_ I'd have thee undertake
Something that's noble, to preserve my memory
From the disgrace that's ready to attaint it.
Something that's noble, to preserve my memory
From the disgrace that's ready to attaint it.
Thomas Otway
_ Ney, then, I see my ruin.
If I must die!
_Jaf. _ (C. ) No, death's this day too busy;
Thy father's ill-timed mercy came too late.
( thank thee for thy labours, though; and him too,
But all my poor, betrayed, unhappy friends,
Have summons to prepare for fate's black hour.
Yet, Belvidera, do not fear my cruelty,
Nor let the the thoughts of death perplex thy fancy:
But answer me to what I shall demand,
With a firm temper and unshaken spirit.
_Bel. _ (L. C. ) I will, when I've done weeping--
_Jaf. _ Fie, no more on't!
How long is't since the miserable day
We wedded first?
_Bel. _ Oh! oh!
_Jaf. _ Nay, keep in thy tears,
Lest they unman me quite.
_Bel. _ Heaven knows I cannot!
The words you utter sound so very sadly,
The streams will follow--
_Jaf. _ Come, I'll kiss them dry, then.
_Bel. _ _[Hanging on him. ]_ But was't a miserable day?
_Jaf. _ A cursed one!
_Bel. _ I thought it otherwise, and you've often sworn,
When sure you spoke the truth, you've sworn you blessed
it.
_Jaf. _ 'Twas a rash oath.
_Bel. _ Then why am I not cursed, too?
_Jaf. _ No, Belvidera; by th' eternal truth,
I dote with too much fondness.
_Bel. _ Still so kind!
Still then do you love me!
_Jaf. _ Man ne'er was blessed,
Since the first pair first met, as I have been.
_Bel. _ Then sure you will not curse me?
_Jaf. _ No, I'll bless thee.
I came on purpose, Belvidera, to bless thee.
'Tis now, I think, three years we've lived together.
_Bel. _ And may no fatal minute ever part us,
Till, reverend grown, for age and love, we go
Down to one grave, as our last bed together;
There sleep in peace till an eternal morning.
_Jaf. _ Did I not say I came to bless thee?
_Bel. _ You did. _[Part. _
_Jaf. _ Then hear me, bounteous Heaven! _[Kneeling. _
Pour down your blessings on this beauteous head,
Where everlasting sweets are always springing,
With a continual giving hand: let peace,
Honour, and safety, always hover round her:
Feed her with plenty; let her eyes ne'er see
A sight of sorrow, nor her heart know mourning;
Crown all her days with joy, her nights with rest,
Harmless as her own thoughts; and prop her virtue
To bear the loss of one that too much loved;
And comfort her with patience in our parting!
_Bel. _ How? parting, parting!
_Jaf. _ Yes, forever parting!
I have sworn, Belvidera, by yon Heav'n,
That best can tell how much I lose to leave thee,
We part this hour forever!
_Bel. _ Oh! call back
four cruel blessing; stay with me, and curse me.
_Jaf. _ Now hold, heart, or never!
_Bel. _ By all the tender days we've lived together,
Pity my sad condition; speak, but speak!
_Jaf. _ Murder! unhold me;
Or by th' immortal destiny that doomed me
_[Draws his dagger. _
To this cursed minute, I'll not live one longer!
Resolve to let me go, or see me fall--
Hark! the dismal bell _[Passing bell tolls. _
Tolls out for death! I must attend its call, too;
For my poor friend, my dying Pierre, expects me;
He sent a message to require I'd see him
Before he died, and take his last forgiveness.
Farewell forever! _[Going, L. _
_Bel. _ Leave thy dagger with me;
Bequeath me something--Not one kiss at parting!
Oh, my poor heart, when wilt thou break!
_Jaf. _ _[Returning--she runs into his arms. ]_ Yet stay:
We have a child, as yet a tender infant:
Be a kind mother to him when I'm gone;
Breed him in virtue and the paths of honour,
But never let him know his father's story!
I charge thee, guard him from the wrongs my fate
May do his future fortune or his name.
Now--nearer yet--
Oh, that my arms were riveted
Thus round thee ever! But my friends! my oath!
