Son , thus Fate 
 and Merltn tells,; all after times (hall fill their Chronicles with fame 
 of his renowRjVhof&warlike fword fliall pafs through fertile Trainee 
 
TkeSirt^cfUctWn: '^ 
 
 tnd Germany , nor fhall his conjuring foot be forc't tofland, till 
 Romes Imperial Wreath hath crowu'd his Fame with Monarch of f 
 
 the Weft, from whofe fevcn hills with Conqueftjand contributory \ , 
 Kings, he back returns to inlarge the Brittain bounds , hisHeraU ' ' I 
 dry adorn'd with thirteen Crowns. Clovpti. Hum, hum, hum; 1 
 
 Her. He to the world fhall add another Worthy,and as a Load- .' | 
 
 flone for his prowefs,draw a train ofMarflial Lovers tahis Court; i 
 
 It fhall be then the beft of Knight-hoods honor, at Winchefier to 
 fill his CaftleHail, and at his Royal Table fit andfeaftin warlike 
 orders,aII their arms round hurrd,as if they meant to circumfcribe 
 the world. {he touches the Ctoivns mouth mth hit wand 
 
 Clown. Hum, hum, hum, oh that I could fpeak a Uttle. 
 
 Mer, I know your mind Uncle, agen be filent. [Jrikes agen 
 
 Prime. Thou fpeakft of wonderjAffr/i«, prithee go on, declare 
 at full this ConllellatJon. Mer. Thofe feven beams pointing 
 
 downwardjfir, betoken the troubles of this Land, which then fhall J 
 
 meet with other Fate •, War and Diflenfion flrives to make divi- n 
 
 lion,till feven Kings agree to drawthis Kingdom to a Hcpterchy. i 
 
 Prince, Thine art hath made fuch proof, that we believe thy f 
 
 ■^•ords authentical, be ever neer us, my Prophet, and the Guide of 
 ailmyaaions. M*r. My ferviceftall be faithful to your per- 
 
 fon, and all ray ftudies for my Countries fafety. clown. Hum, ; 
 
 hum, hum. M^. Come, you are releaft,Gr. CWw. Coufin, 
 pray help me to my tongue agen, you do not mean I (hall be dumb 
 ftill I hope ? Mer. Why, haft thou not thy tongue? 
 
 Clown. Ha ! yes, I feel it now, I was fo long dumb, I could not 
 •jvell tell whether I fpake or no. Prince. I'ft thy advice we pre.- 
 fently purfue the bloody Saxons, that have (lain my brother ? 
 
 Mer. With your beft fpeed, my Lord, Profperity will keep you 
 company. Cador. Take then your Title with you , Royal 
 
 Prince, 'twill adde unto our ftrength. Long live King Uter. 
 
 Idol. Put the Addition to't that Heaven hath given you : The 
 DR A GON is your Emblem, bear it bravely , and fo long live and 
 ever happy ftyl'd Vter-Pendraggn, lawful King of Brittain. 
 
 Prince. Thanks Edel, we imbrace the name and title, and in our 
 
 aeild and Standard (hall the figure of a Red Dragon ttill be boro 
 
 before us, to fright the bloody Saxons. Oh my Attrelm, fweet reft 
 
 thy foul ; let thy difturbed fpirit 
 
 Expeft 
 
Or, r*^ ChiUi fntb f$ihid hit Father. 
 
 Exfieft revenge, think what it would, it hath, 
 
 The Dragon's coming in his fiery wrath. J'-xfift. 
 
 Act. 5. Scene. 1. 
 
 \ Thunder, then Mufuk. 
 
 EHterJoanfeArfully, the Devil ftUowmg her. 
 
 7c4n.TJErK thou black horror, is thy luftful fire kindled agcn> 
 JlJ. not thy loud throated.thundcr,nor thy adulterate infer- 
 nal Mofick, fhall e're bewitch nne more , oh too too much is paft 
 Already. Devil. Why doft thou fly n»e? I come a Lover to thee, 
 to imbrace, and gently twine thy body in mine arms. 
 
 y04n. C5ut thou Hell-hound. 
 
