Classic Audiobook Collection - Mucedorus by William Shakespeare ~ Full Audiobook [comedy]

Episode Date: April 30, 2025

Mucedorus by William Shakespeare audiobook. Genre: comedy In the pastoral kingdom of Aragon, Princess Amadine is courted by the polished courtier Segasto, a match her father favors for reasons of politics and pride. But a stranger arrives with no title to boast of: Mucedorus, the prince of far-off Valencia, traveling in disguise to test love and fortune on his own terms. As he moves between courtly ceremony and the rough freedoms of the countryside, Mucedorus must protect Amadine from sudden dangers, outwit rivals who would claim her hand, and keep his true identity hidden until he can prove his worth. Along the way, the play shifts briskly from high romance to broad, earthy humor, led by comic rustic figures who stumble into the same hazards as their betters and offer a sly mirror to the nobles' ambitions. Mucedorus blends disguise, mistaken judgments, and quick turns of peril into a tale about merit versus status, the risks of desire, and the question of what makes a person truly noble when no one is watching. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 1 (00:23:56) Chapter 2 (00:42:40) Chapter 3 (01:02:32) Chapter 4 (01:19:51) Chapter 5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Act 1 of Muchedorus by William Chexpere. A most pleasant comedy of Muchedorus, the king's son of Valencia, and Amadine the king's daughter of Aragon. The prologue Most sacred majesty, whose great deserts, thy subject England, nay, the world admires. Which heaven grant still increase, O may your praise,

multiplying with your hours your fame still raise. Embrace your counsel, love with faith, them guide, that both as one bent by each other's side. So may your life pass on and run so even, that your firm seal plant you a throne in heaven. Where smiling angels shall your guardians be, from blemished traitors stained with perjury? And as the knights inferior to the day, so be all earthly regions to your servants. sway. Be as the sun today the day to night. For from your beams, Europe shall borrow light. Mears drown your bosom, fair delight your mind, and may our pastime your contentment find. Exit. Dramatis Personi

The King, read by Jim Lark. Rambelo, read by David Purdy. The King of Valencia, read by Anna K. Duller. Mucha Doris, the Prince of Valencia, read by Jake Melitia. Onselmo, read by Allie Dollar. Amadine, the king's daughter of Aragon, read by Jen Broda. Sagasto, a nobleman, read by Larry Wilson. Envi, read by Sonia.

Trimelio, a captain, read by Rob Marland. Rodrigo, read by Rapunzelina. Bremo, a wild man, read by Alan Mapstone. Comedy, read by Joanna, Michael Hoyt. An old woman, read by Scotty Smith. Ariana, Amadine's maid, read by Joanna, Michael Hoyt. Cullen, a counsellor, read by Anna Maria. A messenger, read by Adrian Stevens.

Mouse, the Clown, read by Todd. Stage directions, read by Stefania Vidal. Induction. Enter Comedy Joyful with a Garland of Bass in her hand. Why so, thus do I hope to please. Music revives and mirth is tolerable. Comedy, play thy part and please. make merry them that comes to joy with thee joy then good gentles i hope to make you laugh sound forth balona's silver-tuned strings time fits us well the day and place is ours enter envy his arms naked besmeared with blood

nay stay minion there lies a block what all on mirth i'll interrupt your tail and mix your music with a tragic end what monstrous ugly hag is this that dares control the pleasures of our will vaunt churlish curb smeared with gory blood that seems to decheck the blossoms of delight and stifle the sound of sweet bologna's breath blush monster blush and post away with shame that seeks to disturbance of a goddess's deed post hence thyself thou counter-checking troll i will possess this habit spite of thee and gain the glory of thy wished port, I'll thunder music shall uphold the nymph and make them shiver their clattering strings, flying for soccer to the Dankish

caves. Sound drums within and cry, stabb, stabb! Harken, thou shalt hear a noise shall fill the air with a shrilling sound and thunder music to the gods above. Mars shall himself breathe

down a pierce crown upon brave envy's head, and raise his chival with a lasting fame. In this brave music envy takes delight, where I may see them wallow in their blood to spurn at arms and

legs quite shivered off and he had a cries of many thousand slain. How likes thou this, my troll? To sport alone for me. Vought, bloody Kern, dressed up with tigers sat, and dost so

seek to quail a woman's mind. comedy is mild gentle willing for to please and seeks to gain the love of all estates delighting in mirth mixed all with lovely tales and bringeth things with treble joy to pass thou bloody envious disdainer of men's joy whose name is fraught with bloody stratagems delights in nothing but in spoil and death where thou mayst trample in their lukewarm blood and grasp their hearts within thy cursed paws yet veil thy mind Revenge thou not on me. A silly woman begs it at thy hands. Give me the leave to utter out my play. Forbear this place I humbly crave thee. Hence, and mix not death amongst pleasing comedies that treats not else but pleasure and delight. If any spark of human rests in thee forbear, be gone, tender the suit of me. Why so I will. Forbearance shall be such as treble death Shall cross thee with this bite

And make thee mourn where most thou joyest Turning thy mirth into a deadly dole Whirling their pleasures with a peal of death And drench thy methods In a sea of blood This will I do Thus shall I bear with thee And more to vex thee with a deeper spite

I will with threats of blood Begin thy play Favouring thee with envy and with hate. Then ugly monster do thy worst. I will defend them in despite of thee. And though thou thinkst with tragic fumes to brave my play unto my deep disgrace,

I force it not, I scorn what thou canst do. I'll grace it so thyself, shall it confess, from tragic stuff to be a pleasant comedy. Why then, comedy, sent thy actors forth, and I will cross the first steps of their tread, making them fear the very dart of death. And I'll defend the Mowgr all, I spite, so ugly fiend farewell till time shall serve

that we may meet to parley for the best. Content, comedy, I'll go spread my branch, and scattered blossoms from mine envious tree shall prove to monsters, spoiling of their joys. Exit. Act 1, Scene 1, Valencia. The court. Sound.

Enter Muchadorus and Anselmo, his friend. Anselmo My lord and friend. True, my Anselmo, both thy lord and friend, whose dear affections bosom with my heart, and keep their domination in one orb. Whence near this loyalty shall root it forth, but fate, plant firmer, in your choice, respect.

Much blame were mine, if I should other deem, nor can coy fortune contrary allow. But, my Anselmo, loathe I am to say I must estrange that friendship. Misconstruer not, tis from the realm, not thee. Though lands part bodies, heart keep company. Thou knowest that I imparted often, have private relations with my royal sire, Had, as concerning beauteous Amadeen, rich arrogance bright jewel, Whose face some say that blooming lilies never shone so gay, Excelling not excelled, yet least report does mangle rarity, Boasting of what is not, winged with desire, thither are straight repair,

And be my fortunes as my thoughts are fair. Will you forsake Valencia, leave the court absent? You, from the eye of sovereignty, do not, sweet Prince, I venture on that task, since danger lurks each where. Be one from it. Desist dissuasion. My resolution brooks no battery. Therefore, if thou retain thy wanted form, assist what I intend.

Your miss will breed a blemish in the court, and throw a frosty dew upon that beard whose front Valencia stoops to. If thou my welfare tender, then no more. Let love's strong magic charm thy trivial phrase, Wasted as vainly as to gripe the sun. Augment not then more answers. Lock thy lips, unless thy wisdom sweet me with disguise according to my purpose. That action craves no counsel, since what you rightly are will more command than best usurp to shape. Thou still art opposite its disposition. A more obscure, servile habiliment besiems this enterprise. Then like a Florentine or a mountbank. Tis much too tedious. I dislike

thy judgment. My mind is grafted on an humbler stock. Within my closet does there hang a cassock, though base the weed is, twas a shepherd's, which I presented in Lord Julio's mask. That, my Anselmo, and none else but that, mask Muchodorus from the vulgar view. That habit suits my mind. Fetch me that weed. Exit Anselmo. Better than kings have not disdained that state, and much inferior to obtain their mate. Enter Anselmo with a cheper's coat. So, let our respect command thy secrecy.

