Dramatis Personae in order of
appearance
VINDICI, the revenger, sometimes
disguised as Piato
HIPPOLITO, his brother
GRATIANA, his mother
CASTIZA, his sister
GLORIANA, his love, murdered by the
Duke
DUKE
DUCHESS
LUSSURIOSO, the Duke's son by a
previous marriage
AMBITIOSO, the eldest of the Duchess's
three children by a previous marriage
SPURIO, the Duke's bastard son
JUNIOR, the Duchess's younger son
SUPERVACUA, the Duchess's daughter
ANTONIO, a noble lord
LADY ANTONIO, his virtuous wife
DONDELA, Castiza's servant
FIRST OFFICER
Acts and Scenes
Prologue
I.i. Outside Vindici's house
I.ii. A court of law
I.iii. The palace
I.iv. The palace
II.i. Vindici's house
II.ii. The palace
II.iii. The Duke's bedchamber
III.i. The palace
III.ii. Outside the prison
III.iii. The prison
III.iv. Junior brother's cell in the prison
III.v. A lodge
III.vi. The prison
IV.i. The palace
IV.ii. The palace
IV.iii. The palace
IV.iv. Vindici's house
V.i. A room in the palace
V.ii. The palace banqueting hall
Lord and Lady Antonio, Ambitioso,
Supervacua, First Officer, Gloriana. They
dance. The Duke approaches Gloriana and
dances with her. He whispers something to
her, and she pulls away. The Duke returns
with a goblet and offers it to her. She drinks
and falls dead. Lady Antonio rushes to her.
Scene 1: Outside Vindici's house
Enter Vindici with a skull; the Duke,
Duchess, Lussurioso [his] son, Spurio the
bastard, pass over the stage.
VINDICI Yes, go, Duke, thou royal lecher.
And his son, as impious as he; And his
bastard, true-begot in evil; And his duchess
that would dance with the devil: Four
excellent characters. Oh, the thought of
them turns my abused heartstrings into fret!
Thou sallow picture of my poisoned love,
once the bright face of my betrothed, my
Gloriana. When life and beauty filled out
these ragged imperfections, when two
heaven-pointed diamonds were set in these
unsightly rings: Oh, she was able to
melt the heart of any man. The duke
poisoned thee, because thy purer part
would not consent unto his lust. Oh,
remember this day, this hour, this minute, I
beseech thee. Be merry, Gloriana. I,
Vindici, swear this: Thou shalt be avenged.
Enter his brother Hippolito.
HIPPOLITO Still sighing o'er death's
visage?
VINDICI Hippolito, my brother, welcome;
How go things at court?
HIPPOLITO In silk and silver, brother.
Prologue
VINDICI Thou playest upon my meaning.
Speak, are we happy yet? Thy wrongs and
mine are for one scabbard fit.
Enter Duke, Duchess, Spurio, Lussurioso,
HIPPOLITO Give me your hearing then.
You know my place at court.
CASTIZA Royal blood! Monster, he
deserves to die.
VINDICI Ay, the duke's chamber.
HIPPOLITO Last evening, The duke's son
enquired for me, whose pleasure I attended:
he began by policy to question me. But the
whole scope of his intent ended in this: he
conjured me in private to seek for him some
common pander to procure for him a lady.
VINDICI Were there as many concubines as
ladies, he would not be contained.
HIPPOLITO Brother, you have truly spoke
him. He knows not you, but I'll swear you
know him.
VINDICI And therefore I'll put on the knave
for once. Hippolito, this serves my scheme.
It will get me inside the court. I'll be that
pander that he seeks.
VINDICI Sister, you have sentenced most
direct and true. Mother, I must take leave of
you.
GRATIANA Leave for what?
VINDICI I intend speedy travel.
HIPPOLITO That he does, madam.
VINDICI For since my worthy father's
funeral, my life is unnatural to me, as if I
lived now when I should be dead.
GRATIANA Indeed he was a worthy
gentleman.
VINDICI Come mother, sister; you'll bring
me to court, brother?
HIPPOLITO Brother, I’ll introduce you to
him. But you must play the part disguised.
HIPPOLITO I will.
VINDICI Soon, my love.
VINDICI [Aside to him] I'll quickly turn
into another.
[Enter Gratiana and Castiza.]
Exeunt
Here comes our mother.
Scene 2: A court of law
HIPPOLITO And sister.
CASTIZA Dear brothers.
VINCICI Castiza, sister.
GRATIANA What news from court, son?
HIPPOLITO The usual corruption. 'Tis
whispered there the duchess' youngest son
has played a rape on Lord Antonio's wife.
GRATIANA On that religious lady!
Enter the Duke, Lussurioso his son, the
Duchess, Spurio the Bastard, the Duchess'
two children Ambitioso and Supervacua,
Junior, her youngest brought out with First
Officer.
DUKE My sweet Duchess, the charge is
against your youngest son, Junior; we're
sorry. His violent act has stained our
honour. I leave him to his fate.
DUCHESS Husband, my gracious lord, I
pray thee, be merciful. Although his
trespasses far exceed his years, think him
2
to be your own as I am yours; Temper
his fault with pity.
beauty was ordained to be my scaffold. DUKE Enough. This is my sentence.
LUSSURIOSO Good my lord, was his
offense so great? Others at this court have
done as much.
SUPERVACUA I beseech your grace,
be soft and mild.
AMBITIOSO Let not relentless law look
with an iron forehead on our brother.
SPURIO [Aside] I hope he dies, and if a
bastard's wish might stand, I would all this
court were turned into a corpse.
DUCHESS No pity yet? Must I rise
fruitless then? ANTONIO Let the offender stand forth.
Your Grace, let your pleasure be his
doom. His crime was committed on my
wife, this gentle honest lady.
LADY ANTONIO Confess it, my lord! ANTONIO What moved you to do it?
JUNIOR Why, flesh and blood, my lord.
What else moves men when women are
concerned? And it would please me well
to do again: for she’s a goddess.
LUSSURIOSO Do not jest at thy doom.
Though marriage alone has made thee my
brother, I do love thee; play not with thy
death.
JUNNIOR I thank you, stepbrother;
good admonitions.
ANTONIO My lady's shame is known
over all Italy.
DUCHESS Oh, keep it upon your tongue.
SUPERVACUA Be not so cruel.
LADY ANTONIO You must condemn
him. ' Tis but the justice of the law.
SPURIO [Aside] And now he dies; one out
of the way.
DUCHESS [Aside] Oh, what it is to be
wed to an old duke. To be as slack in
tongue as in performance!
ANTIONIO He must die, my Lord.
DUCHESS No!
DUKE Tomorrow early-DUCHESS Pray come to bed, my lord.
LADY ANTONIO Your grace must right
this wrong.
AMBITIOSO Your right does us too
much wrong.
DUKE Let the offender-DUCHESS Live, and be in health.
ANTONIO Let him be on a scaffold—
DUKE We will defer our judgment till
next sitting. In the meantime let him be
kept prisoner: Guard, bear him hence.
SPURIO [Aside] A pox on it, What
makes my father hesitate now?
JUNIOR Well then, 'tis done. Her
3
[Ambitioso and Supervacua take JUNIOR
BROTHER aside.]
AMBITIOSO Brother, this makes for thee.
[He kisses her hand.]
DUCHESS Upon my hand, sir! Troth,
Spurio, I think you'd fear to kiss my hand
too if my lips stood there.
SUPERVACUA Fear not, we'll find a
trick to set thee free.
SPURIO Witness I would not, madam.
JUNIOR
I will expect it from you both,
And in that hope I rest.
DUCHESS Tis a wonder. What have
you thought of me?
SUPERVACUA Farewell, be merry.
SPURIO Madam, I ever think of you in
duty, regard, and--
Exit with First Officer.
DUCHESS Think upon my love, I mean!
SPURIO [Aside] Delayed, deferred! Nay,
then if judgment have cold blood, flattery
and bribes will kill it.
DUKE Come, my lords. More serious
business calls upon our hours.
Exeunt [omnes] Duchess remains.
DUCHESS Was ever duchess so mild
and calm as I? Some now would plot his
death and make this withered grace fall
to his grave. Some other second wife
might do this, and dispatch her loathed
lord in his sleep. One single word from him
would have freed my youngest, dearest son
from death, but that word was not said.