This, and no more! _[Kisses her_
_Bel. _ Another, sure another
For that poor little one you've ta'en such care of.
I'll give't him truly.
_Jaf. _ So--now, farewell!
_Bel. _ Forever? _[Going, L. _
_Jaf. _ Heav'n knows, forever! all good angels guard
thee! _[Exit, L. _
_Bel. _ All ill ones, sure, had charge of me this moment!
Oh, give me daggers, daggers, _[Returns, C. ]_ fire, or water!
How I could bleed, how burn, how drown, the waves
Huzzing and foaming round my sinking head,
'Till I descended to the peaceful bottom!
Oh! there's all quiet--here, all rage and fury!
The air's too thin, and pierces my weak brain;
I long for thick substantial sleep: (R. C. ) Hell! hell!
Burst from the centre, (R. ) rage and roar aloud,
If thou art half so hot, so mad as I am! _[Exit, R. _
_Scene IV. --St. Mark's Place,--A Scaffold in the back
ground, and a Wheel, prepared for the Execution of
Pierre. _
_Enter Captain, Pierre, Guard, Executioner, and Rabble. _
_Pierre. _ (L. ) My friend not yet come?
_Enter Jaffier, r. _
_Jaf. _ Oh, Pierre! _[Falling on his knees. _
_Pierre. _ (C. ) Dear to my arms, though thou'st undone
my fame,
I can't forget to love thee. Pr'ythee, Jaffier,
Forgive that filthy blow, my passion dealt thee:
I'm now preparing for the land of peace
And fain would have the charitable wishes
Of all good men like thee, to bless my journey.
_Jaf. _ Good! I'm the vilest creature--worse than e'er
Suffered the shameful fate thou'rt going to taste of.
_Capt. _ (R. ) The time grows short; your friends are dead
already.
_Jaf. _ (L. C. )Dead!
_Pierre. _ Yes, dead, Jaffier! they've all died like men,
too,
Worthy their character.
_Jaf. _ And what must I do?
_Pierre. _ Oh, Jaffier!
_Jaf. _ Speak aloud thy burdened soul,
And tell thy troubles to thy tortured friend.
_Pierre. _ Friend! Couldst thou yet be a friend,
a generous friend,
I might hope comfort from thy noble sorrows.
Heaven knows, I want a friend!
_Jaf. _ And I a kind one,
That would not scorn thus my repenting virtue,
Or think, when he's to die, my thoughts are idle.
_Pierre. _ No! live, I charge thee, Jaffier.
_Jaf. _ Yes, I will live:
But it shall be to see thy fall revenged,
At such a rate, as Venice long shall groan for
_Pierre. _ Wilt thou?
_Jaf. _ I will, by Heaven!
_Pierre. _ Then still thou'rt noble,
And I forgive thee. Oh! --yet--shall I trust thee?
_Jaf. _ No; I've been false already.
_Pierre. _ Dost thou love me?
_Jaf. _ Rip up my heart, and satisfy thy doubtings.
_Pierre. _ Curse on this weakness! _[ Weeps. _
_Jaf. _ Tears! Amazement! Tears!
I never saw thee melted thus before;
And know there's something labouring in thy bosom,
That must have vent; though I'm a villain, tell me.
_Pierre. _ See'st thou that engine? _[Pointing to the Wheel. _
_Jaf. _ Why?
_Pierre. _ (R. C. ) Is't fit a soldier, who has lived with honor,
Fought nations' quarrels, and been crowned with, conquest,
Be exposed, a common carcase, on a wheel?
_Jaf. _ Hah!
_Pierre. _ Speak! is't fitting?
_Jaf. _ Fitting!
_Pierre.
_ I'd have thee undertake
Something that's noble, to preserve my memory
From the disgrace that's ready to attaint it.
_Capt. _ The day grows late, sir.
_Pierre. _ I'll make haste. Oh, Jaffier!
Though thou'st betrayed me, do me some way justice.
_Jaf. _ What's to be done?
_Pierre. _ This and no more. _[Whispers Jaffier. _
_Jaf. _ Hah! is't then so?
_Pierre. _ Most certainly.
_Jaf. _ I'll do't.
_Pierre. _ Remember.
_Capt. _ Sir--
_Pierre. _ Come, now I'm ready.
