Act 5
SCENE I.
[Victoria, Francisco, Flavia, Astutta, Jacconetta.]
VICTORIA.
Now Lady, has your entertainment pleas'd you
In the Novella's house? is all well yet?
FLAVIA.
So well, that now come Father Friends, and all
The friendly Foes that did oppose my blisse
I can maintaine my cause in these safe armes
'Gainst all their Frownes and Furies.
VICTORIA.
And your Mistris is over, too, I hope sir
The place is not so dangerous as it was.
FRANCISCO.
Lady your noblenesse shown in this great bounty,
Hath not alone wip'd off my foule suspition:
But scor'd upon my breast an endlesse summe
Of thanks; which I, unable to discharge,
Must not presume to live, but as your Creature;
Nor will I further dare to tempt your goodnesse
In deeper search of what your reason was
(Past all my hopes and wishes) to provide
For me; I will not sum in such a scruple
For sure, I hold you for a power Divine
(Past all the fictions of the fabulous times
Fashioning out the Gods in earthly formes)
Sent by the highest providence to helpe me.
VICTORIA.
You take too deepe a sense of curtesie!
But see, are these your friends?
Enter Paulo, with Horatio, and Piso.
FRANCISCO.
And let me beg
Your suffrage Lady, I may bid them welcome.
VICTORIA.
Your Bride and I will both supply you in it.
Neither of these is he they call Fabritio?
PAULO/BURGIO.
No, but hee's sent for; and comes instantly.
[Exit]
FRANCISCO.
This is the Lady I am bound to serve.
HORATIO.
And I to honour.
VICTORIA.
Setting aside your suit sir.
HORATIO.
I cannot promise that.
VICTORIA.
And I doe wish
I had her double price in ready Duccats,
For what she has done, and tother doe besides.
You still stand in your good conceit of me.
PISO.
Yes, and I would so stand to't, ha—
VICTORIA.
You are a merry Gentleman.
FRANCISCO.
I will not whisper it, Horatio,
The woman that I dealt with for disguise
Was wrought before by this most matchlesse Lady
To crosse the Match twixt Flavia and Fabritio;
And had undone it though I had done nothing,
And ere she would condition with me,
Oblig'd me, by an oath, (in case we scap'd)
To bring her hither to this Ladies house.
I kept that oath, and here you find us welcom’d.
PISO.
Then thou hast done't, would I had still the Duccats
To pledge thee here.
[Enter Paulo, whispers with Victoria.]
VICTORIA.
Wee'l talke of that hereafter.
PISO.
What acted you, Tit, in this Comedy?
ASTUTTA.
The Chambermayde, a kind of putter forwards,
Sir, to the businesse.
FRANCISCO.
Shee has done so well,
That, if a Match in Venice may be found
By my best care, i'le helpe her to a Husband,
For shee deserves a good one.
ASTUTTA.
And if he prove not so, I am like to prove
A good one my selfe, and make him something.
PISO.
Thou wilt, I find it in a villanous cast
Of that eye there.
HORATIO.
[By Jacconetta.]
And what thinke you of this?
PISO.
Even such another, of another hue,
Shee has a devilish gloat too.
VICTORIA.
Gallants, I find you merry, y'are more welcome:
My man acquaints me with a present businesse
Requiring privacy. Please you, with your friends
Goe up to the Bride-chamber. There is musick.
[To JACCONETTA.]
Waite you respectively.
HORATIO.
Wee'l all observe you Lady.
[Exeunt.]
PISO.
But Lady, if you receive the Duccats
Before you come to us, pray bring our shares,
Wee all connive you know.
VICTORIA.
Pray be not jealous,
Follow your Friends, i'le follow you streight way.
[Exit PISO.]
How dreames he of this money? he knows nothing,
An English Factor, say you Borgio?
PAULO/BURGIO.
Yes Mistris, a brave fellow.
VICTORIA.
And is he so well money'd as to spare
Out of his Masters trust, so great a summe?
PAULO/BURGIO.
Oh hee's a master here himselfe. They are
Abroad, the royalist Nation of the World.
What rich Venetian Rarity has not
The English Money-masters purchac'd from
Princes and States, to beare home as their triumphs?