And therefore wedlock, faith, shall be
forgot. I'll kill him in his forehead; hate
there feed: That wound is deepest though
it never bleed.
[Enter Spurio.]
[Aside] And here comes he whom my heart
points to, my Duke’s bastard son, but my
true love.
SPURIO Madam? Your grace so private?
My duty on your hand.
SPURIO I would it were love, but tis a
fouler name than lust; you are my father's
wife: your grace may guess what some
would call it.
DUCHESS Why, thou art his son but
falsely; 'Tis a hard question whether he
truly begot thee.
SPURIO In faith, tis true; I'm an
uncertain man, born of uncertain woman.
Maybe the groom at his stable begot me; I
know not. He could ride a horse well.
DUCHESS As could you, if you chose.
SPURIO Madam, I am your beggar.
DUCHESS But to our love: Let it stand
firm. If the duke was thy father, thy injury
is the more, for had he done right by
thee, thou would be next to wear the
dukedom's ring. What wrong can equal
this? Canst thou be tame and think upon
it?
SPURIO No, mad and think upon it!
DUCHESS Who would not be revenged
on such a father? Oh, what a grief it is,
4
that a man should live but once in the
world, and then to live a bastard, the curse
of the womb, begot against the seventh
commandment, half-damned in the
conception. Would not this disinheritance
make a man mad?
Enter Vindici and Hippolito, Vindici in
disguise [as Piato] to attend Lord
Lussurioso, the duke's son.
SPURIO Ay, there's the vengeance that
my birth was wrapped in; I'll be revenged
for all. Now hate begin; I'll call foul incest
but a little sin.
HIPPOLITO As if another man had been
sent into the world, and none the wiser
how he came.
DUCHESS Cold still? In vain then must a
duchess woo?
SPURIO Madam, I blush to say what I
will do.
DUCHESS Then sweet, farewell. Come
to me soon.
[She kisses him.]
SPURIO Oh, one kiss can ope’ the gates
of hell!
DUCHESS [Aside] And, now, my duke,
my vengeance shall reach high; I'll fit thy
brow with horns.
Exit.
SPURIO Duke, thou didst do me wrong,
and by thy act adultery is my nature.
Stepmother, I consent to thy desires; I
love thy mischief well, but I hate thee and
those three cubs, thy children, wishing
Death, and disgrace may be their epitaphs.
As for my brother Lussorioso, the duke's
only legitimate son, Whose birth is more
acceptable than mine, I'll loose my days
upon him: I hate them all. Exit.
Scene 3: The palace
VINDICI Well, brother? Am I far enough
from myself?
[Enter Lussurioso.]
The duke's son! Settle your looks.
VINDICI Pray let me not be doubted.
HIPPOLITO My lord-LUSSURIOSO Hippolito?
HIPPOLITO My lord Lussorioso, after
long search, I made choice of this fellow,
whom I think rare for thy employment.
His name is Piato.
LUSSURIOSO 'We thank thee. Yet
words are but great men's blanks: Gold,
though it be dumb, does utter the best
thanks.
[He gives Hippolito gold.]
HIPPOLITO Thanks, my lord.
Exit [Hippolito].
LUSSURIOSO Welcome, be not far off.
We must be better acquainted. Come, be
bold with us, thy hand!
VINDICI With all my heart. How dost
thou, sweet musk-cat? How may I serve
my lord Lussurioso?
LUSSURIOSO [Aside] Wondrous knave!
5
Friend, I can forget myself in private,
but elsewhere, I pray you do remember my
rank.
VINDICI Sir, I am yours to
command. Ask anything of me.
LUSSURIOSO What hast thou been? Of
what profession?
VINDICI I am a bone-setter.
LUSSURIOSO A bone-setter!
VINDICI A bawd, my lord, one that sets
bones together.
LUSSURIOSO Thou hast seen much
knavery then?
VINDICI Sir, I have been witness to
the surrenders of a thousand virgins. I
have seen matrimonies washed to pieces!
LUSSURIOSO [Aside] Fine villain! I like
him wondrously. He's perfect for my
purpose.
I would embrace thee for employment,
and thou shalt swell in money.
VINDICI I am all ears, my lord.
LUSSURIOSO Attend me: I am past my
depth in lust and I must swim or drown;
all of my desires are leveled at a virtuous
lady not far from court, to whom I have
conveyed by messenger many letters, full
of my ardent spirit, and jewels that should
have tempted her. All of which this foolish
chaste maiden hath sent back.
VINDICI 'Tis a rare phoenix, whoever
she be. In truth, my lord, I'd be revenged
and marry her.
LUSSURIOSO The dowry of her blood
and of her fortunes are both too mean, but
good enough to be bad. Give me my bed
by stealth; there's true delight: What
breeds a loathing in it but night by night?
VINDICI A very fine religion!
LUSSURIOSO I'll trust thee in the
business of my heart because thou art well
experienced. Go thou, and with a smooth,
enchanting tongue bewitch her ears.
Enter upon that portion of her soul, which
she calls her chastity, and bring it to me.
VINDICI You have given me the itch,
my lord. Make known the lady to me, and
my brain shall swell with strange
invention: I will make her yours.
LUSSURIOSO We thank thee, and will
raise thee at court: Her name is Castiza, the
only daughter to Madam Gratiana.
VINDICI [Aside] Oh, my sister!
LUSSURIOSO Why dost thou walk
aside?
VINDICI My lord, I was thinking how I
might begin. I have a hundred devices.
LUSSURIOSO Dost thou know the
daughter then?
VINDICI Oh, excellent well.
LUSSURIOSO That was her brother
that did present thee to us.
VINDICI Ah, I knew I had seen him
somewhere.
LUSSURIOSO We may laugh at his
innocence, eh?
6
VINDICI Ha, ha, ha!
LUSSURIOSO Himself being made the
instrument to entice his sister.
VINDICI The joke is on him.
LUSSURIOSO Now, if she still prove
chaste and immoveable, venture upon the
mother, and with gifts as I will furnish
thee, begin with her to win the maiden.
VINDICI Oh, fie, fie, that's the wrong end,
my lord! 'Tis impossible that a mother by
any gifts should become a pander to her own
daughter!
LUSSURIOSO Nay, then I see thou art
but a novice in the subtle mystery of a
woman. VINDICI Oh, let me burst: I've eaten
noble poison! What, swear me to foul my
sister? Sword, I make a promise of him to
thee, it shall be thine honour to end him!
Exit.
Scene 4: The palace
Enter the discontented Lord Antonio, whose
wife the Duchess' youngest son ravished, he
discovering the body of her dead to First
Officer and Hippolito.
ANTONIO Draw nearer, gentlemen, and
be sad witnesses of a fair lady newly
fallen. Behold, my friends, a sight that
strikes the man out of me.
HIPPOLITO That virtuous lady?
VINDICI Let me be taught by thee, my
Lord.
LUSSURIOSO Well said; come, I will
teach thee, but first swear to be true to me
in all things.
VINDICI I will.
LUSSURIOSO Nay, swear!
VINDICI I hope your honour little
doubts my loyalty.
LUSSURIOSO Yet swear for my
humour's sake. I love swearing.
VINDICI Then I do humbly swear. I
will do your will.
LUSSURIOSO That will do, then. Come,
let the games begin.
Exit.
ANTONIO My wife, my wife! Dead!
For her honour, she drank poison.
FIRST OFFICER Oh, grief of many!
ANTONIO I marked not this before. A
prayer book placed in her right hand, with a
leaf tucked up, pointing to these words:
"Better to die in virtue than live in
dishonor.” HIPPOLITO My lord, since you invite us
to share your sorrows, let your grief be ours,
and your revenge shall be ours, too. Tell
us what happened.
ANTONIO At the last revels, when
torch-light made an artificial noon about
the court, and some courtiers were full of
fraud and flattery, amongst them t
he
duchess' youngest son. He singled out this
dear form from all the ladies. And in the
height of all the revels, when music was
loudest, courtiers busiest, and ladies great
7
with laughter, he ravished her, and fed the
ravenous vulture of his lust! Her honour
forced, she deemed it a nobler dowry for
or her name to die with poison than to live
with shame.
HIPPOLITO A wondrous lady, my lord
Antonio.
