ordinary vice or modern virtue were, to him, as light wine to a dram-drinker. His genius was a telescope, ill-adapted for neighbouring objects, but powerful to bring within the sphere of vision, what nature has wisely placed at an unsociable distance. Passion must be incestuous or adulterous, grief must be something more than martyrdom, before he could make them big enough to be seen. Unquestionably he displayed great power in these horrors, which was all he desired; but had he been “of the first order of poets,” he would have found and displayed superior power in "familiar matter of to-day,” in failings to which all are liable, virtues which all may practise, and sorrows for which all may be the better.'

After much consideration we have deemed The Lady': Trial most suitable for insertion in these pages.]

THE LADY'S TRIAL:

ACTED BY BOTH THEIR MAJESTIES' SERVANTS AT THE PRIVATE HOUSE

IN DRURY LANE.

FIDE HONOR.

London. 1639.

TO MY DESERVINGLY HONOURED

JOHN WYRLEY, ESQUIRE,

AND TO THE VIRTUOUS AND RIGHT WORTHY GENTLEWOMAN

MRS. MARY WYRLEY, HIS WIFE,

THIS SERVICE.

The inequality of retribution turns to a pity, yet to you, most equal pair, must remain the when there is not ability suflicient for acknow- honour of that bounty. In presenting this issue ledgment. Your equal respects may yet admit of some less serious hours to your tuition, I the readiness of endeavour, though the very appeal from the severity of censure to the mercy hazard in it betray my defect. I have enjoyed of your judgments; and shall rate it at a higher freely acquaintance with the sweetness of your value than when it was mine own, if you only dispositions, and can justly account, from the allow it the favour of adoption. Thus, as your nobleness of them, an evident distinction be- happiness in the fruition of each other's love twixt friendship and friends. The latter (ac- proceeds to a constancy; so the truth of mine cording to the practice of compliment) are usually shall appear less unshaken, as you shall please to met with, and often without search ; the other, continue in your good opinions. many have searched for, I have found. For

JOHN FORD. which, though I partake a benefit of the fortune,

Dramatis Personæ. AURIA, a noble Genoese.

GUZMAN, a braggadocio Spaniard. ADURNI, a young Lord.

Fulgoso, an upstart Gallant.
AURELIO, Friend to AURIA.

BENATZI, Husband to LEVIDOLCHL.
MALFATO, a discontented Lover.
TRELCATIO,
Citizens of Genoa.

SPINELLA, Wife to AURIA.
MARTINO, I

CASTANNA, her Sister.
PIERо, ,
FUTELLI,S
Dependents on ADURNI.

AMORETTA, a fantastic Maid.

LEVIDOLCHE, a Wanton.
SCENE-Genoa.

1 Fide Honor. An anagram on Ford's name, sometimes spelled Forde.

Will force our sleeps to steal upon our stories.
These days must come, and shall, without a cloud,

Cast. My sister shall to me stand an example

Aur. Gentle Castanna, thou’rt a branch of

PROLOGUE. LANGUAGE and matter, with a fit of mirth, A goodly approbation, which must bring That sharply savours more of air than earth, Fame with contempt, by such a deadly sting! Like midwives, bring a play to timely birth. The Muses chatter, who were wont to sing. But where's now such a one, in which these three

Your favours in what we present to-day; Are handsomely contriv'd ? or, if they be,

Our fearless author boldly bids me say, Are understood by all who hear to see ?

He tenders you no satire, but a play;

In which, if so he have not hit all right, Wit, wit's the word in fashion, that alone For wit, words, mirth, and matter, as he might

, Cries up the poet, which, though neatly shown, He wishes yet he had, for your delight. Is rather censured, oftentimes, than known.

MASTER BIRD! He who will venture on a jest, that can Rail on another's pain, or idly scan

1 Theophilus Bird was a celebrated actor, who edited Affairs of state, oh! he's the only man!

the plays of various dramatists.

Enter ADURNI and AURIA.
AOT 1.-SCENE I.

Adur. We wish thee, honour'd Auria, life and
A Room in the House of AURIA.

safety;

Return crown'd with a victory, whose wreaths Enter PIERO and FUTELLI at opposite doors. Of triumph may advance thy country's glory,

Worthy your name and ancestors! Piero. Accomplished man of fashion !

Aur. My lord,
Fut. The times' wonder!

I shall not live to thrive in any action
Gallant of gallants, Genoa's Piero !
Piero. Italy's darling, Europe's joy, and so

Deserving memory, when I forget

Adurni's love and favour. forth! The newest news unvamp'd.

