The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy/Act III, scene iv
SCENA IIII.
Two Pilgrimes to the Shrine of our Lady of Loretto.
1.Pilg.
I have not seene a goodlier Shrine then this,
Yet I have visited many.
2.Pilg.
The cardinall of Arragon
Is, this day to resigne his Cardinals hat,
His sister Duchesse likewise is arriv'd
To pay her vow of Pilgrimage, I expect
A noble Ceremony.
1.Pilg.
No question.They come.
[Here the Ceremony of the Cardinalls enstalment, in the habit
of a Souldier: perform'd in delivering up his Crosse, Hat, Robes,
and Ring, at the Shrine; and investing him with Sword,
Helmet, Sheild, and Spurs: then Antonio, the Duchesse, and
their Children, (having presented themselves at the Shrine)
are (by a forme of Banishment in dumbe-shew, expressed
towards them by the Cardinall, and the State of Ancona)
banished: During all which Ceremony, this Ditty is sung (to
very sollemne Musique) by divers Church-men, and then
Exeunt.
Armes, and Honors, decke thy story,
To thy Fames eternall glory,
Adverse Fortune ever flie-thee,
No disastrous fate come nigh-thee.The Author disclaimes
this Ditty to be his.
I alone will sing thy praises,
Whom to honour, vertue raises;
And thy study, that divine-is,
Bent to Marshiall discipline-is:
Lay aside all those robes lie by thee,
Crown thy arts, with armes: they'll beautifie thee.
O worthy of worthiest name, adorn'd in this manner,
Lead bravely thy forces on, under wars warlike banner:
O mayst thou prove fortunate, in all Marshiall courses,
Guide thou still, by skill, in artes, and forces:
Victory attend thee nigh, whilst fame sings loud thy powres,
Triumphant conquest crowne thy head, and blessings powre
downe showres.
1.Pilg.
Here's a strange turne of state, who would have thought
So great a Lady, would have match'd her selfe
Unto so meane a person? yet the Cardinall
Beares himselfe much too cruell.
2.Pilg.
They are banish'd.
1.Pilg.
But I would aske what power hath this state
Of Ancona, to determine of a free Prince?
2.Pilg.
They are a free state sir, and her brother shew'd
How that the Pope fore-hearing of her loosenesse,
Hath seaz'd into th' protection of the Church
The Dukedome, which she held as dowager.
1.Pilg.
But by what justice?
2.Pilg.
Sure I thinke by none,
Only her brothers instigation.
1.Pilg.
What was it, with such violence he tooke
Of from her finger?
2.Pilg.
'Twas her wedding ring,
Which he vow'd shortly he would sacrifice
To his revenge.
1.Pilg.
Alasse Antonio,
If that a man be thrust into a well,
No matter who sets hand to't, his owne weight
Will bring him sooner to th' bottome: Come, let's hence.
Fortune makes this conclusion generall,
"All things do helpe th'unhappy man to fall.Exeunt.