FIRST OFFICER My lord, what judgment
for the offender?
CASTIZA How unlucky shall that maiden
be, whose only fortune is her clever mind,
who has no other inheritance but her
honour, that keeps her low in fortune and
low in her estate. If sin were not rich, there
would be fewer sinners. Why has not
virtue a revenue? Well, I know the cause:
it would have impoverished hell.
Enter Dondela.
How now, Dondela?
ANTONIO Faith, none, my lord: it was
deferred.
HIPPOLOTO Delay the doom for rape?
ANTONIO Oh, you must note who it is
should die: Junior, The Duchess' younger
son; she'll look to save him.
HIPPOLITO [Drawing his sword] Nay,
then gentlemen step forth. I bind us all in
steel: Here let our oaths meet to be kept
to let his soul out, which long since was
found guilty in heaven.
FIRST OFFICER We swear it.
ANTONIO Kind gentlemen, I thank you.
HIPPOLITO My Lord Antonio, wipe
the tears from your eyes; Our grief and
yours may one day wane when we are more
familiar with revenge.
ANTONIO That is my comfort,
gentlemen, and I joy In this one happiness
above the rest, that I had a wife so fair and
chaste.
Exeunt.
Scene 5: Vindici's house
DONDELA Madonna Castiza, there is a
thing of flesh and blood without, that would
very desirously be with you.
CASTIZA What's that? He would what?
DONDELA He would show his teeth in
your company.
CASTIZA I understand thee not.
DONDELA Why, speak with you,
Madonna!
CASTIZA Then say so. Had it not been
better spoke in ordinary words that one
would speak with me? Go, direct him
hither.
Exit Dondela.
I hope some happy tidings from my
brothers, whom my soul misses.
Enter Vindici her brother disguised [as
Piato].
Here he comes.
DONDELA Madonna Castiza, this is Piato.
[Exit]
Enter Castiza the sister.
8
VINDICI [ Giving her a letter and a
jewel] Lady, the best of wishes to you and
your fair face.
CASTIZA I thank you, sir. Whence this?
VINDICI Oh, from a dear and worthy
friend, mighty!
GRATIANA I am much honoured that he
pleases to rank me in his thoughts.
VINDICI So should you be, lady: for he
is is soon to be our next duke. How
blessed are they now that could pleasure him
with almost anything.
GRATIANA Ay, save their honour.
CASTIZA From whom?
VINDICI Receive this gift from the duke's
son, Lussurioso!
VINDICI Oh, one would let a little of that
go too for price. I'd wink and let it go.
GRATIANA But I would not.
CASTIZA And you receive this!
A box of the ear to her brother.
I swore I'd put anger in my hand to him
that next appeared to be his sinful
messenger; bear to him that figure of my
hate upon thy cheek while it is yet hot.
Tell him my honour shall never share his
shame. Farewell; commend me to him in
my hate!
Exit.
VINDICI I'll love this blow forever,
though my cheek burns. Most constant
sister, in this thou hast thy virtue shown;
And now for the fulfillment of my oath,
I will lay hard siege unto my mother,
though I know a siren's tongue could not
bewitch her so.
[Enter Gratiana.]
[Aside] Here she comes; quick, my disguise.
Madam, good afternoon.
GRATIANA You are welcome, sir.
VINDICI Madam, the son of our great
duke sends greetings and commends himself
to thee.
VINDICI Marry, but I know you would
too. Or not your honour, but your
daughter’s; for the Duke’s son Lussurioso,
has long desired your daughter, Chatiza.
GRATIANA Desired?
VINDICI Nay, but hear me: I speak as
more a friend to you than him. Madam, I
know you are poor, and there are too many
poor ladies already. Live wealthy, you
rightly understand the world. And chide
away that foolish country girl chastity that
keeps company with your daughter.
GRATIANA The riches of the world
cannot entice a mother to this most
unnatural task!
VINDICI No, but golden angels can.
Men have no power; angels must work
you to it. The world descends into such
base-born evils that forty angels can make
fourscore devils. Were I poor, dejected,
scorned of greatness, swept from the
palace, only to see other daughters rise in
the court, while mine own was so much
desired and loved by the duke's son? No, I
would let him raise her state and I would
count my yearly income upon her cheeks.
You took great pains for her, let her
requite it now.
9
GRATIANA Oh, heavens! This
overcomes me.
deny advancement, treasure, and the duke's
son!
VINDICI [Aside] What, already?
CASTIZA I cry you mercy. Lady, I
mistook you. Did you see my mother
here? Pray God I have not lost her.
GRATIANA It is too strong for me; men
know their words can overthrow us. VINDICI [Aside] Prettily put.
VINDICI [Aside] I fear to proceed; yet I'll
fulfill my oath.
What think you now, lady? The
daughter's fall lifts up the mother's head.
'Tis no shame to be bad, madam, because 'tis
common."
GRATIANA Ay, that is my comfort.
VINDICI [Aside] Oh, suffering heaven,
my mother, my mother.
GRATIANA [Giving him gold] Let this
thank your pains.
VINDICI Oh, you are kind, madam.
GRATIANA Castiza! If she refuse, I'll
never call her mine.
Enter Castiza.
GRATIANA Daughter Castiza.
CASTIZA Madam, why is that evil man
in thy presence? He lately brought
immodest writing from the duke's son to
tempt me to dishonourable act.
GRATIANA Dishonourable act? And
pray, by whose judgment? Mean people,
ignorant people; The better sort I'm sure
do not think it dishonourable. And by what
rule should we live our lives but by our
betters’ actions? But there's a cold curse
laid upon some maids: Whilst others clip
the sun, they clasp the shades! They
GRATIANA Are you as proud to me as coy
to him? Do you not know me now?
CASTIZA Why, are you she? The
world's so changed, one shape into another:
GRATIANA I owe your cheek my hand
for that presumption now, but I'll forget it.
Come, you shall leave those childish
behaviors and understand your place;
fortune will flow to us. CASTIZA Mother, I pray thee...
VINDICI Lady, listen to your mother.
'Tis honesty you urge. What's honesty?
'Tis but heaven’s beggar, and what
woman is so foolish to keep honesty, and
be not able to keep herself? How blessed
are you; you are desired by one sufficient in
himself to make you dazzle the world with
jewels.
GRATIANA If I were young, I would
do it.
CASTIZA And lose your honour?
VINDICI How can you lose your honour
? My lord is son to a duke. His title will
give you honour. Your mother will tell you
how.
GRATIANA That I will.
VINDICI Oh, think upon the pleasure of
10
the palace: Secured comfort and ease,
banquets by torch-light, music, sports,
bare-headed vassals. Nine coaches
waitingCASTIZA Ay, to bear me to the devil. I
defy you both! I have endured you with an
ear of fire; Your tongues have struck hot
irons on my face! Mother, come back to
me from that poisonous woman there. And
you, pestilence, get thee hence.
Exit.
VINDICI [Aside] Oh angels, clap your
wings upon the skies, And give this virgin
praise.
GRATIANA Peevish, coy, foolish! But
return this answer to your lord: he shall be
most welcome when his pleasure conducts
him this way. I will sway mine own;
Women with women can work best alone.
VINDICI Indeed, I'll tell him so.
Exit.
Scene 6: The palace
Enter Lussurioso with Hippolito.
LUSSURIOSO I much applaud thy
judgment; thou art well-read in a fellow,
And 'tis the deepest art to study man. I
know this, which I never learnt in schools:
The world's divided into knaves and fools.
LUSSURIOSO Now we're an even
number; a third man's dangerous,
especially her brother. Say, hast thou
beguiled her of salvation, and rubbed hell
o'er with honey? Is she a woman?
VINDICI In all but in desire.
LUSSURIOSO Then you’ve done
nothing.
VINDICI Thy words I brought. With
easier labor. I could win a Puritan's wife.
This maid is too good. But oh, the mother,
the mother!
LUSSURIOSO What fruit from the
mother?
VINDICI The maid had no mind to travel
into unknown lands. So I set my spurs to
the mother; golden spurs, which put her to
a gallop in a trice.
LUSSURIOSO Is it possible that in this
the mother should be damned before the
daughter?