Piero. I present you Fut. I am no foot-post,

My service for a farewell; let few words

Excuse all arts of compliment.
No pedlar of Avisos, no monopolist

Fut. For my own part,
Of forged Corantos, monger of gazettes.
Piero. Monger of courtezans, fiue Futelli;

Kill or be kill'd (for there's the short and long In certain kind a merchant of the staple

Call me your shadow's hench-boy.

Aur. Gentlemen, For wares of use and trade; a taker-up,

My business urging on a present haste, Rather indeed a knocker-down; the word

Enforceth short reply.
Will carry either sense. But in pure earnest,

Adur. We dare not hinder
How trowls2 the common noise ?
Fut. Auria, who lately

Your resolution wing'd with thoughts so constant Wedded and bedded to the fair Spinella,

All happiness!

Piero and Fut. Contents !
Tired with the enjoyments of delights, is hasting
To cuff the Turkish pirates in the service

(Exeunt ADURNI, PIERO, and FUTELI. Aur. So leave the

winter'd people of the north, Of the great Duke of Florence. Piero. Does not carry

The minutes of their summer, when the sun His pretty thing along.

Departing leaves them in cold robes of ice,

As I leave Genoa.-
Fut. Leaves her to buffet
Land-pirates here at home.

Enter TRELCATIO, SPINELLA, and CASTANNA
Piero. That's thou and I ;
Futelli, sirrah, and Piero.-Blockhead!

Now appears the object To run from such an armful of pleasures,

Of my apprenticed heart. Thou bring 'st, Spinella,

A welcome in a farewellsouls and bodies For gaining-what?-a bloody nose of honour.

Are sever'd for a time, a span of time,
Most sottish and abominable!
Fut. Wicked,

To join again, without all separation,

In a confirmed unity for ever: Shameful and cowardly, I will maintain. Such will our next embraces be, for life;

Piero. Is all my signor's hospitality, Huge banquetings deep revels, costlý trappings, Will sweeten the remembrance of past dangers,

And then to take the wreck of our divisions, Shrunk to a cabin, and a single welcome Will fasten love in perpetuity, To beverage and biscuit ?

Fut. Hold thy peace, man; It makes for us. He comes ;' let's part demurely. Or night of fear or envy. To your charge [They take different sides. Trelcatio, our good uncle, and the comfort

Of my Spinella's sister, fair Castanna,

I do entrust this treasure. 1 untamp'd. I have not met with this singular word, Trel. I dare promise the word in the text, therefore, signifies uncovered, disclosed. Perhaps we should read unvamp't-i.e. disclose it.-WEBER.

Of pouring free devotions for your safety. ? trouls -- passes or goes round. The meaning is, What is the common talk?'

goodness,

Grown on the selfsame stock with my Spinella. Aur. Done bravely,
But why, my dear, hast thou lock'd up thy speech and like the choice of glory, to know mine-

[To Spin. One of earth's best I have foregone-
In so much silent sadness ? Oh! at parting,
Belike one private whisper must be sigh'd. -

Enter AURELIO. Uncle, the best of peace enrich your family!

See, see! I take my leave.

Yet in another I am rich, a friend, Trel. Blessings and health preserve you! A perfect one, Aurelio.

[Exit. Aurel. Had I been Aur. Nay, nay, Castanna, you may hear our No stranger to your bosom, sir, ere now, counsels :

You might have sorted' me in your resolves, A while you are design'd your sister's hus- Companion of your fortunes. band.

Aur. So the wrongs
Give me thy hand, Spinella: you did promise I should have ventured on against thy fate
To send me from you with more cheerful looks, Must have denied all pardon. Not to hold
Without a grudge or tear; 'deed, love, you did. Dispute with reputations, why, before

Spi. What friend have I left in your absence ? This present instant, I conceal'd the stealth
Aur. Many:

Of my adventures from thy counsels,-know, Thy virtues are such friends, they cannot fail My wants do drive me hence. thee;

Aurel. Wants ! so you said, Faith, purity of thoughts, and such a meekness And 'twas not friendly spoken. As would force scandal to a blush.

Aur. Hear me further. Spi. Admit, sir,

Aurel. Auria, take heed the covert of a folly The patent of your life should be call'd in; Willing to range, be not, without excuse, How am I then left to account with griefs, Discover'd in the coinage of untruths ; More slav'd to pity than a broken heart?

