The Laws of Candy

The Laws of Candy - Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (3 of 10)

Title: The Laws of Candy Subtitle: Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (3 of 10) Author: Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher Release Date: January 1, 2005 [EBook #14548] Language: English Credits: Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Paul Murray and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team Persons Represented in the Play. Cassilanes, General of Candy. Antinous, Son to Cassilanes, and his Competitor. Fernando, a Venetian Captain, Servant to Annophel. Philander, Prince of Cyprus, passionately in love with Erota. Gonzalo, An ambitious Politick Lord of Venice. Gaspero, Secretary of State. Melitus, a Gentleman of Candy. Arcanes, a noble Souldier, Friend to Cassilanes. Decius, Friend to Antinous. Porphycio, Possenne, Senators. Paolo Michael, Venetian Ambassadour. Mochingo, an ignorant Servant to Erota. Gentlemen. Souldiers. Servants. WOMEN Erota, a Princess, imperious, and of an overweaning Beauty. Annophel, Daughter to Cassilanes. Hyparcha, Attendant on the Princess Erota. Actus Primus Scena Prima Enter Gaspero, and Melitus MelitusSir, you're the very friend I wish'd to meet with, I have a large discourse invites your ear To be an Auditor. GasperoAnd what concerns it? MelitusThe sadly thriving progress of the loves Between my Lord, the Prince, and that great Lady, Whose insolence, and never-yet-match'd Pride, Can by no Character be well exprest, But in her only name, the proud Erota. GasperoAlas, Melitus, I should guess the best Success your Prince could find from her, to be As harsh as the event doth prove: but now 'Tis not a time to pity passionate griefs, When a whole Kingdom in a manner lyes Upon its Death-Bed bleeding. MelitusWho can tell Whether or no these plagues at once Hang over this unhappy Land for her sake That is a Monster in it? GasperoHere's the misery Of having a Child our Prince; else I presume The bold Venetians had not dar'd to attempt So bloody an invasion. MelitusYet I wonder Why (Master Secretary) still the Senate So almost superstitiously adores Gonzalo, the Venetian Lord, considering The outrage of his Countrymen-- GasperoThe Senate Is wise, and therein just, for this Gonzalo, Upon a Massacre performed at Sea By the Admiral of Venice, on a Merchant Of Candy, when the cause was to be heard Before the Senate there, in open Court Professed, that the cruelty the Admiral Had shewed, deserved not only fine, but death; For Candy then, and Venice were at peace: Since when upon a motion in the Senate, For Conquest of our Land, 'tis known for certain, That only this Gonzalo dar'd to oppose it, His reason was, because it too much savour'd Of lawless and unjust ambition. The Wars were scarce begun, but he (in fear Of quarrels 'gainst his life) fled from his Country, And hither came, where (to confirm his truth) I know, (Melitus,) he out of his own store, Hath monied Cassilanes the General. MelitusWhat, without other pledges than Cassilanes Bare promise of payment? GasperoNo, it may be He has some [pe]tty Lordship to retire to; But thus he hath done; now 'tis fit, Melitus, The Senate should be thankful, otherwise They should annihilate one of those Laws For which this Kingdome is throughout the World Unfollowed and admired. Melitus What Laws are those, Sir? Let me so much importune you. GasperoYou shall, And they be worth your knowledge: briefly thus: Who e'r he be that can detect apparently Another of ingratitude, for any Received Benefit, the Plaintiff may Require the Offenders life; unless he please Freely and willingly to grant remission. MelitusBy which strict Law, the Senate is in danger, Should they neglect Gonzalo? GasperoRight, the Law Permits a like equality to Aliens, As to a home-bred Patriot. MelitusPray Sir, the other? GasperoKnow, Melitus, The elder Cretans flourished many years, In War, in Peace unparallel'd, and they (To spur heroic Spirits on to Vertue) Enacted that what man so ere he were, Did noblest in the field against his enemy, So by the general voice approv'd, and known, Might at his home-return, make his demand For satisfaction, and reward. MelitusThey are Both famous Laws indeed. Enter a Messenger MessengerMaster Secretary, The Senate is about to sit, and crave Your presence. GasperoWhat, so suddenly? MessengerThese Letters