DRAMATIS PERSONAE Margaret of Parma, (Daughter of Charles V., and Regent of the Netherlands) Count Egmont, (Prince of Gaure) The Duke of Alva William of Orange Ferdinand, (his natural Son) Machiavel, in the service of the Regent Richard, (Egmont's Private Secretary) Silva, Gomez, (in the service of Alva) Clara, (the Beloved of Egmont) Her Mother Brackenburg, (a Citizen's Son), and Vansen, (a Clerk) Soest, (a Shopkeeper), Jetter, (a Tailor), A Carpenter, A Soapboiler (Citizens of Brussels) Buyck, (a Hollander), a Soldier under Egmont Ruysum, (a Frieslander), an invalid Soldier, and deaf People, Attendants, Guards, &c. The Scene is laid in Brussels. ACT I Scene I.--Soldiers and Citizens (with cross-bows) Jetter (steps forward, and bends his cross-bow). Soest, Buyck, Ruysum Soest. Come, shoot away, and have done with it! You won't beat me! Three black rings, you never made such a shot in all your life. And so I'm master for this year. Jetter. Master and king to boot; who envies you? You'll have to pay double reckoning; 'tis only fair you should pay for your dexterity. Buyck. Jetter, I'll buy your shot, share the prize, and treat the company. I have already been here so long, and am a debtor for so many civilities. If I miss, then it shall be as if you had shot. Soest. I ought to have a voice, for in fact I am the loser. No matter! Come, Buyck, shoot away. Buyck (shoots). Now, corporal, look out!--One! Two! Three! Four! Soest. Four rings! So be it! All. Hurrah! Long live the King! Hurrah! Hurrah! Buyck. Thanks, sirs, master even were too much! Thanks for the honour. Jetter. You have no one to thank but yourself. Ruysum. Let me tell you-