You are on page 1of 101

TheSpanishTragedy

ThomasKyd
EditedbyJohnMatthewsManly,1897

DRAMATISPERSONAE GHOSTOFANDREA| REVENGE|theChorus. KINGOFSPAIN. VICEROYOFPORTUGAL. DONCIPRIAN,dukeofCastile. HIERONIMO,knightmarshallofSpain. BALTHAZAR,theViceroysson. LORENZO,DonCipriansson[andBelimperiasbrother]. HORATIO,Hieronimosson. ALEXANDRO| VILLUPPO|lordsofPortual. PEDRINGANO,servantofBelimperia. SERBERINE,servantofBalthazar. SpanishGeneral,PortugueseEmbassador,OldMan,PainterPage, Hangman,Citizens,Soldiers,Attendants,&c. BELIMPERIA,Lorenzossister. ISABELLA,Hieronimoswife. PAGE. MESSENGER. CHRISTOPHEL. SERVANT. SENEX(DONBAZULTO). CITIZENS. SCENE:SpainandPortugal

TheSpanishTragedy ACTVSPRIMVS. [Prologue] EntertheGHOASTOFANDREA,andwithhimREUENGE. GHOAST.Whenthiseternallsubstanceofmysoule Didliueimprisondinmywantonflesh, Echintheirfunctionseruingothersneed, IwasacourtierintheSpanishcourt: MynamewasDonAndrea;mydiscent, Thoughnotignoble,yetinferiourfar Togratiousfortunesofmytenderyouth, Forthere,inprimeandprideofallmyyeeres, Byduteousseruiceanddeseruingloue, InsecretIpossestaworthydame, WhichhightsweetBelimperiabyname. Butintheharuestofmysommerioyes Deathswinternipttheblossomesofmyblisse, Forcingdiuorcebetwixtmyloueandme; ForinthelateconflictwithPortingale Myvalourdrewmeintodangersmouth Tilllifetodeathmadepassagethroughmywounds. WhenIwasslaine,mysouledescendedstraight TopassetheflowingstreameofArcheron; ButchurlishCharon,onlyboatmanthere, Saidthat,myritesofburiallnotperformde, Imightnotsitamongsthispassengers. EreSolhadsleptthreenightsinThetislap, Andslaktehissmoakingcharriotinherfloud, ByDonHoratio,ourknightmarshalssonne, Myfuneralsandobsequiesweredone. Thenwasthefarimanofhellcontent Topassemeouertotheslimiestrond ThatleadestofellAuernusouglywaues. There,pleasingCerberuswithhoniedspeech, Ipasttheperilsoftheformostporch. Notfarrefromhence,amidsttenthousandsoules, SateMinos,EacusandRhadamant; TowhomenosoonerganImakeapproach, Tocraueapasportformywandringghost, ButMinosingrauenleauesoflotterie Drewforththemannerofmylifeanddeath. Thisknight,quothhe,bothliudanddiedinloue;

TheSpanishTragedy Andforhislouetriedfortuneofthewarres; Andbywarresfortunelostbothloueandlife. Whythen,saidEacus,conveyhimhence Towalkewithloversinourfieldofloue Andthecourseofeuerlastingtime Vndergreenemirtletreesandcipresseshades. No,no!saidRhadamant,itwerenotwell Withlouingsoulestoplaceamartialist. Hediedinwarre,andmusttomartiallfields, WherewoundedHectorliuesinlastingpaine, AndAchillesMermedonsdoscouretheplaine. ThenMinos,mildestcensorofthethree, Madethisdeuice,toendthedifference: Sendhim,quothhe,toourinfernallking, TodomehimasbestseemeshisMaiestie. Tothiseffectmypasportstraightwasdrawne. InkeepingonmywaytoPlutoscourt Throughdreadfullshadesofeuergloomingnight, Isawmoresightsthanthousandtonguescantell Orpennescanwriteormortallhartscanthink. Threewaiestherewere:thatontherighthandside Wasreadywayvntotheforesaidfields Wherelouersliueandbloudiemartialists, Buteithersortcontaindwithinhisbounds; Thelefthandpath,decliningfearfuly, Wasreadydownfalltothedeepesthell, WherebloudieFuriesshakestheirwhipsofsteele, AndpooreIxionturnesanendleswheele, Wherevsurersarechoaktwithmeltinggolde, Andwantonsareimbrastewithouglysnakes, Andmurderersgroanewithneuerkillingwounds, Andperiuredwightsscaldedinboilinglead, Andallfoulesinneswithtormentsouerwhelmd; TwixtthesetwowaiesItrodthemiddlepath, WhichbroughtmetothefaireEliziangreene, Inmidstwhereoftherestandesastatelytowre, Thewallesofbrasse,thegatesofadamant. HeerefindingPlutowithhisProserpine, Ishewedmypasport,humbledonmyknee. WhereatfaireProserpinebegantosmile, Andbegdthatonelyshemightgiuemedoome. Plutowaspleasd,andsealdeitwithakisse. Forthwith,Reuenge,sheroundedtheeintheare,

TheSpanishTragedy Andbadtheeleadmethoughthegatesofhorn, Wheredreameshauepassageinthesilentnight. Nosoonerhadshespokebutweweereheere, Iwotnothow,inthetwinklingofaneye. REUENGE.Thenknow,Andrea,thatthouariud Wherethoushaltseetheauthorofthydeath, DonBalthazar,theprinceofPortingale, DepriudoflifebyBelimperia: Heeresitwedownetoseethemisterie, AndserueforChorusinthistragedie.

TheSpanishTragedy [ACTI.SCENE1.] [TheSpanishCourt] EnterSPANISHKING,GENERAL,CASTILE,HIERONIMO. KING.Nowsay,lordgenerall:howfaresourcampe? GEN.Allwel,mysoueraigneliege,exceptsomefew Thataredeceastbyfortuneofthewarre. KING.Butwhatportendsthycheerefullcountenance Andpostingtoourpresencethisinhast? Speak,man:hathfortunegiuenvsvictorie? GEN.Victorie,myliege,andthatwithlittlelosse. KING.OutPortugalswillpayvstributethen? GEN.Tribute,andwontedhomagetherewithall. KING.ThenblestbeHeauen,andGuideroftheheauens, Fromwhosefaireinfluencesuchiusticeflowes! CAST.OmultumdilecteDeo,tibimilitataether, Etconiurataecuratopoplitegentes Succumbent:rectosororestvictoriaiuris! KING.ThankstomylovingbrotherofCastille. But,generall,vnfoldeinbreefediscourse Yourformeofbattellandyourwarressuccesse, That,addingallthepleasureofthynewes Vntotheheightofformerhappines, Withdeeperwageandgentiledignitie Wemayrewardthyblisfullchiualrie. GEN.WhereSpaineandPortingaledoioyntlyknit Theirfrontiers,leaningoneachothersbound, Theremetourarmiesintheproudaray: Bothfurnishtwell,bothfullofhopeandfeare, Bothmenacingalikewithdaringshowes, Bothvauntingsundrycoloursofdeuice, Bothcheerlysoundingtrumpets,drumsandfifes, Bothraisingdreadfullclamorstotheskie,

TheSpanishTragedy Thatvalleis,hils,andriuersmaderebound Andheauenitselfewasfrightedwiththesound. Ourbattelsbothwerepitchtinsquadronforme, Eachcornerstronglyfenstwithwingsofshot; But,ereweioynedandcametopushofpike, Ibroughtasquadronofourreadiestshot Fromoutourrearwardtobeginthefight; Theybroughtanotherwingtoincountervs; Meanewhileourordinanceplaidoneitherside, Andcaptainesstrouetohauetheirvalourstride. DonPedro,theirchiefehorsemenscorlonell, Didwithhiscornetbrauelymakeattempt Tobreakourorderofourbattellrankes; ButDonRogero,worthymanofwarre, Marchtforthagainsthimwithourmusketiers Andstoptthemalliceofhisfellapproach. Whiletheymaintainehotskirmishtooandfro, Bothbattailesioyneandfalltohandieblowes, Theirviolentshotresemblingthoceansrage When,roaringlowdandwithaswellingtide, Itbeatsvpontherampiersofhugerocks, Andgapestoswallowneighborboundinglands. Now,whileBellonaragethheereandthere, Thickstormesofbulletsranlikewintershaile, Andshiueredlauncesdarkethetroubledaire; Pedepes&cuspidecuspis, Armasonantarmisvirpetiturqueviro; Oneuerysidedropcaptainestotheground, Andsouldiers,someillmaimde,someslaineoutright: Heerefallsabodysundredfromhishead; Therelegsandarmeslyebleedingonthegrasse, Mingledwithweaponsandvnboweledsteeds, Thatscatteringouerspreadthepurpleplaine. Inallthisturmoyle,threelonghovresandmore Thevictorytoneitherpartinclinde, TillDonAndreawithhisbrauelanciers Intheirmainebattellmadesogreatabreach That,halfedismaid,themultituderetirde. ButBalthazar,thePortingalesyoungprince, Broughtrescueandencouragdethemtostay. Heerehencethefightwaseagerlyrenewd, AndinthatconflictwasAndreaslaine, Brauemanatarms,butweaketoBalthazar.

TheSpanishTragedy Yet,whiletheprince,insultingouerhim, Breathdoutproudvaunts,soundingtoourreproch, Friendshipandhardievalourioynedinone PricktforthHoratio,ourknightmarshalssonne, Tochallengeforththatprinceinsinglefight. Notlongbetweenethesetwainthefightindurde, Butstraighttheprincewasbeatenfromhishorse Andforcsttoyeeldhimprisonertohisfoe. Whenhewastaken,alltherestfled, Andourcarbinespursuedthemtodeath, Till,Phoebuswaningtothewesterndeepe, Ourtrumpeterswerechargdtosoundretreat. KING.Thanks,goodlordgeneral,forthesegoodnewes! And,forsomeargumentofmoretocome, Takethisandweareitforthysoueraignessake. Giuehimhischaine. Buttellmenow:hastthouconfirmedapeace? GEN.Nopeace,myliege,butpeaceconditionall, That,ifwithhomagetributebewellpaid, Thefuryofyourforceswilbestaide. Andtothispeacetheirviceroyhathsubscribde, GiuetheKINGapaper. Andmadeasolemnevowthatduringlife HistributeshalbetruelypaidtoSpaine. KING.Thesewords,thesedeedsbecomethypersonwel. Butnow,knightmarhsall,frolikewiththyking, Fortisthysonnethatwinnesthisbattelsprize. HIERO.Longmayheliuetoseruemysoueraigneliege! Andsoonedecayunlessheseruemyliege! Atrumpetafarreoff. KING.Northounorheshalldyewithoutreward. Whatmeanesthiswarningofthistrumpetssound?

TheSpanishTragedy GEN.ThistelsmethatyourGracesmenofwarre, Suchaswarresfortunehathreserudfromdeath, Comemarchingontowardsyourroyallseate, ToshowthemseluesbeforeyourMaiestie; ForsogaueIinchargeatmydepart. Wherebybydemonstrationshallappeare Thatall,exceptthreehundredorfewmore, Aresafereturndandbytheirfoesinricht. Thearmieenters,BALTHAZARbetweeneLORENZO andHORATIO,captiue. KING.Agladsomesight!Ilongtoseethemheere. Theyenterandpasseby. WasthatthewarlikeprinceofPortingale Thatbyournephewwasintriumphled? GEN.Itwas,myliege,theprinceofPortingale. KING.Butwhatwashethatontheotherside Heldhimbytharmeaspartneroftheprize? HIERO.Thatwasmysonne,mygracioussoueraigne; Ofwhomethoughfromhistenderinfancie Mylouingthoughtsdidneuerhopebutwell, Heneuerpleasdhisfatherseyestillnow, Norfildmyhartwithouercloyingioyes. KING.Goe,letthemmarchoncemoreaboutthesewalles, Thatstayingthemwemayconferreandtalke Withourbraueprisonerandhisdoubleguard. [ExitaMESSENGER.] Hieoronimo,itgreatlypleasethvs Thatinourvictoriethouhaueashare Byvertueofthyworthysonnesexploit. Enteragaine. BringhethertheyoungprinceofPortingale!

TheSpanishTragedy Therestmartchon,but,eretheybedismist, Wewillbestowoneuerysoldier Twoduckets,andoneueryleaderten, Thattheymayknowourlargessewelcomesthem. Exeuntall[thearmy]butBALTHAZAR, LORENZO,andHORATIO. KING.Welcome,DonBalthazar!Welcomenephew! Andthou,Horatio,thouartwelcometoo! Youngprince,althoughthyfathershardmisdeedes Inkeepingbackethetributethatheowes Deseruebuteuillmeasureatourhands, YetshaltthouknowthatSpaineishonorable. BALT.Thetrespassethatmyfathermadeinpeace Isnowcontroldebyfortuneofthewarres; Andcardsoncedealt,itbootesnotaskewhyso. Hismenareslaine,aweakeningtohisrealme; Hiscoloursceazd,ablotvntohisname; Hissonnedistrest,acorsiuetohishart; Thesepunishmentsmayclearehislateoffence. KING.I,Balthazar,ifheobseruethistruce, Ourpeacewillgrowthestrongerforthesewarres. Meanewhileliuethou,thoughnotinlibertie, Yetfreefrombearinganyseruileyoake; Forinourhearingthydesertsweregreat. Andinoursightthyselfeartgratious. BALT.AndIshallstudietodeseruethisgrace. KING.Buttellme,fortheirholdingmakesmedoubt: ToWhichofthesetwaineartthouprisoner? LOR.Tome,myliege. HOR.Tome,mysoueraigne. LOR.Thishandfirsttookehiscourserbytheraines. HOR.Butfirstmylauncedidputhimfromhishorse.

TheSpanishTragedy LOR.Iceazdtheweaponandenioydeitfirst. HOR.ButfirstIforcdhimlayhisweaponsdowne. KING.Letgoehisarm,vponmypriviledge! Lethimgoe. Say,worthyprince:towhetherdidstthouyeeld? BALT.Tohimincurtesie;tothisperforce; Hespakemefaire,thisothergauemestrokes; Hepromisdelife,thisotherthreatneddeath; Hewanmyloue,thisotherconquerdme; And,truthtosay,Iyeeldmyselfetoboth. HIERO.ButthatIknowyourGraceisiustandwise, Andmightseemepartiallinthisdifference, Inforctbynatureandbylawofarmes, MytongueshouldpleadforyoungHoratiosright. Hehuntedwellthatwasalyonsdeath, Nothethatinagarmentworehisskin; Soharesmaypulldeadlyonsbythebeard. KING.Contentthee,marshall;thoushalthauenowrong, Andforthysakethysonneshallwanttoright. Willbothabidethecensureofmydoome? LOR.IcrauenobetterthanyourGraceawards. HOR.NorI,althoughIsitbesidemyright. KING.Thenbyiudgementthusyourstrifeshallend: Youbothdeserueandbothshallhauereward. Nephew,thoutooksthisweaponsandhishorse: Hisweaponsandhishorsearethyreward. Horatio,thoudidstforcehimfirsttoyeeld: Hisransomethereforeisthyvaloursfee; Appointthesumasyoushallbothagree. But,nephew,thoushalthauetheprinceinguard, Forthineestatebestfittethsuchaguest; Horatioshouseweresmallforallhistraine. Yet,inregardtheysubstancepassethhis,

TheSpanishTragedy Andthatiustguerdonmaybefalldesert, Tohimweyeeldthearmouroftheprince. HowlikesdonBalthazarofthisdeuice? BALT.Rightwell,myliege,ifthisprouizowere: ThatDonHoratiobearevscompany, WhomeIadmireandloueforchiualrie. KING.Horatio,leauehimnotthatlouestheeso. Nowletvshence,toseeoursouldierspaide, Andfeastourprisonerasourfriendlyguest. Exeunt. [ACTI.SCENE2.] [Portugal:theVICEROYSpalace.] EnterVICEROY,ALEXANDRO,VILLUPPO. VICE.IsourembassadourdispatchtforSpaine? ALEX.Twodaies,myliege,arepastsincehisdepart. VICE.Andtributepaimentgonealongwithhim? ALEX.I,mygoodlord. VICE.Thenrestweheereawhileinourvnrest; Andfeedeoursorroweswithinwardsighes, Fordeepestcaresbreakneuerintoteares. ButwhereforesitIinaregallthrone? Thisbetterfitsawretchesendlesmoane. Yetthisishigherthenmyfortunesreach, Andthereforebetterthenmystatedeserues. Fallestothegrounde. I,I,thisearth,imageofmelancholly, Seekshimwhomefatesadiudgetomiserie! Heereletmelye!NowamIatthelowest!

10

TheSpanishTragedy Quiiacetinterranonhabetvndecadat. Inmeconcumpsitviresfortunanocendo, Nilsuperestvtiampossitobessemagis. Yes,Fortunemaybereauemeofmycrowne Heere,takeitnow;letFortunedoeherworst, Sheshallnowrobmeofthissableweed. O,no,sheenuiesnonebutpleasentthings. Suchisthefollyofdespightfullchance, Fortuneisblindeandseesnotmydeserts, Soisshedeafeandhearesnotmylaments; And,couldesheheare,yetisshewillfullmad, Andthereforewillnotpittiemydistresse. Supposethatshecouldepittieme,whatthen? Whathelpecanbeexpectedatherhands Whosefooteisstandingonarowlingstone Andmindemoremutablethenficklewindes? WhywaileI,then,whereshopeofnoredresse? O,yes,complainingmakesmygreefeseemelesse. Mylateambitionhathdistaindmyfaith, Mybreachoffaithoccaisionedbloudiewarres, Thosebloudiewarreshauespentmytreasurie, Andwithmytreasuriemypeoplesblood, Andwiththebloodmyioyandbestbeloued, Mybestbeloued,mysweetandonelysonne! O,whereforewentInottowarremyselfe? Thecausewasmine;Imighthauediedforboth. Myyeeresweremellow,buthisyoungandgreene: Mydeathwerenaturall,buthiswasforced. ALEX.Nodoubt,myliege,butstilltheprincesuruiues. VICE.Suruiues!I,where? ALEX.InSpaine,aprisonerbymichanceofwarre. VICE.Thentheyhaueslainehimforhisfathersfault. ALEX.Thatwereabreachtocommonlaweofarmes. VICE.Theyreckenolawesthatmeditatereuenge. ALEX.Hisransomesworthwillstayfromfoulereuenge.

