Sir Clyomon and Sir Clamydes

by Anonymous

Prologue

As lately lifting up the leaves of worthy writers’ works,

Wherein the noble acts and deeds of many hidden lurks,

Our author he hath found the glass of glory shining bright,

Wherein their lives are to be seen which honor did delight,

To be a lantern unto those which daily do desire

Apollo’s garland by desert in time for to aspire;

Wherein the froward chances oft of fortune you shall see,

Wherein the cheerful countenance of good successes be,

Wherein true lovers findeth joy with hugy heaps of care,

Wherein as well as famous facts, ignomious placed are,

Wherein the just reward of both is manifestly shown,

That virtue from the root of vice might openly be known.

And doubting naught right courteous all, in your accustomed wont

And gentle ears, our author he is prest to bide the brunt

Of babblers’ tongues, to whom he thinks as frustrate all his toil,

As pearls taste to filthy swine which in the mire doth moil.

Well, what he hath done for your delight, he gave not me in charge:

The actors come, who shall express the same to you at large.

[Exit.

Scene i

Enter Clamydes.

Clamydes

As to the weary wandering wights whom waltering waves environ,

No greater joy of joys may be, then when from out the ocean

They may behold the altitude of billows to abate,

For to observe the longitude of seas in former rate,

And having then the latitude of sea-room for to pass,

Their joy is greater through the grief than erst before it was;

So likewise I, Clamydes, Prince of Suavia, noble soil,

Bringing my bark to Denmark here, to bide the bitter broil

And beating blows of billows high, while raging storms did last,

My griefs was greater then might be, but, tempests overpassed,

Such gentle calms ensued hath as makes my joys more,

Through terror of the former fear, than erst it was before.

So that I sit in safety, as sea-man under shrouds

When he perceives the storms be past, through vanishing of clouds;

For why

The doubtful care that drave me off, in danger to prevail,

Is dashed through bearing lesser brain and keeping under sail,

So that I have through travail long at last possessed the place

Whereas my bark in harbor safe doth pleasures great embrace,

And hath such license limited, as heart can seem to ask,

To go and come, of custom free or any other task:

I mean by Juliana she, that blaze of beauty’s breeding,

And for her noble gifts of grace, all other dames exceeding;

She hath from bondage set me free, and freed, yet still bound

To her above all other dames that live upon the ground;

For had not she been merciful, my ship had rushed on rocks,

And so decayed amids the storms through force of clubbish knocks;

But when she saw the danger great, where subject I did stand

In bringing of my silly bark full-fraught from out my land,

She like a meek and modest dame—what should I else say more?—

Did me permit with full consent to land upon her shore,

Upon true promise that I would, here faithful still remain,

And that perform which she had vowed for those that should obtain

Her princely person to possess, which thing to know I stay,

And then adventurously for her, to pass upon my way.

Lo where she comes! Ah peerless dame, my Juliana dear!

Enter Juliana with a white shield.

Juliana

My Clamydes! of troth, sir prince, to make you stay thus here

I proffer too much injury, that’s doubtless on my part;

But let it no occasion give to breed within your heart

Mistrust that I should forge or feign with you my love in aught.

Clamydes

No, lady, touching you in me doth lodge no such a thought,

But thanks for your great courtesy, that would so friendly here

In mids of misery receive a foreign stranger mere.

But lady, say what is your will, that it I may perstand.

Juliana

Sir prince,

Upon a vow who spouseth me must needsly take in hand

The flying serpent for to slay, which in the forest is,

That of Strange Marvels beareth name; which serpent doth not miss,

By daily use from every coast that is adjacent there,

To fetch a virgin maid, or wife, or else some lady fair,

To feed his hungry paunch withal, if case he can them take;

His nature, lo, it only is of women spoil to make:

Which thing, no doubt, did daunt me much, and made me vow indeed,

Who should espouse me for his wife should bring to me his head;

Whereto my father willingly did give his like consent:

Lo, Sir Clamydes, now you know what is my whole intent;

And if you will, as I have said, for me this travail take,

That I am yours with heart and mind, your full account do make.

Clamydes

Ah lady,

If case these travails should surmount the travails whereby came

Unto the worthies of the world such noble bruit and fame,

Yea, though the dangers should surpass stout Hercules his toil,

Who, fearing naught the dogged fiend, stern Cerberus did foil;

Take here my hand, if life and limb the living gods do lend,

To purchase thee the dearest drop of blood my heart shall spend:

And therefore, lady, link with me thy loyal heart for aye,

For I am thine till fates untwine of vital life the stay,

Protesting here, if gods assist, the serpent for to kill.

Juliana

Then shalt thou of all women win the heart and great good-will,

And me possess for spoused wife, who in election am

To have the crown of Denmark here as heir unto the same;

For why no children hath my sire besides me but one other,

And he, indeed, is heir before for that he is my brother,

And Clyomon so hight his name; but where he doth remain,

Unto my parents is unknown, for once he did obtain

Their good-wills for to go abroad, a while to spend his days

In purchasing through active deeds both honor, laud, and praise,

Whereby he might deserve to have the order of a knight:

But, this omitting, unto thee, Clamydes, here I plight

My faith and troth, if what is said by me thou dost perform.

Clamydes

If not,

Be sure, O lady, with my life I never will return.

Juliana

Then as thou seem’st in thine attire a virgin’s knight to be,

Take thou this shield likewise of white, and bear thy name by me—

The White Knight of the Silver Shield—to elevate thy praise.

[Gives shield.

Clamydes

O lady, as your pleasure is, I shall at all assays

Endeavor my good-will to win, if Mars do send me might,

Such honor as your grace with joy shall welcome home your knight.

Juliana

Then farewell, my dear Clamydes: the gods direct thy way,

And grant that with the serpent’s head behold thy face I may!

Clamydes

You shall not need to doubt thereof, O faithful dame so true!

And humbly kissing here thy hand, I bid thy grace adieu.

[Exit Juliana.

Ah happy time and blissful day, wherein by fate I find

Such friendly favors as is food to feed both heart and mind!

To Suavia soil I swiftly will prepare my footsteps right,

There of my father to receive the order of a knight,

And afterwards address myself, in hope of honor’s crown,

Both tiger fell and monster fierce by dint for to drive down.

The flying serpent soon shall feel how boldly I dare vaunt me;

And if that Hydra’s head she had, yet dread should never daunt me;

If murdering Minotaur a man might count this ugly beast,

Yet for to win a lady such I do account it least

Of travails toil to take in hand; and therefore, farewell care,

For hope of honor sends me forth ‘mongst warlike wights to share.

[Exit.

Scene ii

Enter Sir Clyomon, Knight of the golden Shield, son to the King of Denmark, booted. Subtle Shift, the Vice, within, also booted.

Clyomon

Come on good fellow, follow me, that I may understand

Of whence thou art, thus traveling here in a foreign land;

Come, why dost thou not leave loitering there and follow after me?

Subtle Shift

[within] Ah, I am in and’t shall please you!

Clyomon

In! why, where art thou in?

Subtle Shift

Faith, in a dirty ditch with a wanion, so berayed as it’s pity to see.

Clyomon

Well, I see thou art a merry companion, I shall like better of thy company:

But, I pray thee, come away.

Subtle Shift

[within] If I get out one of my legs, as fast as I may.

Ha lo! ah my buttock! the very foundation thereof doth break;

Ha lo! once again, I am as fast as though I had frozen here a week.

Here let him flip unto the stage backwards, as though he had pulled his leg out of the mire, one boot off, and then rise up to run in again.

Clyomon

Why how now! whither runn’st thou? art thou foolish in thy mind?

Subtle Shift

But to fetch one of my legs and’t shall please, that I have left in the mire behind.

Clyomon

One of thy legs! why, look, man, both thy legs thou hast!

It is but one of thy boots thou hast lost, thy labor thou dost wast.

Subtle Shift

But one of my boots! Jesu, I had such a wrench with the fall,

That, I assure, I did think one of my legs had gone withal.

Clyomon

Well, let that pass, and tell me what thou art, and what is thy name,

And from whence thou cam’st, and whither thy journey thou dost frame,

That I have met thee by the way, thus traveling in this sort.

Subtle Shift

What you have requested, and’t shall please, I am able to report,

What I am by my nature each wight shall perceive

That frequenteth my company by the learning I have:

I am the son of Apollo, and from his high seat I came;

But whither I go, it skills not, for Knowledge is my name,

And whoso hath knowledge, what needs he to care

Which way the wind blow, his way to prepare?

Clyomon

And art thou Knowledge? Of troth, I am glad that I have met with thee.

