Rhodon's "soule-united friend," a "souldier," and a "jolly swaine." Acanthus (listed in the Dramatis Personae as "Adanthus") inquires about Rhodon's melancholy at the play's beginning. He is identified by Rhodon (as the two discuss the positives and negatives of love) as one "whose heart loves darts could never penetrate" though Rhodon eventually claims that the shepherd will, one day, "yeeld to the force of Cupid's golden dart." Acanthus readily volunteers to help Rhodon redress Martagon's treatment of Violetta. He requests a "private Conference" with Panace and, when denied, claims that he has feelings for the servant though he vows "not to love too much, or not at all." Thus, his only encounter with love in the play is brief. Acanthus attends the conference set up to address Martagon's treatment of Rhodon's sister, and vows to give his life fighting for Violetta's cause. His excessive "braving language" and "valrous heate" is a large part of the reason why Martagon and Cynosbatus decide that they must resort to underhandedness in order to defeat Rhodon's army. Acanthus helps to assemble troops to assist Rhodon in battle and encourages Rhodon to "transcend" the glories of his ancestors. He informs Anthophotus and Panace that Rhodon "lies at the point of death," and helps to conduct Panace to their "sicke friend" so that the servant can apply Violetta's antidote. Acanthus (correctly) identifies Poneria, Martagon, and Agnostus as the likely culprits in Rhodon's attempted murder, pledges an oath on Rhodon's sword "ne're to lay downe [his] just and lawfull armes, / Untill [. . .] avenged to the full" against Martagon, is sent by Rhodon to invite Martagon "to a bloudy breakfast to morrow morne," and commits Poneria and Agnostus to "safe custody" at Rhodon's command after the witch confesses to her foul deeds. He prepares himself to fight against Martagon's army and announces the advancement of the enemy before Flora arrives and puts an end to the battle.
ADANTHUS
Alternative spelling for Acanthus.
AGNOSTUS
"An Impostor." Agnostus is Poneria's sidekick and "slave divine" who detests daylight. At Poneria's bidding he agrees to "unite" his "force" with hers and disrupt the "mirth" of the Society of Florists who, according to Poneria, "have determined to keepe their annual festival" and "make this Feast surpasse all feasts besides." Poneria provides Agnostus with the disguise of "a grave and learned Sire" which includes a beard, cap, and gown. The witch introduces him to the frightened Eglantine (as Agnostus, since he maintains his true name even while in disguise), at which point he regurgitates an apparently rehearsed speech concerning his vast knowledge and the power of his art. He repeatedly compliments Poneria on her "art and wisedome" (despite the fact that she often insults him), and claims that her "wit" is unparalleled when she informs him of her plot "to crop the proudest flower that growes / In Hybla or Hymettus." Despite Agnostus's protestations, Poneria promises to bring a suit to "Generall Martagon" to "procure" him "some military office" and, after her representation of "the chiefe properties" of "moderne Captaines," Agnostus agrees to her wishes. He is identified by Acanthus (along with Poneria and Martagon) as a likely culprit in the attempted murder of Rhodon and is made a Colonel by Martagon (due in large part to Poneria's lies about his war experience). After Martagon discovers that Rhodon is not actually dead, he identifies Agnostus as an "Impostor" and banishes Poneria and her sidekick from his "Dominion." Agnostus accompanies Poneria to Rhodon's side, where the witch begs for pardon for her "many mischiefes." After Rhodon recognizes them, he charges Acanthus to "see them to safe custody" and "make them sure for starting." Along with the witch, Agnostus is brought forward at the play's end to be punished by Flora, who banishes them both from Thessaly forever.
ANTHOPHOTUS
A "Shepheard," Iris's brother, a "souldier," and a friend to Acanthus and Rhodon. Anthophotus claims that Rhodon's "sweet presence" has caused Hymettus to "flourish." He often compliments Rhodon and vows to "second" him in any action which he takes against Martagon for Violetta's cause, though Anthophotus later chides Rhodon for their "losse of time" in taking action against the "Tyrant" as he claims that his troops are "in perfect readinesse, / And long to meet their foes in open field." He is informed by Acanthus that Rhodon "lies at the point of death," and he helps to conduct Panace to their "sicke friend" so that the servant can apply Violetta's antidote. He claims that he would "chaine" his sister "to a fatall stake, / And sacrifice her Corps in hideous flames" if she were guilty of the attempted murder of Rhodon. Anthophotus pledges an oath on Rhodon's sword "ne're to lay downe [his] just and lawfull armes, / Untill [. . .] avenged to the full" against Martagon, and prepares himself to fight with Rhodon against Martagon's army though, like the others, he is prevented from fighting when Flora stops the battle.