11

TheSpanishTragedy VICE.No;ifheliued,theneweswouldsoonebeheere. VILLUP.Mysoueraign,pardontheauthorofillnewes, AndIlebewraythefortuneofthysonne. VICE.Speakeon;Ileguerdonthee,whatereitbe. Mineeareisreadytoreceiueillnewes, Myhartgrownehardgainstmischiefesbattery; Standvp,Isay,andtellthytaleatlarge. VILLUP.Thenhearethattruthwhichthesemineeieshaveseene: Whenboththearmieswereinbattellioyned. DonBalthazaramidstthethickesttroupes, Towinnerenowme,didwondrousfeatsofarmes; AmongsttherestIsawhimhandtohand Insinglefightwiththeirlordgenerall. TillAlexandro,thatheerecounterfeits Vnderthecolourofaduteousfreend, Dischargedapistolattheprincesback, Asthoughhewouldhaueslainetheirgenerall, ButtherwithallDonBalthazarfelldowne; Andwhenhefell,thenwebegantoflie; But,hadheliued,thedayhadsurebeneours. ALEX.Owichedforgerie!Otraiterousmiscreant! VICE.Holdthouthypeace!Butnow,Villuppo,say: Wherethenbecamethecarkasseofmysonne? VILLUP.IsawthemdragittotheSpanishtents. VICE.I,I,mynightlydreameshauetoldemethis! Thoufalse,vnkinde,vnthankfull,traiterousbeast! WhereinhadBalthazaroffendedthee, Thatthoushouldbetrayhimtoourfoes? WastSpanishgoldethatblearedsothineeyes Thatthoucouldstseenopartofourdeserts? Perchance,becausethouartTerseraeslord, Thouhadstsomehopetowearethisdiademe Iffirstmysonneandthenmyselfewereslaine; Butthyambitiousthoughtshallbreakethyneck. I,thiswasitthatmadetheespillhisbloud!

12

TheSpanishTragedy Takethecrowneandputitonagaine. ButIlenowweareittilltheybloudbespilt. ALEX.Vouchsafe,dreadsoueraigne,tohearemespeak! VICE.Awaywithhim!hissightissecondhell! Keepehimtillwedeterminehisdeath. IfBalthazarbedead,heshallnotliue. [Theytakehimout.] Villuppo,followvsforthyreward. ExitVICEROY. VILLUP.ThushaueIwithanenuiousforgedtale Deceiuedtheking,betraidmineenemy, Andhopeforguerdonofmyvillany. [ACTI.SCENE3.] [Spain:thepalace] EnterHORATIOandBELIMPERIA. BEL.SigniorHoratio,thisistheplaceandhoure WhereinImustintreattheetorelate ThecircumstanceofDonAndreasdeath, Wholiuingwasmygarlandssweetestflower, Andinhisdeathhathburiedmydelights. HOR.Forloueofhimandseruicetoyourself, Ilenotrefusethisheauydolefullcharge; Yettearesandsighes,Ifeare,willhinderme. Whenbothourarmieswereenioyndinfight, Yourworthiechiualieradmistthethikst, Forgloriouscausestillaimingatthefairest, WasatthelastbyyongDonBalthazar Encounteredhandtohand.Theirfightwaslong, Theirhartsweregreat,theirclamoursmenacing,

13

TheSpanishTragedy Theirstrengthalike,theirstrokesbothdangerous; ButwrathfullNemesis,thatwickedpower, EnuyingatAndreaspraiseandworth, Cutshorthislifetoendhispraiseandwoorth. She,sheherselfe,disguisdeinarmoursmaske, AsPallaswasbeforeproudPergamus, Broughtinafreshsupplyofhalberdiers, Whichpaunchthishorseanddingdhimtotheground. ThenyongDonBalthazar,withruthlesrage, Takingaduantageofhisfoesdistresse, Didfinishwhathishalberdiersbegun; AndleftnottillAndreaslifewasdone. Then,thoughtoolate,incenstwithiustremorce, Iwithmybandsetfoorthagainsttheprince, Andbroughthimprisonerfromhishalbardiers. BEL.Wouldthouhadstslainehimthatsoslewmyloue! ButthenwasDonAndreascarkasselost? HOR.No;thatwasitforwhichIcheefelystroue, NorsteptIbacktillIrecouerdhim. Itookehimvp,andwoundhiminminearmes, And,weldinghimvntomypriuatetent, Therelaidhimdowneanddewdhimwithmyteares, Andsighedandsorrowedasbecameafreend. Butneitherfreendlysorrow,sighesandteares CouldwinpaleDeathfromhisvsurpedright. YetthisIdid,andlesseIcouldnotdoe: Isawhimhonouredwithduefunerall. ThisscarfeIplucktfromoffhisliuelesarme, Andwearitinremembranceofmyfreend. BEL.Iknowthescarfe:wouldhehadkeptitstill! For,hadheliued,hewouldhauekeptitstill, AndworneitforhisBelimperiassake; Fortwasmyfauourathislastdepart. Butnowwearethouitbothforhimandme; For,afterhim,thouhastdeserueditbest. But,forthykindnesinhislifeanddeath, Besure,whileBelimperiaslifeendures, ShewillbeDonHoratiosthankfullfreend. HOR.And,madame,DonHoratiowillnotslacke

14

TheSpanishTragedy HumblytoseruefaireBelimperia. Butnow,ifyourgoodlikingstandthereto, Ilecraueyourpardontogoeseeketheprince; Forsotheduke,yourfather,gauemecharge. Exit. BEL.I,goe,Horatio;leauemeheerealone, Forsolitudebestfitsmycheerelesmood. YetwhatauailestowaileAndreasdeath, FromwhenceHoratioprouesmysecondloue? HadhenotlouedAndreaashedid, HecouldnotsitinBelimperiasthoughts. Buthowcanlouefindeharbourinmybrest, TillIreuengethedeathofmybeloued? Yes,secondloueshallfurthermyreuenge: IleloueHoratio,myAndreasfreend, Themoretospighttheprincethatwroughthisend; And,whereDonBalthazar,thatslewmyloue, Heshall,inrigourofmyiustdisdaine, Reapelongrepentanceforhismurderousdeed, Forwhatwastelsbutmurderouscowardise, Somanytooppresseonevaliantknight, Withoutrespectofhonourinthefight? Andheerehecomesthatmurdredmydelight. EnterLORENZOandBALTHAZAR. LOR.Sister,whatmeanesthismelancholliewalke? BEL.ThatforawhileIwishnocompany. LOR.Butheeretheprinceiscometovisiteyou. BEL.Thatarguesthatheliuesinlibertie. BAL.Nomadam,butinpleasingseruitude. BEL.Yourprisonthen,belike,isyourconceit. BAL.I,byconceitemyfreedomeisenthralde. BEL.Thenwithconceiteenlargeyourselfeagaine.

15

TheSpanishTragedy BAL.Whatifconceitehauelaidmyharttogage? BEL.Paythatyouborrowed,andrecouerit. BAL.Idieifitreturnefromwhenceitlyes. BEL.Ahartlesman,andliue?Amiracle! BAL.I,lady,louecanworksuchmiracles. LOR.Tush,tush,mylord!letgoetheseambages, Andinplainetearmesacquaintherwithyourloue. BEL.Whatbootescomplaint,whenthersnoremedy? BAL.Yes,toyourgraciosselfemustIcomplaine, Inwhosefaireanswerelyesmyremedy, Onwhoseperfectionallmythoughtsattend, Onwhoseaspectmineeyesfindebeautiesbowre, Inwhosetranslucentbrestmyhartislodgde. BEL.Alas,mylord!therebutwordsofcourse, Andbutdeuisetodriuemefromthisplace. She,goingin,letsfallhergloue,which HORATIO,commingout,takesvp. HOR.Madame,yourgloue. BEL.Thanks,goodHoratio;takeitforthypaines. [BELIMPERIAexits.] BAL.SigniorHoratiostooptinhappietime! HOR.IreaptmoregracethatIdeserudorhopd. LOR.Mylord,benotdismaidforwhatispast; Youknowthatwomenoftarehumerous: Thesecloudswillouerblowwithlittlewinde; Letmealone,Illscatterthemmyselfe. Meanewhileletvsdeuisetospendthetime Insomedelightfullsportsandreuelling.

16

TheSpanishTragedy HOR.Theking,mylords,iscomminghitherstraight TofeastthePortingallembassadour; ThingswereinreadinessbeforeIcame. BAL.Thenheereitfitsvstoattendtheking, Towelcomehitherourembassadour, Andlearnemyfatherandmycountrieshealth. Enterthebanquet,TRUMPETS,theKING, andEMBASSADOUR. KING.See,lordembassador,howSpaineintreats TheirprisonerBalthazar,thyviceroyessonne: Wepleasuremoreinkindenesthaninwarres. EMBASS.Sadisourking,andPortingalelaments, SupposingthatDonBalthazarisslaine. BAL.[aside]SoamI,slainebybeautiestirannie! Yousee,mylord,howBalthazarisslaine: IfrolikewiththeDukeofCastillessonne, Wrapteueryhoureinpleasuresofthecourt, AndgrastewithfauoursofhisMaiestie. KING.Putoffyourgreetingstillourfeastbedone; Nowcomeandsitwithvs,andtasteourcheere. Sittothebanquet. Sitdowne,youngprince,youareoursecondguest; Brother,sitdowne;andnephew,takeyourplacel SigniorHoratio,waitethouvponourcup, Forwellthouhastdeseruedtobehonored. Now,lordings,falltoo:SpaineisPortugall, AndPortugallisSpaine;webotharefreends; Tributeispaid,andweenioyourright. ButwhereisoldeHieronimo,ourmarhsall? Hepromisedvs,inhonorofourguest, Tograceourbanquetwithsomepompousiest. EnterHIERONIMOwithaDRUM,threeKNIGHTS, eachwithscutchin;thenhefethcesthree KINGS;theytaketheircrownesandthem

17

TheSpanishTragedy captiue. Hieronimo,thismakescontentsmineeie, AlthoughIsoundwellnotthemisterie. HIERO.Thefirstarmdknightthathunghisscutchinvp HetakesthescutchinahdgiuesittotheKING. WasEnglishRobert,EarleofGlocester, Who,whenKingStephenboreswayinAlbion, Arriuedwithfiueandtwentythousandmen InPortingale,and,bysuccesseofwarre, Enforcedtheking,thenbutaSarasin, TobearetheyoakeoftheEnglishmonarchie. KING.MylordofPortingale,bythisyousee Thatwhichmaycomfortbothyourkingandyou, Andmakeyourlatediscomfortseemethelesse. Butsay,Hieronimo:whatwasthenext? HIERO.Thesecondknightthathunghisscutchinvp Hedothashedidbefore. WasEdmond,EarleofKentinAlbion. WhenEnglishRichardworethediadem, HecamelikewiseandrazedLisbonwalles, AndtookethekingofPortingaleinfight, Forwhich,andothersucheseruicedone, HeafterwascreatedDukeofYorke. KING.Thisisanotherspeciallargument ThatPortingalemaydainetobeareouryoake, WhenitbylittleEnglandhathbeeneyoakt. Butnow,Hieronimo,whatwerethelast? HIERO.Thethirdandlast,notleastinouraccount, Dooingasbefore. Was,astherest,avaliantEnglishman, BraueIohnofGaunt,theDukeofLancaster,

18

TheSpanishTragedy Asbyhisscuthcinplainelymayappeare: HewithapuissantarmiecametoSpaine AndtookeourKingeofCastilleprisoner. EMBASS.Thisisanargumentforourviceroy ThatSpainemaynotinsultforhersuccesse, SinceEnglishwarriourslikewiseconqueredSpaine AndmadethembowtheirkneestoAlbion. KING.Hieronimo,Idrinketotheeforthisdeuice, Whichhathpleasdeboththeembassadorandme: Pledgeme,Hieronimo,ifthoulouetheking! TakesthecupofHORATIO. Mylord,Ifearewesitbutouerlong, Vnlesseourdaintiesweremoredelicate, Butwelcomearetoyouthebestwehaue. Nowletvsin,thatyoumaybedispatcht; Ithinkourcouncellisalreadyset. Exeuntomnes. [CHORUS.] ANDREA.Comeweforthisfromdepthofvnderground, Toseehimfeastthatgauememydeathswound? Thesepleasantsightsaresorrowtomysoule: nothingbutleagueandloueandbanqueting! REUENGE.Bestill,Andrea;erewegofromhence, Ileturnetheirfreendshipintofelldespight, Theirlouetomortallhate,theirdaytonight, Theirhopeintodispaire,theirpeaceinwarre, Theirioyestopaine,theirblissetomiserie.

19

TheSpanishTragedy ACTUSSECUNDUS. [ACTII.SCENE1.] [TheDUKEscastle.] EnterLORENZOandBALTHAZAR. LORENZO.Mylord,thoughBelimperiaseemethuscoy, Letreasonholdeyouinyourwontedioy: Intimethesauagebullsustainestheyoake, Intimeallhaggardhawkeswillstoopetolure, Intimesmallwedgescleauethehardestoake, Intimethehardestflintispearstwithsoftestshower; Andsheintimewillfallfromherdisdaine, Andruethesufferanceofyourfreendlypaine. BAL.No;sheiswilder,andmorehardwithall, Thenbeastorbird,ortreeorstonywall! ButwhereforeblotIBelimperiasname? Itismyfault,notshethatmeritsblame. Myfeatureisnottocontenthersight; Mywordesarerudeandworkehernodelight; ThelinesIsendherarebutharshandill, SuchasdoedropfromPanandMarsiasquill; Mypresentsarenotofsufficientcost; And,beingworthles,allmylabourslost. Yetmightshelouemeformyvaliancie. I;butthatsslandredbycaptiuitie. Yetmightshelouemetocontenthersire. I;butherreasonmastersherdesire. Yetmightshelouemeasherbrothersfreend. I;butherhopesaimeatsomeotherend. Yetmightshelouemetovpreareherstate. I;butperhapsshelouessomenoblermate. Yetmightshelouemeasherbeautiesthrall. I;butIfeareshecannotloueatall. LOR.Mylord,formysakeleauetheseextasies, Anddoubtnotbutweelefindesomeremedie. Somecausethereisthatletsyounotbeloued: Firstthatmustneedsbeknowne,andthenremoued. Whatifmysisterlouesomeotherknight?

20

TheSpanishTragedy BAL.Mysommersdaywillturnetowintersnight. LOR.Ihauealreadyfoundeastrategeme Tosoundthebottomeofthisdoubtfulltheame. Mylord,foronceyoushallberuldebyme; Hindermenotwhatereyouheareorsee: ByforceorfairemeaneswillIcastabout Tofindethetruthofallthisquestionout. Ho,Pedringano! PED.Signior. LOR.Vienquipresto! EnterPEDRINGANO. PED.Hathyourlordshipanyseruicetocommandme? LOR.I,Pedringano,seruiceofimport. And,nottospendthetimeintriflingwords, Thusstandsthecase:itisnotlong,thouknowst, SinceIdidshieldtheefrommyfatherswrath ForthyconuenianceinAndreaslove, Forwhichthouwertadiudgdtopunishment; Istoodbetwixttheeandthypunishment, AndsincethouknowesthowIhauefavoredthee. NowtothesefauourswillIaddereward, Notwithfairewoords,butstoreofgoldencoyne Andlandsandliuingioyndwithdignities, Ifthoubutsatisfiemyiustdemaund; Telltruthandhauemeforthylastingfreend. PED.Whatereitbeyourlordshipshalldemaund, Myboundenduetybidsmetellthetruth, Ifcaseitlyeinmetotellthetruth. LOR.Then,Pedringano,thisismydemaund; WhomelouesmysisterBelimperia? Forshereposethallhertrustinthee. Speak,man,andgainebothfreendshipandreward: Imeane,whomelouessheinAndreasplace? PED.Alas,mylord,sinceDonAndreasdeath

21

TheSpanishTragedy Ihauenocreditwithherasbefore, Andthereforeknownotifsheloueorno. LOR.Nay,ifthoudally,thenIamthyfoe, Andfeareshallforcewhatfrendshipcannotwinne. Thydeathshallburywhatthylifeconceales. Thoudyestformoreesteemingherthanme! [Drawshissword.] PED.Ohstay,mylord! LOR.Yetspeakthetruth,andIwillguerdonthee Andshieldtheefromwhateuercanensue, Andwillconcealewhateuerproceedsfromthee; But,ifthoudallyonceagaine,thoudiest! PED.IfmadameBelimperiabeinloue LOR.What,villaine!ifsandands? PED.Ohstay,mylord!shelouesHoratio! BALTHAZARstartsback. LOR.What!DonHoratio,ourknightmarshalssonne? PED.Euenhim,mylord. LOR.Nowsaybuthowknoestthouheisherloue, Andthoushaltfindemekindeandliberall. Standvp,Isay,andfearelestellthetruth. PED.Shesenthimletters,whichmyselfeperusde, Fullfraughtwithlinesandargumentsofloue, PerferringhimbeforePrinceBalthazar. LOR.Sweareonthiscrossethatwhatthousaiestistrue, Andthatthouwiltconsealewhatthouhasttolde. PED.Iswearetoboth,byhimthatmadevsall. LOR.Inhopethineoathistrue,heeresthyreward.