I use no harder language. Thou art near Auria, soul of my comforts, I let fall

Already on a shipwreck, in forsaking No eye on breach of fortune; I contemn

The holy land of friendship (and forbearing] No entertainment to divided hopes,

To talk your wants.-Fie!
I urge no pressures by the scorn of change; Aur. By that sacred thing
And yet, my Auria, when I but conceive

Last issued from the temple where it dwelt, How easy 'tis (without impossibility)

I mean our friendship, I am sunk so low Never to see thee more, forgive me then,

In my estate, that, bid me live in Genoa If I conclude I may be miserable,

But six months longer, I survive the remnant Most miserable.

Of all my store. Cast. And such conclusion, sister,

Aurel. Umph! Argues effects of a distrust more voluntary,

Aur. In my country, friend, Than cause by likelihood.

Where I have sideda my superior, friend, Aur. 'Tis true, Castanna.

Sway'd opposition, friend; friend, here to fall
Spi. I grant it truth; yet, Auria, I'm a woman, Subject to scorn, or rarely-found compassion,
And therefore apt to fear: to show my duty, Were more than man that hath a soul could bear,
And not to take heart from you, I'll walk from A soul not stoop'd to servitude.
you,

Aurel. You show
At your command, and not as much as trouble Nor certainty nor weak assurance yet,
Your thought with one poor looking back. Of reparation in this course, in case
Aur. I thank thee,

Command be proffer'd.
My worthy wife! Before we kiss, receive

Aur. He who cannot merit
This caution from thine Auria : first-Castanna, Preferment by employments, let him bare
Let us bid farewell.

His throat unto the Turkish cruelty,

[Cast, walks aside. Or die, or live a slave without redemption ! Spi. Speak, good, speak.

Aurel. For that, so! but you have a wife, a Aur. The steps

young, Young ladies tread, left to their own discretion, A fair wife; she, though she could never claim However wisely printed, are observed,

Right in prosperity, was never tempted And construed as the lookers-on presume : By trial of extremes ; to youth and beauty Point out thy ways, then, in such even paths, Baits for dishonour, and a perish'd fame. As thine own jealousies from others' tongues Aur. Show me the man that lives, and to my May not intrude a guilt, though undeserv'd. Admit of visits as of physic forced,

Dare speak, scarce think, such tyranny against
Not to procure health, but for safe prevention Spinella's constancy, except Aurelio-
Against a growing sickness; in thy use

He is my friend.
Of time and of discourse be found so thrifty, Aurel. There lives not then a friend
As no remembrance may impeach thy rest. Dares love you like Aurelio : that Aurelio
Appear not in a fashion that can prompt

Who, late and early, often said, and truly,
The gazer's eye, or holla, to report

Your marriage with Spinella would entangle Some widowed neglect of handsome value : As much the opinion due to your discretion, In recreations be both wise and free;

As your estate ; it hath done so to both. Live still at home, home to thyself, howe'er

Aur. I find it hath. Enrich'd with noble company: remember,

Aurel. He who prescribes no law, A woman's virtue, in her lifetime, writes No limits of condition to the objects The epitaph all covet on their tombs :

Of his affection, but will merely wed In short, I know thou never wilt forget

A face, because 'tis round, or limn'd by nature Whose wife thou art, or how upon thy lips In purest red and white; or, at the best, Thy busband at his parting seal'd this kiss.No more.

[hisses her. Spi. Dear heaven! go, sister, go.

1 sorted-chosen, allotter. [Exeunt SPINELLA and CASTANNA.

o sided-equalled, matched.-WEBER.

face

For that his mistress owes an excellence

She forced on me; vow'd, by the precious love Of qualities, knows when and how to speak, She bore the best of men (I 'use, my lord, Where to keep silence, with fit reasons why; Her very words), the miracle of men, Whose virtues are her only dower else i

Malfato,—then she sighed: --this mite of gold

Was only entrance to a farther bounty: In either kind, ought of himself to master 'Tis meant, my lord, belike, press-money. Such fortunes as add fuel to their loves;

Adur. Devil ! For otherwise—but herein I am idle, 2

How durst she tempt thee, Futelli, knowing Have fool'd to little purpose.

Thy love to me? Aur. She's my wife.

Fut. There lies, my lord, her cunning, Aurel. And being so, it is not manly done Rather her craft; first she began, what pits To leave her to the trial of her wits,

It was that men should differ in estates Hor modesty, her innocence, her vows:

Without proportion; some so strangely rich, This is the way that points her out an art Others so miserable poor; "and yet, Of wanton life.

Quoth she, since 'tis [in] very deed unfit Aur. Sir, said ye?

