John Fletcher - Philaster; Or, Love Lies a Bleeding

The Scene being in Cicilie.

The King.

Philaster, Heir to the Crown .

Pharamond, Prince of Spain.

Dion, a Lord .

Cleremont } Noble Gentlemen his

Thrasiline } Associates .

Arethusa, the King's Daughter .

Galatea, a wise modest Lady attending the Princess .

Megra, a lascivious Lady .

An old wanton Lady, or Croan .

Another Lady attending the Princess .

Eufrasia, Daughter of Dion, but disguised like a

Page, and called Bellario .

An old Captain .

Five Citizens .

A Countrey fellow .

Two Woodmen .

The Kings Guard and Train .

_Enter Dion, Cleremont, and Thrasiline.

Dion . Credit me Gentlemen, I wonder at it. They receiv'd strict charge from the King to attend here: Besides it was boldly published, that no Officer should forbid any Gentlemen that desire to attend and hear.

Di . O Sir, the multitude (that seldom know any thing but their own opinions) speak that they would have; but the Prince, before his own approach, receiv'd so many confident messages from the State, that I think she's resolv'd to be rul'd.

Cle . Sir, it is thought, with her he shall enjoy both these Kingdoms of Cicilie and Calabria .

Di . Sir, it is (without controversie) so meant. But 'twill be a troublesome labour for him to enjoy both these Kingdoms, with safetie, the right Heir to one of them living, and living so vertuously, especially the people admiring the bravery of his mind, and lamenting his injuries.

Cle . Sir, my ignorance in State-policy, will not let me know why Philaster being Heir to one of these Kingdoms, the King should suffer him to walk abroad with such free liberty.

Di . Sir, it seems your nature is more constant than to enquire after State news. But the King (of late) made a hazard of both the Kingdoms, of Cicilie and his own, with offering but to imprison Philaster . At which the City was in arms, not to be charm'd down by any State-order or Proclamation, till they saw Philaster ride through the streets pleas'd, and without a guard; at which they threw their Hats, and their arms from them; some to make bonefires, some to drink, all for his deliverance. Which (wise men say) is the cause, the King labours to bring in the power of a Foreign Nation to aw his own with.

[ Enter Galatea, Megra, and a Lady .

Di . She is one that may stand still discreetly enough, and ill favour'dly Dance her Measure; simper when she is Courted by her Friend, and slight her Husband.

Di . Marry I think she is one whom the State keeps for the Agents of our confederate Princes: she'll cog and lie with a whole army before the League shall break: her name is common through the Kingdom, and the Trophies of her dishonour, advanced beyond Hercules -pillars. She loves to try the several constitutions of mens bodies; and indeed has destroyed the worth of her own body, by making experiment upon it, for the good of the Common-wealth.

La . Peace, if you love me: you shall see these Gentlemen stand their ground, and not Court us.

La . Nay, let her alone; what if they should? why, if they should, I say, they were never abroad: what Foreigner would do so? it writes them directly untravel'd.

La . Good Madam let her go on; what if they be? Why if they be I will justifie, they cannot maintain discourse with a judicious Lady, nor make a Leg, nor say Excuse me.

[ Enter King, Pharamond, Arethusa, and Train .