The first Act.

MVst not a Creature passe?

No, that's the the scoape of our Commission: Stand; who comes there?

A friend.

The Word;

Marry Sirs, God blesse us all;

well spoken, yet you must not passe,

Not passe? then if you be good fellowes, let us chat a while▪ prethee what meanes this sudden tumult?

The matter seemes so strange to me as yet, we can reurne no other answer, but the state on paine of death commands all men, (thus ready arm'd) to stand upon their guard;

You may be sure there's some rancke plot in hand, or would the State at these unusuall houres sit in a private Councell else:

'Twish a fable; 'tis but some dronken quarrell thus disturbes [Page 2] our rest: or the field appointed by some hot furious gallant, whereto the State will not give way.

Be it the same, wee'll not remove from hence, nor you in dutie ought to sleight the matter thus, as if your worships wisedome were so ripe to apprehend the cause;

You cannot give more likelier reasons for't:

Y'are mistaken friend, the common report's abroad farre different from your conceit; rais'd to the highest point of a distracted mutiny, wee wote not what to thinke or speake, such is the horrid treacherie intended.

Good Lord forbid; 'gainst whom?

This City Castle; and by a few of Romish Recusants thinke to subvert the true reformed Gospell:

How? our owne fast friends, that were a jest indeed past my beliefe;

Be not incredulous:

How can I choose, but frame my thoughts like a confused Chaos; to thinke, these men who by exteriour signes and loving conversations, threw their hearts into our armes, nay more I might expresse: but that I see▪ all proves a fained friendship, and our joynt love's turn'd to a mortall hate;

'Tis much, much feared, wee'll find it so e're long, written in Characters of blood.

Silence: the Lords themselves doe come, to give their best advice;

Wee call'd you hether, to make knowne the danger, that now, even now is reveal'd, wherefore so true we conceive you be, that with all speed you goe unto each port, and see them strongly guarded, with strict command that none on paine of death shall issue forth, untill a true & perfect search be made throughout [Page 3] this Citie, for as we credibly are inform'd, Guyrva with all his rude conspirators, are at this instant in a doubtfull feare to be discovered; the guilt of such a heynous fact doubtlesse betrayes them; Worthy friends, then slake not your endeavours; the hast which this great businesse now requires, admitts no leisure to stirre your willingnesse with th'effectuall speech of our just cause; that toucheth not your persons only; but aymes at the Crowne of our dread Soveraigne; and to imbase this Kingdomes glory, beneath the hollow concave of their Popish faction; this wee thought fit to adde unto your now intended care, not doubting yours, nor these your brethrens love to him, this waightie matter most concernes:

Sir, we really intend; (far from vaine glory be it spoken) to uphold this Cities ancient fame, that hitherto hath noblie borne, the tytle of a pure unspotted towne; when treason came as nie to cut you off, our fidelity did then expulse your foes and with the trophies of their bloodie spoyle return'd victorious, this we did, and are as willing yet to manifest the same so farre as heart and life can shew the dutie of allegiance:

Them Noble acts renders you famous to posterity; nor did th'Angolean princes prove ungratfull for that service, as your faire City charter can approve,

It is acknowledg'd their royall bounty, wherefore we that doe live will strive to give as great a lustre to th' Angolean nation, as our renowned ancestors have done, in this we rest, O Lord decree our willing powers may curb this treacherie.

Now kinde brother your grave experience [Page 4] must direct, what is most needfull to be done;

The chiefest care whereto our watchfull eye should bar from future mischiefe, this strong fort by heavens protection is secured, therein disabling our insulting foes hence forward to proceed:

Then are our feares extinct?

Not so, deere Sir, the tempest threatens our ruin still; for 'tis a maxime warlike leaders use, not to despise the weaknesse of their foes, which else might give advantage to their designe as many woefull presidents there are within the limitts of my youthfull dayes: (too tedious now to nominate,) for sixtie odde yeares past, since first I practis'd arms, in the Hiberean warres, when Tyrona ledd on by some vaine prophesie or other, did strive by dint of sword to assure himselfe the Northern Crowne, with much expence of blood at length t'h Angolean forces cool'd his pride, and made his haughtie courage stoope unto a base ignoble flight, yet now me thinks the terrour of this sudden hell-bred newes, strikes neere my heart, then all the legions of his furious traine, could at that instant when Black-water-Fort, prov'd fatall to the most and best of ours:

We then like prudent Statesmen must observe, some fit occasion may endeere the Palans to side with us, untill our powers encrease with new supplyes from the grand Parliament

Your advice is good, but we are the valiant stout Osirus here, we then could best proceed; yet fearing least the pilfring Mountaniers doe fire the suburbs, 'twere not amisse, if we employed that warlike Leader brave Carola, Cola, with whom five hundred of our best and ablest men to front the foe at home; Now friend; from whence thy newes?

From Adrohna▪

[Page 5]

How fares the Governor?

In health, an please your Lordship.

Is the noble Lord Tigranes in safetie?

The same my Lord:

It must not be difer'd a minute longer; goe hast thee to the governor againe, and tell him six hundred men compleatly arm'd shall forthwith march to strengthen him, and further bid him be of comfort, he shall not want, what's needfull;

I will not faile to returne your Lordships answer,

Brother, we must withdraw to hasten what is promist we should incurre a lasting scandall else:

Now that our army is advanch'd thus farre, within the confines of our trembling foes whilst yet their scattered troupes lye all dismaid, wee'l pitch a field in view of yon proud towne, and stoutly summon them Within to yeeld, or traine them forth, moved which a bould defiance, wherein wee may expresse an ardent zeale to right our natives slavery, and stop the current of their puritan designe intended for our totall ruine;

Brave man at armes, thy invincible spirit adds more furie to the justnesse of our cause, then when I recollect a memory of Guyrva's sad misfortune, through some prodigious starre, ominus to poore Lirenda still, yet if undanted resolution may advance the drooping state, of this our native Clime, let him not prosper will not prosecute that base, perfidious, Puritanicall faction, enemies to God, our mild and gracious Soveraigne:

I will not boast what [Page 6] my intentions are, nor derive an active power from my owne selfe conceit, No Noble friends and fellow peeres in armes, my ambition's fixt on them powers above, from whence I have a heart both true and loyall, consecrated to the service of this pious warre, in proofe whereof, (vouchsafe me but that honour) i'le be the first shall scale those feeble walls and raze yon loftie turretts to the ground, or dye in the adventure,

Forbeare Aretas promise no more then thousands will beside we are departed from our home, under the conduct of a happy leader, to whom as to the publique good we owe the tender of life, estate and fortune, for royall Carola his just prerogatives, wrested from him by an elected crew of shamelesse Round-heads; wherefore lets once againe confirme our vow in his defence, that is most deere unto us;

The motions good, joyne hands & hearts together Now God defend this kingdome by our powers whilst we are for our gracious king, and yours: Omnes Crant this, O Lord Amen, Amen, O Lord.

The squadrons now must quarter in due order, Dora take you the charge thereof, my selfe, Mineus, and Aretas will see if threats or promises will best prevaile, th'obdurate Newters to side with us:

Arme Sirs, arme, arme, an army of well appointed Angoleans march directly hither;

Never more joyfull newes, come my hearts cheer up; hearken this welcome

sound, invites your valour, be not found dismaid although your foes be arm'd, the most of ours all naked men, ne're train'd to any seemely posture

What troopes will you appoint to give the charge?

[Page 7]

Lentimos, and you Theodorike must lead a partie forth, wee'l follow after with them we shall conceive expedient

Shine happy starres, propitious fate direct us, Come, lets away, heaven will I hope protect us

Whither shall we fly, Captain Albinus make hast away, or we are lost for ever, our ranks are broken by the bloodie foe that like so many cruell Tygers rage and slaughter all they meet, with ruth full groanes of dying men the aire is fill'd, and death in triumph waites upon our vanquisht forces.

I scorne to flinch, or leave my harmelesse men a prey to them whose cruelty extends beyond the bounds of human nature; of my estate they have deprived me else, so most of those we have now seene lye dead then to revenge that wrong I led them forth, and to that end ile stay; my life's no more but lost a [...]gments the summe of their large score:

Our Serjeant Major hath forsooke the field,

More Coward he;

Shall we submit or yeeld;

Neither; you may in that your pleasure doe.

As you resolve so I will stand to it to;

See where Albinus stands, as if he meant to conquer all.

Come on Traytor.

Thou lyest. base slave, that proud word shall cost thee deerely.