22

TheSpanishTragedy But,ifIprouetheeperiurdeandvniust, Thisveryswordwhereonthoutookstthineoath Shallbetheworkerofthytragedie. PED.WhatIhauesaideistrue,andshall,forme, BestillconcealdfromBelimperia. Besides,yourHonorsliberalitie Deseruesmyduteousseruiceeuentilldeath. LOR.Letthisbeallthatthoushalldoeforme: Bewatchfullwhenandwheretheselouersmeete, Andgiuemenoticeinsomesecretsort. PED.Iwill,mylord. LOR.ThenthoushaltfindethatIamliberall. ThouknowestthatIcanmoreaduancethystate Thenshe:bethereforewiseandfailemenot. Goeandattendherasthycustomeis, Leastabsencemakeherthinkthoudoostamisse. ExitPEDRINGANO. Why,so,Tamarmisquamingenio: Wherewordespreuailenot,violencepreuailes. Butgoldedothmorethaneitherofthemboth. HowlikesPrinceBalthazarthisstrategeme? BAL.Bothwellandill;itmakesmegladandsad: Glad,thatIknowthehindererofmyloue; Sad,thatIfearshehatesmewhomeIloue; Glad,thatIknowonwhometobereuengd; Sad,thatsheelefliemeifItakereuenge. YetmustItakereuengeordyemyselfe; Forloueresistedgrowesimpatient. IthinkHoratiobemydestindplague: First,inhishandhebrandishedasword, Andwiththatswordhefiercelywagedwarre, Andinthatwarrehegauemedangerouswounds, Andbythosewoundsheforcedmetoyeeld, AndbymyyeeldingIbecamehisslaue; Now,inhismouthhecarriespleasingwords, Whichpleasingwordesdoeharboursweetconceits,

23

TheSpanishTragedy Whichsweetconceitsarelimdwithsliedeceits, WhichsliedeceitssmoothBelimperiaseares, Andthroughherearesdiuedowneintoherhart, Andinherhartsethim,whereIshouldstand. Thushathhetanemybodybyforce, Andnowbysleightwouldcaptiuatemysoule; ButinhisfallIletempttheDestinies, Andeitherloosemylifeorwinnemyloue. LOR.Letsgoe,mylord;ourstayingstaiesreuenge. Doebutfollowme,andgaineyourloue; Herfauourmustbewonnebyhisremooue. Exeunt. [ACTII.SCENE2.] [TheDukesCastle] EnterHORATIOandBELIMPERIA. HOR.Now,madame,sincebyfauourofyourlove Ourhiddensmokeisturndtoopenflame, Andthatwithlookesandwordswefeedourthought, Twochiefecontentswheremorecannotbehad, Thusinthemidstoflouesfaireblandeshments Whyshewyousigneofinwardlanguishments? PEDRINGANOshewethalltothePRINCEand LORENZO,placingtheminsecret. BEL.Myhart,sweetfreend,islikeashipatsea: Shewishethport,where,ridingallatease, Shemayrepairewhatstormietimeshaueworne, And,leaningontheshore,maysingwithioy Thatpleasurefollowespaine,andblisseannoy. Possessionofthyloueisthonelyport Whereinmyhart,withfearesandhopeslongtost, Eachhowredothwishandlongtomakeresort, Theretorepairetheioyesthatithathlost, And,sittingsafe,tosinginCupidsquire

24

TheSpanishTragedy Thatsweetestblisseiscrowneoflouesdesire. BALTHAZAR,aboue. BAL.Osleepe,mineeyes;seenotmyloueprophande! Bedeafe,myears;hearenotmydiscontent! Dye,hart;anotherioyeswhatthoudeseruest! LOR.Watchstill,mineeyes,toseethislouedisioyned! Hearestill,mineeares,tohearethembothlament! Liue,hart,toioyatfondHoratiosfall! BEL.WhystandsHoratiospeechelesallthiswhile? HOR.ThelesseIspeak,themoreImeditate. BEL.Butwhereondoostthoucheifelymeditate? HOR.Ondangerspastandpleasurestoensue. BAL.Onpleasurespastanddangerstoensue! BEL.Whatdangersandwhatpleasuresdoostthoumean? HOR.Dangersofwarreandpleasuresofourloue. LOR.Dangersofdeath,butpleasuresnoneatall! BEL.Letdangersgoe;thywarreshallbewithme, Butsuchawarreasbreakesnobondofpeace. Speakethoufairewords,Ilecrossethemwithfairewords; Sendthousweetlooks,Ilemeetthemwithsweetlooks; Writelouinglines,Ileanswerelouinglines; Giuemeakisse,Ilecountercheckethykisse: Bethisourwarringpeace,orpeacefullwarre. HOR.But,gratiousmadame,thenappointthefield Wheretriallofthiswarreshallfirstbemade. BAL.Ambitiousvillaine,howhisboldenesgrowes! BEL.Thenbethyfatherspleasantbowerinthefield, Wherefirstwevowdamutuallamitie.

25

TheSpanishTragedy Thecourtweredangerous;thatplaceissafe. OurhowreshalbewhenVesperginnestorise, Thatsummonshomedistresfulltrauellers. Therenoneshallhearevsbuttheharmelesbirds: Happeliethegentlenightingale Shallcarrollvsasleepeerewebeware, And,singingwittheprickleatherbreast, Tellourdelightandmirthfulldalliance. Tillthen,eachhourewillseemeayeereandmore. HOR.But,honiesweetandhonorableloue, Returnewenowintoyourfatherssight; Dangeroussuspitionwaitsonourdelight. LOR.I,dangermixtwithiealousdespite Shallsendthysouleintoeternallenight! Exeunt. [ACTII.SCENE3.] [TheSpanishcourt.] EntertheKINGOFSPAINE,PORTINGALE EMBASSADOUR,DONCIPRIAN,&c. KING.BrotherofCastille,totheprincesloue WhatsaiesyourdaughterBelimperia? CIP.Althoughshecoyit,asbecomesherkinde, Andyetdissemblethatshelouestheprince, Idoubtnot,I,butshewillstoopeintime; And,wereshefroward,whichshewillnotbe, Yetheerinshallshefollowmyaduice, Whichistolouehimorforgoemyloue. KING.Then,lordembassadourofPortingale, Aduisethykingtomakethismarriagevp Forstrengtheningofourlateconfirmedleague; Iknownobettermeanestomakevsfreends. Herdowryshallbelargeandliberall;

26

TheSpanishTragedy Besidesthatsheisdaughterandhalfeheire Vntoourbrotherheere,DonCiprian, Andshallenioythemoitieofhisland, Ilegracehermarriagewithanvncklesgift, Andthisisit:incasethematchgoeforward, Thetributewhichyoupayshalbereleast; And,ifbyBalthazarshehaueasonne, Heshallenioythekingdomeaftervs. EMBAS.Ilemakethemotiontomysoueraigneliege, Andworkeitifmycounsailemaypreuaile. KING.Doeso,mylord;and,ifhegiueconsent, Ihopehispresenceheerewillhonourvs Incelebrationofthenuptiallday, Andlethimselfedetermineofthetime. EM.WiltpleaseyourGracecommandmeoughtbesid? KING.Commendmetotheking;andso,farewell! ButwheresPrinceBalthazar,totakehisleaue? EM.Thatisperfourmdalreadie,mygoodlord. KING.Amongsttherestofwhatyouhaueincharge, Theprincesraunsomemustnotbeforgot: Thatsnoneofmine,buthisthattookehimprisoner, Andwellhisforwardnesdeseruesreward: ItwasHoratio,ourknightmarshallssonne. EM.Betweenevstheresapricealreadypitcht, Andshallbesendwithallconuenientspeed. KING.Thenonceagainefarewell,mylord! EM.Farwell,mylordofCastile,andtherest! Exit. KING.Now,brother,youmustmakesomelittlepaines TowinnefaireBelimperiafromherwill; Youngvirginsmustberuledbytheirfreends. Theprinceisamiable,andlouesherwell;

27

TheSpanishTragedy Ifsheneglecthimandforgoehisloue, Shebothwillwrongherowneestateandours. Therefore,whilesIdoeentertainetheprince Withgreatestpleasurethatourcourtaffoords, Endeauoryoutowinneyourdaughtersthought. Ifshegiueback,allthiswillcometonaught. Exeunt. [ACTII.SCENE4.] [HORATIOsgarden.] EnterHORATIO,BELIMPERIA,andPEDRINGANO. HOR.Nowthatthenightbeginswithsablewings Toouercloudthebrightnesofthesunne, Andthatindarkenespleasuresmaybedone, Come,Belimperia,letvstothebower, Andthereissafetiepasseapleasanthower. BEL.Ifollowthee,myloue,andwillnotbacke, Althoughmyfaintinghartcontrolesmysoule. HOR.Why,makeyoudoubtofPedringanosfaith? BEL.No;heisastrustieasmysecondselfe. Goe,Pedringano,watchwithoutthegate, Andletvsknownifanymakeapproach. PED.[aside]Insteedofwatching,Iledeseruemoregolde ByfetchingDonLorenzotothismatch. ExitPEDRINGANO. HOR.Whatmeansmyloue? BEL.Iknownotwhat,myselfe; Andyetmyhartforetelsmesomesomemischaunce. HOR.Sweet,saynotso;faireFortuneisourfreend,

28

TheSpanishTragedy Andheauenshaueshutvpdaytopleasurevs. Thestarres,thouseest,holdebacktheirtwincklingshine AndLunahidesherselfetopleasurevs. BEL.Thouhastpreuailed!Ileconquermymisdoubt, Andinthyloueandcouncelldrownemyfeare. Ifearenomore;louenowisallmythoughts! Whysitwenot?forpleasureaskethease. HOR.Themorethousitstwithintheseleauybowers, ThemorewillFloradeckeitwithherflowers. BEL.I;but,ifFloraspyeHoratioheere, HeriealouseyewillthinkIsittooneere. HOR.Harke,madame,howthebirdsrecordbynight, ForioythatBelimperiasitsinsight! BEL.No;Cupidcounterfeitsthenightingale, ToframesweetmusicktoHoratiostale. HOR.IfCupidsing,thenVenusisnotfarre, I,thouartVenus,orsomefairerstarre! BEL.IfIbeVenus,thoumustneedsbeMars; AndwhereMarsraigneth,theremustneedsbewarres. HOR.Thenthusbeginourwars:putforththyhand, Thatitmaycombatwithmyruderhand. BEL.Setforththyfoottotrythepushofmine. HOR.But,first,mylookesshallcombatagainstthee. BEL.Thenwardthyselfe!Idartthiskissasthee. HOR.ThusIreturnthedartthouthrewestatme! BEL.Naythen,togainethegloryofthefield, Mytwiningarmesshallyoakeandmaketheeyeeld. HOR.Naythen,myarmesarelargeandstrongwithall: Thuselmesbyvinesarecompasttilltheyfall.

29

TheSpanishTragedy BEL.O,letmegoe,forinmytroubledeyes Nowmaistthoureadthatlifeinpassiondies! HOR.O,stayawhile,andIwilldyewiththee; Soshaltthouyeeld,andyethaueconquerdme. BEL.Whosethere?Pedringano?Wearebetraide! EnterLORENZO,BALTHAZAR,CERBERIN, PEDRINGANO,disguised. LOR.Mylord,awaywithher!takeheraside! Osir,forbeare,yourvalourisalreadytride. Quicklydispatch,mymaisters. Theyhanghiminthearbor. HOR.What,willyoumurderme? LOR.I;thus!andthus!thesearethefruitsofloue! Theystabhim. BEL.O,sauehislife,andletmedyeforhim! O,sauehim,brother!sauehim,Balthazar! IlouedHoratio,buthelouednotme. BAL.ButBalthazarlouesBelimperia. LOR.Althoughhislifewerestillambitious,proud, Yetisheatthehighestnowheisdead. BEL.Murder!murder!helpe!Hieronimo,helpe! LOR.Come,stophermouth!awaywithher! Exeunt. EnterHIERONIMOinhisshirt,&c. HIERO.Whatoutcriedpluckmefrommynakedbed, Andchillmythrobbinghartwithtremblingfeare, Whichneuerdangeryetcoulddauntbefore?

30

TheSpanishTragedy WhocalsHieronimo?speak;heareIam! Ididnotslumber;thereforetwasnodreame. No,no;itwassomewomancrideforhelpe. Andheerewithinthisgardendidshecrie, AndinthisgardenmustIrescueher. Butstay!whatmurderousspectacleisthis? Amanhangedvp,andallthemurderersgone! Andinthebower,tolaytheguiltonme! Thisplacewasmadeforpleasurenotfordeath. Hecutshimdowne. ThosegarmentsthathewearesIofthaueseene, Alas!itisHoratio,mysweetsonne! O,no;buthethatwhilomewasmysonne! O,wasitthouthatcalldstmefrommybed? O,speak,ifanysparkeofliferemaine! Iamthyfather.Whohathslainemysonne? Whatsauadgemonster,notofhumanekinde, Hathheerebeenegluttedwiththyharmelesblood, Andlefttheybloudiecorpesdishonouredheere, Formeamidstthesedarkeanddreadfullshades Todrownetheewithanoceanofmyteares? Oheauens,whymadeyounight,tocouersinne? Bydaythisdeedofdarkneshadnotbeene. Oearth,whydidstthounotintimedeuoure Thevileprophanerofthissacredbower? OpooreHoratio,whathadstthoumisdoone Toleesethylifeerelifewasnewbegun? Owickedbutcher,whatsoerethouwert, Howcouldthoustranglevertueanddesert? Ayme,mostwretched!thathauelostmyioy InleesingmyHoratio,mysweetboy! EnterISABELL. ISA.Myhusbandsabsencemakesmyharttothrob. Hieronimo! HIERO.Heere,Isabella.Helpemetolament; Forsighesarestopt,andallmytearesarespent. ISA.WhatworldeofgriefemysonneHoratio!

31

TheSpanishTragedy Owherestheauthorofthisendleswoe? HIERO.Toknowtheauthorweresomeeaseofgreefe, Forinreuengemyhartwouldfindereleefe. ISA.Thenishegone?andismysonnegonetoo? O,gushout,teares!fountainsandfloudsofteares! Blow,sighes,andraiseandeuerlastingstorme; Foroutragefitsourcursedwretchedness. HIERO.Sweetlouelyrose,illplucktbeforethytime! Faire,worthysonne,notconquerd,butbetraid! Ilekissetheenow,forwordswithtearesarestainde. ISA.AndIleclosevptheglassesofhissight; Foroncetheseeyeswereonelymydelight. HIERO.Seestthouthishandkercherbesmerdwithblood? ItshallnotfrommetillItakereuenge; Seestthouthosewoundsthatyetarebleedingfresh? IlenotintombethemtillIhauereuengd: ThenwillIioyamidstmydiscontent, Tillthen,mysorrowneuershalbespent. ISA.Theheauensareiust,murdercannotbehid; Timeistheauthorofbothtruthandright, Andtimewillbringthistrecherietolight. HIERO.Meanewhile,goodIsabella,ceasethyplaints, Or,attheleast,dissemblethemawhile; Soshallwesoonerfindethepractiseout, Andlearnebywhomeallthiswasbroughtabout. Come,Isabell,nowletvstakehimvp. Theytakehimvp. Andbearehiminfromoutthiscursedplace. Ilesayhisdirge,singingfitsnotthiscase. Oaliquismihiquaspulchrumvereducetherbas HIERONIMOsetshisbrestvntohissword. Misceat,etnostrodeturmedicinadolori;

32

TheSpanishTragedy Autsiquifaciuntannorumobliuiasuccos Prebeat;ipsemetammegnumquaecunqueperorbem Graminasolpulchraseiecitlucisinoras. Ipsebibamquicquidmeditatursagaveneni, Quicquidetirarumuicaecanenianectit. Omniaperpetiar,lethumquoque,dumsemelomnis Nostinextinctomoriaturpectoresensus. Ergotuaperpetuusspeeliuitlimuniasomnus? Emoriartecum:sic,siciuuatiresubvmbras! Attamenabsistamproperatocedereletho, Nemortemvindictatuamtumnullasequatur. Heerehethrowesitfromhimandbearesthe bodyaway. [CHORUS.] ANDREA.Broughtstthoumehethertoincreasemypaine? IlooktthatBalthazarshouldhauebeenslaine; ButtismyfreendHoratiothatisslaine, AndtheyabusefaireBelimperia, OnwhomIdotedmorethenalltheworld, Becausesheloudmemorethenalltheworld. REUENGE.Thoutalkestofharuest,whenthecorneisgreene; Theendisgrowneofeueryworkewelldone; Thesicklecomesnottillthecorneberipe. Bestill,and,ereIleadtheefromthisplace, IleshewtheeBalthazarinheauycase.

33

TheSpanishTragedy ACTUSTERTIUS. [ACTIII.SCENE1.] [ThePortuguesecourt.] EnterVICEROYOFPORTINGALE,NOBLES,ALEXANDRO, VILLUPPO. VICEROY.Infortunateconditionofkings, Seatedamidstsomanyhelplesdoubts! First,weareplastvponextreamestheight, Andoftsupplantedwithexceedinghate, Buteuersubiecttothewheeleofchance; Andatourhighestneuerioyweso Aswedoubtanddreadourouerthrow. Sostriuethnotthewaueswithsundrywinds Asfortunetoylethintheaffairesofkings, Thatwouldbefeard,yetfearetobebeloued, Sithfeareandlouetokingsisflatterie. Forinstance,lordings,lookvponyourking, Byhatedepriuedofhisdearestsonne, Theonlyhopeofoursuccessiueline. NOB.IhadnotthoughtthatAlexandroshart Hadbeeneenuenomdewithsuchextreamehate; ButnowIseethatwordshaueseuerallworkes, Andtheresnocreditinthecountenance. VIL.No,for,mylord,hadyoubeholdethetraine Thatfainedlouehadcolouredinhislookes WhenheincampeconsortedBalthazar, Farremoreinconstanthadyouthoughtthesunne, Thathowerlycoaststhecenteroftheearth, ThenAlexandrospurposetotheprince. VICE.Nomore,Villuppo!thouhastsaidenough, Andwiththywordsthousaiestourwoundedthoughts. NorshallIlongerdallywiththeworld, ProcrastinatingAlexandrosdeath. Goe,someofyou,andfetchthetraitorforth, That,asheiscondemned,hemaydye. EnterALEXANDRO,withaNOBLEMANandHALBERTS.