VINDICI The maid was like an unlighted
taper, cold and chaste, save that her mothers
breath did blow fire on her cheeks. The
girl departed, But the good madam threw
me these promising words, "My lord
shall be most welcome"-LUSSURIOSO Faith, I thank her.
HIPPOLITO True, my lord. VINDICI "When his pleasure conducts
him this way"--
[Enter Vindici, disguised as Piato.]
LUSSURIOSO That shall be soon.
LUSSURIOSO Ah, here comes my man.
Leave us, Hippolito.
VINDICI "I will sway mine own"-LUSSURIOSO I commend her for it.
Exit.
11
VINDICI "Women with women can work
best alone."
have been seen!
[Enter Spurio and Suervacua)
LUSSURIOSO And so they can. Men are
not comparable to 'em. Now my desires
are happy. Thou art a precious fellow; faith,
I love thee. What office could’st thou be
ambitious for?
VINDICI Office, my lord? Why I would
desire but this, My lord: to collect fees for
all the affairs at this court, and all the
farthingales that fall at midnight to the
rushes.
LUSSURIOSO Thou art a mad knave.
Well, this night I'll visit her, and revel in my
desires. Farewell.
VINDICI My lord.
Exit.
Shall I kill him now? No. Sword, thou
wast never a back-biter. I'll pierce him to
his face; he shall die looking upon me.
Forgive me, heaven, to call my mother
wicked; I fear her tongue might turn my
sister. But I was a villain to swear
allegiance to this lecher.
Enter Hippolito.
HIPPOLITO Brother, I have news to tell
you.
VINDICI What news?
HIPPOLITO Our vicious old duke, he
who abused thy Gloriana, is himself abused:
His bastard son has made him a cuckold.
VINDICI What, Spurio?
HIPPOLITO Pray, believe it: he and the
duchess meet by night in their linen; they
See, here he comes, with the Duchess’s
daughter.
HIPPOLITO Monstrous knave!
VINDICI Come, let's observe his passage.
[They retire.]
SPURIO No, but are you sure?
SUPERVACUA Most sure. I heard it
straight that Lussurioso intends within this
hour to steal unto Hippolito's sister, whose
chaste life her mother will corrupt for his
use.
SPURIO Sweet world, sweet occasion!
Faith, then, dear brother Lussorioso, I'll
see you disinherited in as short time. Pardon
me, Supervacua. A lady waits for me and I
must go.
Exeunt Spurio and Supervacua.
VINDICI They mock our sister.
Enter Lussurioso.
VINDICI [Aside to Hippolito] Who's this
comes? The duke's son up so late! Brother,
fall back, And you shall see some
mischief. My good lord.
LUSSURIOSO Piato! Why, the man I
wished for. Come, I do embrace this night
as the fittest time to taste of that young
lady.
HIPPOLITO [Aside] Dammed villain!
VINDICI [Aside] I have no way now to
12
stop it but to kill him.
LUSSURIOSO Where is that villain
Spurio?
LUSSURIOSO Come, only thou and I.
VINDICI My lord. I'd almost forgot: the
bastard!
VINDICI Softly, my lord, and you may
take 'em twisted.
LUSSURIOSO I care not how!
LUSSURIOSO Spurio? What of him?
VINDICI This night, this hour, this
minute, now!
LUSSURIOSO What! What!
VINDICI He is with the Duchess.
LUSSURIOSO Spurio is with my
stepmother?
VINDICI He gives thy father royal horns.
LUSSURIOSO That ignoble knave!
VINDICI He betrays your noble father.
LUSSURIOSO I am mad.
VINDICI You must take them now.
LUSSURIOSO The duchess' chamberdoor shall not control me.
[Exeunt Lussurioso and Vindici.]
HIPPOLITO There's gunpowder in the
court, wildfire at midnight.
Exit.
Scene 7: The Duke's bedchamber
[The Duke and Duchess are discovered in
bed. Lussurioso and Vindici] enter again
with Hippolito following.
VINDICI Oh, 'twill be glorious To kill
them! Be soft, my lord.
LUSSURIOSO I'll shake their eyelids
open, and with my sword shut them again
forever.
[He draws his sword and approaches the
bed.]
Villain, strumpet!
DUKE Help, help, defend us!
DUCHESS Treason, treason!
DUKE Oh, take me not in sleep; I have
great sins: I must have days, nay, months,
to do my penance.
LUSSURIOSO My father? I am amazed.
DUKE My son? Thou villain traitor. I’ll
have your head.
Enter Antonio, Ambitioso and Supervacua,
with First Officer.
AMBITIOSO How comes the quiet of
your grace disturbed?
DUKE This boy that would be duke after
me rushed in, intending to depose me in
my bed.
SPUPERVACUA For shame!
13
DUCHESS He called his father villain and
me strumpet.
AMBITIOSO This was not well done,
Lussorioso.
SUPERVACUA I am ashamed to call thee
brother.
LUSSURIOSO [To Ambitioso and
Supervacua aside] My brother and sister,
my best hope for release lies with you; I
pray you, plead for me.
AMBITIOSO Be sure of our love,
brother. We will do our best for you.
SUPERVACUA We'll sweat in pleading.
LUSSURIOSO I was deceived. I know
there's no excuse can do me good.
VINDICI [Aside to Hippolito] It would
now be good policy for us to disappear; he
shall not harm our sister this night.
HIPPOLITO [Aside to Vindici] You little
dreamt his father slept here.
VINDICI [Aside to Hippolito] I thought
that Spurio was here. But this played out
rather well.
LUSSURIOSO And I may live to thank
you.
Exeunt [Lussurioso and First Officer].
AMBITIOSO His death shall thank me
better.
SPURIO [Aside] I must go after him
and offer him my pity. Fortune smiles on
me tonight.
Exit
DUKE Be comforted, our duchess: he
shall die.
[The Duchess exits as the guards seize
Lussurioso}
LUSSURIOSO Where is Piato? Out of my
sight, knave!
Enter Spurio.
SPURIO Did I miss something?
LUSSORIOSO The bastard here? Nay,
then the truth of my intent shall out. My
lord and father, hear me.
DUKE Take him from my sight. To
prison with the villain; Death shall not
long lag after him.
SPURIO [Aside] In faith, I did miss
something.
AMBITIOSO [Aside to Supervacua] Now,
sister, let our hate and love be woven so
subtly together, that in speaking one word
for his life, we may speak three for his
death: The craftiest pleader gets most gold
for breath.
SUPERVACUO [Aside to Ambitioso] Set
on; I'll not be far behind you, brother.
DUKE Is it possible a son should be
disobedient as far as the sword? It is the
highest sin; he can go no farther.
SUPERVACUA My gracious lord, take
pity-DUKE Pity, my children?
AMBITIOSO Nay, we'd be loath to ask
your grace so much; We know his trespass
is unpardonable, wicked, and unnatural.
14
SUPERVACUA In a son, oh, monstrous!
release him.
AMBITIOSO Yet, my lord, A duke's
soft hand strokes the rough head of law
and makes it lie smooth.
SUPERVACUA Oh, my good lord, this
fault is too weighty, too inhuman. He tried
to kill his father. Most men would say that
he must die.
DUKE My hand shall ne'er do it.
AMBITIOSO As you please, my lord.
SUPERVACUO Some fathers would
have shown their manly hate, and have had
him executed on the spot. But you proved
gentler.
DUKE 'Tis true, tis true. Here then,
receive this signet; take it to the judges; tell
them that by this sign they shall know my
will: that Lussurioso should die ere many
days have passed. Make haste.
AMBITIOSO We’ll make all speed. Tis
justice, my lord.
AMBITIOSO My lord, pardon him, and
do not listen to the voices that will say you
were weak because he is your son.
SUPERVCUA Your Grace, dear stepfather,
we are sorry for your burden.
DUKE What’s this?
Exeunt [Ambitioso and Supervacua].
AMBITIOSO Forgive him, good my lord:
he's your own son, though this act was not
worthy of a son.
DUKE Here's hatred with a poor, thin
cover over it, easily spied through. Their
mother feeds their ambitions, but I will
prevent their plans. This was but some
mistaken fury in our son, and these two, in
their greed, would bend it to their ends: He
shall be released immediately. Antonio!
SUPERVACUO He's the next heir, his
greed for you title made him foolish. Be
merciful-DUKE [Aside] These two are up to
something false: I'll try them both upon
their love and hate.
