Double <orig reg="Falsehood">Falshood</orig>; or, The <orig reg="Distressed">Distrest</orig> Lovers: electronic edition

]> Double <orig reg="Falsehood">Falshood</orig>; or, The <orig reg="Distressed">Distrest</orig> Lovers: electronic edition Lewis Theobald 1688-1744 transcribed by John W. Kennedy

Version 1.2, December 5, 2004

433587 bytes SKen Software, LLC.

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This digitised text is copyright © 2002-2004 by John W. Kennedy. No payment is required for individual or classroom use. If someone were ever to use this as the basis of a commercial printing, I'd appreciate a little cash thrown my way; I could use it, though if someone were ever to use it as a performance text, I'd appreciate the credit. This file may be redistributed, provided that it is kept intact.

December 5, 2004

Transcription from the 2nd London edition of 1728, with notes on all variants in the 1st London edition of 1728 and major variants in the 3rd London edition of 1767.

Texts collated:1st London edition, 17281st stateThe Library of English Literature ultrafiche 40047, copy LEL 40047 in the Drew University Library (original source unknown)The 1970 Muir facsimile, copy 3600.001.308 in the Princeton University Library, based on copy S359.1728 in the Birmingham Reference LibraryPrinceton University Library copy Rare Books (Ex) 3600.001.308 c 12nd statePrinceton University Library copy Rare Books (Ex) 3600.001.308 c 21st Dublin edition, 1728 — not yet collated2nd London edition, 1728Yale University Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Library copy Plays 1043rd London edition, 1767New York Public Library copy C-14 2410 (when found, incorrectly cataloged as 2nd Edition)Western Reserve University edition, 1920 (ed. Walter Graham) — not yet collated

Additional texts examined:1st London edition, 17281st stateYale University Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Libary copy Plays 882nd stateYale University Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Library copy Plays 589Yale University Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Library copy Ik D744 728hybrid state (gatherings A-D first state, gathering E second state)Yale University Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Libary copy Plays 5293rd London edition, 1767New York Public Library copy *NDA (Double Falshood)

There was no publicly available digitisation of this important and controversial text, so I decided that, if a proper scholar wasn't going to do it, I would.

Verbal correction is conservative, limited to obvious typographic errors. Line divisions in verse are corrected somewhat more freely. Punctuation is left alone, except for unmistakable errors. Needful additions are made to the Dramatis Personae. All corrections are labelled. Since Doctor Graham intended his text to be diplomatic, I regard all his discrepancies as errors.

Long "s" and ligatures are silently normalised. The long lines that in the printed text lead partial lines of verse are silently converted to TEI markup (but editorial changes to them are noted). Other such lines are silently converted to m dashes. Spelling is left as-is, but normalizations are provided in ORIG elements. (Modern British spelling is regarded as normative.) Marginal braces are eliminated, but reflected in LG and NOTE elements. Spacing within lines, and around punctuation in particular, has been silently normalized; I do not have the training to do otherwise. Ornaments are omitted, but described in FIGDESC tags.

Quotation marks are indicated by both Q elements and the original pointing. In a few cases, unpointed direct discourse (usually introduced by a construction such as, "as who should say") have received Q elements.

Hard and soft hyphens are retained.

Text has been analysed into speeches and lines of verse. Page breaks and line breaks of the 2nd edition are recorded. (For the most part, the 1st edition is identical, and the 3rd edition closely follows the 2nd.) The unnumbered pages of the front matter are identified by lower-case Roman numerals, starting with "ii" for the verso of the half-title; this is the practice of the 3rd edition.

O.S. dates are identified as such. Dates are yyyy[-mm[-dd]].

Few efforts at interpretation has been made beyond obvious use of the NAME and DATE tags. Latin tags in the front matter are translated, one important issue in the Preface is remarked on, and a few interpretive problems are pointed out.

English Latin November 14, 2004 John W. Kennedy Initial version

Rule Double Falshood; or,The Distrest Lovers.

Rule A[Price 1 s. and 6 d.]

The royal arms, flanked by G and RGeorge R.

George the Second, by the Grace of God, King ofGreat-Britain, France and Ireland;Graham reads “:” Defender of thefaith, etc.Graham omits italics To all to whom these Presents shall come,

Greeting. Whereas our Trusty, and Well-belovedLewis Theobald, of our City of London, Gent. hath, byhis Petition, humbly represented to Us, that He having, at aGraham omits “a” considerable Expence, Purchased the Manuscript Copy ofan Original Play of William Shakespeare, called, Double<lb/><orig reg="Falsehood">Falshood</orig>; Or, the <orig reg="Distressed">Distrest</orig> Lovers; and, with great Labour and Pains,Revised, and Adapted the same to the Stage; has humbly besoughtUs, to grant him Our Royal Privilege, and Licence, for the solePrinting and Publishing thereof, for the Term of Fourteen Years:We, being willing to give all due Encouragement to this his Undertaking, are graciously pleased to condescend to his Request: anddo therefore, by these Presents, so far as may be agreeable to theStatute in that Behalf made and provided, for Us, Our Heirs, andSuccessors, grant unto Him, the said Lewis Theobald, his Executors,Administrators, and Assigns, Our Royal Licence, for the sole Printing and Publishing the said Play, in such Size and Manner, as Heand They shall think fit, for the Term of Fourteen Years, to becomputed from the Date hereof; strictly forbidding all our Subjectswithin our Kingdoms and Dominions, to Reprint the same, eitherin the like, or in any other Size, or Manner whatsoever; or to Import, Buy, Vend, Utter or Distribute any Copies thereof, Reprinted beyond the Seas, during the aforesaid Term of Fourteen Years,without the Consent, or Approbation of the said Lewis Theobald,his Heirs, Executors, and Assigns, under his, or their Hands andSeals first had, and obtained; as they will answer the contrary attheir Peril: — Whereof the Commissioners, and other Officers ofour Customs, the Master, Warden, and Company of Stationers,are to take Notice, that the same may be entred in the Register ofthe said Company, and that due Obedience be rendred thereunto.

Given at Our Court at St. James's, the Fifth Day of December, 1727;in the First Year of Our Reign.

By His Majesty's Command,Holles Newcastle. Double Falshood; or,The Distrest Lovers. APlay,As it is Acted at theTheatre-Royalin

Drury-Lane.

Rule Written Originally by W. Shakespeare;And now Revised and Adapted to the StageBy Mr. Theobald, the Author of Shakespeare Restor'd.

Rule Quod optanti Divûm promittere nemo Auderet, volvenda Dies, en! attulit ultrò.“What none of all the gods could grant thy vows, / That, ... this auspicious day bestows.” Aeneid, Book IX, ll 6-7 Virg.

Rule The Second Edition

Rule London:Printed by J. Watts, at the Printing-Office in

Wild-Court near Lincolns-Inn Fields.

Short rule M DCC XXVIII.

Floral decoration with urn and herons To the Right HonourableGeorge Dodington, Esq;Sir,

Nothing can morestrongly second thePleasure I feel, fromthe Universal Applausewhich crowns this Orphan Play, than this Other which Itake in presuming to shelter it underYour Name. I bear so dear an Affection to the Writings and Memoryof Shakespeare, that, as it ismy good Fortune to retrieve thisRemnant of his Pen from Obscurity, so it is my greatest Ambition thatA 3thisDedication.this Piece should be received intothe Protection of such a Patron:And, I hope, Future Times, whenthey mean to pay Shakespeare the bestCompliment, will remember to say,Mr. Dodington was that Friendto his Remains, which his ownSouthampton was to his livingMerit.

It is from the fine Discernmentof our Patrons, that we can generally best promise Ourselves thegood Opinion of the Publick. Youare not only, Sir,1st edition: no “, Sir,” a distinguish'dFriend of the Muses, but most intimately allied to them: And fromhence it is I flatter Myself, thatif You shall think fit to pronounce this Piece genuine, it willsilence the Censures of those Unbelievers, who think it impossible aMa-Dedication.Manuscript of Shakespeare could solong have lain dormant; and whoare blindly paying Me a greaterCompliment than either They design, or I can merit, while they cannot but confess Themselves pleased,yet would fain insinuate that theyare imposed upon. I should esteem itsome Sort of Virtue, were I able tocommit so agreeable a Cheat.

But pardon Me, Sir, for a Digression that perverts the very Ruleof Dedications. I own, I have myReasons for it. As, Sir, yourknown Integrity, and Honour engages the warmest Wishes of all goodMen for your Prosperity, so yourknown Distinction in polite Letters,and your generous Encouragementof Those who pretend to them, obliges us to consider your AdvanceA 4mentDedication.ment, as our own personal Interest,and as a good Omen, at least, if notas the surest Means of the futureflourishing Condition of those Humane Arts amongst us, which Weprofess, and which You adorn. Butneither Your Modesty, nor myInability,1st edition: no comma will suffer me to enter uponthat Subject. Permit me therefore,Sir, to convert Panegyrick into amost ardent Wish, that You wouldlook with a Tender Eye on this dearRelick, and that you would believeme, with the most unfeigned Zealand Respect,

Sir,Your most Devotedand Obedient Humble Servant,

Great Russell-street,

21st December,1727.Lew. Theobald.

Floral ornament with peacocksPrefaceof theEditor.

The Success, which this Play has met with fromthe Town in the Representation, (to say nothingof the Reception it found from those Great Judges,to whom I have had the Honour of communicating it in Manuscript;) has almost made the Purpose of a Preface unnecessary: And therefore whatI have to say, is design'd rather to wipe out a flying Objectionor1st edition: “ro” two, than to labour at proving it the Production of Shakespeare.1st edition: no new paragraph

It has been alledg'd as incredible, that such a Curiosity shouldbe stifled and lost to the World for above a Century. ToThis my Answer is short; that tho' it never till now madeits Appearance on the Stage, yet one of the Manuscript Copies,which I have, is of above Sixty Years Standing, in the Handwriting of Mr. Downes, the famous Old Prompter; and, as Iam credibly inform'd, was early in the Possession of the celebrated Mr. Betterton, and by Him design'd to have been usher'dinto the World. What Accident prevented This Purpose ofhis, I do not pretend to know: Or thro' what hands it had successively pass'd before that Period of Time. There is a Tradition (which I have from the Noble Person, who supply'd mewith One of my Copies) that this Play1st edition “it”. This has led some to understand that Theobald was referring to the copy supplied by the Noble Person, and thence has led to the belief that he claimed to possess four copies in all. The correction makes it clear that he is claiming to possess only three. was given by our Author, as aPresent of Value, to a Natural Daughter of his, for whose Sakehe wrote it, in the Time of his Retirement from the Stage.TwoPreface.Two other Copies I have, (one of which I was glad to purchase at a very good Rate,) which may not, perhaps, be quite soOld as the Former; but One of Them is much more perfect,and has fewer Flaws and Interruptions in the Sense.

Another Objection has been started, (which would carry muchmore Weight with it, were it Fact;) that the Tale of this Play,being built upon a Novel in Don <orig reg="Quixote">Quixot</orig>, Chronology is againstUs, and Shakespeare could not be the Author. But it happens,that the First Part of Don <orig reg="Quixote">Quixot</orig>, which contains the Novelupon which the Tale of this Play seems to be built, was publish'd in the year 1605,Thomas Shelton's English translation was published, however, in 1611, although he claims in his dedication to have written it some years earlier. and our Shakespeare did not dye till April1616; an interval of no less than Eleven Years, and more thansufficient for All that we want granted.1st edition: “But it happens, that Don <orig reg="Quixote">Quixot</orig> was publish'd in the Year 1611, and Shakespeare did not dye till April 1616, a sufficient Interval of Time for All that We want granted.”

Others again, to depreciate the Affair, as they thought, havebeen pleased to urge, that tho' the Play may have some Resemblances of Shakespeare, yet the Colouring, Diction, and Characters, come nearer to the Style and Manner of Fletcher.This, I think, is far from deserving any Answer; I submit itto the Determination of better Judgments; tho' my Partialityfor Shakespeare makes me wish, that Every Thing which isgood, or pleasing, in that other great poet,1st edition: “in our Tongue” had been owing tohis1st edition: no italics Pen.The remainder of the paragraph is not in the 1st edition. I had once design'd a Dissertation to prove this Playto be of Shakespeare's Writing, from some of its remarkable Peculiarities in the Language, and Nature of the Thoughts: butas I could not be sure that the Play might be attack'd, Ifound it adviseable, upon second Consideration, to reservethat part to my Defence. That Danger, I think, is now over;so I must look out for a better Occasion. I am honour'd withso many powerful Sollicitations, pressing Me to the Prosecutionof an Attempt, which I have begun with some little Success, ofrestoring Shakespeare from the numerous Corruptions ofhis Text: that I can neither in Gratitude, nor good Manners,longer resist them. I therefore think it not amiss here to promise, that, tho' private Property should so far stand in my Way,as to prevent me from putting out an Edition of Shakespeare, yet,some Way or other, if I live, the Publick shall receive from myHand his whole Works corrected, with my best Care and Ability. This may furnish an Occasion for speaking more at largeconcerning the present Play: For which Reason I shall now drop it for another Subject.Theobald did issue an edition of Shakespeare in 1733, but it did not contain Double <orig reg="Falsehood">Falshood</orig>. It would appear that, being unaware of the actual evidence for the existence of Cardenio by Shakespeare and Fletcher, the Fletcherian element in the play caused him to have second thoughts about the Shakespearean element. His Cardenio manuscripts are said to have been donated to Covent Garden, where they presumably perished in the fire of 1808.

As to the Performance of the respective Actors concern'd inthis Play, my applauding It here would be altogether superfluous. The Publick has distinguish'd and given them a Praise,much beyond Any that can flow from my Pen. But I havesome particular Acknowledgments to make to the Managers ofthisPreface.this Company, for which I am glad to embrace so fair an Opportunity.