Subtle Shift

I am Knowledge, and have as good skill in a woman as any man whatsoever he be,

For this I am certain of, let me but lie with her all night,

And I’ll tell you in the morning whether she is maid, wife, or sprite;

And as for other matters, speaking of languishes or any other thing,

I am able to serve, and’t shall please, and’t were great Alexander the King.

Clyomon

Of troth, then, for thy excellency, I will thee gladly entertain,

If in case that with me thou wilt promise to remain.

Subtle Shift

Nay, and’t shall please ye, I am like to a woman, say nay, and take it:

When a gentleman proffers entertainment, I were a fool to forsake it.

Clyomon

Well, Knowledge, then sith thou art content my servant to be,

And endued with noble qualities thy personage I see,

Thou having perfect knowledge how thyself to behave,

I will send thee of mine errand; but haste thither, I crave,

For here I will stay thy coming again.

Subtle Shift

Declare your pleasure, sir, and whither I shall go, and then the case is plain.

Clyomon

Nay, of no great importance, but being here in Suavia

And near unto the court, I would have thee to take thy way

Thither with all speed, because I would hear

If any shows or triumphs be towards, else would I not come there;

For only upon feats of arms is all my delight.

Subtle Shift

[aside] If I had known so much before, serve that serve will, I would have served no martial knight.—

Well, sir, to accomplish your will, to the court I will hie,

And what news is there stirring, bring word by and by.

Clyomon

Do so, good Knowledge, and here in place thy coming I will stay,

For nothing doth delight me more than to hear of martial play.

[Exit Subtle Shift.

Can food unto the hungry corps be cause of greater joy

Than for the haughty heart to hear, which doth itself employ

Through martial exercises much to win the bruit of fame,

Where mates do meet which thereunto their fancies seems to frame:

Can music more the pensive heart or daunted mind delight,

Can comfort more the careful corps and over-palled sprite,

Rejoice, then sound of trumpet doth each warlike wight allure,

And drum and fife unto the fight doth noble hearts procure,

To see in sunder shivered the lance that leads the way,

And worthy knights unbeavered in field amidst the fray?

To hear the rattling cannons roar, and hilts on helmets ring,

To see the soldiers swarm on heaps, where valiant hearts doth bring

The cowardly crew into the case of careful captives’ band,

Where ancients brave displayed be and won by force of hand?

What wight would not as well delight as this to hear and see,

Betake himself in like affairs a fellow mate to be

With Clyomon, to Denmark King the only son and heir,

Who of the Golden Shield as now the knightly name doth bear

In every land since that I foiled the worthy knight of fame,

Sir Samuel, before the king and prince of martial game,

Alexander called the Great; which when he did behold,

He gave to me in recompense this shield of glittering gold,

Requesting for to know my name, the which shall not be shown

To any knight unless by force he make it to be known;

For so I vowed to Denmark King, my father’s grace, when I

First got his leave that I abroad my force and strength might try,

And so I have myself behaved in city, town, and field,

That never yet did fall reproach to the Knight of the Golden Shield.

Re-enter Subtle Shift, running.

Subtle Shift

God’s ames, where are you, where are you? And you be a man, come away.

Clyomon

Why, what is the matter, Knowledge? To tell thy errand stay.

Subtle Shift

Stay! What talk you of staying? Why, then, all the sight will be past:

Clamydes the king’s son shall be dubbed knight in all hast.

Clyomon

Ah Knowledge, then come indeed, and good pastime thou shalt see!

For I will take the honor from him that dubbed I may be:

Upon a courageous stomach, come, let us haste thither.

Subtle Shift

Lead you the way and I’ll follow; we’ll be both made knights togither.

[Exit Clyomon.

Ah sirrah, is my master so lusty or dares he be so bold?

It is no marvel then, if he bear a shield of gold:

But, by your patience, if he continue in this business, farewell master than,

For, I promise you, I intend not very long to be his man,

Although under the title of Knowledge my name I do feign,

Subtle Shift I am called, that is most plain;

And as it is my name, so it is my nature also

To play the shifting knave wheresoever I go.

Well, after him I will—but, soft now! If my master chance to be lost,

And any man examine me, in telling his name I am as wise as a post:

What a villain was I that, ere he went, could not ask it!

Well, it’s no great matter, I am but half bound, I may serve whom I will yet.

[Exit.

Scene iii

Enter the King of Suavia with the Herald before him, Clamydes, and three Lords.

King of Suavia

Come, Clamydes, thou our son, thy father’s talk attend.

Since thou art prest thy youthful days in prowess for to spend,

And dost of us the order ask of knighthood for to have,

We know thy deeds deserves the same, and that which thou dost crave

Thou shalt possess: but first, my son, know thou thy father’s charge,

And what to knighthood doth belong, thine honor to enlarge;

Unto what end a knight is made that likewise thou mayst know,

And bear the same in mind also, that honor thine may flow

Amongst the worthies of the world to thy immortal fame.

Know thou, therefore, Clamydes dear, to have a knightly name

Is, first, above all other things, his God for to adore

In truth, according to the laws prescribed to him before;

Secondly, that he be true unto his lord and king;

Thirdly, that he keep his faith and troth in every thing;

And then before all other things that else we can commend,

He be always ready prest his country to defend;

The widow, poor, and fatherless, or innocent bearing blame,

To see their cause redressed right a faithful knight must frame;

In truth he always must be tried: this is the total charge,

That will receive a knightly name his honor to enlarge.

Clamydes

O father, this your gracious counsel given to me your only son,

Shall not be in oblivion cast till vital race be run.

What way doth win Dame Honor’s crown, those paths my steps shall trace,

And those that to Reproach doth lead, which seeketh to deface

True Honor in her regal seat, I shall detest for aye,

And be as utter enemy to them both night and day.

By flying force of flickering fame your grace shall understand

Of my behavior, noble sire, in every foreign land;

And if you hear by true report, I venture in the barge

Of Wilfulness, contrary this your grace’s noble charge,

Let Ignomy to my reproach, instead of Lady Fame,

Sound through the earth and azure skies the strained blast of shame,

Whereby within Oblivion’s tomb my deeds shall be detained,

Where otherwise of Memory the mind I might have gained,

So that the den of Darksomeness shall ever be my chest,

Where worthy deeds prefer each wight with honor to be blessed.

Enter, behind, Clyomon and Subtle Shift.

King of Suavia

Well, Clamydes, then kneel down, according as is right,

That here thou mayst receive of me the order of a knight.

Here let him kneel down, Clyomon with Subtle Shift watching in place, and as the King doth go about to lay the mace of his head, let Clyomon take the blow, and so pass away presently.

Subtle Shift

Now prepare yourself, or I’ll be either a knight or a knave.

Clyomon

Content thyself, Knowledge, for I’ll quickly him deceive.

King of Suavia

The noble order of a knight, Clamydes, unto thee

We give through due desert, wherefore see that thou be,

Both valiant, wise, and hardy—

Subtle Shift

Away now quickly, lest we be take tardy.

King of Suavia

Ah stout attempt of baron bold, that hath from this my son,

The knighthood ta’en! My lords, pursue ere far he can he run.

[Pursue him and bring in Shift.

Ah Clamydes, how art thou bereft of honor here!

Was like presumption ever seen, that one, a stranger mere,

Should come in presence of a prince, and ‘tempt as he hath done,

To take the knighthood thus away, from him who is his son?

Clamydes

Ah father, how am I perplexed, till I revenged be,

Upon the wretch which here hath ta’en the honor thus from me!

Was ever any one deceived of knighthood so before?

King of Suavia

Well Clamydes, my lords return; stay till we do know more.

Enter Shift, brought in by the two Lords who pursued Clyomon.

First Lord

O king, the knight is fled and gone, pursuit prevaileth nought;

But here his slave we taken have to tell why this he wrought.

King of Suavia

Ah cruel grudge that grieves my ghost! shall he escape me so?

Shall he with honor from my son, without disturbance go?—

Ah catiff thou, declare his name, and why he ventured here:

Or death shall be thy guerdon sure, by all the gods I swear.

Subtle Shift

Ah, and’t shall please you, I know neither him, his country nor name.

Second Lord

What, what sir? are not you his servant? will you deny the same?

King of Suavia

Nay, then you are a dissembling knave, I know very well.

Subtle Shift

And’t shall please your grace, even the very troth I shall tell:

I should have been his servant when we met togither,

Which was not full three hours before we came hither.

King of Suavia

Well, what is his name, and of what country, declare?

Subtle Shift

That cannot I tell, and’t shall please you: you never saw servant in such care

To know his master’s name, neither in town nor field,

And what he was, he would [not] tell, but the Knight of the Golden Shield.

