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| Character | Vindice (disguised as Piato) Gratiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Scene type / Who are | Mother/Son | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Year | 1606 | |
| Period | Any | |
| Genre | Tragedy | |
| Description | Vindice (disguised as Piato) convinces his mother to send his sister to Lussurioso | |
| Location | ACT II, Scene 1 | |
Summary
The title refers to Vindice's revenge plot against an old Duke who has poisoned his girlfriend Gloriana when she rejected his advances. Years later Vindice's brother, Hippolito, works as a servant for the Duke's son, Lussurioso. As part of the revenge plot, Hippolito convinces Lussurioso to hire his brother (disguised as Piato), to help him seduce and procure women for him. Lussurioso has interest in Hippolito and Vindice's sister, Castiza.
In this scene, Vindice, disguised as Piato, persuades his mother, Gratiana, to send his sister Castiza to Lussurioso.
In this scene, Vindice, disguised as Piato, persuades his mother, Gratiana, to send his sister Castiza to Lussurioso.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
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| VINDICI It is the sweetest box That e'er my nose came nigh, The finest drawn-work cuff that e'er was worn. I'll love this blow forever, and this cheek Shall still hence forward take the wall of this. Oh, I'm above my tongue! Most constant sister, In this thou hast right honourable shown; Many are call'd by their honour that have none. Thou art approv'd forever in my thoughts. It is not in the power of words to taint thee, And yet for the salvation of my oath, As my resolve in that point, I will lay Hard siege unto my mother, tho' I know A siren's tongue could not bewitch her so. [Enter Gratiana.] [Aside] Mass, fitly here she comes; thanks, my disguise.-- Madam, good afternoon. [GRATIANA] Y'are welcome, sir. VINDICI The next of Italy commends him to you, Our mighty expectation, the duke's son. [GRATIANA] I think myself much honour'd that he pleases To rank me in his thoughts. VINDICI So may you, lady: One that is like to be our sudden duke; The crown gapes for him every tide, and then Commander o'er us all. Do but think on him; How bless'd were they now that could pleasure him E'en with anything almost. [GRATIANA] Ay, save their honour. VINDICI Tut, one would let a little of that go too And ne'er be seen in't: ne'er be seen [in't], mark you; I'd wink and let it go. [GRATIANA] Marry, but I would not. VINDICI Marry, but I would I hope; I know you would too, If you'd that blood now which you gave your daughter. To her indeed 'tis this wheel comes about: That man that must be all this, perhaps ere morning, For his white father does but mould away, Has long desir'd your daughter. [GRATIANA] Desir'd? VINDICI Nay, but hear me: He desires now that will command hereafter. Therefore be wise; I speak as more a friend To you than him. Madam, I know y'are poor And 'lack the day, there are too many poor ladies already: Why should you vex the number? 'Tis despis'd. Live wealthy, rightly understand the world, And chide away that foolish country girl Keeps company with your daughter, chastity. [GRATIANA] Oh, fie, fie, The riches of the world cannot hire A mother to such a most unnatural task! VINDICI No, but a thousand angels can: Men have no power; angels must work you to't. The world descends into such base-born evils That forty angels can make fourscore devils. There will be fools still, I perceive, still [fools]. Would I be poor, dejected, scorn'd of greatness, Swept from the palace, and see other daughters Spring with the dew a' th' court, having mine own So much desir'd and lov'd by the duke's son? No, I would raise my state upon her breast And call her eyes my tenants; I would count My yearly maintenance upon her cheeks, Take coach upon her lip, and all her parts Should keep men after men, and I would ride In pleasure upon pleasure. You took great pains for her, once when it was; Let her requite it now, tho' it be but some: You brought her forth; she may well bring you home. [GRATIANA] Oh, heavens! This overcomes me. VINDICI [Aside] Not, I hope, already? [GRATIANA] It is too strong for me; men know that know us: We are so weak their words can overthrow us. He touch'd me nearly, made my virtues bate When his tongue struck upon my poor estate. VINDICI [Aside] I e'en quake to proceed; my spirit turns edge. I fear me she's unmother'd, yet I'll venture: "That woman is all male whom none can enter."-- What think you now, lady? Speak, are you wiser? What said advancement to you? Thus it said: The daughter's fall lifts up the mother's head. Did it not, madam? But I'll swear it does In many places; tut, this age fears no man: "'Tis no shame to be bad, because 'tis common." [GRATIANA] Ay, that's the comfort on't. VINDICI [Aside] The comfort on't!-- [Giving her gold] I keep the best for last: can these persuade you To forget heaven and-- [GRATIANA] Ay, these are they-- VINDICI [Aside] Oh! [GRATIANA] That enchant our sex; these are the means That govern our affections. That woman Will not be troubled with the mother long That sees the comfortable shine of you; I blush to think what for your sakes I'll do! VINDICI [Aside] Oh, suff'ring heaven, with thy invisible finger E'en at this instant turn the precious side Of both mine eye-balls inward, not to see myself! [GRATIANA] Look you, sir. VINDICI Holla. [GRATIANA] [Giving him gold] Let this thank your pains. VINDICI Oh, you're a kind [madam]. [GRATIANA] I'll see how I can move. VINDICI Your words will sting. [GRATIANA] If she be still chaste I'll ne'er call her mine. VINDICI [Aside] Spoke truer than you meant it. |