All should be equals, so I must confess, Aurel. You form reasons,

It were good justice that the properest men
Just ones, for your abandoning the storms Should be preferr'd to fortune, such as nature
Which threaten your own ruin; but propose Had mark'd with fair abilities; of which
No shelter for lier honour: what my tongue Genoa, for aught I know, had wond'rous fer,
Hath utter'd, Auria, is but honest doubt,

Not two to boast of.'
And you are wise enough in the construction, Adur. Here began her itch.
Aur. Necessity must arm my confidence,

Fut. I answer'd she was happy then, whes Which, if I live to triumph over friend,

choice And e'er come back in plenty, I pronounce In you, my lord, was sivgular. Aurelio heir of what I can bequeath ;

Adur. Well urg'd. Some fit deduction for a worthy widow

Fut. She smiled, and said, it might be so; and Allow'd, with caution she be like to prove so.

yet-Aurel. Who? I your heir ! your wife being There stoppd: then I closed with her, and conyet so young,

cluded In every probability so forward

The title of a lord was not enough To make you a father?-leave such thoughts. For absolute perfection; I had seen Aur. Believe it,

Persons of meaner quality, much more Without replies, Aurelio : keep this note,

Exact in fair endowments—but your lordship A warrant for receiving from Martino

"Vill pardon me, I hope. Two hundred ducats; as you find occasion

Adur. And love thee for it. Dispose them in my absence to Spinella :

Fut. “Phew, let that pass,' quoth she; *and I would not trust her uncle,-he, good man,

now we prattle Is at an ebb himself; another hundred

Of handsome gentlemen, in my opinion, I left with her, a fourth I carry with me.

Malfato is a very pretty fellow; Am I not poor, Aurelio, now? Exchange Is he not, pray, sir?' I had then the truth Of more debates between us, would undo

Of what I roved' at, and with more than praise My resolution; walk a little, pr’ythee,

Approv'd her judgment in so high a strain, Friends we are, and will embrace; but let's not Without comparison, my honour'd lord, speak

That soon we both concluded of the man, Another word.

The match and business. durel. I'll follow you to your horse. [Exeunt. Adur. For delivering

A letter to Malfato ?

Fut. Whereto I
ACT 1.-SCENE II.

No sooner had consented, with protests

(I did protest, my lord)-of secrecy A Room in the House of ADURNI.

And service, but she kiss'd me, as I live,

Of her own free accord—I trust your lordship Enter ADURNI, and FUTELLI with a letter,

Conceives not me amiss---pray rip the seal, which he presents to ADURNI.

My lord, you'll find sweet stuff, I dare believe. Adur. With her own hand ?

Adur. (reads.] Present to the most accomplished Fut. She never used, my lord,

of men, Malfata, with this lore a service. A second means, but kiss'd the letter first, Kind superscription ! pr’ythee, find him out, O'erlook'd the superscription; then let fall Deliver it with compliment; observe Some amorous drops, kiss'd it again, talk'd to it How ceremoniously he does receive it. Twenty times over, set it to her mouth,

Fut. Will not your lordship peruse the couThen gave it me, then snatch'd it back again,

tents? Then cry'd, 'Oh, my poor heart!' and, in an Adur. Enough, I know too much; be just and instant,

cunning; "Commend my truth and secrecy. Such medley

A wanton mistress is a common sewer, Of passion yet I never saw in woman.

Much newer project labours in my brain.
Adur. In woman? thou’rt deceived; but that
we both

Enter PIERO.
Had mothers, I could say how women are, Your friend! here's now the Gemini of wit:
In their own natures, models of mere change;

What odd conceit is next on foot ? some cast Of change of what is naught to what is worse.

Of neat invention, ha, sirs? She fee'd you liberally?

Piero. Very fine, Fut. Twenty ducats

I do protest, my lord.

else, &c. There is apparently some defect here. ? idle-foolish, weak, -WEBER.

1 rored-aimed, a term in archery.

1

Fut. Your lordsbip's ear

He is descended from Pantagruel,
Shall share i' th' plot.

Of famous memory, by the father's side,
Adur. As how?

And by the mother from dame Fusti-Bunga,
Piero. You know, my lord,

Who, troubled long time with a strangury,
Young Amoretta, old Trelcatio's daughter; Vented at last salt-water so abundantly,
An honest man, but poor.

As drown'd the land 'twixt Zirick-see and Vere,
Fut. And, my good lord,

Where steeples' tops are only seen. He casts
He that is honest must be poor, my lord ; Beyond the moon, and will be greater yet,
It is a common rule.