King of Suavia

Well, Clamydes, mark my charge, what I to thee shall say,

Prepare thyself for to pursue that traitor on his way,

Which hath thine honor reft from thee, and, either by force of hand

Or love, his name and native soil see that thou understand,

That I may know for what intent, he bare this grudge to thee,

Else see thou never dost return again to visit me;

For this imports him for to be of valiant heart and mind,

And therefore do pursue thy foe until thou dost him find,

To know his name and what he is, or as I said before,

Do never view thy father I in presence any more.

Clamydes

Well, father, sith it is your charge, and precept given to me,

And more for mine own honor’s sake, I frankly do agree

To undertake the enterprise, his name to understand,

Or never else to show my face again in Suavia land.

Wherefore I humbly do desire the order to receive,

Of knighthood, which my sole desire hath ever been to have:

It is the name and mean whereby true honor is achived:

Let me not, then, O father dear, thereof be now deprived,

Sith that mine honor cowardly was stolen by caitiff he,

And not by dint of dastard’s deed, O father, lost by me!

King of Suavia

Well, Clamydes, then kneel down: here in our nobles’ sight,

We give to thee that art our son the order of a knight;

But, as thou wilt our favor win, accomplish my desire.

Clamydes

Else never to your royal court, O father, I’ll retire.

King of Suavia

Well, then, adieu, Clamydes dear: the gods thine aider be!

But come, my lords, to have his hire, that caitiff bring with me.

Subtle Shift

Alas and’t shall please you, I am Knowledge, and no evil did pretend!

Set me at liberty; it was the knight that did offend.

Clamydes

O father, sith that he is Knowledge, I beseech your grace set him free;

For in these affairs he shall wait and tend on me,

If he will protest to be true to me ever.

Subtle Shift

Ah noble Clamydes, here’s my hand, I’ll deceive you never!

Clamydes

Well, then, father, I beseech your grace grant that I may have him.

King of Suavia

Well, Clamydes, I am content, sith thou, my son, dost crave him:

Receive him therefore at my hands.—My lords, come, let’s depart.

All the Lords

We ready are to wait on you, O king, with willing heart.

[Exeunt [all except Clamydes and Subtle Shift].

Clamydes

Well, Knowledge, do prepare thyself, for here I do protest,

My father’s precepts to fulfill, no day nor night to rest

From toilsome travel till I have revenged my cause aright

On him who of the Golden Shield now beareth name of knight;

Who of mine honor hath me robbed in such a cowardly sort

As for to be of noble heart it doth him not import.

But, Knowledge, to me thy service run thou must with loyal heart profess.

Subtle Shift

Use me that all other villains may take ensample by me, if I digress.

Clamydes

Well, then, come follow speedily, that him pursue we may.

Subtle Shift

Keep you before, and’t shall please you, for I mind not to stay.

[Exit Clamydes.

Ah sirrah Shift, thou wast driven to thy shifts now indeed!

I dreamed before that untowardly I should speed;

And yet it is better luck then I looked to have:

But as the proverb saith, good fortune ever happeneth to the veriest knave:

And yet I could not escape with my master, do what I can:

Well by this bargain he hath loft his new serving-man.

But if Clamydes overtake him now, what buffets will there be!

Unless it be four miles off the fray, there will be no standing for me.

Well after him I will; but howsoever my master speed,

To shift for myself I am fully decreed.

[Exit.

Scene iv

Enter King Alexander the Great, as valiantly set forth as may be, and as many [Lords and] Soldiers as can.

King Alexander

After many invincible victories and conquests great achieved,

I, Alexander, with sound of fame, in safety am arrived

Upon my borders long wished-for of Macedonia soil,

And all the world subject have through force of warlike toil.

O Mars, I laud thy sacred name! and, for this safe return,

To Pallas’ temple will I wend, and sacrifices burn

To thee, Bellona, and the rest, that warlike wights do guide,

Who for King Alexander did such good success provide.

Who bows not now unto my beck? my force who doth not fear?

Who doth not of my conquests great, throughout the world hear?

What king as to his sovereign lord doth now not bow his knee?

What prince doth reign upon the earth which yields not unto me

Due homage for his regal mace? what country is at liberty?

What dukedom, island, or province else, to me now are not tributary?

What fort of force, or castle strong, have I not battered down?

What prince is he that now by me his princely seat and crown

Doth not acknowledge for to hold? not one the world throughout

But of King Alexander’s power they all do stand in doubt:

They fear as fowls that hovering fly from out the falcon’s way;

As lamb the lion, so my power the stoutest do obey:

In field who hath not felt my force where battering blows abound?

King or keysar, who hath not fixed his knees to me on ground?

And yet, Alexander, what art thou? thou art a mortal wight,

For all that ever thou hast got or won by force in fight.

First Lord

Acknowledging thy state, O king, to be as thou hast said,

The gods, no doubt, as they have been, will be thy shield and aid

In all attempts thou tak’st in hand, if case no glory vain

Thou seekest, but acknowledging thy victories and gain

Through the providence of sacred gods to happen unto thee,

For vain is trust that in himself man doth repose we see;

And therefore lest these victories which thou, O king, hast got

Should blind thine eyes with arrogancy, thy noble fame to blot,

Let that victorious Prince his words of Macedon thy sire,

T’acknowledge still thy state, O king, thy noble heart inspire;

Who, after all his victories triumphantly obtained,

Lest that the great felicity of that which he had gained,

Should cause him to forget himself, a child he did provide,

Which came unto his chamber-door, and every morning cried,

“Philip, thou art a mortal man!” This practice of thy sire,

Amidst all these thy victories, thy servant doth desire,

O Alexander, that thou wilt emprint within thy mind,

And then, no doubt, as father did, thou solace sweet shall find.

King Alexander

My lords

Your counsel doubtless I esteem, and with great thanks again

I do requite your courtesy, rejecting—this is plain—

All vain glory from my heart; and since the gods divine

To us above all other kings this fortune doth assign,

To have in our subjection the world for most part,

We will at this our home-return, with fervent zeal of heart,

In Pallas’ temple, to the gods such sacrifices make

Of thankfulness for our success, as they in part shall take

The same a gratulation sufficient from us sent:

Come, therefore, let us homewards march t’ accomplish our intent.

All the Lords

We ready are, most famous king, to follow thee with victory.

King Alexander

Then sound your drums and trumpets both, that we may march triumphantly.

[Exeunt.

Scene v

Enter Sir Clyomon, Knight of the Golden Shield.

Clyomon

Now, Clyomon, a knight thou art, though some perhaps may say,

Thou cowardly cam’st to Clamydes and stole his right away.

No, no,

It was no cowardly part, to come in presence of a king,

And in the face of all his court to do so worthy a thing;

Amidst the mates that martial be, and stern knights of his hall,

To take the knighthood from their prince even maugre of them all,

It gives a guerdon of good-will to make my glory glance;

When warlike wights shall hear thereof, my fame they will advance:

And where I was pretended late to Denmark King, my sire,

His royal grace to see, homeward to retire,

Now is my purpose altered by bruit of late report;

And where fame resteth to be had, thither Clyomon will resort.

For, as I understand by fame, that worthy prince of might,

The conqueror of conquerors, who Alexander hight,

Returning is to Macedon from many a bloody broil,

And there to keep his royal court now after weary toil;

Which makes the mind of Clyomon with joys to be clad,

For there, I know, of martial mates is company to be had.

Adieu, therefore, both Denmark King and Suavia Prince beside:

To Alexander’s court I will; the gods my journey guide!

Enter Clamydes and Shift.

Clamydes

Come, Knowledge, here he is.—Nay, stay, thou cowardly knight,

That, like a dastard, cam’st to steal away my right.

Clyomon

What, what? you rail, sir princox-prince, me coward for to call.

Subtle Shift

And’t shall please you, he is a coward; he would have hired me, amidst your father’s hall,

To have done it for him, being himself in such fear

That scarcely he durst before your presence appear.

Clyomon

Why, how now, Knowledge! what, forsake thy master so soon?

Subtle Shift

Nay, master was, but not master is; with you I have done.

Clamydes

Well for what intent camest thou my honor to steal away?

Clyomon

That I took aught from thee, I utterly denay.

Clamydes

Didst not thou take the honor which my father to me gave?

Clyomon

Of that thou hadest not, I could thee not deprave.

Clamydes

Didst not thou take away my knighthood from me?

Clyomon

No, for I had it before it was given unto thee;

And having it before thee, what argument canst thou make

That ever from thee the same I did take?