I came to Them at this Juncture as an Editor, not an Author, and have met with so much Candour, and handsomeTreatment from Them, that I am willing to believe, theComplaint, which has so commonly obtain'd, of their Disregard and ill Behaviour to Writers, has been more severely urg'd,than it is justly grounded. They must certainly be too goodJudges of their own Interest, not to know that a Theatrecannot always subsist on old Stock, but that the Townrequires Novelty at their Hands. On the other Hand, theymust be so far Judges of their own Art and Profession, asto know that all the Compositions, which are offer'd them,would never go down with Audiences of so nice and delicate a Taste, as in this Age frequent the Theatres. It wouldbe very hard upon such a Community, where so manyInterests are concern'd, and so much Merit in their Business allow'd, if they had not a Priviledge of refusing somecrude Pieces, too imperfect for the Entertainment of the Publick. I would not be thought to inferr, that they have never discourag'd what They might, perhaps, afterwards wish theyhad receiv'd. They do not, I believe, set up for such a Constant Infallibility. But if We do but fairly consider out of above Four Thousand Plays extant, how small a Number willnow stand the Test;1st edition: colon if We do but consider too, how often araw Performance has been extoll'd by the Partiality of privateFriendship; and what a Clamour of Injury has been rais'dfrom that Quarter, upon such Performance meeting a Repulse;we may pretty easily account for the Grounds upon which theyproceeded in discountenancing some Plays, and the harsh Thingsthat are thrown out upon their giving a Repulse to others.

But I should beg Pardon for interfering in this Question, inwhich I am properly neither Party, nor Judge. I am onlythrowing out a private Opinion, without Interest or Prejudice,and if I am right in the Notion, Valeat quantum valere potest.“Let it pass for what it is worth.”

Floral decoration with wheelPro-

Floral rulePrologueWritten by Philip Frowde, Esq;And spoken by Mr. Wilks.The original Henriquez As in some Region, where indulgent Skies Enrich the Soil, a thousand Plants arise Frequent and bold; a thousand Landskips meet Our ravisht View, irregularly sweet: We gaze, divided, now on These, now Those; While All one beauteous Wilderness compose. Such Shakespeare's Genius was: — Let Britons boast The glorious Birth, and, eager, strive who most Shall celebrate his Verse; for while we raise Trophies of Fame to him, ourselves we praise: Display the Talents of a British mind, Where All is great, free, open, unconfin'd. Be it our Pride, to reach his daring Flight; And relish Beauties, he alone could write. Most modern Authors, fearful to aspire, With Imitation cramp their genial Fire; The well-schemed Plan keep strict before their Eyes,These three lines have a brace. Dwell on Proportions, trifling Decencies; While noble Nature all neglected lies. Nature, that claims Precedency of Place, Perfection's Basis, and essential Grace!Nature Prologue.Nature so intimately Shakespeare knew,These three lines have a brace. From her first Springs his Sentiments he drew; Most greatly wild they flow; and, when most wild, yettrue. While These, secure in what the Criticks teach, Of servile Laws still dread the dangerous Breach; His vast, unbounded, Soul disdain'd their Rule, Above the Precepts of the Pedant School! Oh! could the Bard, revisiting our Light, Receive these Honours done his Shade To-night, How would he bless the Scene this Age displays, Transcending his Eliza's golden Days! When great Augustus fills the British Throne, And his lov'd Consort makes the Muse her own. How would he joy, to see fair Merit's Claim Thus answer'd in his own reviving Fame! How cry with Pride — “Oblivion I forgive; “This my last Child to latest Times shall live: “Lost to the World, well for the Birth it stay'd “To this auspicious Æra well delay'd.

Floral ornament with lyre and trumpetsEpi-

Floral ruleEpilogue.Written by a Friend.Spoken by Mrs. Oldfield. Well, Heaven defend us from these ancient Plays, These Moral Bards of good Queen Bess's Days! They write from Virtue's Laws, and think no further; But draw a Rape as dreadful as a Murther. You modern Wits, more deeply vers'd in Nature,These three lines have a brace. Can tip the wink, to tell us, you know better; As who shou'd say— “'Tis no such killing Matter.— “We've heard old Stories told, and yet ne'er wonder'd, “Of many a Prude, that has endur'd a Hundred: “And Violante grieves, or we're mistaken, “Not, because ravisht; but because — forsaken.— Had this been written to the modern Stage, Her Manners had been copy'd from the Age. Then, tho' she had been once a little wrong, She still had had the Grace to've held her Tongue; And after all, with downcast Looks, been led Like any Virgin to the Bridal Bed. There, if the good Man question'd her Mis-doing, She'd stop him short— “Pray, who made you so knowing? “What, doubt my Virtue!— What's your base Intention? “Sir, that's a Point above your Comprehension.—Well, Epilogue.Well, Heav'n be prais'd, the Virtue of our Times Secures us from our Gothick Grandsires' Crimes. Rapes, Magick, new Opinions, which before Have fill'd our Chronicles, are now no more: And this reforming Age may justly boast, That dreadful Sin Polygamy is lost. So far from multiplying Wives, 'tis known Our Husbands find, they've Work enough with one.— Then, as for Rapes, those dangerous days are past; Our Dapper Sparks are seldom in such haste. In Shakespeare's Age the English Youth inspir'd, Lov'd, as they fought, by him and Beauty fir'd. 'Tis yours to crown the Bard, whose Magick StrainThese three lines have a brace. Cou'd charm the Heroes of that glorious Reign, Which humbled to the Dust the Pride of Spain.

Floral ornament with birdsDra- Dramatis Personae.The 3rd edition also includes the Covent Garden cast of 1767, and incorrectly labels the 1727 cast as 1728. Men. Duke Angelo.Mr. Corey. Roderick, his Elder Son.Mr. Mills. Henriquez, his Younger Son.Mr. Wilks. Don Bernard, Father to Leonora.Mr. Harper. Camillo, Father to Julio.Mr. Griffin. Julio, in Love with Leonora.Mr. Booth. Citizen.Mr. Oates. Master of the Flocks.Mr. Bridgwater. First Shepherd.Mr. Norris. Second Shepherd.Mr. Ray. A Churchman. Fabian, a Clown. Lopez, another. Gerald, servant to Henriquez. ServantPossibly the same as Gerald. to Henriquez. Servant to Violante. A Gentleman.The 3rd edition lists this character, along with a single Servant. Women. Leonora.Mrs. Porter. Violante.Mrs. Booth. Maid to Leonora. Maid to Violante. Gentlemen, Servants, Musicians, Attendants to Leonora, etc.

Scene, the Province of Andalusia in Spain.Double

Floral ornament with putti<hi rend="caps">Double <orig reg="Falsehood">Falshood</orig>;<lb/>or,</hi><lb/><hi rend="italic">The</hi> <orig reg="Distressed">D<hi rend="smallCaps">istrest</hi></orig> L<hi rend="smallCaps">overs</hi>.

Rule Act I. Scene I. Scene, A Royal Palace. Duke Angelo, Roderick, and Courtiers. Roderick. MY gracious Father, this unwontedStrain Visits my heart with Sadness. Duke. Why, my Son? Making my Death familiar to myTongue Digs not my Grave one Jot beforethe Date. I've worn the Garland of my Honours long, And would not leave it wither'd to thy Brow, But flourishing and green; worthy the Man,BWho, 2Double Falshood; or,Who, with my Dukedoms, heirs my better Glories. Roder. This Praise, which is my Pride, spreads mewith Blushes. Duke. Think not, that I can flatter thee, my Roderick; Or let the Scale of Love o'er-poize my Judgment. Like a fair Glass of Retrospection, Thou Reflect'st the Virtues of my early Youth; Making my old Blood mend its Pace with Transport: While fond Henriquez, thy irregular Brother, Sets the large Credit of his Name at Stake, A Truant to my Wishes, and his Birth. His Taints of Wildness hurt our nicer Honour, And call for swift Reclaim. Roder. I trust, my Brother Will, by the Vantage of his cooler Wisdom, E'er-whileNeither “erewhile” (formerly) nor “*everwhile” (not listed in OED2) provides a satisfactory meaning; a possible correction is “ere [a] while”. redeem the hot Escapes of Youth, And court Opinion with a golden Conduct. Duke. Be Thou a Prophet in that kind Suggestion! But I, by Fears weighing his unweigh'd Course, Interpret for the Future from the Past. And strange Misgivings, why he hath of late By Importunity, and strain'd Petition, Wrested our Leave of Absence from the Court, Awake Suspicion. Thou art inward with him; And, haply, from the bosom'd Trust can'st shape Some formal Cause to qualify my Doubts. Roder. Why he hath press'd this Absence, Sir, Iknow not; But have his Letters of a modern Date, Wherein by Julio, good Camillo's Son, (Who, as he says, shall follow hard upon; And whom I with the growing Hour expect:) He doth sollicit the Return of Gold To purchase certain Horse, that like him well. This Julio he encounter'd first in France, And lovingly commends him to my Favour; Wishing, I would detain him some few Days, To know the Value of his well-placed Trust.Duke. The Double Falshood3Duke. O, do it, Roderick; and assay to mould him3rd edition: “I have, upon Henriquez' strong request, / Sent for this Julio— Thou assay to mould him” An honest Spy upon thy Brother's Riots. Make us acquainted when the Youth arrives; We'll see this Julio, and he shall from Us Receive the secret Loan his Friend requires. Bring him to Court. [Exeunt. Scene II. Prospect of a Village at a Distance. Enters Camillo with a Letter. Cam.

How comes the Duke to take such Notice ofmy Son, that he must needs have him in Court, and Imust send him upon the View of his Letter? —Horsemanship! What Horsemanship has Julio? I think,he can no more but gallop a Hackney, unless he practisedRiding in France. It may be, he did so; for he wasthere a good Continuance. But I have not heard himspeak much of his Horsemanship. That's no Matter: if he be not a good Horseman, all's one in sucha Case, he must bear. Princes are absolute; theymay do what they will in any Thing, save what theycannot do.

Enters Julio.

O, come on, Sir; read this Paper: no more Ado, butread it: It must not be answer'd by my Hand, noryours, but, in Gross, by your Person; your sole Person. Read aloud.

Jul.

'Please you, to let me first o'erlook it, Sir.

Cam.

I was this other day in a Spleen against yournew Suits: I do now think, some Fate was the Taylourthat hath fitted them: for, this Hour, they are forthe Palace of the Duke. — Your Father's House istoo dusty.B 2Jul.

4Double Falshood; or,Jul.

Hem!— to Court? Which is the better, toserve a Mistress, or a Duke? I am sued to be his Slave,and I sue to be Leonora's.[Aside.

Cam.

You shall find your Horsemanship much praisedthere; Are you so good a Horseman?This last sentence could be the first part of a distributed line, but it is not set that way.

Jul. I have been, E'er now, commended for my Seat, or mock'd. Cam.

Take one Commendation with another, everyThird's a Mock.— Affect not therefore to be praised.Here's a deal of Command and Entreaty mixt; there'sno denying; you must go, peremptorily he inforcesThat.

Jul.

What Fortune soever my Going shall encounter, cannot be good Fortune; What I part withalunseasons any other Goodness.[Aside.

Cam.

You must needs go; he rather conjures, thanimportunes.

Jul.

No moving of my Love-Suit to him now?—

[Aside. Cam.

Great Fortunes have grown out of less Grounds.

Jul.

What may her Father think of me, who expects to be sollicited this very Night?[Aside.

Cam.

Those scatter'd Pieces of Virtue, which arein him, the Court will solder together, varnish, andrectify.

Jul.

He will surely think I deal too slightly, or unmannerly, or foolishly, indeed; nay, dishonestly; tobear him in hand with my Father's Consent, who yethath not been touch'd with so much as a Request toit.[Aside.

Cam.

Well, Sir, have you read it over?

Jul.

Yes, Sir.

Cam.

And consider'd it?

Jul.

As I can.

Cam.

If you are courted by good Fortune, you mustgo.

Jul.

So it please You, Sir.Cam.

The Double Falshood5Cam.

By any Means, and to morrow: Is it notthere the Limit of his Request?

Jul.

It is, Sir.

Cam.

I must bethink me of some Necessaries, without which you might be unfurnish'd: And my Supplies shall at all Convenience follow You. Come tomy Closet by and by; I would there speak with You.

