A Collection of Old English Plays, Vol. II | Page 3

Soldier. _Don John_, A Colonel. _Buzzano_, Servant to Pedro Guzman. _Eleonora_, Daughter to Fernando. _Catelina_, Wife to Don John. A Gentlewoman. An English Captaine. _Mr. Jewell_. _Mr. Hill_. Secretary. _Mr. Woodrow_. A Jaylor. Two Fryers. A Guard. English Soldiers. Spanish Soldiers.

The Play of Dick of Devonshire.

Actus Primus.
(SCENE 1.)
_Enter Don Pedro Gusman, Henrico and Manuell, his sons; Don Fernando and Eleanora, his daughter, and Teniente_.
Pedr. Gentlemen, y'have much honourd me to take Such entertainement, but y'are welcome all. 'Twas my desire to have your company At parting: heaven knowes when we shall meete againe.
Ten. You are for France then too?
Man. I wayte on my father.
Pedr. Henrico.
Ferd. Eleonora.
Ten. But how chance, _Manuell_, your younger brother Is at the Goale before you? What, no Lady To please your eye?
Man. I am not Yet weary of my freedome. May Henrico Meete Joy in his Election: yet I know not One I would sooner chuse to call a sister Than Eleonora.
Pedr. At my returne from France all things shall bee Consummate; in meane time let your owne hearts, Knitt with the strongest tye of love, be merry In mutuall embraces, and let your prayers Fill our departing sayles. Our stay will not Bee long, and the necessity of my affaires Unwillingly doth take me from you.
Hen. Though I could wish your stay, my duty bidds me Expect the enjoying of my happines Till your returne from France.--Your blessing.
Eleo. How ever heaven dispose of _Eleonora_, Pray write me in your thoughts your humblest daughter, That shall make it a part of her devotions To pray for you.
Fer. Well, sir, since your designe Pulls you away, may your good Angell guard you.
Ten. The like wish I, Don Pedro.
Fer. _Manuell_, I hope You will not long breath out of Spanish ayre. Farewell!
Pedr. My thanks to all.--Stay!
[Peeces dischargd.
Fer. The Captaine of the Castle come to interpret That language to us? What newes?
Enter Bustamente.
Bust. Such as will make all Spaine dance in Canary. The Brasile fleete--
Pedr. Arriv'd?
Bust. Is putting into harbour, and aloud Calls for a Midwife: she is great with gold And longs to be delivered.
Pedr. No he Spanyard Is not a true reioycer at the newes: Be't a good omen to our Journey.
Ten. So we wish all.
Pedr. May we at our returne meet no worse newes Then now at parting. My noble Don Fernando And _Teniente_, once more farewell, (my daughter, I hope)
_Eleonora, Henrico_,--Nay, your good newes deserves a farewell.
Bust. A soldier's farewell, a fast hand and heart; Good fate to both. [_Ex. Pedr. and Man_.
Hen. Come, _Elinor_, let them discourse their Joyes For the safe fleete: in thee all my delights Embarke themselves.
Bust. Tush, lett 'em come; our shippes have brought with them The newes of warre.
Per. What is that, Gentlemen?
Ten. I am speaking of a fleete of Enemyes.
Per. From whence?
Ten. From England.
Fer. A castle in the ayre.
Ten. Doe you not believe it?
Fer. I heard such a report, But had no faith in't: a mere Potgun![5]
Bust. Nay, sir, 'Tis certaine there hath bene great preparation, If our Intelligence be true to us; And a mighty Navy threatens the sea.
Fer. What's that to us? How long hath it bene a voyce they were at sea! I have ventured to discharge the soldiers Which to keepe here in pay upon the rumour Of a great fleete a comming, would both pester The Towne and be unnecessary charge To the King our Master.
Ten. But how if they intend us?
Fer. 'Tis not probable: The time of yeare is past, sir, now; more then The middle of October. Had they meant us We should have heard their message in loud Cannon Before this time.
Bust. I am of that opinion.
Ten. But Don Fernando and _Bustamente_, call to mind The time hath bene, when we supposed too The season past, they have saluted us With more then friendly Bulletts; tore the ribbs Of our Towne up, made every house too hott For the Inhabitants; had a spoyle of all, Spight of our hearts.
Fer. One Swallow makes not Summer: because once Our City was their prize, is't of necessity It must be so againe?
Bust. Or were the Navy Greater, as fame gives out it is the fayrest That ever danced upon these Seas, why yet Should we suspect for this Citty?
Fer. Because we dreame soe.
Ten. If you did dreame it may be as neare truth: I wish the contrary, but know them daring Enemyes.
Fer. The world, we doe acknowledge, cannot boast More resolution then the English hearts Seasond for action.
Ten. _Francisco Bustamente_, how is the Castle? what strength?
Bust. A fort impregnable, wanting neyther soldiers nor munition.
Ten. Well, looke to't.
Fer. How ere That wilbe necessary; the fort lyes in The mouth of danger, and it will become You to discharge that duty, Bustamente.
Bust. With my best care.
Ten. I wish all well, and that you had not