_[Captain Crossing to him]_
You should be a gentleman of honour;
Keep off the rabble, that I may have room
To entertain my fate, and die with decency.
You'll think on't? _[To Jaffier. _
_Jaf. _ 'Twont grow stale before to-morrow.
_[Pierre and Jaffier ascend the Scaffold--Executioner
binds Pierre. _
_Pierre. _ Now, Jaffier! now I'm going! Now--
_Jaf. _ Have at thee,
Thou honest heart, then! --here-- _[Stabs him. _
And this is well, too. _[Stabs himself. _
_Pierre. _ Now, now--thou hast indeed been faithful!
This was done nobly! --We've deceived the senate.
_Jaf. _ Bravely!
_Pierre. _ Ha! ha! ha! --oh! oh!
_[Falls down on the Scaffold and dies_
_Jaf. _ Now, ye cursed rulers,
Thus of the blood ye've shed, I make libation,
And sprinkle it mingling. May it rest upon you.
And all your race! Oh, poor Belvidera!
Sir, I've a wife; bear this in safety to her,
A token that, with my dying breath, I blessed her.
And the dear little infant left behind me.
I'm sick--I'm quiet. _[Dies. --The Scene shuts upon them. _
_Scene V. --An apartment in Priuli s House. _
_Enter Priuli, R. ; Belvidera, distracted; and two of her
Women. _
_Priuli. _ (L. C. ) Strengthen her heart with patience,
pitying Heav'n!
_Bel. _ (C. ) Come, come, come, come, come; nay, come to bed,
Pr'ythee, my love. The winds! hark how they whistle!
And the rain beats! Oh, how the weather shrinks me!
I say you shall not go, indeed you shall not:
Whip your ill-nature; get you gone, then; Oh!
Are you returned? See, father, here he's come again!
Am I to blame to love him? Oh, thou dear one!
Why do you fly me? Are you angry still, then?
_Jaf. _ier, where art thou? Father, why do you do thus?
Stand off! don't hide him from me! He's there somewhere.
Stand off, I say! What, gone? Remember, tyrant
I may revenge myself for this trick, one day.
_Enter Captain of the Guard, L. , and whispers Priuli. _
_Priuli. _ News! what news?
_Capt. _ (L. ) Most sad, sir!
Jaffier, upon the scaffold, to prevent
A shameful death, stabbed Pierre, and next himself;
Both fell together.
_Bel. _ (R. ) Ha! look there!
My husband bloody, and his friend, too! Murder!
Who has done this? Speak to me, thou sad vision;
On these poor trembling knees, I beg it. Vanished:--
Here they went down. (R. C. )--Oh, I'll dig, dig the den up!
Hoa, Jaffier, Jaffier!
Peep up, and give me but a look. I have him!
I have got him, father! Oh!
My love! my dear! my blessing! help me! help me!
They have hold of me, and drag me to the bottom!
Nay--now they pull so hard--farewell-- _[Dies. _
_Priuli. _ [Bending over her ] Oh! lead me to some place
"that's fit for mourning;
"Where the free air, light, and the cheerful sun,
"May never enter; hang it round with black,
"Set up one taper that may last a day,
"As long as I've to live; and there all leave me:
"Sparing no tears when you this tale relate,
"But bid all cruel fathers dread my fate. " _[Exeunt omnes. _
EDITED BY HAVELOCK ELLIS.
[Illustration]
_THE BEST PLAYS OF THE OLD DRAMATISTS. _
[Illustration]
THOMAS OTWAY.
[Illustration]
In Half-Crown Monthly Volumes uniform with the present Work.
THE MERMAID SERIES.
_THE BEST PLAYS OF THE OLD DRAMATISTS. _
_The following Volumes are in preparation_:--
BEN JONSON (3 vols. ). Edited by BRINSLEY NICHOLSON and H. C.
HERFORD.
PATIENT GRISSIL AND OTHER PLAYS. Edited by ERNEST RHYS, ETC.
THE PARSON'S WEDDING AND OTHER PLAYS. Edited by W. C. WARD and
A. W. VERITY.
DRYDEN (2 vols. ). Edited by R. GARNETT.