CLEMATIS
Eglantine's servant. Clematis informs the audience of Eglantine's history with Rhodon and "retire[s]" while the Shepherdess sings and plays a mournful song on the Lute. Clematis attempts to console Eglantine and, when she fails to do so, calls upon the gods to cure the Lady's woe. She is "enjoined" by Eglantine to procure a long list of "devices," and describes her mistress's late fickleness as well as the measures which she has been going to in order to beautify herself for Rhodon. Clematis is mocked by Gladiolus, "strikes him," and exchanges threats with her fellow servant. Eglantine faults Clematis for persuading her to wear less makeup, and claims that the maid "goes about utterly to undoe" her.
CYNOSBATUS
A "Shepheard" and Eglantine's brother. Cynosbatus is Martagon's loyal friend. He and Martagon discuss "change" at the play's beginning, reveal their interests in Rhodon's relationships, and talk about coming up with "some Stratagem" to separate Iris and Rhodon. After Rhodon receives Violetta's letter concerning her mistreatment by Martagon, the shepherd makes an attempt "to bring th'usurper to a restitution" by "a friendly treaty." However, the conference set up to address the issue fails to bring about a satisfactory result and, thus, Rhodon vows to have revenge on Martagon "arm'd with a scourge of steele." Because of Rhodon's and Acanthus's "zealous"ness over Violetta's "cause," Martagon and Cynosbatus decide that they will not be able to defeat Rhodon's army fairly and, thus, must resort to underhandedness. For this reason, while Rhodon and his friends rally their troops, Martagon and Cynosbatus approach Poneria for help. The witch agrees to assist them by equipping Eglantine with poison rather than the promised love potion to present to Rhodon, which results in Rhodon's near death. Cynosbatus compliments Poneria, claiming that she has "matchlesse skill and wisdome," and the witch prophesies the death of Rhodon and his army's disbandment. At Martagon's claim that Rhodon is dead, Cynosbatus wishes that "noble Rhodon had no so ignobly dy'd." Acanthus is sent by Rhodon to invite Martagon "to a bloudy breakfast to morrow morne," through which message Martagon discovers that Rhodon is not actually dead. Cynosbatus claims (as he does throughout the play) that he will "condescend" to anything which Martagon's "discretion holds fit to be done," and vows to battle Rhodon's army on Martagon's side. Acanthus announces that Cynosbatus "brings up the Rere" of Martagon's advancing army along with "two thousand souldiers." However, all are prevented from fighting when Flora appears and stops the battle. Flora orders Rhodon and Martagon to "dismiss" their armed bands and commands Martagon to "make an ample restitution" to the "wrong'd" Violetta as well as "entertaine a friendly league with Rhodon / Which [. . .] Cynosbatus must also condescend to."