An equall match come, man to man;

Fall backe good Sir, doe you pursue the rest that flyes amaine:

have at you Sirs.

packe hence thou wretched soule, goe downe to stix, there learne of Tantalus what is't to strive, [Page 8] against the streame, for which he starves alive.

When first this unexpected newes was brought us we little thought it would clime to that height, or that there were such tyrannie intended, against the miserable Northerne Subjects but since we doe (unto our griefes) behold the sad disaster of our dearest friends

Expect no better measure at their hands if their emperious pride be not abated;

'twill come too late I feare,

'twish a fable, let damn'd Medaea raise her spitefull charmes, from the depth of th' infernall sootie caves, or from grim Pluto's court conjure a number of armed furies, this horrid crew, were they more strong then hell is deepe, our just cause, cryes at th'impartiall throane of God for aide, to affront and keepe in awe, these bold usurpers of our Soveraigne's power;

Most nobly spoken:

To thinke otherwise we should wrong our selves, had we not lost our expectations for some private guilt, against the deity my cause of knowledge being sad and heavy, for the late army we sent forth they say, received a fatall overthrow,

Be not dismaid, thinke not the dismall sight of our defeated troupes, shall strike us silent or rent our fortunes with an odious tearme of Coward feare, 'tis a base deformed object▪ a scandall for posteritie to blot our fame, No my Lord, as yet my hopes hath life, by the same president in other stout commanders, witnesse Bellona's darling, invincible Caesar (whose fame and valour did spread over the girdled orb, unto the Antipodes) Darius, Priam, the [Page 9] Macedonian King, with infinit others impertinent to nominate these potent conquerors I say, were subject to the like misfortunes, yet notwithstanding afterwards have been victorious; And why not wee?

Our case, my Lord, is weake and desperate;

For shame cast off them looks of sadd dispaire, it ill beseemes your calling, time, or place an occasion seldome lesse needfull, without a further consultation: come, let's goe immediatly claspe on our coates of steell, and dare the traytors to their face, whil'st I doe animate and lead up the rest of our decayed forces: Courage as then, a little sparke may lighten all againe:

Since your undanted spirit must needs forward, then be as prosperous as Hannibal when he conveyed his army o're the mounting Alps, or like the sonne of Iove, when Giants impudence did invade the heavens

My hearts, as good as theirs, had I equall power, ide teare the fabricke of this world asunder, my fury like Ioves violent thunder should blast the earth farre worse then Phaeton in his heedles course, what would I not have done, what Kingdomes ransackt till I had my will of these on whom I ground my hatred still:

To satisfy the nice conceit of those who judge our actions as their fancies are, our taking armes shall to the world appeare a just and naturall defence in us when to His Majesty, ther's not the least conceit of any harme once meant, either in's Royall person Crowne or dignitie;

So farre we still expresse our selves my Lord, for in this protection is layd forth [Page 10] the motives whereon wee chiefely ground this warre next with a tender care we doe reserve all that concernes our soveraignes right, to the Lirendean Crowne, therein excluding all forraigne power, all Princes whatsoever:

If such a Covenant we had not made; No Caesar, Scipio, Hanniball, nor that worlds conqueror proud Macedon, were their expired dates renewed againe, could not, nay should not subdue the gentry of Lirenda from their obedience to th' Angolean King, most firme and true since mighty Cheapstow did conduct us hither;

Nor doe we now intend a base revolt had Rome's majestique throne command it so my humble answer saith give Caesars due, to God thy heart and faith;

That was indeed the chiefe occasion first that moved us joyne with them.

And will maintaine it whil'st life breathes in this corps of mine,

And mine,

We are resolv'd to live and die together.

May it please your Lordships, one Theodorike desires admittance to your Lordships presence:

Goe give him entrance, good man his paines, are great to draw the Commons forth.

Such friends as him we need.

The more his praise.

Welcome Theodoricke.

Then know my Lords, with paines unspeakable I've drawne together, of mine my neere allyes their servants, friends and tenants, a thousand able men, at Rufus quarters, in a fit readines to doe you service, when further know, our scouts for certaine doe report, that fifteen hundred desperate bloodie rogues under the command of Sir Daretas, at [Page 11] Medra haven are landed, beside one Collonell Crambich, (a branch of the cursed tribe in Pickland) is trusted with the leading of a thousand chosen men, all Citizens, with whom, by true intelligence, Sir Carola intends t'expulse us from our native dwellings, with such a savage spleen, men, women, infants on their mothers pape, are vowed to be kild;

That project crusheth all, Notwithstanding cosen, and Collonell (a title not worth the least of thy applauded meritts,) returne, with such small forces as you have give Cola a manfull skermish, and we shall speedily unto your aide.

To my griefe I speake it, the campe hath scarce a dozen pound of powder.

Heaven will strengthen thee.

Here take this sword, and use't against our foes.

Vpon their carcasses ile spare no blowes, farewell my Lords, Theodorike will goe, expose his fate against your powerfull foe;

Yonder they are Madam.

My thinkes they lacke them pleasant smiles of mirth, that like so many radiant beames of Sol, gave comfort to the gloomy shade of our disquiet thoughts.

Why therefore we doe now presume this visit hoping we may at least disperse them cares that we suspect doth seize them unawares

Behold my Lords, who comes?

We are discover'd; health to your Lorships.

Welcome faire Ladyes all.

Must we demande your licence to entrude.

'Twere needlesse; your beauties are sufficient to claime a greater favour.

[Page 12]

Sir you know, 'tis the desire of love, fond women doe so much regard, that overcome with joy, you men esteemes it as a needlesse toy, and may perhaps our kindnesse now expresse in the harsh language of ungratfulnesse:

Your will my deere,

Is only to be merry this new yeere, for Christmas being now well neere expir'd without the comfort of your usuall mirth, what joy have we, what sorrowes can prevent when in your looks the mappe of discontent:

It lyes beyond the reach of female wit, to sound the cause that doth occasion it,

Howsoever some short time wee'l borrow, to curb the mischiefe of a sudden sorrow;

Our musicke hath of late unto them given, a song, penn'd by a friend that doth protest he loves this Nation deerely, in whose brest such deepe affection by their kindnesse came that he doth honour and respect the name;

This makes you to affect it so.

Love bindes us to it.

Will you be pleased to heare it then?

Yes, and with thanks to.

How like you this?

A perfect good one, Ladie;

Seeing the Poets fancie hath pleas'd you thus, wee crave the like respect, which granted us, shall not divert you long from them affaires whereto wee see you are enclin'd to most how like you of a dance my Lords.

Fairest beautie, none dares denie, when you expresse the law that keepes offending lovers most in awe.

It merits not this complement, your love, in this, is that which we desire to prove, some musicke there.

believe me this was neatly done,

And gave us much contentment.

Ladies a banquet. after this to entertaine our Noble friends.

If that small worth you thinke will please your friend, leade on the way my Lords and wee'l attend.

Goe, goe spend the remnant of your happy dayes, whil'st I with silent griefe doe vent my thoughts, thoughts able to dismay a minde most resolute if what a maidens braine conceives will take effect, our woefull houres are posting on; we may be confident Angolias furie, arm'd with a mortall hatreds ready bent to mischiefes, void of pittie, with pretence, this cruell rage is in their owne defence, least we who have been still as slaves to them should now endeavour to regaine our owne religion, lawes, and liberty, this, O this it feares me will produce more inhuman acts, then ever brutish Nero did invent: oh, oh, silly, heart, why doest thou figure forth [Page 14] so strange a forme? silence no more, no more, let not the aire be private to thy griefe, fearing some fatall starre, approves thy speech propheticall; and make these thoughts in fact a mournfull Chorus to the following act:

The second Act.

