Massinger, Philip · published 1636 · first performed or written 1627 [licensed for stage, Jul 5] (Annals) comedy · Queen Henrietta Maria's Men · Phoenix/Cockpit T0 Court life: dukes, favour and honour typicality 0.84 · 477 words
Marked words are the most distinguishing words of T0: duke, lord, duchess, love, court, madam, prince, honour, grace, lady.
I allow these As flourishes of Fortune, with which Princes Are often soothed, but never yet esteemed 'em For real blessings. Yet all these were paid To what you may be, not to what you are, For if the great Duke but show to his servants A son of his own, you shall like one obscure Pass unregarded. I confess, command Is not to be contemned, and if my Fate Appoint me to it, as I may I'll bear it With willing shoulders. But my Lord as yet You have told me of a danger coming towards me, But have not named it. That is soon delivered; Great Cozimo your Uncle, as I more Than guess, for 'tis no frivolous circumstance That does persuade my judgement to believe it, Purposes to be married. Married, Sir? With whom, and on what terms, pray you instruct me? With the fair Lidia. Lidia? The daughter Of Signior Charomonte. Pardon me Though I appear incredulous, for on My knowledge he ne'er saw her. That is granted; But Contarino hath so sung her praises, And given her out for such a masterpiece, That he's transported with it Sir. And love Steals sometimes through the care into the heart As well as by the eye. The Duke no sooner Heard her described, but I was sent in post To see her, and return my judgement of her. And what's your censure? 'Tis a pretty creature. She's very fair. Yes, yes, I have seen worse faces. Her limbs are neatly formed. She hath a waste Indeed sized to love's wish. A delicate hand too. Then for a leg and foot. And there I leave you, For I presumed no further. As she is Sir I know she wants no gracious part that may Allure the Duke, and if he only see her She is his own. He will not be denied, And than you are lost. Yet if you'll second me (As you have reason, for it most concerns you) I can prevent all yet. I would you could A noble way. I will cry down her beauties; Especially the beauties of her mind, As much as Contarino hath advanced 'em, And this I hope, will breed forgetfulness, And kill affection in him: but you must Join with me in my report, if you be questioned. I never told a lie yet, and I hold it In some degree blasphemous to dispraise What's worthy admiration. Yet for once I will dispraise a little, and not vary From your relation. Be constant in it. My Lord, the Duke hath seen your man, & wonders You come not to him. See if his desire To have conference with you hath not brought Him hither in his own person. They are comely coursers, And promise swiftness. They are of my knowledge Of the best race in Naples.
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Original spelling (EEBO-TCP, unregularized)
I allow these As flourishes of Fortune, with which Princes Are often sooth'd, but never yet esteem'd 'em For reall blessings. Yet all these were pay'd To what you may be, not to what you are, For if the great Duke but shew to his servants A sonne of his owne, you shall like one obscure Passe unregarded. I confesse, command Is not to be contemn'd, and if my Fate Appoint me to it, as I may I'll beare it With willing shoulders. But my Lord as yet You have tolde me of a danger comming towards me, But have not nam'd it. That is soone deliver'd; Great Cozimo your Uncle, as I more Then guesse, for 'tis no frivolous circumstance That does perswade my judgement to beleeve it, Purposes to be married. Married, Sir? With whom, and on what termes, pray you instruct me? With the faire Lidia. Lidia? The daughter Of Signior Charomonte. Pardon me Though I appeare incredulons, for on My knowledge he ne're saw her. That is granted; But Contarino hath so sung her praises, And giv'n her out for such a master-peece, That he's transported with it Sir. And love Steales sometimes through the care into the heart As well as by the eye. The Duke no sooner Heard her describ'd, but I was sent in post To see her, and returne my judgement of her. And what's your censure? 'Tis a pretie creature. She's very faire. Yes, yes, I have seene worse faces. Her limbs are neatly form'd. She hath a waste Indeede siz'd to loves wish. A delicate hand too. Then for a legge and foote. And there I leave you, For I presum'd no further. As she is Sir I know she wants no gracious part that may Allure the Duke, and if he onely see her She is his owne. He will not be deni'd, And then you are lost. Yet if you'll second me (As you haue reason, for it most concernes you) I can prevent all yet. I would you could A noble way. I will cry downe her beauties; Especially the beauties of her minde, As much as Contarino hath advanc'd 'em, And this I hope, will breed forgetfulnesse, And kill affection in him: but you must Joyne with me in my report, if you be question'd. I never told a lye yet, and I hold it In some degree blasphemous to dispraise What's worthy admiration. Yet for once I will dispraise a little, and not varie From your relation. Be constant in it. My Lord, the Duke hath seen your man, & wonders You come not to him. See if his desire To have cōference with you hath not brought Him hither in his owne person. They are comely coursers, And promise swiftnesse. They are of my knowledge Of the best race in Naples.