At once, a brief farewell. Delator lovers is a second hell. Exit Muchadorus. Prosperity for run thee. Awkward chance, never be a neighbour to thy wishes venture. Content and fame advance thee. Ever thrive and glory thy mortality survive. Act 1, Scene 2, A Forest in Aragon. Enter mouse with a bottle of hay.

Oh, horrible, terrible! Was ever poor gentleman so scared out of his seven senses? A bear? Nay, sure it cannot be a bear, but some devil in a bear's doublet. For a bear could never have had that agility to have frightened them. Well, I'll see my father hanged before I'll serve his horse anymore. Well, I'll carry home my bottle of hay, and for once make my father's horse turn Puritan and observe fasting days, for he gets not a bit, but soft. This way she followed me.

Therefore I'll take the other path, and because I'll have to be sure to have an eye on him, I will take hands with some foolish creditor, and make every step backward. As he goes backwards, the bear comes in, and he tumbles over and runs away and leaves his bottle of hay behind him. Act one, scene three, the same. Enter Sagasto running and Amadine after him, being pursued by a bear.

Oh, fly, madam! Fly, or else we are but dead. Help, Seagasto! Help, sweet Seagosto, or else I die! Alas, madam, there is no way but flight. Then hasten save yourself. Seagasta runs away. Why, then I die. Oh, help me in distress.

Enter Mucedorus like a shepherd with a sword drawn and bears head in his hand. Stay, lady, stay, and be no more dismayed. That cruel beast most merciless and fell which have bereaved thousands of their lives affrighted many with his heart pursues, prying from place to place to find his prey, prolonging thus his life by others' death. His carcass now lies headless, void of breath. That foul deformed monster, is he dead? Assure yourself thereof, behold his head, which, if it please you, lady, to accept, with willing heart I yield it to your majesty. Thanks, worthy shepherd, thanks a thousand times. This

Gift, assure thyself, contends me more than greatest bounty of a mighty prince, although he were the monarch of the world. Most gracious goddess, more than mortal white, your heavenly hue of right imports no less. Most glad am I, in that it was my chance to undertake this enterprise in hand, which doth so greatly glad your princely mind. No goddess shepherd, but a mortal white. A mortal white distressed is thou seest. My father here is king of Aragon. I, Amadine, his only daughter am, and after him sole heir unto the crown. Now, whereas it is my father's will to marry me unto Sagosto, one whose wealth through father's former usury, is known to be no less than wonderful. We both of custom oftentimes did use, leaving the court, to walk within the fields for recreation.

especially in the spring, in that it yields great store of rare delights, and passing further than our wanted walks, scarce were entered within these luckless woods, but right before us, down a steep fall hill, a monstrous ugly bear did high him fast, to meet us both. I faint to tell the rest, good shepherd, but suppose the ghastly looks, the hideous fears, the thousand hundred woes, which at this instant Amadine sustained. Yet, worthy princess, let thy sorrows cease, and let this sight your former joys revive. Believe me, Shepherd, so it doth no less.

Long may they last unto your heart's content. But tell me, lady, what is become of him? Sagasto called. What has become of him? I know not, I, that know the power's divine, But God grant this, that sweet sagosto live. Yet hard-hearted he in such a case, so cowardly to save himself by flight, and leave so brave a princess to the spoil.

Well, shepherd, for thy worthy valor tried, endangering thyself to set me free, unrecompensed, sure thou shalt not be. In court thy courage shall be plainly known, throughout the kingdom will I spread thy name, to thy renown and never die in fame, and that thy courage may be better known. Bear thou the head of this most monstrous beast in open sight to every courtier's view, so will the king my father thee reward. Come, let's away, and guard me to the court. With all my heart.

Accient Act one seen four outskirts of the forest. enterse gasto solus. When heaps of harms to hover overhead, Tis time is then, some say, To look about, End of ensuing harms to choose the least. But hard,

Ye hapless is that wretch's chance. Luckless his lot, And Kato like, accursed, At whose proceedings fortune ever frowns. Myself, I mean most subject unto thrall, For I, the more I seek to shun the worst, the more by proof I found myself accursed. Erewhiles assaulted with an ugly bear, fair Amadine and company all alone, forthwith by flight,

I thought to save myself, leaving my Amadine unto her shifts, for death it was for to resist the bear, and death no less of Amadine's harms to hear. Accursed, I, in lingering life thus long, and living thus each minute of an hour Doth pierce my heart with darts of thousand deaths If she by flight her fury do escape What will she think? Will she not say, yea flatly to my face, accusing me of mere disloyalty?

A trusty friend is tried in time of need, But I, when she in danger was of death And needed me, and cried, Seagosto help? I turned my back and quickly ran away. Unworthy I to bear this vital breath. But what? What needs these plaints? If Amadine do live, then happy I. She will in time forgive and so forget. Amadine is merciful, not Juno-like, in harmful heart to harbor hatred long. Enter Mouse the Clown, Running. Clubs, prongs, pitchforks, bills.

Oh, help. A bear, a bear, a bear, a bear, a bear! Still bears, and nothing else but bears? Tell me, Sarah, where she is. Oh, sir, she is run down the woods. I see her white head and her white belly. Thou talkest of wonders, to tell me of white bears. But, Sirrah, didst thou ever see any such? No, Faith. I never saw any such.

But I remember my father's words. He bade me take heed I was not caught with a white bear. A lamentable tale, no doubt. I'll tell you what, sir. As I was going afield to serve my father's great horse, and carried a bottle of hay upon my head, now do you see, sir? I, fast hoodwinked, that I could see nothing, perceived the bear coming.

I threw my hay into the hedge and ran away. What from nothing? I warned you, yes, I saw something, for there was two loads of thorns beside my bottle of hay, and that made three. But tell me, Sarah, the bear that thou did see, did she not bear a bucket on her arm? I never saw a bear go of milking in my life. But hark you, sir, I did not look so high as her arm. I saw nothing but her white head and her white belly. But tell me, sirrah, where does that well? Why? Do you not know me?

Why, no? How should I know thee? Why, then? You know nobody, and you know not me. I tell you, sir, I am the Goodman Rat, son, of the next parish over the hill. Good man, rat, son, why, what's thy name? Why, I am very kin unto him. I think so, but what's thy name? My name? I have a very pretty name. I tell you what my name is. My name is mouse.

What, a plain mouse? Yes, plain mouse, without either welt or guard. But do you hear, sir, I am but a very young mouse, for my tail is scarce grown out yet. Look you here, else. But I pray thee who gave thee that a name. Vais, sir, I know not that. But if you would fain know, ask my father's great horse,

for he hath been half a year longer with my father than I have. This seems to be a merry fellow. I care not if I take him home with me. Mirth is a comfort to a troubled mind. A merry man, a merry master makes. How say'st thou, sir, will thou dwell with me? Nay, soft, sir. Two words to a bargain.

Pray you, what occupation are you? No occupation. I live upon my lands. Your lands? Away, you are no master for me. Why? Do you think that I am so mad to go seek my living in the lands

amongst the stones, briars, and bushes, and tear my holy day apparel? Not I, by your leave? Why, I do not mean thou shalt. Oh, how, then? Why thou shalt be my man, and wait upon me at the court. What's that?

Where the king lies. What's that same king? A man or woman? A man as thou art. As I am? Hark you, sir, pray you. What kin is he to good man king of our parish, the church warden? No kin to him.

He is the king of the whole land. King of the land? I never see him. If thou wilt dwell with me, thou shalt see him every day. Shall I go home again to be torn in pieces with bears? No, not I. I will go home and put on a clean shirt,

and then go drowned myself. Thou shalt not need. If thou wilt dwell with me, thou shalt want to nothing. Shall I not? Well, then, here's my hand. I'll dwell with you. And hark you, sir, now you have entertained me. I will tell you what I can do.