This day (deere friends and kinsmen) we must behave our selves like brave couragious Lirendeans, not regarding the politique stratagems of Cola, wherein he thinks to find us, in a foule disorder, his Machavillian plots ne're so privately contriv'd, but heaven you see, doth send us timely notice, wherefore wee'll expect him with spirits altogether void of feare; what though wee are not so well arm'd as he, nor furnisht with that plentie of ammunition, the justnesse of our cause will shield us from the spitefull fury of his invading power; be sensible of your wrongs; the infamous disgrace without respect of birth or person, how odious the name of Catholique, hath ever been unto them? a hatred there's by inheritance, the losse of your estates by a thousand damn'd inventions; beside innumerable edicts against Religion: These torments were not held sufficient in respect we somewhat yet possesse of this our native soile; wherefore they have contriv'd the last and worst of evills; to raze us from the world, No, nor leave so much as one alive, to encrease the memory of us hereafter; (a grudge sutable to hells blacke purposes.) [Page 15] Reflect I pray, how neere it doth concerne us then, to venture our lives and fortunes in a noble vertuous way; that truly tends, to the safety of your wives, children and friends: Admit gentlemen of the worst may happen, what an they breake on ours; 'tis no dishonor neither our reputations blemisht in't when th'advantage of armes and numbers theirs, May not fortune as well grace our desires when all her motions are uncertaine, should wee defeate them now the world would speake our praise: Come, let's resolve to doe them more annoy, then Agamemnon, in the warres of Troy:

The grave and learned eloquence of Roman Orators (noble Colonell) could not more perfect a description give, off those insufferable injuryes, which captivated our hearts in chaines of ice, that must again (perforce) dissolve in flames of just revenge:

Our enemies too neere approach, else we could enlarge the subject of this conference with as many materiall circumstances, which for the present we abreviate to prosecute our right: leade on Sir, bravely guide the way heaven will, I hope, grant this our happy day:

Was ever seene or heard, such bold, audacious rogues that dares upbraid my fury, have not I▪ to their confused shame and losse, caused many townes and villages to be destroyed in dreadfull flames, themselves like dismall fugitives compeld to flye, and yet they dare affront me still! O impudence! that with extracted villanie deserves a totall ruin, thy harme I seeke, and longe to glorie in soe good an action▪ motives sufficient doth enduce me to it, to hang, to racke, to kill, to burne, to spoile, untill I make this land a barren soile.

Fly Cosen fly, ther's no hope of safety else, notwithstanding a stout resistance, our men (affrighted with the unusuall sight of blood and slaughter) are fouly broken on, routed by a number crueller then famisht lions in th'Arabian desert, Cola like a demi-divell or Canniball, cryes out kill, kill, spare neither man, woman, child regard not age or sex, downe, downe with them all

For Christ his passion, doe you once more oppose his furie, make good the trench whilst I perswade our timerous men to face about.

Stand traitor, perfidious traytor, stand.

Thy foe, a loyall subject, and prove it so; on your guard Sir:

Tibernus charge, Crambich post unto the bridge where the most number of the villens are in strife to passe, let not a mothers child escape, but see due execution on them all:

Your will shall be observ'd effectually

What stout Celar kil'd? O damn'd bowitching fate: Beare hence this body, then after take the pillage of the towne for your good service.

Now as I live its like to prove a mad world, a desperate time with our Citizens; an' it continue thus, where they did breake by dozens heretofore, we shall have hundreds now at a light rate i'faith; such pretty shifts and sleights are so cunningly contrived these dayes, under pretence of safetie, as shutting shops, packing up goods and sent, the [Page 17] Lord knowes whither; Coine, Iewels, plate, houshold-stuffe, every thing vanisheth like superfluous clouds, to the vast center of the hollow earth; my countreymen are styled, to discontented gentlemen, well, if e're I did intend to make a fortune, now's the time to stirre my selfe, a fitter opportunitie will never offer my acceptance, ha, the mischiefes ont, I shall be reputed so, a prime promoter: tush a blast of breath no sooner blowne then gone, honesty canno [...] thrive at all times, the proverb sayes, he must needs dye a begger that is knowne too just: wherefore I will scrue up my wits, to the full height of knavery, whereby I may demurely insinuate my selfe, with the good liking of Sir Carola; whom no sooner's made acquainted with my facultie, but heapes of honour will fall on me straight, with good Sir, sweet Sir, as I doe passe them by, helpe me sayes one I am condemn'd to dye, there's twentie peeces; another calls kinde Sir, remember my petition you preferre here's expedition for it; thus 'twixt em all, I'm sure to rise, whosoever chance to fall:

here comes the only man in credit with Sir Carola; prosperitie waite on your noble selfe Tibernus:

Thanks honest friend:

I have been since these warres desirous Sir, to doe the governor some speciall service, but since could not the happines to impart what I am sure will please and profit him.

Relate thy minde to me, and thou shalt have a fit reward.

To place my low fortunes on the pyramide of his bounty, were a praise befitting the worthy motions [Page 18] of a generous soule: This did enduce my zealous love to shew, the subtill prankes of some penurious Citizens, that lately closed up in a wall, at least a thousand pound in plate and cash.

There's some strong hopes in this;

I'le bring you likewise to each papist house, where privately are kept, trunks wholly loaden of rich apparell, coine, jewells, rings bracelets patents of the rebells lands.

That especially:

What can you thinke or name best needfull for your use, but I will straight discover?

Surely thou canst not misse a brave preferment;

Vnder pretence of being bred a Papist, I shall without the least thought of suspicion conduct your guard where Priests in secret are lockt up at Masse, or in the night as they abroad doe creeping passe the street, moreover Sir, if the army be in want, or that of force you aske assistance from the townsmen where some may better spare more gold then others, let me alone to search the difference of those mens fidelitie, how able, willing, really affected, Papist above Protestant I am expert in all

Gracelesse villen that cares not to betray his deerest friends to them wotes not after he were hang'd:

I must dissemble with the knave a while for my owne end; Now trusty friend make good what thou hast said, and blesse this houre for ever:

Your constant servant I will still persevere.

Brother Athenio:

What sayes our deere brother?

Have you not hard of the late proclamation?

Yes Noble Brother, I perused it over, [Page 19] the treacherous modell of a rude invention, Pitho would thousands give for all our heads

No, there's a milder since, full of Clemencie, a generall pardon,

To whom?

Them will submit to the Lords Iustices

On what conditions?

Perverse crueltie?

Perpetuall slavery?

And mortall hatred?

Very true: these are the glorious titles every faint hearted native will revolt shall have, which from my heart I wish it him, but to explaine my owne particular intention, may to the wise perhaps seeme needles; yet he that loves his Country, or will professe the Characters of Catholiquo in's heart take notice oft, our quarrell is religious, in maintenance whereof we are already sworne without equivocation, and e're I violate that sacred oath, a thousand deaths shall one by one invade me, if floods of misery, i'le wade them o're and from its raging streames regaine the sho [...] of bless'd fidelitie.

May all the world example take by this Lord's goodnesse;

Vnder favour: 'twere a folly, a most profound madnes to seeke our certaine ruin by deniall of a benefit, so conveniently proffer'd; when our wants at the most extreme: both night and day I posted hence the kingdome over, all parts my wandring thoughts conceived might best supply our wants, did I returne ought but the fruitlesse labour of a needfull journey; can Stelern now your foes▪ encrease make up two thousand compleat armes in field; your Lordships knowes this is no fable:

[Page 20]

Good Sir forbeate, the matter's past dispute.

An please your excellence, severall gentlemen of the Countie, are newly come in post, with some strange newes, it's feared by their sad looks.

Direct'em hither; some stragling troupers that for pillage scout abroad, makes false alaruins to afright the Countrey thus:

Your newes? What, sad upon't?

Osirus, with a powerfull army gather'd from all parts at least consisting of eight thousand foote, and horse, march hitherward; burning of townes, distroying Castles faire, all to the sword goes that his army meets, and doth intend (the which good God forbid) to make a fatall conquest of this land.

What strange, dishonest, base device is this, to publish to the world, a generall pardon, before which time appointed is expir'd, poore harmelesse subjects kil'd, the kingdome fir'd, O faithlesse wicked Crueltie!

Shift for your selves in hast, for here will soone arrive more sullen spyes, then Mercury did charme in Argo's eyes; good my Lords dispatch, one minutes stay too long may yeeld you prisoners to untimely ends:

Deare friends, we now resemble one at point of death, that must perforce forsake, what he most deerely loved, life, wealth, faire possessions, pleasures content exchanged to sad expressions, wife laments, children their parents moane, each hath occasion then to sigh and groane; so we, distressed we, must oft among, their dolefull ditties tune a mournefull song.

Let them whose will stand out, I will submit to great Osirus cause its held most sit.

Now through the power and helpe of heaven we are, in safe possession of their strongest holts, the foe not able to withstand our warlike troupes are fled, like men full of dispaire, griefe, regardlesse furie that we are thus strong; themselves pursued with terror of the times, and fearefull shadowes of base acted crimes, wherefore we must then cheerfully advance, not doubting but we truly shall e're long, revenge sufficiently th' Angoleans wrong.