[Exit Camillo. Manet Julio solus. Jul. I do not see that Fervour in the Maid, Which Youth and Love should kindle. She consents, As 'twere to feed without an Appetite; Tells me, She is content; and plays the Coy one, Like Those that subtly make their Words their Ward, Keeping Address at Distance. This Affection Is such a feign'd One, as will break untouch'd; Dye frosty, e'er it can be thaw'd; while mine, Like to a Clime beneath Hyperion's Eye, Burns with one constant Heat. I'll strait go to her; Pray her to regard my Honour: but She greets me.— Enter Leonora, and Maid. See, how her Beauty doth inrich the Place! O, add the Musick of thy charming Tongue, Sweet as the Lark that wakens up the Morn, And make me think it Paradise indeed. I was about to seek thee, Leonora, And chide thy Coldness, Love. Leon. What says your Father? Jul. I have not mov'd him yet. Leon. Then do not, Julio. Jul. Not move him? Was it not your own Command, That his Consent should ratify our Loves? Leon. Perhaps, it was: but now I've chang'd myMind. You purchase at too dear a Rate, that puts You To wooe me and your Father too: Besides, As He, perchance, may say, you shall not have me;B 3You,1st edition, 1st state: comma placed well above the line 6Double Falshood; or,You, who are so obedient, must discharge me Out of your Fancy: Then, you know, 'twill prove My Shame and Sorrow, meeting such Repulse, To wear the Willow in my Prime of Youth. Jul. Oh! do not rack me with these ill-placedDoubts; Nor think, tho' Age has in my Father's Breast Put out Love's Flame, he therefore has not Eyes, Or is in Judgment blind. You wrong your Beauties, Venus will frown if you disprize her Gifts, That have a Face would make a frozen Hermit Leap from his Cell, and burn his Beads to kiss it; Eyes, that are nothing but continual Births Of new Desires in Those that view their Beams. You cannot have a Cause to doubt. Leon. Why, Julio? When you that dare not chuse without your Father, And, where you love, you dare not vouch it; must not, Though you have Eyes, see with 'em; — can I, thinkyou, Somewhat, perhaps, infected with your Suit, Sit down content to say, You would, but dare not? Jul. Urge not Suspicions of what cannot be; You deal unkindly; mis-becomingly, I'm loth to say: For All that waits on you, Is graced, and graces. — No Impediment Shall bar my Wishes, but such grave Delays As Reason presses Patience with; which blunt not, But rather whet our Loves. Be patient, Sweet. Leon. Patient! What else? My Flames are in the Flint. Haply, to lose a Husband I may weep; Never, to get One: When I cry for Bondage, Let Freedom quit me. Jul. From what a Spirit comes This? I now perceive too plain, you care not for me. Duke, I obey thy Summons, be its Tenour Whate'er it will: If War, I come thy Souldier: Or if to waste my silken Hours at Court,The The Double Falshood7The Slave of Fashion, I with willing Soul Embrace the lazy Banishment for Life; Since Leonora has pronounc'd my Doom. Leon. What do you mean? Why talk you of theDuke? Wherefore of War, or Court, or Banishment? Jul. How this new Note is grown of me, I knownot; But the Duke writes for Me. Coming to move My Father in our Bus'ness, I did find him Reading this Letter; whose Contents require My instant Service, and Repair to Court. Leon. Now I perceive the Birth of these Delays; Why Leonora was not worth your Suit. Repair to Court? Ay, there you shall, perhaps, (Rather, past Doubt;) behold some choicer Beauty, Rich in her Charms, train'd to the Arts of Soothing, Shall prompt you to a Spirit of Hardiness, To say, So please you, Father, I have chosen This Mistress for my own. — Jul. Still you mistake me: Ever your Servant I profess my self; And will not blot me with a Change, for all That Sea and Land inherit. Leon. But when go you?Not marked as continued line in original. Jul. To morrow, Love; so runs the Duke's Command; Stinting our Farewell-kisses, cutting off The Forms of Parting, and the Interchange Of thousand precious Vows, with Haste too rude. Lovers have Things of Moment to debate, More than a Prince, or dreaming Statesman, know: Such Ceremonies wait on Cupid's Throne. Why heav'd that Sigh? Leon. O Julio, let me whisperNot marked as continued line in original. What, but for Parting, I should blush to tell thee: My Heart beats thick with Fears, lest the gay Scene, The Splendors of a Court, should from thy BreastB 4Banish 8Double Falshood; or,Banish my Image, kill my Int'rest in thee, And I be left, the Scoff of Maids, to drop A Widow's Tear for thy departed Faith. Jul. O let Assurance, strong as Words can bind, Tell thy pleas'd Soul, I will be wond'rous faithful; True, as the Sun is to his Race of Light, As Shade to Darkness, as Desire to Beauty: And when I swerve, let Wretchedness o'ertake me, Great as e'er Falshood met, or Change can merit. Leon. Enough; I'm satisfied: and will remain Yours, with a firm and untir'd Constancy. Make not your Absence long: Old Men are wav'ring; And sway'd by Int'rest more than Promise giv'n. Should some fresh Offer start, when you're away, I may be prest to Something, which must put My Faith, or my Obedience, to the Rack. Jul. Fear not, but I with swiftest Wing of Time Will labour my Return. And in my Absence, My noble Friend, and now our honour'd Guest, The Lord Henriquez, will in my behalf Hang at your Father's Ear, and with kind Hints, Pour'd from a friendly Tongue, secure my Claim; And play the Lover for thy absent Julio. Leon. Is there no Instance of a Friend turn'd false? Take Heed of That: No Love by Proxy, Julio. My Father — Enters Don Bernard. D. Bern.

What, Julio, in publick? This Wooeing istoo urgent. Is your Father yet moved in the Suit,who must be the prime Unfolder of this Business?

Jul. I have not yet, indeed, at full possess'd My Father, whom it is my Service follows; But only that I have a Wife in Chase. D. Bern.

Chase! — Let Chase alone: No Matter for That.— You may halt after her, whomyou profess to pursue, and catch her too; Marry, notunlessThe Double Falshood9unless your Father let you slip. — Briefly, I desireyou, (for she tells me, my Instructions shall be bothEyes and Feet to her;) no farther to insist in your Requiring, 'till, as I have formerly said, Camillo makeknown to Me, that his good Liking goes along withUs; which but once breath'd, all is done; 'till when,the Business has no Life, and cannot find a Beginning.

Jul. Sir, I will know his Mind, e'er I taste Sleep: At Morn, you shall be learn'd in his Desire. I take my Leave. — O virtuous Leonora, Repose, sweet as thy Beauties, seal thy Eyes; Once more, adieu. I have thy Promise, Love; Remember, and be faithful.[Ex. Julio. D. Bern.

His Father is as unsettled, as he is wayward, in his Disposition. If I thought young Julio'sTemper were not mended by the MettalIt is impossible to determine whether “metal” or “mettle” is intended; the literal sense of “mettle” is implied, but “metal” could be a metaphor continuing from the foregoing “temper”. The 3rd edition reads “metal”, but most of the changes from the 2nd to the 3rd appear to be the work of compositors. of his Mother, I should be something crazy in giving my Consent to this Match: And, to tell you true, if my Eyesmight be the Directors to your Mind, I could in thisTown look upon Twenty Men of more delicate Choice.I speak not This altogether to unbend your Affectionsto him: But the Meaning of what I say is, that youset such Price upon yourself to him, as Many, and muchhis Betters, would buy you at; (and reckon those Virtues in you at the rate of their Scarcity;) to which ifhe come not up, you remain for a better Mart.

Leon.

My Obedience, Sir, is chain'd to your Advice.

D. Bern.

'Tis well said, and wisely. I fear, yourLover is a little Folly-tainted; which, shortly after itproves so, you will repent.

Leon.

Sir, I confess, I approve him of all the MenI know; but that Approbation is nothing, 'till season'dby your Consent.

D. Bern.

We shall hear soon what his Father willdo, and so proceed accordingly. I have no great Heartto the Business, neither will I with any Violence oppose10Double Falshood; or,pose it: But leave it to that Power which rules in theseConjunctions, and there's an End. Come; haste Wehomeward, Girl.[Exeunt.

Scene III. Enter Henriquez, and Servants with Lights. Henr. Bear the Lights close: — Where is theMusick, Sirs? Serv.

Coming, my Lord.

Henr. Let 'em not come too near. This Maid, For whom my Sighs ride on the Night's chill Vapour, Is born most humbly, tho' she be as fair As Nature's richest Mould and Skill can make her, Mended with strong Imagination. But what of That? Th' Obscureness of her Birth Cannot eclipse the Lustre of her Eyes, Which make her all One Light.— Strike up, myMasters; But touch the Strings with a religious Softness; Teach Sound to languish thro' the Night's dull Ear, 'Till Melancholy start from her lazy Couch, And Carelessness grow Convert to Attention. [Musick plays. She drives me into Wonder, when I sometimes Hear her discourse; The Court, whereof Report, And Guess alone inform her, she will rave at, As if she there sev'n Reigns had slander'd Time. Then, when she reasons on her Country State, Health, Virtue, Plainness, and Simplicity, On Beauties true in Title, scorning Art, Freedom as well to do, as think, what's good; My Heart grows sick of Birth and empty Rank, And I become a Villager in Wish. Play on; — She sleeps too sound: — Be still,and vanish:A The Double Falshood11A Gleam of Day breaks sudden from her Window: O Taper, graced by that midnight Hand! Violante appears above at her Window. Viol. Who is't, that wooes at this late Hour? Whatare you? Henr. One, who for your dear Sake — Viol. Watches the starless Night! My Lord Henriquez, or my Ear deceives me. You've had my Answer, and 'tis more than strange You'll combat these Repulses. Good my Lord, Be Friend to your own Health; and give me Leave, Securing my poor Fame, nothing to pity What Pangs you swear you suffer. 'Tis impossible To plant your choice Affections in my Shade, At least, for them to grow there. Henr. Why, Violante? Viol. Alas! Sir, there are Reasons numberless To bar your Aims. Be warn'd to Hours more wholesom; For, These you watch in vain. I have read Stories, (I fear, too true ones;) how young Lords, like you, Have thus besung mean Windows, rhymed their Sufferings Ev'n to th'Abuse of Things Divine, set up Plain Girls, like me, the Idols of their Worship, Then left them to bewail their easie Faith, And stand the World's Contempt. Henr. Your Memory, Too faithful to the Wrongs of few lost Maids, Makes Fear too general. Viol. Let us be homely, And let us too be chast, doing you Lords no Wrong; But crediting your Oaths with such a Spirit, As you profess them: so no Party trusted Shall make a losing Bargain. Home, my Lord, What you can say, is most unseasonable; what sing, Most absonant and harsh: Nay, your Perfume, Which I smell hither, cheersThis defective line could be repaired by replacing “cheers” with “cheereth”. not my Sense Like our Field-violet's Breath.Henr. 12Double Falshood; or,Henr. Why this Dismission Does more invite my Staying. Viol. Men of your Temper Make ev'ry Thing their Bramble. But I wrong That which I am preserving, my Maid's Name, To hold so long Discourse. Your Virtues guide you T'effect some nobler Purpose![Ex. Violante. Henr. Stay, bright Maid!Not marked as continued line in original. Come back, and leave me with a fairer Hope. She's gone:— Who am I, that am thus contemn'd?3rd edition: “She's gone: — No matter! — I have brib'd her Woman, / And soon shall gain Admittance, — / Who am I that am thus contemn'd?” The second Son to a Prince? — Yes; well; Whatthen? Why, your great Birth forbids you to descend To a low Alliance: — Her's is the self-same Stuff, Whereof we Dukes are made; but Clay more pure! And take away my Title, which is acquir'd Not by my self, but thrown by Fortune on Me, Or by the Merit of some Ancestour Of singular Quality, She doth inherit Deserts t'outweigh me. — I must stoop to gain her; Throw all my gay ComparisonsTheobald himself suggested that the use of this word, rather than “caparison”, suggested Shakespearean authorship. aside, And turn my proud Additions out of Service, Rather than keep them to become my Masters. The Dignities we wear, are Gifts of Pride; And laugh'd at by the Wise, as meer Outside. [Exit. End of the First Act.

Floral tailpieceAct The Double Falshood13

Floral bar with bowlAct II. Scene I. Scene, The Prospect of a Village. Enter Fabian and Lopez; Henriquez on the Opposite Side. Lop.

Soft, soft you, Neighbour; who comeshere? Pray you, slink aside.

Henr.

Ha! Is it come to this? Oh the Devil, theDevil, the Devil!

Fab.

Lo you now! for Want of the discreet Ladleof a cool Understanding, will this Fellow's Brainsboil over.

Henr. To have enjoy'd her, I would have given —What? All that at present I could boast my own, And the Reversion of the World to boot, Had the Inheritance been mine: — And now, (Just Doom of guilty Joys!) I grieve as much That I have rifled all the Stores of Beauty, Those Charms of Innocence and artless Love, As just before I was devour'd with Sorrow, That she refus'd my Vows, and shut the Door Upon my ardent Longings. Lop.

Love! Love! — Downright Love! I see bythe Foolishness of it.

Henr.

Now then to Recollection — Was't not so?A Promise first of Marriage — Not a Promise only,for 'twas bound with Surety of a thousand Oaths; —and those not light ones neither. — Yet I remembertoo, those Oaths could not prevail; th' unpractis'dMaid trembled to meet my Love: By Force alone Isnatch'd14Double Falshood; or,snatch'd th' imperfect Joy, which now torments myMemory. Not Love, but brutal Violence prevail'd;to which the Time, and Place, and Opportunity,were Accessaries most dishonourable. Shame, Shameupon it!

Fab.

What a Heap of Stuff's this — I fancy, thisFellow's Head would make a good Pedlar's Pack, Neighbour.

Henr.

Hold, let me be severe to my Self, but notunjust. — Was it a Rape then? No. Her Shrieks,her Exclamations then had drove me from her. True,she did not consent; as true, she did resist; but stillin Silence all. — 'Twas but the Coyness of a modest Bride, not the Resentment of a ravisht Maid.And is the Man yet born, who would not risque theGuilt, to meet the Joy? — The Guilt! that's true— but then the Danger; the Tears, the Clamours ofthe ruin'd Maid, pursuing me to Court. That, that,I fear will (as it already does my Conscience) something shatter my Honour. What's to be done? Butnow I have no Choice. Fair Leonora reigns confest theTyrant Queen of my revolted Heart, and Violanteseems a short Usurper there. — Julio's already by myArts remov'd.— O Friendship, how wilt thou answer That? Oh, that a Man could reason down thisFeaver of the Blood, or sooth with Words the Tumult in his Heart! Then, Julio, I might be, indeed,thy Friend. They, they only should condemn me, whoborn devoid of Passion ne'er have prov'd the fierceDisputes 'twixt Virtue and Desire. While they, whohave, like me,

The loose Escapes of youthful Nature known, Must wink at mine, indulgent to their own. [Exit Henriquez. Lop.

This Man is certainly mad, and may be mischievous. Pr'ythee, Neighbour, let's follow him;but at some Distance, for fear of the worst.

[Exeunt, after Henr. 1st edition, 1st state, press figure “3”Scene The Double Falshood15Scene II. An Apartment. Enters Violante alone. Viol. Whom shall I look upon without a Blush? There's not a Maid, whose Eye with Virgin Gaze Pierces not to my Guilt. What will't avail me, To say I was not willing; Nothing; but that I publish my Dishonour, And wound my Fame anew. — O Misery, To seem to all one's Neighbours rich, yet know One's Self necessitous and wretched. Enter Maid, and afterwards Gerald with a Letter. Maid. Madam, here's Gerald, Lord Henriquez' Servant; He brings a Letter to you. Viol. A Letter to me! How I tremble now! Your Lord's for Court, good Gerald, is he not? Ger. Not so, Lady. Viol. O my presaging Heart! When goes he then? Ger. His Business now steers him some other Course. Viol. Whither, I pray you? — How my Fears torment me! Ger. Some two Months Progress. Viol. Whither, whither, Sir, I do beseech you? Good Heav'ns, I lose all Patience. Did he deliberate this? or was the Business But then conceiv'd, when it was born? Ger.

Lady, I know not That; nor is it in the Command I have to wait your Answer. For the perusingthe Letter I commend you to your Leisure.

[Exit Gerald. Viol. To Hearts like mine Suspence is Misery. Wax, render up thy Trust: Be the Contents Prosp'rous, or fatal, they are all my Due.Reads.]

16Double Falshood; or,Reads.]Our Prudence should now teach us to forget,what our Indiscretion has committed. Ihave already made one Step towards thisWisdom, by prevailing on Myself to bid youFarewell.