Enter Antonio.
You have prevailed: My wrath like
flaming wax hath spent itself. I know 'twas
but some peevish moon in him: Go, let
Lussorioso be released.
DUKE Antonio, make haste. Go to the
jail and tell them my will. Lussurioso is to
be released now, at once. Do not delay.
ANTONIO Your Grace?
ANTONIO I go in haste, my lord.
SUPERVACUA What? [Aside to
Ambitioso] How now, brother?
Exit Antonio.
AMBITIOSO Your grace doth please to
put aside your anger. I should be happy, and
yet...
DUKE This night has aged me.
DUKE You have convinced me. Go,
Scene 8: The palace
Exit
15
Enter Ambitioso and Supervacua.
SUPERVACUA Ambitioso, let my
opinion sway you, Tis best for us to have
him die surest and soonest. Judges and
juries can bought and sold. Let not this
judgment be deferred.
AMBITIOSO In truth, you are right!
SUPERVACUA Let us go there now. Our
stepfather said “ere many days”. We can
say we mistook his meaning.
AMBITIOSO Excellent. Then I am
heir, duke in a minute. The falling of one
head lifts up another.
SUPERVACUA Then might we find some
trick to free our younger brother, who lies in
prison still for the rape of Antonio’s wife.
ANTONIO Aye, now’s the time. The
lady's dead, and people's thoughts will
soon be buried.
Exeunt.
Scene 9: Outside the prison
Enter Antonio, Lussurioso from prison.
LUSSURIOSO My lord, I am so much
indebted to you for this sweet delivery!
ANTONIO My duty, my lord, is to serve
thy father’s will. He hath much love for
you.
Enter Ambitioso and Supervacua with First
Officer.
AMBITIOSO Officer, your have here as
your prisoner, the duke’s son?
FIRST OFFICER I do.
ANTONIO Here's the duke's signet. It is
your warrant, and it brings the command
of immediate death unto our brother, the
duke's son; we are sorry that we are so
unnaturally employed in such an office,
fitter for enemies than brothers.
SUPERVACUA But you know, the
duke's command must be obeyed.
FIRST OFFICER It must and shall be, my
lady; this morning then. So suddenly?
AMBITIOSO Ay, alas, poor good soul;
the executioner stands ready. There is no
time for breakfast.
SUPERVACUA I weep for our poor
brother.
FIRST OFFICER Then we'll not delay. I
take my leave, my lord. My lady.
AMBITIOSO And therein you show
yourself a good man and upright officer.
Pray let him die as private as he may;
Do him that favor, for the gaping people
would but trouble him at his final prayers.
FIRST OFFICER It shall be done, my
lord.
LUSSORIOSO Come, I am glad to leave
this prison.
Exit Officer
Exeunt.
AMBITIOSO A fine fool!
Scene 10: The prison
SUPERVACUA Things fall out so fit.
16
AMBITIOSO So happily! Come, sister,
ere next clock Lussurioso’s head will be
on a chopping block.
ANTONIO 'Tis most true, my lord. The
duke sent word by them that his son must
die.
Exeunt.
JUNIOR Desire them hither, call them up!
They shall deny it to your faces.
Scene 11: Junior’s cell in the prison
Enter in prison Junior brother.
JUNIOR No news lately from my brother
and sister. Are they unmindful of me?
Enter First Officer and Antonio.
How now, what news?
FIRST OFFICER You must pardon us, my
lord; our duty must be done: here is our
warrant, this signet from the duke; he bids
you suffer straight.
JUNIOR Suffer? I'll suffer you to be gone,
I'll suffer you To come no more! What
would you have me suffer?
ANTONIO My lord, those words were
better changed to prayers; The time's but
brief with you: prepare to die.
FIRST OFFICER It is too true, my lord.
JUNIOR I tell you 'tis not, for the duke my
father deferred my judgment till the next
court and I look every minute for a release,
some trick wrought by my brother and sister.
FIRST OFFICER A trick, my lord? If you
expect such comfort, your hope’s as
fruitless as a barren woman: Your brother
and sister were the unhappy messengers
that brought this powerful token for your
death.
JUNIOR No, no! That cannot be.
ANTONIO The time for that is past.
Now you must pay for what you did to my
lady wife.
FIRST OFFICER Be comforted, my lord.
Grief swam in their eyes: they were full of
heavy sorrow; but the duke must have his
pleasure.
JUNIOR A pox dry their tears! What
should I do with tears? Look, you
officious whoresons, I am the stepson of the
duke.
2nd OFFICER You delay too long, my
lord. Come and meet thy fate like a man.
JUNIOR Stay, good gentlemen. Oh, let
me venom thy souls with curses!
FIRST OFFICER Come, sir, 'tis no time to
curse.
JUNIOR But my fault was sweet sport,
which the world approves; I die for that
which every woman loves.
Exeunt.
Scene 12: A lodge
Enter Vindici with Hippolito his brother.
VINDICI Oh, sweet, delectable, rare,
ravishing!
HIPPOLITO Why, what's the matter,
brother?
17
VINDICI The duke has hired me, for a
price, to provide him with a lady in some
place veiled from the eyes of the court. To
which I consented, and did bid his grace to
meet her here in this lodge. But here is the
rarest joke. The bastard Spurio and the
duchess have also planned a tryst here
tonight, And this most afflicting sight may
kill his eyes before we kill the rest of him.
HIPPOLITO Faith, brother Vindici, you
are mad.
HIPPOLITO Tis perfect. But where's the
lady now?
This very skull, whose form in flesh the
duke poisoned, with this poison shall be
revenged. She will kiss his lips to death.
As much as that evil thing can, he shall
feel: What fails in poison, we'll supply in
steel.
VINDICI Oh, a special lady. I took care.
She has a delicious lip, a sparkling eye:
You shall be witness brother. Be ready.
Exit.
HIPPOLITO Troth, I wonder what lady it
should be? And what is her price? Enter [Vindici] with the skull of his love
dressed up in veils.
VINDICI And look you, brother, I have
not fashioned this only for show. My
Gloriana shall play a part in her own
revenge.
[Applies poison to the skull's mouth.]
HIPPOLITO Brother, I do applaud the
ingenuity of thy malice.
VINDICI So tis begun. Now come and
welcome, duke; I have her for thee.
HIPPOLITO And I am here to aid thee.
Hark, the duke's come!
VINDICI Madam, his grace will not be
absent long. Ne'er doubt us, madam; 'twill
be worth three velvet gowns to your
ladyship. And now, I'll unmask you.
VINDICI Peace, let's observe what
company he brings. Fall you back a little
with the bony lady.
[Draws back the veils.]
HIPPOLITO That I will.
HIPPOLITO Brother, what’s this!
VINDICI So now five years' vengeance
crowd into this minute!
VINDICI Art thou beguiled now? Tut, a
lady can beguile a wiser man. Have I
not given the Duke a quaint piece of beauty?
Methinks this mouth should make a lecher
tremble.
HIPPOLITO Brother, is that thy Gloriana?
VINDICI The very same; And now
tonight her death shall be revenged.
Surely we're all mad people, and they
whom we think are, are not.
[Enter the Duke talking to First Officer]
DUKE You have leave to leave us, with
this charge: Upon your life, if we be
missed by the duchess or any of the
nobles, tell them we have ridden out with
some honorable gentlemen. You may name
those that are away from court.
FIRST OFFICER Your will and pleasure
shall be done, my lord.
18
[Exit the Officer.]
HIPPOLITO stamping on him Yes, my
good lord: treason, treason, treason!
VINDICI Your good grace?
DUKE I am betrayed! Oh, my tongue!
DUKE Piato, well done. Hast thou brought
her? What lady is it?
VINDICI Faith, my lord, a country lady, a
little bashful at first, as most of them are, but
after the first kiss, my lord, she may not
seem so cool. She has somewhat a grave
look with her, but--
VINDICI 'Twill teach you to kiss with
your mouth closed. You have eyes still:
Look, monster, what thou hast done to my
once betrothed!
HIPPOLITO And let this news make thy
spirit grievous sore: Mark me, duke, thou
art a renowned, high, and mighty cuckold.
DUKE I love that best: conduct her here.
DUKE Lies!