I can keep my tongue from picking and stealing, and my hands from lying and slandering, I warrant you, as well as ever you had men in all your life. Now will I to court with sorrowful heart, rounded with doubts. If Amadine do live, then happy I. Ye happy I, if Amadine do live. Excient.

End of Act 1. Act 2 of Muchedorus by William Texpeer This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Act 2, Scene 1 The Camp of the King of Aragon Enter the king with a young prince prisoner,

Amadine, Tremelyo with Colin and consulers Now, brave lords are war wars are brought to end, our foes to the foil, and we in safety rest. It us behooves to use such clemency in peace as valor in the war. It is as great honor to be bountiful at home as to be conquerors in the field. Therefore, my lords, the more to my content your liking and your country's safeguard, we are disposed in marriage for to give our daughter to Lord Sagastow here, who shall succeed the diadem after me, and reign hereafter, as I to fore have done, your soul and lawful king of Aragon. What say you, Lordlings, like you of my advice?

And please, Your Majesty, we do not only allow of Your Highness, pleasure. but also vow faithfully in what we may to further it. Thanks, good, my lords. If long adroastus lived, he will at full requite your courtesies. Tremilio, in recompense of thy late valour done, taken to thee the Catalonia prince, lately our prisoner taken in the wars. Be thou his keeper, his ransom shall be thine.

We'll think of it, when leisure shall afford. Meanwhile do use him well. His father is a king. Thanks to your majesty. His usage shall be such as he thereat shall think no cause to grudge. Exxiant Tremelio and Prince.

Then march we on to court and rest our wearied limbs. But Colin, I have a tale and secret kept for thee. When thou shalt hear a watch word from thy king. King, think then some weighty matter is at hand, that highly shall concern our state, then, Colin, look thou be not far from me, and for thy service thou to fore hast done, thy trueth and valor, proud in every point, I shall with bounties thee enlarge, therefore. So guard us to the court.

What so my sovereign doth command me do, with willing mine I gladly yield consent. Excellent. Act two, scene two, the same. Enter Seagasto and the clown with weapons about him. Tell me, sirrah, how do you like your weapons? Oh, very well, very well. They keep my sides warm. They keep the dogs from your shins very well, do they not?

Oh, keep the dogs from my shins. I would scorn, but my shin should keep the dogs from them. Well, Sirrah, leaving idle talk, tell me, dost thou know Captain Tumelio's chamber? Aye, very well, it hath a door. I think so, for so hath every chamber. But dost thou know the man? Oh, forsooth, he hath a nose on his face.

Why so hath everyone? That's more than I know. But doest thou remember the captain that was here with the king even now that brought the young prince prisoner? Oh, very well. Go unto him and bid him come to me. Tell him I have a matter in secret to impart to him. I will, master. A master? What's his name? Why, Captain Tim Melio. Oh, the meal man. I know him very well. He brings meal every single. He brings meal every single.

Saturday. But hark you, master, must I bid him come to you, or must you come to him? No, sir, he must come to me. Hark you, master. How if he not be at home? What shall I do then? Why then thou leavest word with some of his folks? Oh, master, if there be nobody within, I will leave word with his dog. Why, can his dog speak? i cannot tell wherefore doth he keep his chamber else to keep out such nays as thou art nay be lady then go yourself you will go sir will ye not "'Yes, Mary, will I? "'Oh, tis come to my head, "'and I be not within,

"'I'll bring his chamber to you.' "'What, will thou pluck down the king's house?' "'Nay, be lady. "'I'll know the price of it first. "'Master, it is such a hard name. "'I have forgotten it again. "'I pray you, tell me his name.' "'I tell thee, Captain Tammelio.

"'Oh, oh! Captain Treble-Nave. Captain Treble-Nave. Enter Tromelio. How now, Sirah? Dost thou call me? You must come to my master, Captain Treble-Nave. My lord Sir Gastow, did you send for me?

I did Trimelio. Sir, about your business. Ah, Mary. What's that? Can you tell? No, not well. "'A merry, then, I can. Straight to the kitchen-dresser to John the cook,

"'and get me a good piece of beef and brewis, "'and then to the buttery hatch to Thomas the butler "'for a jack of beer, and then for an hour I'll so be labour myself. "'Therefore, I pray you, call me not, "'do you think I have done, I pray you, good master.' "'Well, sir, away.' "'Exit mouse.' Dremelio, this it is. Thou knowest the valor of Sagosto spread through all the kingdom of Aragon,

and such as hath found triumph in favors, never daunted at any time. But now a shepherd is admired at in court for worthiness, and Sagasto's honor laid aside. My will, therefore, is this, that thou dost find some means to work the shepherd's death. I know thy strength sufficient, to perform my desire, and I love no otherwise than to revenge my injuries. It is not the frowns of a shepherd that Tremelio fears, therefore account it accomplished, what I take in hand. Thanks good Tumelio, and assure thyself what I promise that will I perform. Thanks, my good lord, and in good time see where he cometh.

Stand by a while, and you shall see me put in practice your intention. and it drifts, have at thee swain if that I hit thee right. Enter Muchedorus. Viled coward, so without cause to strike a man. Turn, coward, turn, now strike, and do thy worst. Mucidorus killed him. Hold, shepherd, hold, spare him, kill him not. A cursed villain, tell me, what hast thou done?

ah tremelio trusty tremelio i sorrow for thy death and since that thou living didst prove faithful to sagosto so sagosto now living shall honour the dead corpse of tremelio with revenge bloodthirsty villain born and bred to merciless murther tell me how durst thou be so bold at once to lay thy hands upon the least of mine assure thyself thou shalt be used according to the law. Sagasto, cease, these threats are needless. Accus not me of murder, that I have done nothing but in mine own defence. Nay, shepherd, reason not with me. I'll manifest thy fact unto the king, whose doom will be thy death as thou deservest.

What hole mouse come away? Enter mouse. Why, how now? What's the matter? I thought you would be calling before I had done. Come, help, away with my friend. Why, is he drunk? Can not he stand on his feet? No, he is not drunk. He is slain. Flane? No, by lady, he is not flane. He's killed, I tell thee. What? Do you use to kill your friends? I will serve you no longer. I tell thee this shepherd killed him. Oh, did us so. But, master, I will have all his apparel if I carry him away.

Why so thou shalt. Come then, I will help, Mass. Master, I think his mother's song Luby to him he is so heavy. Exciant Segesto and Maus Behold the fickle state of man Always mutable, never at one Sometimes we feed on fancies With the sweet of our desires Sometimes again we feel the heat of extreme misery Now am I in favour

About the court and country Tomorrow those favours will turn to frowns Today I live reverex revenged on my foe. Tomorrow I die. My foe revenged on me. Exit. Act 2, Scene 3, The Forest.

Enter Bremo, a wildman. No passengers this morning, what not one. A chance that seldom doth befall. What, not one? Then lie thou there, and rest, thyself till I have further need. Now, Bremow, sith thy leisure so affords, an endless thing. Who knows not Bremus's strength? Who, like a king, commands within these woods? The bear, the boar, dares not abide my sight, but ace away to save themselves by flight. The crystal waters in

the bubbling brooks when i come by doth swiftly slide away and claps themselves in closets under banks afraid to look old bremo in the face the aged oaks at bremo's breath do bow and all things else are still at my command else what would i rent them in pieces and pluck them from the earth and each way else i would revenge myself Why, who comes here With whom I dare not fight? Who fights with me And doth not die the death? Not one. What favour shows this sturdy stick

To those, that here within These woods are combatants With me? Why, death and nothing else But present death? With restless rage, I wander Through these woods, No creature here but feareth

Bremot's force. man, woman, child, beast and bird, and everything that doth approach my sight, are forced to fall if Bremow once but frown. Come, cudgel, come my partner in my spoils, for here I see this day it will not be. But when it falls that I encounter any, one pat sufficeeth for to work my will. What, come not one? then let's be gone. A time will serve when we shall better speed. Exit Act 2, Scene 4, Aragon, a room of state in the court.