34

TheSpanishTragedy NOB.Insuchextreameswillnoughtbutpatienceserue. ALEX.ButinextreameswhatpatienceshallIvse? Nordiscontentsitmetoleauetheworld, Withwhometherenothingcanpreuailebutwrong. NOB.Yethopethebest. ALEX.Tisheauenmyhope: Asfortheearth,itistoomuchinfect Toyeeldmehopeofanyofhermould. VICE.Whylingerye?bringfroththatdaringfeend, Andlethimdieforhisaccurseddeed. ALEX.NotthatIfearetheextremitieofdeath Fornoblescannotstooptoseruilefeare DooI,Oking,thusdiscontentedliue; Butthis,Othis,tormentsmylabouringsoule, ThatthusIdiesuspectedofasinne Whereof,asHeauenshaueknownemysecretthoughts, SoamIfreefromthissuggestion! VICE.Nomore,Isay;tothetortures!when? Bindehim,andburnehisbodyinthoseflames, Theybindehimtothestake. Thatshallprefigurethosevnquenchedfiers OfPhlegitonpreparedforhissoule. ALEX.Myguiltlesdeathwillbeauengdonthee! Onthee,Villuppo,thathathmalisdethus, Orforthymeedhastfalselymeaccusde! VIL.Nay,Alexandro,ifthoumenaceme, Ilelendahandtosendtheetothelake Wherethosethywordsshallperishwiththyworkes, Iniurioustraitour,monstroushomicide! EnterEMBASSADOUR. EM.Stay!holdawhile!andheer,withpardonof

35

TheSpanishTragedy HisMaiestie,layhandsvponVilluppo! VICE.Embassadour,whatnewesnathvrgdthissodain entrance? EM.Know,soueraignelord,thatBalthazardothliue. VICE.Whatsaiestthou?liuethBalthazar,oursonne? EM.YourHighnessonne,LordBalthazardothliue, And,wellintreatedinthecourtofSpaine, HumblycommendshimtoyourMaiestie. Theseeiesbeheld;andthesemyfollowers, Withthese,thelettersofthekingscommend, Giueshimletters ArehappiewitnessesofhisHighneshealth. TheKINGlookesontheletters,andproceeds. VICE.[reads]Thysonnedothliue;yourtributeisreceiud; Thypeaceismade,andwearesatisfied. Therestresoluevponasthingsproposde Forbothourhonorsandtheybenefite. EM.ThesearehisHighnesfartherarticles. Hegiueshimmoreletters. VICE.Accursedwrechtointimatetheseills Againstthelifeandreputation OfnobleAlexandro!come,mylord,vnbindehim! [ToALEXANDRO]Lethimvnbindetheethatisboundetodeath, Tomakeaquitallforthydiscontent. Theyvnbindehim. ALEX.Dreadlord,inkindnesyoucoulddonolesse, Vponreportofsuchadamnedfact; Butthusweseeourinnocencehathsaud Thehopeleslikewhichthou,Villuppo,sought Bythysuggestionstohauemassacred.

36

TheSpanishTragedy VICE.Say,falseVilluppo,whereforedidstthouthus FalselybetrayLordAlexandroslife? Himwhomthouknowestthatnovnkindenesels Buteuentheslaughterofourdeerestsonne Couldoncehauemouedvstohauemisconceaued. ALEX.Say,trecherousVilluppo;telltheKing! OrwhereinhathAlexandrovsedtheeill? VIL.Rentwithremembranceofsofouleadeed, Myguiltiesoulesubmitsmetothydoome, For,notforAlexandrosiniuries, Butforrewardandhopetobepreferd, ThushaueIshameleslyhazardedhislife. VICE.Which,villaine,shalberansomedwiththydeath, Andnotsomeaneatormentasweheere Deuisedforhimwhothousaidstslewoursonne, Butwiththebitteresttormentsandextreames Thatmaybeyetinuentedforthineend. ALEXANDROseemestointreat. Intreatmenot!Goe,takethetraitorhence! ExitVILLUPPO. And,Alexandro,letvshonorthee Withpubliquenoticeofthyloyaltie. Toendthosethingsarticulatedheere Byourgreatlord,themightiekingofSpaine, Wewithourcouncellwilldeliberate. Come,Alexandro,keepevscompany. Exeunt. [ACTIII.SCENE2.] [Spain:neartheDUKEscastle.]

37

TheSpanishTragedy EnterHIERONIMO. HIERO.Oheies!noeiesbutfountainsfraughtwithteares; Ohlife!nolife,butliuelyfourmeofdeath; Ohworld!noworld,butmasseofpubliquewrongs, Confusdeandfildewithmurderandmisdeeds; Ohsacredheauens,ifthisvnhalloweddeed, Ifthisinhumaneandbarberousattempt, Ifthisincomparablemurderthus Ofmine,butnownomoremysonne Shallpassvnreuealdandvnreuengedpasse, Howshouldwetearmeyourdealingstobeiust, Ifyouvniustlydealewiththosethatinyouriusticetrust? Thenight,sadsecretarytomymones, Withdirefullvisionswakemyvexedsoule, Andwiththewoundsofmydistresfullsonne Solicitemefornoticeofhisdeath; Theouglyfeendsdosallyforthofhell, Andframemyhartwithfierceinflamedthoughts; Thecloudiedaymydiscontentsrecords, Earlybeginstoregestermydreames Anddriuemeforthtoseekethemurtherer. Eies,life,world,heauens,hel,nightandday, See,search,show,send,someman,somemeane,thatmay! Aletterfalleth. Whatsheere?aletter?Tush,itisnotso! AletterforHieronimo. [Reads]Forwantofinckereceiuethisbloudiewrit. Mehathmyhaplesbrotherhidfromthee. ReuengethyselfeonBalthazarandhim, Fortheseweretheythatmurderedthysonne. Hieronimo,reuengeHoratiosdeath, AndbetterfarethenBelimperiadoth! Whatmeanesthisvnexpectedmiracle? MysonneslainebyLorenzoandtheprince? WhatcausehadtheyHoratiotomaligne? Orwhatmightmoouethee,Belimperia, Toaccusetheybrother,hadhebeenethemeane? Hieronimo,beware!thouartbetraide, Andtointraptheylifethistraineislaide. Aduisetheetherefore,benotcredulous:

38

TheSpanishTragedy Thisisdeuisedtoendangerthee, Thatthou,bythis,Lorenzoshoulstaccuse. Andhe,forthydishonourdone,showdraw Thylifeinquestionandthynameinhate. Dearewasthelifeofmybelovedsonne, Andofhisdeathbehouesmetobeauengd: Thenhazardnotthineown,Hieronimo, Butliueteffectthyresolution! Ithereforewillbycircumstancestrie WhatIcangathertoconfirmethiswrit, And,harkenneeretheDukeofCastileshouse, CloseifIcanwithBelimperia, Tolistenmore,butnothingtobewray. EnterPEDRINGANO. Now,Predringano! PED.Now,Hieronimo! HIERO.Wheresthylady? PED.Iknownot;heersmylord. EnterLORENZO. LOR.Hownow,whosethis?Hieronimo? HIERO.Mylord. PED.HeaskethmeformyladyBelimperia. LOR.Whattodoo,Hieronimo?Vseme. HIERO.Oh,no,mylord,Idarenot,itmustnotbe; Ihumblythankyourlordship. HIERO.Who?You,mylord? Ireserueyourfavourforagreaterhonour; Thisisaverytoy,mylord,atoy. LOR.Allsone,Hieronimo;acquaintmewithit.

39

TheSpanishTragedy HIERO.Yfaith,mylord,tisanidlething. ImustconfesseIhabintooslacke,tootardy, ToremissevntoyourHonour. LOR.Hownow,Hieronimo? HIERO.Introth,mylord,itisathingofnothing: Themurderofasonneorso,mylord, Athingofnothing. LOR.Whythen,farewell! HIERO.Mygriefeinhart,mythoughtsnotungcantell. Exit. LOR.Comehither,Pedringano;seestthouthis? PED.Mylord,Iseeit,andsuspectittoo. LOR.ThisisthatdamnedvillainSerberine, Thathath,Ifeare,reuealdeHoratiosdeath. PED.Mylord,hecouldnot;twassolatelydone, Andsincehehathnotleftmycompany. LOR.Admithehauenot;hisconditionssuch Asfeareorflatteringwordsmaymakehimfalse. Iknowhishumour,andtherewithrepent ThatereIvsdehiminthisenterprise. But,Pedringano,topreuenttheworst, AndcauseIknowtheesecretasmysoule, Heere,forthyfurthersatisfaction,takethouthis! Giueshimmoregolde. Andharkentome;thusitisdeuisde: Thisnightthoumustandpritheesoresoule MeetSerberineatSt.LuigisParke, Thouknowesttisheerehardbybehindethehouse; Theretakethystand,andseethoustrikehimsure, Fordyehemust,ifwedomeanetoliue.

40

TheSpanishTragedy PED.ButhowshallSerberinebethere,mylord? LOR.Letmealone,Ilesendhimtomeet Theprinceandmewherethoumustdoethisdeed. PED.Itshalbedone,mylord;itshallbedone; AndIlegoearmemyselfetomeethimthere. LOR.Whenthingsshallalter,asIhopetheywil, Thenshaltthoumountforthis,thouknowestmyminde. ExitPEDRINGANO. CheleIeron! EnterPAGE. PAGE.Mylord. LOR.Goe,sirra, ToSerberine,andbidhimforthwithmeet TheprinceandmeatS.LuigisParke, Behindethehouse,thiseuening,boy. PAGE.Igoe,mylord. LOR.But,sirra,letthehourebeeightaclocke. Bidhimnotfaile. PAGE.Iflye,mylord. Exit. LOR.Nowtoconfirmethecomplotthouhastcast Ofallthesepractices,Ilespreadthewatch, Vponprecisecommandementfromtheking StronglytoguardtheplacewherePedringano ThisnightshallmurderhaplesSerberine. Thusmustweworkethatwillauoidedistrust, Thusmustwepracticetopreuentmishap, Andthusoneillanothermustexpulse. ThisslieenquiryofHieronimo ForBelimperia,breedssuspition;

41

TheSpanishTragedy Andthussuspitionboadsafurtherill. Asformyselfe,Iknowmysecretfault, Andsodoethey,butIhauedealtforthem. Theythatforcoinetheirsoulesendangered Tosauemylife,forcoyneshallventuretheirs; Andbettertisthatbasecompanionsdye Thenbytheirlifetohazardourgoodhaps. Norshalltheyliueformetofearetheirfaith; Iletrustmyselfe,myselfeshallbemyfreend; Fordyetheyshall, Slauesareordeinedtonootherend. Exit. [ACTIII.SCENE3.] [SanLuigisPark.] EnterPEDRINGANOwithapistoll. PED.Now,Pedringano,bidthypistollholde; Andholdeon,Fortune!Oncemorefauourme! Giuebutsuccessetomineattemptingspirit, Andletmeshiftfortakingofmineaime. Heereisthegolde!Thisisthegoldeproposde! ItisnodreamethatIaduenturefor, ButPedringanoispossestthereof. Andhethatwouldnotstrainehisconscience Forhimthatthushisliberallpursehathsretcht, Vnworthysuchafauourmayhefaile, And,wishing,wantwhensuchasIpreuaile! Asforthefeareofapprehension, Iknow,ifneedshouldbe,mynoblelord Willstandbetweenemeandensuingharmes. Besides,thisplaceisfreefromallsuspect. HeerethereforewillIstayandtakemystand. EntertheWATCH. IWATCH.Iwondermuchtowhatintentitis Thatwearethusexpreslychargdtowatch.

42

TheSpanishTragedy IIWATCH.Thisbycommandementinthekingsown name. IIIWATCH.Butwewereneuerwonttowatchandward Soneerethedukehisbrothershousebefore. IIWATCH.Contentyourselfe,standclose,theressomewhat int. EnterSERBERINE. SER.[aside]Heere,Serberine,attendandstaythypace; ForheeredidDonLorenzospageappoint Thatthoubyhiscommandshouldstmeetwithhim. Howfitaplace,ifoneweresodisposde, Methinksthiscorneristoclosewithone. PED.[aside]HeerecomesthebirdthatImustceazevpon; Now,Pedringano,orneuerplaytheman! SER.[aside]Iwonderthathislordshipstaiessolong, Orwhereforeshouldhesendformesolate. PED.Forthis,Serberine;andthoushalthate! Shootesthedagge. So,therehelyes;mypromiseisperformde. TheWATCH. IWATCH.Harke,gentlemen,thisisapistolshot! IIWATCH.Andheeresoneslaine;staythemurderer! PED.Now,bythesorrowesofthesoulesinhell, HestriueswiththeWATCH. Whofirstlaieshandsonme,Ilebehispriest! IIIWATCH.Sirra,confesse,andthereinplaythepriest. Whyhastthouthusvnkindelykildtheman?

43

TheSpanishTragedy PED.Why,becausehewalktabroadsolate. IIIWATCH.Comesir,youhadbenebetterkeptyourbed Thenhauecommittedthismisdeedsolate. IIWATCH.Cometothemarshallswiththemurderer! IWATCH.OntoHieronimos!helpemeheere Tobringthemurdredbodywithvstoo. PED.Hieronimo?Carrymebeforewhomyouwill; Whaterehebe,Ileanswerehimandyou. Anddoeyourworst,forIdefieyouall! Exeunt. [ACTIII.SCENE4.] [TheDUKEscastle] EnterLORENZOandBALTHAZAR. BAL.Hownow,mylord?whatmakesyourisesosoone? LOR.Feareofpreuentingourmishapstoolate. BAL.Whatmischiefeisitthatwenotmistrust? LOR.Ourgreatestilsweleastmistrust,mylord, Andunexpectedharmesdohurtvsmost. BAL.Why,tellme,DonLorenz,tellme,man, Ifoughtconcernesourhonorandyourowne! LOR.Noryounorme,mylord,butbothinone; ButIsuspectandthepresumptionsgreat Thatbythosebaseconfederatesinourfault TouchingthedeathofDonHoratio WeareallbetraidetooldeHieronimo. BAL.Betraide,Lorenzo?tush!itcannotbe.

44

TheSpanishTragedy LOR.Aguiltieconsciencevrgedwiththethought Offormereuils,easilycannoterre: Iamperswadedanddiswademenot ThatalsreuealedtoHieronimo. AndthereforeknowthatIhauecastitthus [EnterPAGE.] Butheeresthepage.Hownow?whatneweswiththee? PAGE.Mylord,Serberineisslaine. BAL.Who?Serberine,myman? PAGE.YourHighnesman,mylord. LOR.Speak,page:whomurderedhim? PAGE.Hethatisapprehendedforthefact. LOR.Who? PAGE.Pedringano. BAL.IsSerberineslaine,thatloudhislordsowell? Iniuriousvillaine!murdererofhisfreend! LOR.HathPedringanomurderedSerberine? Mylord,letmeentreatyoutotakethepaines Toexasperateandhastenhisreuenge Withyourcomplaintsvntomylordtheking. Thistheirdissentionbreedsagreaterdoubt. BAL.Assurethee,DonLorenzo,heshalldye, OrelshisHighneshardlyshalldeny. Meanewhile,Ilehastethemarshallsessions, Fordieheshallforthisdamneddeed. ExitBALTHAZAR. LOR.[aside]Why,so!thisfitsourformerpollicie; Andthusexperiencebidsthewiseanddeale. Ilaytheplot,heprosecutesthepoint;

45

TheSpanishTragedy Isetthetrap,hebreakestheworthlestwigs, Andseesnotthatwherewiththebirdwaslimde. Thushopefullmen,thatmeanstoholdetheirowne, Mustlook,likefowlers,totheirdearestfreends. HerunnestokillwhomeIhauehopetocatch, Andnomanknowesitwasmyreachingfetch. Tishardtotrustvntoamultitude, Oranyone,inmineopinion, Whenmenthemseluestheirsecretswillreueale. EnteraMESSENGERwithaletter. LOR.Boy. PAGE.Mylord. LOR.Whatshe? MES.Ihauealettertoyourlordship. LOR.Fromwhence? MES.FromPedringanosthatsimprisoned. LOR.Soheisinprisonthen? MES.I,mygoodlord. LOR.Whatwouldhewithvs? [Readstheletter.] Hewritesvsheere Tostandgoodlordandhelphimindistres. TellhimIhauehisletters,knowhisminde; Andwhatwemay,lethimassurehimof. Fellow,begone;myboyshallfollowthee. ExitMESSENGER. [Aside]Thisworkslikewaxe!Yetoncemoretrythywits. Boy,goeconuaythispursetoPedringano, Thouknowesttheprison,closelygiueithim,

46

TheSpanishTragedy Andbeaduisdethatnoneherethereabout. Bidhimbemerrystill,butsecret; And,thoughthemarshallsessionsbetoday, Bidhimnotdoubtofhisdeliuerie. Tellhimhispardonisalreadysignde, Andthereonbidhimboldelyberesolued; For,werehereadytobeturnedoff, Astismywillthevttermostbetride, Thouwithhispardonshaltattendhimstill. Shewhimthisboxe,tellhimhispardonsint; Butopentnot,andifthoulouestthylife, Butlethimwiselykeepehishopesvnknowne. HeshallnotwantwhileDonLorenzoliues. Away! PAGE.Igoe,mylord,Irunne! LOR.But,sirra,seethatthisbecleanelydone. ExitPAGE. Nowstandsourfortuneonaticklepoint, AndnoworneuerendsLorenzosdoubts. Oneonlythingisvneffectedyet, Andthatstoseetheexecutioner, Buttowhatend?Ilistnottrusttheaire Withvtteranceofourpretencetherein, Forfearethepriuiewhispringofthewinde Conuayourwordsamongstvnfreendlyeares, Thatlyetooopentoaduantages. Etquelchevoglioio,nessunlosa, Intendoioquelchemibastera. Exit. [ACTIII.SCENE5.] [Astreet.] EnterBOYwiththeboxe.