Subtle Shift

That’s true; he received the blow before at you it came,

And therefore he took it not from you, because you had not the same.

Clamydes

Well, what hight thy name? let me that understand;

And wherefore thou traveled’st here in my father’s land,

So boldly to attempt in his court such a thing?

Clyomon

The bolder the attempt is, more fame it doth bring:

But what my name is desirest thou to know?

Subtle Shift

Nay he hath stolen sheep I think, for he is ashamed his name for to show.

Clamydes

What thy name is I would gladly perstand.

Clyomon

Nay that shall never none know, unless by force of hand

He vanquish me in fight, such a vow have I made;

And therefore to combat with me thyself do persuade,

If thou wilt know my name.

Clamydes

Well, I accord to the same.

Subtle Shift

Nay, then God be with you! if you be at that point I am gone;

If you be of the fighter’s disposition, I’ll leave you alone.

Clamydes

Why stay, Knowledge; although I fight, thou shalt not be molested.

Subtle Shift

And’t shall please you, this fear hath made me beray myself with a proin-stone that was not digested.

Clyomon

Well, Clamydes, stay thyself, and mark my sayings here:

And do not think I speak this same for that thy force I fear,

But that more honor may redound unto the victor’s part,

Wilt thou here give thy hand to me, withouten fraud of heart,

Upon the faith which to a knight doth rightly appertain,

And by the loyalty of a knight I’ll swear to thee again

For to observe my promise just; which is, if thou agree,

The fifteenth day next following to meet, sir prince, with me,

Before King Alexander’s grace, in Macedonia soil,

Who all the world subject hath, through force of warlike toil;

For he is chief of chivalry and king of martial mates,

And to his royal court, thou know’st, repair all estates:

Give me thy hand upon thy faith of promise not to fail,

And here is mine to thee again, if Fortune’s froward gale,

Resist me not, the day forespoke to meet, sir prince, with thee,

Before that king to try our strengths: say if thou dost agree;

For triple honor will it be to him that gets the victory

Before so worthy a prince as he and nobles all so publicly,

Where otherwise, if in this place we should attempt the same,

Of the honor that were got thereby but small would be the fame.

Clamydes

Well, sir knight, here is my hand, I’ll meet in place forespoke.

Clyomon

And, by the loyalty of a knight, I’ll not my words revoke.

Clamydes

Till then adieu; I’ll keep my day.

Clyomon

And I, if fates do not gainsay.

[Exit.]

Subtle Shift

What, is he gone, and did take no leave of me?

Jesu, so unmannerly a gentleman did any man see?

But now, my lord, which way will you travel, declare.

Clamydes

Sith I have fifteen days’ respite myself to prepare,

My lady’s charge for to fulfill, behold, I do intend.

Subtle Shift

Your lady! and’t shall please you, why, who is your lady? may a man be so bold as ask and not offend?

Clamydes

Juliana, daughter to the King of Denmark, lo, is she,

Whose knight I am, and from her hands this shield was given to me

In sign and token of good-will; whose noble grace to gain,

I have protested in her cause for to omit no pain

Nor travail till I have subdued the flying serpent’s force,

Which in the Forest of Marvels is, who taketh no remorse

Of womenkind, but doth devour all such as are astray,

So that no one dares go abroad nor wander forth the way;

And sith I have yet fifteen days myself for to prepare

To meet the Knight of the Golden Shield, my heart is void of care:

I will unto the forest wend, sith it is in my way,

And for my Juliana’s sake that cruel serpent slay.

Subtle Shift

What, are you a madman? will you willfully be slain?

If you go into that forest, you will never come out again.

Clamydes

Why so, Knowledge? dost thou think the serpent I fear?

Subtle Shift

No; but do you not know of Bryan Sans-foy, the champion, dwells there?

Clamydes

A cowardly knight, Knowledge, is he, and dares fight with no man.

Subtle Shift

Ah, a noble match! Couple him and me together than.

Yea, but although he dares not fight, an enchanter he is,

And whosoever comes in that forest to enchant he doth not miss.

Clamydes

Tush, tush, I fear him not, Knowledge; and therefore come away.

Subtle Shift

Well, seeing you are so willful, go you before, I’ll not stay.

[Exit Clamydes.]

Ah sirrah, now I know all my master’s mind, the which I did not before:

He adventureth for a lady—well, I say no more.

But to escape the enchantments of Bryan Sans-foy,—

That’s Bryan Without-faith,—I have devised a noble toy;

For he and I am both of one consanguinity;

The veriest cowardly villain that ever was born, that’s of a certainty,

I’ll fight with no man; no more will Bryan, that’s plain,

But by his enchantments he putteth many to great pain,

And in a forest of strange marvels doth he keep,

Altogether by enchantments to bring men asleep

Till he have wrought his will of them. To Bryan straight will I,

And of my master’s coming to the forest inform him privily:

So shall I win his favor; and, Subtle Shift, in the end

Thou shalt escape his enchantment, for he will be thy friend.

Well, unknown to my master, for mine own safeguard, this will I do;

And now, like a subtle shifting knave, after him I’ll go.

[Exit.]

Scene vi

Enter Bryan Sans-foy.

Bryan Sans-foy

Of Bryan Sans-foy who hath not heard? not for his valiant acts,

But well I know throughout the world doth ring his cowardly facts.

What tho, I pray? all are not born to be God Mars his men;

To toy with dainty dames in courts should be no copesmates then:

If all were given to chivalry, then Venus might go weep,

For any court in venery that she were like to keep.

But shall I frame, then, mine excuse by serving Venus she,

When I am known throughout the world faint-hearted for to be?

No, no, alas, it will not serve! for many a knight in love,

Most valiant hearts no doubt they have, and knightly prowess prove

To get their ladies’ loyal hearts; but I in Venus’ yoke

Am forced for want of valiancy my freedom to provoke,

Bearing the name and port of knight, enchantments for to use,

Wherewith full many a worthy wight most cowardly I abuse;

As witnesseth the number now which in my castle lie,

Who, if they were at liberty, in arms I durst not try

The feeblest there though he unarmed, so is my courage daunted

Whenas I see the glittering arms whereby each knight is vaunted.

But how I vanquish these same knights is wonderful to see;

And knights that ventured for her love, whom do love, they be,

That’s Juliana, daughter to the King of Denmark’s grace,

Whose beauty is the cause that I do haunt or keep this place,

For that no wight may her possess, unless by vow decreed

He bring and do present to her the flying serpent’s head:

Which many hath attempt to do, but none yet could him slay,

Ne afterward hence back again for me could pass away,

For that through my enchantments, lo, which here this forest keep,

So soon as I did look on them, they straight were in a sleep;

Then presently I them unarmed and to my castle brought,

And there in prison they do lie, not knowing what was wrought.

Lo, thus I range the woods to see who doth the serpent slay,

That by enchantment I may take the head from him away,

And it present unto the dame, as though I were her knight.

Well, here comes one: I’ll shroud myself, for sure I will not fight.

Enter Subtle Shift.

Subtle Shift

Gog’s blood, where might I meet with that cowardly knave, Bryan Sans-foy?

I could tell him such a tale now as would make his heart leap for joy.

Well, yonder I have espied one, whatsoever he be.

Bryan Sans-foy

[aside] Nay, Gog’s blood, I’ll be gone; he shall not fight with me:

But by enchantment I’ll be even with him by and by.

Subtle Shift

A[h], and’t shall please you, I’ll fight with no man; never come so nigh.

Bryan Sans-foy

Why, what art thou, declare; whither dost thou run?

Subtle Shift

Even the cowardliest villain, and’t shall please you, that lives under the sun.

Bryan Sans-foy

What, of my fraternity? dost thou not know Bryan Sans-foy?

Subtle Shift

What, Master Bryan! Jesu, how my heart doth leap for joy

That I have met with you! who ever had better luck?

But touch me not.

Bryan Sans-foy

Wherefore?

Subtle Shift

A[h], lest you enchant me into the likeness of a buck!

Bryan Sans-foy

Tush, tush, I warrant thee: but what art thou, declare.

Subtle Shift

Knowledge, and it shall please you; who hither doth repair

To tell you good news.

Bryan Sans-foy

Good news! what are they, Knowledge, express.

Subtle Shift

A knight hath slain the flying serpent.

Bryan Sans-foy

Tush, it is not so.

Subtle Shift

It is most true that I do confess.

Bryan Sans-foy

Ah, what hight his name, Knowledge? let me that understand.

Subtle Shift

Clamydes, the White Knight, son to the King of Suavia land,

Who for Juliana, daughter to the King of Denmark’s grace,

Did take the attempt in hand: now you know the whole case.

