Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 01 of 10: the Custom of the CountryFletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 01 of 10: the Custom of the Country
Fletcher, John
Brothers -- Drama; English drama -- 17th century; Sex customs -- Drama; Tragicomedy
_Zab._ You are like to speed then:
For I confess what you will soon believe,
We serve them best that are most apt to give,
For you, I'le place you where you shall see all, and yet be unobserv'd.
_Leop._ That I desire too. [_Exeunt._
_Enter_ Arnoldo.
_Arn._ I cannot see her yet, how it afflicts me
The poyson of this place should mix it self
With her pure thoughts? 'Twas she that was commanded,
Or my eyes failed me grosly; that youth, that face
And all that noble sweetness. May she not live here,
And yet be honest still?
_Enter_ Zenocia.
_Zen._ It is _Arnoldo_,
From all his dangers free; fortune I bless thee.
My noble husband! how my joy swells in me,
But why in this place? what business hath he here?
He cannot hear of me, I am not known here.
I left him vertuous; how I shake to think now!
And how that joy I had, cools, and forsakes me!
_Enter above_ Hippolyta _and_ Zabulon.
This Lady is but fair, I have been thought so
Without compare admired; She has bewitched him
And he forgot--
_Arn._ 'Tis she again, the same--the same _Zenocia_.
_Zab._ There they are together.--Now you may mark.
_Hip._ Peace, let 'em parly.
_Arn._ That you are well _Zenocia_, and once more
Bless my despairing eyes, with your wisht presence,
I thank the gods; but that I meet you here--
_Hip._ They are acquainted.
_Zab._ I found that secret Madam,
When you co[m]manded her go home: pray hear 'em.
_Zen._ That you meet me here, ne're blush at that _Arnoldo_.
Your coming comes too late: I am a woman,
And one woman with another may be trusted;
Do you fear the house?
_Arn._ More than a fear, I know it,
Know it not good, not honest.
_Zen._ What do you here then?
I'th' name of vertue why do you approach it?
Will you confess the doubt and yet pursue it?
Where have your eyes been wandring, my _Arnoldo_?
What constancy, what faith do you call this? Fie,
Aim at one wanton mark, and wound another?
I do confess, the Lady fair, most beauteous,
And able to betray a strong mans liberty,
[Leopold _places himself unseen below._
But you that have a love, a wife--you do well
To deal thus wisely with me: yet _Arnoldo_,
Since you are pleas'd to study a new beauty,
And think this old and ill, beaten with misery,
Study a nobler way for shame to love me,
Wrong not her honesty.
_Arn._ You have confirm'd me.
_Zen._ Who though she be your wife, will never hinder you,
So much I rest a servant to your wishes,
And love your Loves, though they be my destructions,
No man shall know me, nor the share I have in thee,
No eye suspect I am able to prevent you,
For since I am a slave to this great Lady,
Whom I perceive you follow,
_Arn._ Be not blinded.
_Zen._ Fortune shall make me useful to your service,
I will speak for you.
_Arn._ Speak for me? you wrong me.
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