Enter the king, Seagasto, the Shepherd and the Clown with others. Shepherd, thou hast heard, thine, accusers. Merther is laid to thy charge. What canst thou say? Thou hast deserved death. Dread, sovereign, I must needs confess. I slew this captain in mine own defence, Not of any malice but by chance.

But mine accuser hath a further meaning. Words will not here prevail. I seek for justice, and justice craves his death. Shepard, thine own, Confession hath condemned thee, sir taken away, do him to execution straight. So he shall, I warrant him. But do you hear Master King?

He is akin to a monkey. His neck is bigger than his head. Come Sirrah away with him, and hang him about the middle. Yes, forsooth, I warrant you. Come on, sir. Ah, so like a sheep. butter a look. Enter Amadine and a boy with a bear's head.

Dread sovereign and well-beloved sire, unbended knees I crave the life of this condemned shepherd, which heretofore preserved the life of thy sometime distressed daughter. Preserve the life of my sometime distressed daughter? How can that be? I never knew the time we're in. The worst distressed. I never knew the day but that I had.

have maintained thy state, as best seemed the daughter of a king. I never saw the shepherd until now. How comes it then that he preserved thy life? Once walking with Sagasto in the woods, further than our accustomed manner, was right before us. Down a steep fall hill, a monstrous ugly bear doth high him fast to meet us both. Now whether this be true, I refer it to the credit of Sagosto. Most too, and like your majesty. How then? The bear, being eager to obtain his prey,

made forward to us with an open mouth, as if he meant to swallow us both at once. The sight whereof did make us both to dread, but specially your daughter, Amadine, who, for I saw no sucker incident, but in Sagosto's valor, I grew desperate, and he, most coward-like, began to fly,

left me distressed to be devoured of him, How say you, Sagosto, is it not true? His silence verifies it to be true, what then? Then I amazed, distressed, all alone, did Jaime fast escape that ugly bear, but all in vain for, why, he reached after me, and hardly I did off to escape his paws, till at the length the shepherd came and brought to me his head. Come hither, boy.

Lo, here it is, which I present unto your majesty. The slaughter of this bear deserves great fame. The slaughter of a man deserves great blame. Indeed, occasion oftentimes so falls out. Trimelio in the wars, O king, preserved thee. The shepherd in the woods, O king, preserved me. Trimelio fought when many men did yield.

So would the shepherd, had he been in field? So would my master, had he not run away? Tremelio's force saved thousands from the foe. The shepherd's force would have saved thousands more. Aye, shipsticks, nothing else. Suggesta ceased to accuse the shepherd. His worthiness deserves a recompense. All we are bound to do the shepherd good.

shepherd whereas it was my sentence thou shouldst die so shall my sentence stand for thou shalt die thanks to your majesty but soft sagaster not for this offense long mayest thou live and when the sisters shall decree to cut in twain the twisted threat of life then let him die for this i set thee free and for thy valor i will honor thee thanks to your majesty Come, daughter, let us now depart To honor the worthy valor Of the shepherd with our rewards Excent Oh, master, hear you You have made her fresh hand Now you would be slow, you

Why, what will you do now? You have lost me a good occupation by the means Faith, Master, now I cannot hang the shepherd, I pray you, Let me take the pains to hang you It is but half an hour's exercise. You are still in your knavery, but Sith I cannot have his life. I will procure his banishment forever. Come on, Sarah.

Yes, forsooth, I come. Laugh at him, I pray you. Excent. End of Act 2. Act 3 of Muchedorus by William Shakespeare. This is a Libre Box recording. All Libre Box recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org.

Act 3, Scene 1, Grove near the court. Enter Muchedorus, Solus. From Amadeen and from her father's court, with gold and silver and with rich rewards flowing from the banks of golden treasuries. More may I boast and say, but I was never shepherd in such dignity. Enter the messenger and the clown. All hail, worthy shepherd. All rain, lowly shepherd.

Welcome, my friends, from whence come you. The king and Amadine greets thee well, and after greeting stunned bids thee depart the court. Shepherd begone. Whose words are these? Came these from Amadine? I, from Amadine. I, from Amadine.

Ah, luckless fortune, worse than Thaeton's tale. My former bliss has now become my bail. What, wilt thou poison thyself? My former heaven is now become my hell. The worst alehouse that I ever came in in all my life. What shall I do? Even go hang thyself half an hour. Can Amadine so churlishly command to banish the shepherd from her father's court?

What should the shepherds do in the court? What should shepherds do amongst us? Have we not lords enough on us in the court? Why shepherds are men, and kings are no more. Shepherds are men and masters over their flock. That's a lie. Who pays them their wages then? Well, you are always interrupting of me, but you are best look to him, lest you hang for him when he is gone. Exit.

The clown sings. And you shall hang for company, for leaving me alone. Shepard stand forth and hear thy sentence. Shepherd be gone within three days in pain of my displeasure. Shepherd be gone, shepherd be gone, be gone, be gone, shepherd, shepherd, shepherd. Exit. And must I go? And must I need to depart?

Ye, goodly groves, partakers of my songs in time too-for when fortune did not frown, pour forth your plaints, and wail a while with me. And thou bright sun, my comfort in the cold, hide, hide thy face, and leave me comfortless. Ye wholesome herbs, and sweet-smelling favours, ye each thing else prolonging life of man. Change, change your wanted course, that I, wanting your aid in woeful sort may die. Enter Amadine and Ariana, her maid. Ariana, if anybody ask for me, make some excuse till I return.

What don't Sagasto call? Do thou the like to him. I mean not to stay long. Exit Ariana. This voice so sweet, my pining spirits revives. Shepherd, well met. Tell me how thou doest. I linger life, yet wish for speedy death. Shepard, although thy banishment already be decreed, and all against my will, yet Amadine. Ah, Amadine, to hear of banishment is death. I double death to me, but since I must depart one thing I crave.

Say on with all my heart. That in absence, either far or near, you honour me as service. with your name. Not so. And why? I honor thee, as sovereign, with my heart. A shepherd and a sovereign, nothing like. Yet like enough where there is no dislike.

Yet great dislike, or else no banishment. Shepherd, it is only sagosto that procures thy banishment. Unworthy whites are most in jealousy. Would God they would free thee from banishment, or likewise, banish me. Amen, say I, to have your company. Well, shepherd, sith thou suffer as this for my sake. With thee in exile, also let me live. On this condition, shepherd, thou canst love.

No longer love, no longer let me live. Of late I loved one indeed. Now love I none, but only thee. Thanks, worthy princess, I born likewise. yet smother up the blast, I dare not promise what I may perform. Well, shepherd, hark what I say. I will return unto my father's court, therefore to provide me of such necessities as for our journey I shall think most fit.

This being done, I will return to thee. Do thou therefore appoint the place where we may meet? Down in the valley where I slew the bear, and there doth grow a fair broad-branched beach that overshades a well. So who comes first, let them abide the happy meeting of us both. How like you this? I like it very well. Now, if you please, you may appoint the time.

Full three hours hence, God willing, I will return. The thanks that Paris gave the Grecian queen. The like doth Muchedorus yield. Then Muchadorus, for three hours, farewell. Exit. Your departure, lady, breeds a privy pain. Exit. Act three, scene two, the court.

Enter Seagastel, Solus. Tis well, Seagastal, that thou hast thy will. Should such a shepherd, such a simple swain as he, eclips the credit famous through the court, No, plie, Seagostal, ply. Let it not in Erdogan be said, A shepherd has Seagostal's honor one. Enter mouse the clown, calling his master. What hall, master, will you come away? Will you come hither? I pray you, what's the matter?