And for their pleasures—but i'le say no more;
Hee thinks I stay too long for him to wait
Without, with so much money.
VICTORIA.
Didst thou see't?
PAULO/BURGIO.
Most brightly shining! Hee's now telling it
In the next roome! He comes not to tender
The value of it in fine qualities
Like your suppos'd Monsieur: but in cash!
Cash! cash of Gold! Oh tis a tempting sight;
Able to damne a Noble womans honour.
What's your descent? But poore I make no question;
Why, this will set you up and make you noble.
VICTORIA.
This way of his might serve to turn the blood
That has but any tincture of good in it
From touching such a bait, yet he thinks now
He spurres me to it. But Bravo I will fit you.
Goe call him in, goe.
PAULO/BURGIO.
Now my Blood and Braine,
Be strong and sodaine, stay.
VICTORIA.
Why stop you Borgio?
PAULO/BURGIO.
To see him weigh his gold. Oh dainty sight!
He brought his weights in's pocket: just Gentleman
He will be sure you shall not want a graine
Of your full price of sweet damnation.
VICTORIA.
Hee's doing no such thing.
PAULO/BURGIO.
No, no, I have it now.
VICTORIA.
I pray thee goe, thou knowst not how the thought
Of so much gold, and the conceit o'th' Maydenhead
Lost i' the house to day sets my virginity
On edge now to be going.
PAULO/BURGIO.
Are you so ready? then I fly.
[Enter above, Piso, Horatio.]
VICTORIA.
What ayles the fellow troe!
PISO.
I must yet have an eye upon this female
To quit my jealousy, or catch her i'th' nick.
HORATIO.
Here we may see, and heare all undiscover'd.
PISO.
Watch close, he comes.
[Enter Swatzenburg, like a Marchant with a full Bagge.]
SWATZENBURGH.
By your leave Lady, I come not a pure Sutor
(With studyed Oratory; nor addresse a Sonnet,
Or trifling Love-toyes to perswade admittance
By slow degrees into your inmost favour)
But a rich purchacer, that brings, at once,
The golden Summe, and Price of your enjoying.
Here precious Beauty, made by this more precious!
Take your full due, and render readily
The full tuition of my wealthy purchace.
VICTORIA.
Now vertue guard me.
PISO.
What's that?
HORATIO.
Shee invokes vertue.
SWATZENBURGH.
Ha! why this delay?
Let not the glorious sight of this amaze you,
Though it be granted, sodaine apprehension
Of such bright blessings may transport a soule
Into high raptures, when it is considerd,
The Ornament of youth, the strength of age,
Lifes great maintainer, Lady, let not this
At all transmute you. For i'le bring supplies
That shall so frequently acquaint you with
Such sights as these, that you shall grow regardlesse
Even of the care to keepe them, in respect
Of the delicious pleasure brings them in:
Delay not therefore that high purchac'd pleasure,
That brings this to you, by a Minutes losse
To make it fully yours.
VICTORIA.
Sir I have heard you:
[Enter Paulo behinde with pistolls.]
And now must let you know, tis not the sight
Of that your glorious summe can take my wonder;
Much lesse my love or person: my amazement
Is, that a man, that beares his Makers shape,
Indued with reason, to direct and governe
That goodly fortune; and has such treasure given him
(Besides his greater blessings of the mind
By well desposing of it) to advance
This worth in deeds of vertue, should descend
Below the sense of Beasts, to part with that,
Allotted for his livelyhood and honour
To wast it, and himselfe in beastiall Lust.
SWATZENBURGH.
How's this?
PISO.
I know not what to make o'this wench.
Shee preaches me thinks:
VICTORIA.
Besides sir, were it well examin'd,
The golden summe you tender is, perhaps,
None of your proper own: I understand
You are anothers Factor, I presume
In all your Catalogue of Merchandise
You finde no warrant to buy Maydenheads.
Is such a thing in all your bills of Lading?
They are no way transportable tho' you allow
For fraught and leakage halfe the worth; and lesse
Returnable by way of exchange. How can
You take up a virginity in Venice,
And make a London payment of it, on
Sight of your bill, or six or ten dayes after?
PISO.
Good!
SWATZENBURGH.