EGLANTINE
A "Shepherdess" and Cynosbatus's sister. Eglantine employs a servant, Clematis, and a Page, Gladiolus, and is described by Rhodon as a "Lady" who possesses "rare endowments both of art and nature" as well as "high birth and fortune." She was "Courted lately by the Shepheard Rhodon" and, though it was rumoured that they would soon by married, Rhodon "relinquished his suit" to her. She is, throughout the play, grief-stricken over the loss of Rhodon's love and, for this reason, she "sings and playes" a mournful song on the Lute, hopes for death to overtake her, and intends to end her life with a "sweet ponyard" until she is stopped by Poneria. After Poneria convinces the shafted lover not to commit suicide, Eglantine accepts the witch's offer to make Rhodon "renew the love" which he previously bore to her. She is then introduced by Poneria to Agnostus and, though frightened of the "Impostor," stays to hear Agnostus's speech concerning his vast knowledge and the power of his art. She "enjoin[s]" Clematis to procure a long list of "devices," and Clematis describes Eglantine's late fickleness as well as the measures which she has been going to in order to beautify herself for Rhodon. Eglantine faults Clematis for persuading her to wear less makeup, and claims that the maid "goes about utterly to undoe" her. She agrees to the meeting set up by Poneria with Rhodon, during which time she will pretend to be Iris and offer Rhodon "a precious Philter of rare efficacy" which, unbeknownst to him, will make him forget Iris and fall in love with Eglantine again. However, at Martagon's request, Poneria provides the unknowing maid with poison rather than a love potion, which results in Rhodon's near death. Eglantine sends Martagon a letter in which she wishes the General well and entreats him to give Gladiolus a place in his army. Martagon grants her request and bestows "a Captaines place" on the Page, in the hopes that Eglantine will return "a greater curtesie than this" to him. She enters at the play's end with Flora, Iris, and Panace in order to witness the orders and punishments which Flora will dole out, and is sentenced by the "renowned Queen" to do "ten yeeres pennance" while "confin'd" in a "vestall Temple" for breaking "the sacred lawes of love" in her attempts to make Rhodon "enamor'd on" her.
FATHER, ACANTHUS'S
A "ghost character." Acanthus claims, "Let me nere inherit more then my Fathers hempland" when Rhodon praises the joys of love.
FLORA
The "renowned Queen" whom Iris and Violetta "importune" to bring an end to the "troublous broiles." Flora enters at the play's end and orders the soldiers to "put up those murdring blades on paine of [her] displeasure." She is immediately obeyed, and orders Rhodon and Martagon to "dismiss" their armed bands. She orders Martagon to "make an ample restitution" to the "wrong'd" Violetta as well as "entertaine a friendly league with Rhodon / Which [. . .] Cynosbatus must also condescend to." She sentences Eglantine to do "ten yeeres pennance" while "confin'd" in a "vestall Temple" for breaking "the sacred lawes of love," and banishes Poneria and Agnostus from Thessaly forever for their foul deeds. Finally, she "bestow[s]" Iris upon Rhodon and suggests that everyone "solemnize with mirth" the "nuptiall rites" of the title couple.
GLADIOLUS
Eglantine's Page. Gladiolus witnesses Clematis's description of Eglantine's fickleness and mocks his "fellow servant" at which point she "strikes him." He contemplates drawing his sword against Clematis but decides against it, and exchanges threatening words with her instead. He delivers a letter to Martagon from Eglantine, in which the Shepherdess sends her well wishes to the General and entreats him to give Gladiolus a place in his army. Martagon grants her request and bestows "a Captaines place" upon the Page, in the hopes that Eglantine will return "a greater curtesie than this" to him.
HYDRIDTHUS
A "ghost character." Acanthus announces the advancement of Martagon's army which includes "the left wing [. . .] by Hydridthus led, / Wherein a thousand Souldiers march, / Arraid in purple coats." [Note: text is difficult to read at this point, spelling conjectural.]
IRIS
A "proud Damsell of Hymettus," a Shepherdess, Anthophotus's sister, and Violetta's friend. Iris is in love with and is loved by Rhodon (who has recently exchanged Eglantine's for Iris's love). She is complimented by Rhodon and praises him in return, and the rumoured match between them incites Martagon and Cynosbatus to try and come up with "some Stratagem" to separate them. Iris implores the favour of the gods "to gard" Rhodon in his battle against Martagon's army and charges her servant, Panace, to deliver "a gemme whose price doth farre transcend / All estimation" to Rhodon and "pray him weare it for [her] sake." Along with Violetta, Iris "haste[s]" to "Floras fane" in order to "importune" the "Queen" to bring an end to the "troublous broiles." Poneria sends a message to Rhodon in Iris's name requesting a meeting in the mirtle grove, during which time Eglantine pretends to be Iris and offers Rhodon "a precious Philter of rare efficacy" which, she thinks, will make him forget Iris and fall in love with her again. Rhodon believes Eglantine to be Iris, and Poneria's plan goes off without a hitch (although, unbeknownst to Eglantine, the witch provides the shepherdess with a poisonous drink rather than a love potion at Martagon's request, which results in Rhodon's near death). Acanthus initially blames Iris for Rhodon's poisoning as does the shepherd, himself. At Panace's claim that Iris did not meet Rhodon during the previous night, Rhodon states that he "must pardon crave of gentle Iris," while Anthophotus maintains that he would "chaine" his sister "to a fatall stake, / And sacrifice her Corps in hideous flames" if she were guilty of the attempted murder of Rhodon. Iris enters at the play's end with Flora, Eglantine, and Panace in order to witness the orders and punishments which Flora will dole out. During this time, Flora "bestow[s]" Iris upon Rhodon and suggests that everyone "solemnize with mirth" the "nuptiall rites" of the title pair.