Why? Is it not past eleven o'clock? How then, sir? I pray you. Come away to dinner. I pray you come hither. There's such a do with you. Will you never come? I pray you, sir, what news of the message I sent you about. I tell you all the messes be on the table already.

There wants not so much as a mess of mustard half an hour ago. Come, sir, your mind is all upon your belly. You have forgotten what I did bid you do. Faith, I know nothing. but you bade me go to breakfast. Was that all? Of faith, I have forgotten it. The very scent of the meat has made me forget it quite.

You have forgotten the errant I bid you do. What arrant? An arrant knave or arid whore. Why thou knave, did I not bid thee banish the shepherd? Oh, the shepherd's bastard. I tell thee, the shepherd's banishment. I tell you, the shepherd's bastard shall be well kept. I'll look to it myself, else.

But I pray you, come away to dinner. Then you will not tell me whether you have banished him or no. Why, I cannot say banishment. And you would give me a thousand pounds to say so. Why, you horse and slave, have you forgotten that I sent you and another to drive away the shepherd? What an ass are you? Here's a stir indeed. Here's message, errant, banishment, and I cannot tell what. I pray you, sir, shall I know whether you have drove him away?

Faith, I think I have. And you will not believe me, ask my staff. Why can thy staff tell? Why, he was with me, too. Then happy I that have obtained my will. And happier I, if you would go to dinner. Kamsara, follow me. I warrant you. I will not lose an interview now you're going to dinner. I promise you, I thought seven years before I could get him away.

Excient. Act three, scene three, the forest. Enter Amadine, Sola. God grant my long delay procures no harm, nor this tarryin frustrate my priest. Tense. My moochadores surely stays for me, and thinks me over long. At length I come, my present promise to perform. Ah, what a thing is firm, unfeigned love. What is it which true love dares not tempt? My father he may make, but I must match. Sagosto loves, but Amadine must like where likes her best. Compulsion is a thrall. No, no, the hearty choice.

is all in all. The shepherd's virtue Amadina steams. But what? Me thinks my shepherd is not come. I muse at that. The hour is sure at hand. Well, here all rest till Mucadorus come. She sits her down. Enter Bremu, looking about, Hustily taketh whole of her. A happy prey. Now, Bremo, feed on flesh. Dainty. Bremow, dainties, thy hungry punch to fill. Now glut thy greedy guts with lukewarm blood. Come, fight with me. I long to see thee dead.

How can she fight that weapons cannot wield? What? Canst not fight? Then lie thou down and die. What, must I die? What needs to? these words. I thirst to suck thy blood. Yet pity me and let me live a while. Now pity I, I'll feed upon thy flesh. I'll tear thy body piecemeal joint from joint.

Ah, now I want my shepherd's company. I'll crush thy bones betwixt two oaken trees. Haste, shepherd, haste, or else thou comst too late. I'll suck the sweetness from thy merry bones. A spare, a spare to shed my guiltless blood. With this my bat, I will beat out thy brains. Down, down, I say, prostrate thyself upon the ground. Then Wuchodorus, farewell. Well, my hoped joys farewell.

Yay, farewell life, and welcome present death. She kneels. To thee, O God, I yield my dying ghost. Now, Bremow, play thy part. How now, what sudden chance is this? My limbs do tremble and my sin you shake. My unweakened arms Have lost their former force

Ah, Bremow, Bremow, What a foil hast thou That yet at no time ever wast afraid To dare the greatest gods To fight with thee His strikes And now want strength For one down driving blow

Ah, how my courage fails when I should strike. Some new-come spirit, abiding in my breast, said, Spare her, Bremow, spare her, do not kill. Shall I spare her, which never spared any? To it, Bremow, to it, say again. I cannot wield my weapons, in my hand.

Methinks I should not strike so fair a one. I think her beauty hath bewitched my force or else within me altered nature's course. Aye, woman,

wilt thou live in the woods with me? Fain would I live, yet loath to live in woods. Thou shalt not choose it shall be as I say, and therefore follow me. Exit. Act three, scene four, the same. Enter Mushedorus, Solus.

It was my will an hour ago and more, as was my promise for to make return. But other business hindered my pretense. It is a world to see when man appoints, and purposely one certain thing, decrees, how many things may hinder his intent? What one would wish, the same is farthest off. But yet the appointed time cannot be passed, nor hath her presence yet prevented me. Well, here I'll stay and expect her coming. They cry within. Hold him, stay him, hold. Someone or other is pursued, no doubt. Perhaps some search for me.

Tis good to doubt the worst, therefore I'll be gone. Exit. Act three, scene five, the same. Cry within. Hold him, hold him. Enter mouse the clown with a pot. Hold him, hold him. Hold him. There's a stir indeed. Here came Hugh after the crier, and I was set close at Mother Nipp's house, and there I called for three pots of ale, as tis the manner of us courtiers. Now, sirrah, I had taken the maidenhead of two of them. Now, as I was lifting up the third to my mouth, there came,

Hold him, hold him. Now, I could not tell whom to catch hold on, but I am sure I caught one, perchance a may be in this pot. Well, I'll see. Hmm, I cannot see him yet. Well, I'll look a little further. "'Mas, he is a little slave, if it be here. "'Why, here's no body.'

"'Oh, this goes well yet, "'but if the old trot should come for her pot, "'I, Mary, there's the matter, "'but I care not. "'I'll face her out, "'and call her old rusty, dusty, dusty, musty, "'fusty, crusty firebrand. "'And worse than all that,

And so face her out of her pot. But soft. Here she comes. Entered the old woman. Come on, you knave. Where's my pot, you knave? Go look your pot. Come not to me for your pot to her good for you.

Thou liest, thou knave. Now ask my pot. You lie and you say it. I, your pot. I know what else. say. Why, what wilt thou say? But say I have him, and thou darest. Why, thou knave, thou hast not only my pot, but my drink unpaid for. You lie like an old, I will not say whore. Does thou call me a whore? I'll cap thee for my pot. Cap me and thou darest. Search me whether I have it or not.

She searches him, and he drinketh over her head, and casts down the pot. She stumbles at it. Then they fall together by the ears. She takes her pot and goes out. Exit. Enter Sagastu. Oh, now, Sarah, what's the matter? Oh, flies, master.

Flies. Flies? Where are they? Oh, here, master, all about your face. Why thou liest, I think thou art mad. Why, master, I have killed a Duncartful at the least. Go, Tussar, leaving this idle talk, give ear to me. Oh, give you one of my ears, not, and you were ten masters.

Why, sir, I bid you give ear to my words. I tell you, I will not be made or curtail for no man's pleasure. I tell thee, attend what I say. Go thy way straight and rear the whole town. How? Rear the town? Even to go yourself. It is more than I can do. Why, do you think I can rear a town that can scarce rear a pot of ale to my head? I should rear a town, should I not? Go to the custable and make a privy search, for the shepherd is run away with the king's daughter. Oh, is the shepherd run away with the king's daughter? Or is the king's daughter run away with the king's daughter, or is the king's daughter run away with the shepherd. I cannot tell, but they are both gone together. What a fool is she to run away with

the shepherd. Why, I think I am a little handsomer man than the shepherd myself. But tell me, master, must I make a privy search, or search in the privy? Why, doest thou think they will be there? I cannot tell. Well, then search everywhere. Leave no place unsearched for them. Exit. Oh, now am I in office. Now will I to that old Firebrand's house, and will not leave one place unsearched. Nay, I'll do her ale stand and drink as long as I can stand,

and when I have done, I'll let out all the rest, to see if he be not bid in the barrel. And I find him not there, I'll do the cupboard. I'll not leave one corner of her house unsearched. Ye faith, ye all crossed, I will be with you now. Exit. End of Act 3. Act 4 of Muchedorus by William Texpere.

This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Act 4, Scene 1. Valentia, the Kurt. Sound music. Enter the King of Valencia, Anselmo, Rodrigo, Lord Boracius, with others.