Nay then you dally with me, and I must
Deale plaine and briefly with you. Here's the price,
And either render me my just demand,
Or I shall take for your disgrace an order
Shall spue you forth the City.
VICTORIA.
Now I feare
I am insnar'd. I have but one way left
To fly from shame, or fall to utter Ruine.
PISO.
I begin to suspect her honest.
SWATZENBURGH.
Your answer Gentlewoman.
VICTORIA.
[Kneels]
Gentle sir,
The Law hath made me yours. And I have now
No Court but Conscience to relieve me in.
SWATZENBURGH.
What may this meane?
VICTORIA.
If the strong passion of a Virgin soule,
Exprest in bitterst teares, move not your pitty,
This shall prevent your cruelty.
[A Knife.]
PISO.
Shee'l prove honest o' my life.
SWATZENBURGH.
What meane you Lady?
VICTORIA.
Keepe at that distance sir, and you shall know:
Come nearer, and I will not live to tell you.
SWATZENBURGH.
Pray rise and speak your story: yet I tell you,
I hold it very strange, that so much money
And such a one as I (none of th'unhandsomst)
Should not goe down with a young wench, and one
Of the profession you pretend to be of
Before cold Iron! Me thinks most unnaturall.
Thinke better yet before you utter further.
VICTORIA.
Indeed I may not.
SWATZENBURGH.
Well, well, on then.
VICTORIA.
Tis true, I am indeed a meere pretender
To the profession you suppos'd me of;
A spotlesse Virgin (by my utmost hopes)
And will remaine so till I am a Bride.
PISO.
Too honest to be a woman!
SWATZENBURGH.
Why tooke you this deceiving habit then?
VICTORIA.
I am about to tell you for your pitty,
I am a Romane borne, of good discent;
My father noble (of the Candiani)
How ere decay'd in fortune, ere he dyed;
Which drew on my Misfortune: For, being betroth'd
Unto a wealthy heire, here, of this City,
Who so journ'd then in Rome, his covetous Father
Ravishd his faith from me, to give't another;
And calld him hastily from Rome to Venice.
I followd him, in hope to crosse the Match.
And so regaine him; towards which already,
I have done something.
PISO.
Fabritio's wench my life on't.
SWATZENBURGH.
What in this habit, as a Curtezan?
VICTORIA.
Not without good advise: For, by this meanes
I draw the eyes of all the youthfull Gentry,
Not without hope to gaine a sight of him.
My price and port keepe back inferiour persons.
Nor lose I honour by it: For the strictnes
Of our Italian censure gives a virgin,
That held familiarity with any Man,
By way of Marriage treaty, and then forsaken,
Lost in repute; shee is no honest woman
Untill that man doe vindicate her honor.
SWATZENBURGH.
But should hee finde you here, what were his censure?
VICTORIA.
Here he should find what his disloyalty
Had wrought me to; and should restore me firme
On my first basis, or exchange a life
For mine ere we would part.
SWATZENBURGH.
This sounds yet well.
PAULO/BURGIO.
I'le trust thee now. Thou art a noble wench,
Thou hadst kiss'd Death by this else. Now i'le trust thee.
[Exit.]
VICTORIA.
If he were lost by Marriage of another,
I would remove with such a testimony
Of my reserved honour (in despight
Of this my outward carriage, for my ends;
Maugre the sterne construction of my countrey)
That strangers should receive me; and some one
More noble then himselfe—
SWATZENBURGH.
Take you to wife?
VICTORIA.
I should not doubt.
SWATZENBURGH.
Tis done, and I am he that does it.
VICTORIA.
I cannot sir, but kindly take your offer:
But, if my first love faile me, there is one,
A noble German, that commenc'd his suit
To me this day.
SWATZENBURGH.
I am he too Lady—Looke well upon me
That in this shift, reducing of my beard,
With this supply of money came to try you,
I finde you noble, and above it, honest.
PISO.
This is the German that Fabritio apes.
HORATIO.
And he should come now.
[Enter Jacconetta to them above.]
JACCONETTA.
Gentlemen forbeare;
Indeed it is not civill in you to pry beyond
Your hospitable usage, pray forbeare.
HORATIO.
Tis timely chidden wench, we will obay thee.
JACCONETTA.
Besides the Bridegroome, and the Bride expect you.