Will shew the causes why. GasperoHeaven, thou art great, And worthy to be thanked! MelitusYour countenance, Sir, Doth promise some good tidings. GasperoO the best And happiest for this land that e'r was told! All the Venetian Forces are defeated. MelitusHow, Sir? GasperoAnd what doth add some delight more, There is amongst the Souldiers a contention Who shall be the triumpher, and it stands Doubtful between a Father and his Son, Old Cassilanes, and young Antinous. MelitusWhy may not both demand it? GasperoThe Law denies it, But where the Souldiers do not all consent, The Parties in contention, are refer'd To plead before the Senate; and from them Upon an open audience to be judg'd The Chief, and then to make demands. MelitusYou ravish me With wonder and delight. GasperoCome; as we walk, I shall more fully inform you. [Exeunt. SCENE II Enter Cassilanes, Arcanes, Antinous, and Decius. CassilanesAdmit no Souldier near us till the Senate Have took their places. ArcanesYou are obey'd, my Lord. Antinous Decius, fall off. DeciusI shall. CassilanesGive leave Arcanes: Young man, come nearer to me: who am I? AntinousIt were a sin against the piety Of filial duty, if I should forget The debt I owe my Father on my knee: Your pleasure? CassilanesWhat, so low? canst thou find joints, Yet be an Elephant? Antinous, rise; Thou wilt belye opinion, and rebate The ambition of thy gallantry, that they Whose confidence thou hast bewitch'd, should see Their little God of War, kneel to his Father, Though in my hand I did grasp Thunder. AntinousSir, For proof that I acknowledge you the Author Of giving me my Birth, I have discharg'd A part of my Obedience. But if now You should (as cruel fathers do) proclaim Your right, and Tyrant-like usurp the glory Of my peculiar honours, not deriv'd From successary, but purchas'd with my bloud, Then I must stand first Champion for my self Against all interposers. CassilanesBoldly urg'd, And proudly, I could love thee, did not anger Consult with just disdain, in open language To call thee most ungrateful. Say freely, Wilt thou resign the flatteries whereon The reeling pillars of a popular breath Have rais'd thy Giant-like conceit, to add A suffrage to thy Fathers merit? speak. AntinousSir, hear me: were there not a Chronicle Well pen'd by all their tongues, who can report What they have seen you do; or had you not Best in your own performance writ your self, And been your own text, I would undertake Alone, without the help of Art, or Character, But only to recount your deeds in Arms, And you should ever then be fam'd a President Of living victory: But as you are Great, and well worthy to be stiled Great, It would betray a poverty of Spirit In me to obstruct my fortunes, or descent, If I should coward-like surrender up The interest which the inheritance of your vertue And mine own thrifty fate can claim in honour: My Lord, of all the mass of Fame, which any That wears a Sword, and hath but seen me fight, Gives me, I will not share, nor yield one jot, One tittle. CassilanesNot to me? AntinousYou are my Father, Yet not to you. CassilanesAmbitious Boy, how dar'st thou To tell me, that thou wilt contend? AntinousHad I Been slothful, and not follow'd you in all The streights of death, you might have justly then Reputed me a Bastard: 'tis a cruelty More than to murther Innocents, to take The life of my yet infant-honour from me. Cassilanes Antinous, look upon this badge of age, Thy Father's grey-hair'd beard: full fifty years, (And more than half of this, ere thou wert born) I have been known a Souldier, in which time I found no difference 'twixt War and Peace, For War was Peace to me, and Peace was War. Antinous, mark me well; there hath not liv'd These fifty years a man whom Crete prefer'd Before thy Father; let me boldly boast, Thy Father, both for Discipline a[n]d Action Hath so long been the first of all his Nation; Now, canst thou think it honest, charitable, Nay humane, being so young, my Son, my Child, Begot, bred, taught by me, by me thy Father, For one days service, and that on thy first, To rob me of a glory which I fought for A half of hundred years? AntinousMy case observes Both equity and presidents; for Sir, That very day whereon you got your Fame, You took it from some other, who was then Chief in repute, as you are now, and has been Perhaps as many years deserving that Which you gain'd in a day, as I have