You speake Sir, like your selfe, full of maturitie, the hopefull line, that guides my confidence from the most intricate labyrinth of dispaire when Adrohna was at point to perish, and plast the issue of a farre event on more then mortall comfort: that proposeth to the wicked, vice, mischiefes, paines unspeakable, joyn'd with the grim aspect of blood and terror, more deserving plagues then wilfull Egypt felt, when her miseries were at the height of all extremes

It needs must follow so, for in all parts they are environ'd with severe Commanders, famous for their valour, your Excellence in Stelern, and for the adjacent Provinces, men of knowne integritie:

It is our chiefest comfort they goe on as prosperous as faire Bellona's darlings when the gods were threatned by a multitude of foolish mortalls.

But none with that Celeritie like yours, which farre transcend theirs went before as Sol doth Luna's spangled Orb, or some bright starre, when sable clouds doth vaile the skie.

'Tis the noblest of your thoughts are pleased my Lord to speake our commendations greater then desert can warrant so much goodnes:

It cannot be denyed; your prosperous fate, fame [Page 22] hath divulged it to the spacious world, with doubled Echoes of immortall praise; which makes Angolia to esteeme your actions the glory of her Northerne Clime.

Believe me gentlemen, this will impaire your ripe judgement much, what tidings brings you from the Campe my friend?

To know your Lordships pleasure concerning a prisoner that immediately is taken:

How, a gentleman of quality?

He names himselfe Lieutenant Collonell Rufus a Scot by birth, a Papist by profession.

Let him be forthwith sent to the Lords Iustices,

Behold my Lord, here comes another Post,

Now friend, thy newes?

That Lord Sileus, Bathillus, one Cephalon and Sisenna, with many other prime gentlemen are joyntly come to the Campe, in hope of a free pardon

A gibbet fitts them better: good my Lord;

Patience kinde Sir, when time and place will serve each one may justly have what he deserve till then remit your censure.

How will your Lordship have them be disposed of?

With a strong Convay, guard them presently unto the Castle:

It shall be duely done.

Now we may say, Heaven favours us.

Nothing more certaine Sir, yet I must aske a boone:

'Tis granted, were it my estate Tigranes:

No more then two full Regiments of foote, a troope or so of horse to augment my former forces, with whom I meane to wast the Kingdome over: chiefely the Northerne quarter, where most my indignations bent, untill I pull from those bold conspirators unsanctified browes [Page 23] the wreath of honour, and force them to repent, crye, curse the houre, that e're they urg'd Angolias warlike power.

There needs no language to excite thy valour, nor distrust, but thou maist soone accomplish, that pleasing service both to God and man, come then make choice thy selfe of them resolved hearts fit to waite on so brave a leader: Then you for Vlstrand, we Stelern, claspe hands, when Martiall men thus knit, their partie stands:

They call for quarter, and will yeeld the Castle if we grant it them.

Goe, say they shall have it, promise what ever they will demand, untill we gaine this place of strength, our losse is much already; when that is done, gentlemen, and brother souldiers, their lives shall be at each of your disposalls, as our poore countreymen hath been at theirs.

Wee'll brush the [...]r gutts i'faith,

You were but fools and cowards else to thinke the contrary, when heaven cryes vengeance on their sinfull heads, nature binds you effect it; were there no more provoking motions, but the slaughter of your follow souldiers here:

He speaks like a true zealous Protestant:

His words enflames my heart.

Z'blood mine's so too:

And mine is full resolved with this stiffe blade, to goare the traytors throates;

My sword likewise:

Mine shall not sleepe vvhen yours is dravvn.

This is as quickly drawne to;

But this did pretty well, and shall againe, augment the number of our foes that's slaine.

I must of force be absent now they yeld: least your pretence of being ignorant I granted quarter, might spoile the jest: you [Page 24] know your charge?

You need not doubt, we doe: stand; where would these traytors goe?

Where God will guide us best.

Where the divell shall your wretched soules molest?

Hold we had quarter promist us.

Believe him not he lyes, kill, kill, let not a bastards

brat of that unhappy brood, escape your hands.

Looke, yonder runs a score, lets follow, follow.

Heaven grant they perish in the world to come, that were foule actors of this brutish Tragedie: deere friends and Countreymen, blame not my love, if I bestow the attribute of Martirs on yee, Martyrs, O Martyrs truly with good reason too, since for your faith, you sufferd thus; live then blest soules securely in eternall rest, whil'st we lament your too untimely losse; Oh that my wishes could an army raise for this poore kingdomes safetie; whereby such crueltie might be no more extended, but oh, oh, these, these wishes are in vaine when fire and sword beyond controule doth raigne Lirenda, poore Lirenda now farewell, farewell thy former pompe; all's turn'd to griefe attired in crimson robes of bloodie death that none but heavens compassive motions can subdue: cease then, O cease impatient griefe, when God is pleased, we may expect reliefe, meane time these breathlesse corps me thinks doe crave that tribute which we all bring to the grave.

The third Act.

Plague choake him for a gracelesse villen, not [Page 25] a minutes ease my restlesse fancie had, since first I understood my dismall fate, ha, is this your prophecie, good man halter? is this my fortune? Sir, you will be lost

in this warre, by the hands of one you least suspect, before you shall returne againe: Must my labour, my zealous labour be, requited with a death I most abhorre, not that I feare grim death base conjurer, but that a Lirendean slave should vanquish me, and glorie in my overthrow, O, O, O, damn'd divells incarnate, if die I must my life shall cost ten thousand lives accurst

There's at least a score of arch-traitors sent to towne, whereof one Cephalon.

Ha, Brukil [...] I hope,

The very same;

God's blessing on thy heart, for this good newes; a very rogue in graine.

There is another old Commander, whom they call Lieutenant-Collonell Rufus, one can disclose more then a hundred more,

I'le scrue it out of his old bones i'faith: good Tibernus fetch them hither.

Them all?

No, none but that paire of cunning rogues: desire the Constable to yoake the rest, they cannot be secure,

enough, but these shall to the racke without redemption.

Cleere the way there, for the prisoners, ho,

Are you there Sirs? have you brought Magna Charta, to reprive you from the gollowes? ha

No, His Majesty's more gracious.

What, what, to pardon a rable of disloyall Cut-throates, a nimble actor of this bold Commotion?

[Page 26]

I never was.

I say thou lyest traytor▪ and sate in chiefe commission.

Never in my life.

Better confesse.

What I did not?

The racke shall force thee then.

Mercy great Sir supports his royall throne from whence your glories are derived, and is th' admired Emblem of heroicall vertue disperst throughout the world, wherein his highnesse like a prince composed of goodnes, would not his subjects ruin, but rather have his mercy eminent, as himselfe is good

Rugh curres, now y' are glad to fawne, when hetherto 'twas lofty bragges yee stood on, a treacherie I'le trample into dust, and make you know, before we part, what homage you doe owe:

Sir, for my selfe thus much I will confesse, not that I feare thy racke or tortures Cola, for why they shall no more then what I freely speake, I was indeed employed by the stat [...] of Lirenda, poore discontented Lirenda; to make knowne their woefull grievance to his Sacred Majestie, which had he knowne, doubtlesse his royall soule would grieve to heare th'unheard of crueltie; thy squadrons exercise:

I tell thee doting traytor they are justly serv'd.

How, traytor?

I traytor to thy face I speake it.

Even to thy selfe I doe returne the same.

How captious they thwart me with insulting language; leade them to execution straight.

First use the racke.

He dyes.

Let me beseech you Sir.

At thy request it shall be so.

The racke sirs, ho:

[Page 27]

Before that engine of inveterate malice comes, vouchsafe me hearing; I claime a double priviledge; first the benefit of your late printed Proclamation Osirus promise next I should have quarter, such as became a martiall man to have, which now we humbly offer your acceptance.

Dissembling Crocodile, thy hidden spleene shall not corrupt justice by invective flattery, no vipers no, a world of tortures are more requisite.

Let Mercy mittigate your rage.

Presume to speake againe, and by my soveraignes hand you both shall hang.

That were an act like thy selfe.

Come sirs you must unloose with expedition

Is that the recompence of our submission, will neither honour, faith, nor pittie move thee.

He stirres my choller, will none obey my will I'le teare each limme my selfe asunder, unlesse with speed he suffer?

Doe not provoke him Sir.

Heaven grant us patience then.

A standish Sirs: take now th' examination as he speakes it;

Hold, hold, for Christs sake hold; the torment's great.

Did'st not thou conspire to surprize the Castle?

Yes, yes, I did.

And went to severall parts of the kingdome for powder?

I did, I did.

Wast not thou private to their consultations?