MARTAGON
Cynosbatus's friend, Violetta's foe, and a "Tyrant" and "usurper." Martagon "command[s] the mountaines proud, and humble plaines / Of happy Thessaly" with his "imperiall power." His "state and power" have been recently "diminish'd," and he and Cynosbatus discuss "change" at the play's beginning, reveal their interests in Rhodon's relationships, and talk about coming up with "some Stratagem" to separate Iris and Rhodon. After Rhodon receives Violetta's letter concerning her mistreatment by Martagon, the shepherd makes an attempt "to bring th'usurper to a restitution" by "a friendly treaty." However, the conference set up to address the issue fails to bring about a satisfactory result and, thus, Rhodon vows to have revenge on Martagon "arm'd with a scourge of steele." Because of Rhodon's and Acanthus's "zealous"ness over Violetta's "cause," Martagon and Cynosbatus decide that they will not be able to win the battle fairly and, thus, must resort to underhandedness. For this reason, while Rhodon and his friends rally their armies, Martagon and Cynosbatus approach Poneria for help. The witch agrees to assist them by providing Eglantine with poison rather than a love potion to offer to Rhodon, which results in Rhodon's near death. Poneria prophesies the death of Rhodon and his army's disbandment, and claims that she would not "leave any villainy undone, / To be [Martagon's] slave." Martagon is identified by Acanthus (along with Agnostus and Poneria) as a likely culprit in the attempted murder of Rhodon and, due in large part to Poneria's lies about her sidekick's war experience, the General makes Agnostus a Colonel. Eglantine sends Martagon a letter in which she sends her well wishes to the General and entreats him to give Gladiolus a place in his army. Martagon grants her request and bestows "a Captaines place" on the Page, in the hopes that Eglantine will return "a greater curtesie than this" to him. Acanthus is sent by Rhodon to invite Martagon "to a bloudy breakfast to morrow morne," through which message Martagon discovers that Rhodon is not actually dead. He identifies Agnostus as an "Impostor," banishes both Poneria and her slave from his "Dominion," and he and Cynosbatus ready themselves for battle. The armies on both sides are prevented from fighting when Flora appears with Iris, Eglantine, and Panace and stops the battle. Flora orders Rhodon and Martagon to "dismiss" their armed bands and commands Martagon to "make an ample restitution" to the "wrong'd" Violetta as well as "entertaine a friendly league with Rhodon / Which [. . .] Cynosbatus must also condescend to."
MESSENGER
Delivers a letter from Violetta to Rhodon concerning Violetta's mistreatment by Martagon.
NARCISSUS
A "ghost character." Acanthus announces the advancement of Martagon's army which includes "Narcissus with a thousand Daffidils" that "doth flanke / The right side of the battaile."
PANACE
A servant to Iris. Acanthus requests a "private Conference" with Panace (who is listed in the Dramatis Personae as Panasa) but is denied (thus, bringing Acanthus's encounter with love in the play to an end). She is charged by Iris to deliver "a gemme whose price doth farre transcend / All estimation" to Rhodon and is instructed to "pray him weare it for [her] sake." She is also entrusted with the delivery of Violetta's "token of [. . .] love to him" -- a "precious herbe" which "frustrates quite the divellish force / Of strongest poysons or enchantments." She is informed by Acanthus that Rhodon "lies at the point of death," and is conducted by Acanthus and Anthophotus to their "sicke friend" so that the servant can present him with Violetta's antidote. She assures Rhodon that "'twas not Iris whom [he] met" the previous night in the mirtle grove, and later reappears with Flora, Iris, and Eglantine in order to witness the orders and punishments which Flora doles out at the play's end.
