A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Vi Part 20

Lord, have mercy upon us! must the devil appear?

Come away, wife; when I pray thee, come away.

Down on your knees, my masters, and pray.

[_Music_.

_Enter the show of Troilus and Cressida_.

MERCURY.

Behold, how Troilus and Cressida Cries out on Love, that framed their decay.

VULCAN.

That was like the old wife, when her ale would not come, Thrust a firebrand in the grout, and scratch'd her b.u.m.

[_Music_.

_Enter the[71] show of Alexander_.

MERCURY.

Alexander the Great, that all the world subdu'd, Curseth fell Fortune, that did him delude.

VULCAN.

'Tis an honest, grim sire at his first coming out, believe me; And ye had stood in the wind, ye might have smelt me.

[_Music_.

_Enter the show of Queen Dido_.

MERCURY.

Queen Dido, that Aeneas could not move, Stabbed herself, and yielded unto Love.

VULCAN.

The more fool she, and she were my own brother?

If my wife would not love me, must not I love another?

[_Music_.

_Enter the show of Pompey and Caesar_.

MERCURY.

Pompey and Caesar, the wonders of their time, By froward Fortune spoiled in their prime.

VULCAN.

They were served well enough, why could not they be content With a roach and a red herring in the holy time of Lent?

[_Music_.

_Enter the show of Leander and Hero_.

MERCURY.

[Hero and] Leander presents them very loth, That felt the force of Love and Fortune both.

FORTUNE.

Upon him I my sovereignty did show.

VENUS.

And think you, dame, my power she did not know?

FORTUNE.

But it was I that dashed their delight.

VENUS.

After that I had proved my open might.

VULCAN.

What a scolding is here! shall it even thus be?

You look like an honest man in the parish; I pray you, make them agree.

JUPITER.

Content ye both: I'll hear no more of this.

And, Mercury, surcease; call out no more.

I have bethought me how to work their wish, As you have often prov'd it heretofore.

Here in this land, within that princely bower, There is a Prince beloved of his love, On whom I mean your sovereignties to prove.

Venus, for that th[e]y love thy sweet delight, Thou shalt endeavour to increase their joy: And, Fortune, thou to manifest thy might, Their pleasures and their pastimes shalt[72] destroy, Overthwarting them with news of fresh annoy; And she that most can please them or despite, I will confirm to be of greatest might.

VENUS.

Your G.o.dhead hath devis'd, as I desire, And I am gladly therewithal content.

FORTUNE.

And I am prest to do as you require; Now shall you see the proof of my intent.

[JUPITER.]

Take up your places here to work your will: When you have done, the rest I shall fulfil.

VULCAN.

They are set sunning like a crow in a gutter. What, are they gone?

And you will be quiet, sirs, they will make you good sport with their scolding anon.

Are not these a sort of good, mannerly G.o.ds to get them thus away?

I must take the pains to overtake them, for I see they will not stay.

[_Exeunt omnes_.

_The end of the first Act_.

THE SECOND ACT.