 Devil. What hound fo e're I be. 
 Fawning and fporting asl would with thee, 
 why ftiould I not be ftroakt and plaid withal, will't thou not thank 
 the Lion might devour thee, if he ihall let thee pafs ? 
 
 jfoM. Yes, thou art he, free me , and He thank thee. 
 
 Devil. Whyjwhitherwouldft ? 1 am at home with thee , thou 
 art mine own, have we not charge of family together , where is 
 your fon ? Jodn. Oh darknefs cover me. 
 
 Devil. There is a pride which thou haft won by me , the mother 
 of a fame (hall never die> Kings ftall have need of written 
 Chronicles, to keep their names alive , but Merlin none , ages to 
 igts (hill [ike Sahlijls 
 
 Keport the wonders of his name and glory, 
 while there are tongues and times to tell his ftory. 
 
 y«rf». Oh rot my memory before my flefh , let him be ca'led 
 fome hell or earth-bred monller, that ne'rehadhaplef* woman for 
 ainother: fwect death deliver me, hence from my fight , why 
 fhouldft thou now appear? I had no pride nor luftful thought about 
 me,to conjure and call thee to my ruine,when as ac firft thy curfed 
 perfon became vifible. Devil. I am the fame 1 was. 
 
 Joan. But I amchang'd. Devil- Agen He change thee to 
 
 the fame thou wert, quench to my luft, come forch by chiindej- led, 
 my Coajutors in the fpoils of mortals. Thunder. 
 
 G 2 Tnter 
 
the BirtkefMeAm: 
 
 Enter Spirit, _ 
 
 Clafpe in your Ebon arms that prize of mine, mount ber as high as 
 pillQi Hetate y tnd on thisrocklle ftand to caft up fumes and 
 d^knefs o're the blew 6ic'd firmament ; from Britain , and from 
 Merlin, He remove her, they ne're fliall meet agen. 
 
 fean. He Ip me forae faving hand, if not too late,! cry let mercy 
 come. Enter Merlin. 
 
 Mrr. Stay you black flaves of night, let loofe your hold, fet her 
 dpwH fafe,or by th'iafcrnal Stix,Ile binde you up with exorcifmsfo 
 firong , that all the black pentagoronof hell, fliall ne're releafe 
 you, fave yoa felves and vanifli. ixit Spirit, 
 
 D*vili Ha ! What's he ? Mer. The Childe hat faund his ta- 
 
 rfcrr, do you not know me ? Devil. Merlin'. y^w. Oh, help 
 me gentle fon. M^'r. Fear not,they (ball not hurt you. 
 
 Devil. Relieveft thou her to difobey thy father? 
 
 Mer. Obedience is no leffon in your fchool , nature and kind to 
 her,commands m^ duty, the part that you begot was againft'kinde, 
 ib all I ow to you is to be unkind. " Dm/. Ileblafttheeflave 
 CO death, and on this rock flick thee an eternal Monument. 
 
 JUrffr. Ha, ha, thy powers too weak, what art thou devil, but 
 an inferior luftful incubtu , taking advantage of the wanton flefh^ 
 wherewith thou doft beguile the ignoratit? put oflFthe form of thy 
 buraaaiey, and cral upon thy fpeckled beily,ferpent , or lie uncfafp 
 (be jaws of Acboronf and fix thee ever in die local fire. 
 . Devil, Traitor to hell ; curfe that I e're begot thee- 
 
 Mer. Thou didft beget thy fcourge, ftonnnot,nor ftir, the 
 Jower o( Merlins Art is all contirm'd in the Fates decretals, — Ite 
 ranlack heli,and make thy [Thunder and Lightin^in the Rtck^. 
 
 matters bow unto my fpells, thou firft (ball tafte it, - — Tenibrarum 
 frecitf devitidrum, & infirorutn, Deus, hunc Incubum in ignif eterni ubi-^ 
 ptm , 4C(ifite itut in hoc arcere tenebrofo , in fempetermim dftringert 
 mando . [t\\t Rock inclofcs bim.^ 
 
 So, there beget earthquakes or forae noifom damps , for never 
 ftalt thoii touch a woman more- How cheat you mother ? 
 
 Jatn. .Oh now my fon is my deliverer^ yet I muft name him- 
 with my deepe ft forrow. Alarum afar of. 
 