CHAPMAN (2 vols. ). Edited by BRINSLEY NICHOLSON and W. G. STONE.
SHADWELL. Edited by GEORGE SAINTSBURY.
ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM, and other Plays attributed to SHAKESPEARE.
Edited by ARTHUR SYMONS.
VANBRUGH. Edited by W. C. WARD.
FARQUHAR. Edited by A. C. EWALD.
THE SPANISH TRAGEDY AND OTHER PLAYS. Edited by W. H. DIRCKS,
ETC.
LEE. Edited by EDMUND GOSSE and A. W. VERITY.
ETHEREGE AND LACY. Edited by ARTHUR SYMONS and W. C. WARD.
_THOMAS OTWAY. _
_From a Picture by Riley. _
_THE BEST PLAYS OF THE OLD DRAMATISTS. _
THOMAS OTWAY
_WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES_,
BY
THE HON. RODEN NOEL.
[Illustration: "I lie and dream of your full Mermaid wine. "--_Beaumont. _]
UNEXPURGATED EDITION.
LONDON:
_VIZETELLY & CO. , 16, HENRIETTA STREET_,
COVENT GARDEN.
1888.
"What things have we seen
Done at the Mermaid! heard words that have been
So nimble, and so full of subtle flame,
As if that every one from whence they came
Had meant to put his whole wit in a jest,
And had resolved to live a fool the rest
Of his dull life. "
_Master Francis Beaumont to Ben Jonson. _
"Souls of Poets dead and gone,
What Elysium have ye known,
Happy field or mossy cavern,
Choicer than the Mermaid Tavern? "
_Keats. _
[Illustration]
CONTENTS.
PAGE
THOMAS OTWAY vii
DON CARLOS, Prince of Spain 1
THE ORPHAN 85
THE SOLDIER'S FORTUNE 173
VENICE PRESERVED 287
APPENDIX 387
[Illustration]
_THOMAS OTWAY. _
It is now a commonplace of criticism that the epoch of Charles II.
was an epoch of decline and degradation for the British drama. The
complacent self-felicitations of Dryden in his early days on the
superior refinement of his own age, and the consequent superiority of
his own plays to those of Elizabeth and James, dispose us to insist
upon the contrary view with somewhat emphatic asperity.
If I must die!
_Jaf. _ (C. ) No, death's this day too busy;
Thy father's ill-timed mercy came too late.
( thank thee for thy labours, though; and him too,
But all my poor, betrayed, unhappy friends,
Have summons to prepare for fate's black hour.
Yet, Belvidera, do not fear my cruelty,
Nor let the the thoughts of death perplex thy fancy:
But answer me to what I shall demand,
With a firm temper and unshaken spirit.
_Bel. _ (L. C. ) I will, when I've done weeping--
_Jaf. _ Fie, no more on't!
How long is't since the miserable day
We wedded first?
_Bel. _ Oh! oh!
_Jaf. _ Nay, keep in thy tears,
Lest they unman me quite.
_Bel. _ Heaven knows I cannot!
The words you utter sound so very sadly,
The streams will follow--
_Jaf. _ Come, I'll kiss them dry, then.
_Bel. _ _[Hanging on him. ]_ But was't a miserable day?
_Jaf. _ A cursed one!
_Bel. _ I thought it otherwise, and you've often sworn,
When sure you spoke the truth, you've sworn you blessed
it.
_Jaf. _ 'Twas a rash oath.
_Bel. _ Then why am I not cursed, too?
_Jaf. _ No, Belvidera; by th' eternal truth,
I dote with too much fondness.
_Bel. _ Still so kind!
Still then do you love me!
_Jaf. _ Man ne'er was blessed,
Since the first pair first met, as I have been.
_Bel. _ Then sure you will not curse me?
_Jaf. _ No, I'll bless thee.
I came on purpose, Belvidera, to bless thee.
'Tis now, I think, three years we've lived together.
_Bel. _ And may no fatal minute ever part us,
Till, reverend grown, for age and love, we go
Down to one grave, as our last bed together;
There sleep in peace till an eternal morning.
_Jaf. _ Did I not say I came to bless thee?
