书城公版Locrine Mucedorus
38547300000028

第28章 SCENE IV. The field of battle.(3)

GWENDOLINE. One mischief follows on another's neck. Who would have thought so young a maid as she With such a courage would have sought her death? And for because this River was the place Where little Sabren resolutely died, Sabren for ever shall this same be called. And as for Locrine, our deceased spouse, Because he was the son of mighty Brute, To whom we owe our country, lives and goods, He shall be buried in a stately tomb, Close by his aged father Brutus' bones, With such great pomp and great solemnity, As well beseems so brave a prince as he. Let Estrild lie without the shallow vaults, Without the honour due unto the dead, Because she was the author of this war. Retire, brave followers, unto Troynouant, Where we shall celebrate these exequies, And place young Locrine in his father's tomb.

[Exeunt omnes.] [Enter Ate.]

ATE. Lo here the end of lawless treachery, Of usurpation and ambitious pride; And they that for their private amours dare Turmoil our land, and set their broils abroach, Let them be warned by these premises. And as a woman was the only cause That civil discord was then stirred up, So let us pray for that renowned maid, That eight and thirty years the scepter swayed, In quiet peace and sweet felicity; And every wight that seeks her grace's smart, Would that this sword were pierced in his heart!

[Exit.]

[Finis.]

BOOK II

2. A MOST PLEASANT COMEDY OF MUCEDORUS THE KING'S SON OF VALENTIA, AND AMADINE, THE KING'SDAUGHTER OF ARRAGON.

THE PROLOGUE.

Most sacred Majesty, whose great deserts Thy Subject England, nay, the World, admires: Which Heaven grant still increase: O may your Praise, Multiplying with your hours, your Fame still raise; Embrace your Counsel; Love, with Faith, them guide, That both, as one, bench by each other's side. So may your life pass on and run so even, That your firm zeal plant you a Throne in Heaven, Where smiling Angels shall your guardians be From blemished Traitors, stained with Perjury: And as the night's inferiour to the day, So be all earthly Regions to your sway. Be as the Sun to Day, the Day to Night; For, from your Beams, Europe shall borrow light. Mirth drown your bosom, fair Delight your mind, And may our Pastime your Contentment find.

[Exit.]

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

Eight persons may easily play it.

THE KING and ROMBELO, for one. KING VALENCIA, for one. MUCEDORUS the prince of Valencia, for one. ANSELMO, for one. AMADINE the King's daughter of Arragon, for one. SEGASTO a Noble man, for one. ENVY; TREMELIO a Captain; BREMO a wild man, for one. COMEDY, a BOY, an OLD WOMAN, ARIENA Amadine's maid, for one. COLLEN a Counselor, a MESSENGER, for one. MOUSE the Clown, for one.

INDUCTION.

[Enter Comedy joyful with a garland of bays in her hand.]

Why so! thus do I hope to please: Music revives, and mirth is tolerable, Comedy, play thy part and please, Make merry them that comes to joy with thee: Joy, then, good gentles; I hope to make you laugh. Sound forth Bellona's silver tuned strings. Time fits us well, the day and place is ours.

[Enter Envy, his arms naked, besmeared with blood.]