O, Wretched and betray'd! Lost Violante! Heart-wounded with a thousand perjur'd Vows, Poison'd with studied Language, and bequeath'd To Desperation. I am now become The Tomb of my own Honour: a dark Mansion, For Death alone to dwell in. I invite thee, Consuming Desolation, to this Temple, Now fit to be thy Spoil: the ruin'd Fabrick, Which cannot be repair'd, at once o'er-throw. What must I do? — But That's not worth myThought: I will commend to Hazard all the Time That I shall spend hereafter: Farewel, my Father, Whom I'll no more offend: and Men, adieu, Whom I'll no more believe: and Maids, adieu, Whom I'll no longer shame. The Way I go, As yet I know not. — Sorrow be my Guide. [Exit Violante. Scene III. Prospect of a Village, beforeDon Bernard's House. Enters Henriquez. Henr. Where were the Eyes, the Voice, the various Charms, Each beauteous Particle, each nameless Grace, Parents of glowing Love? All These in Her, It seems, were not: but a Disease in Me, That fancied Graces in her. — Who ne'er beheld More than a Hawthorne, shall have Cause to say The Cedar's a tall Tree; and scorn the Shade,The The Double Falshood17The lov'd Bush once had lent him. Soft! mine Honour Begins to sicken in this black Reflection. How can it be, that with my Honour safe I should pursue Leonora for my Wife? That were accumulating Injuries, To Violante first, and now to Julio; To her a perjur'd Wretch, to him perfidious; And to myself in strongest Terms accus'd Of murth'ring Honour wilfully, without which My Dog's the Creature of the nobler Kind. — But Pleasure is too strong for Reason's Curb; And Conscience sinks o'er-power'd with Beauty'sSweets. Come, Leonora, Authress of my Crime, Appear, and vindicate thy Empire here; Aid me to drive this ling'ring Honour hence, And I am wholly thine. Enter to him, Don Bernard and Leonora. D. Bern. Fye, my good Lord; why would you waitwithout? If you suspect your Welcome, I have brought My Leonora to assure you of it.[Henr. salutes Leon. Henr. O Kiss, sweet as the Odours of the Spring, But cold as Dews that dwell on Morning Flow'rs! Say, Leonora, has your Father conquer'd? Shall Duty then at last obtain the Prize, Which you refus'd to Love? And shall Henriquez Owe all his Happiness to good Bernardo? Ah! no; I read my Ruin in your Eyes: That Sorrow, louder than a thousand Tongues, Pronounces my Despair. D. Bern. Come, Leonora, You are not now to learn, this noble Lord, (Whom but to name, restores my failing Age,) Has with a Lover's Eye beheld your Beauty;CThro' 18Double Falshood; or,Thro' which his Heart speaks more than Languagecan; It offers Joy and Happiness to You, And Honour to our House. Imagine then The Birth and Qualities of him that loves you; Which when you know, you cannot rate too dear. Leon. My Father, on my Knees I do beseech you To pause one Moment on your Daughter's Ruin. I vow, my Heart ev'n bleeds, that I must thank you For your past Tenderness; and yet distrust That which is yet behind. Consider, Sir, Whoe'er's th' Occasion of another's Fault, Cannot himself be innocent. O, give not The censuring World Occasion to reproach Your harsh Commands; or to my Charge lay That Which most I fear, the Fault of Disobedience. D. Bern.

Pr'ythee, fear neither the One, nor the Other: I tell thee, Girl, there's more Fear than Danger. For my own part, as soon as Thou art marriedto this noble Lord, my Fears will be over.

Leon. Sir, I should be the vainest of my Sex, Not to esteem myself unworthy far Of this high Honour. Once there was a Time, When to have heard my Lord Henriquez' Vows, Might have subdued my unexperienc'd Heart, And made me wholly his. — But That's now past: And my firm-plighted Faith by your Consent Was long since given to the injur'd Julio. D. Bern.

Why then, by my Consent e'en take itback again. Thou, like a simple Wench, hast given thyAffections to a Fellow, that does not care a Farthingfor them. One, that has left thee for a Jaunt toCourt; as who should say, I'll get a Place now; 'tisTime enough to marry, when I'm turn'd out of it.

Henr. So, surely, it should seem, most lovely Maid; Julio, alas, feels nothing of my Passion: His Love is but th' Amusement of an Hour, A short Relief from Business, or Ambition,The The Double Falshood19The Sport of Youth, and Fashion of the Age. O! had he known the Hopes, the Doubts, the Ardours, Or half the fond Varieties of Passion, That play the Tyrant with my tortur'd Soul; He had not left Thee to pursue his Fortune: To practise Cringes in a slavish Circle, And barter real Bliss for unsure Honour. Leon. Oh, the opposing Wind, Should'ring the Tide, makes here a fearful Billow: I needs must perish in it.— Oh, my Lord, Is it then possible, you can forget What's due to your great Name, and princely Birth, To Friendship's holy Law, to Faith repos'd, To Truth, to Honour, and poor injur'd Julio? O think, my Lord, how much this Julio loves you; Recall his Services, his well-try'd Faith; Think too, this very Hour, where-e'er he be, Your Favour is the Envy of the Court, And secret Triumph of his grateful Heart. Poor Julio, how securely thou depend'st Upon the Faith and Honour of thy Master; Mistaken Youth! this very Hour he robs thee Of all thy Heart holds dear.— 'Tis so Henriquez Repays the Merits of unhappy Julio.[Weeps. Henr. My slumb'ring Honour catches the Alarm.These three lines have a brace in the right margin, of unclear significance, unless it be to indicate that the “Aside” is to be taken as applying to the entire speech. I was to blame to parley with her thus: Sh'as shown me to myself. It troubles me.[Aside. D. Bern.

Mad; Mad. Stark mad, by this Light.

Leon. I but begin to be so. — I conjure you, By all the tender Interests of Nature, By the chaste Love 'twixt you, and my dear Mother, (O holy Heav'n, that she were living now!) Forgive and pity me.— Oh, Sir, remember, I've heard my Mother say a thousand Times, Her Father would have forced her Virgin Choice; But when the Conflict was 'twixt Love and Duty, Which should be first obey'd, my Mother quicklyC 2Paid 20Double Falshood; or,Paid up her Vows to Love, and married You. You thought this well, and she was praised for This; For this her Name was honour'd, Disobedience Was ne'er imputed to her, her firm Love Conquer'd whate'er oppos'd it, and she prosper'd Long Time your Wife. My Case is now the same; You are the Father, which You then condemn'd; I, what my Mother was; but not so happy.— D. Bern.

Go to, you're a Fool. No doubt, Youhave old Stories enough to undo you.— What, youcan't throw yourself away but by Precedent, ha?—You will needs be married to One, that will None ofYou? You will be happy no Body's way but yourown, forsooth.— But, d'ye mark me, spare yourTongue for the future; (and That's using you hardlytoo, to bid you spare what you have a great deal toomuch of:) Go, go your ways, and d'ye hear, getready within these Two days to be married to a Husband you don't deserve; — Do it, or, by my dead Father's Soul, you are no Acquaintance of mine.

Henr. She weeps: Be gentler to her, good Bernardo. Leon. Then Woe the Day. — I'm circled roundwith Fire; No Way for my Escape, but thro' the Flames. Oh, can I e'er resolve to live without A Father's Blessing, or abandon Julio? With other Maids, the Choice were not so hard; Int'rest, that rules the World, has made at last A Merchandize of Hearts: and Virgins now Chuse as they're bid, and wed without Esteem. By nobler Springs shall my Affections move;This couplet is not set out as such in the original. Nor own a Master, but the Man I love. [Exit Leonora. D. Bern.

Go thy ways, Contradiction. — Followher, my Lord; follow her, in the very Heat. ThisObstinacy must be combated by Importunity as obstinate. [Exit Henriquez after her.The

The Double Falshood21The Girl says right; her Mother was just such Another. I remember, Two of Us courted her at thesame Time. She lov'd neither of Us, but She choseme purely to spight that surly Old Blockhead my Father-in-Law. Who comes here, Camillo? Now therefusing Part will lie on my Side.—

Enters Camillo. Cam.

My worthy Neighbour, I am much in Fortune's Favour to find You thus alone. I have a Suitto You.

D. Bern.

Please to name it, Sir.

Cam.

Sir, I have long held You in singular Esteem:and what I shall now say, will be a Proof of it. Youknow, Sir, I have but one Son.

D. Bern.

Ay, Sir.

Cam.

And the Fortune I am blest withal, You pretty well know what it is.

D. Bern.

'Tis a fair One, Sir.

Cam.

Such as it is, the whole Reversion is my Son's.He is now engaged in his Attendance on our Master,the Duke. But e'er he went, he left with me theSecret of his Heart, his Love for your fair Daughter.For your Consent, he said, 'twas ready: I took aNight, indeed, to think upon it, and now have broughtyou mine; and am come to bind the Contract withhalf my Fortune in present, the Whole some timehence, and, in the mean while, my hearty Blessing.Ha? What say You to't, Don Bernard?

D. Bern.

Why, really, Neighbour, — I must own, Ihave heard Something of this Matter.—

Cam.

Heard Something of it? No doubt, you have.

D. Bern.

Yes, now I recollect it well.

Cam.

Was it so long ago then?

D. Bern.

Very long ago, Neighbour.— On Tuesday last.C 3Cam.

22Double Falshood; or,Cam.

What, am I mock'd in this Business, DonBernard?

D. Bern.

Not mock'd, good Camillo, not mock'd:But in Love-matters, you know, there are Abundanceof Changes in half an Hour. Time, Time, Neighbour, plays Tricks with all of us.

Cam.

Time, Sir! What tell you me of Time?Come, I see how this goes. Can a little Time takea Man by the Shoulder, and shake off his Honour?Let me tell you, Neighbour, it must either be a strongWind, or a very mellow Honesty that drops so easily.Time, quoth'a?

D. Bern.

Look'ee, Camillo; will you please to put yourIndignation in your Pocket for half a Moment, whileI tell you the whole Truth of the Matter. My Daughter, you must know, is such a tender Soul, she cannot possibly see a Duke's younger Son without fallingdesperately in Love with him. Now, you know,Neighbour, when Greatness rides Post after a Manof my Years, 'tis both Prudence, and good Breeding,to let one's self be overtaken by it. And who canhelp all This? I profess, it was not my seeking, Neighbour.

Cam.

I profess, a Fox might earth in the Hollowness of your Heart, Neighbour, and there's an End.If I were to give a bad Conscience its true Likeness,it should be drawn after a very near Neighbour to acertain poor Neighbour of yours. — Neighbour!with a Pox.

D. Bern.

Nay, you are so nimble with me, youwill hear Nothing.

Cam.

Sir, if I must speak Nothing, I will hear Nothing.As for what you have to say, if it comes from your Heart,'tis a Lye before you speak it. — I'll to Leonora; and ifI find her in the same Story, why, I shall believe yourWife was true to You, and your Daughter is yourown. Fare you well.[Exit, as into D. Bernard's House.D. Bern.

The Double Falshood23D. Bern.

Ay, but two Words must go to that Bargain. It happens, that I am at present of Opinionmy Daughter shall receive no more Company to day;Although this semicolon is not to be found in any edition, the 1st and 2nd both have a blank at the margin here, suggesting that something is missing.at least, no such Visits as yours.

[Exit D. Bernard, following him. Scene IV. Changes to another Prospectof Don Bernard's House. Leonora, above. Leon. How tediously I've waited at the Window, Yet know not One that passes.— Should I trust My Letter to a Stranger, whom I think To bear an honest Face, (in which sometimes We fancy we are wond'rous skillful;) then I might be much deceiv'd. This late Example Of base Henriquez, bleeding in me now, From each good Aspect takes away my Trust: For his Face seem'd to promise Truth and Honour. Since Nature's Gifts in noblest Forms deceive, Be happy You, that want 'em! — Here comes One; I've seen him, tho' I know him not; He has An honest Face too— that's no Matter.— Sir, — Enters Citizen. Citiz.

To me?

Leon. As You were of a virtuous Matron born, (There is no Doubt, you are:) I do conjure you Grant me one Boon. Say, do you know me, Sir? Citiz. Ay, Leonora, and your worthy Father. Leon. I have not Time to press the Suit I've to you With many Words; nay, I should want the Words, Tho' I had Leisure: but for Love of Justice, And as you pity Misery— But I wander Wide from my Subject. Know you Julio, Sir?C 4Citiz.This period is absent from Yale's copy of the 2nd edition, but, as all gatherings after A appear to be otherwise identical to the 1st edition, 2nd state, I assume it is merely an inking problem in that copy. 24Double Falshood; or,Citiz. Yes, very well; and love him too, as well. Leon. Oh, there an Angel spake! Then I conjureyou, Convey this Paper to him: and believe me, You do Heav'n Service in't, and shall have Cause Not to repent your Pains. — I know not what Your Fortune is; — Pardon me, gentle Sir, That I am bold to offer This.3rd edition: Add “Citiz. By no means, Lady ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐” [Throws down a Purse with Money.3rd edition: “[Offers to throw down a Purse with Money.”. The two emendations are logically out of order, tending to confirm that the 3rd edition is likely to have been set from a prompter's copy of the 2nd. D. Bern.

within.]Leonora. —

Leon. I trust to you; Heav'n put it in your Heart To work me some Relief. Citiz. Doubt it not, Lady. You have mov'd me so, That tho' a thousand Dangers barr'd my way, I'd dare 'em all to serve you.[Exit Citizen. Leon. Thanks from a richer Hand than mine requiteyou! D. Bern.

within.]Why, Daughter —

Leon. I come: — Oh, Julio, feel but half my Grief,This couplet is not set out as such in the original. And Thou wilt outfly Time to bring Relief. [Exit Leonora from the Window. End of the Second Act.