In spite of Don.
Adur. Well,--Amoretta,

Adur. You must abuse the maid,
Pray, one at once--my knowledge is not much Beyond amends.
Of her, instruct me.

Fut. But countenance the course,
Piero. Speak, Futelli.

My lord, and it may chance, beside the mirth,
Fut. Spare me.

To work a reformation on the maiden:
Piero has the tongue more pregnant.

Her father's leave is granted, and thanks pro-
Piero. Fie!

mised;
Play on your creature?

Our ends are harmless trials.
Fut. Shall be yours.

Adur. I betray
Piero. Nay, good.

No secrets of such use.
Adur. Well, keep your mirth, my dainty honeys; Piero and Fut. Your lordship’s humblest.
agreo

[Exeunt.
Some two days hence, till when-

Piero. By any means,
Partake the sport, my lord; this thing of youth-

ACT I.-SCENE III.
Fut. Handsome enough, good face, quick eye,
well bred.

A Room in MALFATO's House.
Piero. Is yet possest so strangely-

Enter AURELIO and MALFATO.
Fut. With an humour
Of thinking she deserves-

Aurel. A melancholy, grounded, and resolv'd,
Piero. A duke, a count,

Received into a babit, argues love,
At least a viscount, for her husband, that-

Or deep impression of strong discontents.
Fut. She scorns all mention of a match beneath In cases of these rarities a friend,
One of the foresaid nobles; will not ride

Upon whose faith and confidence we may
In a caroch without eight horses.

Vent with security our grief, becomes
Piero. Six

Oft-times the best physician; for, adinit
She may be drawn to; four-

We find no remedy, we cannot miss
Fut. Are for the poor :

Advice instead of comfort; and believe,
But for two horses in a coach-

It is an ease, Malfato, to disburthen
Piero. She says,

Our souls of secret clogs, where they may find
They're not for creatures of Heaven's making; A rest in pity, though not in redress.
fitter

Mal. Let all this sense be yielded to.
Fut. Fitter for litters to convey hounds in, Aurel. Perhaps
Than people Christian : yet herself-

You measure what I say, the common nature
Piero. Herself

Of an officious curiosity.
Walks evermore a-foot, and knows not whether Mal. Not I, sir.
A coach doth trot or amble-

Aurel. Or that other private ends
Fut. But by hearsay.

Sift your retirements.-
Adur. Stop, gentlemen, you run a gallop both; Mal. Neither.
Are out of breath, sure: 'tis a kind of compliment
Scarce enter'd to the times; but certainly

Enter FUTELLI.
You coin a humour; let me understand

Fut. Under favour,
Deliberately your fancy.

Signor Malfato, I am sent to crave
Piero. In plain troth,

Your leisure, for a word or two in private.
My lord, the she whom we describe is such,

Mal. To me! Your mind.
And lives here, here in Genoa, this city,

Fut. This letter will inform ye.
This very city, now, the very now.

[Gives him the letter.
Adur. Trelcatio's daughter?

Mal. Letter? how's this? what's here?
Fut. Has refused suitors

Fut. Speak you to me, sir?
Of worthy rank, substantial and free parts, Mal. Krave riddle! I'll endeavour to unfold it.
Only for that they are not dukes, or counts; Aurel. How fares the Lord Adurni ?
Yet she herself, with all her father's store,

Fut. Sure in health, sir.
Can hardly weigh above four hundred ducats. Aurel. He is a noble gentleman, withal
Adur. Now, your design for sport?

Happy in his endeavours: the general voice
Piero. Without prevention :

Sounds him for courtesy, behaviour, language,
Guzman, the Spaniard lato cashier'd, most And every fair demeanour, an example;
gravely

Titles of honour add not to his worth,
Observes the full punctilios of his nation; Who is himself an honour to his titles.
And him have we beleaguer'd to accost

Mal. You know from whence this comes ?
This she-piece, under a pretence of being

Fut. I do.
Grandee of Spain, and cousin to twelve princes. Mal. D'ye laugh!

Fut. For rival unto whom we have enraged But that I must consider such as spaniels
Fulgoso, the rich coxcomb lately started

To those who feed and clothe them, I would
A gentleman, out of a sutler's hut,

print
In the late Flemish wars; we have resolv'd' bim Thy pandarism upon thy forehead :--there!

[Throws him the letter.
1 pregnant-able, ready. -WEBER.

Bear back that paper to the hell from whence ? resolu'd satisfied, convinced.

It gave thee thy directions! tell this lord,