PONERIA
"A Beldam much renown'd for sacred skill / In magicke mysteries." Poneria and her "slave divine" (Agnostus) decide, at the play's beginning, to unite their forces in order to disrupt the "mirth" of the Society of Florists who, according to Poneria, "have determined to keepe their annual festival" and "make this Feast surpasse all feasts besides." She dresses herself in a "robe of vertue" to "hide [her] blacke intents" and provides Agnostus with the disguise of "a grave and learned Sire" which includes a beard, cap, and gown. Poneria stays Eglantine's suicide and the shepherdess accepts the witch's offer to make Rhodon "renew the love" which he previously bore to her. The witch introduces Agnostus to the frightened Eglantine, at which point he regurgitates an apparently rehearsed speech concerning his vast knowledge and the power of his art. Poneria encourages Eglantine to undertake a rigorous beautification process, and sends a message to Rhodon in Iris's name requesting a meeting in the mirtle grove during which time Eglantine pretends to be Iris and offers Rhodon "a precious Philter of rare efficacy" which, she thinks, will make him forget Iris and fall in love with her again. However, at Martagon's request, Poneria provides the unknowing maid with poison rather than a love potion, which results in Rhodon's near death. Agnostus repeatedly compliments Poneria on her "art and wisedome" (despite the fact that she often insults him), and claims that her "wit" is unparalleled when she informs him of her plot "to crop the proudest flower that growes / In Hybla or Hymettus." She prophesies the death of Rhodon and his army's disbandment and claims that she would not "leave any villainy undone, / To be [Martagon's] slave." Despite Agnostus's protestations, Poneria promises to bring a suit to "Generall Martagon" to "procure" him "some military office" and, after her representation of "the chiefe properties" of "moderne Captaines," Agnostus agrees to her wishes. Poneria is identified by Acanthus (along with Agnostus and Martagon) as a likely culprit in the attempted murder of Rhodon and, due in large part to Poneria's lies about her sidekick's war experience, Agnostus is made a Colonel by Martagon. After Martagon discovers that Rhodon is not actually dead, he identifies Agnostus as an "Impostor" and banishes Poneria and her slave from his "Dominion." Agnostus accompanies Poneria to Rhodon's side, where the witch begs for pardon for her "many mischiefes." After Rhodon recognizes them, he charges Acanthus to "see them to safe custody" and "make them sure for starting." Along with Agnostus, Poneria is brought forward at the play's end to be punished by Flora, who banishes them both from Thessaly forever.
POST, FIRST and SECOND
Two fictional characters. Poneria informs Martagon and Cynosbatus that she thinks she sees "the merry Post at hand, / That brings us joyfull newes of Rhodon's death." This acts as the first part of the witch's prophetic message.
Shortly thereafter, Poneria informs Martagon and Cynosbatus that she thinks she sees "another Post, who comes with better newes, / That Rhodons army is discourag'd and discarded, / Yea quite disbanded and disperst." This acts as the second part of the witch's prophetic message.