Floral tailpiece with eaglesAct The Double Falshood25

Floral bar with vaseAct III. Scene I. Scene, The Prospect of a Village. Enter Julio with a Letter, and Citizen. Citiz. When from the Window she did bowand call, Her Passions shook her Voice; and from her Eyes Mistemper and Distraction, with strange Wildness Bespoke Concern above a common Sorrow. Jul. Poor Leonora! Treacherous, damn'd Henriquez! She bids me fill my Memory with her Danger; I do, my Leonora; yes, I fill The Region of my Thought with nothing else; Lower, she tells me here, that this Affair Shall yield a Testimony of her Love: And prays, her Letter may come safe and sudden. This Pray'r the Heav'ns have heard, and I beseech 'em, To hear all Pray'rs she makes. Citiz. Have Patience, Sir. Jul. O my good Friend, methinks, I am too patient. Is there a Treachery, like This in Baseness, Recorded any where? It is the deepest: None but Itself can be its Parallel: And from a Friend, profess'd! — Friendship?Why, 'tis A Word for ever maim'd; in human Nature It was a Thing the noblest; and 'mong Beasts, It stood not in mean Place: Things of fierce NatureHold 26The Double Falshood; or,Hold Amity and Concordance. — Such a Villany A Writer could not put down in his Scene, Without Taxation of his Auditory For Fiction most enormous. Citiz. These Upbraidings Cool Time, while they are vented. Jul. I am counsel'd. For you, evermore, Thanks. You've done much for Us; So gently press'd to 't, that I may perswade me You'll do a little more. Citiz. Put me t'Employment That's honest, tho' not safe, with my best Spirits I'll give't Accomplishment. Jul. No more but This;Not marked as continued line in original. For I must see Leonora: And to appear Like Julio, as I am, might haply spoil Some good Event ensuing. Let me crave Th' Exchange of Habit with you: some Disguise, May bear Me to my Love, unmark'd, and secret. Citiz. You shall not want. Yonder's the House before us: Make Haste to reach it. Jul. Still I thank you, Sir. O Leonora! stand but this rude Shock; Hold out thy Faith against the dread Assault Of this base Lord, the Service of my Life Shall be devoted to repay thy Constancy.[Exeunt. Scene II. Don Bernard's House. Enters Leonora. Leon. I've hoped to th' latest Minute Hope can give: 1st edition, 1st state has an apostrophe here.He will not come: H'as not receiv'd my Letter: 'May1st edition, 1st state, the apostrophe is a blot. be, some other View has from our Home Repeal'd his chang'd Eye: for what Business can Excuse a Tardiness thus willfull? None. Well then, it is not Business. — Oh! that Letter, — I say, is not deliver'd; or He's sick;Or, The Double Falshood27Or, O Suggestion, wherefore wilt Thou fright me? Julio does to Henriquez on meer Purpose, On plotted Purpose, yield me up; and He Hath chose another Mistress. All Presumptions Make pow'rful to this Point: His own Protraction, Henriquez left behind; — That Strain lack'd Jealousie, Therefore lack'd Love. — So sure as Life shallempty It self in Death, this new Surmise of mine Is a bold Certainty. 'Tis plain, and obvious, Henriquez would not, durst not, thus infringe The Law of Friendship; thus provoke a Man, That bears a Sword, and wears his Flag of Youth As fresh as He: He durst not: 'Tis Contrivance, Gross-dawbingThe precise sense of this is obscure. 'twixt them Both. — But I'm o'erheard.[Going. Enters Julio, disguised. Jul. Stay, Leonora; Has this outward Veil Quite lost me to thy Knowledge? Leon. O my Julio! Thy Presence ends the stern Debate of Doubt, And cures me of a thousand heartsick Fears, Sprung from thy Absence: yet awakes a Train Of other sleeping Terrors. Do you weep? Jul. No, Leonora; when I weep, it must be The Substance of mine Eye. 'WouldI cannot find this form (with the apostrophe) in the OED, but it appears to signify “I would”. I could weep; For then mine Eye would drop upon my Heart, And swage the Fire there. Leon. You are full possess'd How things go here. First, welcome heartily; Welcome to th'Ending of my last good Hour: Now Summer Bliss and gawdy Days are gone, My Lease in 'em 's expir'd. Jul. Not so, Leonora. Leon. Yes, Julio, yes; an everlasting Storm Is come upon me, which I can't bear out. I cannot stay much Talk; we have lost Leisure;And 28The Double Falshood; or,And thus it is: Your Absence hath giv'n Breeding To what my Letter hath declar'd, and is This Instant on th'effecting, Hark! the Musick [Flourish within. Is now on tuning, which must celebrate This Bus'ness so discordant. — Tell me then, What you will do. Jul. I know not what: Advise me: I'll kill the Traytor. Leon. O! take Heed: his Death Betters our Cause no whit. No killing, Julio. Jul. My Blood stands still; and all my Faculties Are by Enchantment dull'd. You gracious Pow'rs, The Guardians of sworn Faith, and suff'ring Virtue, Inspire Prevention of this dreaded Mischief! This Moment is our own; Let's use it, Love, And fly o'th' Instant from this House of Woe. Leon. Alas! Impossible: My steps are watch'd; There's no Escape for Me. You must stay too. Jul. What! stay, and see thee ravish'd from my Arms? I'll force thy Passage. Wear I not a Sword? Ne'er on Man's Thigh rode better. — If I suffer The Traytor play his Part; if I not do Manhood and Justice, Honour; let me be deem'd A tame, pale, Coward, whom the Night-Owl's Hoot May turn to Aspen-leaf: Some Man take This, Give Me a Distaff for it. Leon. Patience, Julio; And trust to Me: I have fore-thought the Means To disappoint these Nuptials. — Hark! again; [Musick within. These are the Bells knoll for Us.— See, the Lights Move this Way, Julio. Quick, behind yon Arras, And take thy secret Stand. — Dispute it not; I have my Reasons, you anon shall know them: — There you may mark the Passages of the Night. Yet, more: — I charge you by the dearest Tyes, What-e'er you see, or hear, what-e'er shall hap,In The Double Falshood29In your Concealment rest a silent Statue. Nay, hide thee strait, — or, — see, I'm arm'd andvow[Shews a Dagger. To fall a bleeding Sacrifice before Thee. [Thrusts him out, to the Arras. I dare not tell thee of my Purpose, Julio, Lest it should wrap thee in such Agonies, Which my Love could not look on. — Scene opens to a large Hall: An Altar prepared with Tapers. Enter at one Door Servants with Lights, Henriquez, Don Bernard,and Churchman. At another, Attendants toLeonora. Henriquez runs to her. Henr. Why, Leonora, wilt Thou with this Gloom Darken my Triumph; suff'ring Discontent, And wan Displeasure, to subdue that Cheek Where Love should sit inthron'd? Behold your Slave; Nay, frown not; for each Hour of growing Time Shall task me to thy Service, 'till by Merit Of dearest Love I blot the low-born Julio From thy fair Mind. Leon. So I shall make it foul; This Counsel is corrupt. Henr. Come, you will change.— Leon. Why would you make a Wife of such a One, That is so apt to change? This foul Proceeding Still speaks against itself, and vilifies The purest of your Judgment. — For your Birth'sSake I will not dart my hoarded Curses at you, Nor give my Meanings Language: For the Love Of all good Things together, yet take heed, And spurn the Tempter back. D. Bern. I think, you're mad. — Perverse, andfoolish,1st edition, 1st state, the “is” are a blot. Wretch!Leon. 30Double Falshood; or,Leon. How may I be obedient, and wise too? Of my Obedience, Sir, I cannot strip me; Nor can I then be wise: Grace against Grace! Ungracious, if I not obey a Father; Most perjur'd, if I do. — Yet, Lord, consider, Or e'er too late, or e'er that Knot be ty'd, Which may with Violence damnable be broken, No other way dissever'd: Yet consider, You wed my Body, not my Heart, my Lord; No Part of my Affection. Sounds it well, That Julio's Love is Lord Henriquez' Wife; Have you an Ear for this harsh Sound? Henr. No Shot of Reason can come near the Place, Where my Love's fortified. The Day shall come, Wherein you'll chide this Backwardness, and bless Our Fervour in this Course. Leon. No, no, Henriquez, When you shall find what Prophet you are prov'd, You'll prophesie no more. D. Bern. Have done this Talking, If you will cleave to your Obedience, do't; If not, unbolt the Portal, and be gone; My Blessing stay behind you. Leon. Sir, your Pardon: I will not swerve a Hair's Breadth from my Duty; It shall first cost me dear. D. Bern. Well then, to th' Point: Give me your Hand. — My honour'd Lord, receive My Daughter of Me, — (nay, no dragging back, But with my Curses;) — whom I frankly give you, And wish you Joy and Honour. [As Don Bernard goes to give Leonora to Henriquez,Julio advances from the Arras, and steps between. Jul. Hold, Don Bernard, Mine is the elder Claim. D. Bern. What are you, Sir?Jul. The Double Falshood31Jul. A Wretch, that's almost lost to his own Knowledge, Struck thro' with Injuries. — Henr. Ha! Julio? — Hear you, Were you not sent on our Commands to Court? Order'd to wait your fair Dismission thence? And have you dared, knowing you are our Vassal, To steal away unpriviledg'd, and leave My Business and your Duty unaccomplish'd? Jul. Ungen'rous Lord! The Circumstance of Things Should stop the Tongue of Question. — You havewrong'd me; Wrong'd me so basely, in so dear a Point, As stains the Cheek of Honour with a Blush; Cancells the Bonds of Service; bids Allegiance Throw to the Wind all high Respects of Birth, Title, and Eminence; and, in their Stead, Fills up the panting Heart with just Defiance. If you have Sense of Shame, or Justice, Lord, Forego this bad Intent; or with your Sword Answer me like a Man, and I shall thank you. Julio once dead, Leonora may be thine; But, living, She's a Prize too rich to part with. Henr. Vain Man! the present Hour is fraught withBusiness Of richer Moment. Love shall first be serv'd: Then, if your Courage hold to claim it of me, I may have Leisure to chastise this Boldness. Jul. Nay, then I'll seize my Right. Henr. What, here, a Brawl? My Servants, — Turn this boist'rous Sworder forth; And see he come not to disturb our Joys. Jul. Hold, Dogs! — Leonora, — Coward, base,Henriquez! [Julio is seiz'd, and drag'd out by the Servants. Henr. She dies upon Me; help! [Leonora swoons; as they endeavour to recover her,a Paper drops from her.D. Bern. 32Double Falshood; or,D. Bern. Throng not about her; But give her Air. Henr. What Paper's That? let's see it. It is her own Hand-Writing. D. Bern. Bow her Head: 'Tis but her Fright; she will recover soon. What learn you by that Paper, good my Lord? Henr. That she would do the Violence to herself, Which Nature hath anticipated on her. What Dagger means she? Search her well, I prayyou. D. Bern. Here is the Dagger. — Oh, the stubborn Sex, Rash ev'n to Madness! — Henr. Bear her to her Chamber: Life flows in her again. — Pray, bear her hence: And tend her, as you would the World's best Treasure. [Women carry Leonora off. Don Bernard, this wild Tumult soon will cease, The Cause remov'd; and all return to Calmness. Passions in Women are as short in Working, As strong in their Effect. Let the Priest wait: Come, go we in: My Soul is all on Fire; And burns impatient of this forc'd Delay. [Exeunt; and the Scene closes. Scene III. Prospect of a Village ata Distance. Enters Roderick. Rod. Julio's Departure thus in secret from Me, With the long doubtful Absence of my Brother, (Who cannot suffer, but my Father feels it;) Have trusted me with strong Suspicions, And Dreams, that will not let me sleep, nor eat, Nor taste those Recreations Health demands:But, The Double Falshood33But, like a Whirlwind, hither have they snatch'd me, Perforce, to be resolv'd. I know my Brother Had Julio's Father for his Host: from him Enquiry may befriend me. Enters Camillo. Old Sir, I'm gladNot marked as continued line in original. To 've met you thus: What ails the Man? Camillo, — Cam.

Ha?

Rod. Is't possible, you should forget your Friends? Cam. Friends! What are Those? Rod. Why, Those that love you, Sir. Cam. You're None of Those, sure, if you be LordRoderick. Rod. Yes, I am that Lord Roderick, and I lie not, If I protest, I love you passing well. Cam. You lov'd my Son too passing well, I take it: One, that believ'd too suddenly his Court-Creed. Rod. All is not well. [aside.] — Good old Man,do not rail. Cam. My Lord, my Lord, you've dealt dishonourably. Rod. Good Sir, I am so far from doing Wrongs Of that base Strain, I understand you not. Cam. Indeed! — You know not neither, o' myConscience, How your most virtuous Brother, noble Henriquez, (You look so like him, Lord, you are the worse for't; Rots upon such Dissemblers!) under colour Of buying Coursers, and I know not what, Bought my poor Boy out of Possession Ev'n of his plighted Faith. — Was not this Honour? And This a constant Friend? Rod. I dare not say so. Cam. Now you have robb'd him of his Love,take all;DMake 34Double Falshood; or,Make up your Malice, and dispatch his Life too. Rod. If you would hear me, Sir, — Cam. Your brave old Father Would have been torn in Pieces with wild Horses, E'er he had done this Treachery. On my Conscience, Had he but dreamt you Two durst have committed This base, unmanly Crime, — Rod. Why, this is Madness. —Not marked as continued line in original. Cam. I've done; I've eas'd my Heart; now you maytalk. Rod. Then as I am a Gentleman, believe me, (For I will lie for no Man;) I'm so far From being guilty of the least Suspicion Of Sin that way, that fearing the long Absence Of Julio and my Brother might beget Something to start at, hither have I travell'd To know the Truth of you. Enters Violante behind. Viol. My Servant loiters; sure, he means me well. Camillo, and a Stranger? These may give me Some Comfort from their Talk. I'll step aside: And hear what Fame is stirring. [Violante retires. Rod. Why this Wond'ring? Cam. Can there be one so near in Blood as you are To that Henriquez, and an honest Man? Rod. While he was good, I do confess my Nearness; But, since his Fall from Honour, he's to me As a strange Face I saw but Yesterday, And as soon lost. Cam. I ask your Pardon, Lord; I was too rash and bold. Rod. No Harm done, Sir. Cam. But is it possible, you should not hear The Passage 'twixt Leonora and your Brother? Rod. None of All This.Enters The Double Falshood35Enters Citizen. Cam. How now? Citiz. I bear you Tidings, Sir, which I could wish Some other Tongue deliver'd. Cam. Whence, I pray you? Citiz.

From your Son, Sir.

Cam.

Pr'ythee, where is he?