47

TheSpanishTragedy [BOY.]Mymaisterhathforbiddenmetolookinthisbox,and,bymy troth, tislikely,if he hadnot warnedme, I shouldnot haue had so muchidletime;forweemenkindeinourminoritiearelikewomen in their vncertaintie; that they are most forbidden, they wil soonest attempt;soInow.Bymybarehonesty,heeresnothingbutthebare emptie box! Were it not sin against secrecie, I would say it were a peece of gentlemanlike knauery. I must goe to Pedringano and tell him his pardon is in this boxe! Nay, I would haue sworne it, had I notseenethecontrary.Icannotchoosebutsmiletothinkehowthe villain wil flout the gallowes, scorne the audience, and descant on thehangman,andallpresumingofhispardonfromhence.Wiltnot be an odde iest, for me to stand and grace euery iest he makes, pointingmyfigneratthisboxe,aswhoshouldsay:Mockon,heers thywarrant!Istnotascuruieiestthatamanshouldiesthimselfeto death?Alas,poorPedringano!Iaminasortesorieforthee,but,ifI shouldbehangedwiththee,Icouldnotweep. Exit. [ACTIII.SCENE6.] [Thecourtofjustice.] EnterHIERONIMOandtheDEPUTIE. HIERO.Thusmustwetoyleinothersmensextreames Thatknownothowtorememdieourowne, Anddoethemiusties,whenvniustlywe Forallourwrongscancompassenoredrese. ButshallIneuerliuetoseetheday ThatImaycomebyiusticetotheHeauens Toknowthecausethatmaymycaresallay? Thistoylesmybody,thisconsumethage, ThatonleyItoallmeniustmustbe, Andneithergodsnormenbeiusttome! DEP.WorthyHieronimo,yourofficeaskes Acaretopunishsuchasdoetransgresse. HIERO.Soistmyduetytoregardehisdeath Whowhenheliueddeseruedmydearestblood. Butcome;forthatwecamefor,letsbegin;

48

TheSpanishTragedy Forheerelyesthatwhichbidsmetobegone. EnterOFFICERS,BOY,&PEDRINGANOwithaletter inhishand,bound. DEPU.Bringforththeprisonerforthecourtisset. PED.Gramercy,boy!butitwastimetocome, ForIhadwrittentomylordanew Aneerermatterthatconcernethhim, Forfearehislordshiphadforgottenme; But,sithhehathrememberdmesowell, Come,come,comeon!whenshallwetothisgeere? HIERO.Standforth,thoumonster,murdererofmen, Andheere,forsatisfactionoftheworld, Confessethyfollyandrepentthyfault, Forthersthyplaceofexecution. PED.Thisisshortworke!Well,toyourmartiallship FirstIconfesse,norfeareIdeaththerefore, Iamtheman,twasIslewSerberine. But,sir,thenyouthinkthisshalbetheplace Whereweshallsatisfieyouforthisgeare? DEPU.I,Pedrigano. PED.NoIthinknotso. HEIRO.Peace,impudent!forthoushaltfindeitso; Forbloodwithbloodshall,whileIsitasiudge, Besatisfied,andthelawdischargde. And,thoughmyselfecannotreceiuethelike, YetwillIseethatothershauetheirright. Dispatch!thefaultapprouedandconfest, Andbyourlawheiscondemnedtodie. HANG.Comeon,sir!areyouready? PED.Todowhat,myfineofficiousknaue? HANG.Togoetothisgeere.

49

TheSpanishTragedy PED.O,sir,youaretoforward;thouwoulstfaine furnishmewithahalter,todisfurnishmeofmyhabit. SoshouldIgoeoutofthisgeere,myraiment,intothat geere,therope.But,hangman,nowIspyyourknauery,Ile notchangewithoutboot;thatsflat. HANG.Come,sir. PED.SothenImustvp? HANG.Noremedie. PED.Yes,butthereshalbeformycommingdowne. HANG.Indeedheersaremedieforthat. PED.How?beturndoff? HANG.I,truly.Come,areyouready? Iprayyou,sir,dispatch,thedaygoesaway. PED.What,doeyouhangbythehowre?Ifyoudoo,I maychancetobreakyouroldecustome. HANG.Faith,youhauenoreason,forIamliketobreak youryongneck. PED.Dostthoumockme,hangman?PrayGodIbenot preseruedtobreakyourknauespateforthis! HANG.Alas,sir,youareafoottoolowtoreachit,andI hopeyouwillneuergrowsohighwhileIaminoffice. PED.Sirra,dostseeyonderboywiththeboxinhis hand? HANG.What,hethatpointstoitwithhisfinger? PED.I,thatcompanion. HANG.Iknowhimnot;butwhatofhim? PED.Doostthouthinktoliuetillhisoldedoubletwill maketheeanewtruss?

50

TheSpanishTragedy HANG.I,andmanyafaireyeereafter,totrussevpmany anhonestermantheneitherthouorhe. PED.Whathathheinhisboxe,asthouthinkst? HANG.Faith,Icannottell,norIcarenotgreatly. Methinksyoushouldratherhearkentoyoursouleshealth. PED.Why,sirrahangman,Itakeitthatthatisgoodfor thebodyislikewisegoodforthesoule:anditmaybein thatboxisbalmeforboth. HANG.Wel,thouarteuenthemeriestpeeceofmans fleshthateregrondeatmyofficedoore. PED.Isyourroaguerybecomeanoffice,withaknaues name? HANG.I,andthatshallalltheywitnesthatseeyouseale itwithatheeuesname. PED.Iprithee,requestthisgoodcompanytoprayfor me. HANG.I,mary,sir,thisisagoodmotion!Mymaisters, youseeheersagoodfellow. PED.Nay,nay,nowIrememberme,letthemalonetill someothertime;fornowIhauenogreatneed. HIERO.Ihauenotseenawretchsoimpudent. Omonstroustimeswheremurdersaresolight, Andwherethesoulethatshouldbeshrindeinheauen Soleliedelightsininterdictedthings, Stillwandringinthethorniepassages Thatinterceptsitselfeofhapines! Murder?Obloudymonster!Godforbid Afaultsofouleshouldscapevnpunished! Dispatchandseethisexecutiondone; Thismakesmetorememberthee,mysonne. ExitHIERONIMO.

51

TheSpanishTragedy PED.Nay,soft!nohast! DEPU.Why,whereforestayyou?haueyouhopeoflife? PED.Why,I? HANG.Ashow? PED.Why,rascall,bymypardonfromtheking. HANG.Standyouonthat?thenyoushalloffwiththis. Heturneshimoff. DEPU.So,executioner,conueyhimhence; Butlethisbodybevnburied. Letnottheearthbechoktorinfect WhatthatwhichHeauenscontemnesandmenneglect. Exeunt. [ACTIII.SCENE7.] [HIERONIMOshouse.] EnterHIERONIMO. HIER.WhereshallIruntobreathabroadmywoes, Mywoeswhoseweighthathweariedtheearth, Ormineexclaimesthathauesurchargedtheaire Withceaslesplaintsformydeceasedsonne? Theblustringwinds,conspiringwithmywords, Atmylamenthauemouedtoleauelesstrees, Disroabdethemedowesoftheirflowredgreene, Mademountainsmarshwithspringtidesofmyteares, Andbrokenthroughthebrazengatesofhell; Yetstilltormentedismytorturedsoule Withbrokensighesandrestlespassions, That,winged,mount,andhoueringintheaire, Beatatthewindowesofthebrightestheauens, Solicitingforiusticeandreuenge.

52

TheSpanishTragedy Buttheyareplactinthoseimperiallheights, Where,countermurdewithwallesofdiamond, Ifindetheplaceimpregnable,andthey Resistmywoesandgiuemywordsnoway. EnterHANGMANwithaletter. HANG.OLord,sir!Godblesseyou,sir!Theman,sir, Petergade,sir:hethatwassofullofmerieconceits HIER.Wel,whatofhim? HANG.OLord,sir!hewentthewrongway;thefellow hadafairecommissiontothecontrary.Sir,heereishis pasport,Iprayyou,sir;wehauedonehimwrong. HIERO.Iwarrantthee;giueitme. HANG.Youwillstandbetweenthegallowesandme? HIERO.I,I! HANG.Ithankyourlordworship. ExitHANGMAN. HIERO.Andyet,thoughsomewhatneerermeconcernes Iwill,toeasethegreefethatIsustaine, TaketrucewithsorrowwhileIreadonthis. [Reads]Mylord,Iwrit,asmineextreamesrequire, Thatyouwouldlabourmydeliuerie: Ifyouneglect,mylifeisdesperate, AndinmydeathIshallreuealethetroth. Youknow,mylord,Islewhimforyoursake, Andwasconfederatewiththeprinceandyou; Wonnebyrewardsandhopefullpromises, IholpetomurderDonHoratiotoo. HolpehetomurdermineHoratio? Andactorsinthaccursedtragedie Wastthou,Lorenzo?Bathazarandthou, Ofwhomemysone,mysonnedeserudsowell? WhathaueIheard?whathauemineeiesbehelde? Osacredheauens,mayitcometopasse

53

TheSpanishTragedy Thatsuchamonstrousanddetesteddeed, Socloselysmootherdandsolongconceald, Shallthusbythisberevengedorreuealed? NowseeI,whatIdurstnotthensuspect, ThatBelimperiasletterwasnotfainde, Norfainedshe,thoughfalslytheyhauewrongd Bothher,myselfe,Horatioandthemselues. NowmayImakecomparetwixthersandthis Ofeuerieaccident.Ineerecouldfinde Tillnow,andnowIfeelinglyperceiue, TheydidwhatHeauenvnpunishtshouldnotleaue. OfalseLorenzo!arethesethyflatteringlookes? Isthishonourthatthoudidstmysonne? And,Balthazar,banetothysouleandme! Whatthistheransomehereserudforthee? Woetothecauseoftheseconstrainedwarres! Woetothybasenesandcaptiuitie! Woetothybirth,thybodyandthysoule, Thycursedfather,andthyconquerdselfe! Andbandwithbitterexecrationsbe Thedayandplacewherehedidpittiethee! ButwhereforewasteIminevnfruitfullwords, Whennaughtbutbloodwillsatisfiemywoes? Iwillgoeplainemetomylordtheking, Andcryaloudforiusticethroughthecourt, Wearingtheflintswiththesemywitheredfeet, Andeitherpurchaseiusticebyintreats Ortirethemallwithmyreuengingthreats. Exit. [ACTIII.SCENE8.] [HIERONIMOshouse.] EnterISABELLandherMAID. ISA.Sothatyousaythishearbwillpurgetheeyes, Andthisthehead?ah!butnoneofthemwillpurgethe

54

TheSpanishTragedy hart! No,thersnomedicineleftformydisease, Noranyphysicktorecurethedead. Sherunneslunatick. Horatio!O,wheresHoratio? MAIDE.Goodmadam,affrightnotthusyourselfe WithoutrageforyoursonneHoratio; HesleepesinquietintheElizianfields. ISA.WhydidInotgiueyougownesandgoodlythings, Boughtyouawistleandawhipstalketoo, Tobereuengedontheirvillanies? MAIDE.Madame,thesehumorsdoetormentmysoule. ISA.Mysoule?pooresoule,thoutalkesofthings Thouknowestnotwhat!Mysoulehathsiluerwings, Thatmountsmevpvntothehighestheauens Toheauen?I,theresitsupHoratio, Backtwithtroupoffierrycherubins Dauncingabouthisnewlyhealedwounds, Singingsweethymnsandchauntingheauenlynotes, Rareharmonytogreethisinnocence, Thatdyde,I,dydeamirrourinourdaies! Butsay,whereshallIfinde,themen,themurderers, ThatslewHoratio?whethershallIrunne Tofindethemout,thatmurderedmysonne? Exeunt. [ACTIII.SCENE9.] [TheDUKEscastle.] BELIMPERIAatawindow. BEL.Whatmeanesthisoutragethatisoffredme? WhatamIthussequestredfromthecourt?

55

TheSpanishTragedy Nonotice?shallInotknowthecause Ofthesemysecretandsuspitiousils? Accursedbrother!vnkindemurderer! Whybendsthouthusthymindetomartirme? Hieronimo,whywritIoftheywrongs, Orwhyartthousoslackinthyreuenge? Andrea!OAndrea,thatthousawest MeforthyfreendHoratiohandledthus, Andhimformethuscauselesmurdered! Well,forceperforce,Imustconstrainemyselfe Topatience,andapplymetothetime, TillHeauen,asIhauehoped,shallsetmefree. EnterCHRISTOPHEL. CHRIS.Come,MadameBelimperia,thismustnotbe! Exeunt. [ACTIII.Scene10.] [AroomintheDUKEscastle.] EnterLORENZO,BALTHAZARandthePAGE. LOR.Boy,talkenofurther;thusfarrethingsgoewell. Thouartassurdethatthousawesthimdead? PAGE.Orels,mylord,Iliuenot. LOR.Thatsenough. Asforthisresolutionathisend, Leauethattohimwithwhomhesoiournsnow. Heere,takemyring,andgiueitChristophel, Andbidhimletmysisterbeenlargd, Andbringherhitherstraight. ExitPAGE. ThisthatIdidwasforapolicie, Tosmoothandkeepethemurdersecret,

56

TheSpanishTragedy Whichasaninedaieswonderbeingoreblowne, MygentlesisterwillInowenlarge. BAL.Andtime,Lorenzo;formylordtheduke, Youheard,enquiredforheryesternight. LOR.Why!and,mylord,Ihopeyouhaveheardmesay Sufficientreasonwhyshekeptaway; Butthatsallone.Mylord,youloueher? BAL.I. LOR.Theninyourlouebeware;dealecunningly; Salueallsuspititons;onlysoothmevp, And,ifshehaptostandontearmeswithvs, Asforhersweethart,andconcealementso, Iestwithhergently;vnderfainediest Arethingsconcealdethatelswouldbreedvnrest. Butheereshecomes. EnterBELIMPERIA. LOR.Now,sister. BEL.Sister?No! Thouartnobrother,butanenemy, Elswouldstthounothauevsdethysisterso: First,toaffrightmewiththyweaponsdrawne, Andwithextreamesabusemycompany; Andthentohurrymelikewhirlwindsrage Amidstacrewofthyconfederates, Andclapmyvpwherenonemightcomeatme, NorIatanytoreuealemywrongs. Whatmaddingfurydidpossessethywits? OrwhereinistthatIoffendedthee? LOR.Aduiseyoubetter,Belimperia; ForIhauedoneyounodisparagement, Vnlesse,bymorediscretionthendeserud, Isoughttosaueyourhonourandmineowne. BEL.Minehonour?Why,Lorenzo,whereinist ThatIneglectmyreputationso

57

TheSpanishTragedy Asyou,orany,needtorescueit? LOR.HisHighnesandmyfatherwereresolud TocomeconferrewitholdeHieronimo Concerningcertainemattersofestate Thatbytheviceroywasdetermined. BEL.Andwhereinwasminehonourtouchtinthat? BAL.Hauepatience,Belimperia;hearetherest. LOR.Me,nextinsight,asmessengertheysent Togiuehimnoticethattheyweresonigh: Now,whenIcame,consortedwiththeprince, Andvnexpectedinanarborthere FoundBelimperiawithHoratio BEL.Howthen? LOR.Why,then,remembringthatoldedisgrace WhichyouforDonAndreahadindurde, Andnowwerelikelylongertosustaine Bybeingfoundsomeanelyaccompanied, Thoughtrather,forIknewnoreadiermeane, TothrustHoratioforthmyfathersway. BAL.Andcarryyouobscurelysomewhereels, LeastthathisHighnesshouldhauefoundyouthere. BEL.Euenso,mylord?Andyouarewitnesse Thatthisistruewhichheentreatethof? You,gentlebrother,forgedthisformysake? Andyou,mylord,weremadehisinstrument? Aworkeofworth!worthythenotingtoo! Butwhatsthecausethatyouconcealdemesince? LOR.Yourmelancholly,sister,sincethenewes OfyourfirstfauoriteDonAndreasdeath Myfathersoldewrathhathexasperate. BAL.Andbetterwastforyou,beingindisgrace, Toabsentyourselfeandgiuehisfuryplace. BEL.ButwhyIhadnonoticeofhisire?

58

TheSpanishTragedy LOR.Thatweretoaddemorefewelltoyourfire, WhoburntlikeAetneforAndreaslosse. BEL.Hathnotmyfatherthenenquirdforme? LOR.Sister,hehath;andthisexcusdeIthee. Hewhisperethinhereare. But,Belimperia,seethegentleprince; Lookeonthyloue;beholdeyongBalthazar, Whosepassionsbythepresenceareincreast, Andinwhosemelacholliethoumaiestsee Thyhate,hisloue,thyflight,hisfollowingthee. BEL.Brother,youarebecomeanoratour Iknownot,I,bywhatexperience Toopolitickforme,pastallcompare, SinceIlastsawyou.Butcontentyourselfe; Theprinceismeditatinghigherthings. BAL.Tisofthybeauty,then,thatconquerskings, Ofthosethytresses,Ariadnestwines, Wherewithmylibertiethouhastsurprisde, Ofthatthineiuoriefront,mysorrowesmap, WhereinIseenohauentorestmyhope. BEL.Toloueandfeare,andbothatonce,mylord, Inmyconceipt,arethingsofmoreimport Thenwomenswitaretobebusiedwith. BAL.TisthatIlouethee. BEL.Whome? BAL.Belimperia. BEL.ButthatIfeare? BAL.Whome? BEL.Belimperia.

59

TheSpanishTragedy LOR.Feareyourselfe? BEL.I,brother. LOR.How? BEL.Asthose That,whentheyloue,areloathandfearetoloose. BAL.Then,faire,letBalthazaryourkeeperbe. BEL.No,Balthazardothfeareaswellaswe; Ettremulometuipauidumiunxeretimorem, Etvanumstolidaeproditionisopus. Exit. LOR.Nay,andyouarguethingssocunningly, Weelegoecontinuethisdiscourseatcourt. BAL.Ledbytheloadstarofheauenlylookes, WendspooreoppressedBalthazar, Asorethemountainswalkesthewanderer Incertaintoeffecthispilgrimage. Exeunt. [ACTIII.SCENE11.] [Astreet.] EntertwoPORTINGALES,andHIERONIMOmeetsthem. IPORT.Byyourleaue,sir. HIER.Tisneitherasyouthinke,norasyouthinke, Norasyouthinke,yourwideall: Theseslippersarenotmine,theyweremysonneHoratios. Mysonne?Andwhatsasonne?Athingbegot Withinapaireofminutes,thereabout; Alumpbredupindarknesse,anddothserue

60

TheSpanishTragedy Toballancethoselightcreatureswecallwomen, Andatninemonethesendcreepesfoorthtolight. Whatisthereyetinasonnetomakeafather Dote,raveorrunnemad?Beingborn,itpouts, Cries,andbreedsteeth.Whatisthereyetinasonne? Hemustbefed,betaughttogoeandspeake. I,andyet?Whymightnotamanlove Acalfeaswell,ormeltinpassionover Afriskingkid,asforasonne?Methinkes Ayoungbaconorafinesmoothlittlehorsecolt Shouldmooveamanasmuchasdothason; Foroneoftheseinverylittletime Willgrowtosomegooduse,whereasasonne, Themorehegrowesinstatureandinyeeres, Themoreunsquard,unlevelledheappeares, Reckonshisparentsamongtherankeoffooles, Strikescaresupontheirheadswithhismadryots, Makesthemlookeoldbeforetheymeetwithage. Thisisason!Andwhatalossewerethis, Consideredtruely!Oh,butmyHoratio Grewoutofreachofthoseinsatiatehumours: Helovdhislovingparents,hewasmycomfort Andhismothersjoy,theveryarmethatdid Holdupourhouse,ourhopeswerestoredupinhim. Nonebutadamnedmurderercouldhatehim! Hehadnotseenethebacke Ofnineteeneyeere,whenhisstrongarmeunhorst TheproudprinceBalthazar;andhisgreatminde, Toofullofhonourtookehimuntomercy, ThatvalientbutignoblePortingale. Well!HeavenisHeavenstill!AndtheresNemesis,andFuries, Andthingscalledwhippes,andtheysometimesdoemeet Withmurderers!Theydoenotalwayesscape, Thatissomecomfort!I,I,I;andthen Timestealeson,andstealesandsteales,tillviolence Leapesfoorthlikethunderwraptinaballoffire, Andsodothbringconfusiontothemall. Goodleauehaueyou;nay,Iprayyougoe, ForIleleaueyou,ifyoucanleauemeso. IIPORT.Prayyou,whichisthenextwaytomylord thedukes?