Enough of music is but adds to torment. Delights to vexed spirits are as dates set to a sickly man, which rather cloy than comfort. Let me entreat you to entreat no more. Let your strings sleep have done there. Let the music cease. Mourth to a soul disturbed are imbers turned, which sudden gleam with molestation, but sooner lose their sight forth.

Tis gold bestowed upon a rioter which not relieves but murders him. Tis a drug given to the helpful, which infects, not cures. How can a father that has lost his son, a prince, both wise, virtuous and valiant, take pleasure in the idle acts of time? No, no, till Musadorus I shall see again. All joy is comfortless, all pleasure, pain. Your son, my lord, is well. I pray thee, speak that thrice.

The prince, your son, is safe. O where, Anselmo, sir, fit me with that. In Eragon, my liege. And at his parcher bound my secrecy, by his affectionous love, not to disclose it, But care of him and pity of your age makes my tongue blab what my breast vowed concealment. Thou not deceivest me.

I ever thought thee what I find thee now, an upright, loyal man. But what desire or young-fed humor nursed with the brain drew him so privately to Ergon? A forcing adamant, love, mixed with fear, and doubtful jealousy, whether a port gilded, a worthless chunk, or Amadine, deserves her high exaltment. See our provision be in readiness. Collect us followers of the comelyest hue. For our chief guardians wield thither wind. The crystal eye of heaven shall not thrice wink,

nor the green flood six times his shoulders turn, till we salute the Argonian king. Music speak loudly now. This season's apt, for former dollars are in pleasure-wrapped. Excent Omnis Act 4, Scene 2, The Forest Enter Mucadorus to disguise himself. Now Mucodorus, whither wilt thou go?

Home to thy father, to thy native soil, Or try some long abode within these woods? Well, I will hence depart, and hie me home. What, hi me home, said, that may not be. In Amadine rest my felicity. Then Mucodorus, do as thou did decree, attire thee hermit-like within these groves walk often to the beach and view the well make settles there and seat thyself thereon and when thou feel'st thyself to be a thirst then drink a hearty draught to amadine no doubt she thinks on thee and will one day come pledge thee at this well come habit thou art fit for me he disguised himself no shepherd now a hermit i must be me thinks this fits me very well.

Now must I learn to bear a walking staff and exercise some gravity with all. Enter the clown. Here's throw the wads, and throw the wads, to look out a shepherd and a stray king's daughter. But soft, who have we here? What art thou? I am a hermit.

An emmit? I never saw such a big emmet in all my life before. I tell you, sir, I am a hermit, one that leads a solitary life within these woods. Oh, I know thee now. Thou art he that eats up all the hips and haws. We could not have one piece of fat bacon for thee all this year. Thou dost mistake me, but I pray thee, tell me what dost thou seek in these woods. What do I seek? For a stray king's daughter run away with a shepherd. A stray king's daughter run away with a shepherd.

Wherefore canst thou tell? Yes, that I can. Tis this. My master, and Amadine, walking one day abroad, nearer to these woods than they were used, about what I cannot tell, but toward them comes running a great bear. Now my master, he played the man and ran away.

and young Amadine crying after him. Now sir comes me a shepherd and strikes off the bear's head. Now, whether the bear were dead before or no, I cannot tell, for bring twenty bears before me and bind their hands and feet and I'll kill them all. Now ever since, Amadine has been in love with a shepherd. And, but good will, she's even run away with a shepherd. What manner of man was he? Canst describe him unto me? Scribe him? I, I warrant you, that I can. I was a little, low, broad, tall, narrow, big, well-favored fellow, a jerkin of white cloth, and buttons of the same cloth.

Thou describes him well, but if I chance to see any such, pray you where shall I find you, or what's your name? My name is called Master Mouse. Oh, Master Mouse. I pray you what office might you bear in the court. I am a rusher of the stable. Oh, usher of the table. Nay, I say rusher, and I'll prove mine office good. Why, look, sir, when any comes from under the sea or so,

and a dog chance to blow his nose backward, then with a whip I give him the good time of the day, and straw rushes presently. Therefore I am a rusher, a high office I promise ye. But where shall I find you in the court? Why, where it is best being, either in the kitchen eating

or in the buttery drinking. But if you come, I will provide for thee a piece of beef and bruis, knuckle deep and fat. Pray you, take pains, and remember, Master Mouse. Exit.

Aye, sir, I warrant I will not forget you. Ah, Amadine, what should become of thee? Whither shouldst thou go so long unknown? With watch and ward, each passage is beset, so that she cannot long escape unknown. Doubtless she hath lost herself within these woods, and wandering to and fro she seeks the well, which yet she cannot find, therefore will I seek her out. Exit. Act four, sing three. The same. Enter Brimo and Amadine. Amadine? How like you, Bremow and his woods?

As like the woods of Bremo's cruelty. Though I were dumb and could not answer him, the beast themselves would with relenting tears bewail thy savage and unhumane deeds. My love, why dost thou murmur to thyself? Speak louder, for the menaceous. Bremow hears thee not. My Bremow, no, the shepherd is my love.

Have I not saved thee from sudden death, giving thee leave to live that thou might's love? And dost thou wet me on to cruelty? Come kiss me, sweet, for all my favour has passed. I may not, Bremow, and therefore pardon me. See how she flings away from me. I will follow and give a rend to her. Deny my love. Ah, worm of beauty, I will chastise thee.

Come, come, prepare thy head upon the block. Oh, spare me, Bremow, love should limit life, not to be made a murderer of himself. If thou wilt glut Thy loving heart with blood Encounter with the lion or the bear And like a wolf, pray not upon a lamb. Why then dost thou repain at me?

If thou wilt love me, thou shall be my queen. I will crown thee with a chaplet made of ivy And make the rose and lily wait on thee. I'll rend the burly branches from the oak to shadow thee from burning sun, the trees shall spread themselves where thou dost go, and as they spread,

I'll trace along with thee. Amadin, aside. You may, for who but you? Thou shalt be fed with quails and partridges, with blackbirds, larks, thrushes, and nightingales. Thy drink shall be goat-smell, and crystal water, distilled from the fountains and the clearest springs, and all the dainties that the woods afford,

I'll freely give thee to obtain thy love. Amadine, aside. You may, for who but you? The day I'll spend to recreate my love with all the pleasures that I can devise, and in the night I'll be thy best. fellow, and lovingly embrace thee in mine arms. Amadine, aside. One may, so may not you.

The satyrs and the wood-nymphs shall attend on thee, and lull thee asleep with music's sound. And in the morning when thou dost awake, the lark shall sing good morn to my queen, and whilst he sings, I'll kiss my Amadine. Amadim, aside. You may, for who but you? When thou are up, the woodlains shall be strawed with violets, cow slips, and sweet marigolds for thee to trample and to trace upon.

And I will teach thee how to kill the deer, to chase the heart and how to rouse the heart, and how to rouse the row. If thou wilt live to love and honour me. Amadine, aside. You may. For who but you? Enter Muchadorus. Welcome, sir.

An hour ago I looked for such a guest. Be merry wench, we'll have a frolic feast. He is flesh enough to suffice us both. Stay, Sira. Will thou fight or dost thou yield to die? I want a weapon. How can I fight? Thou wants a weapon. Why then thou yields to die? I say not so. I do not yield to die.