PISO.
O ha they done we come, we come.
[Exit HORATIO, PISO.]
VICTORIA.
This jealous tryall now of yours (how ere
You have exprest strong arguments of love)
Has not augmented you in my affection.
SWATZENBURGH.
O say not so sweete Lady, i'le redeeme it.
VICTORIA.
I cannot yet believe you are the Man,
You are so chang'd from what you seem'd to day,
Must the minde alter with the outward habit?
[Enter Paulo.]
PAULO/BURGIO.
Mistris the German—
VICTORIA.
Here he is man, he sayes.
PAULO/BURGIO.
I say he is without, and craves to see you.
VICTORIA.
How can this be? or who can I believe?
PAULO/BURGIO.
Good sir depart and make roome for your selfe
Your proper selfe to enter the Dutch Prince.
SWATZENBURGH.
I tell thee I am he, and here already,
I am Swatzenberg.
PAULO/BURGIO.
Yes in your tother beard sir.
Hans Snortanfart, are you not? well I can but warn you,
If you will needs stand to the taking off
A mans good name from him before his face,
Then take what followes, I will fetch him in
Mistris, you were best be out of sight a while:
Your presence with this stranger may whet up his fury
To cut all our throats else.
VICTORIA.
I'le take your councell.
[Exit.]
PAULO/BURGIO.
For sir i'le tell you, if you had but seene
How he worried a Spaniard to day, you would
Have beene able at your returne to make
As many of your Countreymen, as thrive
By serving of the States to laugh ifaith.
SWATZENBURGH.
I tell thee I am he; 'twas I that chac'd
The Spaniard hence.
PAULO/BURGIO.
I tell you yet againe
You were best be gone before the He indeed
Come in to chace you after him.
SWATZENBURGH.
I'le stand the hazard.
PAULO/BURGIO.
See his impatience pulls him in already.
[Enter Fabritio in the Germans habit.]
FABRITIO.
Where is this Lady? Dos her beauty flie me?
PAULO/BURGIO.
Shee is at hand, but first here is a stranger,
A most strange stranger that sayes he is you sir.
SWATZENBURGH.
Was oder wer bistu? Bistu ein Deutscher? Sag mihr in was ort Du gelebst hast?
FABRITIO.
Who's this?
SWATZENBURGH.
Ich denke du bist ein heuchler; bistu aber ein Deutscher so anwort mihr in deutscher sprach.
FABRITIO.
Good sir speake in the proper language of
The Nation we are in, though it come brokenly
From you that this good fellow here may understand us.
SWATZENBURGH.
Thou son of impudence, and imposture, speake;
What is thy end in this?
FABRITIO.
Thinke what thine owne must be, thou son of slander.
SWATZENBURGH.
Precious counterfeit!
But I am weaponlesse, and must fetch strength
Of officers to right me.
[Exit.]
FABRITIO.
What dos your shame remove you sir?
PAULO/BURGIO.
What can this Rascall meane?
SWATZENBURGH.
I care not honest fellow, where's thy Mistris?
Good Angells guard me.
[Enter Victoria.]
PAULO/BURGIO.
Dos shee fright you sir?
FABRITIO.
I aske thee for thy Mistris, the Novella.
PAULO/BURGIO.
What appeares shee to you?
FABRITIO.
Thou powerfull man in Magick, I will tell thee.
Th'hast rays'd an apparition, that has damn'd thee
Blacker, then thy black art; nay hell it selfe.
PAULO/BURGIO.
Blesse us! more madnesse yet!
FABRITIO.
The heavenly spirit, that inspir'd this forme,
(When the unworthy world enjoyd her being,
Which thou hast conjur'd into this lewd habit)
Has, at this instant won the powers above
To sinke thee and thy sorcerers.
PAULO/BURGIO.
What may you meane? Here is no sorcery,
This woman's Flesh and Blood.
FABRITIO.
I would not dare to try to be the Duke.
PAULO/BURGIO.
You may depart, pray hinder not the house.
FABRITIO.
Hadst thou but seen, as I have, one like her,
And noted the divinity in her lookes
(Although in those adulterate incitements
Shee seemes to wear) she would have struck thy soule
With fervent adoration, not base lust.
PAULO/BURGIO.