mine. CassilanesBut he was not my Father then, Antinous; Thou leav'st out that. AntinousSir, had he been your Father, He had been then immortal; for a Father Heightens his reputation where his Son Inherits it, as when you give us life, Your life is not diminish'd but renew'd In us when you are dead, and we are still Your living Images. CassilanesSo be thou curs'd In thy posterity, as I in thee, Dishonourable Boy; O shall that Sun, Which not a year yet since beheld me mounted Upon a fiery Steed, waving my Sword, And teaching this young Man to manage Arms, That was a raw, fresh Novice in the feats Of Chivalrie, shall that same Sun be witness Against this Brat of his Ingratitude? Who, to eclipse the light of my renown, Can no way hope to get a noble Name, But by the treading on his Father's Greatness; Thou wilt not yield? Enter Arcanes AntinousMy life, but not the prize My Sword hath purchas'd. ArcanesThe Senate, My Lord, are here at hand, and all the Souldiers Begin to throng about them. CassilanesNow, Arcanes, the-- ArcanesWhat, Sir? CassilanesTrifles will affront us; that Fine fighting Stripling. ArcanesLet him have the shame on't; 'Please you withdraw on this side. CassilanesMy great heart Was never quail'd before. DeciusMy Lord, be confident, Let not your Father daunt you. Arcanes Decius, whither Must I withdraw? DeciusOn this side.--See, the Souldiers Attend your pleasure--courage, Sir; the Senate. CassilanesWay for the Senate. Enter Porphycio, Possenne, (three Senators) Gonzalo, Gaspero, Souldiers My good Lords I know not What tax of arrogance I may incurr, Should I presume, though courted by your Favours, To take a place amongst you; I had rather Give proof of my unfeign'd humility By force, though mean, yet more becoming place, Than run the hazard of a doubtful censure. PossenneMy Lord, your wisdom is both known and try'd; We cannot rank you in a nobler Friendship Than your great service to the State deserves. Porphycio Will't please you, Sir? Enter Fernando with Souldiers. GonzaloWhat's here, my Lord Porphycio? It must not be. PorphycioMy Lord, you are too modest. GonzaloIt is no season to be troublesome, Else--but I have done: your Lordships are observ'd. GasperoIs the demandant ready? ArcanesHe is ready. GasperoProduce him then. ArcanesBefore this sacred presence, I, by a general consent, am made The Souldiers voice, and to your gracious Wisedoms, Present as chief in Arms, his Countries Champion, Cassilanes. DeciusMost reverend Lords, you hear the lesser number Of those who have been Guardians to this Country, Approve this Champion; I, in all their names, Who fought for Candy, here present before you The mightiest man in Arms, Antinous. Speak fellow Souldiers. Souldiers Antinous, Antinous. GasperoStand by all, save the two Competitors. PossenneMy Lords, how much your Countrey owes you both, The due reward of your desertful glories Must to Posterity remain: but yet Since, by our Law, one only can make claim To the proposed honours which you both (It seems) have truly merited, take leave Freely to plead your rights; we shall attend ye. PorphycioWherein priority of voice is granted, Lord Cassilanes to you; for that your rare And long experience in the Course of War, As well doth challenge it as the best priviledge Of Order and Civility, for that You are your brave Opponents worthy Father. Say, Country-men, are you content? SouldiersI, I. CassilanesRight grave, right gracious Fathers; how unfit It is for me, that all my life time have Been practis'd in the School of Bloud, and Slaughter To bandy words now in my lifes last farewel, Your Wisedomes will consider; were there pitcht Another, and another field, like that Which, not yet three days since, this Arm hath scatter'd, Defeated, and made nothing, then the man That had a heart to think he could but follow (For equal me he should not) through the lanes Of danger and amazement, might in that That only of but following me, be happy, Reputed worthy to be made my Rival; For 'tis not, Lords, unknown to those about me, (My fellow Souldiers) first, with what a confidence I led them on to fight, went on still, and As if I could have been a second Nature, As well in heartening them by my example, As by my exhortation, I gave life To quicken courage, to inflame revenge, To heighten resolution; in a word, To out-doe action: It boots not to discover, How that young man, who was