_Bel. _ You did. _[Part. _
_Jaf. _ Then hear me, bounteous Heaven! _[Kneeling. _
Pour down your blessings on this beauteous head,
Where everlasting sweets are always springing,
With a continual giving hand: let peace,
Honour, and safety, always hover round her:
Feed her with plenty; let her eyes ne'er see
A sight of sorrow, nor her heart know mourning;
Crown all her days with joy, her nights with rest,
Harmless as her own thoughts; and prop her virtue
To bear the loss of one that too much loved;
And comfort her with patience in our parting!
_Bel. _ How? parting, parting!
_Jaf. _ Yes, forever parting!
I have sworn, Belvidera, by yon Heav'n,
That best can tell how much I lose to leave thee,
We part this hour forever!
_Bel. _ Oh! call back
four cruel blessing; stay with me, and curse me.
_Jaf. _ Now hold, heart, or never!
_Bel. _ By all the tender days we've lived together,
Pity my sad condition; speak, but speak!
_Jaf. _ Murder! unhold me;
Or by th' immortal destiny that doomed me
_[Draws his dagger. _
To this cursed minute, I'll not live one longer!
Resolve to let me go, or see me fall--
Hark! the dismal bell _[Passing bell tolls. _
Tolls out for death! I must attend its call, too;
For my poor friend, my dying Pierre, expects me;
He sent a message to require I'd see him
Before he died, and take his last forgiveness.
Farewell forever! _[Going, L. _
_Bel. _ Leave thy dagger with me;
Bequeath me something--Not one kiss at parting!
Oh, my poor heart, when wilt thou break!
_Jaf. _ _[Returning--she runs into his arms. ]_ Yet stay:
We have a child, as yet a tender infant:
Be a kind mother to him when I'm gone;
Breed him in virtue and the paths of honour,
But never let him know his father's story!
I charge thee, guard him from the wrongs my fate
May do his future fortune or his name.
Now--nearer yet--
Oh, that my arms were riveted
Thus round thee ever! But my friends! my oath!
This, and no more! _[Kisses her_
_Bel. _ Another, sure another
For that poor little one you've ta'en such care of.
I'll give't him truly.
_Jaf. _ So--now, farewell!
_Bel. _ Forever? _[Going, L. _
_Jaf. _ Heav'n knows, forever! all good angels guard
thee! _[Exit, L. _
_Bel. _ All ill ones, sure, had charge of me this moment!
Oh, give me daggers, daggers, _[Returns, C. ]_ fire, or water!
How I could bleed, how burn, how drown, the waves
Huzzing and foaming round my sinking head,
'Till I descended to the peaceful bottom!
Oh! there's all quiet--here, all rage and fury!
The air's too thin, and pierces my weak brain;
I long for thick substantial sleep: (R. C. ) Hell! hell!
Burst from the centre, (R. ) rage and roar aloud,
If thou art half so hot, so mad as I am! _[Exit, R. _
_Scene IV. --St. Mark's Place,--A Scaffold in the back
ground, and a Wheel, prepared for the Execution of
Pierre. _
_Enter Captain, Pierre, Guard, Executioner, and Rabble. _
_Pierre. _ (L. ) My friend not yet come?
_Enter Jaffier, r. _
_Jaf. _ Oh, Pierre! _[Falling on his knees. _
_Pierre. _ (C. ) Dear to my arms, though thou'st undone
my fame,
I can't forget to love thee. Pr'ythee, Jaffier,
Forgive that filthy blow, my passion dealt thee:
I'm now preparing for the land of peace
And fain would have the charitable wishes
Of all good men like thee, to bless my journey.
_Jaf. _ Good! I'm the vilest creature--worse than e'er
Suffered the shameful fate thou'rt going to taste of.
_Capt. _ (R. ) The time grows short; your friends are dead
already.
_Jaf. _ (L. C. )Dead!
_Pierre. _ Yes, dead, Jaffier! they've all died like men,
too,
Worthy their character.
_Jaf. _ And what must I do?
_Pierre. _ Oh, Jaffier!
_Jaf. _ Speak aloud thy burdened soul,
And tell thy troubles to thy tortured friend.
_Pierre. _ Friend! Couldst thou yet be a friend,
a generous friend,
I might hope comfort from thy noble sorrows.