Bryan Sans-foy

Ah happy news of gladsomeness unto my daunted mind!

Now for to win my lady’s love good fortune is assigned;

For though she be Clamydes’ right, won worthily indeed,

Yet will I sure possess that dame by giving of the head.

But, Knowledge, whereabout declare doth that Clamydes rest.

Subtle Shift

Even hard by in the forest here, where he slew the beast,

I left him, and to seek you did hie:

But let us go further into the woods, you shall meet him by and by.

Bryan Sans-foy

Well, Knowledge, for thy pains take this as some reward;

[Gives money.]

And if thou wilt abide with me, be sure I’ll thee regard

Above all others of my men; besides I’ll give to thee

A thing that from enchantments aye preserved shalt thou be.

Subtle Shift

Then here is my hand, I’ll be your servant ever.

Bryan Sans-foy

And, seeing thou art a coward as well as I, I’ll forsake thee never.

But come, let us go Clamydes to meet.

Subtle Shift

Keep on your way and I’ll follow.

[Exit Bryan Sans-foy. ]

I trust if he meet him, he’ll take him to his feet.

Gog’s blood, was ever seen such a jolt-headed villain as he,

To be so afraid of such a faint-heart knave as I am to see?

Of the fraternity, quoth you? by’rlady, it’s a notable brood!

Well, Shift, these chinks doeth thy heart some good;

And I’ll close with Bryan till I have gotten the thing

That he hath promised me, and then I’ll be with him to bring:

Well, such shifting knaves as I am, the ambodexter must play,

And for commodity serve every man, whatsoever the world say.

Well, after Bryan I will, and close with him a while,

But, as well as Clamydes, in the end I’ll him beguile.

[Exit.

Scene vii

Enter Clamydes with the head [of the flying serpent] upon his sword.

Clamydes

Ah happy day! my deadly foe submitted hath to death:

Lo, here the hand, lo, here the sword that stopped the vital breath!

Lo, here the head that shall possess my Juliana dear!

The Knight of the Golden Shield his force what need I now to fear?

Since I by force subdued have this serpent fierce of might,

Who vanquished hath, as I have heard, full many a worthy knight,

Which, for to win my lady’s love, their lives have ventured here.

Besides, that cowardly Bryan, which the Faithless Shield doth bear,

A number keeps, as I have heard, as captives in his hold,

Whom he hath by enchantment got and not through courage bold:

Shall such defamed dastards, dared by knights, thus bear their name?

Shall such as are without all faith live to impair our fame?

Shall valiant hearts by cowardly charm be kept in captives’ thrall?

Shall knights live subject to a wretch which hath no heart at all?

Nay, first, Clamydes, claim to thee fell Atropos her stroke,

Ere thou dost see such worthy knights to bear the heavy yoke

Of cowardly Bryan Without-faith: his charms let daunt not thee;

And for his force thou need’st not fear, the gods thy shield will be.

Well, to meet the Knight of the Golden Shield yet ten days’ space I have

And to set free these worthy knights; but rest a while I crave:

Here in this place near to this fort, for that I weary am

With travail since from killing of the serpent late I came,

Lo, here a while I mind to rest, and Bryan then subdue,

And then to Alexander’s court, to keep my promise true.

[Here let him sit down and rest himself.

Enter Bryan Sans-foy and [Subtle] Shift.

Bryan Sans-foy

Come, Knowledge, for here he lies, laid weary on the ground.

Subtle Shift

Nay, I’ll not come in his sight, if you would give me a thousand pound,

For he is the terriblest knight of any you have heard spoke;

He’ll beat a hundred such as you and I am down at one stroke.

Bryan Sans-foy

Tush, fear thou naught at all: I have charmed him, and he is fast asleep,

Lying near unto the castle here which I do keep;

And ten days in this sleep I have charmed him to remain

Before nature shall overcome it that he might wake again.

In the mean season, lo, behold, the serpent’s head I’ll take away,

His shield, and his apparel: this done, then will I convey

His body into prison, with other his companions to lie,

Whose strengths, ah Knowledge, I durst never attempt to try!

Subtle Shift

Ah, handle him softly, or else you will cause him to awake!

Bryan Sans-foy

Tush, tush, not if all the noise in the world I were able to make:

Till ten days be expired the charm will not leave him;

And then, I am sure, he will marvel who did thus deceive him.

[Takes away from Clamydes his apparel, his shield, and the serpent’s head.]

So, now he is stripped, stay thou here for a season,

And I’ll go fetch two of my servants to carry him into prison.

Subtle Shift

Well, do so, Master Bryan, and for your coming I’ll stay.

[Exit Bryan.

Gog’s blood, what a villain am I my master to betray!

Nay, sure, I’ll awake him, if it be possible, ere they carry him to jail.—

Master! what, master! awake, man! what, master!—Ah, it will not prevail!

Am I not worthy to be hanged? was ever seen such a deceitful knave?

What villainy was in me when unto Bryan understanding I gave

Of my master’s being n this forest? but much I muse, indeed,

What he means to do with my master’s apparel, his shield, and the head.

Well, seeing it is through my villainy my master is at this drift,

Yet, when he is in prison, Shift shall not be void of a shift

To get him away; but if it ever come to his ear

That I was the occasion of it, he’ll hang me, that’s clear.

Well, here comes Bryan: I’ll cloak with him, if I may,

To have the keeping of my master in prison night and day.

Re-enter Bryan Sans-foy, two Servants.

Bryan Sans-foy

Come, sirs, take up this body, and carry it in to the appointed place,

And there let it lie, for as yet he shall sleep ten days’ space.

[Carry him out.

Subtle Shift

How say you, Master Bryan, shall I of him have the guard?

Bryan Sans-foy

By my troth, policy thy good-will to reward;

In hope of thy just service, content, I agree

For to resign the keeping of this same knight unto thee:

But give me thy hand that thou wilt deceive me never.

Subtle Shift

Here’s my hand: charm, enchant, make a spider-catcher of me, if I be false to you ever.

Bryan Sans-foy

Well, then, come, follow after me, and the guard of him thou shalt have.

Subtle Shift

A thousand thanks I give you: this is all the promotion I crave.

[Exit Bryan Sans-foy.

Ah sirrah, little knows Bryan that Clamydes my master is;

But to set him free from prison I intend not to miss:

Yet still in my mind I can do no other but muse

What practice with my master’s apparel and shield he will use.

Well, seeing I have played the crafty knave with the one, I’ll play it with the other;

Subtle Shift for advantage will deceive his own brother.

[Exit.

Scene viii

Here let them make a noise as though they were Mariners; and after, Clyomon, knight of G[olden] S[hield], come in with one.

Clyomon

[within] Ah, set me to shore sirs, in what country soever we be!

Shipmaster

[within] Well, hale out the cock-boat, seeing so sick we do him see:

Strike sail, cast anchors, till we have rigged our ship again,

For never were we in such storms before, that’s plain.

Enter Clyomon, Boatswain.

Clyomon

Ah, boatswain, gramercies for thy setting me to shore!

Boatswain

Truly, gentleman, we were never in the like tempests before.

Clyomon

What country is this wherein now we be!

Boatswain

Sure, the Isle of Strange Marshes, as our master told to me.

Clyomon

How far is it from Macedonia canst thou declare?

Boatswain

More than twenty days’ sailing, and if the weather were fair.

Clyomon

Ah cruel hap of Fortune’s spite, which ‘signed this luck to me!—

What palace, boatswain, is this same, canst thou declare, we see?

Boatswain

There King Patranius keeps his court, so far as I do guess,

And by this train of ladies here I sure can judge no less.

Clyomon

Well, boatswain, there is for thy pains; and here upon the shore

[Gives money.]

I’ll lie to rest my weary bones; of thee I crave no more.

[Exit [Boatswain. Clyomon lies down.]

Enter Neronis, daughter to Patranius, King of the Strange Marshes, two Lords, two Ladies.

Neronis

My lords,

Come, will it please you walk abroad to take the pleasant air,

According to our wonted use, in fields both fresh and fair?

My ladies here, I know right well, will not gainsay the same.

First Lord

Nor we, sure, for to pleasure you, Neronis, noble dame.

Neronis

Yes, yes, men they love entreaty much before they will be won.

Second Lord

No, princess, that hath women’s natures been since first the world begun.

Neronis

So you say.

First Lord

We boldly may,

Under correction of your grace.

Neronis

Well, will it please you forth to trace?

