Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 06 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 06 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Cra._ To that purpose
I am their Minister, stand not amaz'd,
To all your comforts I will do this wonder,
Your Majesty (with your pardon I must speak it)
Allow'd once heretofore of such a Contract,
Which you repenting afterwards, revok'd it,
Being fully bent to match her with _Agenor_,
The griev'd Prince knowing this, and yet not daring
To cross what you determin'd, by an oath
Bound me and these his followers to do something
That he might once enjoy her, we swore to it,
And easily perswaded, being assur'd
She was his Wife before the face of Heaven,
Although some ceremonious forms were wanting,
Committed the first Rape, and brought her to him,
Which broke the Marriage; but when we perceiv'd
He purpos'd to abuse our ready service
In the same kind: upon the chaste _Beliza_,
Holding our selves less ty'd to him than goodness;
I made discovery of it to my Brother,
Who can relate the rest.
_Euph._ It is most true.
_Qu._ I would it were:
_Euph._ In every circumstance
It is upon my soul: For this known to me,
I wan _Merione_ in my Ladies habit,
To be again (but willingly) surpriz'd,
But with _Agenor_, and her noble Brother,
With my approv'd friend _Conon_, with such speed
She was pursu'd, that the lewd act scarce ended,
The Prince (assur'd he had enjoy'd _Beliza_,
For all the time _Meriones_ face was cover'd)
Was apprehended and brought to your presence,
But not till now discover'd, in respect
I hop'd the imminent danger of the Prince,
To which his loose unquenched heats had brought him,
Being pursu'd unto the latest tryal
Would work in him compunction, which it has done;
And these two Ladies in their feign'd contentions,
To your delight I hope have serv'd as Maskers
To their own Nuptials.
_Qu._ My choice was worthy
When first I look'd on thee, as thou hast order'd
All shall be done, and not the meanest that
Plaid in this unexpected Comedy,
But shall pertake our bounty: And my Lord,
That with the rest you may seem satisfi'd,
If you dare venture on a Queen, not yet
So far in debt to years, but that she may
Bring you a lusty Boy, I offer up
My self and Kingdom, during my life to you.
_Ag._ It is a blessing which I durst not hope for,
But with all joy receive.
_All._ We all applaud it.
_Qu._ Then on unto the Temple, where the rights
Of Marriage ended, we'll find new delights. [_Exeunt._
_Here endeth the Queen of_ Corinth.
BONDUCA,
A
TRAGEDY.
The Persons Represented in the Play.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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