Heaven knows, I want a friend!
_Jaf. _ And I a kind one,
That would not scorn thus my repenting virtue,
Or think, when he's to die, my thoughts are idle.
_Pierre. _ No! live, I charge thee, Jaffier.
_Jaf. _ Yes, I will live:
But it shall be to see thy fall revenged,
At such a rate, as Venice long shall groan for
_Pierre. _ Wilt thou?
_Jaf. _ I will, by Heaven!
_Pierre. _ Then still thou'rt noble,
And I forgive thee. Oh! --yet--shall I trust thee?
_Jaf. _ No; I've been false already.
_Pierre. _ Dost thou love me?
_Jaf. _ Rip up my heart, and satisfy thy doubtings.
_Pierre. _ Curse on this weakness! _[ Weeps. _
_Jaf. _ Tears! Amazement! Tears!
I never saw thee melted thus before;
And know there's something labouring in thy bosom,
That must have vent; though I'm a villain, tell me.
_Pierre. _ See'st thou that engine? _[Pointing to the Wheel. _
_Jaf. _ Why?
_Pierre. _ (R. C. ) Is't fit a soldier, who has lived with honor,
Fought nations' quarrels, and been crowned with, conquest,
Be exposed, a common carcase, on a wheel?
_Jaf. _ Hah!
_Pierre. _ Speak! is't fitting?
_Jaf. _ Fitting!
_Pierre.
_ I'd have thee undertake
Something that's noble, to preserve my memory
From the disgrace that's ready to attaint it.
_Capt. _ The day grows late, sir.
_Pierre. _ I'll make haste. Oh, Jaffier!
Though thou'st betrayed me, do me some way justice.
_Jaf. _ What's to be done?
_Pierre. _ This and no more. _[Whispers Jaffier. _
_Jaf. _ Hah! is't then so?
_Pierre. _ Most certainly.
_Jaf. _ I'll do't.
_Pierre. _ Remember.
_Capt. _ Sir--
_Pierre. _ Come, now I'm ready.
_[Captain Crossing to him]_
You should be a gentleman of honour;
Keep off the rabble, that I may have room
To entertain my fate, and die with decency.
You'll think on't? _[To Jaffier. _
_Jaf. _ 'Twont grow stale before to-morrow.
_[Pierre and Jaffier ascend the Scaffold--Executioner
binds Pierre. _
_Pierre. _ Now, Jaffier! now I'm going! Now--
_Jaf. _ Have at thee,
Thou honest heart, then! --here-- _[Stabs him. _
And this is well, too. _[Stabs himself. _
_Pierre. _ Now, now--thou hast indeed been faithful!
This was done nobly! --We've deceived the senate.
_Jaf. _ Bravely!
_Pierre. _ Ha! ha! ha! --oh! oh!
_[Falls down on the Scaffold and dies_
_Jaf. _ Now, ye cursed rulers,
Thus of the blood ye've shed, I make libation,
And sprinkle it mingling. May it rest upon you.
And all your race! Oh, poor Belvidera!
Sir, I've a wife; bear this in safety to her,
A token that, with my dying breath, I blessed her.
And the dear little infant left behind me.
I'm sick--I'm quiet. _[Dies. --The Scene shuts upon them. _
_Scene V. --An apartment in Priuli s House. _
_Enter Priuli, R. ; Belvidera, distracted; and two of her
Women. _
_Priuli. _ (L. C. ) Strengthen her heart with patience,
pitying Heav'n!
_Bel. _ (C. ) Come, come, come, come, come; nay, come to bed,
Pr'ythee, my love. The winds! hark how they whistle!
And the rain beats! Oh, how the weather shrinks me!
I say you shall not go, indeed you shall not:
Whip your ill-nature; get you gone, then; Oh!
Are you returned? See, father, here he's come again!
Am I to blame to love him? Oh, thou dear one!
Why do you fly me? Are you angry still, then?
_Jaf. _ier, where art thou? Father, why do you do thus?
Stand off! don't hide him from me! He's there somewhere.
Stand off, I say! What, gone? Remember, tyrant
I may revenge myself for this trick, one day.
_Enter Captain of the Guard, L. , and whispers Priuli. _
_Priuli. _ News! what news?