Very true.

Did not you then intend, to extirpate all th' Angolean Protestants, to disposesse our Soveraigne of his Crowne, to usurpe the government of Lirenda?

My conscience cannot accuse them so▪

[Page 28]

'Tis false thou sayest:

O no, no, no:

Rack up the villen higher yet, till he confesse, confesse I bid thee.

Torments force me, to acknowledge that was never done.

How, how?

I doe confesse what you demand is true.

Write that Tibernus, when thy rebellious kinsmen and thy selfe, would carouse and feast, you wish'd my head among you there,

We did,

For which thou shalt a twist up higher yet.

Then as you hope for mercy Sir forbeare, my paines intollerable; oh I die.

Now take him off, your turne comes next.

In vaine you seeke to force me Sir, since what I speake shall be through feare not truth: nor will refuse to answer the least syllable you aske.

Expect no favour 'tis denyed thee:

Such favour mayst thou at thy last judgment finde:

O cruell tyrant, will no remorse of conscience enter thy blacke soule to see, my aged limbes thus rent with tyrannie?

Better confesse, then languish on the racke,

I can no more then what unto the Councell else I did.

Higher with him: confesse in hast, or by great Iove i'le racke thy life away,

Take it, O take my wretched life away, so it appease thy furie, no toungue can tell what torments I endure?

He faintes an please you.

Let him faint and hang to, no great matter, a doting proud obdurate foole, will not confesse, goe take them hence unto the jayle;

Your pleasure shall be done.

[Page 29]

Zlid, search their pockets.

'twill make us swill boyes, swill boyes merily

Thanke me for that, good man dunse, or it should walke to the Constable againe.

His shallow Coxcomb, had not the wit to thinke on't.

However anon wee'll be as joviall lads, as cup and can.

The rest shall be used with like severitie.

'Twere wisely done of you.

Who have you there?

Two rogues with each a bag of salt we tooke, going to supply their wants abroad,

You have done well, to intercept the knaves: goe bid the Provost Marshall execute them presently:

Come away, come an' be hang'd.

Where master?

To be hang'd that's plaine English,

I trow no, for what Agra?

The gallowes will instruct you better, come an' be hang'd, come.

Behold your chiefe spie is return'd Sir Carola. your Argos, your pretty tell tale Mercury,

First, arme your grave thoughts with attentive patience, least what I speake might prove offensive to you, your foes doe daily expect from Spaine, France and the Low-Conntreyes, plentie of all fit ornaments of warre, as powder, bullet, match, musketts, petternalls, and such like, moreover many valiant brave Commanders.

Hell take them first, abrood of most disloyall vipers, ha, what peremptorie slave durst tell this fable?

Them who invoke your happy fates, for certaine did approve it upon oath, and further said, [Page 30] one Dictus went for that expected ayd:

What is he gone to Sea?

Yes gone to Sea.

A blister build on thy tongue foule serpent Tibernus thou lovest me,

My heart and life is yours.

Speed after good Tibernus in all post, send forth a power to watch at every coast, perhaps he lurkes in hollow caves abroad, till winde and tide doth serve, whil'st this base rascall, (corrupted with a golden bribe,) will not reveale his private haunt.

Sir, if I have offended pardon me:

By heavens I will not, put him into the Provost Marshalls custodie, till further order comes from us; Tibernus charge Amphilus on his life to scoure the Seas, and let the harvest be destroyed.

It shall.

What Hercules can remove this mountaine of enraged passions from my heart? O now it nothing fitts my care to speake but thunder or take into my throate the trumpe of Heaven, with whose determinate blasts the winde shall burst, that blew his sailes aloft, and th' enraged Seas consume their foamy waves, that will not let his vessell sinke, whereby my care might be disperst, void of suspicion, ascending from, this wicked plot unseene, a poysoned plot sufficient to infect the world; when they doe shew themselves the worst of men:

Stay harlot stay, or by the heavens above, I'le neither spare thee for reward nor love:

Pittie oh pittie friend my woefull case, my parents are by thee already slaine, what would my loathsome life availe thee then, [Page 31] kinde heart relent, relent if any sparke of civill grace be in thee.

Z'blood and wounds, unlesse thou yeelds me freely thy virginity I'le pierce thy brest with this remorselesse steele;

I scorne thy hellish motion: hands of rude divell or I'le convince thee with a chast deniall like vertues darling faire Susanna.

Here's needlesse fustian trow mistris twitle, twatle, what now? nay friske about the sinquapace, all's one; thou strivest in vaine to hinder my desires, yeeld, yeeld speedily.

Never whilst I live: helpe, helpe,

I come to helpe away your maiden-head, if't be not lost already.

More furies yet,

And more, if need require,

O beastly filthy lewdnesse, will no compassion move you? O kill mee kill me sooner then bereave me of a modest fame, see these eyes dimme with distilling, teares, that never knew to weepe till this sad houre, yet would some pitty crave from your hard hearts, oh honest friends hearken to my griefes, let not your better sence be deafe unto the woefull plaints of a distressed maiden

Who hath a nimble tongue, and pratles strangely,

And as strong as a witch.

Helpe, helpe in time, some helpe from heaven, helpe me yee powers divine.

Me thinkes I hard not very farre from hence some woefull Creatures to lament and greeve, crying a loud for helpe, as 'twere,

Helpe, helpe;

Some ravisht virgin did emplore my aide, I'le therefore search this silent desert thorow [Page 32] untill I find from whence proceeds, this heavy dolefull crye:

'Tis shame to use a maiden thus.

Zwounds jade talke not of shame to us,

Stab the queane;

Z'life that's the way this pettish harlot will, affront us else.

Oh stay thy murdering hand: murder, murder:

A shee divell by God: canst not kill her troe:

Direct me heaven, O that in time I may bestow my helpe: ha, what base inhuman fray is this? I did suppose as much, when first, her shrill laments did pierce the aire, and sent into my soule a deepe conceit of pittie, ha, two to one weake creature drench in teares, trust me, the oddes is much, and marvaile shee held out so long; well name of God, i'le forward, fly shamelesse villens fly, if not, by heavens I'le force your flight, & thus revenge her wrong:

Rascall thou shalt deerely repent that blow.

Release that Ladie first, I claime her mine, if not, be sure this blade's as sharpe as thine.

We meane not Sir at your request to flinch as if we feared thy lofty threats, no, no proud loytring scab, get thee away in time, or thou shalt rue the houre, and curse the day, in seeking to deprive us of our pray.

Vntie her speedily base pilfring rogues, or by them powers above, youle soone repent, the wrong you doe this harmelesse innocent:

Rescue, O rescue Noble Sir, a virgin, ready to be deprived of such a treasure, once lost, the world cannot repaire againe.

Faire beautie be of comfort, I'le fight for thee: Come ruffians come, come quench your bloodie thirst, my heart's the fountaine drinke, drinke till y'are burst, if your insatiate lust be not yet coole, I'le soone extinguish that in human flame, [Page 33] why gape you thus, whil'st valour may be had, charge both at once.

Z'life sure the fellowes mad,

Let him goe to, wee'l cure his frenzie fitts, or make him be more lunatike in's wits.

Quarter, quarter, good Sir give me quarter,

The very same that all thy bloody tribe doth give my Countreymen, when they submit their fainting lives upon a faithlesse promise: goe, meet thy brothers soule poore naked rogue, where greedie Charon waites to waft him ore, unto great Belzibubs infernall shore; Now be at libertie: give thanks to God therefore.

His Majesty I'le praise for evermore, and you for this excessive kindnes thanks, O thankes kinde heart, ten thousand thanks I give thee, wishing that heavens may shoure perpetuall blessings on thee:

Deare heart relate the legend of thy misfortune.

Sir, my griefes would rent a heart of marble, were it sensible of them grosse abuses done (perhaps) unto your owne deere friends as well as mine: oh Cola, that mounster tyrant Cola, his barbarous command, no civill thought but must lament to thinke ont, a Turke could not more brutish villaine then he, and to a kingdome (good God,) that raised both him and his from nothing, my aged Father, Mother, Brother, Sisters all, all my deere friends were basely murdered by him, when having notice of ther bloodie ends, feare lead me hither, supposing I was free from danger, but oh it almost proved a theater of rape and murder, had not your valour ransom'd my hard fate; To these I did a shoure of liquid teares present in lieu of what they sought, but would not doe: [Page 34] when my chiefe comfort was the gods, oh they, would then transforme me like to Niobes, my griefes Ide most happy had I beene, then Metamorphos'd like that mournfull queene;

Faire beautie doe not wast them Christall streames, that to a lovers minde more precious is then Mida's wealth?