Thou shalt not choose. I long to see thee dead. Yet spare him, Bremow, spare him. Away, I say, I will not spare. spare him. Yet give me leave to speak. Thou shalt not speak. Yet give him leave to speak for my sake. Speak on, but be not over long. In time of yore, when men like brutish beasts did lead their lives in loathsome cells and woods, and wholly gave themselves to witless will, a rude unruly rout, then man to man became a present prey, then might prevailed, the weakest went to wars. Right was unknown, for wrong was all in all. As men thus lived in this great outrage,

behold one Orpheus came, as poets tell, and them from rudeness unto reason brought, who led by reason soon forsook the woods. instead of caves, they built them castles strong. Cities and towns were founded by them then. Glad were they, they found such ease, and in the end they grew to perfect amity. Weighing their former wickedness, they termed the time wherein they lived then a golden age, a goodly golden age. Now, Bramo, for so I hear thee called, if men which lived to fore as thou dost now,

whiley in wood, addicted, all to spoil, returned were by worthy Orpheus's means, let me, like Orpheus, cause thee to return from murder, bloodshed, and like cruelty. What, should we fight before we have a cause? No, let's live and love together faithfully. I'll fight for thee. Fight for me or die. Or fight or else thou diest. Hold, Bremow, hold

O way I say, thou troublest me. You promised me to make me your queen. I did, I mean no less. You promised that I should have my will. I did, I mean no less. Then save this hermit's life, for he may save us both. At thy request I will spare him, but never any after him. Say, Hermit, what canst thou do?

I'll wait on thee, some time upon the queen. Such service shalt thou shortly have, as Bramo never had. Exeunt. Act four, scene four, the court. Enter Seagasto, the clown, and rombello. Come, sirs. What, shall I never have you find out, Amadine and the shepherd? And I have been through the woods,

and through the woods, and could see nothing but an emet. Why, I see a thousand Emmets. Thou meanest a little one? Nay, that Emmet that I saw was bigger than thou art. Bigger than I? What a fool have you to your man. I pray you, Master, turn him away. But dost thou hear?

Was he not a man? I think he was, for he said he did lead a salt-sower life. about the woods. Thou would it say a solitary life about the woods. I think it was so, indeed. I thought what a fool thou art. Thou art a wise man. Why, he did nothing but sleep since he went.

But tell me, Mouse, how did he go? In a white gown, and a white hat on his head, and a staff in his hand. I thought so. It was a hermit that walked a solitary life. a solitary life in the woods. Well, get you to dinner, and after never leave seeking till you bring some news of them, or I'll hang you both. Exit.

How now, Rombello? What shall we do now? Faith, I'll home to dinner, and afterward to sleep. Why, then, thou wilt be hanged. Faith, I care not, for I know I shall never find them. Well, I'll once more abroad. and if I cannot find them, I'll never come home again. I'll tell thee what, Rumbello.

Thou shalt go in at one end of the wood and I at the other. And we will meet both together at the midst. Content. Let's away to dinner. Excient. End of Act 4. Act 5 of Muchedorus by William Chexpere. This is a LibriVox recording. All Libre Box recordings are in the past.

domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Act 5, Scene 1, The Forest. Enter Muchedorus Solus. Unknown to any here within these woods, with bloody Bramo do I lead my life? The monster, he doth murder all he meets, he spareth none, and none doth him escape. Who would continue? Who but only I, in such a, cruel cutthroats company. Yet Amadine is there. How can I choose? Ah, silly soul! How often times she sits and sighs and calls. Come, shepherd, come, sweet Muchodorus come and set me free. When Moutoros presents her by. But here she comes. Enter Amadine. What news, fair lady, as you walk these words?

Ah, hermit, none but bad, and such as thou knowest. How do you like your bramo and his woods? Not my bremo, nor bremo his woods. And why not yours, methinks he loves you well? I like him not. His love to me is nothing worth. Lady, in this, me thinks you offer wrong. To hate the man that ever loves you best. Aw, hermit, I take no pleasure in his love.

Neither yet doth Brimmo like me best. Pardon my boldness, fair lady, Sith we both may safely talk now out of Bramo's sight. Unfold to me, if so you please, the full discourse, how, when, and why you came into these woods and fell into this bloody butcher's hands. Hermit I will, have a lateworthy shepherd I did love. A shepherd, lady.

Sure a man unfurred, fit to match with you. Hermit, this is true. And when we had... Stay there, the wild man comes. Refer the rest until another time. Enter Brimo. What secret tale is this?

What whispering have we ear? Villain, I charge thee, tell thy tale again. If needs I must, lo, here it is again. when, as we both had lost the sight of thee, it grieved us both, but especially thy queen, who in thy absence ever fears the worst, least some mischance before your royal grace. Shall my sweet brame wander through the woods, toil to and fro for to redress my want, hazard his life, and all to cherish me, I like not this, quoth she. And thereupon, craved to know of me,

if I could teach her hand or weapons well. My answer was I had small skill therein, but glad, most mighty king, to learn of thee. And this was all. What so? None can dislike of this. I'll teach you both to fight, but first, my queen, begin.

Here, take this weapon. See how. there can't use it. This is too big. I cannot wield it in my arm. Is so? We'll have a naughty crab tree staff for thee. But, Sirrah, tell me, what say'st thou?

With all my heart, I willing am to learn. Then take my stuff and see how cats wield it. First, teach me how to hold it. my hand. Thou holdest it well. Look how he doth. Thou m'st the sooner learn. Next, tell me how and when tis best to strike.

Tis best to strike when time doth serve. Tis best to lose no time. Muchedorus, aside. Then now or never is my time to strike. And when thou strike is, Be sure thou hit the head. The head. The very head.

Then have it dine. He strikes him down head. So lie there and die. A death no doubt according to desert. Or else are worse, as thou deservest are worse. It glads my heart this tyrant's death to see. Now, lady, it remains in you to end the tale you lately had begun, being interrupted by this wicked white.

You said you loved a shepherd. I, so I do, and none but only him, and will do still as long as life shall last. But tell me, lady, Sith, I set you free. What course of life do you intend to take? I will disguised, wander through the world, till I have found him out. How if you find your shepherd in these woods?

Ah, none so have. happy than is Amadine. He disclosed himself. In tract of time, a man may alter much. Say, lady, do you know your shepherd well? My muchodorus, hath he set me free? Muchedoras, he hath set thee free. And lived so long unknown to Amadine. I, that's a question, whereof you may not be resolved. You know that I am banished from the court. I know likewise each passage is, beset, so that we cannot long escape unknown. Therefore my will is this, that we return right through the thickets to the wild man's cave, and there a while live on his provision until the search and narrow watch be passed.

This is my counsel, and I think it best. I think the very same. Come, let's begone. Enter the clown who searches and falls over the wild man, and so carry him away. Nay, soft, sir. Are you here? A bot's on you. I was like to be hanged for not finding you. We would borrow a certain stray king's daughter of you. A wench, a wench, sir, we would have. A wench of me. I'll make thee eat my sword. Oh, Lord, nay, and you are so lusty. I'll call a cooling card for you.

Oh, master, master, come away quickly. Enter Segasto. What's the matter? Look, master. Damadine and the shepherd. Oh, brave. What minion have I found you out? Nay, that's a lie.

I found her out myself. Thou gadding, his wife. What cause has thou to go abroad? When is thou knowest our wedding-torn? Yea is so nigh. Not so, sagosto. No such thing in hand. Show your assurance, then I'll answer you. Thy father's promise, my assurance is.

But what he promised he hath not performed. It rests in thee for to perform the same. Not I. And why? So is my will, and therefore even so. Master, with a nony-nony-no. I, wicked villain, art thou here? What needs these words? We weigh them not.

We weigh them not, proud shepherd. I scorn thy company. We'll not have a corner of thy company. I scorn not thee, nor yet the least of thine. That's a lie. I would have killed me with his pug's nando. This doubtness Amadeem contends me not. Then seek another that may you better please. Well, Amadine, it only rests in thee without delay to make thy choice of three. There stands Seagasto, here a shepherd stands.

There stands the third, now make thy choice. A lord, at least I am. My choice is made, for I will none but thee. A worthy mate no doubt for such a wife. And, Amadine, why wilt thou none but me? I cannot keep thee, as thy father did. I have no lands for to maintain thy state. Moreover, if thou mean to be my wife, commonly this must be thy use. To bed at midnight, up at four, drudge all day and trudged from place to place whereby our daily vitil for to win. And last of all, which is the worst of all, no princess then, but plain a shepherd's wife. then god gi you go morrow goodly shepherd it shall not need if amadine do live thou shalt be crowned king of aragon oh master laugh when he's a king then i'll be a queen then know that which ne'eretofore was known i am no shepherd no aragonian i but born of royal blood my fathers of valencia king my mother queen, who for thy secret sake took this hard task in hand.

