Beaumont Francis

The Maids Tragedy


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hath rais'd a storm; go and applie

                       Thy trident, else I prophesie, ere day

                       Many a tall ship will be cast away:

                       Descend with all the Gods, and all their power to

                       strike a cal[m].

      Cin. A thanks to every one, and to gratulate

                       So great a service done at my desire,

                       Ye shall have many floods fuller and higher

                       Than you have wisht for; no Ebb shall dare

                       To let the day see where your dwellings are:

                       Now back unto your Government in haste,

                       Lest your proud charge should swell above the waste,

                       And win upon the Island.

      Nep. We obey.

      [Neptune descends, and the Sea-gods.

      Cinth. Hold up thy head dead night; seest thou not day?

                       The East begins to lighten, I must down

                       And give my brother place.

      Nigh. Oh! I could frown

                        To see the day, the day that flings his light

                        Upon my Kingdoms, and contemns old Night;

                        Let him go on and flame, I hope to see

                        Another wild-fire in his Axletree;

                        And all false drencht; but I forgot, speak Queen.

                        The day grows on I must no more be seen.

      Cin. Heave up thy drowsie head agen, and see

                         A greater light, a greater Majestie,

                         Between our sect and us; whip up thy team;

                         The day breaks here, and you some flashing stream

                         Shot from the South; say, which way wilt thou go?

      Nigh. I'le vanish into mists. [Exeunt.

      Cin. I into day. [Finis Mask.

      King. Take lights there Ladies, get the Bride to bed;

                        We will not see you laid, good night Amintor,

                        We'l ease you of that tedious ceremony;

                        Were it [my] case, I should think time run slow.

                        If thou beest noble, youth, get me a boy,

                        That may defend my Kingdom from my foes.

      Amin. All happiness to you.

      King. Good night Melantius. [Exeunt.

      Actus Secundus

      Enter Evadne, Aspatia, Dula, and other Ladies.

      Dul. Madam, shall we undress you for this fight?

                        The Wars are nak'd that you must make to night.

      Evad. You are very merry Dula.

      Dul. I should be far merrier Madam, if it were with me as it is with you.

      Eva. Why how now wench?

      Dul. Come Ladies will you help?

      Eva. I am soon undone.

      Dul. And as soon done: Good store of Cloaths will trouble you at both.

      Evad. Art thou drunk Dula?

      Dul. Why here's none but we.

      Evad. Thou think'st belike, there is no modesty When we are alone.

      Dul. I by my troth you hit my thoughts aright.

      Evad. You prick me Lady.

      Dul. 'Tis against my will,

                         Anon you must endure more, and lie still.

                         You're best to practise.

      Evad. Sure this wench is mad.

      Dul. No faith, this is a trick that I have had Since I was fourteen.

      Evad. 'Tis high time to leave it.

      Dul. Nay, now I'le keep it till the trick leave me;

                         A dozen wanton words put in your head,

                         Will make you lively in your Husbands bed.

      Evad. Nay faith, then take it.

      Dul. Take it Madam, where? We all I hope will take it that are here.

      Evad. Nay then I'le give you o're.

      Dul. So will I make

                        The ablest man in Rhodes, or his heart to ake.

      Evad. Wilt take my place to night?

      Dul. I'le hold your Cards against any two I know.

      Evad. What wilt thou do?

      Dul. Madam, we'l do't, and make'm leave play too.

      Evad. Aspatia, take her part.

      Dul. I will refuse it.

                       She will pluck down a side, she does not use it.

      Evad. Why, do.

      Dul. You will find the play

                       Quickly, because your head lies well that way.

      Evad. I thank thee Dula, would thou could'st instill

                       Some of thy mirth into Aspatia:

                       Nothing but sad thoughts in her breast do dwell,

                       Methinks a