The Phoenix, as it hath beene sundrye times Acted by the Children of Paules, And presented before his Maiestie. London Printed by E. A. for A. I., and are to be solde at the signe of the white horse in Paules Churchyard. 1607. 4to.

A second edition, from which frequently words, and sometimes whole passages, have dropt out, appeared in 1630, 4to. The acts and scenes are not distinguished in the old copies.

The Phoenix was licensed, by Sir George Bucke, 9th May, 1607. Chalmers's Suppl. Apol. p. 200.

According to the Biographia Dramatica (a work on which I place no reliance), the plot of this play is taken from a Spanish novel, called The Force of Love.

CASTIZA, mother to FIDELIO, and married to the CAPTAIN.

Jeweller's wife, daughter to FALSO.

Niece to FALSO.

Maid to Jeweller's wife.

SCENE, FERRARA.

a On the death of Falso's brother, Furtivo passes into his service.

THE PHOENIX.

ACT I. SCENE I.

A Chamber in the Palace of the Duke of Ferrara. Enter the DUKE, PRODITOR, LUSSURIOSO, INFESTO, and other nobles, with attendants.

DUKE. My lords,

Know that we, far from any natural pride,
Or touch of temporal sway, have seen our face
In our grave council's foreheads, where doth stand
Our truest glass, made by Time's wrinkled hand.
We know we're old; my days proclaim me so;
Forty-five years I've gently rul'd this dukedom;
Pray heaven it be no fault!

For there's as much disease, though not to th' eye,
In too much pity as in tyranny.

INFES. Your grace hath spoke it right.

DUKE. I know that life

Has not long course in me; 'twill not be long
Before I shew that kings have mortal bodies
As well as subjects: therefore to my comfort,
And your successful hopes, I have a son,
Whom I dare boast of

Lus. Whom we all do boast of;

A prince elder in virtues than in years.

INFES. His judgment is a father to his youth. PROD. Ay, ay, would he were from court! [Aside.

INFES. Our largest hopes grow in him.

PROD. And 'tis the greatest pity, noble lord, He is untravell'd.

Lus. 'Tis indeed, my lord.

PROD. Had he but travel to his time and virtueO, he should ne'er return again!

[Aside. DUKE. It shall be so: what is in hope begun,a Experience quickens; travel confirms the man, Who else lives doubtful, and his days oft sorry : Who's rich in knowledge has the stock of glory. PROD. Most true, my royal lord.

DUKE. Some one attend our son.
INFES. See, here he comes, my lord.

Enter PHOENIX, attended by FIDELIO.

DUKE. O, you come well.

PHO. 'Tis always my desire, my worthy father. DUKE. Your serious studies, and those fruitful hours

That

grow up into judgment, well become Your birth, and all our loves: I weep that you are

my son,

But virtuously I weep, the more my gladness.
We have thought good and meet, by the consent
Of these our nobles, to move you toward travel,
The better to approve you to yourself,

And give your apter power foundation:
To see affections actually presented,

E'en by those men that owe them, yield[s] more profit,

Ay, more content, than singly to read of them,
Since love or fear make writers partial.

The good and free example which you find
In other countries, match it with your own,
The ill to shame the ill; which will in time
Fully instruct you how to set in frame
A kingdom all in pieces.

PH. Honour'd father,

With care and duty I have listen'd to you.
What you desire, in me it is obedience :
I do obey in all, knowing for right,
Experience is a kingdom's better sight.

PROD. O, 'tis the very lustre of a prince,
Travel! 'tis sweet and generous.

DUKE. He that knows how to obey, knows how

to reign;

And that true knowledge have we found in you.
Make choice of your attendants.

Pн. They're soon chose;

Only this man, my lord, a loving servant of mine. DUKE. What! none but he?

PHO. I do intreat no more;

For that's the benefit a private gentleman
Enjoys beyond our state, when he notes all,
Himself unnoted.

For, should I bear the fashion of a prince,
I should then win more flattery than profit,
And I should give 'em time and warning then
To hide their actions from me if I appear a sun,
They'll run into the shade with their ill deeds,

And so prevent me.

:

PROD. A little too wise,d a little too wise to live long.

e prevent] i. e. anticipate.

[Aside

d

a little too wise, &c.] So Shakespeare:

"So wise so young, they say, do ne'er live long."

Richard III., act iii. sc. 1.