The Laws of Candy by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
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Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher >> The Laws of Candy
236] The Laws of Candy
A Tragi-Comedy
The works of Beaumont and Fletcher, edited by A.R. Walker
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.
[_The Scene_ Candy]
The principal Actors were,
_Joseph Taylor_.
_William Eglestone_.
_Nicholas Toolie_.
_Richard Sharpe_.
_John Lowin_.
_John Underwood_.
_George Birch_.
_Thomas Pollard_.
237]
Actus Primus
Scena Prima
[Enter _Gaspero_, and _Melitus_]
Melitus:
Sir, you're the very friend I wish'd to meet with,
I have a large discourse invites your ear
To be an Auditor.
Gaspero:
And what concerns it?
Melitus:
The 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_.
Gaspero:
Alas, _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.
Melitus:
Who can tell
Whether or no these plagues at once
Hang over this unhappy Land for her sake
That is a Monster in it?
Gaspero:
Here'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.
Melitus:
Yet I wonder
Why (Master Secretary) still the Senate
So almost superstitiously adores
_Gonzalo_, the _Venetian_ Lord, considering
The outrage of his Countrymen--
Gaspero:
The 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;
238] 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.
Melitus:
What, without other pledges than _Cassilanes_
Bare promise of payment?
Gaspero:
No, 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.
Gaspero:
You 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.
Melitus:
By which strict Law, the Senate is in danger,
Should they neglect _Gonzalo_?
Gaspero:
Right, the Law
Permits a like equality to Aliens,
As to a home-bred Patriot.
Melitus:
Pray Sir, the other?
Gaspero:
Know, _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,
239] 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.
Melitus:
They are
Both famous Laws indeed.
[Enter a Messenger]
Messenger:
Master Secretary,
The Senate is about to sit, and crave
Your presence.
Gaspero:
What, so suddenly?
Messenger:
These Letters
Will shew the causes why.
Gaspero:
Heaven, thou art great,
And worthy to be thanked!
Melitus:
Your countenance, Sir,
Doth promise some good tidings.
Gaspero:
O the best
And happiest for this land that e'r was told!
All the _Venetian_ Forces are defeated.
Melitus:
How, Sir?
Gaspero:
And 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_.
Melitus:
Why may not both demand it?
Gaspero:
The 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.
Melitus:
You ravish me
With wonder and delight.
Gaspero:
Come; as we walk,
I shall more fully inform you.
[Exeunt.
240]
SCENE II
[Enter _Cassilanes_, _Arcanes_, _Antinous_, and _Decius_.]
Cassilanes:
Admit no Souldier near us till the Senate
Have took their places.
Arcanes:
You are obey'd, my Lord.
Antinous:
_Decius_, fall off.
Decius:
I shall.
Cassilanes:
Give leave _Arcanes_:
Young man, come nearer to me: who am I?
Antinous:
It were a sin against the piety
Of filial duty, if I should forget
The debt I owe my Father on my knee:
Your pleasure?
Cassilanes:
What, 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.
Antinous:
Sir,
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.
Cassilanes:
Boldly 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.
241]
Antinous:
Sir, 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.
Cassilanes:
Not to me?
Antinous:
You are my Father,
Yet not to you.
Cassilanes:
Ambitious Boy, how dar'st thou
To tell me, that thou wilt contend?
Antinous:
Had 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
242] 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?
Antinous:
My 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.
Cassilanes:
But he was not my Father then, _Antinous_;
Thou leav'st out that.
Antinous:
Sir, 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.
Cassilanes:
So 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_]
Antinous:
My life, but not the prize
My Sword hath purchas'd.
243]
Arcanes:
The Senate,
My Lord, are here at hand, and all the Souldiers
Begin to throng about them.
Cassilanes:
Now, _Arcanes_, the--
Arcanes:
What, Sir?
Cassilanes:
Trifles will affront us; that
Fine fighting Stripling.
Arcanes:
Let him have the shame on't;
'Please you withdraw on this side.
Cassilanes:
My great heart
Was never quail'd before.
Decius:
My Lord, be confident,
Let not your Father daunt you.
Arcanes:
_Decius_, whither
Must I withdraw?
Decius:
On this side.--See, the Souldiers
Attend your pleasure--courage, Sir; the Senate.
Cassilanes:
Way 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.
Possenne:
My 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.]
Gonzalo:
What's here, my Lord _Porphycio_?
It must not be.
Porphycio:
My Lord, you are too modest.
Gonzalo:
It is no season to be troublesome,
Else--but I have done: your Lordships are observ'd.
Gaspero:
Is the demandant ready?
244]
Arcanes:
He is ready.
Gaspero:
Produce him then.
Arcanes:
Before 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._
Decius:
Most 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_.
Gaspero:
Stand by all, save the two Competitors.
Possenne:
My 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.
Porphycio:
Wherein 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?
Souldiers:
I, I.
Cassilanes:
Right 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
245] 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
246] 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.
Gonzalo:
With reverence to the Senate, is it lawfull,
Without your Customes breach, to say a word?
Possenne:
Say on my Lord _Gonzalo_.
Gonzalo:
I 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.
Porphycio:
You have spoken nobly.
_Antinous_ use your priviledge.
Antinous:
Princely Fathers,
E're I begin, one suit I have to make,
'Tis just, and honourable.
Porphycio Possenne:
Speak, and have it.
Antinous:
That you would please the souldiers might all stand
247] Together by their General.
Possenne:
'Tis granted.
All fall to yonder side: Go on, _Antinous_.
Antinous:
I 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?
Souldiers:
True, true.
Antinous:
It 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?
Souldiers:
True, true.
Antinous:
When 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?
Souldiers:
True, true.
Antinous:
Lastly, 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?
248]
Souldiers:
_Antinous, Antinous_.
Antinous:
Behold my prisoner, Fathers.
Fernando:
This one man
Ruin'd our Army, and hath glorifi'd
_Crete_ in her robes of mightiness and conquest.
Possenne:
We 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_.
Porphycio:
Make 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_.
Antinous:
Thus (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 Possenne:
It is granted. What more?
Antinous:
No more.
Cassilanes:
How Boy?
Gonzalo:
Thou art immortal,
Both for thy Son-like pietie, and beauties
Of an unconquer'd minde.
Antinous:
My 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.
Cassilanes:
Ambitious villain.
249]
Gonzalo:
Thou 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?
Porphycio:
We are, and ever rest
Both friends and debters to your nobleness.
Gonzalo:
Souldiers attend me in the Market-place,
Fie thither send your largess.
Souldiers:
_Antinous, Antinous_.
[Exeunt.
Cassilanes:
I have a sute too, Lords.
Porphycio Possenne:
Propose it, 'tis yours, if fit and just.
Cassilanes:
Let 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.
Possenne:
We understand you not.
Cassilanes:
Proud boy, thou dost,
And Tyrant-like insult'st upon my shame.
Antinous:
Sir, Heaven can tell, and my integrity,
What I did, was but only to inforce
The Senates gratitude. I now acknowledge it.
Cassilanes:
Observe 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.
250] Lords I must crave your leaves: come, come _Arcanes_.
[Ex.
Gonzalo:
Here's a strange high-born spirit.
Possenne:
'Tis but heat
Of suddain present rage; I dare assure _Antinous_ of his favour.
Antinous:
I not doubt it,
He is both a good man, and a good Father.
I shall attend your Lordships.