not fledg'd nor skill'd In Martial play, was even as ignorant As childish: But I list not to disparage His non-ability: The signal given Of Battel, when our enemies came on, (Directed more by fury, than by warrant Of Policy and Stratagem) I met them, I in the fore-front of the Armies met them; And as if this old weather-beaten body Had been compos'd of cannon-proof, I stood The volleys of their shot. I, I my self Was he that first dis-rankt their woods of Pikes: But when we came to handy-stroaks, as often As I lent blows, so often I gave wounds, And every wound a death. I may be bold To justifie a truth, this very sword Of mine slew more than any twain besides: And, which is not the least of all my glorie, When he, this young man, hand to hand in fight, Was by the General of the Venetians, And such as were his retinue, unhors'd, I stept between, and rescu'd him my self, Or horses hoofs had trampled him to dirt; And whilst he was re-mounting, I maintain'd The combate with the gallant General, Till having taken breath, he throng'd before me, Renew'd the fight, and with a fatal blow,' Stole both that honour from me, and his life From him, whom I before my self alone, Had more than full three quarters kill'd: a man Well worthy only by this hand to have dy'd, Not by a Boys weak push: I talk too much, But 'tis a fault of age: If to bring home Long peace, long victorie, even to your Capitol; If to secure your Kingdom, wives, and children, Your lives and liberties; if to renown Your honours through the world, to fix your names, Like Blazing stars admir'd, and fear'd by all That have but heard of Candy, or a Cretan, Be to deserve the approvement of my man-hood, Then thus much have I done: what more, examine The annals of my life; and then consider What I have been, and am. Lords I have said. GonzaloWith reverence to the Senate, is it lawfull, Without your Customes breach, to say a word? PossenneSay on my Lord Gonzalo. GonzaloI have heard, And with no little wonder, such high deeds Of Chivalrie discours'd, that I confess, I do not think the Worthies while they liv'd All nine, deserv'd as much applause, or memorie, As this one: But who can do ought to gain The crown of honour from him, must be somewhat More than a man; you tread a dangerous path, Yet I shall hear you gladly: for believe me, Thus much let me profess, in honours cause, I would not to my Father, nor my King, (My Countries Father) yield: if you transcend What we have heard, I can but only say, That Miracles are yet in use. I fear I have offended. PorphycioYou have spoken nobly. Antinous use your priviledge. AntinousPrincely Fathers, E're I begin, one suit I have to make, 'Tis just, and honourable. Porphycio PossenneSpeak, and have it. AntinousThat you would please the souldiers might all stand Together by their General. Possenne'Tis granted. All fall to yonder side: Go on, Antinous. AntinousI shall be brief and plain: all what my Father (This Countries Patron) hath discours'd, is true. Fellows in Arms: speak you, is't true? SouldiersTrue, true. AntinousIt follows, that the blaze of my performance Took light from what I saw him do: and thus A City (though the flame be much more dreadfull) May from a little spark be set on fire; Of all what I have done, I shall give instance Only in three main proofs of my desert. First I sought out (but through how many dangers My Lords judge ye) the chief, the great Commander, The head of that huge body, whose proud weight Our Land shrunk under, him I found and fought with, Fought with, and slew. Fellows in Arms, speak you, Is't true or not? SouldiersTrue, true. AntinousWhen he was faln, The hearts of all our adversaries Began to quail, till young Fernando, son To the last Duke of Venice gather'd head, And soon renew'd the field, by whose example The bold Venetians doubling strength and courage Had got the better of the day; our men Supposing that their adversaries grew Like Hydra's head, recoyle, and 'gan to flye: I follow'd them; and what I said, they know; The summe on't is; I call'd them back, new rankt them; Led on, they follow'd, shrunk not t[i]ll the end: Fellows in Arms is't true, or no? SouldiersTrue, true. AntinousLastly, to finish all, there was but one, The only great exploit; which was to take Fernando prisoner, and that hand to hand In single fight I did: my self without The help of any arm, save the arm of Heaven. Speak