I know not what to say to 'him.
[Bell rings.]
VICTORIA.
See who rings.
[Exit Paulo.]
What divine creature, sir, was that you mention’d?
FABRITIO.
I dare to name her to thee, though thou be
Her incens'd Ghost, to worke me to despaire,
It was Victoria.
VICTORIA.
This sounds most strangely! Have you beene at Rome sir?
FABRITIO.
'Twas there I saw and lov'd her.
VICTORIA.
Answer me pray sir, why could not this fall
In your discourse to day, when I related
My Life and Fortune to you? why do you start?
I am no shadow; but suspect you rather,
To be not as you seeme, the noble German
That vowd me love, dos that too startle you?
See sir, to prove I am no aery spirit,
I'le trust your hand (if you be mortall substance)
With so much flesh and blood as may resolve you.
FABRITIO.
I find tis she, and having found her thus
Shee's lost for ever, and my selfe no lesse,
That was the cause of this her desperate fortune.
VICTORIA.
What's that you say? what aile you sir? how ist?
And what moves thy destraction? Borgio, speak.
[Enter Paulo.]
PAULO/BURGIO.
Horror and shame invades us, all the house
Is round beset with officers. The Magistrates,
Are entring now, for what, or whom they search
I cannot guesse, unlesse this be some Murderer
Slipt in, to draw our lives in question.
VICTORIA.
Deale plainly sir, what are you? hee's stupified!
PAULO/BURGIO.
The Spanyard's with 'hem too that took th'affront
By the supposed Dutchman here to day;
And he that fain'd himselfe to be that Dutchman
Desires their aid against this unknown person.
[Enter Pantaloni, Don Pedro, Guadagni, Swatz. Prospero, Chequinno, Zaffie, Pedler-woman.]
GUADAGNI.
This is the house you say.
PEDLAR.
And this is the Gentlewoman.
GUADAGNI.
Give me my Daughter, Harlot.
VICTORIA.
Here's no such creature, here sir, if she be
Your Daughter, this woman directed hither,
Shee is no Harlot, but an honest Bride;
Lawfully wed and bedded; as may appeare
By the strong testimony of divers friends:
Call them all downe.
[Exit Paulo.]
PANTALONI.
Unheard-of impudence! Are Bawdes, and Whores
Fit Matchmakers for Magnificoe's Daughters?
VICTORIA.
Speake lower, or at home sir, you know not
What we are: Harke you sir—your last nights triall
Did not enough informe you.
PANTALONI.
We shall know more anon;
I'th' meane time what are you?
FABRITIO.
A stranger sir.
PANTALONI.
We shall know more of that anon too.
PEDRO.
This is the stranger, that affronted me;
'Gainst whom I crave your Justice.
PANTALONI.
You shall know more anon too.
SWARZENBURGH.
And this is my Abuser.
PANTALONI.
You also shall know more anon.
GUADAGNI.
You are well met Gentle-woman—I gave you lost.
[Enter Paulo, Francisco, Piso, Horatio, Flavia, Astutta, Jacconetta.]
ASTUTTA.
What will you whimper now? will not marriage
Make you bold, that makes so many impudent?
Shee was not lost sir; nor in danger of losing,
Shee was but mislayd a little, as your Writing was to day.
PISO.
Well said my chattring Magpy. I will side thee.
GUADAGNI.
Audacious strumpet that seduces my Daughter.
PISO.
You are Mistaken, shee did but wait upon her.
ASTUTTA.
Right sir, and did but duty i'le be sworne.
PEDLAR.
Nor I, I will be sworne.
GUADAGNI.
Not, in consenting to the stealth?
PEDLAR.
It was my duty sir for the reward,
Wee all would live you know.
GUADAGNI.
Will you be gone?
PEDLAR.
I hope I am discharg'd: for looke you sir,
I brought you where you finde your Daughter safe.
GUADAGNI.
Begone I say.
PEDLAR.
No whit the worse for wearing, as they say.
GUADAGNI.
Goe thrust her out of dores.
PEDLAR.
At my owne liberty I hope.
GUADAGNI.
How thou wilt to be rid of thee.
PEDLAR.
May you see your Childrens, Childrens, Childrens, Children.
[Exit.]
PANTALONI.
