The Mad Lover - Part 23
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Part 23

'Tis strange my Brains should still be beating Knavery For all these dangers, but they are needful mischiefs, And such are Nuts to me; and I must do 'em.

You will remember me--

_Clo._ By this kiss, _Chilax_.

_Chi._ No more of that, I fear another thunder.

_Clo._ We are not i'th' Temple, man.

_Enter_ Siphax.

_Chi._ Peace, here he comes, Now to our business handsomly; away now. [_Ex._ Chilax, _and_ Cloe.

_Si._ 'Twas sure the Princess, for he kneel'd unto her, And she lookt every way: I hope the Oracle Has made me happy; me I hope she lookt for,

_Enter_ Chilax, _and_ Cloe _at the other door_.

Fortune, I will so honour thee, Love, so adore thee.

She is here again, looks round about her, again too, 'Tis done, I know 'tis done; 'tis _Chilax_ with her, And I shall know of him; who's that?

_Chi._ Speak softly, The Princess from the Oracle.

_Si._ She views me, By Heaven she beckons me.

_Chi._ Come near, she wou'd have ye.

_Si._ O royal Lady. [_Kisses her hand._

_Chi._ She wills ye read that, for belike she's bound to silence For such a time; she is wondrous gracious to ye.

_Si._ Heav'n make me thankful.

_Chi._ She would have ye read it. [_He reads._

_Si._ _Siphax_, the will of Heaven hath cast me on thee To be thy Wife, whose Will must be obey'd: Use me with honour, I shall love thee dearly, And make thee understand thy worths hereafter; Convey me to a secret Ceremony, That both our hearts and loves may be united, And use no Language, till before my Brother We both appear, where I will shew the Oracle, For till that time I am bound, I must not answer.

_Si._ O happy I!

_Chi._ Ye are a made man.

_Si._ But _Chilax_, Where are her Women?

_Chi._ None but your Graces Sister, Because she would have it private to the World yet, Knows of this business.

_Si._ I shall thank thee, _Chilax_, Thou art a careful man.

_Chi._ Your Graces Servant.

_Si._ I'll find a fit place for thee.

_Chi._ If you will not, There's a good Lady will, she points ye forward, Away and take your fortune; not a word, Sir: So, you are greas'd I hope. [_Ex._ Si. _and_ Cloe, _manet_ Chilax.

_Enter_ Stremon, _Fool, and Boy_.

_Chi._ _Stremon_, Fool, _Picus_, Where have you left your Lord?

_Strem._ I' th' Temple, _Chilax_.

_Chi._ Why are ye from him?

_Strem._ Why, the King is with him, And all the Lords.

_Chi._ Is not the Princess there too?

_Strem._ Yes.

And the strangest Coil amongst 'em; She weeps bitterly: The King entreats, and frowns, my Lord like Autumn Drops off his hopes by handfulls, all the Temple Sweats with this Agony.

_Chi._ Where's young _Polydore_?

_Strem._ Dead, as they said, o' th' sudden.

_Chi._ Dead?

_Strem._ For certain, But not yet known abroad.

_Chi._ There's a new trouble, A brave young man he was; but we must all dye.

_Strem._ Did not the General meet you this morning Like a tall Stallion Nun?

_Chi._ No more o' that, Boy.

_Strem._ You had been ferretting.

_Chi._ That's all one, Fool; My Master Fool that taught my wits to traffick, What has your Wisedom done? how have you profited?

Out with your Audit: come, you are not empty, Put out mine eye with twelve-pence? do you shaker?

What think you of this shaking? here's wit, c.o.xcomb, Ha Boys? ha my fine Rascals, here's a Ring, { _Pulls out How right they go! { a Purse._

_Fool._ O let me ring the fore Bell.

[_Chi._] And here are thumpers, Chiqueens, golden rogues, Wit, wit, ye Rascals.

_Fool._ I have a Stye here, _Chilax_.

_Chi._ I have no Gold to cure it, not a penny, Not one cross, Cavalier; we are dull Souldiers, Gross heavy-headed fellows; fight for Victuals?

_Fool._ Why, ye are the Spirits of the time.

_Chi._ By no means.

_Fool._ The valiant firie.