Souldiers, is it true, or no? Souldiers Antinous, Antinous. AntinousBehold my prisoner, Fathers. FernandoThis one man Ruin'd our Army, and hath glorifi'd Crete in her robes of mightiness and conquest. PossenneWe need not use long circumstance of words, Antinous thou art conquerer: the Senate, The souldiers, and thy valour have pronounc'd it. All Antinous, Antinous. PorphycioMake thy demand. Cassilanes Please ye (my Lords) give leave That I may part. Possenne No Cassilane, the Court Should therein be dishonour'd, do not imagin We prize your presence at so slight a rate. Demand, Antinous. AntinousThus (my Lords) to witness How far I am from arrogance, or thinking I am more valiant, though more favour'd Than my most matchless father, my demand is, That for a lasting memorie of his name, His deeds, his real, nay his royal worth, You set up in your Capitol in Brass My Fathers Statue, there to stand for ever A Monument and Trophy of his victories, With this Inscription to succeeding ages, Great Cassilanes, Patron of Candy's Peace, Perpetual Triumpher. Porphycio PossenneIt is granted. What more? AntinousNo more. CassilanesHow Boy? GonzaloThou art immortal, Both for thy Son-like pietie, and beauties Of an unconquer'd minde. AntinousMy Prisoner, Lords, To your more sacred wisedoms I surrender: Fit you his ransom; half whereof I give For largess to the Souldiers: the other half To the erection of this monument. CassilanesAmbitious villain. GonzaloThou art all un-imitable. My Lords, to work a certain peace for Candy With Venice, use Fernando like a Prince; His ransom I'le disburse what e're it be: Yet you may stay him with you, till conditions Of amitie shall be concluded on: Are ye content? PorphycioWe are, and ever rest Both friends and debters to your nobleness. GonzaloSouldiers attend me in the Market-place, Fie thither send your largess. Souldiers Antinous, Antinous. [Exeunt. CassilanesI have a sute too, Lords. Porphycio PossennePropose it, 'tis yours, if fit and just. CassilanesLet not my services, My being forty years a drudge, a pack-horse To you, and to the State, be branded now With Ignominy ne're to be forgotten: Rear me no Monument, unless you mean To have me fam'd a Coward, and be stamp'd so. PossenneWe understand you not. CassilanesProud boy, thou dost, And Tyrant-like insult'st upon my shame. AntinousSir, Heaven can tell, and my integrity, What I did, was but only to inforce The Senates gratitude. I now acknowledge it. CassilanesObserve it Fathers, how this haughty boy Grows cunning in his envy of mine honours: He knows no mention can of me be made, But that it ever likewise must be told, How I by him was master'd; and for surety That all succeeding times may so report it, He would have my dishonour, and his Triumphs Ingrav'd in Brass: hence, hence proceeds the falshood Of his insinuating piety. Thou art no child of mine: thee and thy bloud, Here in the Capitol, before the Senate, I utterly renounce: So thrift and fate Confirm me; henceforth never see my face, Be, as thou art, a villain to thy Father. Lords I must crave your leaves: come, come Arcanes. [Ex. GonzaloHere's a strange high-born spirit. Possenne'Tis but heat Of suddain present rage; I dare assure Antinous of his favour. AntinousI not doubt it, He is both a good man, and a good Father. I shall attend your Lordships. PossenneDo Antinous. GonzaloYes: feast thy Triumphs With applause and pleasures. Porphycio PossenneLead on. [Exeunt. Flor. Cornets. AntinousI utterly renounce--'Twas so? Was't not, my Decius? DeciusPish, you know, my Lord, Old men are cholerick. AntinousAnd lastly parted With, never henceforth see my face: O me, How have I lost a Father? Such a Father! Such a one Decius! I am miserable, Beyond expression. DeciusFie, how unbecoming This shews upon your day of fame! AntinousO mischief! I must no more come near him; that I know, And am assur'd on't. DeciusSay you do not? AntinousTrue: Put case I do not: what is Candy then To lost Antinous? Malta, I resolve To end my dayes in thee. DeciusHow's that? AntinousI'le trie All humble means of being reconcil'd, Which if deny'd, then I may justly say, This day has prov'd my worst: Decius, my worst. [Exeunt. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 14548
Author: Beaumont, Francis
Release Date: Jan 1, 2005
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Contributor (Author): Fletcher, John, 1579-1625