That, when we have of fragrant fields the dulcet fumes obtained,

We may unto the sea-side go, whereas are to be gained

More stranger sights among Neptune’s waves in seeing ships to sail,

Which pass her by my father’s shore with merry western gale.

First Lord

We shall your highness lead the way to fields erst spoke before.

Neronis

Do so, and, as we do return, we’ll come hard by the shore.

[Exeunt.

Clyomon

What greater grief can grow to gripe the heart of grieved wight

That thus to see fell Fortune she to hold his state in spite?

Ah cruel chance, ah luckless lot, to me poor wretch assigned!

Was ever seen such contraries by fraudulent goddess blind

To any one, save only I, imparted for to be?

T’amate the mind of any man, did ever Fortune she

Show forth herself so cruel bent as thus to keep me back

From pointed place by weather driven, my sorrows more to sack?

Ah fatal hap! herein, alas, what further shall I say?

Since I am forced for to break mine oath and pointed day

Before King Alexander’s grace: Clamydes will be there,

And I through Fortune’s cruel spite oppressed with sickness here;

For now within two days it is that we should meet togither:

Woe worth the wind and raging storms, alas, that brought me hither!

Now will Clamydes me accuse a faithless knight to be,

And eke report that cowardliness did daunt the heart of me:

The worthy praise that I have won through fame shall be defaced,

The name of the Knight of the Golden Shield, alas, shall be erased!

Before that noble prince of might whereas Clamydes he

Will show himself in combat-wise for to exclaim on me

For breaking of my pointed day; and, Clyomon, to thy grief,

Now art thou in a country strange, clean void of all relief,

Oppressed with sickness through the rage of stormy blasts and cold:—

Ah Death, come with thy direful mace! for longer to unfold

My sorrows here it booteth not: yet, Clyomon, do stay;

The ladies, lo, come towards thee that walked the other way.

Enter Neronis, two Lords, and two Ladies.

Neronis

Come, fair dames, sith that we have in fragrant fields obtained,

Of dulcet flowers the pleasant smell, and that these knights disdained

Not to bear us company, our walk more large to make,

Here by the sea of surging waves our home-return we’ll take.—

My lords, therefore, do keep your way.

First Lord

As it please your grace, we shall obey.

But, behold, madam, what woeful wight here in our way before,

As seemeth very sick to me, doth lie upon the shore.

Neronis

My lords, let’s know the cause of grief whereof he is oppressed,

That, if he be a knight, it may by some means be redressed.—

Fair sir, well met: why lie you here? what is your cause of grief?

Clyomon

O lady, sickness by the sea hath me oppressed, in brief.

Neronis

Of truth, my lords, his countenance bewrays him for to be,

In health, of valiant heart and mind and eke of high degree.

Second Lord

It doth no less than so import, O princess, as you say.

Neronis

Of whence are you, or what’s your name, you wander forth this way?

Clyomon

Of small valure, O lady fair, alas, my name it is!

And for not telling of the same hath brought me unto this.

Neronis

Why, for what cause, sir knight, should you not once express your name?

Clyomon

Because, O lady, I have vowed contrary to the same;

But where I travel, lady fair, in city, town, or field,

I am called and do bear by name the Knight of the Golden Shield.

Neronis

Are you that Knight of the Golden Shield, of whom such fame doth go?

Clyomon

I am that selfsame knight, fair dame, as here my shield doth show.

Neronis

Ah worthy, then, of help indeed!—My lords, assist, I pray,

And to my lodging in the court see that you him convey.

For certainly within my mind his state is much deplored.—

But do despair in naught, sir knight, for you shall be restored,

If physic may your grief redress; for I, Neronis, lo,

Daughter to Partanius King, for that which fame doth show

Upon your acts, will be your friend, as after you shall prove.

First Lord

In doing so you shall have meed of mighty Jove above.

Clyomon

O princess, if I ever be to health restored again,

Your faithful servant, day and night, I vow here to remain.

Neronis

Well, my lords, come after me; do bring him, I require.

Both Lords

We shall, O princess, willingly accomplish your desire.

[Exeunt.

Scene ix

Enter Bryan Sans-foy having Clamydes his apparel on, his shield, and the serpent’s head.

Bryan Sans-foy

Ah sirrah,

Now are the ten days full expired wherein Clamydes he

Shall wake out of his charmed sleep, as shortly you shall see.

But here I have what I desired, his shield, his coat, and head:

To Denmark will I straight prepare, and there present with speed

The same to Juliana’s grace, as in Clamydes’ name,

Whereby I am assured I shall enjoy that noble dame;

For why Clamydes he is safe for ever being free,

And unto Knowledge is he left here guarded for to be.

But no man knows of my pretence, ne whither I am gone;

For secretly from castle I have stoln this night alone,

In this order as you see, in the attire of a noble knight;

But yet, poor Bryan, still thy heart holds courage in despite.

Well, yet the old proverb to disprove I purpose to begin,

Which always saith that cowardly hearts fair lades never win:

Shall I not Juliana win, and who hath a cowardlier heart?

Yet for to brag and boast it out, I’ll will none take my part;

For I can look both grim and fierce as though I were of might,

And yet three frogs out of a bush my heart did so affright

That I fell dead almost therewith: well, cowardly as I am,

Farewell, forest, for now I will, in Knight Clamydes’ name,

To Denmark to present this head to Juliana bright,

Who shall a cowardly dastard wed instead of a worthy knight.

[Exit.

Scene x

Enter Shift with sword and target.

Subtle Shift

Be your leave, I came up so early this morning that I cannot see my way;

I am sure it’s scarce yet in the break of the day.

But you muse, I am sure, wherefore these weapons I bring:

Well, listen unto my tale, and you shall know every thing;

Because I played the shifting knave to save myself from harm,

And by my procurement my master was brought in this charm.

The ten days are expired, and this morning he shall awake,

And now, like a crafty knave, to the prison my way will I take

With these same weapons, as though I would fight to set him free,

Which will give occasion that he shall mistrust there was no deceit in me;

And having the charge of him here under Bryan Sans-foy,

I’ll open the prison-doors, and make as though I did employ

To do it by force, through good-will and only for his sake;

Then shall Clamydes, being at liberty, the weapons of me take,

And set upon Bryan and all his men, now that they are asleep,

And so be revenged for that he did him keep

By charm: in this order so shall they both deceived be,

And yet upon neither part mistrust towards me.

Well, near to the prison I’ll draw to see if he be awake:

Hark, hark, this same is he, that his lamentation doth make!

Clamydes

[in prison] Ah fatal hap! where am I, wretch? in what distressed case!

Bereft of tire, of head, and shield, not knowing in what place

My body is! Ah heavenly gods, was e’er such strangeness seen?

What, do I dream? or am I still within the forest green?

Dream! no, no, alas, I dream not I! my senses all do fail,

The strangeness of this cruel hap doth make my heart to quail.

Clamydes, ah, by Fortune she what forward luck and fate

Most cruelly assigned is unto thy noble state!

Where should I be? or in what place hath destiny assigned

My silly corpse for want of food and comfort to be pined?

Ah, farewell hope of purchasing my lady! since is lost

The serpent’s head, whereby I should possess that jewel most.

Ah, farewell hope of honor eke! now shall I break my day

Before King Alexander’s grace, whereon my faith doth stay.

And shall I be found a faithless knight? fie on fell Fortune, she

Which hath her wheel of forward chance thus whirled back on me!

Ah, farewell King of Suavia land! ah, farewell Denmark dame!

Farewell, thou Knight of the Golden Shield! to thee shall rest all fame;

To me this direful destiny; to thee, I know, renown;

To me this blast of Ignomy; to thee Dame Honor’s crown.

Ah, hateful hap! what shall I say? I see the gods have ’signed

Through cruelty my careful corps in prison to be pined;

And naught, alas, amates me so, but that I know not where I am,

Nor how into this doleful place my woeful body came!

Subtle Shift

Alas, good Clamydes, in what an admiration is he,

Not knowing in what place his body should be!

Clamydes

[in prison] Who nameth poor Clamydes there? reply to him again.

Subtle Shift

And’t shall please you, I am your servant Knowledge, which in a thousand woes for you remain.

Clamydes

[in prison] Ah Knowledge, where am I, declare, and be brief.

Subtle Shift

Where are you! faith, even in the castle of that false thief,

Bryan Sans-foy, against whom to fight and set you free

Look out at the window, behold, I have brought tools with me.

Clamydes

[in prison] Ah Knowledge, then cowardly that caitiff did me charm?

Subtle Shift

Yea, or else he could never have done you any harm:

But be of good cheer; for such a shift I have made,

That the keys of the prison I have got, yourself persuade,

Wherewith this morning I am come to set you free,

And, as they lie in their beds, you may murder Bryan and his men, and set all other at liberty.