Ah, how I joy, my fortune is so good. Well, now I see, Seagost shall not speed. But Musadorus, I as much do joy to see thee here within our court of Aragon, as if a kingdom had befain me. This time, I, with my heart, surrender it to thee. He giveth her unto him. and lose what right to Amadeen I have. What a barn's door, and born where my father was constable.

How bouts on thee? How dost thee? Thanks, Sagasto, but yet you leveled at the crown. Master, bear this and bear all. Why so, sir? He says you take a goose by the crown. Go to, sir, away, boast you to the king. king, whose heart is fraught with careful doubts. Glad him up and tell him these good news, and we will follow as fast as we may.

I go, master, I run, master. Excient. Act five, scene two. Open place near the court of the king of Aragon. Enter the king and calling. Break heart and end my paled woes. My Amadeen, the comfort of my life, how can I joy except she were in sight? Her absence breeds sorrow to my soul, and with a thunder breaks my heart in twain.

Forbear those passions, gentle king, and you shall see t'will turn unto the best, and bring your soul to quiet and to joy. such joy as death i do assure me that and not but death unless of her i hear and that with speed i cannot sigh thus long but what a tumult do i hear within they cry within joy and happiness i hear a noise of overpassing joy within the court my lord be of good comfort and here comes one in haste enter the clown running A king, a king, a king! Why, how now, sirrah? What's the matter? Oh, tis news for a king. It is worth money.

Why, sir, thou shalt have silver and gold if it be good. Oh, tis good, tis good. Amadine. Oh, what of her? Tell me, and I will make thee a knight. How was bright? No, my lady, I will not be a sprite. Masters, get you away.

If I be a sprite, I shall be so lean, I shall make you all afraid. Thou sot, the king means to make thee a gentleman. Why, I shall want peril. Those shall not want for nothing. Then stand away, trick up thyself. Here they come. Enter Segasto, Machedorus, and Amadine. My gracious father, pardon thy disloyal daughter. What do mine eyes behold?

My daughter, Amadine, rise up, dear daughter, and let these, my embracing arms, show some token of thy father's joy, which ever since thy departure hath languished in sorrow. Dear father, never were your sorrows greater than my griefs. Never you so desolate as I comfortless, yet nevertheless, acknowledging myself to be the cause of both, on bended knees, I humbly crave your pardon. I'll pardon thee, dear daughter, but as for him. Ah, father, what of him? As sure as I am a king, and wear the crown, I will revenge on that accursed wretch. Yet, worthy prince, work not thy will in wrath, show favour.

I, such favour as thou deserveest. I do deserve the daughter of a king. O impudent, a shepherd, and so insolent. No shepherd, I, but a worthy prince. In fair conceit, not princely born? Yes, princely born, my father is a king. my mother, queen, and of Valencia, both. What, Musa Doris?

Welcome to our court. What cause hast thou to come to me disguised? No cause to fear, I cause no offence. But this. Desiring thy daughter's virtues for to see, disguised myself from out my father's court. Unknown to any, in secret, I did rest, and passed many troubles near to death so hath your daughter my partaker been as you shall know hereafter more at large desiring you you will give her to me even as mine own and sovereign of my life then shall i think my travels are well spent

with all my heart but this sagaster claims my promise made afore that he should have her as his only wife before my counsel when we came for more sagaster may i crave thee let it pass and give amadeen as wife to musador's with all my heart were it far a greater thing and what i may to furnish up their rights with pleasing sport and pastimes you shall see Thanks, good sagasta, I will think of this. Thanks, good, my lord, and while I live, account of me in what I can or may. And good, sagosto, these great courtesies shall not be forgot. Why, hark you, master. Bones, what have you done? What, given away the wench you made me take such pains for?

You are wise indeed, mass, and I had not. known of that I would have had her myself, Faever. Master, now we may go to breakfast with a wood-coke pie. Go, sir, you were best leave this knavery. Come on, my lords, let's now to court, where we may finish up the joyfulness day that ever happed to a distressed king, whereabouts thy father the Valencia Lord present in view of this combining knot. I shout with him.

Enter a messenger. What shout was that? My lord, the great Valencia king, newly arrived, and treats your presence. My father. Prepared welcomes give him entertainment. A happier planet never rained than that, which governs at this hour. Sound. Enter the king of Valencia, Anselmo, Rodrigo, Boracius with others.

The king runs and embraces his son. Rise, honor my age, food to my rest. Condem not, mighty king of Aragon, my rude behavior, so compelled by nature that manor stood unacknowledged. What we have to recite, would tedious prove by declaration, therefore in and feast. Tomorrow the performance shall explain what words conceal. Till then, drums speak, bells ring, give plosive welcomes to our brother king. Sound drums and trumpets, exeant omnes. End of Act 5.

Epilogue. Enter comedy and envy. How now envy? What, blushest thou already? Peep forth, not thy head with shame, but with a courage praise a woman's deeds. Thy threats were vain, thou couldst do mean, hurt. Although thou seemed to cross me with despite, I overwhelmed and turned upside down thy block, and made thyself to stumble at the same. Though stumbled, yet not overthrown, thou canst not draw my heart to mildness, yet must thy needs confess thou hast done well, and played thy part with mirth and pleasant glee. Say all this, yet canst thou not conquer me,

although this time thou hast got yet not the conquest neither a double revenge another time i'll have envy spit thy gall plot work could drive create new fallacies team from thy womb each minute a black traitor whose blood and thoughts have twins conception study to act deeds yet uncronigled cast native monsters in the moulds of men

cast vicious devils under sainted roshets. Unhasp the wicket where all perjords roost, and swarm this ball with treasons, do thy worst. Thou canst not, Hellhound, cross my star to-night, nor blind that glory where I wish delight. I can. I will.

Nefarious hag begin, and let us tug till one the mastery win. Comedy thou art a shallow goose, I'll overthrow thee. in thine own intent, and make thy fall my comic merriment. Thy policy wants gravity. Thou art too weak. Speak, fiend, as how. Why thus? From my foul study will I hoist a wretch, a lean and hungry, meagre cannibal, whose jaws swell to his eyes with choying malice, and him I'll make a poet. What's that to the

purpose? This scrambling raven with his needy beard will I wet on to write a comedy, wherein shall be composed dark sentences, pleasing to factious brains, and every other where place me a jest whose high abuse shall more torment than blows. Then I myself, quicker than lightning, will fly me to a puissant magistrate, and waiting with a trench at his back, in midst of jollity rehearse those galls with some additions so lately vented

in your theatre he upon this cannot but make complaint to your great danger or at least restrained I laugh to hear thy folly this is a trap for boys not men nor such especially

deserptful in their doings whose staid discretion rules their purposes I and my faction do eschew those vices. But see, oh see, the weary sun for rest hath laid his golden compass to the west, where he perpetual abide and ever shine, as David's offspring in his happy climb. Stoop envy, stoop, bow to the earth with me. Let's beg our pardons on our bended knee. They kneel.

My power has lost her might. Envy's states expired. yon splendid majesty hath felled my sting and i amazed em fall down and quake glorious and wise arch caesar on this earth at whose appearance envies stroken dumb and all bad things cease operation vouchsafe to pardon our unwilling error so late presented to your gracious view and will endeavour with excessive pain to please your senses in a choicer strain thus we commit you to the arms of night whose spent wrangled carcass would, for your delight, strive to excel the day. Be blessed, then. Who other wishes let him never speak. Amen.

To fame and honor, we commend your rest. Live still more happy. Every hour, more blessed. Finis. End of Act 5. End of Muchedorus by William Texpeer.