VINDICI [Aside to Hippolito] Bring a
torch, Hippolito, raise the perfume.
DUKE How sweet a perfume can a Duke
breathe? Lady, sweetly encountered. I
come from court: I must be bold with you-
VINDICI Thy bastard, Spurio, rides ahunting on thy horse. Here in this lodge
they meet for love. Your eyes shall witness
their betrayal.
DUKE Is there a hell besides this, villains?
[Kisses the skull.]
[Noise within.]
Oh, what's this?
VINDICI Hark, they're coming.
VINDICI Royal villain, devil!
DUKE Oh, kill me not with that sight!
DUKE What have I kissed?
VINDICI What? Is not thy tongue eaten
out yet? Then we'll silence it. Brother,
stifle the torch.
VINDICI Brother, Place the torch here,
that his eyes may stare into those hollows.
Duke, dost know this face? 'Tis the skull
of Gloriana, whom thou poisoned.
DUKE Treason, murder!
DUKE Who are you?
VINDICI Nay, faith, we'll have you
hushed now with this dagger. Nail down
his tongue, and mine shall keep possession
about his heart: if he but gasp he dies.
And if he closes his eyes, I’ll rip off his
eyelids.
VINDICI I am Vindici, the Revenger.
HIPPOLITO Silence, brother: they come.
DUKE Oh, help me, Hippolito? Treason!
Enter Spurio the bastard meeting the
Duchess. They kiss.
DUKE Oh, it has poisoned me!
VINDICI Why, yes.
19
SPURIO Ah, that was sweet. It had a taste
of sin.
SUPERVACUA Why, was the plan not
my invention, brother?
DUCHESS Why, there's no sweet pleasure
that is not sinful.
AMBITIOSO Sister, 'twas a thing I
thought on too.
SPURIO And yet, such a bitter sweetness
fate hath given me.
SUPERVACUA Oh, you thought on it
too! Slander not your thoughts with
glorious untruth!
DUCHESS Aye, the duke, thy doubtful
father; The thought of him stands between
me and Heaven. I long for his death.
SPURIO Madam, you urge a thought close
to my heart. So deadly do I loathe him, I
would gladly add murder to adultery.
DUCHESS Why, now thou art sociable!
Come, let us go in and feast, then meet back
here to feast again.
AMBITIOSO I say 'twas in my head.
SUPERVACUA Ay, like your brains.
Never to come out as long as you live.
AMBITIOSO Methinks you are much too
bold; you should remember, sister, I am the
next duke.
Now then, this night our younger brother
must get out of prison; I have a trick.
Exeunt.
DUKE My wife and my son. I cannot
watch.
[Vindici stabs the Duke, who dies.]
VINDICI Then die. Gloriana, this is for
thee.
SUPERVACUA A trick? Prithee, what is
it?
AMBITIOSO No, you shall not know it
till it be done, for then you'd swear it were
your idea.
[Enter First Officer, holding a severed
head.]
Exeunt.
SUPERVACUA How now, what's this?
Scene 13: The prison
Enter Ambitioso and Supervacua.
AMBITIOSO Was not this execution
rarely plotted? I am the duke's heir now.
SUPERVACUA Ay, you may thank me
for that.
AMBITIOSO For what?
AMBITIOSO One of the officers. How
now, my friend?
FIRST OFFICER My lord and lady, it is
my thankless office to present you with
your brother’s yet bleeding head.
AMBITIOSO Our sorrows are so fluent,
our eyes o'erflow our tongues.
SUPERVACUA How died he, pray?
20
FIRST OFFICER Oh, full of rage and
spleen!
SUPERVACUA He died most valiantly
then; we're glad to hear it.
FIRST OFFICER But in the stead of
prayer, he drew forth oaths. And even at
his last, he cursed you both.
AMBITIOSO It was not in our powers,
but the duke's pleasure. [Aside to
Supervacua] Finely dissembled on both
sides. Sweet fate.
FIRST OFFICER Delude you, my lords?
SUPERVACUA Ay, villain, where's this
head?
FIRST OFFICER Why, here, my lord.
Just after my lord Lussurioso was freed,
you both came with a warrant from the
duke to behead your brother.
AMBITIOSO Ay, our stepbrother,
Lussorioso.
FIRST OFFICER Lussorioso, my lord,
was released before you came.
Enter Lussurioso.
LUSSURIOSO My brother, my sister.
SUPERVACUA Oh!
LUSSURIOSO Why do you shun me? It is thanks to you I'm free.
AMBITIOSO You are alive!
SUPERVACUA Then whose head's is
that?
FIRST OFFICER His whom you
commanded, your brother's.
AMBITIOSO Our brother's? Oh, furies!
SUPERVACUA Devil! Villain, I'll kill
thee with it!
SUPERVACUA In health!
FIRST OFFICER My lady!
AMBITIOSO We are both amazed with
joy to see it.
SUPERVACUA Faith, we begged thy lord
the duke to spare thee.
[Exit Officer, running.]
SUPERVACUA The devil overtake thee!
AMBITIOSO Oh, vengeance!
AMBITIOSO Oh, how we pleaded!
LUSSURIOSO For which I heartily thank
thee both.
There's none of these wiles that ever come
to good: I see now there is nothing sure in
mortality but mortality. Exit Lussurioso.
Exeunt.
SUPERVACUA Hell and torments!
Scene 14: The palace
AMBITIOSO How dare you delude us?
Enter Lussurioso with Hippolito.
21
LUSSURIOSO Hippolito.
HIPPOLITO My lord, has your good
lordship aught to command me?
LUSSURIOSO I'm angry with you,
Hippolito.
HIPPOLITO With me, my lord? I'm angry
with myself for it.
LUSSURIOSO You did recommend a
goodly fellow to me, and he proved to be a
knave.
HIPPOLITO I chose him for the best, my
lord. 'Tis much my sorrow if neglect in
him, breeds discontent in you.
LUSSURIOSO Neglect? 'Twas lies! He
told me an incredible lie concerning my
stepmother and the bastard Spurio.
HIPPOLITO Fie, my lord!
LUSSURIOSO And I, believing this lie, and
in loyalty to my father grabbed my sword
and in that fury nearly committed treason
on my father's bosom, for which I was
within a stroke of death.
HIPPOLITO Alack, I'm sorry.
VINDICI Why, the easier to be
recognized, my lord.
LUSSURIOSO Go, ere I have thee in
irons.
Exit Vindici.
LUSSURIOSO He has greatly moved me.
But I'll recover: 'twas told me lately,
Hippolito, that you've a brother.
HIPPOLITO Yes, my good lord, I have a
brother.
LUSSURIOSO How is it I have not seen
him at court?
HIPPOLITO He keeps at home full of
want and discontent, cursing the fates,
who he thinks ordained him to be poor.
LUSSURIOSO Bring him to court. With
Piato gone, I need a new man. Perhaps I can
help him.
HIPPOLITO With willingness and speed.
Exit.
LUSSURIOSO This fellow will be of use;
he shall kill Piato that did abuse me and
cause me to commit treason.
Enter Vindici [disguised as Piato].
ANTONIO enters.
VINDICI My honoured lord.
ANTONIO Good days unto your honour.
LUSSURIOSO Away! Prithee forsake us;
Hereafter we'll not know thee.
LUSSURIOSO My lord.
VINDICI Not know me, my lord? Your
lordship cannot choose.
ANTONIO My lord, have you seen thy
father, the duke?
LUSSURIOSO Be gone, I say: thou art a
false knave.
LUSSURIOSO No, is he from court?
22
ANTONIO He is from court. But where,
which way his pleasure took, we know not.
LUSSURIOSO Hippolito.
HIPPOLITO Your lordship.
[Enter the FIRST OFFICER
LUSSURIOSO Who is this?
LUSSURIOSO Here come his guard.
Have you seen my lord and father?
FIRST OFFICER Not since last night, my
lord, he rode forth with some gentlemen.
Some noble gentlemen.
LUSSURIOSO I did not know of this.
FIRST NOBLE ' Oh, twas wondrous
private.
ANTONIO There's none in the court has
any knowledge of it.
LUSSURIOSO His grace is impetuous; 'tis
no treason to say the duke my father has
his humours. He shall return when it
pleases him
HIPPOLITO 'Tis Vindici, my discontented
brother, whom according to your will I've
brought to court.