Clamydes

[in prison] Ah Knowledge, this hath me bound to be thy friend forever!

Subtle Shift

A true servant, you may see, will deceive his master never.

[Opens the prison-door.]

So, the doors are open; now come and follow after me.

[Clamydes] enter out.

Clamydes

Ah heavens, in what case myself do I see!

But speak, Knowledge, canst thou tell how long have I been here?

Subtle Shift

These ten days full, and sleeping still; this sentence is most clear.

Clamydes

Alas, then this same is the day the which appointed was

By the Knight of the Golden Shield to me that combat ours should pass

Before King Alexander’s grace; and there I know he is!

Ah cruel Fortune, why shouldst thou thus wrest my chance amiss,

Knowing I do but honor seek, and thou dost me defame,

In that contrary mine expect thou all things seeks to frame?

The faith and loyalty of a knight thou causest me to break:

Ah hateful dame, why shouldst thou thus thy fury on me wreak?

Now will King Alexander judge the thing in me to be

The which, since first I arms could bear, no wight did ever see.

But, Knowledge, give from thee to me those weapons, that I may

Upon that Bryan be revenged, which cowardly did betray

Me of my things, and here from thrall all other knights set free

Whom he by charm did bring in bale as erst he did by me.

Come, into his lodging will I go, and challenge him and his.

Subtle Shift

Do so, and to follow I will not miss.

[Exit [Clamydes with the weapons.]

Ah sirrah, here was a shift according to my nature and condition!

And a thousand shifts more I have to put myself out of suspicion;

But it doth me good to think how that cowardly knave, Bryan Sans-foy,

Shall be taken in the snare; my heart doth even leap for joy.

Hark, hark! my master is amongst them; but let him shift as he can,

For not, to deal with a dog, he shall have help of his man.

[Exit.

Re-enter, after a little fight within, Clamydes, three Knights.

Clamydes

Come, come, sir knights; for so unfortunate was never none as I;

That I should joy that is my joy the heavens themselves deny:

That cowardly wretch that kept you here, and did me so deceive,

Is fled away, and hath the shield the which my lady gave

To me in token of her love, the serpent’s head like case,

For which this mine adventure was, to win her noble grace.

First Knight

And sure that same th’ occasion was why we adventured hether.

Clamydes

Well, sith I have you delivered, whenas you please, together,

Each one into his native soil his journey do prepare;

For though that I have broke my day, as erst I did declare,

Through this most cowardly caitiff’s charms, in meeting of the knight

Which of the Golden Shield bears name, to know else what he hight

I will to Alexander’s court, and if that thence he be,

Yet will I seek to find him out, lest he impute to me

Some cause of cowardliness to be; and therefore, sir knights, depart;

As to myself I wish to you with fervent zeal of heart:

Yet, if that any one of you do meet this knight by way,

What was the cause of this my let, let him perstand I pray.

All the Knights

We shall not miss, O noble knight, t’accomplish this your will.

Clamydes

Well, then, adieu, sir knights, each one; the gods protect you still!

[Exeunt [Knights.]

What, Knowledge, ho! where art thou, man? come forth, that hence we may.

Subtle Shift

[within] Where am I! faith, breaking open of chests here within, for I’ll have the spoil of all away.

Clamydes

Tush, tush,

I pray thee come, that hence we may; no riches thou shalt lack.

[Re-enter] Shift with a bag, as it were, full of gold on his back.

Subtle Shift

I come now with as much money as I am able to carry of my back;

A[h], there was never poor ass so loaden! But how now! that cowardly Bryan have you slain?

And your shield, the serpent’s head, and coat, have you again?

Clamydes

Ah, no Knowledge!

The knights that here were captives kept, they are by me at liberty,

But that false Bryan this same night is fled away for certainty,

And hath all things he took from me conveyed where none doth know.

Subtle Shift

O the bones of me! how will you, then, do for the serpent’s head to Juliana to show?

Clamydes

I have no other hope, alas, but only that her grace

Will credit give unto my words, whenas I show my case,

How they were lost: but first, ere I unto that dame return,

I’ll seek the Knight of the Golden Shield whereas he doth sojourn,

T’accomplish what my father willed; and therefore come away.

Subtle Shift

Well, keep on before, for I mind not to stay.

[Exit Clamydes.

Ah sirrah, the craftier knave, the better luck! that’s plain:

I have such a deal of substance here, where Bryan’s men are slain,

That it passeth: O, that I had while for to stay!

I could load a hundred carts full of kitchen-stuff away.

Well, it’s not best to tarry too long behind, lest my master over-go,

And then some knave, knowing of my money, a piece of cozenage show.

[Exit.

Scene xi

Enter Neronis.

Neronis

How can that tree but withered be,

That wanteth sap to moist the root?

How can that vine but waste and pine,

Whose plants are trodden under foot?

How can that spray but soon decay,

That is with wild weeds overgrown?

How can that wight in aught delight,

Which shows and hath no good-will shown?

Or else how can that heart, alas,

But die, by whom each joy doth pass?

Neronis, ah, I am the tree which wanteth sap to moist the root!

Neronis, ah, I am the vine whose plants are trodden under foot!

I am the spray which doth decay, and is with wild weeds overgrown;

I am the wight without delight, which shows and hath no good-will shown:

Mine is the heart by whom, alas, each pleasant joy doth pass!

Mine is the heart which vades away as doth the flower or grass:

In wanting sap to moist the root, is joys that made me glad;

And plants being trodden under foot, is pleasures that were had:

I am the spray which doth decay, whom cares have overgrown—

But stay, Neronis; thou saist thou show’st and hath no good-will shown:

Why, so I do; how can I tell? Neronis, force no cruelty;

Thou seest thy knight endued is with all good gifts of courtesy:

And doth Neronis love indeed? to whom love doth she yield?

Even to that noble bruit of fame, the Knight of the Golden Shield.

Ah woeful dame, thou know’st not thou of what degree he is!

Of noble blood his gestures show, I am assured of this.

Why, belike he is some runagate, that will not show his name:

Ah, why should I this allegate? he is of noble fame.

Why dost thou not express thy love to him, Neronis, then?

Because shamefacedness and womanhood bid us not seek to men.

Ah careful dame, lo, thus I stand, as ‘twere one in a trance,

And lacketh boldness for to speak which should my words advance!

The Knight of the Golden Shield it is to whom a thrall I am,

Whom I to health restored have since that to court he came:

And now he is prest to pass again upon his weary way

Unto the court of Alexander; yet hath he broke his day,

As he to me the whole expressed.—Ah sight that doth me grieve!

Lo where he comes to pass away, of me to take his leave!

Enter Clyomon.

Clyomon

Who hath more cause to praise the gods than I, whose state deplored,

Through physic and Neronis’ help, to health am now restored?

Whose fervent thrall I am become: yet urgent causes dooth

Constrain me for to keep it close, and not to put in proof

What I might do to win her love; as first my oath and vow

In keeping of my name unknown, which she will not allow.

If I should seem to break my mind, being a princess born,

To yield her love to one unknown, I know she’ll think it scorn:

Besides, here longer in this court, alas, I may not stay,

Although that with Clamydes he I have not kept my day,

Lest this he should suppose in me for cowardliness of heart:

To seek him out elsewhere I will from out this land depart.

Yet though unto Neronis she, I may not show my mind,

A faithful heart when I am gone, with her I leave behind.

Whose bounteousness I here have felt, but since I may not stay,

I will to take my leave of her before I pass away.

Lo where she walks.—O Princess well met: why are you here so sad?

Neronis

Good cause I have, since pleasures pass, the which should make me glad.

Clyomon

What you should mean, O Princess dear, hereby I do not know.

Neronis

Then listen to my talk a while, sir knight, and I will show,

If case you will re-answer me my question to absolve,

The which propound within my mind doth oftentimes revolve.

Clyomon

I will, O princess, answer you as aptly as I may.

Neronis

Well, then, sir knight, apply your ears, and listen what I say.

A ship, that storms had tossed long amidst the mounting waves,

Where harbor none was to be had, fell Fortune so depraves,

Through ill success that ship of hope, that anchor’s hold doth fail,

Yet at the last she’s driven to land, with broken mast and sail,

And, through the force of furious wind, and billows’ bouncing blows,

She is a simple shipwreck made, in every point, God knows.

Now this same ship by chance being found, the finders take such pain,

That fit to sail upon the seas, they rig her up again.