 Mer. Take comfort now, pad times are ne're recal'd^ 
 I did fbrefee your mifchief and prevent it : hark , how the founcJs 
 
 92 
 
 ar_ 
 
t^ 
 
 0t^7htCbildeh»thftmihfsFAther. 
 
 of war now call roe hence to aid rendtagtn^ that in battail flands 
 tgainft,the Saxons, from whofe aid Uerim rouft not be abfent : leave 
 this foyl , and He condud you to a place retir'd , which I by art , 
 •h»v€ rats'djCaHd Herlim B«wer,therc (hall you dwell with folitary 
 fighs, with groncs and pallions your companions , to weep awaj'^ 
 this fleft you have offended with , and leave all bare ur.co your 
 aierial foul, and when vou die , I will ereft a Monument upon the 
 verdant Plains oiSalitbuty^w King Oiall have fo high a fepulchre, 
 with pendulous ftones that I wiU hang by art , where neither Lime 
 Bor Morter ftialbc tts'd, a dark Emgm* to the memory , for none 
 (hall have the power to number them , a place that 1 will hollow 
 for your reft, 
 
 Whereno Night-hag fliall walk, nor Ware-wolf tread, 
 Where Mfr/;w Mother (hall be fepulcher'd. Ixemt. 
 
 Enter Ditiobert, Gltfter and Hermit. 
 
 Dotto. Sincerely Glopr, I have told you all : JM y Daughters are 
 both vow'd to Single Life , and this day gone unto the Nunnery, 
 though I begot them to another end , and fairly promis'd them in 
 Marriage , one to Earl Cador , t'other to your fon, ray worthy 
 friend, the Earl of Glefier. Thofe loft, I am loft : they are loft, 
 all's loft. Anfwer me this then, Ift a fin to marry ? 
 
 Hfj-w/f . Oh no, my Lord. 
 
 Doeo. Go to then, He go no further with you, I pSrfwade you 
 to no ill, perfwade yoothen that I perfwade you well. 
 
 Giofter^ 'Twill be a good Office in you, (ir. 
 Enttr Cader *nd Edwtn, 
 
 Done, Which fince they thus negleS , my memory fhall lofe 
 them now for ever. See , fee the Noble Lords , their promis'd 
 Husbands I had Fate fo pleas'd,you mighthave call'd me Father. 
 
 Edmn. Thofe hopes are paft, my Lord , for even dbisnriinute 
 we faw them both entei- the Monaftery , fecluded from the world 
 and men for ever. 
 
 Crfriflf. 'Tis both our griefs we cannot. Sir- but from the King 
 take you the Times joy from us ; The Saxon Kisg Ofifmis flain, 
 and 0^4 fled, that Woman-fury , Qut^en Artef?,i\ is fait in hold, ,,1 
 and forc't tore-deliver London and Wir.cbefter (which fte had for- !j 
 tifi'dj to Princely Vter , lately ftyl"d Pendragon ^ who now trium- :H 
 pl>ancly is marching hither to be invefted with the Braum Crown. '' I 
 '-'■'—' - - - --- ■ Dono. 
 
^ 
 
 the BirtL^f Uttiin: 
 
 r>on». The joy of this, ftiallbanifh from my breaft all thought 
 that I was Father to two Children, two ftubborn Daughters that 
 have left me thus : Let my old arms embrare, and call you Sons -, 
 for by the Honor of my Fatheirs Houfe , I'le part my eltate moft 
 equally betwixt you. 
 
 Edwin jCader. Sir, y'are moft noble ! - 
 
 Flor, Tromp. Enter Edel mth Drum and Colours, Ofmld beat- 
 ing the StMdard,T0clio the Sjjeildywith the'fied Dragon piitnr'd 
 in 'eniy two Bifhops with the Crown, Prince Vter, Merlin, 
 Mtefta bound. Guard and Clown. 
 Prince. Set up our Sheild and Standard, noble Soldiers, 
 We have firm hope that tho' our Dragon flecp, 
 Affr/i» will us and our fair Kingdom keep. 
 