And thou misledst my Sonne, I aske him of thee.
PISO.
You shall know more of that anon sir.
PANTALONI.
Out-brav'd and scornd by Strumpets, Bawds, and Bravoes!
Call in the Officers.
PISO.
And call the common Hangman if you please,
And end all 'mong your selfes, if your grave wisdomes,
And Lawyers, here, can find one guilty person
Wee'l all submit our necks to you.
[Horatio and Francisco, &c. talke aside with Fabritio and Victoria.]
GUADAGNI.
Tis boldly spoken.
PISO.
I will speake but truth.
And you, opposing it, shall wrong the dignity
You beare i'th' City, to your utter shames.
This Gentleman and your Daughter were contracted,
Your selfe a willing witnesse; your Son likewise
Unto a noble virgin (Sir of whom
You shall know more anon)
It pleas'd diviner providence to take
From eithers chosen mate their earthly fortunes;
Yet each had person, blood, and vertue left
Above the value of a Princes dowry.
Would you so Kick at heaven then, in despight
Of its great Ordinance, as to force your children,
To forfeit both their faiths, thereby to lose
The never-fayling hope of future blessings,
To pull withall a curse on your own heads,
That could no lesse then ruine your estates,
And render you most wretched in your dotage,
Past helpe or hope how to relieve your selfes:
Your consciences still groaning underneath
The lashes that your Childrens bastard issue
Should lay upon you? more, you may consider—
PANTALONI.
We doe consider sir, this place and people
No fit receipt for warrantable businesse.
PISO.
This was no bawdy talke sir, nor have I
Heard worse from any mouth in this free place
Till your arrivall here.
VICTORIA.
[Aside. ] I cannot be so happy.
FRANCISCO.
[Aside. ] Let her see your face.
VICTORIA.
[Aside. ] O my Fabritio—
PANTALONI.
You see the worst of us, I should be loath
Any unwarrantable act should passe among us.
GUADAGNI.
Thou lookst like one indeed of upright Conscience!
PAULO/BURGIO.
And for the Marriage sir, it is as lawfull
As if your selfe had given her in St. Marks.
I'le fetch the Priest t'avouch it.
GUADAGNI.
Fetch that Priest.
[Paulo joynes in conference with Victoria and Fabritio.]
PANTALONI.
But i'le be so reveng'd
Upon this instrument, this unknowne Trull here—
HORATIO.
Our Eares and Eyes, Fabritio, witnesse for her.
FABRITIO.
You have told me wonders,
Yet with such faith as I shall ever wish
Lockt in this heavenly Cabinet I take all.
PISO.
You may Fabritio, for as I prize Life;
Honour 'bove that; and above both thy friendship,
My soule is not assur'd of firmer truth,
Let thy Dutch habit drinke off jealousy,
And take her to thee.
FABRITIO.
'Tis done my Piso.
VICTORIA.
And I made happy past my height of hopes.
[Kiss.]
PANTALONI.
Good, you shall see how I shall coole those Kisses.
PAULO/BURGIO.
May I say boldly you are man and wife?
FABRITIO & VICTORIA.
We are most faithfully till death;
I'le fetch a Priest shall streight pronounce yee so.
[Exit.]
PANTALONI.
You say that is a Dutchman sir, that wrong'd you.
PEDRO.
Right, worthy Signior, that's the man I Challenge.
PANTALONI.
You say you are the man confronted Don here.
SWATZENBURGH.
Yes, and will still mayntain't, for violence
He offerd to that noble vertuous Lady.
PANTALONI.
Good! vertuous Lady! Let mee joyne your Friendships.
PEDRO & SWATZENBURGH.
You have done it sir.
PEDRO.
That is the man I challenge.
SWATZENBURGH.
The same man I. He has not left the house
Since my abuse; I feare to her much wrong:
For he is some disguis'd Knave on my life.
PANTALONI.
Now you are in the right.
SWATZENBURGH.
Hee could not weare those Cloathes and speake no Dutch else.
PANTALONI.
Still i' the right; i'le shew you what he is,
And out of him, what shee is, whom you call
So vertuous and so noble! and you sir,
That mentioned the Hangman, come all and see
The commendable port this Lady beares.
It seems, sir, you affect this Gentlewoman.