61

TheSpanishTragedy HIERO.Thenextwayfromme. IPORT.Tothehouse,wemeane. HIERO.Ohardby;tisyonhousethatyousee. IIPORT.Youcouldnottellvsifhissonnewerethere? HIERO.Who?mylordLorenzo? IPORT.I,sir. Hegoethinatonedooreandcomesoutatanother. HIERO.Oh,forbeare, Forothertalkeforvsfarfitterwere! But,ifyoubeimportunatetoknow Thewaytohimandwheretofindehimout, Thenlisttome,andIleresolueyourdoubt: Thereisapathvponyourlefthandside Thatleadethfromaguiltieconscience Vntoaforrestofdistrustandfeare, Adarksomeplaceanddangeroustopasse, Thereshallyoumeetwithmelancholythoughts Whosebalefullhumoursifyoubutbehold, Itwillconductyoutodispaireanddeath: Whoserockiecliffeswhenyouhaueoncebehelde, Withinahugiedaleoflastingnight, That,kindledwithworldsofiniquities, Dothcastvpfilthyanddetestedfumes, Notfarfromthencewheremurderershauebuilt Ahabitationfortheircursedsoules, There,inabrazencaldronfixedbyIove Inhisfellwrathvponasulpherflame, YourseluesshallfindeLorenzobathinghim Inboylingleadandbloodofinnocents. IPORT.Ha,ha,ha! HIERO.Ha,ha,ha!why,ha,ha,ha!Farewell,goodha, ha,ha! Exit.

62

TheSpanishTragedy IIPORT.Doubtlesthismanispassinglunaticke, Orimperfectionofhisagedothmakehimdote. Come,letsawaytoseekmylordtheduke. [Exeunt.] [ACTIII.SCENE12.] [TheSpanishcourt.] EnterHIERONIMOwithaponyardinonehand, andaropeintheother. HIERO.Now,sir,perhapsIcometoseetheking, Thekingseesme,andfainewouldhearemysute: Why,isthisnotastrangeandseldseenething Thatstandersbywithtoyesshouldstrikememute? Gotoo,Iseetheirshifts,andsaynomore; Hieronimo,tistimefortheetotrudge! Downebythedalethatfloweswithpurplegore Standethafirietower;theresitsaiudge Vponaseatofsteeleandmoltenbrasse, Andtwixthisteethheholdesafirebrand, Thatleadesvntothelakewherehedothstand. Away,Hieronimo;tohimbegone: HeeledoetheeiusticeforHoratiosdeath. Turnedownthispath,thoushaltbewithhimstraite; Orthis,andthenthouneedstnottakethybreth. Thisway,orthatway?Softandfaire,notso! For,ifIhangorkillmyselfe,letsknow WhowillreuengeHoratiosmurtherthen! No,no;fie,no!pardonme,ilenoneofthat: Heflingsawaythedagger&halter. ThiswayIletake;andthiswaycomestheking, Hetakesthemupagaine. AndheereIlehaueaflingathim,thatsflat! And,Balthazar,Ilebewiththeetobring;

63

TheSpanishTragedy Andthee,Lorenzo!Heerestheking;nay,stay! Andheere,I,heere,theregoesthehareaway! EnterKING,EMBASSADOR,CASTILLE,and LORENZO. KING.Nowshew,embassadour,whatourviceroysaith: Hathheereceiudthearticleswesent? HIERO.Iustice!O,iusticetoHieronimo! LOR.Back!seestthounotthekingisbusie? HIERO.O!isheso? KING.Whoishethatinterruptsourbusines? HIERO.NotI![aside]Hieronimo,beware!goeby,goe by! EMBAS.Renownedking,hehathreceiuedandread thykinglyproffersandthypromistleague, And,asamanexreamelyouerioyd Tohearehissonnesoprincelyentertainde, Whosedeathhehadsosolemnelybewailde, This,forthyfurthersatisfaction Andkinglyloue,hekindelyletstheeknow: First,forthemarriageofhisprincelysonne WithBelimperia,thybelouedneece, Thenewesaremoredelightfulltohissoule ThenmyrrhorincensetotheoffendedHeauens. Inperson,therefore,willbecomehimselfe Toseethemarriageritessolemnized AndinthepresenceofthecourtofSpaine Toknitasureinextricableband Ofkinglyloueandeuerlastingleague BetwixtthecrownesofSpaineandPortingale. TherewillhegiuehiscrownetoBalthazar, AndmakeaqueeneofBelimperia. KING.Brother,howlikeyouthisourviceroiesloue? CAST.Nodoubt,mylord,itisanargument

64

TheSpanishTragedy Ofhonorablecaretokeepehisfreend AndwondrouszealetoBalthazar,hissonne. NoramIleastindebtedtohisGrace, Thatbendshislikingtomydaughterthus. EM.Nowlast,dreadlord,heerehathhisHighnessent Althoughhesendnotthathissonnereturne HisransomedoetoDonHoratio. HIERO.Horatio?whocalsHoratio? KING.Andwellremembred,thankhisMaiestie! Heere,seeitgiuentoHoratio. HIERO.Iustice!Oiustice!iustice,gentleking! KING.Whoisthat?Hieronimo? HIERO.Iustice!Oiustice!Omysonne!mysonne! Mysonne,whomnaughtcanransomeorredeeme! LOR.Hieronimo,youarenotwelladuisde. HIERO.Away,Lorenzo!hindermenomore, Forthouhastmademebankruptofmyblisse! Giuememysonne!Youshallnotransomehim! Away!Ileripthebowelsoftheearth, Hediggethwithhisdagger. AndferrieouerthElizianplaines Andbringmysonnetoshewhisdeadlywounds. Standfromaboutme!Ilemakeapickaxeofmyponiard, Andheeresurrendervpmymarshalship; ForIlegoemarshallvpthefeendsinhell, Tobeauengedonyouallforthis. KING.Whatmeansthisoutrage? Willnoneofyourestrainehisfury? HIERO.Nay,softandfaire;youshallnotneedtostriue! Needsmusthegoethatthediuelsdriue.

65

TheSpanishTragedy Exit. KING.WhataccidenthathhapttoHieronimo? Ihauenotseenehimtodemeanehimso. LOR.Mygratiouslord,heiswithextreamepride ConceiuedofyongHoratio,hissonne, Andcouetousofhauinghimselfe Theransomeoftheyongprince,Balthazar, Distract,andinamannerlunatick. KING.Beleeueme,nephew,wearesoriefort; Thisisthelouethatfathersbearetheirsonnes. But,gentlebrother,goegiuetohimthisgolde, Theprincesraunsome;lethimhauehisdue; Forwhathehath,Horatioshallnotwant. HappilyHieronimohathneedthereof. LOR.Butifhebethushelpeleslydistract, Tisrequisitehisofficeberesignde Andgiuentooneofmorediscretion. KING.Weshallencreasehismelanchollieso. Tisbestthatweseefurtherinitfirst; Tillwhen,ourselfewillexempttheplace. And,brother,nowbringintheembassadour, Thathemaybeawitnesofthematch TwixtBalthazarandBelimperia, Andthatwemayprefixeacertainetime Whereinthemarriageshalbesolemnized, Thatwemayhauethylordtheviceroyheere. EM.ThereinyourHighneshighlyshallcontent Hismaiestie,thatlongstohearefromhence. KING.Onthen,andheareyou,lordembassadour. Exeunt. [ACTIII.SCENE13.]

66

TheSpanishTragedy [HIERONIMOshouse.] EnterHIERONIMOwithabookinhishand. [HIERO.]Vindictamihi. I,heauenwillbereuengedofeueryill, Norwilltheysuffermurdervnrepaide! Thenstay,Hieronimo,attendtheirwill; Formortallmenmaynotappointtheirtime. Perscelussempertutumestsceleribusiter: Strike,andstrikehome,wherewrongisoffredthee; Foreuilsvntoilsconductorsbe, Anddeathstheworstofresultion. Forhethatthinkswithpatiencetocontend Toquietlife,hislifeshalleasilyend. Fatasimiserosiuuant,habesselutem; Fatasivitamnegant,habessepulchrum: Ifdestiniethymiseriesdoeease, Thenhastthouhealth,andhappieshaltthoube; Ifdestiniedenietheelife,Hieronimo, Yetshaltthoubeassuredofatombe; Ifneither,yetletthisthycomfortbe: Heauencouerethhimthathathnoburiall. And,toconclude,Iwillreuengehisdeath! Buthow?Notasthevulgarewitsofmen, Withopen,butineuitableils; Asbyasecret,yetacertainemeane, Whichvnderkindeshipwilbeclokedbest. Wisemenwilltaketheiropportunitie, Closelyandsafelyfittingthingstotime; Butinextreamesaduantagehathnotime; Andthereforealltimesfitnotforreuenge. Thus,therefore,willIrestmeinunrest, Dissemblingquietinvnquietnes, NotseemingthatIknowtheirvillanies, Thatmysimplicitiemaymakethemthink ThatignorantlyIwillletallslip; Forignorance,Iwot,andwelltheyknow, Remediummaloruminersest. Noroughtauailesitmetomenacethem. Who,asawintriestormevponaplaine, Willbearemedownewiththeirnobilitie. No,no,Hieronimo,thoumustenioyne

67

TheSpanishTragedy Thineeiestoobseruation,andthytung Tomilderspeechesthenthyspiritaffoords, Thyharttopatience,andthyhandstorest, Thycappetocurtesie,andtheykneetobow, Tilltoreuengethouknowwhen,whereandhow. Hownow?whatnoise,whatcoileisthatyoukeepe? Anoisewithin. EnteraSERVANT. SER.Heereareasortofpoorepetitioners Thatareimportunate,anditshallpleaseyou,sir, Thatyoushouldpleadtheircasestotheking. HIERO.ThatIshouldpleadtheirseuerallactions? Why,letthementer,andletmeseethem. EnterthreeCITIZENSandanOLDEMAN [DONBAZULTO]. ICIT.SoItellyouthis:forlearningandforlaw ThereisnotanyaduocateinSpaine Thatcanpreuaileorwilltakehalfethepaine Thathewillinpursuiteofequitie. HIERO.Comeneere,youmen,thatthusimportuneme! [Aside]NowmustIbeareafaceofgrauitie, ForthusIvsde,beforemymarshalship, Topleidethecausesascorrigedor. Comeon,sirs,whatsthematter? IICIT.Sir,anaction. HIERO.Ofbatterie? ICIT.Mineofdebt. HIERO.Giueplace. IICIT.No,sir,mineisanactionofthecase. IIICIT.Mineaneiectionaefirmaebyalease.

68

TheSpanishTragedy HIERO.Contentyou,sirs;areyoudetermined ThatIshouldpleadyourseuerallactions? ICIT.I,sir;andheeresmydeclaration. IICIT.Andheereismyband. IIICIT.Andheereismylease. Theygiuehimpapers. HIERO.Butwhereforestandsyousillymansomute, Withmournfalleyesandhandstoheauenvprearde? Comehether,father;letmeknowthycause. SENEX, [DON BAZULTO]. O worthy sir, my cause but slightly knowne MaymoouethehartsofwarlikeMyrmydons, AndmelttheCorsickerockeswithruthfullteares! HIERO.Say,father;tellmewhatsthysute! [BAZULTO].No,sir,couldmywoes Giuewayvntomymostdistresfullwords, ThenshouldInotinpaper,asyousee, Withinckebewraywhatbloodbeganinme. HIERO.Whatsheere?TheHumbleSupplication OfDonBazultoforhisMurderedSonne. [BAZULTO].I,sir. HIERO.No,sir,itwasmymurdredsonne! Oh,mysonne,mysonne!oh,mysonneHoratio! Butmineorthine,Bazulto,becontent; Heere,takemyhandkercherandwipethineeies, WhileswretchedIinthymishapsmaysee Theliuelyportraictofmydyingselfe. Hedrawethoutabloudienapkin. O,no;notthis!Horatio,thiswasthine! AndwhenIdydeitinthydeerestblood,

69

TheSpanishTragedy Thiswasatokentwixtthysouleandme ThatofthydeathreuengedIshouldbe. Butheere:takethis,andthis!what?mypurse? I,thisandthatandallofthemarethine; Forallasoneareourextremeties. ICIT.Oh,seethekindenesofHieronimo! IICIT.Thisgentlenessheweshimagentleman. HIERO.See,see,oh,seethyshame,Hieronimo! Seeheerealouingfathertohissonne: Beholdethesorrowesandthesadlaments Thathedeliuerethforhissonnesdicease. Ifloueseffectssostriuesinlesserthings, Ifloueenforcesuchmoodesinmeanerwits, Ifloueexpressesuchpowerinpoorestates, Hieronimo,aswhenaragingsea, Tostwiththewindeandtide,oreturneththen Thevpperbillowes,courseofwauestokeep, Whilestlesserwaterslabourinthedeepe, Thenshamestthounot,Hieronimo,toneglect TheswiftreuengeofthyHoratio? Thoughonthisearthiusticewillnotbefound, Iledownetohellandinthispassion KnockatthedismallgatesofPlutoscourt, Gettingbyforce,asonceAlcidesdid, Atroupeoffuriesandtormentinghagges, TotortureDonLorenzoandtherest. Yet,leastthetripleheadedportershould Denyemypassagetotheslimystrond, TheThracianpoetthoushaltcounterfeite; Comeon,oldfather,bemyOrpheus; And,ifthoucanstnonotesvpontheharpe, Thensoundtheburdenofthysorehartsgreefe TillwedogainethatProserpinemaygraunt Reuengeonthemthatmurderredmysonne. ThenwillIrentandtearethemthusandthus, Shiueringtheirlimmesinpeeceswithmyteeth! Tearethepapers. ICIT.Oh,sir,mydeclaration!

70

TheSpanishTragedy ExitHIERONIMOandtheyafter. IICIT.Sauemybond! EnterHIERONIMO. IICIT.Sauemybond! IIICIT.Alasmylease,itcostme Tenpound,andyou,mylord,hauetornethesame! HIERO.Thatcannotbe,Igaueitneuerawound; Shewmeonedropofbloudfallfromthesame! HowisitpossibleIshouldslayitthen? Tush,no!Runafter,catchmeifyoucan! ExeuntallbuttheOLDEMAN[DONBAZULTO]. BAZULTOremainestillHIERONIMOenters againe,who,staringhimtheface,speakes: Andartthoucome,Horatio,fromthedepth, Toaskeforiusticeinthisvpperearth? Totellthyfatherthouartvnreuenged? TowringmoretearesfromIsabellaseies, Whoselightsaredimdwithouerlonglaments? Goeback,mysonne,complainetoEacus; Forheeresnoiustice.Gentleboy,begone; Foriusticeisexiledfromtheearth. Hieronimowillbearetheecompany. ThymothercriesonrighteousRadamant Foriustreuengeagainstthemurderers. [BAZULTO].Alas,mylord,whencespringsthistroubledspeech? HIERO.ButletmelookeonmyHoratio: Sweetboy,howartthouchangdindeathsblackshade! HadProserpinenopittieonthyyouth, Butsufferedthyfaircrimsoncolourdspring Withwitheredwintertobeblastedthus? Horatio,thouareolderthenthyfather: Ah,ruthlessfather,thatfauourthustransformess.

71

TheSpanishTragedy BA.Ah,mygoodlord,Iamnotyouryongsonne. HIE.What!notmysonne?thouthenaFurieart Sentfromtheemptiekingdomeofblackenight Tosummonmetomakeappearance BeforegrimMynosandiustRadamant, ToplagueHieronimo,thatisremisse AndseekesnotvengeanceforHoratiosdeath. BA.Iamagreeuedman,andnotaghost, Thatcameforiusticeformymurderedsonne. HIE.I,nowIknowthee,nowthounamestthysonne; Thouarttheliuelyimageofmygriefe: WithinthyfacesorrowesImaysee; Theeyesaredimdwithteares,theycheekesarewan, Theyforeheadtroubled,andthymuttringlips Murmuresadwordsabruptlybrokenoff Byforceofwindiesighesthyspiritbreathes; Andallthissorrowrisethforthysonne, AndselfesamesorrowfeeleIformysonne. Comein,oldman;thoushalttoIzabell. Leaneonmyarme;Ithee,thoumeshaltstay; AndthouandIandshewillsingasong, Threepartsinone,butallofdiscordsframd, Talkenotofcords!butletvsnowbegone, ForwithacordHoratiowasslaine. Exeunt. [ACTIII.SCENE14.] [TheSpanishcourt.] EnterKINGOFSPAINE,theDUKE,VICEROY,and LORENZO,BALTHAZAR,DONPEDRO,andBELIMPERIA. KING.Go,brother,itistheDukeofCastilescause; Salutetheviceroyinourname. CAST.Igo.