Citiz. That's more than I know now, Sir. But This I can assure you, he has left The City raging mad; Heav'n comfort him! He came to that curst Marriage — The Fiendstake it! — Cam. Pr'ythee, be gone, and bid the Bell knollfor me: I have had one Foot in the Grave some Time. Nay, go, good Friend; thy News deserve no Thanks. How does your Lordship? [Exit Citizen. Rod. That's well said, Old Man. I hope, all shall be well yet. Cam. It had need; For 'tis a crooked World. Farewell, poor Boy! — Enters Don Bernard. D. Bern. This comes of forcing Women where theyhate: It was my own Sin; and I am rewarded. Now I am like an aged Oak, alone, Left for all Tempests. — I would cry, but cannot: I'm dry'd to Death almost with these Vexations. Lord! what a heavy Load I have within me! My Heart, — my Heart, — my Heart — Cam. Has this ill Weather Met with Thee too? D. Bern. O Wench, that I were with thee! Cam. You do not come to mock at me now?D 2D. Bern. 36Double Falshood; or,D. Bern. Ha? —Not marked as continued line in original. Cam. Do not dissemble; Thou may'st find a Knave As bad as thou art, to undo thee too: I hope to see that Day before I dye yet. D. Bern. It needeth not, Camillo; I am Knave Sufficient to my self. If thou wilt rail, Do it as bitterly as thou canst think of; For I deserve it. Draw thy Sword, and strike me; And I will thank thee for't. — I've lost my Daughter; She's stol'n away; and whither gone, I know not. Cam. She has a fair Blessing in being from you,Sir. I was too poor a Brother for your Greatness; You must be grafted into noble Stocks, And have your Titles rais'd. My State was laugh'd at: And my Alliance scorn'd. I've lost a Son too; Which must not be put up so.[Offers to draw. Rod. Hold; be counsel'd. You've equal Losses; urge no farther Anger. Heav'n, pleas'd now at your Love, may bring again, And, no Doubt, will, your Children to your Comforts: In which Adventure my Foot shall be foremost. And One more will I add, my Honour'd Father; Who has a Son to grieve for too, tho' tainted. Let your joint Sorrow be as Balm to heal These Wounds of adverse Fortune. D. Bern. Come, Camillo,Not marked as continued line in original. Do not deny your Love, for Charity; I ask it of you. Let this noble Lord Make Brothers of Us, whom our own cross Fates Could never join. What I have been, forget; What I intend to be, believe and nourish: I do confess my Wrongs; give me your Hand. Cam. Heav'n make thee honest; — there. Rod. 'Tis done like good Men. Now there rests Nought, but that we part, and eachTake The Double Falshood37Take sev'ral Ways in Quest of our lost Friends: Some of my Train o'er the wild Rocks shall waityou. Our best Search ended, here we'll meet again, And tell the Fortunes of our separate Travels.[Exeunt. Violante comes forward. Viol. I would, your Brother had but half yourVirtue! Yet there remains a little Spark of Hope That lights me to some Comfort. The Match iscross'd; The Parties separate; and I again May come to see this Man that has betray'd me; And wound his Conscience for it: Home again I will not go, whatever Fortune guides me; Tho' ev'ry Step I went, I trod upon Dangers as fearful and as pale as Death. No, no, Henriquez; I will follow thee Where there is Day. Time may beget a Wonder. Enters Servant. O, are you come? What News? Serv.

None, but the worst.This sentence could complete Violante's partial line, but the remainder of the paragraph is unquestionably prose. Your Father makesmighty Offers yonder by a Cryer, to any One canbring you home again.

Viol.

Art Thou corrupted?There are several ways in which these lines could be treated as distributed verse, but they are set as prose in the original.

Serv.

No.

Viol.

Wilt thou be honest?

Serv.

I hope, you do not fear me.

Viol. Indeed, I do not. Thou hast an honest Face; And such a Face, when it deceives, take heed, Is curst of all Heav'n's Creatures. Serv. I'll hang first.Not marked as continued line in original. Viol. Heav'n bless thee from that End! — I've hearda ManD 3Say 38Double Falshood; or,Say more than This; and yet that Man was false. Thou'lt not be so, I hope. Serv. By my Life, Mistress, —Not marked as continued line in original. Viol. Swear not; I credit Thee. But pr'ythee tho', Take Heed, thou dost not fail: I do not doubt Thee: Yet I have trusted such a serious Face, And been abused too. Serv. If I fail your Trust, —Not marked as continued line in original. Viol. I do thee Wrong to hold thy Honesty At Distance thus: Thou shalt know all my Fortunes. Get me a Shepherd's Habit. Serv. Well; what else?Not marked as continued line in original. Viol. And wait me in the Evening, where I told thee; There Thou shalt know my farther Ends. Take Heed— Serv. D'ye fear me still? Viol. No; This is only Counsel: My Life and Death I have put equally Into thy Hand: Let not Rewards, nor Hopes, Be cast into the Scale to turn thy Faith. Be honest but for Virtue's sake, that's all; He, that has such a Treasure, cannot fall.[Exeunt. The End of the Third Act.

Floral tailpiece with hareAct The Double Falshood39

Floral bar with swanAct IV. Scene I. Scene, A Wide Plain, with a Prospect ofMountains at a Distance. Enter Master of the Flocks, three or four Shepherds, andViolante in Boy's Cloaths. 1 Shep.

Well, he's as sweet a Man, Heav'n comfort him! as ever these Eyes look'd on.

2 Shep.

If he have a Mother, I believe, Neighbours, she's a Woe-woman for him at this Hour.

Mast. Why should he haunt these wild unpeopledMountains, Where nothing dwells but Hunger, and sharp Winds? 1 Shep.

His Melancholy, Sir, that's the main Devil does it. Go to, I fear he has had too much foulPlay offer'd him.

Mast.

How gets he Meat?

2 Shep.

Why, now and then he takes our Victualsfrom us, tho' we desire him to eat; and instead of ashort Grace, beats us well and soundly, and then falls to.

Mast.

Where lies He?

1 Shep.

Ev'n where the Night o'ertakes him.

2 Shep.

Now will I be hang'd, an' some fair-snouted skittish Woman, or other, be not at the End ofthis Madness.

1 Shep.

Well, if he lodg'd within the Sound of us,I knew our Musick would allure him. How attentively he stood, and how he fix'd his Eyes, when yourBoy sung his Love-Ditty. Oh, here he comes again.

Mast. Let him alone; he wonders strangely at us.D 41 Shep. 40Double Falshood; or,1 Shep.

Not a Word, Sirs, to cross him, as you loveyour Shoulders.

2 Shep.

He seems much disturb'd: I believe the madFit is upon him.

Enters Julio. Jul. Horsemanship!— Hell— Riding shall be abolish'd: Turn the barb'd Steed loose to his native Wildness; It is a Beast too noble to be made The Property of Man's Baseness.— What a Letter Wrote he to's Brother? What a Man was I? Why, Perseus did not know his Seat like me; The Parthian, that rides swift without the Rein, Match'd not my Grace and Firmness. ‐ ‐ ‐ Shall this Lord Dye, when Men pray for him? Think you 'tis meet? 1 Shep.

I don't know what to say: Neither I, norall the Confessors in Spain, can unriddle this wild Stuff.

Jul. I must to Court! be usher'd into Grace, By a large List of Praises ready penn'd! O Devil! What a venomous World is this, When Commendations are the Baits to Ruin! All these good Words were Gyves and Fetters, Sir, To keep me bolted there: while the false Sender Play'd out the Game of Treach'ry.— Hold; come hither; You have an Aspect, Sir, of wond'rous Wisdom, And, as it seems, are travell'd deep in Knowledge; Have you e'er seen the Phoenix of the Earth, The Bird of Paradise? 2 Shep. In Troth, not I, Sir. Jul. I have; and known her Haunts, and where shebuilt Her spicy Nest: 'till, like a credulous Fool, I shew'd the Treasure to a Friend in Trust, And he hath robb'd me of her. — Trust no Friend: Keep thy Heart's Counsels close. — Hast thou a Mistress? Give her not out in Words; nor let thy Pride Be wanton to display her Charms to View;Love The Double Falshood41Love is contagious: and a Breath of Praise, Or a slight Glance, has kindled up its Flame, And turn'd a Friend a Traytor. — 'Tis in Proof; And it has hurt my Brain. 1 Shep.

Marry, now there is some Moral in his Madness,and we may profit by it.

Mast. See, he grows cool, and pensive. Go towards him, Boy, but do not look that way. Viol. Alas! I tremble — Jul. Oh, my pretty Youth! Come hither, Child; Did not your Song imply Something of Love? 1 Shep.

Ha—ha— goes it there? Now if the Boybe witty, we shall trace something.

Viol. Yes, Sir, it was the Subject.As this line follows the First Shepherd's prose speech, and as it is not marked as a continuation, I have not presumed to mark it so; however, it does fit metrically as a continuation of Julio's previous incomplete line. Jul. Sit here then: Come, shake not, good pretty Soul, Nor do not fear me; I'll not do thee Wrong. Viol. Why do you look so on me? Jul. I have Reasons. It puzzles my Philosophy, to think That the rude Blast, hot Sun, and dashing Rains Have made no fiercer War upon thy Youth; Nor hurt the Bloom of that Vermilion Cheek. You weep too, do you not? Viol. Sometimes, I do. Jul. I weep sometimes too. You're extremely young. Viol. Indeed, I've seen more Sorrows far than Years. Jul. Yet all these have not broken your Complexion. You have a strong Heart, and you are the happier. I warrant, you're a very loving Woman. Viol. A Woman, Sir?— I fear, h'as found me out. [Aside. 2 Shep.

He takes the Boy for a Woman.— Mad, again!

Jul. You've met some Disappointment; some foul Play Has cross'd your Love.— I read it in your Face. Viol. You read a Truth then. Jul. Where can lie the Fault? Is't in the Man, or some dissembling Knave, He put in Trust? Ho! have I hit the Cause? Viol. You're not far off.Jul. 42Double Falshood; or,Jul. This World is full of Coz'ners, very full; Young Virgins must be wary in their Ways. I've known a Duke's Son do as great a Knavery. Will you be rul'd by me? Viol. Yes. Jul. Kill Yourself. 'Twill be a Terror to the Villain's Conscience, The longest Day he lives. Viol. By no Means. What? Commit Self-murther! Jul. Yes; I'll have it so. 1 Shep.

I fear, his Fit is returning. Take heed ofall hands. — Sir,— do you want any thing?

Jul. Thou ly'st; thou can'st not hurt me: I am proof 'Gainst farther Wrongs. — Steal close behind me, Lady. I will avenge Thee. Viol. Thank the Heav'ns, I'm free. Jul. O treach'rous, base Henriquez! have I caughtthee? 2 Shep. Help! help! good Neighbours; he will killme else.[Julio seizes on the Shepherd;Violante runs out. Jul. Here Thou shalt pay thy Heart-blood for theWrongs Thou'st heap'd upon this Head. Faith-breaker! Villain! I'll suck thy Life-blood. 1 Shep. Good Sir, have Patience; this is no Henriquez.[They rescue the Shepherd. Jul. Well; let him slink to Court, and hide a Coward; Not all his Father's Guards shall shield him there. Or if he prove too strong for Mortal Arm, I will sollicit ev'ry Saint in Heav'n To lend me Vengeance. — I'll about it strait. — The wrathful Elements shall wage this War; Furies shall haunt him; Vultures gnaw his Heart; And Nature pour forth all her Stores of Plagues, To join in Punishment of Trust betray'd.[Exit Julio. 2 Shep.

Go thy Ways, and a Vengeance go withThee!The Double Falshood43Thee! — Pray, feel my Nose; is it fast, Neighbours?

1 Shep.

'Tis as well as may be.

2 Shep.

He pull'd at it, as he would have drag'd aBullock backward by the Tail. — An't had been someMen's Nose that I know, Neighbours, who knowswhere it had been now? He has given me such a devilish Dash o'er the Mouth, that I feel, I shall neverwhistle to my Sheep again: Then they'll make Holy-day.

1 Shep.

Come, shall we go? for, I fear, if the Youthreturn, our second Course will be much more againstour Stomachs.

Mast. Walk you afore; I will but give my Boy Some short Instructions, and I'll follow strait. We'll crashThe usual idiom is “crush”; however, I am not ready to regard this as a certain error. a Cup together. 1 Shep. Pray, do not linger.Not marked as continued line in original. Mast. I will not, Sirs; — This must not be a Boy; His Voice, Mein, Gesture, ev'ry Thing he does, Savour of soft and female Delicacy. He but puts on this Seeming, and his Garb Speaks him of such a Rank, as well perswades me, He plays the Swain, rather to cloak some Purpose, Than forced to't by a Need: I've waited long To mark the End he has in his Disguise; But am not perfect in't. The Madman's Coil Has driv'n him shaking hence. These Fears betray him. If he prove right, I'm happy. O, he's here. Enters Violante. Come hither, Boy; where did you leave the Flock,Child? Viol.

Grazing below, Sir. — What does he mean,to stroke One o'the Cheek so? I hope, I'm not betray'd.

Mast. Have you learnt the Whistle yet, and whento Fold? And how to make the Dog bring in the Strayers? Viol. Time, Sir, will furnish me with all these Rules; My Will is able, but my Knowledge weak, Sir. Mast. That's a good Child: Why dost thou blush,my Boy?'Tis 44Double Falshood; or,'Tis certainly a Woman. [Aside.] Speak, my Boy. Viol. Heav'n! how I tremble. — 'Tis unusual to me To find such Kindness at a Master's Hand, That am a poor Boy, ev'ry way unable, Unless it be in Pray'rs to merit it. Besides, I've often heard old People say, Too much Indulgence makes Boys rude and sawcy. Mast. Are you so cunning!— Viol. How his Eyes shake Fire, And measure ev'ry Piece of Youth about me![Aside. The Ewes want Water, Sir: Shall I go drive 'em Down to the Cisterns? Shall I make haste, Sir? 'Would I were five Miles from him— How he gripesme![Aside. Mast. Come, come, all this is not sufficient, Child, To make a Fool of me.— This is a fine Hand, A delicate fine Hand,— Never change Colour; You understand me, — and a Woman's Hand. Viol. You're strangely out: Yet if I were a Woman, I know, you are so honest and so good, That tho' I wore Disguises for some Ends, You would not wrong me.— Mast. Come, you're made for Love; Will you comply? I'm madder with this Talk. There's Nothing you can say, can take my Edge off. Viol. Oh, do but quench these foul Affections in you, That, like base Thieves, have rob'd you of your Reason, And I will be a Woman; and begin So sad a Story, that if there be aught Of humane in you, or a Soul that's gentle, You cannot chuse but pity my lost Youth. Mast. No Stories now.— Viol. Kill me directly, Sir; As you have any Goodness, take my Life. Rod.

within.Hoa! Shepherd, will you hear, Sir?

Mast. What bawling Rogue is that, i'th' Devil'sName? Viol. Blessings upon him, whatsoe'er he be![Runs out.Enters The Double Falshood45Enters Roderick. Rod.