LUSSURIOSO Is that thy brother? He
has a good presence; I wonder he has been
away from court so long. [To Vindici] Come
nearer.
HIPPOLITO Brother, this is Lord
Lussurioso, the duke’s son.
Vindici snatches off his hat and makes legs
to him.
LUSSURIOSO Be more near to us;
welcome, nearer yet.
VINDICI God give you good evening.
Exeunt.
Scene 15: The palace
Enter Vindici and Hippolito, Vindici out of
his disguise.
HIPPOLITO So, all is as it should be; you
are yourself.
VINDICI How that great villain makes
me change. But, brother, what’s afoot,
what use will he put me to now?
HIPPOLITO I know not: He has some
employment for you, but what it is, he and
his friend, the devil, know best. He comes.
Enter Lussurioso.
LUSSURIOSO We thank thee. How
strangely such a homely salute sounds in
the palace, where we greet in nimble and
desperate tongues; Tis rare to hear the name
of God. Tell me, what has made thee so
melancholy?
VINDICI The evil in the world, my lord.
LUSSURIOSO Evil?
VINDICI Aye, Lust, debauchery,
corruption in the court, deceit. Tis all
around us.
LUSSURIOSO Ah, friend. I share thy
sorrow. The evils at the court are a stench in
the noses of God-fearing men like us.
[Aside] I can use his melancholy; he has wit
23
enough to murder any man, and I'll give
him the reason .
LUSSURIOSO I hate any man would do a
virgin harm, and my eye could not endure
him. I threw him out.
I think thou art ill-monied.
VINDICI Out, villain!
VINDICI Money! Ha! It has been my
want so long, I have forgot what colour
silver is.
LUSSURIOSO [Giving him gold] Then let
me remind thee of gold’s hue.
VINDICI Almost struck blind! I dare
not look till the sun be in a cloud.
LUSSURIOSO My friends, now you shall
truly know my intent; I must tell you of
villain worthy of your vengeful swords,
who hath disgraced you much and injured
us.
LUSSURIOSO In rage I pushed him from
me, I trampled his throat. Indeed I was
too cruel, to say the truth.
HIPPOLITO Most nobly managed.
LUSSURIOSO And in revenge for that, he
presented himself with jewels and lies to
your sister, whose chastity I respect. She is
a paragon among women. Failing there, he
next waylaid your mother, and tried with
bribes to corrupt her.
VINDICI Now I am mad: he shall not live
to see the moon change.
HIPPOLITO Disgraced us, my lord?
LUSSURIOSO Ay, Hippolito. I kept it
close till now that both your angers might
meet him at once.
HIPPOLITO I'm covetous to know the
villain.
LUSSURIOSO Piato is somewhere about
the palace; Hippolito, bring him here, that
thy brother may mark him.
HIPPOLITO My lord, I will see if I can
find him.
Exit Hippolito.
LUSSURIOSO You know him: that
pander, Piato, him that you recommended
to me.
LUSSURIOSO Thy name, I have forgot it.
VINDICI Vindici, my lord.
VINDICI Did you, brother?
LUSSURIOSO 'Tis a good name, that.
HIPPOLITO I did indeed.
VINDICI Ay, a revenger’s name.
LUSSURIOSO Well, that ungrateful villain
ignored my kindness, and took from me
jewels, so that he might corrupt your sister,
Castiza.
LUSSURIOSO It does betoken courage:
thou shouldst be valiant and kill thine
enemies.
HIPPOLITO Oh, villain!
VINDICI That's my hope, my lord.
VINDICI He shall surely die that did it.
LUSSURIOSO Then I'll praise thee. Serve
24
me well, and I’ll praise thee with gold.
Scene 16: The palace
Enter Hippolito.
Enter the Duchess arm in arm with the
bastard Spurio; he seemeth lasciviously to
her. After them, enter Supervacua, running
with a rapier, her brother [Ambitioso] stops
her.
LUSSURIOSO Now, Hippolito, where
is that pander Piato?
HIPPOLITO He's not now to be found,
my lord.
LUSSURIOSO Then our vengeance must
wait for another day. We’ll see him dead,
my friends, fear not.
SUPERVACUA Madam, unlock yourself;
should it be seen, You would be
suspected.
VINDICI Or else let us not live.
DUCHESS Who is it that dares suspect
me? May not we deal our favours where
we please?
HIPPOLOITO We shall not fail.
SPURIO I'm confident you may.
Exit Lussurioso.
Exeunt [Duchess and Spurio].
VINDICI This joke is rare: I'm hired to
kill myself.
AMBITIOSO Hold, sister!
HIPPOLITO True.
SUPERVACUA Will you let the bastard
shame us?
VINDICI And the old duke is dead, but
not yet found.
AMBITIOSO There's fitter time than
now. 'Tis too much seen already.
HIPPOLITO Most true.
SUPERVACUA Seen and known. The
higher our mother rises, the lower she sinks.
A bastard, the duke's bastard! Shame
heaped on shame!
VINDICI Brother, what say you then to
this device, if we dressed up the body of
the duke?
HIPPOLITO In that disguise of yours.
VINDICI You are quick..
HIPPOLITO I like it wondrously.
VINDICI I, too. Now come, let's conjure
that devil out of our mother.
Exeunt.
AMBITIOSO Tis our disgrace.
SUPERVACUO Come, stay not here, let's
follow and prevent, Or else they'll sin
faster than we'll repent.
Scene 17: Vindici's house
Enter Vindici and Hippolito bringing out
their mother Gratiana, with daggers in their
hands.
VINDICI Oh, thou for whom no name is
25
bad enough!
GRATIANA What means my sons? What,
will you murder me?
Brother, it rains, 'twill spoil your dagger;
put it away.
HIPPOLITO 'Tis done.
HIPPOLITO Fiend among women!
GRATIANA Oh, you heavens! Take
this infectious spot out of my soul; Make
my tears salt enough to taste of grace. GRATIANA Oh! Are my sons turned
devils? Am I not thy mother?
VINDICI Nay, I'll kiss you now. Kiss her,
brother.
VINDICI Thou dost usurp that title now
by fraud, for in that shell of mother breeds
a bawd.
HIPPOLITO Let it be. Now come,
Vindici, you forget our business.
VINDICI Wicked, unnatural parent!
HIPPOLITO Did you not try to sell our
sister?
GRATIANA Never!
VINDICI Did not the duke's son direct a
fellow hither, that did corrupt all that was
good in thee, and make thee offer our
sister to his lust?
GRATIANA Farewell, my sons. Pray for
me.
HIPPOLITO Commend us in all virtue to
our sister.
GRATIANA With my best words.
VINDICI Why, that was motherly said.
Exeunt Vindici and Hippolito.
GRATIANA Who, I? I will not be
soiled with this slander. Good son, believe
it not.
VINDICI Believe thee? I was that man.
Do you deny it now?
GRATIANA I wonder now what fury did
transport me? I feel good thoughts begin
to settle in me. Oh, I must beg my
daughter’s forgiveness.
[Enter Castiza led by Dondela.]
GRATIANA Oh, hell unto my soul!
No
tongue but yours could have bewitched me
so.
VINDICI Oh, thou art nimble in
damnation! There is no devil could strike
fire so soon! GRATIANA Oh, sons, Forgive me; to
myself I'll prove more true: You that
should honour me, I kneel to you.
VINDICI Dry your tears, mother.
And here she comes.
DONDELA Madam, she is strange. I fear
she is unwell.
CASTIZA Mother, I have thought upon
your words: I am content.
GRATIANA Content to what?
CASTIZA To do as you have wished me,
26
to prostitute myself to the duke's son.
in chair.
GRATIANA Dondela, go.
VINDICI So, he leans well; take heed you
wake him not, brother.
Exit Dondela.
Daughter, I hope you will not so!
CASTIZA Hope you I will not? What
would you now? Are ye not pleased yet with
me? You shall not wish me to be more
lascivious than I intend to be.
HIPPOLITO Hurry, brother. Lussurioso
comes.
VINDICI Oh, this is a sweet opportunity!
Enter Lussurioso.
Heart, step close, here he comes!
GRATIANA Good child, I am
recovered of that foul disease that haunted
me before. Forgive me; My words were
wickedness.