RHODON
"The prince of all the Swaines that dwell on Hybla," Violetta's brother, and Acanthus's and Anthophotus's friend. Rhodon is identified by Acanthus at the play's beginning as melancholic. The friends discuss the negatives and positives of love, and Rhodon claims that Acanthus is one "whose heart loves darts could never penetrate" though he maintains that the shepherd will, one day, "yeeld to the force of Cupid's golden dart." He confesses to his previous love of Eglantine which, he claims, was due in part to his "strong desire, / To see the Customes of some forraine Nations, / And know the manners of people farre remote." However, Rhodon claims that he now loves Iris, and Eglantine mourns the loss of the shepherd's affections throughout the play. Rhodon compliments Iris and she praises him in return, and the rumoured match between them incites Martagon and Cynosbatus to try and come up with "some Stratagem" to separate them. Rhodon receives a letter from Violetta concerning his sister's mistreatment by Martagon, and he makes an attempt "to bring th'usurper to a restitution" by "a friendly treaty." However, the conference set up to address this issue fails to bring about a satisfactory result and, thus, Rhodon vows to have revenge on Martagon "arm'd with a scourge of steele." Because of Rhodon's and Acanthus's "zealous"ness over Violetta's "cause," Martagon and Cynosbatus decide that they will not be able to defeat their opponents fairly in battle and, thus, must resort to underhandedness. In the meantime, Poneria stays Eglantine's suicide over Rhodon and Eglantine accepts the witch's offer to make Rhodon "renew the love" which he previously bore to her. Poneria sends a message to Rhodon in Iris's name requesting a meeting in the mirtle grove, during which time Eglantine pretends to be Iris and offers Rhodon "a precious Philter of rare efficacy" which, she thinks, will make him forget Iris and fall in love with her again. Rhodon believes Eglantine to be Iris, and Poneria's plan goes off without a hitch (although, unbeknownst to Eglantine, the witch provides the shepherdess with a poisonous drink rather than a love potion at Martagon's request, which results in Rhodon's near death). Panace is charged by Iris to deliver to Rhodon "a gemme whose price doth farre transcend / All estimation" and is instructed to "pray him weare it for [her] sake." Panace is also entrusted with the delivery of Violetta's "token of [. . .] love" to Rhodon -- a "precious herbe" which "frustrates quite the divellish force / Of strongest poysons or enchantments." Panace is informed by Acanthus that Rhodon "lies at the point of death," and the servant is conducted by Acanthus and Anthophotus to their "sicke friend" so that she can present him with Violetta's antidote. Though Acanthus initially blames Iris for Rhodon's poisoning as does the shepherd, himself, Panace claims that Iris did not meet Rhodon during the previous night, and Rhodon states that he "must pardon crave of gentle Iris." Rhodon, Acanthus, and Anthophotus pledge an oath on Rhodon's sword "ne're to lay downe [their] just and lawfull armes, / Untill [. . .] avenged to the full" against Martagon, and Rhodon sends Acanthus to invite Martagon "to a bloudy breakfast to morrow morne." At the realization that the shepherd is not dead, Martagon and Cynosbatus prepare for battle. Agnostus and Poneria flee to Rhodon's side after Martagon banishes them both from his "Dominion," and the witch begs for pardon for her "many mischiefes." After Rhodon recognizes them, he charges Acanthus to "see them to safe custody" and "make them sure for starting." The armies on both sides are prevented from fighting when Flora appears with Iris, Eglantine, and Panace and stops the battle. Flora orders Rhodon and Martagon to "dismiss" their armed bands and commands Martagon to "make an ample restitution" to the "wrong'd" Violetta as well as "entertaine a friendly league with Rhodon / Which [. . .] Cynosbatus must also condescend to." She sentences Eglantine to do "ten yeeres pennance" while "confin'd" in a "vestall Temple" for breaking "the sacred lawes of love" in her attempts to make Rhodon "enamor'd on" her, and banishes Poneria and Agnostus from Thessaly forever for their foul deeds. Finally, she "bestow[s]" Iris upon the thankful Rhodon and suggests that everyone "solemnize with mirth" the "nuptiall rites" of the title couple.
TULIPA
A "ghost character." Acanthus announces the advancement of Martagon's army which includes "a furious Amazon cald Tulipa" who "brings on three thousand burley Swiffers."
VIOLETTA
A "Shepherdess," "sister to Rhodon," and Iris's friend. Violetta sends a letter to her brother in which she "complaines of wrongs / late suffer'd" at the hands of Martagon. Her case is taken up by Rhodon, Acanthus, and Anthophotus and, when the conference set up to redress Martagon's treatment of Violetta fails, Rhodon and Acanthus assure the "Tyrant" that they will have revenge upon him "arm'd with a scourge of steele." Panace is entrusted with delivering Violetta's "token of [. . .] love" to Rhodon before his battle against Martagon's army -- a "precious herbe" which "frustrates quite the divellish force / Of strongest poysons or enchantments." This antidote saves Rhodon's life, and, along with Iris, Violetta "haste[s]" to "Floras fane" in order to "importune" the "Queen" to bring an end to the "troublous broiles." At the play's end, Flora orders Martagon to "make an ample restitution" to the "wrong'd" Violetta.