Good Even, my Friend; I thought, you allhad been asleep in this Country.

Mast.

You had lied then; for you were waking,when you thought so.

Rod.

I thank you, Sir.

Mast.

I pray, be cover'd; 'tis not so much worth, Sir.This line, and the next four, can be scanned as verse, but, although this line could be either verse or prose, the next four are not printed as verse.

Rod.

Was that thy Boy ran crying?

Mast.

Yes; what then?

Rod.

Why dost thou beat him so?

Mast.

To make him grow.

Rod.

A pretty Med'cine! Thou can'st not tell methe Way to the next Nunnery?—

Mast.

How do you know That? — Yes, I can tellyou; but the Question is, whether I will or no; and,indeed, I will not. Fare you well.[Exit Master.

Rod. What a brute Fellow's this! Are they all thus? My Brother Henriquez tells me by his Letters, The Mistress of his Soul not far from hence Hath taken Sanctuary: from which he prays My Aid to bring her back.— From what Camillo Hinted, I wear some Doubts.— Here 'tis appointed That we should meet; it must be here; 'tis so. He comes. Enters Henriquez. Now, Brother, what's this post-haste Business You hurry me about? — Some wenching Matter — Henr. My Letter told you, Sir. Rod. 'Tis true, it tells me, that you've lost aMistress Whom your Heart bleeds for; but the Means to winher From her close Life, I take it, is not mention'd. You're ever in these Troubles.— Henr. Noble Brother, I own, I have too freely giv'n a ScopeTo 46Double Falshood; or,To Youth's intemp'rate Heat, and rash Desires: But think not, that I would engage your Virtues To any Cause, wherein my constant Heart Attended not my Eye. 'Till now my Passions Reign'd in my Blood; ne'er pierc'd into my Mind; But I'm a Convert grown to purest Thoughts: And must in Anguish spend my Days to come, If I possess not her: So much I love. Rod. The Means? — She's in a Cloyster, is she not? Within whose Walls to enter as We are, Will never be: Few Men, but Fryars, come there; Which We shall never make. Henr. If That would do it, I would make Any thing. Rod. Are you so hot? I'll serve him, be it but to save his Honour.[Aside. To feign a Corpse — By th' Mass, it shall be so. We must pretend, we do transport a Body As 'twere to's Funeral: and coming late by, Crave a Night's Leave to rest the Herse i'th' Convent. That be our Course; for to such Charity Strict Zeal and Custom of the House give Way. Henr. And, opportune, a vacant Herse pass'd by From Rites but new perform'd: This for a Price We'll hire, to put our Scheme in Act. Ho! Gerald — [Enter Gerald, whom Henriquez whispers; then Gerald goes out. Rod. When we're once lodg'd, the Means of herConveyance, By safe and secret Force, with Ease we'll compass But, Brother, know my Terms. — If that your Mistress Will to the World come back, and she appear An Object worthy in our Father's Eye, Wooe her, and win her; but if his Consent Keep not Pace with your Purpose — Henr. Doubt it not.Not marked as continued line in original. I've look'd not with a common Eye; but chose A noble Virgin, who to make her so,Has The Double Falshood47Has all the Gifts of Heav'n and Earth upon her. If ever Woman yet could be an Angel, She is the nearest. Rod. Well; a Lover's Praise Feasts not a Common Ear. — Now to our Plot; We shall bring Night in with Us.[Exeunt. Scene II. Enter Julio, and Two Gentlemen. Gent. Good Sir, compose yourself. Jul. O Leonora, That Heav'n had made Thee stronger than a Woman, How happy had I been! Gent. He's calm again: I'll take this Interval to work upon Him. These wild and solitary Places, Sir, But feed your Pain; let better Reason guide you; And quit this forlorne State, that yields no Comfort. [Lute sounds within. Jul. Ha! hark, a Sound from Heav'n! Do you hearNothing? Gent. Yes, Sir; the Touch of some sweet Instrument: Here's no Inhabitant. Jul. No, no, the better. Gent. This is a strange Place to hear Musick in. Jul. I'm often visited with these sweet Airs. The Spirit of some hapless Man that dy'd, And left his Love hid in a faithless Woman, Sure haunts these Mountains.[Violante sings within. Fond Echo! forego thy light Strain, And heedfully hear a lost Maid; Go, tell the false Ear of the Swain How deeply his Vows have betray'd. Go, tell him, what Sorrows I bear; See, yet if his Heart feel my Woe: 'Tis now he must heal my Despair, Or Death will make Pity too slow.Gent. 48Double Falshood; or,Gent. See, how his Soul strives in him! This sadStrain Has search'd him to the Heart. Jul. Excellent Sorrow!Not marked as continued line in original. You never lov'd? Gent. No.Not marked as continued line in original. Jul. Peace; and learn to grieve then. [Violante sings within. Go, tell him, what Sorrows I bear; See, yet if his Heart feel my Woe: 'Tis now he must heal my Despair, Or Death will make Pity too slow. Is not this heav'nly? Gent. I never heard the Like, Sir.Not marked as continued line in original. Jul. I'll tell you, my good Friends; but pray, sayNothing; I'm strangely touch'd with This. The heav'nly Sound Diffuses a sweet Peace thro' all my Soul. But yet I wonder, what new, sad, Companion Grief has brought hither to out-bid my Sorrows. Stand off, stand off, stand off — Friends, it appears. Enters Violante. Viol. How much more grateful are these craggyMountains, And these wild Trees, than things of nobler Natures; For These receive my Plaints, and mourn again In many Echoes to Me. All good People Are faln asleep for ever. None are left, That have the Sense, and Touch of Tenderness For Virtue's sake: No, scarce their Memory: From whom I may expect Counsel in Fears, Ease to Complainings, or Redress of Wrongs. Jul. This is a moving Sorrow, but say nothing. Viol. What Dangers have I run, and to what Insults Expos'd this Ruin of my self? Oh! Mischief On that Soul-spotted Hind, my vicious Master!Who The Double Falshood49Who would have thought, that such poor Worms asThey, (Whose best Feed is coarse Bread; whose Bev'rage,Water;) Should have so much rank Blood? I shake all over, And blush to think what had become of me, If that good Man had not reliev'd me from him. Jul. Since she is not Leonora, she is heav'nly. When she speaks next, listen as seriously, As Women do that have their Loves at Sea, What Wind blows ev'ry Morning. — Viol. I cannot get this false Man's Memory Out of my Mind. You Maidens, that shall live To hear my mournful Tale, when I am Ashes, Be wise; and to an Oath no more give Credit, To Tears, to Vows, (false Both!) or any Thing A Man shall promise, than to Clouds, that now Bear such a pleasing Shape, and now are nothing. For they will cozen, (if They may be cozen'd,) The very Gods they worship. — Valour, Justice, Discretion, Honesty, and all they covet, To make them seeming Saints, are but the Wiles By which these Syrens lure us to Destruction. Jul. Do not you weep now? I could drop myself Into a Fountain for her. Gent. She weeps extremely. Jul. Let her weep; 'tis well: Her Heart will break else. Great Sorrows live in Tears. Viol. O false Henriquez! — Jul. Ha! Viol. And Oh, thou Fool, Forsaken Violante! whose Belief And childish Love have made Thee so — go, dye; For there is nothing left Thee now to look for, That can bring Comfort, but a quiet Grave. There all the Miseries I long have felt, And Those to come, shall sweetly sleep together. Fortune may guide that false Henriquez hither, To weep Repentance o'er my pale, dead Coarse,EAnd 50Double Falshood; or,And cheer my wand'ring Spirit with those lov'd Obsequies.[Going. Jul. Stay, Lady, stay: Can it be possible, That you are Violante? Viol. That lost Name, Spoken by One, that needs must know my Fortunes, Has taken much Fear from me. Who are you, Sir? For, sure, I am that hopeless Violante. Jul. And I, as far from any earthly Comfort That I know yet, the much-wrong'd Julio! Viol. Julio! Jul. I once was thought so. — If the curstHenriquez Had Pow'r to change you to a Boy, why, Lady, Should not that Mischief make me any thing, That have an equal Share in all the Miseries His Crimes have flung upon Us? Viol. Well I know it: And pardon Me, I could not know your Virtues, Before your Griefs. Methought, when last we met, The Accent of your Voice struck on my Ear Like something I had known, but Floods of Sorrow Drown'd the Remembrance. If you'll please to sit, (Since I have found a suff'ring true Companion,) And give me Hearing, I will tell you something Of Leonora, that may comfort you. Jul. Blessing upon Thee! Henceforth, I protest Never to leave Thee, if Heav'n say Amen. But, soft! let's shift our Ground, guide our sad Steps To some remoter Gloom, where, undisturb'd, We may compare our Woes; dwell on the Tale Of mutual Injuries, 'till our Eyes run o'er, And we infect each other, with fresh Sorrows. — Talk'd you of Comfort? 'Tis the Food of Fools, And We will None on't; but indulge Despair: So, worn with Griefs, steal to the Cave of Death,This couplet is not set out as such in the original. And in a Sigh give up our latest Breath.[Exeunt. The End of the Fourth Act.Act The Double Falshood51

Floral bar with lyre, trumpets, and flower facesAct V. Scene I. Scene, The Prospect of the Mountains continued. Enter Roderick, Leonora veil'd, Henriquez, Attendants as Mourners. Rod. Rest certain, Lady, Nothing shall betideyou, But fair, and noble Usage. Pardon me, That hitherto a Course of Violence Has snatch'd you from that Seat of Contemplation To which you gave your After-Life. Leon. Where am I?Not marked as continued line in original. Rod. Not in the Nunnery; never blush, nor tremble; Your Honour has as fair a Guard, as when Within a Cloyster. Know then, what is done, (Which, I presume, you understand not truly,) Has this Use, to preserve the Life of One Dying for Love of You: my Brother, and yourFriend: Under which Colour we desir'd to rest Our Herse one Night within your hallow'd Walls, Where we surpriz'd you. Leon. Are you that Lord Roderick, So spoken of for Virtue, and fair Life, And dare you lose these to be Advocate For such a Brother, such a sinful Brother,E 2Such 52Double Falshood; or,Such an unfaithful, treacherous, brutal Brother? Rod. This is a fearful Charge. — [Looks at Henriquez. Leon. If you would have me Think, you still bear Respect for Virtue's Name; As you would wish, your Daughters, thus distress'd, Might find a Guard, protect me from Henriquez; And I am happy. Rod. Come, Sir, make your Answer; For as I have a Soul, I am asham'd on't. Henr. O Leonora, see! thus self-condemn'd, I throw me at your Feet, and sue for Mercy. If I have err'd, impute it to my Love; The Tyrant God that bows us to his Sway, Rebellious to the Laws of reas'ning Men; That will not have his Votaries Actions scann'd, But calls it Justice, when we most obey him. He but commanded, what your Eyes inspir'd; Whose sacred Beams, darted into my Soul, Have purg'd the Mansion from impure Desires, And kindled in my Heart a Vestal's Flame. Leon. Rise, rise, my Lord; this well-dissembledPassion Has gain'd you nothing but a deeper Hate. Should I imagine, he can truly love me, That, like a Villain, murthers my Desires? Or should I drink that Wine, and think it Cordial, When I see Poyson in't? Rod. Draw this way, Lady; I am not perfect in your Story yet; But see you've had some Wrongs, that want Redress. Only you must have Patience to go with us To yon small Lodge, which meets the Sight fromhence, Where your Distress shall find the due Respect: 'Till when, your Griefs shall govern me as much, As Nearness and Affection to my Brother. Call my Attendants yours; and use them freely;For The Double Falshood53For as I am a Gentleman, no Pow'r, Above your own Will, shall come near your Person. [As they are going out, Violante enters, and plucksRoderick by the Sleeve; the rest go out.] Viol. Your Ear a Moment: Scorn not my tenderYouth. Roder. Look to the Lady there. — I follow strait. What ails this Boy? Why dost thou single me? Viol. The due Observance of your noble Virtue, Vow'd to this mourning Virgin, makes me bold To give it more Employment. Rod. Art not Thou The surly Shepherd's Boy, that, when I call'd To know the Way, ran crying by me? Viol. Yes, Sir.Not marked as continued line in original. And I thank Heav'n and you for helping me. Rod. How did I help thee, Boy? Viol. I do but seem so, Sir; and am indeed A Woman; one your Brother once has lov'd; Or, Heav'n forgive him else, he ly'd extremely. Rod. Weep not, good Maid; O this licentiousBrother! But how came you a Wand'rer on these Mountains? Viol. That, as we pass, an't please you, I'll discover. I will assure you, Sir, these barren Mountains Hold many Wonders of your Brother's making. Here wanders hapless Julio, worthy Man! Besides himself with Wrongs — Rod. That once again —Not marked as continued line in original. Viol. Sir, I said, Julio. — Sleep weigh'd down hisEyelids, Oppress'd with Watching, just as you approach'd us. Rod. O Brother! We shall sound the Depths ofFalshood. If this be true, no more but guide me to him: I hope, a fair End will succeed all yet. If it be He, by your Leave, gentle Brother, I'll see him serv'd first. — Maid, you have o'erjoy'd me.E 3Thou 54Double Falshood; or,Thou shalt have Right too: Make thy fair Appeal To the good Duke, and doubt not but thy Tears Shall be repaid with Interest from his Justice. Lead me to Julio.[Exeunt. Scene II. An Apartment in the Lodge. Enter Duke, Don Bernard, and Camillo. Cam.

Ay, then your Grace had had a Son more;He, a Daughter; and I, an Heir: But let it be as 'tis,I cannot mend it; one way or other, I shall rub it over, with rubbing to my Grave, and there's an End on't.

Duke. Our Sorrows cannot help us, Gentlemen. Cam.

Hang me, Sir, if I shed one Tear more. ByJove, I've wept so long, I'm as blind as Justice. WhenI come to see my Hawks (which I held a Toy next tomy Son;) if they be but House-high, I must standaiming at them like a Gunner.

Duke. Why, he mourns like a Man. Don Bernard,you Are still like April, full of Show'rs and Dews: And yet I blame you not: for I myself Feel the self-same Affections. — Let them go; They're disobedient Children. D. Bern. Ay, my Lord; Yet they may turn again. Cam.

Let them e'en have their Swing: they're youngand wanton; the next Storm we shall have them gallop homeward, whining as Pigs do in the Wind.

