The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy/Act II, scene iii
SCENA. III.
Bosola, Antonio.
Bos.
Sure I did heare a woman shreike: list, hah?
And the sound came (if I receiv'd it right)
From the Dutchesse lodgings: ther's some stratagem,
In the confyning all our Courtiers
To their severall wards: I must have part of it,
My Intelligence will freize else: List againe,
It may be 'twas the mellencholly bird,
(Best friend of silence, and of solitarines)
The Oowle, that schream'd so: hah? Antonio?
Ant.
I heard some noyse: whose there? what art thou? speake.
Bos.
Antonio? Put not your face; nor body
To such a forc'd expression of feare,
I am Bosola; your friend.
Ant.
Bosola?
(This Moale do's undermine me) heard you not
A noyce even now?
Bos.
From whence?
Ant.
From the Duchesse lodging.
Bos.
Not I: did you?
Ant.
I did: or else I dream'd.
Bos.
Let's walke towards it.
Ant.
No: It may be, 'twas
But the rising of the winde:
Bos.
Very likely:
Me thinkes 'tis very cold, and yet you sweat.
You looke wildly.
Ant.
I have bin setting a figure
For the Dutchesse Jewells;
Bos.
Ah: and how falls your question?
Doe you find it radicall?
Ant.
What's that to you?
'Tis rather to be question'd what designe
(When all men were commanded to their lodgings)
Makes you a night-walker.
Bos.
In sooth I'll tell you:
Now all the Court's asleepe, I thought the Divell
Had least to doe here; I came to say my prayers,
And if it doe offend you, I doe so,
You are a fine Courtier.
Ant.
This fellow will undoe me;
You gave the Dutchesse Apricocks to day,
Pray heaven they were not poysond?
Bos.
Poysond? a spanish figge
For the imputation.
Ant.
Traitors are ever confident,
Till they are discover'd: There were Jewels stolne too,
In my conceit, none are to be suspected
More then your selfe.
Bos.
You are a false steward.
Ant.
Sawcy slave: I'll pull thee up by the rootes;
Bos.
May be the ruyne will crush you to peeces.
Ant.
You are an impudent snake indeed (sir)
Are you scarce warme, and doe you shew your sting?
Ant.
You Libell well (sir.)
Bos.
No (sir,)
Copy it out: and I will set my hand to't.
Ant.
My nose bleedes: One that were superstitious, would count
This ominous: when it meerely comes by chance.
Two letters, that are wrought here, for my name
Are drown'd in blood: meere accedent: for you (sir) I'll take order:
I'th morne you shall be safe: 'tis that must colour
Her lying-in: sir, this doore you passe not:
I doe not hold it fit, that you come neere
The Dutchesse lodgings, till you have quite your selfe;
The Great are like the Base; nay, they are the same.
When they seeke shamefull waies, to avoid shame.Ex.
Bos.
Antonio here about, did drop a Paper,
Some of your helpe (falce-friend) oh, here it is:
What's here? a childes Nativitie calculated?
The Dutchesse was deliver'd of a Sonne, 'tweene the houres twelve, and one, in the night: Anno Dom: 1504. (that's this yeere) decimo nono Decembris, (that's this night) taken according to the Meridian of Malfy (that's our Dutchesse: happy discovery) The Lord of the first house, being combust in the ascendant, signifies short life: and Mars being in a human signe, joyn'd to the taile of the Dragon, in the eight house, doth threaten a violent death; Cæteta non scrutantur.
Why now 'tis most apparant: This precise fellow
Is the Dutchesse Bawde: I have it to my wish:
This is a parcell of Intelligency
Our Courtiers were caside-up for? It needes must follow,
That I must be committed, on pretence
Of poysoning her: which I'll endure, and laugh at:
If one could find the father now: but that
Time will discover; Old Castruccio
I'th' morning poasts to Rome; by him I'll send
A Letter, that shall make her brothers Galls
Ore-flowe their Livours, this was a thrifty way.
Though Lust doe masque in nea'r so strange disguise,
She's oft found witty, but is never wise.