Perswade me not,

I will:

Reason enjoynes me to obey your will, with all them dutifull respects I owe, your most accomplisht vertue.

Then you reward my small endeavours highly: come my faire prisoner, wherein more freedome we may dispence with fullen, griefe a while, prethee letts to the next adjacent garison and as (without selfe spraise) I late did shield thee from the furie of these slaves, so under God I'le be thy safeguard thither, whence may proceed, some kinde refreshment to poore soules in need.

Come along brother Souldiers, the round, the round.

Zlid Sirs, where is the best pillage found?

At hangmans lane end, where market-folks with store of belliware, of force must passe,

Zlid my teeth waters else, there, let's goe there boys,

Masse alls but need never so payd in our dayes, with mouldie scraps of cheese, and butter, with as many collours as the rainbow in't: well my heart's in hope we shall feast merrily anon, let's be joviall, a fit of our owne mirth, thento the worke my lads,

What shall we have?

What but Lord Pitho's song?

Your voice is best, begin.

The fourth Act.

O fearfull newes, newes that doth rent my heart to heare it.

Why noble father? you have received as desperate tydings oft before, yet made your thoughts contemne the worst might follow, and when occasion offer'd, as bravely did performe it, rebuke this passion then Sir.

Good father doe, our joyes in your contentment.

Fond youthes your yet unripned yeares, brookes not the lowring jesture of deserved sorrowes, (how neere soever it concernes you,) why your spring o'retops the Autumne of my yeares, your griefes a weather-cocke, subject to change at every blast of youthfull pleasure; but when dame nature dyes your flaxen curles a reverend gray, experience will confute that fond deluding follie: this is no common toy (like yours) to grive at, no, no, peruse them mournefull lines, where if you find not cause of lamentation, blame me then:

Ha, Lirenda at point to be destroyed! O brother see, that countrey whence we are [Page 41] discended, calls for some timely succour: nature must worke a true compassion in us: Father, O Father, by all that is most Deere unto you, regard this sad complaint:

Now be your selves the judge whether we ought not pitty them, or preferre their safetie sooner then all the fortunes mightie Spaine will give us, value the difference pray: here we be indeed accommodated with respect and honour, wealth sufficient for our betters, with the grace of Spaine's Emperiall Monarch, what doe we lacke? nothing, but yet compared to the affection of our Countrey, not worth the speaking.

Weed' rather forfeit what we have, then stay a minute once our friends doe crave:

That's each of your firme resolution,

We humbly yeeld to your mature direction,

Goe haste to your mother and prevaile with her for I must yet a while consult alone:

See where a second Mars lyes, Abner nam'd, faire Nymphes respect him, or you'l be all blam'd of too, too, coy demeanour; Musicke, some Solemne musicke. musicke or harmonious spheare descend, descend whil'st we his vertues doe commend

Faire Queene the gods are pleas'd you know we should appeare unto this mortall, to unfold their divine pleasure and most sacred will, in heaven decreed; wherefore we must fulfill the promisses of their superiour powers above; and as we doe esteeme him ours, thus I declare his fortune, in respect of warlike graces none shall more direct then his mature command: his valour to, shall make his adversaries blush to know, that from, an infant heaven did him elect, [Page 42] to be victorious still against their Sect:

Opinion Mistris sayes, a silent tongue, consents to every thought, then I should wrong, his happines, if I did not relate, what I am sure will much augment his fate, heroique valour, vertue a pregnant wit, are them deportments we conceive best fit, to crowne his future actions; this wee give, for an assurance that his fame shall live,

Grave Matron, from you I must needs borrow leave to speake in's praise, before to morrow visits the world, this discontented couch whereon hee's stretch, 'tshall witnes and avouch these promis'd happines.

Y'are all content wee see, to raise his fame:

The gods themselves doth honour Abner's name,

Let each of you in Sonnets sound his joy, mixt with a dance or some conceited toy to pleasure him withall; whil'st sleeping thus he may receive a happy fate from us.

See where the stately Queene of fortune sitts like Ci [...]herca daughter unto Iove, to her we must addresse our best salutes, all haile faire Queene:

Welcome deere sister,

Faire Emperesse we hard your solemne notes ascend up to the highest point of heavens great arch, from whence we come to fill an emptie spheare with comfort, the discontented Lirendeans.

The gods and goddesses are wholly bent to vanquish all their former discontent though hetherto they seem'd not to regard 'em, yet notwithstanding they are now resolv'd henceforth to let their sorrowes be dissolved;

Wee knew as much good Mercury, and doe applaude that act, which argues them just gods, 'tis fit we publish then, what they decreed: Brother Mars, you must furnish them with armes, and Palla's wisedome' gainst intestine harmes, our selfe and you Bellona, in the field, will make the bloodie adverse partie yeeld to the stout Lirendeans, oft pursued by them unjustly almost were subdued; Their Sol thus long ecclipst againe must shine, to shew the lustre of them lamps divine that best predominate their happy fates, we meane them starres, which on that Iland smile, to see they shoo'd retaine their light a while by a darke cloudie mist that now is spent and forc'd to vapour in the Orient. Therefore resolve as we long time did since with your immortall powers for to convince as many armed furies as will dare repine at Abners deeds, or seeke to share in them adventures wee are pleased to give, [Page 44] a good successe unto; his fame shall live, that once it might be said, dame fortunes wheele, became soone stedfast, when it most did reele.

By Iupiter agreed.

Deere sister come, take

your seate whilest my chast Nymphes, grac't with these gods doe dance.

Now your free bounties are bestowed wee see▪ in each respect as we desired shoo'd be, such thank fulnesse that to your deities due, fortunes great queene doth tender each of you, Now gently, gently, wake him as we goe, up to our spheares, thence view his deeds below:

Is't in a dreame I saw this heavenly vision, or is't vaine fancies daseling on mine eyes, sure I slept sound indeed, but ne're with so much blest content before, a dreame it cannot be, a blessed inspiration rather; that yet possesse my thoughts, with a most sweet delightfull comfort; well, in few words I am resolved, propitious heaven, now I emplore thy aid, him thou'lt assist, needs not to be dismaid.

'Tis more then time wee looke to right our selves on that foule wretch and tyrant Cola, least suddenly we forfeit for our slakenes the losse of all our heads, (if taken by him) for having lost all goodnesse, and of late growne desperate mad, through turbulent passions of a distemperd soule; cannot reclayme his wickednesse, like one too farre engag'd, ever to returne to honestie againe:

Honestie my Lord's a stranger to him, and mindes no more civilitie, then Canniballs or Tartars doe, being puft up with pride of them vaine praises falsely given him, by a multitude as basely minded as himselfe.

How they doe glorie in his bloodie deeds, and styles him truely valiant whom the world reputes no better, then a monster cloath'd in human forme.

Vnheard of madnes to betray so many innocents, that but for him and his damn'd shamelesse retinue had not be ene executed soe;

How shall we then advise to rid us of so dangerous an enemy.

Heaven will, I hope, contrive, his overthrow, in this our expedition though he securely now abides in garison guarded with five hundred expert Souldiers thinkes Heaven nor Hell, cannot molest him there, or that we dare not march within a league of his sterne countenance, such is the fopperie of his vaine glorious humour,

Then name of God, This night we will advance our forces where the besotted tyrant now remaines, if we but kill his centrie then, we may more [Page 46] boldly enter and surprise him napping in his bed asleepe:

That were the safest way indeed to venture on him, or preserve our troupes entire, untill our Noble Cosen Abner be arriv'd

Hee's long expected,

But will be shortly here,

Who when he comes, comes well appointed to support this pious warre, our wants with his renowned fame beyond Sea.

Let's march directly thither, come loose no time, that in necessities a wilfull Crime:

Furyes and plagues torments my restles thoughts with gashly visions of deformed hagges, infernall monsters to my thinking would perforce deprive me of my vitall breath, O that this horrid night were past away, a thousand millions for one glimse of day.