D. Bern. Would I had my Daughter any way. Cam.

Would'st thou have her with Bearn, Man, tellme that?

D. Bern. I care not, if an honest Father got it. Cam.

You might have had her so in this good Time,Had my Son had her: Now you may go seekYour Fool to stop a Gap with.Duke.

The Double Falshood55Duke. You say, that Rod'rick charg'd you here shouldwait him: He has o'erslip'ed the Time, at which his Letters Of Speed request that I should also meet him. I fear, some bad Event is usher'd in By this Delay: — How now? Enters Gentleman. Gent. So please your Grace, Lord Rod'rick makes Approach. Duke. I thank thee, Fellow, For thy so timely News: Comes he alone? Gent. No, Sir, attended well; and in his Train Follows a Herse with all due Rites of Mourning. [Exit Gent. Duke. Heav'n send, Henriquez live! Cam. 'Tis my poor Julio.— Enters Roderick, hastily. Duke. O welcome, welcome,Once again, this could be a continued line interrupted by prose from Camillo. However, in this case, Camillo's line is plainly marked in the original as the completion of the Duke's, and this is not. Welcome, good Rod'rick! Say, what News? Cam. Do you bring Joy or Grief, my Lord? For me, Come what can come, I'll live a Month or two If the Gout please; curse my Physician once more, And then, — — Under this Stone Lies Sev'nty One. Rod. Signior, you do express a manly Patience. My noble Father, something I have brought To ease your Sorrows: My Endeavours have not Been altogether barren in my Journey. Duke. It comes at need, Boy; but I hop'd it fromthee.E 4Enter 56Double Falshood; or,Enter Leonora veil'd, Henriquez behind, and Attendants. Rod. The Company I bring, will bear me Witness The busiest of my Time has been employ'd On this good Task. Don Bernard finds beneath This Veil his Daughter: You, my Royal Father, Behind that Lady find a wand'ring Son. How I met with them, and how brought them hither, More Leisure must unfold. Henr. My Father here! And Julio's! O Confusion! — Low as Earth I bow me for your Pardon.[To the Duke. D. Bern. O my Girl!Not marked as continued line in original. Thou bring'st new Life. —[Embraces Leonora. Duke. And you, my Son, restore meNot marked as continued line in original.[To Roderick. One Comfort here that has been missing long. I hope, thy Follies thou hast left abroad.[To Henriq. Cam.

Ay, ay; you've all Comforts but I; you haveruin'd me, kill'd my poor Boy; cheated and ruin'd him;and I have no Comfort.

Rod. Be patient, Signior; Time may guide myHand To work you Comfort too. Cam. I thank your Lordship;Not marked as continued line in original. 'Would Grandsire Time had been so kind to've done it; We might have joy'd together like good Fellows. But he's so full of Business, good Old Man, 'Tis Wonder, he could do the Good he has done. D. Bern. Nay, Child, be comforted. These Tearsdistract me. Duke. Hear your good Father, Lady. Leon. Willingly. Duke. The Voice of Parents is the Voice of Gods: For to their Children they are Heav'n's Lieutenants: Made Fathers, not for common Uses meerly Of Procreation; (Beasts and Birds would beAs The Double Falshood57As noble then as we are) but to steer The wanton Freight of Youth thro' Storms and Dangers, Which with full Sails they bear upon: and streighten The moral Line of Life, they bend so often. For these are We made Fathers; and for These, May challenge Duty on our Children's Part. Obedience is the Sacrifice of Angels, Whose Form you carry. D. Bern. Hear the Duke, good Wench.Not marked as continued line in original. Leon. I do most heedfully. My gracious Lord, [To the Duke. Let me be so unmanner'd to request, He would not farther press me with Persuasions O'th' instant Hour: but have the gentle Patience To bury this keen Suit, 'till I shake Hands With my old Sorrows, — Cam. Why dost look at me? Alas! I cannot help thee. Leon. And but weep A Farewell to my murther'd Julio, — Cam. Blessing be with thy Soul, whene'er it leavesThee! Leon. For such sad Rites must be perform'd, myLord, E'er I can love again. Maids, that have lov'd, If they be worth that noble Testimony, Wear their Loves here, my Lord; here, in theirHearts; Deep, deep within; not in their Eyes, or Accents; Such may be slip'd away; or with two Tears Wash'd out of all Remembrance: Mine, no Physick, But Time, or Death, can cure. Henr. You make your own Conditions, and I sealthem Thus on your virtuous Hand.[Aside.How this line can be delivered as an aside confounds me utterly. Cam. Well, Wench, thy EqualNot marked as continued line in original. Shall not be found in haste; I give thee That:Thou 58Double Falshood; or,Thou art a right one, ev'ry Inch. — Thy Father (For, without Doubt, that Snuff never begot Thee,) Was some choice Fellow, some true Gentleman; I give thy Mother Thanks for't — there's no Harmdone. — Would I were young again, and had but thee, A good Horse under me, and a good Sword, And thus much for Inheritance. — [Violante offers, once or twice, to shewherself, but goes back. Duke. What Boy's That,Not marked as continued line in original. Has offer'd twice or thrice to break upon us? I've noted him, and still he falls back fearful. Rod. A little Boy, Sir, like a Shepherd? Duke. Yes.Not marked as continued line in original. Rod. 'Tis your Page, Brother; — One thatwas so, late. Henr. My Page! What Page? Rod. Ev'n so he says, your Page; And more, and worse, you stole him from his Friends, And promis'd him Preferment. Henr. I, Preferment!1st edition, 1st state: no dash —Not marked as continued line in original. Rod. And on some slight Occasion let him slip Here on these Mountains, where he had been starv'd, Had not my People found him, as we travell'd. This was not handsome, Brother. Henr. You are merry. Rod. You'll find it sober Truth. Duke. If so, 'tis ill. Henr. 'Tis Fiction all, Sir; — Brother, you mustplease To look some other Fool to put these Tricks on; They are too obvious: — Please your Grace, giveLeave T' admit the Boy; If he know me, and say, I stole him from his Friends, and cast him off, Know me no more. — Brother, pray do not wrongme.51st edition: 4Enters The Double Falshood59Enters Violante. Rod. Here is the Boy. If he deny this to you, Then I have wrong'd you. Duke. Hear me; What's thy Name, Boy? Viol. Florio, an't like your Grace. Duke. A pretty Child. Where wast thou born? Viol. On t'other Side the Mountains. Duke. What are thy Friends? Viol. A Father, Sir; but poor. Duke. How camest thou hither? how, to leave thyFather? Viol. That noble Gentleman pleas'd once to likeme,[Pointing to Henriquez. And, not to lye, so much to doat upon me, That with his Promises he won my Youth, And Duty, from my Father: Him I follow'd. Rod. How say you now, Brother? Cam. Ay, my Lord, how say You? Hen. As I have Life and Soul, 'tis all a Trick, Sir. I never saw the Boy before. Viol. O Sir, Call not your Soul to witness in a Wrong: And 'tis not noble in you, to despise What you have made thus. If I lye, let Justice Turn all her Rods upon me. Duke. Fye, Henriquez; There is no Trace of Cunning in this Boy. Cam. A good Boy! — Be not fearful: Speak thyMind, Child. Nature, sure, meant thou should'st have been a Wench; And then't had been no Marvel he had bobb'd thee. Duke. Why did he put thee from him? Viol. That to me Is yet unknown, Sir; for my Faith, he could not; I never did deceive him: for my Service,He 60Double Falshood; or,He had no just Cause; what my Youth was able, My Will still put in Act, to please my Master: I cannot steal; therefore that can be nothing To my Undoing: no, nor lye; my Breeding, Tho' it be plain, is honest.3rd edition adds: “[weeps.” Duke. Weep not, Child. Cam.

This Lord has abused Men, Women, and Children already: What farther Plot he has, the Devilknows.

Duke. If thou can'st bring a Witness of thy Wrong, (Else it would be Injustice to believe thee, He having sworn against it;) thou shalt have, I bind it with my Honour, Satisfaction To thine own Wishes. Viol. I desire no more, Sir. I have a Witness, and a noble one, For Truth and Honesty. Rod. Go, bring him hither.[Exit Violante. Henr. This lying Boy will take him to his Heels, And leave me slander'd. Rod. No; I'll be his Voucher. Henr. Nay then 'tis plain, this is Confederacy. Rod. That he has been an Agent in your Service, Appears from this. Here is a Letter, Brother, (Produc'd, perforce, to give him Credit with me;) The Writing, yours; the Matter, Love; for so, He says, he can explain it. Cam. Then, belike, A young He-bawd. Henr. This Forgery confounds me! Duke. Read it, Roderick. Rod.

Reads.]Our Prudence should now teach us toforget, what our Indiscretion has committed. I have already made one Steptowards this Wisdom — —

Henr. Hold, Sir.— My very Words to Violante! [Aside. Duke. Go on.Henr. The Double Falshood61Henr. My gracious Father, give me Pardon; I do confess, I some such Letter wrote (The Purport all too trivial for your Ear,) But how it reach'd this young Dissembler's Hands, Is what I cannot solve. For on my Soul, And by the Honours of my Birth and House, The Minion's Face 'till now I never saw. Rod. Run not too far in Debt on Protestation.— Why should you do a Child this Wrong? Henr. Go to; Your Friendships past warrant not this Abuse: If you provoke me thus, I shall forget What you are to me. This is a meer Practice, And Villany to draw me into Scandal. Rod. No more; you are a Boy. — Here comes aWitness, Shall prove you so: No more.— Enter Julio, disguis'd; Violante, as a Woman. Henr. Another Rascal! Duke.

Hold: —

Henr.

Ha![Seeing Violante.

Duke.

What's here?

Henr. By all my Sins, the injur'd Violante.[Aside. Rod. Now, Sir, whose Practice breaks? Cam. Is this a Page?[To Henr. Rod. One that has done him Service,Another anomaly; instead of the two previous lines going together, and this line being short, the first line could be short, and the latter two together; however, the original clearly indicates the first arrangement. And he has paid her for't; but broke his Covenant. Viol. My Lord, I come not now to wound yourSpirit. Your pure Affection dead, which first betray'd me, My Claim dye with it! Only let me not Shrink to the Grave with Infamy upon me: Protect my Virtue, tho' it hurt your Faith; And my last Breath shall speak Henriquez noble. Henr. What a fierce Conflict Shame, and woundedHonour,Raise 62Double Falshood; or,Raise in my Breast! — but Honour shall o'ercome.— She looks as beauteous, and as innocent, As when I wrong'd her. — Virtuous Violante! Too good for me! dare you still love a Man, So faithless as I am?— I know you love me. Thus, thus, and thus, I print my vow'd Repentance: Let all Men read it here.— My gracious Father, Forgive, and make me rich with your Consent, This is my Wife; no other would I chuse, Were she a Queen. Cam. Here's a new Change. Bernard looks dull upon't. Henr. And fair Leonora, from whose Virgin Arms I forc'd my wrong'd Friend Julio, O forgive me. Take home your holy Vows, and let him have 'em That has deserv'd them. O that he were here! That I might own the Baseness of my Wrong, And purpos'd Recompence. My Violante, You must again be widow'd: for I vow A ceaseless Pilgrimage, ne'er to know Joy, 'Till I can give it to the injur'd Julio. Cam. This almost melts me: — But my poor lostBoy — Rod. I'll stop that Voyage, Brother. — Gentle Lady, What think you of this honest Man? Leon. Alas!Not marked as continued line in original. My Thoughts, my Lord, were all employ'd within! He has a Face makes me remember something I have thought well of; how he looks upon me! Poor Man, he weeps. — Ha! stay; it cannot be — He has his Eye, his Features, Shape, and Gesture.— 'Would, he would speak. Jul. Leonora, —[Throws off his Disguise. Leon. Yes, 'tis He. O Ecstacy of Joy! —[They embrace. Cam. Now, what's the Matter? Rod. Let 'em alone; they're almost starv'd forKisses. Cam. Stand forty Foot off; no Man trouble 'em.Much The Double Falshood63Much Good may't do your Hearts! — What is he, Lord, What is he? Rod. A certain Son of yours. Cam. The Devil he is. Rod.

If he be the Devil, that Devil must call youFather.

Cam. By your Leave a little, ho, — Are you my Julio? Jul. My Duty tells me so, Sir, Still on my Knees. — But Love engross'd me all; O Leonora, do I once more hold thee? Cam. Nay, to't again: I will not hinder a Kiss, 'Tis he—This is set as an (overloaded) continuation of the previous line; the 3rd edition sets it as prose.[Leaps. Leon. The righteous Pow'rs at length have crown'dour Loves. Think, Julio, from the Storm that's now o'erblown, Tho' sour Affliction combat Hope awhile, When Lovers swear true Faith, the list'ning Angels Stand on the golden Battlements of Heav'n, And waft their Vows to the Eternal Throne. Such were our Vows, and so are they repaid. Duke. E'en as you are, we'll join your Hands together. A Providence above our Pow'r rules all. Ask him Forgiveness, Boy.[To Henriquez. Jul. He has it, Sir: The Fault was Love's, not his. Henr. Brave, gen'rous Julio! I knew thy Nobleness of old, and priz'd it, 'Till Passion made me blind — Once more, my Friend, Share in a Heart, that ne'er shall wrong thee more. And, Brother, — Rod. This Embrace cuts off Excuses. Duke. I must, in part, repair my Son's Offence: At your best Leisure, Julio, know our Court. And, Violante, (for I know you now;) I have a Debt to pay: Your good old Father, Once, when I chas'd the Boar, preserv'd my Life: For that good Deed, and for your Virtue's Sake,Tho'1st edition, 1st state: no apostrophe 64Double Falshood.Tho' your Descent be low, call me your Father. A Match drawn out of Honesty, and Goodness, Is Pedigree enough. — Are you all pleas'd? [Gives her to Henriquez. Camil.

All.

Henr.

All, Sir,These two lines are braced for simultaneous delivery.

D. Bern.

All, Sir,

Jul.

All.

Duke. And I not least. We'll now return to Court: (And that short Travel, and your Loves compleated, Shall, as I trust, for Life restrain these Wand'rings.) There, the Solemnity, and Grace, I'll do Your sev'ral Nuptials, shall approve my Joy; And make griev'd Lovers, that your Story read,This couplet is not set out as such in the original. Wish, true Love's Wand'rings may like yours succeed. [Curtain falls. Finis.

Angel with trumpet on cloud