CASTIZA I wonder what you mean. Are
not you she for whose persuasions I could
scarce kneel out my prayers?
HIPPOLITO My lord?
LUSSURIOSO Vindici, Hippolito; you
both are present?
VINDICI We are, my lord, and so is Piato,
whom you seek.
GRATIANA 'Tis unfruitful, to repeat
what's past; I am again your mother.
LUSSURIOSO Ay, that's the villain. Is he
drunk?
CASTIZA So you would have me deny
advancement, riches, the duke's son?
VINDICI Aye, my lord. Shall we kill
him now? Then he will never live to be
sober.
GRATIANA I spoke those words, and
now they poison me! Daughter, thou
wouldst wish thyself unborn if thou were
unchaste.
CASTIZA Oh, my true mother, let me kiss
thee. I did but this to try thee.
GRATIANA Oh, happy child! Faith and
thy brothers saved me. Be thou a glass for
maids, and I for mothers.
Exeunt.
Scene 18: A room in the palace
Enter Vindici and Hippolito with the Duke's
corpse in Piato's clothes, which they prop up
LUSSURIOSO No matter, let him reel to
hell. Come, be ready with your swords;
think of your wrongs: This knave has
injured you.
VINDICI [Aside] Troth, so he has, And
he has paid well for it.
LUSSURIOSO Quickly, now.
VINDICI They stab the corpse. There he
lies.
LUSSURIOSO Nimbly done. Ha? Oh,
villains, murderers, 'Tis the duke, my
father!
27
VINDICI It cannot be.
SPURIO [Aside] Well, well. Old Dad
dead. What now for Spurio?
LUSSURIOSO What stiff and cold
already? Oh, pardon me to call you names;
'Tis not your deed: that villain Piato,
Whom you thought now to kill, has
murdered him and left him thus disguised.
ANTONIO My lord, we know our duty
here. You father has departed; The titles
that were due to him now are yours.
HIPPOLITO An evil plan!
LUSSURIOSO I cannot speak of these
things now. My grief is too great. [Aside]
At last! Sweet titles.
LUSSURIOSO Faith, thou sayst true;
Antonio! I'll tell the court how here we
found him dead.
Enter Antonio.
My lords, I can think of no words that may
comfort us.
ANTONIO My lord, it is your shine must
comfort us. You're now my lord's grace.
LUSSURIOSO Antonio, be witnesses of a
strange spectacle: We found the duke my
father congealed in blood.
LUSSURIOSO Then heavens give me
grace to be so.
ANTONIO My lord, the duke! I must
startle the court with this news.
VINDICI [Aside] He prays well for
himself.
Exit
ANTONIO Let us bethink the funeral
honours due the duke's cold body.
LUSSURIOSO Oh, sight, look hither! See,
his lips are gnawn with poison! Oh,
villain! Oh, rogue!
LUSSOURIOSO My lords and ladies,
prepare for revels.
HIPPOLITO [Aside] Oh, good deceit!
ANTONIO Revels!
[Enter Antonio with Ambitioso, Supervacua,
Spurio, Duchess]
LUSSURIOSO Joys lift up griefs, feasts
put down funerals. Come then, my lords,
my favours to you all.
AMBITIOSO Where?
LUSSURIOSO Behold, behold, my lords:
The duke my father, murdered by a vassal
that owns this habit, and here left
disguised.
DUCHESS My lord and husband!
SUPERVACUA [Aside to Ambitioso] I
am glad he's dead; so I hope are you.
Exeunt Duke [Lussurioso], [Gentlemen,
Attendants,] and Duchess.
HIPPOLITO [Aside to Vindici] Revels!
VINDICI [Aside to Hippolito] Ay, that's
the word; one strike more and we are done.
Exeunt brothers [Vindici and Hippolito].
SPURIO [Aside] And when the revels
28
end, we’ll see who is Duke.
thunders.
[Exit Spurio.]
VINDICI Thunder? Dost know thy cue?
SUPERVACUA In this time of revels, tricks
may be set afoot. Seest thou the new moon?
It shall out-live the new duke. A masque is
treason's opportunity. You’ll be duke yet.
HIPPOLITO Come, let's away, no
lingering.
Exit [Supervacua and Ambitioso].
Enter Ambitioso, Supervacua, bastard
Spurio, [Lussurioso] recovers a little in
voice and groans, calls treason," at which
they all start out of their measure, and
turning towards the Lussurioso, they find
him to be murdered.
Scene 19: The palace banquet hall
Enter Lussurioso, Antonio, Duchess,
Supervacua, Ambitioso, Spurio, and First
Officer.
Exeunt Hippolito and Vindici.
LUSSURIOSO Treason, a guard!
ANTONIO My you rule wisely, and may
harmonious hours fill up the royal
numbers of your years.
AMBITIOSO How now?
LUSSURIOSO My lords, we're pleased to
thank you. And now, my stepmother, it is
our pleasure that you be banished.
SPURIO Here's a labour saved: I
thought to end him.
DUCHESS Lussurioso! My lord!
AMBITIOSO Lussurioso dead! Then I
proclaim myself: now I am duke.
LUSSURIOSO Farewell.
(Exeunt Duchess with First Officer, Spurio,
Ambitioso, Supervacua]
SUPERVACUA Murdered!
SPURIO Thou, the duke! Brother, thou
liest.
[They fight. Spurio kills AMBITIOSO ]
ANTONIO My gracious lord, please you
prepare for pleasure: The masque is not far
off.
SUPERVACUA Base villain, thou hast
slain my brother!
LUSSURIOSO Then let it begin.
[She makes to kill Spurio, but he stabs her]
Exit Antonio
Enter Vindici and Hippolito.
Enter the Masque of Revengers: the two
brothers Vindici and Hippolito.
VINDICI Treason, murder! Help, guard
my lord the duke!
The Revengers dance. At the end, steal out
their swords and stab Lussurioso. It
[Enter Antonio, First Officer]
29
HIPPOLITO Lay hold upon this traitor!
HIPPOLITO Now the hope of Italy lies
with you, my Lord Antonio.
[First Officer seizes Spurio.]
VINDICI The duke is murdered!
HIPPOLITO Fetch a surgeon! Does he
yet breathe?
VINDICI [Aside] Can he not die and be
done?
FIRST OFFICER How came the duke to
be slain?
SPURIO We found him so.
ANTONIO Away with that foul monster,
dipped in a prince's blood!
SPURIO It was not me!
ANTONIO Let his execution be slow.
[Exit Spurio, guarded.]
VINDICI How fares my lord the duke?
LUSSURIOSO I am slain. Farewell to all;
He that climbs highest has the greatest fall.
VINDICI Air, gentlemen, give him air!
[Whispering] Now thou shalt know this -twas Vindici murdered thee-LUSSURIOSO Oh!
VINDICI Murdered thy father-LUSSURIOSO Oh!
VINDICI And I am he. Shh. Tell
nobody. [Lussurioso dies.] Sir, the duke's
departed.
ANTONIO The burden's weighty and will
press age down; May I so rule that heaven
keeps the crown.
VINDICI The rape of your good lady has
been paid with death.
ANTONIO Heaven’s law is just. But of
all things it puts me most to wonder how
the old duke was murdered.
HIPPOLITO Was it not all for the best,
my lord.
VINDICI All for your grace's good; we
may be bold to speak it now. 'Twas we who
murdered him.
ANTONIO You two?
VINDICI None else, in faith, my lord.
ANTONIO Lay hands upon those
treasonous villains!
[FIRST GUARD seizes Vindici and
Hippolito.]
VINDICI How now? On us?
ANTONIO Bear them to speedy
execution.
VINDICI But was it not for your good, my
lord?
ANTONIO My good! Away with them!
HIPPOLITO We avenged thy lady wife,
and his betrothed!
VINDICI Did we not right thy wrong?
Is there one enemy left alive amongst those?
30
We are not thy foe.
ANTONIO Those who murder must die.
HIPPOLITO Peace, brother. Tis done.
VINDICI Aye. Let me not go a coward to
my death. We're well: our mother is
restored, our sister true. We die after a
nest of dukes. Adieu.
Exeunt [Vindici and Hippolito, guarded].
ANTONIO You that would murder him
would murder me.
[Exeunt omnes.]
31