Ah, ah, th'are come againe; it thunders, whither shall I goe hide me from the bolts

dreadfull cracke: Tibernus, Morton, why Tibernus will none defend me from these ugly shapes, O how they presse on me, give bake rude furyes or by the hand of Proserpine your Queene I'le force you hence unto the stygian greene

I am Revenge roused from my silent cave by justice that revenge on thee will have, for thy base murdring of man, woman, child, wives, widowes, nurses, virgins defiled, all that a tyrant could invent or doe, thou most inhumanly didst put them to, wherefore Revenge, revenge from hell is sent to leade thee to eternall punishment;

[Page 47]

I am the soule of him an thou wilt know that in thy pistoll once didst force me blow, gave fire and shot me dead; hell is thy due, for which revenge, revenge doth thee pursue;

Wee are them two poore harmelesse country swaines, to get an honest living spared no paines, we to thy quarters went, and would from thence bring salt abroad just worth some eighteen pence, thy souldiers tooke us, stript us, shrewdly bang'd us, then after to the gibbet and there hang'd us by thy command; wherefore we doe implore Revenge may take, revenge on thee therefore:

This bloodie sword, and flaming torch are them true Emblems of thy furious stratageme invented chiefely to depopulate distroy, consume, and wast the regall state of this brave kingdome, or what therein's found, either above or underneath the ground, such was thy wicked malice, spleene and might for which wee seeke a just revenge this night,

This was a plot of some conjuring Papist to vex me with these filthy strange affrightments, O that I could with mighty Iove raine downe a showre of maledictions on them, cursed wretches they; the name it selfe doth vex me more, then all them dismall shapes i've seene before.

What come againe, life then adieu? Now Tibernus what makes this loud alarum?

That you may arme your selfe in hast, the rebells march into the towne:

He was a traitor did command the guard this night: goe hye thee Tibernus, call the troupes together, crye but a Cola, Cola, I warrant thee they'le flie.

Sa, sa, they breake I faith, Cola, Cola, crye out a Cola;

Sir Carola Cola slaine, O execrable slaughter! Heaven curse the rascall that was author on't: beare in the body to be embalm'd with teares, that when his mournefull obsequies are ended this Epitaph may on his tombe be engraven, Angolea's glory, Pickland's wonder, Lirenda's terror lyes here under.

Is't the counsells pleasure I shood be removed from hence; prethee whither?

Vnto the Castle:

'Tweare as good I dyed, as to be layd in such a loathsome place, where surely Mumferret must be my keeper: good friend, desire thy master may returne his writ, I'me sickly, and not in case to be removed, if they conceive me not secure enough, or feares escape, set double locks on, barre your windowes treble over, any thing but departure, so kinde each one of you have been unto me, that my imprisonment's a pleasure rather:

My master's willing to affoord your Lordship all the favour lyes in him, but that he may not,

Why friend? 'twill be no prejudice to him, onely his labour to informe the Court, whom I hope are not so void of reason, but will admit a prisoner (my inferiour,) this poore request:

He dares not doe it, once the Iudge and Councell's bent against you, for 'twas their expresse charge to the Sheriffes thus, beware, your prisoner Caspilona hath not more freedome given him, then you may answer, at a thousand poundle peece.

Sayest thou so Roger? well; if there be no remedie, but needs

[Page 49] I must depart: there's for thy dutifull

attendance.

Now heavens protect your Lordship, as I live it pitties me, this generous

noble Lord, th'are much to blame, wrongs so good a soule:

Honest Roger, I am disposed to rest, if any kinde friend comes to visit me, desire they would repaire another time

Your will I shall observe my Lord.

Thou art alwayes honest Roger, trustie Roger, this is the course of fickle fortunes wheele, last weeke reputed for a loyall subject, now in close prison as a traytor kept, whose thoughts in that respect, is full as pure as new falne snow on mount Libanius; but this corrupted age, declares my deerest friends to be my prime accusers; well, thou God of justice, whose bright impartiall eye, viewes the worlds guiltie crimes, see an innocent exposed unto a sad disastrous fate, if thy great mercy helpes me not? O then I suffer shall with other harmeles men:

Some voyce my thought did whisper in mine eare, a sweet melodious note that said, feare not thou shalt escape: Alas 'tis but my fancies Wish it had been so; No that cannot be, for yet my soule retaines an inward joy, the motion is divine, and makes me happy [Page 50] beyond measure; bright Angell of Celestiall Paradice, to whom the safeguarde of my life deputed is, helpe me, O helpe me to get from, this labyrinth of care, otherwise I never shall perfect that enterprise.

The fift Act.

My Lord Generall of Stelern welcome welcome to Lirenda, thou faire son of Mars.

My Lord Caspilona, we gratulate your safe escape,

Most hearty thanks,

Now we may boldly coape with our insulting dominiering foes, whose arrogant pride contemn'd this nation with an infamous report of cowardize; base rascalls, they shall know we have undaunted spirits left to quell their treacherous malignant power; their breach of publique faith, granting quarter then after falsely murdering them,

Is't possible, that men who knowes the Law of Armes, should be so absurd, so prophane,

The universe cannot parallell like bloodie massakers odious to God and man,

Believe me 'twill end shamefully, such actions cannot thrive,

Ought we not deale with theirs we vanquish so▪

We scorne to imitate their basenes, what we doe shall be in a nobler honest way, true Martiall discipline,

Which they will ne're observe,

what meanes this [...] of the trumpet sound.

[Page 51]

Some newes is posting hither,

What tidings Lentimos?

Arme good, my Lord, with speed Marquis Osirus, with a powerfull Army, march hitherward, and hath already beene at Motilin where his rude, boy sterous followers, put men, women, children to the sword, for certaine 'tis reported, they bend their forces thence to Fosse,

Where they, God willing, shall have a bloodie banquet, Come cheerefully, my Lords meet those that came so farre to seeke your manfull blowes,

Though we come short in our designe of Fosse, or must retreate from that unlukie towne, 'tis not the bruite of Abners hasty march with the whole strength of Stelern, shoo'd make us stirre a foo [...], did his numbers equall great Xerxes army, that dranke up rivers drye, the world shall testifie our willingnes to meet him when, and where he list;

But not with more hast then good speed sweet Sir

I thinke we have been pretty well beaten else, for all good tokens, a witch, a whore, gave me such a damnable thumpe of a stone, my shoulders feeles the weight out yet,

Curse ont for me: 'twas a plaguie skirmish, they fought like divells within, an' yee be wise not a word O fighting more

We need not urge them to an open field for so it might prove dangerous, our men you see are not themselves, much weakened by this farre and toylesome journey?

Wonder invades me, you should thinke our forces lost both courage and experience, as if they had been light brained weakelings, guided by misfortune where no resistance could secure their lives [Page 52] wast ever knowne they went a step to shune their foes, No, nor will not now I hope beginne whil'st these undaunted squadrons are reputed Souldiers fit to serve any Prince on earth, men that regards not toyle, travaile, penurie or sicknesse, nothing can divert them from a glorious conquest, the aime a valorous intention levells at:

I would you knew the proudest Monarch of the western globe, hath beene as circumspect as valorous, least some strange accident might drowne their greatnes in Lethaes flowing streames, then why not we, since our auspicious stars, hath made our actions shine like theirs, in equall glory, then I pray; ought we not be as circumspect as they?

You speake as if you stood in feare of them,

Come leave this different discourse, the question is, whether Marquis Osirus will towards home, or fall on the next garisons?

With my consent, there should not be a Castle left unlevell'd with the ground,

Soft and faire: th'ave gotten guns and powder, will make us smoke ifaith;

Deckins take them now of late, they are growne mighty valiant,

Stout fellowes,

An I could to my granam once againe I'de ne're come looke for land in Stelern more,

Them wood for me I wish might die a pander,

And with lesse wit then either goose, or gander.

What serious conference is this betweene you gentlemen, are you growne faint of late see the multitude of your encreasing foes how earnest they like venom'd spiders hast to take us in a tangled web of woe, and here you stand aloofe, like men dismaid, [Page 53] as if it nought concern'd to heare or see, the subject of Lirendas Tragedie?

Wee onely waite your honors chiefe command,

For shame speed to your severall troopes, let not your warme blood freeze in them active veines, whilst such a noble blest occasions offer'd. Come then couragiously, and the day's yours in spight of hell, and all malignant powers.

All, all's lost, our troupes are broken basely; O that I had a paire of Dedalus wings, or mounted on swift Pegassus to passe from hence invisible, my thoughts foretold this heavy dismall day, I would begon but that I know not whither, and want a guide, a guide, a guide, a thousand pound for a guide, feare makes them deafe, they cannot heare the golden offers of great Lestrell's sonne, well then I will proclaime it once again; five thousand pound, ten thousand for a guide, my whole estate to him will be my guide.

Vive le Roy; advance th' artillery is ours.