72

TheSpanishTragedy VICE.Goforth,DonPedro,fortheynephewssake, AndgreettheDukeofCastile. PEDRO.Itshallbeso. KING.AndnowtomeetthesePortaguise; For,aswenoware,sosometimeswerethese, KingsandcommandersofthewesterneIndies. Welcome,braueviceroy,tothecourtofSpaine! Andwelcome,allhishonorabletraine! Tisnotvnknownetovsforwhyyoucome, Orhauesokinglycrosttheseas. Suffisethit,inthiswenotethetroth Andmorethencommonloueyoulendtovs. Soisitthatminehonorableneece, Foritbeseemesvsnowthatitbeknowne, AlreadyisbetrothdtoBalthazar; And,byappointmentandourcondiscent, Tomorrowaretheytobemarried. Tothisintentweentertainethyselfe, Thyfollowers,theirpleasure,andourpeace. Speak,menofPortingale,shallitbeso? IfI,sayso;ifnot,saysoflatly. VICE.Renownedking,Icomenot,asthouthinkst, Withdoubtfullfollowers,vnresoluedmen, Butsuchashauevponthinearticles Confirmedthymotionandcontentedme. Know,soueraigne,Icometosolemnize Themarriageoftheybelouedneece, FaireBelimperia,withmyBalthazar, Withthee,mysonne,whomsithIliuetosee, Heere,takemycrowne,Igiueittoherandthee, Andletmeliueasolitarielife, Inceaselesspraiers, Tothinkhowstrangelyheauenhaththeepreserued. KING.See,brother,see,hownaturestriuesinhim! Come,worthyviceroy,andaccompany Theyfreend,tostrivewiththineextremities: Aplacemorepriuatefitsthisprincelymood. VICE.OrheereorwhereyourHighnesthinksitgood.

73

TheSpanishTragedy ExeuntallbutCASTTILEandLORENZO. CAS.Nay,stay,Lorenzo;letmetalkewithyou. Seestthouthisentertainementofthesekings? LOR.Idoe,mylord,andioytoseethesame. CAS.Andknowestthouwhythismeetingis? LOR.Forher,mylord,whomBalthazardothloue, Andtoconfirmetheirpromisedmarriage. CAS.Sheisthysister. LOR.Who?Belimperia? I,mygratiouslord,andthisistheday ThatIhauelongdsohappilytosee. CAS.Thouwouldstbeloaththatanyfaultofthine Shouldinterceptherinherhappines? LOR.HeauenswillnotletLorenzoerresomuch. CAS.Whythen,Lorenzo,listentomywords: Itissuspected,andreportedtoo, Thatthou,Lorenzo,wrongstHieronimo, AndinhissutestowardhisMaiestie Stillkeepsthimbackandseekestocrossehissute. LOR.ThatI,mylord? CAS.Itellthee,sonne,myselfehauehearditsaid, WhentomysorrowIhauebeenashamed Toanswereforthee,thoughthouartmysonne. Lorenzo,knowestthounotthecommonloue AndkindenesthatHieronimohathwone ByhisdesertswithinthecourtofSpaine? Orseestthounotthekingmybrotherscare Inhisbehalfeandtoprocurehishealth? Lorenzo,shouldstthouthwarthispassions, Andheexclaimeagainsttheetotheking, Whathonourwertinthisassembly, Orwhatascandalewereamongthekings, ToheareHieronimoexclaimeonthee! Tellme,andlokethoutellmetruelytoo,

74

TheSpanishTragedy Whencegrowesthegroundofthisreportincourt? LOR.Mylord,itlyesnotinLorenzospower Tostopthevulgarliberalloftheirtongues: Asmalladuantagemakesawaterbreach; Andnomanliuesthatlongcontentethall. CAS.Myselfehaueseenetheebusietokeepback Himandhissupplicationsfromtheking. LOR.Yourselfe,mylord,hathseenehisassions, Thatillbeseemdethepresenceofaking; And,forIpittiedhiminhisdistresse, Iheldehimthencewithkindeandcurteouswords, AsfreefrommalicetoHieronimo Astomysoule,mylord. CAS.Hieronimo,mysonne,mistakestheethen. LOR.Mygratiousfather,beleeueme,sohedoth; Butwhatsasillyman,distractinminde Tothinkvponthemurderofhissonne? Alas,howeasieisitforhimtoerre! But,forhissatisfactionandtheworlds, Tweregood,mylord,thatHieronimoandI Werereconcilde,ifhemisconsterme. CAS.Lorenzo,thathastsaid;itshalbeso! Goe,oneofyou,andcallHieronimo. EnterBALTHAZARandBELIMPERIA. BAL.Come,Belimperia,Balthazarscontent, Mysorrowesease,andsoueraigneofmyblisse, Sithheauenhaththeeordaindedtobemine, Dispercethosecloudesandmelanchollielookes, Andcleerethemvpwiththosethysunnebrighteies, Whereinmyhopeandheauensfairebeautielies! BEL.Mylookes,mylord,arefittingformyloue, Which,newbegun,canshewnobrighteryet. BAL.Newkindledflamesshouldburneasmorningsun.

75

TheSpanishTragedy BEL.Butnottoofast,leastheateandallbedone. Iseemylordmyfather. BAL.True,myloue; Iwillgoesalutehim. CAS.Welcome,Balthazar, Welcome,braueprince,thepledgeofCastilespeace! AndwelcomeBelimperia!Hownow,girle? Whycommestthousadlytosalutevsthus? Contentthyselfe,forIamsatisfied. ItisnotnowaswhenAndrealiud; Wehaueforgottenandforgiuenthat, Andthouartgracedwithahappeirloue. But,Balthazar,heerecomesHieronimo; Ilehaueawordwithhim. EnterHIERONIMOandaSERUANT. HIERO.Andwherestheduke? SER.Yonder. HIERO.Euenso. [aside]Whatnewdeuicehauetheydeuised,tro? Pocaspalabras!Mildeasthelambe! IstIwillbereuengd?No,Iamnottheman. CAS.Welcome,Hieronimo! LOR.Welcome,Hieronimo! BAL.Welcome,Hieronimo! HIERO.Mylords,IthankyouforHoratio. CAS.Hieronimo,thereasonthatIsent Tospeakwithyouisthis HIERO.What?soshort? ThenIlebegone;Ithankyoufort! CAS.Nay,stay,Hieronimo;goecallhim,sonne.

76

TheSpanishTragedy LOR.Hieronimo,myfathercrauesawordwithyou. HIERO.Withme,sir?Why,mylord,Ithoughtyou haddone. LOR.[aside]No;wouldhehad! CAS.Hieronimo,Ihear Youfindeyourselfeagreeuedatmysonne, Becauseyouhauenotaccessevntotheking, Andsaytishethatinterceptsyoursutes. HIERO.Why,isnotthisamiserablething,mylord? CAS.Hieronimo,Ihopeyouhauenocause, Andwouldbeloththatoneofyourdeserts, Shouldoncehauereasontosuspectmysonne, ConsideringhowIthinkofyoumyselfe. HIERO.YoursonneLorenzo?whome,mynoblelord? ThehopeofSpaine?minehonorablefreend? Grauntmethecombatofthem,iftheydare! Drawesouthissword. Ilemeetthemfacetofacetotellmeso! Thesebethescandalousreportsofsuch Aslouesnotme,andhatemylordtoomuch. ShouldIsuspectLorenzowouldpreuent Orcrossemysute,thatlouedmysonnesowell? Mylord,Iamashameditshouldbesaid. LOR.Hieronimo,Ineuergaueyoucause. HIERO.Mygoodlord,Iknowyoudidnot. CAS.Therethenpause, And,forthesatisfactionoftheworld, Hieronimo,frequentmyhomelyhouse, TheDukeofCastileCipriansancientseat; Andwhenthouwilt,vseme,mysonne,andit. ButheerebeforePrinceBalthazarandme Embraceeachother,andbeperfectfreends.

77

TheSpanishTragedy HIERO.I,marry,mylord,andshall! Freends,quothhe?See,Ilebefreendswithyouall! Especiallywithyou,mylouelylord; Fordiuerscausesitisfitforvs Thatwebefreends.Theworldissuspitious, Andmenmaythinkwhatweimaginenot. BAL.Whythisisfreelydoone,Hieronimo. LOR.AndIhopeoldegrudgesareforgot. HIERO.Whatels?itwereashameitshouldnot beso! CAS.Comeon,Hieronimo,atmyrequest; Letvsentreatyourcompanytoday! Exeunt. [CHORUS.] EnterGHOASTandREUENGE. GHOST.AwakeErictho!Cerberus,awake! SollicitePluto,gentleProserpine! Tocombat,AchinonandEricusinhell! ForneerebyStixandPhlegetontherecame. NorferriedCarontothefierielakes, Suchfearfullsights,aspooreAndreasees? Reuengeawake! REUENGE.Awake?forwhy? GHOST.Awake,Reuenge!forthouartilladuisde Tosleepeawaywhatthouartwarndtowatch! REUENGE.Contentthyselfe,anddoenottroubleme. GHOST.Awake,Reuenge,ifloue,aslouehathhad, Haueyetthepowerofpreuailanceinhell! HieronimowithLorenzoisioyndeinleague, Andinteceptsourpassagetoreuenge. Awake,Reuenge,orwearewoebegone!

78

TheSpanishTragedy REUENGE.Thusworldingsgroundwhattheyhauedreamdvpon! Contentthyselfe,Andrea;thoughIsleepe, Yetismymoodsolicitingtheirsoules. SufficeththeethatpooreHieronimo CannotforgethissonneHoratio. NordiesReuegnealthoughhesleepeawhile; Forinvnquiet,quietnesisfaind, Andslumbringisacommonworldlywile. Beholde,Andrea,foraninstancehow Reuengehathslept;andthenimaginethou Whattistobesubiecttodestinie. EnteraDummeshow. GHOST.Awake,Reuenge!reuealethismisterie! REUENGE.Thetwofirstdothenuptialltorchesbeare, Asbrightlyburningasthemiddaiessunne; ButafterthemdothHimenhieasfast, Clothedinsableandsaffronrobe, Andblowesthemoutandquencheththemwithblood, Asdiscontentthatthingscontinueso. GHOST.Sufficethme;thymeaningsvnderstood, Andthankstotheeandthoseinfernallpowers Thatwillnottolleratealouerswoe. Restthee;forIwillsittoseetherest. REUENGE.Thenarguenot;forthouhastthyrequest. Exeunt.

79

TheSpanishTragedy [ACTIV.SCENE1.] [TheDUKEscastle.] EnterBELIMPERIAandHIERONIMO. BELIMPERIA.IsthisthelouethatbearstHoratio? Isthisthekindnesthatthoucounterfeits, Arethesethefruitsofthineincessantteares? Hieronimo,arethesethypassions, Thyprotestationsandthydeepelaments, Thatthouwertwonttoweariemenwithall? Ovnkindefather!Odeceitfullworld! Withwhatexcusescanstthoushewthyselfe, Withwhatdishonour,andthehateofmen, Thustoneglectthelosseandlifeofhim Whombothmylettersandthineownebeliefe Assurestheetobecauselesslaughtered? Hieronimo!forshame,Hieronimo, Benotahistorytoaftertimes Ofsuchingratitudevntothysonne! Vnhappymothersofsuchchldrenthen! Butmonstrousfathers,toforgetsosoone Thedeathofthosewhomtheywithcareandcost Hauetendredso,thuscarelesshouldbelost! Myselfe,astrangerinrespecttothee, SolouedhislifeasstillIwishtheirdeathes. Norshallhisdeathbevnreuengdbyme. AlthoughIbeareitoutforfashionssake; ForheereIsweareinsightofheauenandearth, Shouldstthouneglectthelouethoushoudlstretain Andgiueoueranddeuisenomore, Myselfeshouldsendtheirhatefullsoulestohel Thatwroughthisdownfallwithextreamestdeath! HIE.ButmayitbethatBelimperia Vowessuchreuengeasshehathdaindtosay? Whythen,Iseethatheauenappliesourdrift, Andallthesaintsdoesitsoliciting Forvengeanceonthosecursedmurtherers. Madame,tistrue,andnowIfinditso. Ifoundaletter,writteninyourname, Andinthatletter,howHoratiodied.

80

TheSpanishTragedy Pardon,Opardon,Belimperia, Myfeareandcareinnotbeleeuingit! NorthinkeIthoughtlesthinkevponameane Tolethisdeathbevnreuengedatfull. AndheereIvow,soyoubutgiueconsent Andwillconcealemyresolution, Iwillerelongdetermineoftheirdeathes Thatcauselesthushauemurderdmysonne. BEL.Hieronimo,Iwillconsent,conceale, Andoughtthatmayeffectforthineauaile, IoynewiththeetoreuengeHoratiosdeath. HIER.Onthen,andwhatsoeuerIdeuise, Letmeentreatyougracemypractice, Forwhytheplotsalreadyinminehead. Heeretheyare! EnterBALTHAZARandLORENZO. BAL.Hownow,Hieronimo? What,courtingBelimperia? HIERO.I,mylord, Suchcourtingas,Ipromiseyou, Shehathmyhart,butyou,mylord,hauehers. LOR.Butnow,Hieronmimo,orneuerwearetointreate yourhelpe. HIE.Myhelp?why,mygoodlords,assureyourselues ofme; Foryouhauegiuenmecause,I,bymyfaith,haueyou! BAL.Itpleasdeyouattheentertainmentofthe embassadour, TogracetheKingsomuchaswithashew; Nowwereyourstuidesowellfurnished As,forthepassingofthefirstnightssport, Toentertainemyfatherwiththelike, Oranysuchlikepleasingmotion, Assureyourselfeitwouldcontentthemwell.

81

TheSpanishTragedy HIERO.Isthisall? BAL.I,thisisall. HIERO.Whilethenilefityou;saynomore. WhenIwasyongIgauemyminde Andplidemyselfetofruitlespoetrie, Which,thoughitprofitetheprofessornaught, Yetisitpassingpleasingtotheworld. LOR.Andhowforthat? HIERO.Marrie,mygoodlord,thus. Andyet,methinks,youaretooquickwithvs! WheninTolledothereIstudied, Itwasmychauncetowriteatragedie, Seeheere,mylords, Heshowesthemabook. Which,longforgot,Ifoundthisotherday. Norwouldyourlordshipsfauourmesomuch Asbuttogracemewithyouractingit, Imeaneeachoneofyoutoplayapart. Assureyouitwillprouemostpassingstrange Andwondrousplausibletothatassembly. BAL.What,wouldyouhauevsplayatragedie? HIERO.Why,Nerothoughtitnodisparagement, Andkingsandemperourshauetanedelight Tomakeexperienceoftheirwitinplaies! LOR.Nay,benotangry,goodHieronimo; Theprincebutaskedaquestion. BAL.Infaith,Hieronimo,andyoubeinearnest, Ilemakeone. LOR.AndIanother. HIERO.Now,mygoodlord,couldyouintreat, Yoursister,Belimperia,tomakeone,

82

TheSpanishTragedy Forwhatsaplaywithoutawomaninit? BEL.Littleintreatyshallserueme,Hieronimo, ForImustneedsbeimployedinyourplay. HIERO.Why,thisiswell!Itellyou,lordings, Itwasdeterminedtohauebeeneacted, Bygentlemenandschollerstoo, Suchascouldtellwhattospeak. BAL.Andnowitshallbeplaidebyprincesandcourtiers, Suchascantellhowtospeak, If,asitisourcountrymanner, Youwillbutletvsknowtheargument. HIERO.ThatshallIroundly.ThecroniclesofSpaine RecordethiswrittenofaknightofRodes; Hewasbetrothed,andweddedatthelength, ToonePerseda,anItaliandame, Whosebeatuierauishedallthatherbehelde, EspeciallythesouleofSoliman, Whoatthemarriagewasthecheefestguest. BysundrymeanessoughtSolimantowinne Persedasloue,andcouldnotgainethesame. Thenganhebreakhispassionstoafreend, Oneofhisbashaweswhomeheheldfulldeere. Herhasthisbashawlongsolicited, Andsawshewasnototherwisetobewonne Butbyherhusbandsdeath,thisknightofRodes, Whomepresentlybytrecheriehisslew. She,stirdewithanexceedinghatetherefore, Ascauseofthis,slewSultanSoliman, And,toescapethebashawestirannie, Didstabherselfe.Andthisisthetragedie. LOR.O,excellent! BEL.Butsay,Hieronimo: Whatthenbecameofhimthatwasthebashaw? HIERO.Marriethus:mouedwithremorseofhismisdeeds, Rantoamountaintopandhunghimselfe.

83

TheSpanishTragedy BAL.Butwhichofvsistoperformethatpart? HIERO.O,thatwillI,mylords;makenodoubtofit; Ileplaythemurderer,Iwarrentyou; ForIalreadyhaueconceitedthat. BAL.AndwhatshallI? HIERO.GreatSoliman,theTurkishemperour. LOR.AndI? HIERO.Erastus,theknightofRhodes. BEL.AndI? HIERO.Perseda,chasteandresolute. Andheere,mylords,areseueralabstractsdrawne, Foreacheofyoutonoteyourseuerallpartes. Andactitasoccasionsoffredyou. Youmustprouide[youwith]aTurkishcappe, Ablackmoustacheandafauchion. GiuespapertoBALTHAZAR. Youwithacrosse,likeaknightofRhodes. GiuesanothertoLORENZO. And,madame,youmustthenattireyourselfe HegiuethBELIMPERIAanother. LikePhoebe,Flora,orthehuntresseDian, Whichtoyourdiscretionshallseemebest. Andasforme,mylords,Ilelooketoone, Andwiththeraunsomethattheviceroysent Sofurnishandperformethistragedie AsalltheworldshallsayHieronimo Wasliberallingracingofitso. BAL.Hieronimo,methinksacomediewerebetter.

84

TheSpanishTragedy HIERO.Acomedie?fie!comediesarefitforcommonwits; Buttopresentakinglytroupewithall, Giuemeastatelywrittentragedie, Tragediacothurnata,fittingkings, Containingmatter,andnotcommonthings! Mylords,allthisoursportmustbeperfourmed, Asfitting,forthefirstnightsreuelling. TheItaliantragediansweresosharpe Ofwitthatinonehouresmeditation Theywouldperformeanythinginaction. LOR.Andwellitmay,forIhaueseenethelike InParis,mongsttheFrenchtragedians. HIERO.InParis?mas,andwellremembered! Theresonethingmorethatrestsforvstodoo. BAL.Whatsthat,Hieronimo? Forgetnotanything. HIERO.Eachoneofvs Mustacthisparteinvnknownelanguages, Thatitmaybreedethemorevarietie: Asyou,mylord,inLatin,IinGreeke, YouinItalian,and,forbecauseIknow ThatBelimperiahathpractisedtheFrench, IncourtlyFrenchshallallherphrasesbe. BEL.Youmeanetotrymycunningthen,Hieronimo! BAL.Butthiswillbeameereconfusion, Andhardlyshallweallbevnderstoode. HEIRO.Itmustbeso;fortheconclusion Shallprouetheinuentionandallwasgood; AndImyselfeinanoration, ThatIwillhauetherebehindeacurtaine, Andwithastrangeandwondrousshewbesides, Assureyourselfe,shallmakethematterknowne. Andallshalbeconcludedinoncescene, Fortheresnopleasuretaneintediousnes. BAL.[toLOR.]Howlikeyouthis?