_Capt. _ (L. ) Most sad, sir!
Jaffier, upon the scaffold, to prevent
A shameful death, stabbed Pierre, and next himself;
Both fell together.
_Bel. _ (R. ) Ha! look there!
My husband bloody, and his friend, too! Murder!
Who has done this? Speak to me, thou sad vision;
On these poor trembling knees, I beg it. Vanished:--
Here they went down. (R. C. )--Oh, I'll dig, dig the den up!
Hoa, Jaffier, Jaffier!
Peep up, and give me but a look. I have him!
I have got him, father! Oh!
My love! my dear! my blessing! help me! help me!
They have hold of me, and drag me to the bottom!
Nay--now they pull so hard--farewell-- _[Dies. _
_Priuli. _ [Bending over her ] Oh! lead me to some place
"that's fit for mourning;
"Where the free air, light, and the cheerful sun,
"May never enter; hang it round with black,
"Set up one taper that may last a day,
"As long as I've to live; and there all leave me:
"Sparing no tears when you this tale relate,
"But bid all cruel fathers dread my fate. " _[Exeunt omnes. _
EDITED BY HAVELOCK ELLIS.
[Illustration]
_THE BEST PLAYS OF THE OLD DRAMATISTS. _
[Illustration]
THOMAS OTWAY.
[Illustration]
In Half-Crown Monthly Volumes uniform with the present Work.
THE MERMAID SERIES.
_THE BEST PLAYS OF THE OLD DRAMATISTS. _
_The following Volumes are in preparation_:--
BEN JONSON (3 vols. ). Edited by BRINSLEY NICHOLSON and H. C.
HERFORD.
PATIENT GRISSIL AND OTHER PLAYS. Edited by ERNEST RHYS, ETC.
THE PARSON'S WEDDING AND OTHER PLAYS. Edited by W. C. WARD and
A. W. VERITY.
DRYDEN (2 vols. ). Edited by R. GARNETT.
CHAPMAN (2 vols. ). Edited by BRINSLEY NICHOLSON and W. G. STONE.
SHADWELL. Edited by GEORGE SAINTSBURY.
ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM, and other Plays attributed to SHAKESPEARE.
Edited by ARTHUR SYMONS.
VANBRUGH. Edited by W. C. WARD.
FARQUHAR. Edited by A. C. EWALD.
THE SPANISH TRAGEDY AND OTHER PLAYS. Edited by W. H. DIRCKS,
ETC.
LEE. Edited by EDMUND GOSSE and A. W. VERITY.
ETHEREGE AND LACY. Edited by ARTHUR SYMONS and W. C. WARD.
_THOMAS OTWAY. _
_From a Picture by Riley. _
_THE BEST PLAYS OF THE OLD DRAMATISTS. _
THOMAS OTWAY
_WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES_,
BY
THE HON. RODEN NOEL.
[Illustration: "I lie and dream of your full Mermaid wine. "--_Beaumont. _]
UNEXPURGATED EDITION.
LONDON:
_VIZETELLY & CO. , 16, HENRIETTA STREET_,
COVENT GARDEN.
1888.
"What things have we seen
Done at the Mermaid! heard words that have been
So nimble, and so full of subtle flame,
As if that every one from whence they came
Had meant to put his whole wit in a jest,
And had resolved to live a fool the rest
Of his dull life. "
_Master Francis Beaumont to Ben Jonson. _
"Souls of Poets dead and gone,
What Elysium have ye known,
Happy field or mossy cavern,
Choicer than the Mermaid Tavern? "
_Keats. _
[Illustration]
CONTENTS.
PAGE
THOMAS OTWAY vii
DON CARLOS, Prince of Spain 1
THE ORPHAN 85
THE SOLDIER'S FORTUNE 173
VENICE PRESERVED 287
APPENDIX 387
[Illustration]
_THOMAS OTWAY. _
It is now a commonplace of criticism that the epoch of Charles II.
was an epoch of decline and degradation for the British drama. The
complacent self-felicitations of Dryden in his early days on the
superior refinement of his own age, and the consequent superiority of
his own plays to those of Elizabeth and James, dispose us to insist
upon the contrary view with somewhat emphatic asperity.