Not so fast bold Traytor stand:

Traytor Sir, as loyall to my Soveraigne as thy selfe, and to thy face I vouch it now proud Marquis

Yeeld sir yeeld, you are my lawfull prisoner:

Thine? let him perish yeelds to any of thy faction.

Rescue the generall's in danger;

They cannot boast our reputations blemisht [Page 54] in the losse of this late victorie so faire lye ours, No the chance of war's uncertaine, and no man ought to grudge at what is past, since them we did encounter last, are fled, loaden with the luggage of your heavy blowes and glad to scape so to; but least some carping Momu's falsely might, attribute to our actions, what destinie, brings on the stoutest he that lives; were not the gods constrain'd to hide themselves in hollow caves of Egypt, when fierce Typheus, did pursue their deityes; and mighty Cesar to was glad to flye from stout Lord Nennius in the Brittans warre, then wounded with his owne infected weapon: how many like examples could I mention of powerfull armyes overthrowne by fate; witnes Xerxes, Hanniball, Darius, the Grecian Troupes at Troy, Troyans themselves, Emperors, Kings, Princes, Dukes, men whose aspiring thoughts mounted above the clouds, yet were brought low, and raised againe, as wavering fortune went, which best becomes a Souldier, and proves him truely valiant, that will sleight, the frowning chekes of proud Bellona's height: since nothing can be more commendable, then an undanted generous spirit, (the square true warlike vertues measured by,) I dare assure the meanest of this nation will maintaine it, that posteritie may have a patterne sit for them to imitate, briefely, let's bravely forward that we may, regaine more then is lost another day;

hang melancholly, a pound of sorrow will not pay an ounce of debt, so mad cap so:

Zlid I have sown all my wild oates already:

This riming humor likes me well:

Newes, newes,

And what's thy newes good-man foole,

Brave newes. our generall Sir Vavasiro:

And what of him?

Sayes we shall have old cutting throates anon, and pillage boyes, pillage till yee sweat againe,

The Castle is not yeelded yet,

[Page 56]

Within an houre it will at farthest, where if we doe not dance attendance quickly, others will play at sweepe stakes all.

Very true, an honest lad;

A very, very arrant—honest lad

You see this dolefull object gentlemen and perceive what need our friends have of some swift assistance, that peradventure might redeeme more then is held expedient, we are not therefore come to loose time in a tedious consultation, seeing your worth and valours knowne already, then name of God charge home: lets hast away, Heaven will assuredly grant this our day,

Wee thought Angolean sparkes could not tell how to run before; proud Vavasiro dyes:

O spare my life victorious Caspilona, and I will faithfull submit thy contrite prisoner.

That but immediately didst bucher those, without remorse or pity, goe learne to be a penitent, and know we use mercy to them, doth ours more oft abuse.

Now he perceives his mischievous intention, will not take, makes him the more adventurous or rather desperate, that no advice (from his best friends) can persuade him once to slake, what lyes in him to execute, though it sinke him deeper then the worst of evills, or that he may be disapointed, yet will not seeme to know it, so farre, a bloody passion doth transport him, that he reflects [Page 57] on nothing but revenge; whom to surprise or murder, (though innocent,) he makes no scruple on't more then Cola did before he fell under the waight of his owne vices:

A Tyger, truly by name and nature, a slave too, that torments himselfe worse then he can doe us, how good a face soever he puts on, or that rude multitude doth follow him: we are become their betters in the field heaven favouring us with good successe, that now their malice shewes not halfe the violence that hitherto it did, though no good will be wanting to effect it, if they could, wherefore 'tis certaine then, he that will steere blacke envies barke, in a warme Sea of blood, must justly perish in that fatall flood

To witnes this let me present unto Your memory a few in Stelern only, that like a torrent of impetuous furie went raging downe the steep descent of death: and lost themselves therein; Albinus, Celar, Daretas, Philanax, with their Rabi, ringleader, Sir Carola Cola, (for whose deere sake they yet lament, whereby 'tis palpable, heaven grieves at our reproach.

We could rehearse as many more sufficient to amaze the most obdurates Round-head of them all, but to expresse; that we regard Tygranes forces lesse, then may be spoken of, whilest we can wield these armes, such cutting weapons that can soone decide, the best of eithers right

Behold Lentimos with some sad newes it's fear'd

It shall not worke in us the worst may follow, Now Cuze, how goes squares abroade?

That Lord Tigranes with his army doth commit all kinde of [Page 58] cruelties, and march directly hither:

What strength can you discover him to be?

About five thousand, horse and foote,

Were he ten thousand strong it matters not wee'll expect him at Lesterne passage, goe take a hundred musqueteers along with you, and make it good before his van arrives: wee'll follow after in all convenient

speed: Wee are not ignorant, noble kinsmen, how insolent, bold, and audacious these forlorne wretches doe contest with us▪ for what's our birth-right and inheritance, that in defence of that, or what is deerest to us, wee are to expose our selves to death, the wrong done our poore harmeles people, all the most studied torments was inflicted on them, for which wee chiefely move, attired in armes to rouze their stupid conscience that will strictly answer for't; whil'st now each goodnes doth forsake them; it cannot passe so currant but wee may give an end to their vaine hopes, heaven yeelding us that priviledge, though not worthy yet wee need not doubt it; Then let us arme, as well interiour, as exteriourly, to be in a fit posture 'gainst he comes. let trumpets sound, strike up our Martiall drums:

Where lyes their Campe?

At Lestern passage some some three miles distant hence,

Are they strongly fortified.

Impregnable, and hardly can be forc'd, without great losse of ours,

Have they artillery thinke you,

Yes some small piece they have,

Which shall be mine, or mine theirs ere bright Titans rayes decline, goe, bid the officers be readie, for [Page 59] intend to march against them presently

a Curse on his life for me, that will not breake on them, or use the most extremitie he can devise, a storme of tortures, untill the mountaine of their vicious will are brought to nothing; O that it lay within my power to cut off roote and branch together, if not, be sure, I'le doe my best endeavour.

All will not doe, some horrible wicked destinie befriends them, our men drop downe on every side, whereat they seeme to scoffe, and floute, not giving ground an inch, well, well, Tigranes shall not be affronted thus I'le sooner die, and fight it out to the last man, death shall not hold me.

Remove your standing Sir, I doe beseech you Sir withdraw your person to some other place: for hence I can descrie a piece right levell'd to give fire at you;

That man is curst in his mothers wombe, will shun a Canon shot * ah, I am wounded, wounded,

beyond recovery, Now, O now I feele the painefull seizures of untimely death, on the remainder of my vitall breath, vaine world adieu, farewell brave Souldiers all be not dismaid, at Lord Tigrane's fall;

Heaven's blessed messenger, receive thy soule.

But is he dead indeed?

As cold as stone;

Wee that have loved him when he lived, & found his open heart, a Magazine of bountie, must (if nature be not too ungratefull,) shed brinish teares,

That were effeminate, and indiscretion too, Now hee's lost, if in [Page 60] the view of our adversaries we seeme to grieve, it may occasion greater evills, having th' advantage of our generall losse; then silence best becomes you, for the present all that is requisite must be to beare his bodie hence unto his tent; so sadly on, that when true sorrow's in the hearts of all his Corps may have a noble funerall:

Thus through the helpe, and furtherance of heaven our most malignant enemy's overcome glad to play least in sight, went sneking home, who not long since, for oathes, and threatnings might terrifie the gods, or subdue the world, that neither Heaven nor Hell was thought on once, or what was spoken of them were but fictions which lead them to the gulfe of desperation.

We must pursue this blessed victorie, making our withered hopes, bud forth in blessomes of never fading honour:

It adds unto our comfort Noble friends, that Caspilona goes on bravely to,

Yes, and God willing we intend so to, untill we purge the Kingdome of these drones, them viperous Locusts; Come follow me,

But stay my Lord, here comes a Post with letters to your Lordship;

How letters? let me see; had they defer'd it but one fortnight longer,

What newes doe them import?

A proclamation, for one whole twelve moneth and a day's Cessation,

This works in us a greater admiration that being in the full height of our conquest as prosperous as might be expected brave Abner's shining vertues like the Sun [Page 61] out of a new Horizon, all the graces delighfull Mars could give, or we deserve, must through this needles fond cessation, rest on the drowsie Couch of darke Oblivion; it is a pill few Souldiers can digest;

Which best approves our loyaltie,

But you. and we must yeeld obedience to it, though not so well contented; howsoever your forces must unto their garisons, And if our wrongs be not repaired thereby we will againe, renew this Tragedie.