 C/oww. As his Uncle lives,I warrant you. G/o/. Happy Re- 
 florer of the Brittains fame , uprifing Sun let Us falute thy glory, 
 ride in a day perpetual about us,and no night be in thy thrones zo- 
 diack, why do we ftay to binde thofe Princely browes with this 
 Imperial Hoaor ? Prince. Stay noble Gltffter^tbsit monfter firft 
 luaft be expel'd our eye, or we fliall take no joy in it. 
 
 DoBo. If that be hindrance, give her quick Judgement, and fend 
 her hence to death, ftie has long deferv'd it. 
 
 Edol. Let my Sentence ftand for all, take her hence , and ftake 
 her carcafe in the burning Sun, till it be parcht and dry , and then 
 fley off her wicked skin, and fluff the pelt with ftraw to be fliown 
 up and down at Fairs and Markets , two pence a piece to fee fo 
 foul a Monfter, will be a fair Monopoly and worth the begging. s> 
 
 ^r«/. Ha, ha, ha. JE(/u/. Doft laugh £n<S/^fl ? 
 
 Artef. Yes , at thy poor invention, is there no better,torture- 
 monger? Dono. Burn her to duft. Artef. That's a Pbanix 1 
 
 death, and glorious. Edol. I, that's to good for her. j 
 
 Prince. Alive (he fhall be buried circled in a wall, thoumur- ; 
 
 drefs of a King, there ftarve to death. 
 
 Aftef. Then He ftarve death when he comes for his prey , and 
 i'th'mean time He live upon your curfes. . j 
 
 £(/o/. I, 'tis diet good enough, away with her. -j 
 
 jlrff/. With joy, my bert of wilhes is before, , .; 
 
 Thy brotlier'spoifon'd, but I wanted more. Exit., J 
 
 I 
 
J 
 
 t 
 
 ^t^lhe cMdthAth ftitndhuFiinr. 
 
 Trme. Why does our Prophet Merlin ftand apart, fadly obfer- 
 vine tbefe oui- Ceremonies,and not applaud our joys with thy hid 
 knowledge? Let thy divining Art now fatisfie fome part of my de- 
 fircs- for well I know 'tis in thy power to (how the full event, that 
 Ihall'both end our Reign and Chronicle : fpeak learned Uerlm^zni. 
 refolve my fears , whether by war we ftall expel the Saxons , or 
 govern what we hold with beauteous peace in Wales and Snttaw? 
 Met Long happinefs attend Pendr*gons Reign , what Heaven 
 k . decrec's,fate hath no power to alter : The Saxons,fir, will keep the 
 ^ ground they have, and by fupplying numbers ftiU inceafe, till Bnt- 
 
 tain be no more. So pleafe your Grace, I will in vifiblc apparitions, 
 prefent you Prophecies wnich ftiall concern 
 Succeeding Princes, which my Art fliall raife, 
 Till men fball call thefe times the latter days. 
 
 Prtvce. Do it my Merlin , and Crown me with much joy and 
 wonder. Merlin pikes 
 
 Hoeboys. Inter t King in Armaur^ his Sheild quArter'd vpith thir- 
 teen Cretvns. At the other door enter divers Princes who prefent 
 their Crowns to him 4t hk feet y and do him homage ^ then 
 enters Death andftrikeshimy he growing fick., Crowns 
 
 Conftantine. Exeunt.' 
 
 M^y.- This King, my Lord, prefents.your Royal Son, who in hi* 1 
 ' prime of years Iball be fo fortunate, that thirteen feveral Princes* 
 fliall prefent their feveral Crowns unto him , and all Kings elfe 
 fliall fo admire his fame and vidtoricsj that they fball all be glad ei- 
 dier through fear or love, to do him homage •, But death (who 
 neither favors the weak nor valliant ) in the middeflof all his s 
 gloriesjfoon (hall feize him,fcarcely permitting him to dppoinconc * 
 in all his purchafed Kingdoms to fucceed him. I 
 
 Prince. Thanks to our Prophet forthis fo wifli'd for fatisfaftion, ' f 
 and hereby now we learn that always Fate muft be obferv'd, wha: I 
 ever that decree, | 
 
 All future times (hall flill record this Story, I 
 
 Oi Merlin's learned worth, and Arthur's glory. Ixemt Omnts. 
 
 Li 
 
 F I J^ I S.