85

TheSpanishTragedy LOR.Whythus,mylord,wemustresolue, Tosoothehishumorsvp. BAL.Onthen,Hieronimo;farewelltillsoone! HIERO.Youpliethisgeere? LOR.Iwarrantyou. ExeuentallbutHIERONIMO. HIERO.Why,so!nowshallIseethefallofBabilon Wroughtbytheheauensinthisconfusion. And,iftheworldlikenotthistragedie, HardisthehapofoldeHieronimo. Exit. [ACTIV.SCENE2.] [HIERONIMOsgarden.] EnterISABELLAwithaweapon. ISA.Tellmenomore!Omonstroushomicides! Sinceneitherpietienorpittiemoues Thekingtoiusticeorcompassion, Iwillreuengemyselfevponthisplace, Wherethustheymurderedmybelouedsonne. Shecutsdownethearbour. Downewiththesebranchesandtheseloathsomebowes Onthisvnfortunateandfatallpine! Downewiththem,Isabella;rentthemvp, Andburnestherootsfromwhencetherestissprung! Iwillleauenotaroot,astalke,atree, Abowe,abranch,ablossome,noraleafe, Not,notahearbwithinthisgardenplot, Accursedcomplotofmymiserie! Fruitlesseforeuermaythisgardenbe,

86

TheSpanishTragedy Barrentheearth,andblislessewhosoeuer Immaginesnottokeepitvnmanurde! Aneasternewindecomixtwithnoisomeaires Shallblasttheplantsandyongsaplingshere, Theearthwithserpentsshalbepestered, Andpassengers,forfearetobeinfect, Shallstandaloofe,and,lookingatit,tell TheremurdreddidethesonneofIsabell. I,heerehedide,andheereIhimimbrace! Seewherehisghoastsoliciteswithhiswounds Reuengeonherthatshouldreuengehisdeath! Hieronimo,makehastetoseethysonne, ForSorrowandDispairehathscitedme ToheareHoratiopleadwithRadamant. Makehaste,Hieronimo,toholdeexcusde Thynegligenceinpursuteoftheirdeaths Whosehatefullwrathbreaudhimofhisbreath. Ah,nay;thoudostdelaytheirdeaths, Forgiuesthemurderersofthynoblesonne; AndnonebutIbestirreme,tonoend! And,asIcurssethistreefromfurtherfruit, Soshallmywombebecursedforhissake; AndwiththisweaponwillIwoundthisbrest, ThathaplesbrestthatgaueHoratiosuck! Shestabsherselfe. [ACTIV.SCENE3.] [TheDUKEscastle.] EnterHIERONIMO;heknocksupthecurtaine. EntertheDUKEOFCASTILE. CAS.Hownow,Hieronimo?wheresyourfellows, Thatyoutakeallthispaine? HIERO.Osir,itisfortheauthorscredit Tolookthatallthingsmaygoewell. But,goodmylord,letmeintreatyourGrace Togiuethekingthecoppieoftheplaie:

87

TheSpanishTragedy Thisistheargumentofwhatweshew. CAS.Iwill,Hieronimo. HIERO.Onemorething,mygoodlord. CAS.Whatsthat? HIERO.LetmeintreatyourGrace That,whenthetrainearepastintothegallerie, Youwouldvouchsafetothrowemedownethekey. CAS.IwillHieronimo. ExitCASTILE. HIERO.What,areyouready,Balthazar? Bringachaireandacushionfortheking. EnterBALTHAZARwithachaire. Welldoon,Balthazar;hangvpthetitle: OursceneisRhodes.What,isyourbeardon? BAL.Halfeon,theotherisinmyhand. HIERO.Dispatch,forshame!areyousolong? ExitBALTHAZAR. Bethinkthyselfe,Hieronimo, Recallthywits,recomptthyformerwrongs Thouhastreceiuedbymurderofthysonne, Andlastly,butnotleast,howIsabell, Oncehismotherandmydeerestwife, Allwoebegoneforhim,hathslaineherselfe. Behouestheethen,Hieronimo,tobe Reuengd!Theplotislaideofdirereuenge: Onthen,Hieronimo;persuereuenge, Fornothingwantsbutactingofreuenge! ExitHIERONIMO.

88

TheSpanishTragedy Enter SPANISH KING, VICEROY, the DUKE OF CASTILE, and theirtraine,[tothegallery]. KING.Now,viceroy,shallweseethetragedie OfSoliman,theTurkishemperour, Performdebypleasurebyyorsonnetheprince, MynephewDonLorenzo,andmyneece. VICE.Who?Belimperia? KING.I;andHieronimoourmarshall, Atwhoserequesttheydeinetodootthemselues. ThesebeourpastimesinthecourtofSpaine. Heere,brother,youshallbethebookekeeper: Thisistheargumentofthattheyshew. Hegiuethhimabooke. [Gentlemen, this play of Hieronimo in sundrie languages was thoughtgoodtobesetdowneinEnglishmorelargely,fortheeasier vnderstandingtoeuerypubliquereader.] EnterBALTHAZAR,BELIMPERIA,andHIERONIMO. BALTHAZAR. [acting] Bashaw, that Rhodes is ours yeeld Heauens thehonor AndholyMahhomet,oursacredprophet! Andbethougractwitheueryexcelence ThatSolimancangiueorthoudesire! ButthydesertinconqueringRhodesislesse TheninreseruingthisfaireChristiannimph, Perseda,blisfulllampofexcellence, Whoseeiescompell,likepowerfulladamant, ThewarlikeheartofSolimantowait. KING.See,viceroy,thatisBalthazaryoursonne, ThatrepresentstheEmperourSolyman: Howwellheactshisamorouspassion! VICE.I;Belimperiahathtaughthimthat. CASTILE:ThatsbecausehismindrunnesalonBelimperia.

89

TheSpanishTragedy HIERO.[acting]WhateuerioyearthyeeldsbetideyourMaiestie! BALT.[acting]EarthyeeldsnoioywithoutPersedaesloue. HIERO.[acting]LetthenPeersedaonyourGraceattend. BALT.[acting]Sheshallnotwaitonme,butIonher! Drawnebytheinfluenceofherlights,Iyeeld. Butletmyfriend,theRhodianknight,comefoorth, Erasto,dearerthenmylifetome, ThathemayseePerseda,mybeloued. EnterERASTO[LORENZO]. KING.HeerecomesLorenzo:lookevpontheplot Andtellme,brother,whatpartplaieshe. BEL.[acting]Ah,myErasto!WelcometoPerseda! LO.[acting]ThricehappieisErastothatthouliuest! RhodeslosseisnothingtoErastoesioy; SithhisPersedaliues,hislifesuruiues. BALT.[acting]Ah,bashaw,heereislouebetweeneErasto AndfairePerseda,soueraigneofmysoule! HIERO.[acting]RemooueErasto,mightySolyman, AndthenPersedawillbequicklywonne. BALT.[acting]Erastoismyfriend;and,whileheliues, Persedaneuerwillremooueherloue. HIERO.[acting]LetnotErastoliuetogreeuegreatSoliman! BALT.[acting]DeareisErastoinourprincelyeye. HIERO.[acting]But,ifhebeyourriuall,lethimdie! BALT.[acting]Why,lethimdie!solouecommaundethme. YetIgreeveIthatErastoshouldsodie. HIERO.[acting]Erasto,Solimansaluteththee, AndletstheewitbymehisHighneswill,

90

TheSpanishTragedy Whichis,thoushouldstbethusimploid. Stabhim. BEL.[acting]Ay,me,Erasto!See,Solyman,Erastoesslaine! BALT.[acting]YetliuethSolymantocomfortthee. Fairequeeneofbeautie,letnotfauourdie, Bothwithgratiouseyebehldehisgriefe, ThatwithPersedaesbeautieisencreast, IfbyPersedagriefebenotreleast. BEL.[acting]Tyrant,desistsolicitingvainesutes; Relentlesaremineearestothylaments Asthybutcherispittilesseandbase WhichseazdonmyErasto,harmelesseknight. Yetbythypowerthouthinkesttocommaund, AndtothypowerPersedadothobey; But,weresheable,thusshewouldreuenge Thytreacheriesonthee,ignobleprince; Stabhim. Andonherselfeshewouldbethusreuengd. Stabherselfe. KING.Wellsaid,oldmarshall!thiswasbrauelydone! HIERO.ButBelimperiaplauiesPersedawell. VICE.Werethisinearnest,Belimperia, Youwouldbebettertomysonnethenso. KING.ButnowwhatfollowesforHieronimo? HIERO.Marrie,thisfollowesforHieronimo! Heerebreakeweoffoursundrielanguages, AndthusconcludeIinourvulgaretung: Happelyyouthinkbutbootlesareyourthoughts Thatthisisfabulouslycounterfeit, Andthatwedooasalltrageiansdoo, Todietoday,forfashioningourscene,

91

TheSpanishTragedy ThedeathofAiax,orsomeRomainepeer, And,inaminutestartingvpagaine, Reuiuetopleasetomorrowsaudience. No,princes;knowIamHieronimo, Thehopelesfatherofahaplessonne, Whosetungistundtotellhislatesttale, Nottoexcusegrosseerrorsintheplay. Iseeyourlookesvrgeinstanceofthesewords: Beholdethereasonvrgingmetothis! Showeshisdeadsonne. Seeheeremyshew;lookonthisspectacle! Heerelaymyhope,andheeremyhopehathend; Heerelaymyhart,andheeremyhartwasslaine; Heerelaymytreasure,heeremytreasurelost; Heerelaymyblisse,andheeremyblissebereft. Buthope,hart,treasure,ioyandblisse, Allfled,faild,died,yea,alldecaidewiththis. Fromfroththesewoundscamebreaththatgauemelife; Theymurdredmethatmadethesefatallmarkes. Thecausewaslouewhencegrewthismortallhate: Thehate,LorenzoandyongBalthazar; Theloue,mysonnetoBelimperia. Butnight,thecouererofaccursedcrimes, Withpitchiesilencehushtthesetraitorsharmes, Andlentthemleauefortheyhadsortedleasure Totakeaduantageinmygardenplot Vponmysonne,mydeereHoratio. Theremercilessetheybutcherdvpmyboy, Inblack,darkenight,topale,dim,cruelldeath! Heshrikes;Iheardandyet,methinks,Iheare Hisdismalloutcryecchointheaire; WithsoonestspeedIhastedtothenoise, Where,hangingonatree,Ifoundmysonne Throughgirtwithwoundsandslaughtred,asyousee. AndgreeuedI,thinkyou,atthisspectacle? Speak,Portuguise,whoselosseresemblesmine! IfthoucanstweepvponthyBalthazar, TislikeIwaildeformyHoratio. Andyou,mylord,whosereconciledsonne Marchtinanetandthoughthimselfvnseene, Andratedmeforabrainsickelunacie,

92

TheSpanishTragedy WithGodamendthatmadHieronimo! Howcanyoubrookourplaiescatastrophe? Andheerebeholdethisbloudiehandkercher, WhichatHoratiosdeathweepingdipt Withintheriuerofhisbleedingwounds! Itaspropitious,see,Ihauereserued, Andneuerhathitleftmybloodyhart, Solicitingremembranceofmyvow Withthese,Otheseaccursedmurderers! Whichnowperformd,myhartissatisfied. AndtothisendthebashawIbecame, ThatmightreuengemeonLorenzoslife, Whothereforewasappointedtothepart AndwastorepresenttheknightofRhodes, ThatImightkillhimmoreconueniently. So,viceroy,wasthisBalthazarthysonne ThatSolimanwhichBelimperia InpersonofPersedamurdered, Solelieappointedtothattragickepart, Thatshemightslayhimthatoffendedher. PooreBelimperiamistherpartinthis: For,thoughthestorysaithsheshouldhauedied, YetI,ofkindenesandcareforher, Didotherwisedetermineofherend. Butloueofhimwhometheydidhatetoomuch Didvrgeherresolutiontobesuch. Andprinces,nowbeholdeHieronimo, Authorandactorinthistragedie, Bearinghislatestfortuneinhisfist; Andwillasresoluteconcludehisparte Asanyoftheactorsgonebefore. And,gentles,thusIendmyplay! Vrgenomorewords,Ihauenomoretosay. Herunstohanghimselfe. KING.Ohearken,viceroy;holdeHieronimo! Brother,mynewphewandtheysonneareslaine! VICE.Wearebetraide!myBalthazarisslaine! Breakeopethedoores;runnesaueHieronimo! Hieronimo,doebutenformethekingoftheseeuents; Vponminehonour,thoushalthauenoharme!

93

TheSpanishTragedy HIERO.Viceroy,Iwillnottrusttheewithmylife, WhichIthisdayhaueofferedtomysonne: Accursedwretch,whystaiestthouhimthatwasresoluedtodie? KING.Speak,traitor!damned,bloudymurderer,speak! For,nowIhauethee,Iwilmaketheespeak! Whyhastthoudonethisvndeseruingdeed? VICE.WhyhastthoumurderedmyBalthazar? CAS.Whyhastthoubutcheredbothmychildrenthus? HIERO.Ogoodwords!AsdearetomewasHoratio Asyours,oryours,mylord,toyou. MyguitlessonnewasbyLorenzoslaine; AndbyLorenzoandthatBalthazar AmIatlastreuengedthorowly, VponwholesoulesmayHeauensbeyetauenged Withfargreaterfarthentheseafflictions! CAS.Butwhowerethyconfederatesinthis? VICE.ThatwasthydaughterBelimperia; ForbyherhandmyBalthazarwasslaine, Isawherstabhim. KING.Whyspeakestthounot? HIERO.Whatlesserlibertiecankingsaffoord Thenharmlessilence?Thatafforditme! SufficethImaynotnorIwillnottellthee. KING.Fetchforththetortures!Traitorasthouart,Ilemaketheetell! HIERO.Indeed? Thoumaiesttormentmeashiswretchedsonne HathdoneinmurdringmyHoratio; Butneuershaltthouforcemetoreueale ThethingwhichIhauevowedinviolate. Andtherefore,indespightofallthythreats, Pleasdewiththeirdeaths,andeasdewiththeirreuenge, Firsttakemytung,andafterwardsmyhart! Hebitesouthistongue.

94

TheSpanishTragedy KING.Omonstrousresolutionofawretch! See,ViceRoy,hehathbittenfoorthhistung Ratherthanreuealewhatwerequirde. CAS.Yetcanhewrite. KING.Andifinthishesatisfievsnot, Wewilldeuisethextreamestkindeofdeath Thateuerwasinuentedforawretch. Thenhemakessignesforaknifetomendhispen. CAS.O,hewouldhaueaknifetomendhispen. VICE.Here;andaduisetheethatthouwritethetroth, Looktomybrother!saueHieronimo! HewithaknifestabstheDUKEandhimself. KING.Whatagehatheuerheardsuchmonstrousdeeds? Mybrotherandthewholesucceedinghope ThatSpaineexpectedaftermydicease. Gobearehisbodyhence,thatwemaymourne Thelosseofourbelouedbrothersdeath, Thathemaybeentomd,whaterebefall. Iamthenext,theneerest,lastofall. VICE.Andthou,DonPedro,dothelikeforvs: Takevpourhaplessonnevntimelyslaine; Setmevpwithhim,andhewithwofullme, Vponthemainemastofashipvnmand, Andletthewindeandtidehalemealong ToSillasbarkingandvntamedgulfe OrtothelothsomepooleofArcheron, ToweepemywantformysweetBalthazar. SpainehathnorefugeforaPortingale! Thetrumpetssoundadeadmarch,theKINGOFSPAINE mourningafterhisbrothersbody,andtheKINGOF PORTINGALEbearingthebodyofhissonne. [CHORUS.]

95

TheSpanishTragedy EnterGHOASTandREUENGE. GHOAST.I;nowmyhopeshaueendintheireffects, Whenbloodandsorrowfinnishmydesires: HoratiomurderedinhisFathersbower, VildeSerberinebyPedriganoslaine, FalsePedriganohangdbyquaintdeuice, FaireIsabellabyherselfemisdone, PrinceBalthazarbyBelimepriastabd, TheDukeofCastileanhiswickedsonne BothdonetodeathbyoldeHieronimo, MyBelimperiafalneasDidofell, AndgoodHieronimoslainebyhimselfe! I,thesewerespectaclestopleasemysoule. NowwillIbegatlouelyProserpine That,bythevertueofherprincelydoome, Imayconsortmyfreendsinpleasingsort, Andonmyfoesworkiustandsharpereuenge. IleleadmyfreendHoratiothroughthosefeeldes Whereneuerdyingwarresarestillinurde; IleleadfaireIsabellatothattraine Wherepittieweepesbutneuerfeelethpaine; IleleadmyBelimperiatothoseioyes Thatvestalvirginsandfairequeenespossess; IleleadHieronimowhereOrpheusplaies, Addingsweetpleasuretoeternalldaies. Butsay,Reuenge,forthoumusthelpeornone, Againsttheresthowshallmyhatebeshowne? REUENGE.Thishandshallhalethemdowntodeepesthell, Wherenonebutfuries,bugsandtorturesdwell. GHOAST.Then,sweetReuenge,doothisatmyrequest: Letmeiudgeanddoomethemtovnrest; LetloosepooreTitiusfromthevulturesgripe, AndletDonCipriansupplyhisroome; PlaceDonLorenzoonIxionswheele, Andletthelouersendlespainessurcease, Iunoforgetoldewrathandgraunthimease; HangBalthazaraboutChimerasneck, Andlethimtherebewailehisbloudyloue, Repiningatourioyesthatareaboue; LetSerberinegoeroulethefatallstone

96

TheSpanishTragedy AndtakefromSiciphushisendlesmone; FalsePedringano,forhistrecherie, LethimbedragdethroughboylingAcheron, Andthereliuedyingstillinendlesflames, Blaspheminggodsandalltheirholynames. REUENGE.Thenhastewedownetomeetthyfreendsandfoes; Toplacethyfreendsinease,therestinwoes. Forheerethoughdeathdothendtheirmiserie, Iletherebegintheirendlestragedie. Exeunt. FINIS.

97

You might also like