And where she was through storms sore shaked, they make her whole and sound:

Now answer me directly here upon this my propound,

If this same ship thus rent and torn, being brought in former rate,

Should not supply the finder’s turn to profit his estate

In what she might.

Clyomon

Herein a-right

I will, O princess, as I may, directly answer you.

This ship thus found, I put the case it hath an owner now;

Which owner shall sufficiently content the finder’s charge,

And have again, to serve his use, his ship, his boat, or barge.

The ship, then, cannot serve the turn of finder’s, this is plain,

If case the owner do content or pay him for his pain;

But otherwise if none lay claim, nor seem that ship to stay,

Then is it requisite it should the finder’s pains repay

For such endeavor, as it is to serve for his behoof.

Neronis

What owner truly that it hath, I have no certain proof.

Clyomon

Then can I not define thereof, but thus I wish it were,

That you would me accept to be that ship, O lady fair,

And you the finder! then it should be needless for to move

If I the ship of duty ought to serve at your behoove.

Neronis

Thou art the ship, O worthy knight, so shivered found by me.

Clyomon

And owner have I none, dear dame, I yield me whole to thee:

For as this ship, I must confess, that was a shipwreck made,

Thou hast restored me unto health whom sickness caused to vade;

For which I yield, O princess dear, at pleasure thine to be,

If your grace, O noble dame, will so accept of me.

Neronis

If case I will, what have you shown?

Clyomon

Because I am to you unknown.

Neronis

Your fame importeth what you be.

Clyomon

You may your pleasure say of me.

Neronis

What I have said due proof[s] do show.

Clyomon

Well, lady dear, to thee I owe

More service than of duty I am able to profess,

For that thou didst preserve my life amidst my deep distress:

But at this time I may not stay, O lady, here with thee:

Thou know’st the cause; but this I vow, within threescore days to be,

If destiny restrain me not, at court with thee again,

Protesting whilst that life doth last thine faithful to remain.

Neronis

And is there, then, no remedy, but needs you will depart?

Clyomon

No, princess, for a certainty; but here I leave my heart

In gage with thee till my return, which, as I said, shall be.

Neronis

Well, sith no persuasion may prevail, this jewel take of me,

And keep it always for my sake.

[Gives jewel.]

Clyomon

Of it a dear account I’ll make:

Yet let us part, dear dame, with joy,

And to do the same I will myself employ.

Neronis

Well, now adieu till thy return: the gods thy journey guide!

Clyomon

And happily in absence mine for thee, dear dame, provide!

[Exit Neronis.

Ah Clyomon, let dolours die, drive daunts from out thy mind!

Since in the sight of Fortune now such favor thou dost find

As for to have the love of her, whom thou didst sooner judge

Would have denied thy loyalty and ‘gainst thy good-will grudge,

But that I may here keep my day, you sacred gods provide

Most happy fate unto my state, and thus my journey guide,

The which I ‘tempt to take in hand Clamydes for to meet,

That the whole cause of my first let to him I may repeat:

So shall I seem for to excuse myself in way of right,

And not be counted of my foe, a false perjured knight.

[Exit.

Scene xii

Enter Thrasellus, King of Norway, and two Lords.

Thrasellus

Where deep desire hath taken root, my lords, alas, you see

How that persuasion booteth not, if contrary it be

Unto the first expected hope, where fancy hath take place;

And vain it is for to withdraw by counsel in that case

The mind who with affection is to one only thing affected,

The which may not till dint of death from thence be sure rejected.

You know, my lords, through fame what force of love hath taken place

Within my breast as touching now Neronis’ noble grace,

Daughter to Patranius King, who doth the scepter sway

And in the Isle of Marshes eke bear rule now at this day:

Through love of daughter his my sorrows daily grow,

And daily dolours do me daunt, for that, alas, I show

Such friendship whereas favor none is to be found again;

And yet from out my careful mind naught may her love restrain.

I sent to crave her of the king; he answered me with nay:

But shall I not provide by force to fetch her thence away?

Yes, yes, my lords, and therefore let your aids be prest with mine,

For I will sure Neronis have, or else my days I’ll pine;

For King Patranius and his power I hold of small account:

To win his daughter to my spouse amids his men I’ll mount.

First Lord

Most worthy prince, this rash attempt I hold not for the best,

For sure Patranius’ power is great, and not to be suppressed;

For why the isle environed is with sea on every side,

And landing-place, lo, is there none whereas you may have tide

To set your men from ship to shore, but by one only way,

And in that place a garrison great he keepeth at this day;

So that if you should bring your power, your travail were in vain:

That is not certainly the way Neronis for to gain.

But this your grace may do indeed, and so I count it best;

To be in all points with a ship most like a merchant prest,

And sail with such as you think best, all dressed in merchants’ guise,

And for to get her to your ship some secret mean devise,

By showing of strange merchandise, or other such like thing:

Lo, this is best advice I can, Thrasellus, lord and king.

Second Lord

And certainly, as you have said, my lord, it is the way:—

Wherefore, O king, do prosecute the same without delay.

Thrasellus

Of truth, my lords, this your advice doth for our purpose frame:

Come, therefore, let us hence depart, to put in ure the same

With present speed, for merchant-wise myself will thither sail.

First Lord

This is the way, if any be, of purpose to prevail.

[Exeunt.

Scene xiii

Enter Clyomon with a Knight, signifying one of those that Clamydes had delivered.

Clyomon

Sir knight, of truth this fortune was most luckily assigned,

That we should meet in travel thus, for thereby to my mind

You have a castle of comfort brought, in that you have me told,

Clamydes our appointed day no more then I did hold.

Knight

No, certis, sir, he kept not day, the cause I have expressed,

Through that enchanter Bryan’s charms he came full sore distressed;

Yet fortune favored so his state that through his help all we,

Which captives were through cowardly craft, from bondage were set free;

And at our parting willed us, if any with you met,

We should inform you with the truth what was his only let.

Clyomon

Well, know you where he abideth now, sir knight, I crave of courtesy.

Knight

No, questionless, I know not I, to say it of a certainty.

Clyomon

Well, then, adieu, sir knight, with thanks; I let you on your way.

Knight

Unto the gods I you commit; naught else I have to say.

[Exit.

Clyomon

A[h] sirrah, now the hugy heaps of cares that lodged in my mind

Are scaled from their nestling-place, and pleasures passage find,

For that, as well as Clyomon, Clamydes broke his day;

Upon which news my passage now in seeking him I’ll stay,

And to Neronis back again my joyful journey make,

Lest that she should in absence mine some cause of sorrow take:

And now all dumps of deadly dole that daunted knightly breast,

Adieu, since salve of solace sweet hath sorrows all suppressed.

For that Clamydes cannot brag nor me accuse in ought,

Unto the gods of destinies, that thus our fates have brought

In equal balance to be weighed, due praises shall I send,

That thus to weigh each cause aright, their eyes to earth did bend.

Well, to keep my day with lady now I mind not to be slack,

Wherefore unto Patranius’ court, I’ll dress my journey back:

But stay, methinks I Rumor hear throughout this land to ring;

I will attend his talk to know what tidings he doth bring.

Enter Rumor running.

Rumor

Ye rolling clouds, give Rumor room, both air and earth below,

By sea and land, that every ear may understand and know

What woeful hap is chanced now, within the Isle of late,

Which of Strange Marshes beareth name, unto the noblest state.

Neronis, daughter to the king, by the King of Norway he

Within a ship of merchandise, conveyed away is she.

The king with sorrow for her sake hath [un]to death resigned;

And having left his queen with child to guide the realm behind,

Mustantius, brother to the king, from her the crown would take;

But till she be delivered the lords did order make,

That they before King Alexander thither coming should appeal,

And he, by whom they hold the crown, therein should rightly deal

For either part: lo, this to tell I Rumor have in charge,

And through all lands I do pretend to publish it at large.

[Exit.

Clyomon

Ah, woeful Rumor ranging thus! what tidings do I hear?

Hath that false King of Norway stoln my love and lady dear?

Ah heart, ah hand, ah head, and mind, and every sense beside,

To serve your master’s turn in need do every one provide!

For till that I revenged be upon that wretched king,

And have again my lady dear and her from Norway bring,

I vow this body takes no rest. Ah Fortune, fickle dame,

That canst make glad and so soon sad a knight of worthy fame.

But what should I delay the time, now that my dear is gone?

Availeth aught to ease my grief, to make this pensive moan?

No, no;

Wherefore come, courage to my heart, and, happy hands prepare!

For of that wretched king I will wreak all my sorrow and care,

And, maugre all the might he may be able for to make,

By force of arms my lady I from him and his will take.

[Exit.