FABRITIO.
The best of any living.
PANTALONI.
And you him Lady?
VICTORIA.
Yes, he is my husband.
PANTALONI.
Would that were true ifaith. The rogue your man
Sayd he would fetch a Priest—
[Enter Paulo in Friers habit.]
PAULO/BURGIO.
No verier Rogue then my selfe sir.
PANTALONI.
Thou art a mad fellow for a Priest indeed;
But such a Priest, such a Marriage,
Put 'em together.
PAULO/BURGIO.
I doe pronounce them lawfull man and wife.
PANTALONI.
The Bridegroome thankes you, but you Mistris Bride
For the fine trick you put on me last night,
Looke now upon your husband,
Who would you speake with fellow?
[Enter Nicolo, as the Zaffi.]
NICOLO.
With Signior Rastrofico here, the Hangman,
I come to call him to State-businesse sir.
PANTALONI.
Can this be he? (you said he was a counterfeit)
I saw him ride the Wooden-horse, last day
With lesse then halfe this beard, unbeard him sirrah.
I'le beare you out. So rest you Gentlemen
With your so vertuous Lady, and her husband.
HORATIO. PISO. &c.
Fabritio!
VICTORIA.
Sir I must crave your pardon, This is he,
My first love that I told you of.
SWATZENBURGH.
You have it freely Lady.
PANTALONI.
I am abus'd and couzend.
VICTORIA.
I thanke you sir for all the harme you did me
In your Revenge—And harke you, be at peace,
And i'le be silent for your last nights worke.
GUADAGNI.
Forbeare mee, I am off againe.
FRANCISCO.
Good sir,
Stop not the blessing you were about to give us.
GUADAGNI.
I am off againe. The pandare was the Priest,
The Match is no Match, you no more my Children,
But Knave and strumpet.
PANTALONI.
I'le not be so couzend.
This is no Priest; and all that's past unlawfull
PISO.
You will know more anon.
[Paulo casts off his Perruk and Beard.]
PAULO/BURGIO.
Then cast your eys on me, who dare maintain
My Priest-hood lawfull; it being deriv'd
From th'holy Order of St. Augustine?
VICTORIA.
Let me not surfet with excesse of joy?
My brother Paulo!
PAULO/BURGIO.
Thy brother and thy father, vertuous sister.
Be ever subject of my dearest care;
And pardon me, who (jealous of thine honour
Inflam'd by the same heart, of the same blood:
For we are all the Relicts of our Parents)
Watch'd nearely, and pursu'd thy scape from Rome.
For which I had good warrant, Gentlemen
See there my dispensation with th' allowance
Of all the holy brotherhood of my Covent.
My ends were faire, though in this uncouth way
Tho' (heaven I beg thy pardon) as my care
Was to preserve her life and more her honour;
Fearing her violent and abused spirit,
Might have made wrack of either, or of both,
I once had secret purpose to have ta'ne
Her Life, in case shee had forsooke her honour;
And with her cut off Candianies Line,
Which now branch'd here, may touch the worlds end
With faire succession! Be you blest for ever.
And now, grave sirs, let me intreat your likings,
And cheerefull reconcilement to your Children:
That so you may your Childrens, Children see,
Crownd by the prayers of your prosperity.
GUADAGNI.
I am content.
PANTALONI.
And I, but for one scruple
Cleare me this point, how had you sav'd your honor
If the old youth, last night (who shall be namelesse)
Had but misspent his time upon your moore here?
VICTORIA.
'Tis easily done sir, see my lov'd Fabritio
The Eunuch moore you gave me.
FABRITIO.
My boy Jacomo, turn'd Chambermayd!
Has thy Mistris us'd thee well?
VICTORIA.
Not without much desert.
JACCONETTA.
Shee meanes for your deare sake sir.
FABRITIO.
I see, sweete Heart, you have an honest Family.
VICTORIA.
Here you see all, and all that came i'th' house;
(Since it was made mine) in this Convention,
I dare them not; but give them freest leave
To speake the worst they found in the Novella.
Omnes.
Wee all conclude y'are noble.
PAULO/BURGIO.
All's well accorded then. Wee all are Friends,
And may Priests travaile never to worse ends.
FINIS.
